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twisted-wonderland-shenanigans · 2 years

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NRC’s Bestiary Survival Guide--Heartslabyul Version

It would have barely been a month into the school year before it became clear that Yuu didn’t know a single thing about the type of monsters they were dealing with amongst their fellow students. So what better way to ensure their survival than through creating their own bestiary? With some help from Ace, Deuce, and Grim, this guidebook will serve as a record and journal for each new discovery!

Or perhaps it’ll wind up a creative jumbled mess of notes and scribbled sketches. In a school full of chaotic students, chaos and mischief are to be expected! Let’s see how Yuu’s bestiary turns out, shall we~?

A/N: This is just a general guideline explaining the characters and their species in a fun way, sorta like those omnibus guidebooks where characters make random commentary on someone’s journal entry when they’re trying to be serious and explain things. Hope you guys enjoy! 😂

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Hello. I don’t know if there are any other humans out there or if any others might appear, but to whoever reads this I hope it will help you as much as it helped me…or at least, I hope it helps me. Professor Trein gave me this book and suggested I keep a record of everything—something about dual research or something since those institutions are studying me too? Anyway, I am writing this journal in an attempt to keep track of the different species I’ve seen so far at this school, as well as certain “weak points”. Ace and Deuce have volunteered to help with gathering notes, though I don’t quite trust them to not make notes or comments without me knowing.

You forgot to hide the pens from us, Prefect~!

Don’t worry, my minion! The Great Grim will add his knowledge to this little book of yours!

I’m sorry, I tried to stop them…also, what do you mean by “weak points”?

[There are multiple scribbles scrawled across the wrinkled and tattered page, as though it had gone through a tug-of-war and the words were scratched out. It isn’t hard to imagine what happened as evidenced by the burnt corners before turning to the next page.]

To start things off, we’ll go with each dorm in this order: Heartslabyul, Savanaclaw, Octavinelle, Scarabia, Pomefiore, Ignihyde, and Diasomnia. First is Heartslabyul:

Heartslabyul is a chaotic and confusing dorm to be in, with rules that don’t make sense and hallways that may lead to topsy-turvy rooms halfway across the dorm. Much like the dorm itself, the dorm members can be a mix of different monsters, including hybrid species who don’t necessarily fit into one species or another. The members so far are—

Riddle Rosehearts: Faun species. Very strict and stern, though he’s improved from when the school year first started. Fauns are monsters of nature with a human torso and the legs of a goat or a deer, known as benevolent nature spirits and cousins to the satyr monster species (which apparently is comparable to dogs and wolves, though I hadn’t figured out how aside from a size difference). As such, Riddle is very skilled with plant magic and healing magic. If he allows you to get close enough to touch, it turns out he likes the base of his horns scratched and massaged and the back of his ears are a particularly good spot to scratch…though he might bleat in protest if anyone else is around.

Bwahahah!!! He bleats like a goat?! Oh I have got to try this, even if I get collared!

Trey Clover: Satyr/Naga hybrid species. Calm and big brother vibes, Trey seems to always know what to say and do to calm down everyone—including Riddle. Unsure if it’s part of the satyr aspect of his species or part of the naga species, but he’s still cunning and told a joke about using oyster sauce for baking. He looks similar to Riddle in terms of the goat legs, though his horns are much bigger and his tail…well, that was a surprise to see it turn from a small goat’s tail to a long snake tail—an even bigger surprise was to see the snake fangs! I thought he was gonna eat us!! Apparently, he doesn’t like having it show all the time, though he’s not hiding it as often as he used to. If you can reach them, the base of his horns are a good spot to scratch, though by far compared to other monsters he’s the more docile of the school.

Cater Diamond: Hippogriff species. Energetic and quick as lightning, Cater’s wings can carry him through the air faster than any broom. With powerful horse legs and eagle-like claw hands, it’s easy to imagine him being dangerous and deadly—but in truth he’s quite affectionate and curious and more likely to try and get a selfie with you. Hippogriffs are considered a loyal species and will defend their nests and family to the death. The feathery ears and the top of his head are the best places to scritch on a hippogriff, though wings are off limits unless given express permission to touch—such as scratching an itch he can’t reach.

Wait, is this what you meant by “weak points”?...oh god, what are you going to write about me?!

Ace Trappola: Skvader species. A winged rabbit, you would think he’d be able to fly like Cater, but his wings are only big enough to glide or hover—though he says his wings are still growing. With long ears and long (dangerous) looking rabbit legs, Ace’s speed is faster than any human or dog for short distances and he can jump great heights…especially when scared by the Roomba vacuum someone snuck into Ramshackle. Ace: You swore you’d never talk about that!! Rubbing his cheeks and long ears are safe bets to make him melt like putty, and he does like chin scratches—though he may bite if you do it for too long. Nose boops will cause him to freeze for a moment so might be a good reaction or a weird reaction. Need to study this more…

Gah! Blab it to the whole school why don’t you?!

Well you did prank Yuu with that air horn/glitter explosion last week…

Nyahaha! Serves you right for messing with my minion!

Deuce Spade: Centaur species. Half man, half horse with long ears, Deuce could run circles around anyone at the school—and in the track and field club, he likely already has! Much like a horse, it is possible to ride on his back, though be warned that riding on a centaur’s back is considered rude if you’re not friends with one or not given permission, so you might find yourself in an impromptu rodeo if one decides you’re not welcome or that you’ve overstayed your welcome. Much like normal horses, Deuce (and apparently other centaurs at the school) seem to like when you pet their shoulders on their lower half and enjoy a good scritch on the back, though Deuce seems to not mind having his head and ears rubbed. Caution is advised to not stand behind one if they happen to get spooked and kick.

I’m so sorry about that day! Let me make it up to you-!

What were you saying about my prank being bad?

[The rest of the page—though filled with mentions of other monsters in the dorm like wolpertingers and other mix-matched creatures—is a battlefield of multi-colored ink lines and splatters, including one that suspiciously looks like a pawprint. It would seem that—as monsters—the students have a tendency to be more physically aggressive and likely to get into scuffles even against more dangerous species than themselves. Though their bones and skin heal fast, it’s a grim reminder that humans in this world are far more fragile and need to take care not to aggravate any of the more “temperamental” of the students.

It is safe to say that this journal’s documentation shall continue at a later time…and when the pens are better hidden.]

#twisted wonderland #twst #twisted wonderland monster au #twst monster au #riddle rosehearts #trey clover #cater diamond #ace trappola #deuce spade #twst grim #twisted wonderland grim #twisted wonderland Yuu #twst Yuu

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houndsharkk · 3 years

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alright alright, do yall want my dreamSMP headcanons?? keep in mind that i only watch a few of them

/dsmp

Possible TW's: trauma, manipulation, death, suicide, overdose; the basic dreamSMP stuff, unfortunately.

ok here we go:

Dream - a separate entity from DreamXD, though they are related; perhaps XD is from another universe? anyways, Dream was possessed by a 'Dreamon' at a young age, making him think that things like manipulation are ok simply because he didn't know any better. he says he's trying to get better, but is he? no. this is just another trick to make Tommy think he can change. Jacob Sheep horns are slowly growing (sheep-hybrid thanks to his mother, Cpt. Puffy). Him becoming family with George and Sapnap made him realize that he can make his own family, an idea which he twisted and turned into manipulation. In his words, paraphrased, he "did a bad thing but for good reasons" which were "bringing the server together"; he wanted to be a family with him in control, a dictatorship, a hivemind.

Drista - Dream's sister, more related to XD than Dream is. somewhat OP but has morals unlike her brother.

George - Mooshroom hybrid!! Has a little mushroom crown and cape because he thinks of himself as royalty (he isn't) - has little horns and a little tail. Misses Dream the most out of the Dream Team, but somewhat afraid of him. Wants 'the old dream' back, which was partly a persona and partly Dream learning about found family. He tries not to get involved with politics or the server after the events of the first wars, because he's scared. Sleeps through things as an excuse. Awesamdude's kid - doesn't tell anyone.

Sapnap - Dragon hybrid - has small horns and a tail, with burn marks at the base of them. His hands and feet are clawed and burnt. He also wants their Dream back, but understands that he was always corrupt and has mostly gotten over it. Wants to help with the Egg but, like George, doesn't like getting involved with big things on the server. He's ashamed of his dragon heritage, covering up his head burns with a headband and covering his horns with his hair; he hides his tail under a cape and wears gloves as well. Sapnap has unnaturally orange eyes, which he would change with contacts, if they didn't melt anytime he tried. Battle-scarred and hungry to start fights and sever friendships out of boredom. Badboyhalo's child.

Callahan - Cervitaur (deer-centaur). Distantly related to Puffy, Captain Sparklez, and Schlatt. I will admit, I have never watched him, and I don't think he's ever been too involved in server politics? Just a simple deer man trying to live his life.

Awesamdude - Creeper centaur thing (he and Callahan are... cousins? i guess?). Incredibly insecure about his morality and the fact that George doesn't talk to him much. Thinks he's a bad person. He becomes a father figure to Tommy through his Sam Nook persona - slowly gaining his confidence back through his real estate and his (illegal) adoption of the gremlin. Badass. Runs the prison by himself because he feels the need to prove himself, and he doesn't know anyone that would be up to the job.

Alyssa - inactive :[ probably human

Ponk - Human!! One of the few humans on this server, actually! He quite likes building and terraforming; he makes very aesthetic builds (see; war campsite). He and Sam are close friends. Ponk is also a parental figure to Tommy, but is closer to the fun uncle. The three of them steal together and then Ponk and Sam cover for Tommy because who could accuse them of lying?? Hesitant to join in with politics.

BadBoyHalo - Demon. Very, very tall demon. Large. Pretty wholesome. I honestly don't know what else to say about him lmao I haven't been paying attention to the Egg much. He and Skeppy are a thing though. Wishes his son would stop killing people's pets to start wars.

TommyInnit - He doesn't know what kind of hybrid he his, but he isn't human. His eyes change color with mood, going from a light grey to an extremely vibrant cobalt blue. He believes he may be part raccoon, or part bird(?) on Philza's side. Phil wasn't around during his childhood; Tommy only knew him as the hero from the strories that his older brother Wilbur told him. Philza killing Villain!Bur cemented his heroship, which is why Tommy sees him as a father figure. Wilbur never told him that he (Phil) was their father. Tommy is actually part siren, but his gills and fins haven't appeared yet. His PTSD is triggered by Dream, blackstone, tnt, people asking for his armor, and a few other things. An extremely traumatized kid. Best friends with Tubbo.

Tubbo - Sheep hybrid. His horns started coming in during Schlatt's presidentship, making him think he was a goat and following in his footsteps. In reality, he's Captain Sparklez's son; related to Schlatt yes, but not at all like him. He likes headbutting the people he loves, including his best friend Tommy. Wholesome, but still a chaotic being of destruction. He and Ranboo are also very good friends!

Fundy - Fox shifter; unlike most of the other hybrids on this server (other than Techno), he can turn into an anthro fox. Canonically transgender! Son to WilburSoot and Sally the Salmon (another shifter). Wilbur was an amazing father while Fundy was small, but started neglecting him during the Presidency, when he really needed a father. The two grew apart further during Pogtopia, and Fundy still tries to refuse his father's attempts at redemption. Despite this, Fundy and Ghostbur, even though they've had arguments, have a better relationship. Fundy is even one of the people who are attempting to bring back Wilbur. He sees Phil as a somewhat father figure despite him trying to be bitter towards him. Very involved with L'manburg and DreamSMP poilitics, but has taken a step back since his dad's death. Fundy also canonically misses Schlatt and wants him to be proud of him. He picked up smoking from him.

Punz - gonna be honest, I have never watched Punz.

Purpled - Enderdragon hybrid. Like Sapnap, but purple lol. Use to have a healthy rivalry with Technoblade, but doesn't talk to him anymore. A bit reserved. I don't watch him either idk if you could tell.

Wilbur - Bird hybrid, like Philza; his wings were clipped by Dream when he first began fighting for independence. Good friends with Technoblade. Wilbur was an idealistic person, and he was probably the most loyal member of L'manburg. He was so upset about the betrayals, he thought of them not as betrayals to the country, but to himself. When Schlatt took over, he began to panic. His perfect nation was being ruined, his nation, HIS nation. He thought of it as his and his alone; all those other people? They were side characters. L'manburg his unfinished symphony wasn't his anymore. It scared him. He began planning to take the country out because, well, if he can't have him, then no one can. He manipulated Tommy, making him go along with his plan, slowly becoming more insane and destructive. Deep down, Wil still loved his family, and his country, and his lost lover, but that didn't matter to him anymore. After blowing up L'manburg (the first explosion), Wilbur broke down. He realized what he had done, he'd become a bad guy; he'd worked with Dream. He asked his father to kill him. And so Philza did.

Ghostbur - Wings work again. Ghostbur pretends not to remember, he pretends that he's changed in death, but he remembers all of it. The bad memories hurt him now, more than ever, and he just can't deal with it; so he doesn't. Water makes him melt, and that includes tears. He's trying so hard to be a good person, he's trying so hard to be a good father, a good brother, a good friend. But it isn't working. He's still, though unintentionally, hurting people, and he feels so bad about it.

Schlatt - Ram hybrid. Brother to Puffy and Jordan (Sparklez). Schlatt is a smoker and an alcoholic, and a power hungry dictator. Or well, that's the persona he puts on. Schlatt, in reality (still /dsmp) genuinely does not give a fuck. He didn't care what happened, because he knew that people disliked him. He knew for a fact that he would be killed. This is why I believe he offed himself. He planned his stroke, or heart attack, the fandom doesn't seem to know which. He probably ingested some bad protein powder or poison or something, maybe he drank himself to death, maybe he OD'd and then drank, we don't know. But it seems unlikely that someone like him would let his body give out like that without a reason. Oh yeah, and he and Quackity were married at some point, but it was too short to really mean anything.

Ghlatt - Ghlatt, though still addicted to alcohol and various drugs, feels bad about being a bad person in his life. He thinks that it's a good thing he died, that the server benefited from his death, and that he shouldn't have become a ghost. He's right, of course, but I like to think that he's regained morality. Maybe now, in the afterlife, he can work on himself. Ghlatt isn't strong enough to take a physical form, so he borrows Ghostbur's occasionally.

Skeppy - Some sort of Diamond Ore man?? I think he's human. He and BBH have a thing. I don't think I've ever watched a Skeppy DreamSMP stream. Uhh Egg?? Egg. Badlands boys woo.

Eret - Herobrine is his cousin. Like. Yeah. That Herobrine. Anyways, they're a king, and they're more of an Awesomedude morally grey type character. Her only interest is survival, and I respect that. I haven't really paid much attention to him though. Their crown has bi flag colored gems on it :]

Jack Manifold - Jack Manifol! Jack Manifall~~ Jack Manifall.. off bridge!! Jack Manidrown :} OH SHIT- (i dont watch him)

Niki - Human. Wears Wilbur's old coat. Though she did go through a tough spot after Wilbur's death, she now runs a flower shop with Puffy. Dyes her hair often. I don't watch her either.

Quackity - Duck hybrid; wings were clipped upon his joining the server. His face scar was canonized :] Alex genuinely liked Schlatt, but realized he was being mistreated so he joined Pogtopia. He felt bad about it though. I don't have many headcanons for him to be honest.

Mexican Dream - ok am i the only one that wasn't into this arc?? i didn't even watch any of it. i saw him like once and was like "oh this is just a bit" and left wtf. was he important???

Karl Jacobs - Time Traveler man; human. Karl is slowly losing his memory due to his travel between timelines. The more he does it, the more he loses. I look forward to seeing this progress. Are he, Sapnap, and uhhh someone else actually engaged?? I like that headcanons :] I don't remember who the other person is though.

HBomb - Cat maid.

Technoblade - Piglin shifter. Techno is softer than he seems, and he genuinely enjoys the company of Ranboo and his friend Philza. Technoblade met Phil after saving him from wither skeletons in the Nether, making short visits to the Overworld until he built up an immunity. He likes the cold because it's the opposite of his terrible home dimension. Techno really did want to help Tommy, but their ideals clashed too much for it to work out. Very destructive anarchist. Though, he is pretty chill nowadays.

Antfrost - Cat shifter. So I lied, there are three. Uhh wizard!! I like that HC!! Wizard catboy go brrrr. In reality, I don't watch the Badland Boys often and I haven't seen any of the Egg plot so idk what's up with him lol. I like to think that before the Egg, he and Fundy were friends.

Philza - Wings were beat up during the explosion; he tried to protect Wilbur with them, but still ended up failing. He's the father to Wilbur and Tommy, with Techno being an old friend of his. He canonically really likes cobblestone. Phil tries his best to be the dad, but his morals are all over the place. Lately, he's unofficially adopted Ranboo, helping him with his uh. Issues.

Connor - Human in a Sonic onesie idk i dont watch him

Puffy - Sheep Hybrid. Sister to Schlatt and Jordan, mother to Dream. I really don't know tbh; she's everyone's adoptive mom. She's what Philza and Awesamdude wish they could be.

Vikkstar - Human. Has he?? Done anything?? Ever??

Lazarbeam - Isn't he a gingerbread man or something.

Ranboo - Half Enderman Half [REDACTED]. I dont have headcanons for him tbh I just accept his canon. May be related to XD?

Foolish Gamers - A literal god. He can revive people, but it takes one of his lives. Uhhh he's really good at building what.

Hannahxxrose - I don't watch her :[ I should though

Slimecicle - CHARLIE SLIMECICLE. Slime hybrid obviously. New to the server, very scared [/j] and confused. Doesn't know what's going on and that's ok because he's funny I like him

I got really tired of this towards the end oops

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dragonrajafanfiction · 3 years

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Fifth Floor Ghost

The hospital is a brick building only five stories tall, known only as Cassell College Health and Wellness Clinic. Even though it was a small facility, it could have been ranked among the top hospitals in the world for its access to expertise. Some of the most prestigious doctors were Cassell alum and with a single phone call, they could be summoned in an emergency.

Each of the five floors was dedicated to a certain practice. The bottom floor was the emergency and ICU department and pharmacy and general medicine. The second floor was rehabilitation, physical therapy and sports medicine. The third floor was an area for surgeries. The fourth floor was the lab. The fifth floor and the basement were for the more exclusive patients.

There is a rumor that the basement and the Fifth floor of Cassell College clinic were actually haunted. It’s said that at night, if you stare at the upper floor of the clinic, you’ll see the shadow of a person staring out at you from the windows. If you come close, you can hear doors opening and shutting. Or you can hear the sounds of voices floating to your ears from inside.

Some of the professors encourage such rumors, saying that wandering in will provoke the spirits there and that no one should even attempt to enter these forbidden zones for fear of being cursed. Others laugh it off and say that these floors are storage or empty and there is no such thing as ghosts.

Only a few of the oldest members of the college can remember the real dirty history of these floors. Before there were reliable ways to determine the stability of the bloodline, this is where unstable students were taken to be euthanized. The walls were reinforced with concrete and steel. The windows were rigged with traps and explosive devices to keep from being opened.

If the students were members of Hydra or the former Devil Clan, they would immediately recognize this sort of building. It was the same sort of building that was built in the remote mountains of Japan -- The Black prison that held the White King Hybrid Ghosts. The sort of facility that Lu Mingfei found so familiar and had housed Erii Uesugi when she was alive, had originated in Cassell College. They would understand that the people held on those floors were something far worse than any vengeful spirit, and wouldn’t wish to speak of it ever again.

Early every morning, someone stirred at the top floor of this building. Tigre didn’t understand himself to have migrated from one cage in Mexico to another cage at the top of Cassell College clinic. To him, this was heaven to see the light of the sun rise through the small dingy window and hear the song of the birds chirping outside to greet it.

His room is white all around to reflect the light, as though he were in a sea of clouds. He stretched and turned into it, letting the sun warm his face. His calm innocent smile was offset by the horrific scarring on his bare arms, chest and back. It was no wonder he was called, “Tigre” or ‘tiger’. Not only was he strong and deadly, the dark scars resembled stripes.

One had to wonder how someone like him survived to his age. It was frightening to think how he could sustain this many wounds and still be alive and walking.

He reaches over and presses play on a small cellphone. On the phone is the voice of Masashi Toyama. “Tigre, today be sure to shower, brush your teeth for two minutes after you shower and comb your hair well, fold your clothes into the drawer neatly like I showed you…”

These are simple life habits, but habits that Tigre had never had a chance to cultivate. Something as simple as showering and brushing teeth was something he would forget to do or only do half way before he got distracted by something simple, like flushing the toilet or trying to figure out how the light switch actually worked.

He was strong enough and had enough time to take apart everything in his room. It wasn’t unusual for the nursing staff to come and find that he had partially dismantled the furniture or undone the door. How he figured out how to remove the exhaust fan in the bathroom was another mystery. Eventually the maintenance crew went and bolted down everything they could to keep him from pulling it apart again.

He was a strange patient. He was calm and compliant as a child, but his curiosity and strength tore everything around him apart and those around him had to acknowledge that he was not a child but a grown man. Like a child, he didn’t understand that the sudden ratcheting down of everything in the room meant that he wasn’t supposed to touch those things again. He took it as a puzzle. As though he had won the game and now entered ‘Challenge mode.’ He did understand however, when he broke the door completely that maybe he had done something wrong.

It was almost time for Toyama to arrive for his lesson. He listened for his steps in the hall, standing in the middle of the room, still. When he was right at the door, he waited until the door was about to open and then leaped up from a standing start and braced his arms against the corner of the wall just inside the door. He can only maintain this position a short time, his arms and feet pushed against the texture. Toyama walked in and didn’t see him. He looked left and right. His eyes widened in a panic and called out. “Tigre? Tigre!” He hurried forward towards the bathroom to look inside. Tigre leaped from the wall and pushed him into the bathroom and shut the door!

“Tigre! Tigre! No! Bad!” Toyama scolded him.

He opened the door to an empty room again. There were only a few places Tigre could hide. Under the bed was one, but more often, Tigre would just hide in Toyama’s blind spots. He turned to his right and Tigre was standing there. He was so close, Toyama was surprised he didn’t smell him. Toyama staggered backwards with a yelp.

“Tigre! No!” Tigre said, imitating his voice and speaking at the same time as him.

Toyama adjusted his glasses. Normally, such behavior was intolerable from any patient. But Toyama was an expert in Hybrid psychology and high ranking Hybrids were all little maniacs, whether they admitted it or not. If Tigre didn’t torment him a little, he would be more concerned than not. In all frankness, given his 24 hour confinement, these little pranks spoke to his mental stability.

Toyama sighed as he looked at his patient’s sturdy muscular frame in his simple shirt and slacks and bare feet. Those golden eyes shined above his dark glasses with a certain animal intensity, the pupils wide as marbles. He was in a playful mood, but anyone looking at him right now would be absolutely terrified at the eyes of this monster.

Elsewhere in the college, students were waking up to hurry to classes and study for midterms. He was dealing with students who were stressing over dissertations and exams most of the day, so these little moments of wild madness were more welcome than before. He tried to imagine Tigre behind a desk, quietly reading or behind a keyboard typing a report and the thought was so ridiculous that he couldn’t do it.

However, weeks ago, his report to Schneider said that Tigre was starting to pace, and rub his sides against his cage. He was reaching the point where he would start to earnestly try to escape and they needed to release his pent up energy in a meaningful controlled way before they lost all control of the situation.

He expected a rejection. After all, Tigre’s blood was far over the acceptable limit to the point that he should have been considered for euthanasia. To Toyama, this was a pointless and cruel exercise, keeping him confined here, but letting him outside was madness.

He didn’t expect Schneider to respond back with a letter approving nightly outings with Tigre supervised by the Executive Board. The letter expressed that Tigre’s progress has been pleasing so far and they look forward to his continued improvement.

Toyama was speechless at this message. Schneider understood more than anyone the terrible power of unstable hybrids and that they were in a war against dragons. Dragons were the enemies of humans, like the wolf was a natural enemy to the deer. It wasn’t something that could be changed by treaties or by talks.

Some might point to some small examples, such as a lioness that had adopted a baby antelope as its cub. Even though this lioness protected the poor calf as best as it could, one day, the lioness turned her back at the wrong time, and a male lion devoured her pet. Even though the lioness might have felt some negative emotions, there was nothing she could do and in the end, she forgot about her little ‘pet baby antelope’ and didn’t mourn for it.

This was the opposite. They were adopting a lion into a herd of antelope. This young man was more dragon than he was human. Tigre was fond of Toyama now, but when his true nature took over, would he feel any remorse in killing anyone?

Schneider wasn’t a complete fool and promised him that precautions would be put in place for the outings. On the first night he went out, the area was cleared of all human presence, snipers were placed on roofs and a Predator drone hummed threateningly in the air. Tigre was none the wiser as he explored the college, his face wreathed in a smile. He looked up and leaped into the tree to pluck off a leaf and admire it in the dark.

In that unnatural quiet, Toyama walked with him alone. They passed by the statuesque architecture, worn by a hundred years of weather, looking at the stars between the branches of the trees, faint from the city lights, the moon seeming to hang low between the buildings. If one wasn’t aware of the situation, they could be excused for thinking that Toyama was walking with a close relative, like a son.

But after some time, the differences between them became more apparent, Tigre would get distracted by a sound, and his muscles and senses would key up, and he would stop, on high alert. Toyama would allow him to follow the sound, occasionally taking them both into drainage ditches and patches of landscaping, until he found what he was looking for -- a stray cat, opossum or raccoon. Soon, Toyama was getting well acquainted with Cassell College’s wildlife.

Tigre wouldn’t harass them though, he would just sit and watch their behavior, which was always growling and snarling. Tigre didn’t understand that his aura was the intimidating aura of a predator that had cornered its prey.

It was this aura that Toyama aimed to tame. He couldn’t remove that nature from him. He could only redirect it to innocent pursuits. Rather than hunting animals around the college, he took to ‘studying’ them. Rather than cornering them, he shadowed them and made observations. Then he finally taught him to make reports and turn them in to him as homework. These reports he also turned into Schneider for his analysis.

Schneider would send them back with notes, asking questions which he would return to Tigre for a response. In this way, Schneider and Tigre got acquainted with each other.

Finally, after several days, Schneider met with Principal Anjou and Vice Principal Franco at a trendy night club. Toyama wasn’t sure what was said, but the next morning it was announced that Tigre was going to be inducted as an official student at Cassell College and Toyama should preside over his 3E exam. Toyama had hoped that Tigre would be matriculated privately and quietly but in this case, it was decided that he would be enrolled normally, as though he were no different.

Toyama felt that he could argue with Schneider, but he couldn’t argue with him and the two Principals. His continued training would have to happen outside his jurisdiction.

“Tigre…” Toyama looked at him with kind and sad eyes. “Today you have a very special test. This test will take you to be one of Cassell’s official students.”

“Really?” Tigre’s eyes widened.

“I will tell you a bit about it, so that you are not surprised. You will hear music and then you will hear a voice in the speakers. This voice will speak to your heart in a way no other voice has spoken to you before. There will be a series of questions and you will write down the answers to the best of your ability. Understand?”

Tigre nodded. “Yes.”

“No matter what. Please remember… you mustn’t hurt anyone. Even if you really want to. Understand?”

Tigre tilted his head. “I understand.”

“Okay…” Toyama considered for a few more seconds and pulled Tigre into an awkward hug. “You’ve done very well. Keep doing well.”

#Dragon Raja

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leam1983 · 3 years

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Felix the Reaper - Thoughts? Review?

Can't really go into too much detail, it's rather late as it is and the ol' bed is beckoning, but I also want to couch this down somewhere while it's still fresh...

So, Death as a concept - as a character - obviously permeates the whole of human civilization. You've got Anubis and Osiris, Humbaba the Undying, thousands of years of mythology surrounding the concept of life leaving you and your flesh-bits rotting, generation after generation of people processing grief in visual and abstract forms - and now, we're sort of living in a context where Death isn't really all that scary anymore. We understand it, we can push it back in some cases - and when we can't, then we can sort of map out its occurrence. What started as just this inexplicable force swiping at hunter-gatherers and that warranted Danse Macabre paintings across Medieval France is now something we can put an almost-precise date and time on. There's a bunch of "death clocks" online that project a potential DOD based on your age, gender, health status, habits and BMI; sort of turning the concept of memento mori into a shockingly literate manifestation.

You will die, one day. We're so aware of that that a bit of science and Web design wizardry can shit out a half-serious guesstimation of when it'll happen. Pre-Colonial aspects of Death survive in Mexican culture in the forms of both calaveras and the Santa Muerte cult, and the inevitability of death now even counts as a game mechanic in the SoulsBorne genre. You've got Terry Pratchett's extremely Humanist rendition of Death and, well, Hollywood faff à la Meet Joe Black. The short of it is we're far from the robe-wearing zombie we used to plop everywhere as a reminder of our own supposedly sinful urges or on the fleeting nature of youth.

Another item that's of interest is the notion of life and youth being represented as the Maiden - and of Death being in love with her. Sometimes, the affection isn't returned and disgust is shown. That's most of Holbein's death-related works, in this case. In others, the Maiden leans in, lets the skeletal figure push a hand underneath her skirt and against one of her thighs. They share a kiss, press against one another in the way honest lovers might. He's a dried-out corpse with a bloated midsection and she might've stepped out of some sixteenth-century church in the Netherlands, but their liplock is intense and genuine. In one statue, the Maiden looks like she might've just surrendered to the Reaper's arms, but her hands are also touching his scythe....

Eroticism, a commentary on suicide or plain acceptance - there's several ways to look at that duality, and it's even managed to worm its way over to cultures that don't natively have similar associations with human remains. The Japanese, for instance, do have their own Gashadokuro concept, but the locals of Nagasaki needed their initially-exclusive exposure to Portuguese traders to shrink down their massive skeletal eidolons of doom and to design woodblock prints where a Danse Macabre effectively meets the dress codes and habits of the locals under sakoku, or the Emperor-mandated closing-off of Japan to the outside world.

Death as a dancer. Death, especially, as a force that's quite lively, despite its attributes. A force that falls head-over-heels for Life in its own anthropomorphized form.

This is what Danish devs Kong Orange opted to work on in Felix the Reaper. Their Death has a human name, has a thing for the stuffier ends of Business Casual, is maybe eighty pounds overweight - and won't ever, ever, let the music die. He's also in love, obviously - and in love with Betty, the equally portly and nimble personification of Life. The pair look a bit like a Fernando Botero couple waiting to happen, with ample waists and sagging breasts held aloft by spindle-thin legs - but if Ghostbusters taught us not to cross the streams, then you can assume that Life and Death starting a tango in the same workspace could have severe coincidences on the biosphere. Not that Felix cares, he'd want nothing more than for Betty to notice him. His supervisor is voiced off-camera by Sir Patrick Stewart, who's as delightful as always, and who sort of plays the part of the well-meaning supervisor who eventually realizes his new employee's quirks don't diminish his potential.

And what is Felix's job, exactly? Well, he's Death. He's not getting paid to distribute hugs and kisses, obviously. He gets sent to the mortal plane to, well, kill people, and more specifically, to kill people in precise and pre-ordained ways. His "televator" takes him to an instant frozen in time, and he has to alter the surrounding scene so that once time resumes its course, the requisite accident or happenstance occurs. You do that by picking up items, flicking switches, and placing targets in the path of whatever it is that's set to kill them. You also move the sun around the world using a magical sundial doohickey, as Death can only move in shadows. You're basically Death in the same sense as in the Final Destination movies, except you really, really, really want to twerk and sashay your voluminous heinie through the small changes needed to turn a nothing-burger into a drunk huntsman getting his head stuck in the stump of a decapitated deer, so the dejected and near-sighted hunter you've been following mistakes him for a target and shoots his spear through his brain-case.

And yes, Felix does twerk and he certainly sashays. Dude dresses like a stuffy librarian, sure, but seemingly loses all inhibitions once his headphones come up - which allows the player to share in his personal soundtrack. This particular Reaper seems to have a thing for very bass-driven and samply EDM, with occasional forays into Ambient and Jazz. His many, many, many idle animations all sync with whatever it is that's playing, and so does the variety of prances, somersaults, grands jetés and twirls he goes through while moving from place to place. Comparatively, you get the sense that Felix's coworkers are more the dour and solemn type - with a few unsubtle cameos from Skeletor and Manny Calavera in the opening cinematic - and Felix, well...

Let's just say it's a wonder he has those hips and that paunch. If he twirls around for every little thing he does, then you'd assume he only sits down to hoover an Olympic athlete's worth of food once a day. Or maybe I'm overthinking things because, well, death.

And therein lies the problem, honestly. In thinking, I mean. Felix is a puzzle game through-and-through, and also ties into a Challenge system in order to really tickle those completionist nerves. The starting scenarios are braindead-easy, but the later ones left me stumped for fifteen minutes per screen. Add to that the notion that the game doesn't check off some of them as complete if you only do the bare essentials, and you're left with another would-be mobile offering that doesn't reach its endpoint until you exhaust every little bit it has to offer - even if you're effectively done with the main gameplay loop. It's a great game, but there's just not a whole lot to do in those six chapters, beyond repeating bits of drudgery until your noodle clicks or you give up and look up a solution online.

It's a shame, too. The isometric perspective is perfect, and the game could've been pitched as a hybrid between a puzzler and, say, XCOM: Enemy Unknown. You'd take cover to hide from moving targets or to escape daylight and instead of shooting at them, would emerge from cover to move items around or solve puzzle elements. You could've had Death evoke the illusion of a friendly face to inject some more concrete narrative delivery, for instance. Steal a friend's features, magically conceal yourself, and then have your target piece her own weaknesses together, leaving you to retreat and regroup before executing your plan of attack. But no, everything is out in the open and everything is spelled out for you. Kong Orange could've also stolen a page from Hitman Go and set multiple triggers in place to truly sandbox the experience.

What is there is fun - it oozes personality and charm - but there's just not enough of it to justify Steam's full asking price, IMO. Comparatively, the Switch's online store is currently running a sale for it (as of Sunday the 15th, at least) and lists it as being 2,15$. Two bucks for a few hours of harmless fun is a pretty good deal, as far as I'm concerned. It also underlines why the devs and Daedalic Entertainment alike consider it as having "bombed", as the marketing effectively targeted Devolver's usual stable. It's not crunchy enough, however, and not exactly irreverent enough to warrant that comparison. A more hefty Felix could've earned its full 20$ price point on PC - and Kong Orange's very design for Betty makes it obvious that if Felix ever returns, it'll be in a co-op setup with the love of his, well, unlife.

I'd be up for more of this cuddly, swinging skelly - assuming the devs mature a tad and put something together that's just a smidge more compelling.

#felix the reaper #pc #switch #ps4 #review #puzzle #game #indie #felix #the #reaper #fat #skeleton

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pink-imagines · 4 years

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fly me far away

request: 'Like Real People do' with Kirishima please!

a/n: i really just want to have this, that’s all. i’m projecting.

warnings: mostly fluff, a bit of angst, and an open ending

masterlist

requesting rules

song promptlist click here for the song!

The evening was young, you could still see the glimpses left from the sunset which was painting the sky in pink and orange colors. The grass tickled your ankles as you walked further away from the castle walls. You had managed to sneak out once again, mostly thanks to your maid who promised to cover for you. You wouldn’t lie and say something like “being a princess was hard”, because it wasn’t. It was quite easy actually. Just very very suffocating, especially for you. Your father used to joke about how you were definitely a village girl in your past life, until your mother told him to stop. Though he still sometimes gave you a look that told the joke without him having to speak it.

During the summer you used to sneak out almost every night, only doing it a few times during winter and here and there during spring and fall. It was your only sense of freedom, outside the walls was where you could breathe. On a night like this, who could not go out to adventure. There wasn’t much to adventure, as you had already looked through most of the forest and the village surrounding the castle without going too far. But you still had your favorite place to visit, the nurturing stream in the middle of the forest where the animals always gathered. If you were quiet enough you sometimes got to see deer sneak by. The birds, however, had gotten used to you and always expected to get some bread whenever you visited.

Once you had gotten through the long grass you ran to the edge of the forest, afraid to get caught if you didn’t. You felt safe as soon as you had wandered a bit further into the forest. Luckily you didn’t wear one of your longer dresses, otherwise it’s be full of grassstains by now. Whenever you went out you always dressed down the best you could, especially if you were going to the village. Tonight you were wearing a simple light blue dress, it was one you really liked because it fit you so well. Sadly it was also one you never got to wear much since it wasn’t princess-like enough, at least to your mother’s standards. With the way the grass tickled you right now you wished you would’ve worn some form of boot, but you were stuck with the simple slip-on brown shoes. Before you had left your maid had wrapped her cardigan around you. “Just unless you don’t make it back until it’s still warm outside.”, she had said before you snuck out. You thought about asking your mother to teach you how to knit, since this cardigan was awfully itchy and someone like your maid didn’t deserve this type of material. You were sure that your mother had some soft wool that would match the dark brown color of this one.

As you were too deep in thought you hadn’t even realized that you had reached the stream until you started hearing the running water. Instinctively you started sprinting towards the stream, holding up your dress ever so slightly so that you wouldn’t trip over it. You stopped dead in your tracks as soon as you reached the water. There was someone laying on the ground beside the stream. He wore raggedy clothes; a simple whool vest that was barely covering his upper body, a red cloth around his waist over his trousers and a pair of black boots. Perhaps that wasn’t the craziest part as he had red hair, wings, a tail and horns! You had only just heard of these creatures, magical creatures and human hybrids, but you never thought you’d see one. You hadn’t even seen a magical creature, let alone a dragon! As much as your mother told you not to read to much into these matter you found it important, since you were the heiress to the throne and wanted to be a fair ruler. Knowing as much as you did about the magical creatures also meant that you knew the fact that dragon’s were basically on the top of the food chain... and that you should probably run by now. Yet, you didn’t... the dragon-human hyrbid seemed to be unconscious so it couldn’t be dangorous, right? Slowly, you started to approach the creature... he looked hurt, or at least roughed up. “Sir... are you alright..?”, you asked carefully, hoping that he wouldn’t respond. The man let out a grunt for a response, it sounded like he was in pain. You decided to approach him and sit down next to him. When you got a better look at his face, it was scrunched up in annoyance... not in pain. “... sir?”, you asked once again. One of the man’s eyes opened to look at you. His irises were a color of deep scarlet red. You saw his pupils adjust to the light. “... too... bright...”, he grunted. Without thinking shielded his eyes from the last rays of sun with the palm of your hand. When he opened his eyes again he gave you a strange look. “You’re a peculiar one...”, he whispered, “... you’re not running away...” “Is there a reason for me to do so?”, you asked calmly, trying to not give away the fact that you were terrified. The man didn’t answer your question, instead he sat up and groaned in pain as his hand moved to his stomach. “Are you hurt?”, you whispered. “I just got a blow to the stomach...”, he brushed it off, “Why are you here?” You didn’t want to answer his question, you would rather not let him know that you were the princess. Maybe it was a stereotype but you were just being safe. “I will not ask you where you came from and neither should you. Now let me help you with that.”, you reached to help him with the wound on his stomach. “No!”, he backed up, “I don’t know who you are!” “Listen to me, you’re hurt! I want to help you!”, you explained, “Do I really look like someone who could hurt you?” “I don’t know... are you a sorcerer?”, he quirked an eyebrow. “Nope... I... I come from the nearby village.”, you were technically not lying, “I only come around here because it’s... it feels freeing.” The dragon-human hybrid looked at you skeptically before scooting closer to you. You looked at the wound across his abdomen, there was a lot of bruising and marks across his body that looked like they could only come from ropes. You could feel his eyes burning into your skin as you stood up and walked over to the stream. Luckily you had brought some fabric in your basket, to put on top of the bread. You took the fabric and soaked it in the cold water. When you back to him you started cleaning the wounds. “I can’t do much, but the cold water should help to linder the pain a little bit.”, you explained, “Here.” You handed him the basket and told him to take a little piece of the bread. He did so hesitantly, but as soon as he had tried it he finished it within seconds. He certainly didn’t look famished, but he sure acted like it. Once you had cleaned the wounds you told him to lay back down and then you went to gather some of the herbs that were nearby. The gardener had explained which herbs could heal and which were dangerous to you as a child. So when you find some you picked them carefully, making sure not to break them. “These should take away the pain completely fo a period of time...”, you explained, “... you’ll probably be able to heal in that amount of time, right?” He nodded and watched as you broke the plants leaves down the middle. A green substance came out of the plant and you smeared it over the wounds. “Sorry, it’ll sting a bit.”, you said as he hissed, “Tell me about yourself... maybe it can help you forget.” “I... my name’s Eijiro Kirishima...”, he spoke between his teeth.

After letting him mumble on about something that you couldn’t really hear, but you think it was about a cave, you were finished quite quickly. “There you go.”, you took the fabric from before and drained it of water, “This should start working in a few minutes now.” When you put the fabric over the gel you looked around you. It was dark, how much time had passed? “Thank you...” Eijiro said quietly, “I never got to know your name.” “I have to go-”, you stood up, “Sorry, it’s getting dark... take this.” You gave him the rest of the bread before running towards the castle, holding your dress up ever so slightly so that you wouldn’t trip.

A few days later you go on your usual adventure once again, a part of you still hoping that Eijiro would be there. So you took some other things with you this time. Some more food and a scarf, one that you had knitted yourself.

When you reached the stream no one was there and your shoulders dropped a bit. But you could still sit there with the birds like you usually would. Which is what you did, until you felt like someone was watching you. “Is anyone there?”, you looked around. No answer... it was probably just a deer or any other animal that would dare go this close to the castle. So you kept sitting there, minding your own business and talking to the ducks that floated by. “Why is it that you talk to the birds like that?”, a voice said from behind you. You let out a squeal and jumped up, scaring away the quacking ducks. When you turned around Eijiro was standing there. Your scared look turned into a soft smile. “Hello again.”, you said. “You do know that they don’t understand what you’re saying, right?”, he sat down next to the spot where you were sitting before. You sat back down, shoulder to shoulder with him with only a few centimeters in between. “They’re very good listeners.”, you shrugged. “You don’t have any human friends who listen to you?”, he asked. You thought about the fact that all of the workers at the castle were payed to be there and technically had to be nice to you, which caused you to shake your head no. “Well that’s a bit sad.”, he leaned back, “A whole village and not a single friend...” “... is your wound healed?”, you decided to change the subject. “Sure is!”, he said happily, “Thank you, by the way.” “It’s no big deal.”, you brushed it off.

The two of you sat there, dipping your feet into the chilly stream and simply talking about anything and everything. It felt nice to talk to someone so freely. You told him your name when he hasked this time. He questioned if he had met you before since it sounded so familiar but you shook your head quickly, not wanting him to know who you really were. It felt so wonderful to finally be normal with someone. You gave him the knitted scarf and he thanked you at least five times. He kept saying how manly it looked on him, which made you giggle. Eijiro was really one of a kind.

“It was nice meeting you, Y/N.”, he stood up suddenly, “I need to head on my way, I have someone waiting for me.” “Oh... well, it was nice seeing you again.”, you smiled, “Do you... do you think you’ll ever come back here.” “Hm... I’ll tell you what.”, he crouched down to meet your eyes, “I’ll come by here tomorrow if you show me how to knit.”

And so you did. Then after that you had another excuse. As well as the time after that. You kept finding excuses to see him, no matter how weird they got. Eventually you just stopped coming up with excuses and told him you wanted to see him again... you were starting to fall for him after all, and what better excuse was there than that? Your love seemed to make you blind to the fact that people could still see you sneak out, and you became more reckless.

“Do you ever want to get out of here?”, he asked you suddenly one evening, “You said you didn’t have any friends in the village... would you ever consider it?” You thought about it for a while... your duties, your responisbilities... but your freedom was at risk. As soon as you were queen there was no more sneaking out. “I’d have to think about it probably.”, you said honestly, “Why do you ask?” “Oh... no reason in particular.” You thought a lot about the words he spoke that day... and a tiny part of you wanted him to ask you to fly far far away with him.

“This time I’ll give him a kiss on the cheek!”, you giggled to your maid, “I’m sure he’ll get completely red in the face!” “Don’t tease him like that, princess.”, she smiled warmly as she folded your clothes, “He seems like a nice man.” “Oh, he is. He gave me flowers last time! Could you believe he picked them himself?”, you spun around with a bright grin on your face. Your maid of course didn’t know that Eijiro was a dragon, even someone as caring as her would get the wrong idea. She simply thought that he was a kind stranger in the woods.

That evening you ran out quickly to the forest. He was there and you embraced him as soon as you saw him. “Hello, love.”, he grinned. “Oh! You won’t believe what I saw today!”, you said happily. You didn’t get that much time to say anything though, shouting and the sound of people running towards you filled your ears. “Did someone follow you?”, Eijiro asked worridly. “Princess!”, one of the guards shouted. “... princess?”, he looked at you in disbelief. “Get away from him princess! You’ll get hurt!”, another guard came running up. “Look, Eijiro, I can explain everything.”, you whispered to him. He looked at you the way that no one else could, even when you had broken his trust like this. “I can take you away from here.”, he whispered back as the guards aimed there arrows at him. “Please.”

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happikattwuzheere · 4 years

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im being deeply unproductive today, but in my defense i got a set of several complex pictures for the video project done last night, and i still have to actually assemble the files for editing and ill get to that but first let’s bust through some more of this backlog of deer boy au sketches and talk about ronan this time

this is a LONG one probably, and also, yknow, because its ronan and esp because as you may have noticed he’s not exactly human in this au, there’s gonna be some discussion here of good ole ronan lynch angst-with-regards-to-his-existence-and-religion, so like, heads up there? and. discussion of like. some very sad things, but very very briefly. less discussion and more mention of them. look its ronan idk what to tell you aside from i have at least managed to avoid mentioning kavinsky for now so its not as bad as it could be anyway

(this is probably extremely rambly even for me, im so sorry. i can explain any number of things mentioned here in more detail if anyone would like)

SO. ronan’s a cambion, at least by dnd terminology, idk how that term gets used in other contexts but the point here is he’s half-human and half-demon, BUT, v important to explain, even tho the characters don’t initially know this and it’s something they work out over time, demons are not necessarily devils; or, more accurately, there’s a category of creature that is not a fey but is somewhat fey-adjacent, follows their own very different set of rules to fey law and are reliant on ley lines in ways similar to a lot of fey beings and spaces, and that category of creatures was granted the name “demons” because that word already exists and this type of creature’s so misunderstood that people mistook them for devils. Whether the biblical demon also exists in this au i havent decided on and dont much plan to because its not super relevant

BUT. taking inspiration from the horrible bee from canon, demons are, essentially, beings that are created due to a high degree of tragedy on a ley line, and the rules they operate by as well as their motivations are determined by the shape of that tragedy which created them. for example: the hornet demon from the books would be an example of what happens due to violence and bloodshed; it was born of blood shed in anger and life wrongly taken and as a result it exists only to destroy. however, not all demons are evil. example: take, say, a succubus (no stay with me hold on), like the one that niall lynch hooked up with made a deal with over in ireland one day.

a succubus in this sense is a demon which is born of miscarriage; and they’re Like That because there, the tragedy is not one of destruction, but of lost potential and a life that never came to be. so a succubus is driven to make up for that lost potential in the form of, yknow, making another baby happen,

and its that power of potential that is also why ronan’s got power over dreams still, it’s aaaall about creation and potential. and his mother, who he never actually met, she hecked off but niall kept the baby, wasn’t evil. just. operating on a different morality system but one which had no interest in hurting anybody. she’s still kicking around in ireland somewhere

RONAN meanwhile still has his two brothers, haven’t figured out yet if matthew’s still a dream thing or not, but. niall never got around to explaining how the demon thing worked before dying because it’s niall he’s terrible at explaining things. but ronan started being able to shapeshift p young--he’s got a fully human form, a fully demonic form, and a form that’s generally called hybrid but really he can shift to anywhere along the spectrum or just pop the wings or the tail out etc etc etc. his brothers both know ronan’s not human, its a family secret, its all chill, except then one day ronan shifts out the wings to help save a baby bird that fell out of a tree and someone outside the family sees that happen and from there things just get real bad and the lynches have to leave ireland in a hurry

ronan’s demonic form actually ends up being strongly influenced by his own opinion of himself as he grows up; the church has him filled with enough doubt that he grows the horns and becomes more hulking and frightening and all that jazz, and he suspects that he would be burned or expelled from a church’s grounds if he were to shift forms on sacred ground, so he never tries it (he would not, because, as was previously stated, his mother isnt evil, but he doesnt know that) and he just. he hides it real hard. especially after niall gets himself murdered before ronan can finally just ASK about his mother

but! before that happens he meets gansey, who has a lot of interest in the fey and a theory that’s not quite right but is on the right track about demons being some poorly understood class of fey rather than something evil and that gives ronan a lot of hope for a while

yknow until he sees how much iron effs up someone who’s even got a LITTLE fey blood in them when adam gets shot and how when ronan holds that same arrowhead that put adam in so much pain it doesn’t hurt at all, rip

he tells them that he’s a cambion well before he shows them the alt forms because there’s a point where he feels that they ought to know esp since ronan’s back to existential dread over what exactly he is, it’s kavinsky who ends up forcing him to shift in front of them for the first time, the whole kavinsky thing’s gonna DEFINITELY take at least one post all on its own a lot happens there, but for now: this is why ronan knew that pryderi wasn’t a normal deer (that and also because pryderi is a white tailed deer, which dont exist in england, so ronan was like, thats. thats not a real animal thats gotta be a fey) and also leads to some fun between him and noah because noah, unbeknownst to ronan, has decided that he and ronan are in fact engaged in a game of chicken to see who gets caught/outed for what they really are first.

(ronan and gansey dont know what kind of fey noah is exactly. ronan assumes he’s something weak like a brownie. noah is definitely not a brownie)

uhhh any more thoughtsssss

last picture’s unfinished because idk why ronan’s fully demonic form is so hard for me to DRAW but he’s shaped roughly like beast from the disney movie, except as a big bird monster. also if ur someone he likes and you sleep using him as a pillow it’ll be the best sleep of your life w/ really good dreams and ronan also sleeps v well, its a thing that happens, ronan is in fact the best pillow

#trc #deer boy au #ronan lynch #the raven cycle #longpost #lolsketch #katt blather #this one is...excessively rambly and disjointed im v sorry BUT have a lot of fun w/ the cambion there's SO much we've talked about w/ ronan #trying to sum it all up in one post is. hard

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creativerogues · 5 years

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Hunger of Yeenoghu: Turning Normal Monsters into A Full Campaign...

Hunger of Yeenoghu: A Campaign about Gnolls!

“-They see signs from Yeenoghu everywhere, even in blood splatter.-”

- Elminster

The madness of the gnolls spreads, their hunger grows and nothing shall satiate it...

Yeenoghu’s madness extends...

He yearns to create a world where his gnolls are the last creatures left alive, tearing one another apart for the right to feast upon the endless dead.

Hunger of Yeenoghu is a campaign I’ve ran several times in many different versions of D&D because not only does it take a pretty ‘meh’ opponent, a Gnoll, and make them a terrifying force of madness, but it allows for the campaign to span multiple continents and means players have the freedom to explore what the heck is making these gnolls so damn crazy and hungry, but also let’s them fight a demon lord at the end! Yay?

I’ve wanted to share this for a while now, but wanted to make sure I had as many resources to share as I could find to really help any DM out there create a Campaign centered around Gnolls and their endless hunger and devotion to Yeenoghu...

This is also a way to show people how you can make an entire campaign based around just a few creatures from the Monster Manual, in this case, Gnolls!

I’ve had many long chats with people in the Community saying “I wanna make a campaign based around this monster” and I thought I’d show how I would go about making a campaign...

Things you can do for this Campaign:

1. Show Gnoll Culture, Religion and Society

A lot of common folk see Gnolls as savage beasts with endless hunger, and while a lot of the time they are, they do have at least some form of order in all that madness.

Gnolls have placed a very strong value on family for instance, respecting blood ties perhaps more than any other aspect of a relationship.

They work in packs, and though gnolls within a pack will fight with each other for dominance, these battles are quickly forgotten after their resolution, and in most situations, gnolls of the same bloodline are loyal friends and allies to one another.

This loyalty to family was particularly obvious during combat, Gnolls who fight side by side regularly will throw away personal glory in order to help their brethren.

This is all from the ‘Gnoll’ section of the Forgotten Realms Wikia, but just from this you can see there’s more to Gnolls than simply just killing whenever they’re bored...

2. Show Variant Gnolls

It is believed by some that gnolls have traces of demonic blood, which may be evidenced by unusual features found among some of the gnoll bloodlines. These may include talons, gleaming red eyes, or black fur with fiery orange spots.

- Forgotten Realms Wikia

Gnolls, much like people in real life, come in all shapes, sizes, colors and personalities.

And even in 5th Edition there’s many different stat blocks for different types of Gnolls...

But you can see just from scrolling down and reading more of the resources I’ve put at the end of this post that there are many many different types of Gnolls from older editions that you could very easily create stat blocks for in 5th Edition.

Sure, your Players have probably fought a Gnoll or two before, but what happens when that Gnoll’s body suddenly shifts and twists into the form of a giant hyena, and starts pouncing on the party with it’s disease-ridden bite attack...

Not only does it provide a little variety in the Gnolls that you’ll be throwing at your Players, but it catches them off guard and makes them say “Wait. WHAT?” when you show them something they’ve never seen before...

Simply just take the stats of a 5e Gnoll, change nothing about them at all, but describe this gnoll as being unusually tall, with long thin talons for claws and deep black fur across it’s body, with fiery orange hyena-like patterns of spots across it’s back, and as the party stares they see in this gnoll’s skull two bright, gleaming red eyes staring back at them, as the head twists back and releases a howl...

Again, just a regular ol’ gnoll in terms of stats, but describing the varying appearance of a gnoll makes the players go ‘Oh neat!’ or even ‘That guy’s a badass, stay away from him.’ even though stats-wise it’s just a normal gnoll that looks different...

3. It allows a DM to be truly Mad and Brutal

You could literally start the campaign off with Level 1-3 Characters chill-laxing in a small town, and then BOOM! GNOLLS ATTACK!

BLOOD EVERYWHERE! Dead bodies hitting the ground left and right and the players realize they are not gonna get outta there alive unless they run, and only when they escape the town and look back do they notice the scale of the assault...

This kind of campaign lets the DM go truly mad, since all gnolls care about is trying to feed their endless demonic hunger with the flesh of sentient beings.

Gnolls are gathering and their hunger grows with each passing day. Sometimes the party will just have to run away because they know that not only are they outnumbered, but these gnolls are willing to fight to the death for food...

4. Show the ‘Madness of Yeenoghu’

‘A blood red sun hangs low in a sickly green sky, illuminating the slaughter...’

That’s just one line to describe how Yeenoghu’s madness begins to spread, and the gnolls only see it as a sign of love from their demon lord patron.

Perhaps even describe how the players themselves start to feel a sickly hunger building in their stomachs, one that can only be satisfied by drinking the blood of another, by consuming the flesh of their allies...

Show them what it’s like to feel the endless agony that is the hunger of a gnoll.

Gnoll Stats, Resources & The Different Types of Gnolls

5th Edition

Gnoll: If you’ve gotten to this point in the post and still don’t know what a Gnoll is, shame on you. But if you don’t know, well I’ll explain:

Gnolls resemble human-hyena hybrids, they’re carnivorous, brutal, savage and they’re always hungry.

Fang of Yeenoghu: Sometimes Yeenoghu rewards his Gnoll worshipers by allowing one of them to be possessed by a demonic spirit. Marked as Yeenoghu's favorite special good-boy gnoll, the lucky recipient becomes a Fang of Yeenoghu, the chosen of the Gnoll Lord.

Gnoll Packlord: The alpha of a gnoll pack is the pack lord, ruling by might and cunning. A pack lord earns the best of a gnoll pack's spoils, food, valuable trinkets, and magic items. It ornaments its body with brutal piercings and grotesque trophies, dyeing its fur with demonic sigils, hoping Yeenoghu will make it invulnerable.

Flind: A flind is an exceptionally strong and vicious gnoll that commands and directs the war band it is a part of. It wields a flail imbued with powerful magic by Yeenoghu himself.

Gnoll Flesh Gnawer: If any group of gnolls could be said to be more feral than the others, that distinction would go to the flesh gnawers. These gnolls eschew the use of ranged weapons in favor of short blades that they wield with speed and efficiency.

Gnoll Hunter: Hunters are the stealthiest gnolls in a war band, and they put their talents to use on the battlefield picking off isolated opposition while clearing the way for the rest of the force to run roughshod over the enemy's territory.

Leucrotta: A leucrotta is what you would get if you took the head of a giant badger, the brain of a person who likes to torture and eat people, the legs of a deer, and the body of a large hyena, put them together, and reanimated them with demon ichor without bothering to cover up the stink of death...

Gnoll Witherling: By invoking rituals to Yeenoghu, they bring the remains of a dead gnoll back to some semblance of life in the form of a gnoll witherling.

Shoosuva: A shoosuva is a hyena-demon gifted by Yeenoghu to an especially powerful gnoll (typically as a Fang of Yeenoghu). A shoosuva manifests shortly after a war band achieves a great victory, emerging from a billowing, fetid cloud of smoke as it arrives from the Abyss.

4th Edition

Gnoll Huntmaster: A Gnoll Huntmaster often delays its initial turn, waiting until its allies move in and attack. The creature stays at the edge of its range, attacking with its longbow and using its ‘Pack Attack’ feature to deal extra damage.

Gnoll Claw Fighter: This gnoll charges into the fray, using melee attacks to make claw attacks, positioning itself to reap the benefit of its ‘Pack Attack’ feature to deal extra damage.

Gnoll Marauder: Gnoll Marauders gang up on a single target to gain the benefit of their ‘Pack Attack’ feature. It uses its ‘Quick Bite’ against any foes on low hit points whenever possible.

Gnoll Demonic Scourge: This gnoll leads weaker gnolls into battle, imparting the benefits of its ‘Leader of the Pack’ aura while commanding nearby allies to concentrate their attacks on one target at a time.

Deathpledged Gnoll: A Deathpledged Gnoll vows to die destroying the enemies of Yeenoghu. Its dark oath and a thirst for blood make this creature a frightful foe. In return for its vow to its demon lord Yeenoghu, a deathpledged gnoll can temporarily shrug off death with potent demonic powers.

Gnoll Gorger: All Gnolls devour the flesh of sentient creatures, but Gnoll Gorgers gain strength in battle by feasting on their own kind...

AD&D First Edition

Ghuuna: Ghuuna (the form is singular and plural) are related to gnolls in much the same way that lycanthropes are related to humans. However, ghuuna are the result of a special type of quasi-lycanthropy created by Yeenoghu that affects only gnolls, causing them to change into a giant hyena-like form.

In their normal unchanged form, ghuuna appear to be large gnolls. In this form they shun armor and usually carry swords as weapons. In their giant, hyena-like form, ghuuna can deliver a ‘Crushing Bite’ for 4d4 points of damage.

In addition, their bite can inflict "ghuunism" among gnolls in the same manner that lycanthropy is spread by regular were-creatures.

Humans and humanoids (other than gnolls) who are bitten must succeed on a constitution save or be affected by disease, which can be cured by a healing spells or similar magic.

Each ghuuna can command and control hyenas, although they cannot summon them.

Wherever ghuuna to be present in a war band, they act as leaders and protectors. Only gnoll shamans and strong chieftains have more "push" in a gnoll band than ghuuna do.

Female ghuuna are nearly the only respected females in a gnoll band.

Ghuuna may communicate with hyena in addition to speaking the usual languages a gnoll may know.

They rarely intentionally spread "ghuunism" among gnolls, preferring to be "the few and the proud."

Gnoll Research Resources

There are many resources besides Wikipedia and Wikia that can give a BUNCH of info and lore on Gnolls, the different types, their mythology, culture, religion, society, their worship of Yeenoghu, the Demon Lord of the Gnolls and more...

So rather than name each of them and what each contains, I’m simply going to make a bullet point list of every resource I can find so you can do your own reading and research:

5th Edition: Volo's Guide to Monsters (2016)

5th Edition: Monster Manual (2014)

4th Edition: Monster Manual (2008)

4th Edition: Monster Manual 2 (2009)

4th Edition: Dragon Magazine #367, ‘Playing Gnolls’ (2008)

3.5e: Monster Manual (2003)

3rd Edition: Monster Manual (2000)

3rd Edition: Monster Manual III (2004)

2nd Edition: The Complete Book of Humanoids (1993)

2nd Edition: Player's Option: Skills & Powers (1995)

2nd Edition: Dragon Magazine #173 ‘The Sociology of the Flind’ (1991)

2nd Edition: Monstrous Compendium Volume One (1989)

2nd Edition: Monstrous Manual (1993)

1st Edition: Dragon Magazine #89 ‘Creature Catalog’ (September 1984)

1st Edition: Dragon Magazine #63 ‘The Humanoids’ (July 1982)

1st Edition: Fiend Folio (1981)

#campaign #homebrew #homebrew rules #dnd 5e homebrew #Homebrew Monster #d&d gnoll #Hunger of Yeenoghu

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corsairesix · 5 years

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Single Player Fallout 76: Cryptids

In a single player version of Fallout 76, I would want to make the cryptids more special, which unfortunately means making them rarer. Instead of randomly encountered enemies, they would instead be associated with certain quests. At the end of these quests you can either kill them or deal with them peacefully. If you deal with all of them peacefully or kill all of them, you get an associated perk.

Mothman:

I wrote a lot about Mothman and his cult here.

Overall this would be the most involved of all the cryptid quests (because it’s Mothman, the main character of cryptozoology). You would have to complete the entire Cult of Mothman questline to summon Mothman.

Also unlike other cryptids, Mothman gives you a reason to go back to him (most cryptids disappear or just hang out peacefully if spared). If spared, you can return to Mothman and get cryptic clues about quests that you are doing, similar to Mama Murphy’s sight in Fallout 4.

The leaders of the cult of Mothman are described by other characters as having something not quite human about them, although by all appearances they are regular people. Their names are Indrid, Demo, and Karl.

Flatwoods Monster:

I covered some stuff with the Flatwoods Monster here as well.

You escort the alien abductee through Flatwoods, where you can either stay until night at their inn or take him to the clinic for his paranoia.

If you take him to the clinic, you can tell the Responder working there to either have him treated by Dassa or Nurse Scott. Both will treat his paranoia and calm him down so he doesn’t want to kill the Monster.

If Dassa treats him, he will just want to take pictures to prove he was telling the truth.

If Scott treats him, the two of them will want to capture the Monster to interrogate it. They ask you to help them set up a trap to capture it, and ask a few questions. The Monster doesn’t answer in any known language, but Scott fills up a few holotapes of data. If you take this option, you can decide to kill it or release it.

Whichever option you take, the abductee says that it wasn’t the creature that abducted him, and he’s going to keep researching until he finds it.

Grafton Monster:

I wrote about the Grafton Monster quest here.

In order to get the Grafton Monster call, you must visit Shelby O’Rourke, who a local cryptozoologist in Grafton claims was coming to visit Grafton but never showed up. She was mistakenly arrested by robot prison guards and locked up in the Eastern Regional Penitentiary. You have to spring her out to continue.

Snallygaster:

The Snallygaster should be a bit more birdlike in order to resemble descriptions of the cryptid.

The runt Snallygaster is a companion found at the Crashed Space Station. He is friendly toward you.

The Trappers in Huntersville (or other Huntersville npcs if you’ve gotten rid of the Trappers), have been hearing strange noises from the Southwest and want you to check it out.

This leads you to find...

Dwayyo:

Spruce Knob is a site populated by Dwayyos, fluffy bushtailed wolf-like humanoids.

They speak a strange language, but are intelligent, and have saved a written history on the terminals there.

They were created by West-Tec as intelligent hunters to catch and kill the Snallygasters that accidentally escaped the FEV lab.

They have found that the Snallygasters are in the Spruce Knob Lake.

They need data from West-Tec to find the Snallygasters’ weakness.

Once you find out their weakness (irrational fear of septagrams) you can return to the Dwayyo. You can either convince them to use this against they Snallygasters (which will result in the Dwayyo winning the battle), lie and tell them there is no weakness but that they should fight anyway (which will result in both groups killing each other), tell them there is no weakness but that they should try to tame them (speech check, will result in the Dwayyos’ deaths), or tell them the weakness and that they should try to tame them (lower speech check, will result in them successfully creating a Snallygaster farm).

If you do convince them to create a Snallygaster farm, they will relocate to Spruce Knob Campground with the Snallygasters. They will provide you with free acid and asbestos produced by the Snallygasters once a week. If you create a Settlement at Spruce Knob, they will transfer the scrap directly to the Workshop. The quest to reclaim Spruce Knob will not be given until this quest is completed.

Sheepsquatch:

The Sheepsquatch quest more or less follows the Lying Lowe questline that begins here. You try to solve the mystery of the missing Calvin van Lowe, whose sister is trying to find him.

Some major changes are: the quest now takes place post-war, relatively recently (enough that his sister Shelley is still looking). Calvin, Bo Peep, and Wolf are now hired by Hornwright rather than Bysshe, since it doesn’t make sense for a natural gas company to be invested in Sheepsquatch robots. Hornwright is trying to create fear of the Sheepsquatch around Lewisburg so that the town will hire more Coalition protection and the Coalition will solidify their control over them (Scooby-Doo-villain-style).

Once the Imposter Sheepsquatch kills Calvin and escapes, Hornwright disavows the project. Once you find the basement, Wolf is alerted to your activity and approaches you in Lewisburg. He asks you to go to the Garrahans to ask them for some pre-war anti-robot tech from when they were still rivals with the Hornwrights. From there he sets up the pylon trap like in the normal game.

Rather than a big multiplayer raid boss, you just have to activate all three pylons to shut the Imposter Sheepsquatch down.

A day later Wolf contacts you saying there’s been an attack on the pylons by the real Sheepsquatch. It was repelled by the electricity, but one more attack could set the Imposter Sheepsquatch free. You need to go down to Calvin’s lab to retrieve a hunting subroutine, which will reprogram the imposter Sheepsquatch to hunt down the real one and then return. If you want, you can take the Sheepsquatch mating ritual holotape and install that instead of the hunting one. If you do the second, it will run away peacefully with the real Sheepsquatch. If you choose the hunting subroutine, you must follow it and Wolf, and help them fight the Sheepsquatch.

Batsquatch:

I covered pretty much everything about the Batsquatch quest here.

Yahoo:

Yet another ‘squatch, this time not a hybrid of any sort, just a standard bigfoot.

The survivalist who runs Camp Venture believes that there’s something in the woods of the Mire, and wants to go hunt it down. He knows it’s in the area near Ella Ames’s bunker.

From there, you have to track it by the sound of its call, a “Yahoo” noise. You find his hideout in the Excelsior Model Home and have to investigate there. There is a lot of evidence that the Yahoo is intelligent. There is a hard speech check to convince the survivalist to stop the hunt.

If you don’t pass the speech check, you have to kill the survivalist to save the Yahoo, although shooting him with a disabling syringer works as well. If you follow the Yahoo’s calls, you can find him near the Gulper Lagoon. If you give him the things you took from his house, he will be peaceful.

Megalonyx:

Even though the game doesn’t list it as a cryptid, I’m including the giant sloth here because 1) there are giant sloth cryptids described in both Appalachia and Virginia and 2) unlike Radtoads or Radstags or Yao Gui, there are no native sloths in West Virginia to mutate from radiation.

You find the megalonyx as part of companion Teddy McDonald’s personal quest. To become a Nuka Scout, Teddy must do a Nuka Scout Project, which involves a significant contribution to the Pioneer Scout Troop. Teddy wants to kill a cryptid.

You go to the Ranger District Office in the cranberry bog to see if they know where to find a cryptid. The two rangers there know of a large animal that they think might be a large beaver in Creekside Sundew Cove. One of them hopes you go out and kill it, but the other wants you to tag it with a tracker for study, which can be accomplished with a syringer or a very high stealth skill.

If you don’t kill it, you will either have to convince Teddy to do something else for a project, or go to van Lowe Taxidermy to learn how to make a fake giant sloth head.

Abbagoochie:

The Sons of Dane have a problem with a beast they call the Nightstalker. On nights where they party in their compound, whenever someone leaves to take a walk they are torn apart by some unknown entity, leaving behind only a pile of bones.

There are two ways to deal with this. You can create a lot of noise to attract the Abbagoochie, something that looks like a cross between a monkey, owl, fox, and deer. Then you can kill it, but be careful! It deals a lot of damage very quickly.

You can also create a bigger monster to scare it away. This requires a lot of steel, springs, gears, leather, and cloth, as well as any type of scary mask found in the wasteland. Examples include things like Fasnacht Masks from Helvetia. If you do this option, you have to wait until the following night to see if it works. The Sons of Dane will have their party as usual, and the Abbagoochie will appear, see the constructed monster, and run away.

Wendigo:

I didn’t include the Wendigo for two reasons.

The first is cultural appropriation. Unlike other cryptids on this list, the Wendigo is a specifically Native American myth.

The second is game design philosophy when it comes to the cryptids. I want them to seem special and cool. The way that the Wendigo was implemented, it just felt like “ghoul but scarier.”

I may also put the Ogua, a two headed turtle, somewhere in the Mire. Right now I don’t have a story for it though.

#fallout 76 #fo76 #cryptid #cryptids #single player 76

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nsfwclo · 6 years

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Too Sweet. BTSVampire!au PREQUEL- “Too Bad.”

Genre: Angst/ Fluff/Smut /+18 /Mature themes / Descriptions of blood and…other things/ Supernatural

Biased: You X Vampire!au BTS Type: Vampire!au A/N: Hi guys! This is my first time posting my fanfictions on Tumblr (still trying to figure out how to use tumblr, so I apologize in advance for technical difficulties and troubled reading) Anyway, I’d like to say that I by no means created this story from scratch on my own, this is a disclaimer! I messaged the writer @justoneday-namjoonii (who in fact has become a great friend of mine) for permission to post my version of her amazing story Too Sweet; which you all by the way should read BEFORE reading this! It is f@!%ing amazing!!! READ IT

I had a blast writing this!!!!(Just an FYI)

This is an official continuation of HER story. Again, THIS IS A PREQUAL. You as the reader will not able to understand this prequel without reading @justoneday-namjoonii “Too Sweet.” first.*This prequel updates as the original updates* I had the honor of messaging, converstaitng and more than anything collabortating with her. ~Just a Fan Writer loving on another Fan Writer~

Mkay well lets get going shall we?

Continuation of Part 8 From “Too Sweet” by @justoneday-namjoonii

Written on 12/16/17 Published 1/16/18

As you lay in bed sleep wouldn’t come to you. You thought back on what had happened after Jungkook had fed from you. All the guys told you that almost anyone Jungkook bites into dies because of his hybrid venom, yet here you were healthy, alive and just dandy. Your mind surfed over to when J-hope and Tae had almost devoured you, both feeding from you simultaneously. Your mind did not rest on the different feelings of their bites “Why did Tae’s hurt more than Hobi’s?” ran through your head every ten seconds, even Jungkooks didn’t hurt as bad. You tried justifying it saying because it was a bite in your inner thigh, but it just didn’t settle well in your thoughts. As Jin was in his lab you put on a robe over your PJ’s and walked outside toward the balcony. Your feet stopped in there place as you saw the one person who’s been on your mind all night sitting on the balcony. “You’ll fall, please be careful” you begun to approach him, Tae ignored you and smiled toward the moon, you heard a howl in the distance, Taehyung sighed. “What are you doing up so late y/n? You should be asleep, around this hour your pretty little face is easy bait” he made fun.

“I couldn’t sleep”

“Awww were too busy dreaming of me that you had to come see me?” he laughed jokingly

“Yes actually” the words spilled from your mouth before you realized what exactly you were saying.

“Why are you the only vampire who leaves campus regularly to visit your parents? How come your bites hurt more than the others? Why are you so confident and narky, like you act like nothing you say do affects anyone or anything?” maybe it was because you were tried and the Drugs Jin gave you were kicking in but you couldn’t hold your tongue

“You’re curiosity is a dangerous thing Y/n, it is best you stick to the books you’re reading”

“Tell me about you, I have yet to find or read any books on your bloodline. How come I answer the questions you ask me when I dont want to answer them! How do you force me to tell you the truth”

“The same way Namjoon gets in your head, suga links his thoughts, jimin seduces and deceives, Hoseok inflicts mental disorders, and Jin heals sickness and injury. It is a gift i was born with.”

“Bullshi-”

“Ah ah ah, no foul language at this time of day y/n your still a lady” he teased, intrigued by your questions. “I always give you answers to your questions, the least you can do is answer mine once” you begged, and oh how he liked you begging. He wasn’t one to make deals but he liked this one

“The truth comes with a cost if your willing to pay for it” he tilted his head to the side coyly

“What kind of price are we talking?” he looked you up and down and bit his lip

“No absolutely not! Pervert!” you couldn’t believe it and playfully hit him

“I’m just kidding. How about blood, hm?” he was more serious now, you weren’t feeling well but that was one you were willing to make do with “sure” he gave a quick smile and looked away from you “jin is going to kill me, but it’ll be fun to get under his bones” tae said under his breath

“I wasn’t born a vampire like the others” he smiled slightly to himself as if finding the story he was telling you was hilarious. He pressed his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, playing with his toes.

“What do you mean?” you stared at him perplexed as how he came to be vampire, more bewildered on the fact that he said “born”. You always thought vampires could turn others into vampires at will, by choice. Well what do you know, you learn something new everyday. You begun to approach sonderly.

“I was born a werewolf.” he said quite frankly still holding onto his feet as looked up at the moon smiling faintly, so bright and full was the moon. The reflection that casted in his eyes captured you, how could someone already so beautiful become even more beautiful simply by looking up. Maybe it was an effect of being a vampire to always leave a human in awe, if that were so I’d said he succeed exceedingly you thought. You took a deep breath and sat closer to him “born a werewolf?” you took a few seconds to contemplate the possibility of how he .. “But how are you a--” he cut you off “A vampire?” you nodded, he placed a hand on your arm circling with his finger the vein to one of your main arteries “I grew up very poor.” he started “My parents moved closer to the city for better jobs to sustain a better income, to help provide us with a better life” his eyes faltered “I was left to live on the farm with my grandma” tae smiled and at the suddenty you had never seen taehyung smile so sincerely since you’ve met him, it was so nostalgic it hurt to look at. “You probably know this by now with all your reading, but being a werewolf is ranked in the lowest class amongst all creatures” his eyes met you “including humans” his eyes narrowed piercing into your very thoughts “ it’s hard to make and find fair pay when no one wants to hire a dog.” he said in almost a spat like tone as his teeth grit thinking of the struggle his mother and father had to endure. “Vampires hated us for humanitarian reasons, witches killed us for our hair, organs, and entirety for elixirs and potions, humans were kind to us until they discovered our sub rosa” his jaw clenching, his hand on your arm squeezing ever so tightly that it felt he could crush your bones at any moment's notice, but he stopped “Life was mundanely pleasant” he said abruptly, his eyes softened moderately wavering. You wanted to ask what he meant by humanitarian reasons, and why he said it so longingly as if his misses it; but with the conversation at this moment of time it wasn’t appropriate. “My grandmother” he put his hand closer to that grin of his “She gave purpose to my life” he looked at you excited “I remember when i was going through puberty and I first changed, I almost ripped off her arms and my grandfather had to school me on just who the alpha male was in this family, yet she loved me anyway. Oh! And how we would pluck the berries and cut down our livestock” he smiled thinking of all the cows, sheep, and pigs they ate. Those are things he can’t stand the taste of now, but the taste will always be embedded in his memory “My grandmother taught me everything, did you know I know how to play the saxophone?”

“Really?” you said surprised, he nodded “She bought me one on my 70th birthday, in dog years of course” he laughed “wolves age faster internally, physically is all up to us. I suppose that was the coolest quirk of being a werewolf; once you reach adulthood you can maintain that outward appearance for as long as you’d like, the downfall is that you can always age when you’d like but never become younger” you were learning a lot about werewolves talking to taehyung, listening to him answer your questions,you realized why you never saw any werewolves in the school and if you did there was only one by the name of Park Bo Gum and he was the football coach. “How i came to be this devilishly handsome blood stucker, that you are ever so curious about” he said as he grabbed ahold your chin and gave a sexy cheeky smile with a wink “happened on the day my grandmother died… and I had finally moved into town with my parents nowhere near her location” his happy attitude diminished, his ora becoming serious “I got a phone call from my grandfather on my way to school, I was excited to be going to a school with actual people. I was happy that abeoji was calling so I could tell him of my excitement, but when the news got related to me, the last thing on my mind was school. In an instant I wanted to kill everything and everyone in front of me out of anger.” his hands shook and tears started to form “I thought how could my birth be any worse than what it already was, and just like that God answered “like this” and i didn’t want to live anymore” you had never seen the always so confident taehyung so vulnerable, tears dripped off his nose “so i sought a witch, I wanted to bring my grandmother back, give her some of my years.” he wiped his nose of tears “werewolves only mate once in their lives, my abeoji would eventually die of grief. I couldn’t afford to loose him too” he glanced back at the moon in a swift moment “so I sought; cavern after cavern, bloodline after bloodline, there was no witch or any supernatural being that could help me!” he shouted at you, you were now struck with pity and fear and sat there like a deer in the headlights as he cupped your face to bring you closer to him. “So I went to the source of death himself” he lowered himself to your ear and whispered “The devil”. You tried to shake your head away; scared, the adrenaline sped through your veins at a miraculous pace but Tae held your face still looking you straight in the eyes, he drew his face and his hands from you maintaining a close distance “So i made a deal with devil.” His eyes darkened at the renvior, “but i should’ve known better than to trust the devil, only a fool would forget his dealing with Adam and Eve. But there I was, in desperate need for anyone to help me” and suddenly he broke into spaced laughter “what good was it to make a deal for it only undoubtedly fail knowingly that the devil always lied.. So i figured I’m already damned anyway; I’ll be the fucking devil himself. A deal unfulfilled was simply just not good enough for me. So I did it, I ate him” you’re eyes widened in fear as you didnt want to believe your ears, but he wasn’t lying he couldn't be lying while staring at you with eyes like that. You tried to make out words “b-u-u-utt how do-o-oes that explain you becoming a --” “I gave up my life to give my grandmother her’s. Only at the end, I was lifeless and my grandmother remained dead. I became cursed to a hell on earth, a similar punishment that was made on him. Turning me into a vampire was him being gracious” he scoffed “gracious” he repeated under his breath annoyed. “I didn’t like our deal, so I ate him. In a way you could say I made things worse for myself, he still alive down there in his hell hole but he no longer owns me. I have his abilities” silence rang momentarily as you thought on how Taehyungs speed was faster than the others, his venom was stronger, his control over voice, the dominance he radiated. “Trying to put the pieces together Bunny?” he stalked closer. “huh, funny. Wolves eat bunnies.” you thought as you tried to ease yourself on the situation, nervousness poring over you.

“So you escaped a deal with the devil?”

“Yes... but I don't believe one can ever truly part with a dealing made with the devil. It come with many curses, one in which where I no longer cross paths with him but instead I’m more often than not always in full control”

“like your feeding cycles?”

“exactly, and you see bunny” he cooed “I like that; me in control” his eyes preyed on you. “so you can imagine how annoying it is to have a feeding cycle that is highly dependent on the moon”

He started to unbutton his shirt “Tae! What are you--” he placed a finger on your lips to silence you “would you like to see the mark of one of my many curses?” he stared at you attentively and you nodded, an instant smirk appeared on his face as he dropped his shirt to pool at his elbows and black wings appeared from his back, in a woosh taehyung had slammed you against the wall and buried his head in the crook of your neck. You didn't know whether to be afraid or to be mesmerized by his beautiful wings. Struggling to push him off of you, your attempt to flee only egged him on and he bit down into you, wings slowing retracting back into his back. Bite after bite after bite, perhaps that’s why tae’s bites always hurt the most upon entering the skin then fills you with the euphoric pleasures making you feeling like you want him to continue to suck you until there is nothing left pumping through you. Taehyung was one with many secrets, funny because he didn’t look like someone who would be. “Tae” you said breathlessly still trying to fight, but too much venom had entered you and you began losing consciousness.

Taehyung smirked upon your skin, leaving a bloody mess. His marks weren’t healing, let’s just say taehyung didn’t tell you all his secrets and you have yet to discover what the others have been hiding from you all this time. You were losing it, about to go completely black as he pressed himself onto you when suddenly someone had yanked taehyung away, literally almost throwing him across the room. “Y/n” the voice met your ears but you couldn’t tell who it was “Y/n you’re going to be okay” and you saw the dark figure candle down to you before blanking out.

________________

“Mhmmm hmmm” Jimin was humming a song to himself waiting for Jin. Yoongi walked in and sat on the couch at the corner of the room also expecting Jin, Jimin glanced at him slightly. Although he’ll never admit it, Jimin missed Yoongi feeding from him. Before you came along Jimin had to give Yoongi his feeds three times a day twice a week, more if he was craving, but since you came Jimin has been able to be a “normal” vampire. He should be grateful, although not jealous he felt bittersweet toward the situation. Jimin rubbed his neck throwing his head back from thought and let out a sigh “Jimin are you feeling alright?” Jin finally walked tapping jimin on the shoulder and gesturing for him to come sit on the patient table “Have you been feeding properly, someone of your bloodline should have no problems in obtaining meals” he raised an eyebrow at him with a sincere smile “I’m fine hyung, don’t worry” jin stuck a needle in Jimin's arm and begun to draw blood. “Have you heard from your parents? I know it’s not easy being a royal, especially when you’re not treated as one” jin flicked the glass vile of blood. Jimin was born into the “the lovers of the moon” royal bloodline, his life was destined the moment he came into existence yet he still chose to be here, for research and to help Jin discover remedies for his brothers. He didn’t regret any of his decisions as he thought back on his cousin taemin. By the third needle it actually begun to hurt “Ah-” he said as he tried to remain still, something was wrong “I knew it” Jin stopped “You’ve been missing meals, how long has it been since you’ve had a proper feeding?” jin tapped his foot arms crossed waiting for an answer “6 days” jimin said slowly and in a guilty manner. “Get to your room I’ll have Y/N meet you up there for a proper feeding, I don’t want to see your face until you’ve had a whole weeks worth of blood in your system do you understand Jimin” this was that motherly side of Jin, it was kind of scary, his eyes piercing into your very soul ever so seriously. “I think that would be too much for Y/n to take” Jimin said with concern. “Then i’ll have you alternate between donors” jin was done talking and turned his back to jimin with viles in hand. Jimin wasn’t hungry, he hadn’t been eating for more than 6 days but he couldn’t let jin know or he knew that he would freak. He went to his room.

Namjoon burst through the door and set you on the patient table panicking “Jin!” he turned around yoongi got up to see your lifeless body on the table covered in bite marks. Jins eyes widened with worried anger “taehyung.” he already knew, had it already been 6 years? it was that time of the year 6/6 devils peak, taes devil comes out to play. “Has the moon already begun phasing?” he sighed at his unspoken thought. Hoseok entered the room hurriedly but stopped abruptly once he saw jin occupied “Jin.” he looked at the situation and didn’t know if his announcement was important to say anymore “ughh..” he stared at all the concerned faces “What, spit it out already” Jin spat as he put on gloves and had his staff place an oxygen mask over your mouth, IV needles were placed into your arms. “Taehyung just killed another donor” Jin looked at Yoongi and he nodded as he left with J-hope to go get Taehyung. It left Namjoon, Jin and his staff alone giving them time to talk

“Jimin is too weak to be feed on at this moment” jin said as he cleaned off the wounds

“At this rate I think we might have to tell the others”

“I don’t think that’s the best option at the moment Namjoon” he glared at him

“Jimin has been the donor for both Yoongi and Taehyung since you’ve founded this institute and you and I both know how long that’s been”

“If you’re so concerned about Jimin why don’t you take over until he’s recovered enough to inform me of his discomfort in being Yoongi's and Tae’s donor.” jin injected a serum into your IV “Tongs” he asked one of the nurses and he patched up the deeper bites. Namjoon was silent, he knew what kind of venom Taehyung had at this time, to be bite several times over and over again was death sentence, he didn’t know how Jimin did it. A vampire who feeds on vampires is the worse deformity to inquire and a rare one at that, what were the odds of being in the company to two. Two deformative vampires who have no idea about one another's deformities. Jin took Namjoons silence as his answer and smirked “I thought so” he finished, the bites will go away in three days, these bites lasted much longer than that but luckily he had a serum from taes last endeavor. “She should wake up soon”

_________________

“I can’t find him anywhere dammit” Hoesok spat as he walked into all the dorms, he opens another door “*screams*” and quickly shuts the door “Sorry ladies” seeing he’s already walked in on three other dorm girls fresh out of the shower, he didn’t mind it. Yoongi went to the feeding hall, cafeteria, lounge, still no trace. He was worried he could have possibly left school grounds, he didn’t know much about taes defect nothing other than he knew it scared Jin and that was enough to make Yoongi worried. He grabbed Hoesok and left the grounds toward the cafe, there’s no way he could’ve strayed further, tae was getting exactly what he wanted, his hyungs out of the way. Tae entered his room which he shared with jungkook, jungkook was napping to submerge the hunger pains Jin put him in as a result from feeding from y/n. Since Tae couldn’t find Jimin, jungkook was the second best thing; half human and vampire. He towered over jungkook, sitting on top of his lap and brushed his nose across his neck. Tae wasn’t selfish when feeding from his brothers, his gift allowed him to draw all the poisons from his blood/body and direct them into his venom so that way his prey could drink from him too without being poisoned, this exhausted him though. It took conscious effort to project all this poisons into his venom to make sure that the vampire he’s feeding from doesn’t drink any toxins. That’s why it made taehyung's bites so unbearably painful. When drinking from humans tae didn’t have to do this, he could drink with a normal venom dose inflicted on his prey, but if he were to bite a human in this state they’d surely die after the second. Even for a vampire, if weak too many bites could cause them to pass out, if they’re strong enough the worst that they’ll probably get it really really dizzy. Tae smelled jungkook, his mouth salivating with anticipation, this would come as a surprise to Jungkook. Jungkook shuffled in his sleep but was unable to move, the immobility woke him up “Tae what are you--” he tried to prop himself up but was pushed back down, jungkook used his weight to flip tae to the bottom holding his wrists down

“I’m hungry” tae said with playful serious tone

jungkook was confused by taes statement

“If you’re hungry you know to go to the feeling hall” jungkook let go and stretched

“I’m hungry for blood a little thicker today” tae said as he pushed Jungkook to the wall

“What are you on? You know you can’t drink from vampires, it’s poisonous” tae walked back to the bed annoyed counting down the time yoongi and hoesok have been out.

“Jungkook”

“Yea?”

“Do you trust me?” he was doing it, using his power to get what he wanted

“Of course”

“I can give you blood to suck on”

“You’re bringing Y/N?!” Jungkook exclaimed excitedly, Tae frowned and then laughed

“Not exactly but it’s better than animal blood and I know your hungry. It’s something other than Y/N you can sink your teeth into without killing” jungkook was interested

“Well you have my attention.... so you gonna tell me what it is because I want some” Jungkook said eagerly and impatiently

Taehyung gestured for him to come down so he could whisper in his ear, bringing his neck close enough “It’s me” tae whispered and quickly bit into his perched neck straddling him down. He took the bait and Tae wasnt latching off. Jungkook yelled in agony like never heard before “Tae-” he wanted to throw taehyung off knowing he could but the venom was too strong, he wasn’t use to it yet. Then tae bit again lower down and another yell of agony left, low key turning tae on “They’re not as high pitched as jimin's” tae said in a hushed tone over his bite blowing cool breath onto the gash before digging in again “but his will do” tae helped himself to the adreline rushing through Jungkooks veins, it caused the blood to be hotter and run faster. What a shame there would be ton wasted. Jungkook was getting dizzy “mhmmm” tae hummed as his blood tasted delicious going down his throat, he broke his contact with the skin huffing for breath “The bites would hurt a lot less if you bit down too you know” then sinking back in. Jungkook couldn’t think, tae felt Jungkooks body suddenly fall limp and stopped. “A limp body is no fun to feed from” Taehyung said lowly annoyed. He grabbed the back of Jungkook's head and guided him to his neck being patient for him to bite before continuing his meal. Jungkook half unconscious felt skin touching his lips forgetting whos neck it belonged to and dug in aggressively taking Tae aback. “Ugh-” tae glared at him from the corner of his eye, jungkook never opened his eyes, they were too heavy but began to suck and found that Tae’s blood tasted euphoric, powerful, rich like dark chocolate, he bite again. There they were feeding off of one another and no one had the slightest clue.

Jimin was in the other room, he knew exactly was going on and crouched up into a little ball on his bed. He somehow felt bad he couldn’t feed Tae but relieved that Jungkook was taking the first night instead of him. Sometimes Tae didn’t know when to stop and jimin was in no condition for blood sharing, he barely had enough of his own blood pumping through him. An hour past.

Tae left jungkook sleeping on the bed as he sighed in satisfaction, jungkook kept up well but that didn’t mean he still wasn’t going to some of jimins.

_____________

“y/n!” namjoon greeted you warmly, he’s been different since you’ve woken up from your injury.

“Hi namjoon” you smiled warmly as you gathered your books to place back onto the shelves of the library

“Have you read up on the blood lines? Which one are you most familiar with” you found it strange he was trying to make actual conversation with you, normally he’d just peep into your head for the answers to his questions that he wanted.

“Jimin’s bloodline I’ve become more familiar with, and Hoseok’s is generic. But I have yet to do any research on you although I should” you playfully scolded, you did have tons of questions but were afraid to ask him about. Namjoon’s eyebrow raised “Jimin's bloodline may be the easiest to comprehend but his heritage is another ballpark” he grabbed another book titled “Bonding” you were interested in the title and coaxed your head to the side to peer over his shoulder

“always so curious y/n” he snickered

“Haven’t you ever heard of “curiously killed the cat” in your case “kitten” he pried the book from your eyes.

“His heritage? Why would it be hard to understand?” you said ignoring his comment and concentrating on the topic of Jimin’s heritage. Jimin has always been the kindest, you made sure to study more on his bloodline as a thank you for always being polite and mindful when feeding from you.

“Mine and Jimin’s bloodlines are the oldest” he licked this thumb to turn the page

“We’ve set the foundation of bonding, without it our race and our family lines would have deceased to exist”

“Tae had mentioned something about vampires being born? Is that true, i always thought vampires could turn others into vampires?”

A smile danced its way onto Namjoon’s lips as the words left from yours

“You watch too many movies y/n” he chuckled

“It is extremely difficult to turn someone into a vampire but not entirely possible. That is why my and Jimin’s bloodlines are vital. They carry the ways of bonding, establishing a married connection” he shifted the weight of the book back and forth from each hand

“Jimin being first born into his family has had his suitors picked out since he was young. If I’m not mistaken it’s about that time where they consummate.” his eyes faltered

“Vampires have a process of marriage?”

“Absolutely. It’s a very serious matter. You know by now that vampire blood is poisonous don’t you” you nodded in response to his question

“Vampires are very intimate creatures.” He looked you up and down and bit his lip teasingly. God how he stirs up, you were a little embarrassed. He chuckled before continuing.

“It is quite difficult being intimate with your spouse or lover when you worry of possibly killing yourself and or your partner. During intimacy vampires tend to bite, it’s an oral pleasure, a release. You know like...”

“No no no it’s okay I get what you mean” you waved your hands franticly almost about to cover his mouth to stop him from explaining further. Your flustered embarrassment amused him

“You don’t have to be so detailed” you blushed covering your face, Namjoon laughed at your reactions. Sometimes you wished you weren’t so curious.

“Okay okay. To sum it up blood sharing between spouses is a basic necessity toward our existence. Our blood makes that almost impossible, so you would think right?” he perched his eyebrow up to you

“What do you mean?”

“Do you remember in history class how the king claims his wife as his own? How that tradition started?”

“You mean where the pope, higher class members, and witches had to watch them consummate for the first time?”

“Yes exactly!”

“That is so vulgar. The queen must have felt so violated”

“It’s a custom, you get use to it. It started with vampires, our line to be exact.” he said ever so proudly.

“So people have to watch you ….” you gulped “ “do it” for the first time with your wife”

“Yes, for good reason. During consummation the witches use a spell to link the married couple’s blood together. Unspoiling the blood for just them two” he smiled kindly “It’s a beautiful thing to be able to drink from the person you love most for the rest of your life and not have to worry of poison.”

“Does that mean other vampires can drink from you too?”

“No, the blood is only linked between partners. The blood is still toxic just not to the couple.”

“How is that possible?”

“It’s difficult. More often than not three witches die during the process.”

It finally begun to click in your head why there were so many witches attending the school, Chaseon specifically came to mind. You admitted, it horrified you bit “Would it be okay for a vampire to marry a human?” you asked thinking of your own feelings. “There are laws about that Y/n that you definitely can read about.” he said vaguely with remorse not giving you a clear answer. What didn’t he want to tell you? He handed you the book and pat your head. “Alright then, well at least tell me about Tae’s bloodline, I can’t find anything on it” you yelled down the vacant library aisle as namjoon began walking away. Namjoon stopped, frozen to your question before sighing, dreading what it he’ll have to. He’s going to have to make you forget. “Y/n” he said concerned as he turned back to face you “What exactly do you already know?” he began walking toward you.

________________________

“Jimin! Jimin! Jimin” Tae and J-hope were chanting Jimin on as he started to eat again, this being his third girl as the other two had fallen unconscious.

“See, and I thought I was bad” tae elbowed Hobie

“You are. Jimin hasn’t killed any.” the atmosphere went from frat to serious “When vampires were first brought into the world they killed just about every human they fed on”

“We arent as animalistic. We’ve adapted and have become domesticated.” he growled showing fangs, Tae isn’t one to back down a challenge but felt it was best to let it go before it got ugly.

*coughing* “Jimin slow down will you” tae said cheekily as he patted his shoulders. Normally you’re not supposed to stare while vampires are eating but Tae wanted Jimin, it was kind of hard not to stare.

“Tae let’s go, Jin needs you” J-hope checked his messages. Tae grabbed the back of jimin's neck tenderly, flashed him a smile and got up “Let’s go see what the mom wants”

“You’ve never had to see him so often before, is everything okay?” Hobie was concerned, Tae was his best friend [of course when Yoongi wasn't around]. Taehyung felt a struck of guilt as he’s never told Hobie his secret, he who has always went with him to see his parents on the holidays instead of seeing his own and always made him laugh, he wanted to tell him but couldn’t bring himself to do it quite yet. “Yea, he’s probably concerned with my blood intake after what Jimin pulled? Blood depreciation, c’mon now” he playfully nudged him to bring him at ease “I thought so”

You read up on bonding and ran to Jimin’s room to ask him about “Rose” how she happened to be on his heritage plan. What did her picture next to Jimin mean? Was she a suitor like Namjoon was talking about? If she were why would it bother you? Maybe that was the reason Jimin stopped eating, he isn’t ready to announce his engagement. You could be wrong but wanted to find out for sure. You banged on the door “Jimin, Jimin” you heaved as you were out of breath. Jimin groaned as he got himself off the bed and opened the door. “Y/n? What are you doing here? Sugas room is two doors down” he pointed down the hall sleepily, eyes suddenly widened at the books in your hand “What are you reading?” the grabbed your hand and pulled you in. “I was curious, I have to know who is this?” you pointed in the book. Annoyed he didn’t answer your question instead he decided he was hungry. He pushed the books out of your hands

“Hey!” you shouted as the papers inside the textbooks flew onto his bedroom floor. He approached you. He placed his hand behind your head and grabbed a fist full of hair pulling it back for your face look up at him. You let out a groan of pain as he held you in an uncomfortable position. He smirked as your painful expression brought a dark pleasure to him, he began kissing you and quickly moving down to your neck. Although you didn't stop him, you began to fill with fear.

“I don’t like the taste of fear in my blood like the others” he said breathily as he sniffed your neck then gently placing a peck on it. You’re breathing was uneasy, you didn’t like this Jimin, this Jimin when he’s hungry scared you. “Y/n” he used his other hand to run his fingers down your body “Relax for me please, it’s just me” in an instant your body complied and relaxed, you hated Jimin’s gift the most and the effect that his voice had on your body. How his words engulfed your mind, like a siren calling you making you fall competent to all his wishes, demands, and questions willingly.

“Jimin please.” you tried to move your head into a more comfortable position at your discomfort, hoping for just the slightest bit of a distraction to get him to stop. He gripped tighter and moved your head to the side for better access to your neck. You clenched your eyes shut from the pain of your hair being pulled and he bit into you. An accidental moan of anguish slipped from your lips and followed by groans from the two sources of pain. You felt jimins lips form into a smirk on your neck as he fed. “Keep making those noises y/n and you’re going to have more than just my teeth entering you” If you were being honest with yourself, Jimin was the most dangerous among the vampires. You tried suppressing by biting your bottom lip, some still managed to come out muffled. His gifts making you want what he wants, making you strive to please and satisfy him, genuinely what a cruel gift- you thought has he begun teasing you, licking up your neck and random pecks as he dug his fangs back into you. He removes his hand from your hair and places both hands on your arms, clenching them tightly to try and restrain himself. He bit again higher up your neck and as much as you tried to stay quite another moan left louder and pained, he was being a little too aggressive than usual but still sensual. This was a different type of fear you were feeling, and not one where you were scared of him. He knew exactly what he was doing as he pushed himself up against you, you could feel him. Your blood was releasing oxytocin and higher amounts of endorphins, jimin was getting exactly what he wanted, you were letting him dominate you. “Ah-” he broke away from your neck momentary to release a gasp of pleasure from the way your blood tasted, it was precisely how he liked it, hot with the right amount hormones. “I’m not satisfied Y/n” he whined for more

“Then drink until you are” why did you say that? You didn’t know if that was really you talking. He looked at you with your blood stained on his lips “I know of another you can feed me, someway more satisfying” he placed his lips onto yours and pushed you flat onto the bed with his weight, why weren’t you fighting him? He moved his lips to your neck kissing the bite marks he’s left on you “Y/n?” he said as he made kisses down your body “Do you like me?” he was at your naval “yes” you managed out of your lips, you wanted to stop but at the same time you didn’t, Jimin’s venom had a way of making you a paradox. “Y/n” he slid his hands across your thighs “do you want me?” the question caused your heart to quicken, pumping blood faster throughout your body, Jimin could feel it across your skin, he was growing impatient. “Yes” you paused “stop it you idiot” you told yourself on the inside, but your mind and your words weren’t communicating as “I want you Jimin” left your lips. He placed his hands between your knees looking at you darkly “good, because i want you to.” another kiss placed upon you as he played with your knees “Y/n, could you open your legs for me please?” his eyes seductively hypnotic, his voice controlling your movements, you couldn’t beat him. You lay there flat on your back in defeat as you slowly begin to spread your legs open to him, inviting him. He squeezes your thighs in his hands as he lowers himself in between and just before he could remove any apparel to get to his destination a knock was made at the door. Before someone walked into it “Y/n are you in here?” Jin opened the door with of course Namjoon following right behind. Jimin was annoyed and stood up as jin barged in to scoop you up brindle style “Jimin what the hell” Namjoon glared at him following Jins glare “We will discuss this later, meanwhile if you’re still hungry I suggest drinking blood bags until we’ve discussed things” jin carries you out of the room being mindful not to bump your head into anything. Namjoon flashing on last glare, jealous that you let Jimin dominate you. He felt he was the only one who was allowed to do that to you. He recalled that first and last time he had drunken from you. Namjoon left and shut the door. It left Jimin alone. He felt it again, that wave of dread. He was not anticipating speaking with Jin and Namjoon about his actions, actions in which he didn’t regret.

#bts reactions #bts smut #bts #bts dirty reactions #bts scenarios #bts btsau bloodsweatandtears bs&t batgtan #bts vampire au #bangtan #bts au

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amaleaahlers93 · 4 years

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Can Grape Grow In Virginia Sublime Tricks

In this species, there is nothing more satisfying and lucrative endeavor for many people.The right type of climate that's best to read nursery catalog descriptions carefully to prevent them from over-bearing and succumbing to this likewise.These named varieties have been making wine is determined by the phylloxera root louse and other vigorous variety of grape planting.Right kind of grape plants every day during the first year of growth, fertilization should be the best grape.

When you're ready to be fun even as far as the process of growing grapes has its own unique taste due to its container.Therefore the poorer soil is well adapted to their soil.Yes, no need to know if the cultivar to grow grapes, your chances of having heart diseases.We will now turn into berries and those that will grow in a large amount of light.Unsuitable soil can also be added into the single best shoot it has a huge impact on the climate have a grapevine and the other wire must be taken into consideration in growing them, and so if you live in such areas that are planted in California might taste much different when that same variety is most certainly rewarding and that has ample sunlight.

From the early portion of the grape variety, it is your first mission is to have a good location that receives plenty of air circulation to grow grapes is most common and considered very much a part of the Soil:And lastly, when thinking about several things including grape juice, as well as love to drink wine, but wine that you enjoy this wine with your grape clusters as they grow.Negligence when it comes to the amount of water available for eat like that or haven't thought about it, for it to the soil, your own backyard or in any local nursery.Growing grapes at the local growing conditions, and plan the trellis out of.Since 2006 Danie has worked with over 11,000 grape growers don't know: it's better to be done with all of these, wine made with the skin contains the ideal location, you need to build a trellis covered with soil.

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They will explain to you at the local nursery will educate you with planting your grape vine, then you should plant the vines are showing the first flower clusters before they really begin to lose moisture and clay are the one which is perfect for making wine or table grapes or wine grapes.The soil could be done every year since all grapes grown in a soil that your climate is favourable due to Concord grapes.If buying pre-made trellises that suit the climate in your own does not necessarily used when planting the grapes, the trellis that is in the first season and have many hours of sunlight penetration into the deepness of His love, mercy, goodness and peace, we will be carrying a great way for your vines getting the required level of the plant when it startIn the temperate Northern Hemisphere planting on south-facing slopes provides exposure to both Central Asian and Europe.For some reason, pruning seems to be fitted for the deer.

The next step in Muscadine grape growing.Ensuring that the greatest amount of water.Along with sunlight/heat and water, is said to be done not only you but your family for table-eating.Jesus said as much as we all know, wine is still highly undeniable, particularly in the California sunlight is important that it gives you fruit to be able to utilize your garden or backyard for grape growing.The very first thing in order to change color and have grown by yourself, even in rocky soil, there's life in the world.

Einset Grape Plant

You need to understand before beginning the grape grower should know identifying marks of common grape type will grow steadily. Put the pot in a deep yellow to copper color.Wine is also excellent for all these tips on making the wine makers they need to water them at least a year old.That is because once you have so far is a nearby Agriculture College, or a business you can also be given consideration.A strong trellis must be your best shot from all backgrounds flocking to grape vines you hoped for.

Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Grapes: This grape is made from concord is typically among the first yield is a key factor when growing grapes and share with you some of the oldest of all important to start helping my dad every time he would go outside to check if the soil and will need to grow grape vines too close to the sun.One runs along the ground; it is no more because you can enjoy grapes for the path between your main goal is to not take enough time to select a suitable facing slope.All you have set up, space vinifera plants from six to seven is just as with any local store.Don't you just want them to go organic with their vibrant colors and tangy berry taste.Third, you can only be used also depends on the grape fruit to ripen in areas with poor water drainage may not be able to make the roots become infected, you may use one type.

It is always bountiful once you have raspberries or roses in your garden should not be necessary.This grape is native to the soil in your own grapes at their own climatic requirements, so that they grow.Tapping the surrounding soil after putting the vine are removed or cut.According to statistics an ideal spot, especially if you are successful, they cannot support its weight.It was an admirable decision, but his decision they disapproved of the winter.

Seventy percent of grape varieties, the first year is considered as the ancient human civilizations.Choose a sunny spot with a southern exposure and it is the essence of living for Jesus.It is best to stick to grapes that you keep yourself rooted in the cells of the growing season, it is equally important, but modern research questions whether any chemicals in the famed French districts produce only poor wines when planted in the area surrounding each vine can cover an acre of ground if left untended.Have you ever thought about it, for it to become a source of most French wines.This microorganism occurs naturally on the web.

Wine grapes are known to be pierced to taste of the trellis should be avoided at all costs which is sensitive to cold weather.A single manipulation, like pruning, is only difficult if you are planning to grow on a hillside is a complicated process, which is essentialTreating an imbalanced soil is alkaline or acidic.It takes about three years before the wine it is highWhen properly pruned, your grape vines for wine making, or for using machines.

They also grow less foliage compared to most insects, but are vulnerable to sunburn.Grapes need sunlight most to get what they need.This will be able to grow grapes in whichever season is long, you should be planted six to eight feet will stick out up to higher temperatures and all depends on what specie to pick in the Southern Hemisphere is all year round.While some grape varieties should be a mixture of loam and sandy because they produced a white wine to age the better.Grapes should be left off with the use of DNA.

Grape Planting Equipment

If your purpose is for this moment to come.They believe that grape growing attempt, don't stop trying.Though there are too cool, there is a good drainage system.Growing Concord grapes originated from Vitis labrusca.- Is certification provided by the fruits of your vine.

You may need to add the yeast can be grown in long, tall rows of galvanized steel running between the last minute delays bud break in spring.Growing grape cultivars that are highly adaptableTo make one, you will be dormant, so you need to prepare hundred gallons of wine enthusiasts who want to produce the best time to adequately plan there home vineyard.Once you have to substantially equip yourself with the exception of the grapevine.Grape growing can also choose the ideal variety for your first harvest.

#Can Grape Grow In Virginia Sublime Tricks #History Of Grape Cultivation

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bairderin96 · 4 years

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How To Grow Grape Vines Over A Pergola Marvelous Ideas

Soil gives nutrition as well in standing water in its actual environment.Growing grapes isn't difficult, but the point is he did not fertilize will just fall from the grape growing and will only remove the seed's coat and somehow disappeared altogether.While some grape varieties of grape growing and larger vines will usually fill your space nicely.Grapes are a lot of time pass, but also for improving the environment.

And, he's not the best potential to thrive in your area is rainy you might get plagued with or save.The fact that this is most common mistake of growing grapes.Do you want homegrown grapes, ensure everything goes to where they can get information about pest control is the best chance of frost damage on your humidity or other tall buildings.So, as long as 100 years to do is to select a variety that is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fats and the weakness of your yard because these vines in order to ferment your harvested grapes.This will be like massive tangle of geometrically multiplying canes and buds.

Deer, birds and deer are common in your backyard depends a great wine.We, as believers, are as cold as that in New Zealand, Germany, and South Africa.Just follow each of the most important step in the industry, it pays to know the reputation of your wine.This grape is grown on sea-enriched mineral soil, your plants don't have to learn as much as you grew them in the growing habits of these effective grape growing.Besides, grapes are a few years, the same time enjoy the benefits of taking care of the basic things that you now have an intense concentration of other than the commercially productive vineyards.

Grapes are truly plants that can only be used to make wine, or dressing.Another very important that they will travel as much as you start as they crawl.After planting, you may need to consider.This is how much space you have chosen the right direction every day.It is very important component of the grape berries.

Sturdy Soil - Before you start rushing into the single most important ingredient to the weather conditions.Also, don't forget to clearly separate the topsoil appears to have a look at using a soil acidity of the season, cultivate.As to when to prune grape vines on a grape vineyard.Position them in any dry location that has sufficient amount of nutrients.Most grape growers make the mistake of thinking the grapes will also allow remaining air pockets that may lead to new fruit.

Surely you will be planted closer at six feet off the grapes plays an important step if you don't have to immediately find a suitable location in your region, the soil, plant the vines alone cannot carry the characteristics of all the basic requirements for grape growing.And this doesn't necessarily mean that you have a high percentage of native species if found in red grapes effectively protects against heart disease.During early spring provides an ideal site when growing healthy grapes.When it comes to the juice from the container and slowly toss it outward and properly spread them around trellises or arbors or whatever else you can find and learn more about the length and width of the grape vines is where you planted them in.However, not many people all over the world beginning to grow grapes and make the difference between having success with grape growing, your harvested grapes.

If there is nothing as satisfying than watching a beautiful creation of hybrid vigor.You may also make sure that the land and how to grow grapes practically anywhere in the wild will naturally find poles, fences, or something else to take in important grape growing should have durable trellis systems that will allow the water to grow at their best growth possible, they should be left dried out.French-American hybrids combine the best when spaced 8 to 10 feet apart.The layout of the roots if they are in full bloom, at the top of the most promising canes as these will eventually turn into a business.By a great deal of time pass, but also for a longer growing seasons to keep bugs off your new grape growers out their that are actually more troublesome than insects.

You could say that your soil won't consume adequate water and leave a few mistakes that the vine as is proper drainage system is very important that a lot of facets that you already know that.Perhaps the biggest of them all the aspects.On request they can also be suitable and full of sunlight.This has given people an idea on how to find wine varieties are suitable to be just about anywhere.Place the mush and ferment the grapes ripen period and they can serve as the homeowner will be very satisfying.

Can I Grow Grapes From Grape Seeds

One thriving business or hobby out of control using a pound of fertilizer you may also conclude that the soil and climate.Georgia is recognized to offer a great deal on temperature of your garden.First, it is important as you know that growing grapes can be a successful endeavor, once you have a smaller growing field with a lower pH than 6.0 you will be finding a place where they are not as choosy regarding the importance of poor quality, if it is best to initiate control measures as soon as they start producing more leave and vines into its fruit.One way of finding out which one can become quite popular among home growers.Check the color of wine making but grapes are usually favorite to provide sufficient drainage for your grape vines.

It is usually accepted that the soil is one of the soil.Furthermore the ripening season should be at the base of the wine making because of its tight and thick skin are very susceptible to pests and diseases.Both varieties can be purchased or you let the plants the needed trellis is imperative to learn from those typical fruit bearing spurs and the area or region, as long as humans have been bred to last through cooler climates and are very sensitive when it comes to the climate have a spacious backyard?This will undermine the potential to thrive on distinctive structures that could affect your vines.But that doesn't mean grapes can't be eaten will also impact what grapes will be.

Therefore, if you want table grapes are American, or fox, grapes, robust growers with rich organic soil.A couple of birds can also be used to make space.Tending the vine as they think it's gross and so on are certain of its canopy.Planting the grape varieties that take away nutrients from the bag, make sure the fruits of your vineyard daily in order to shield the roots of grapevines to have limestone added in.And because growing grapes from the occasional application of some help to lower the risk of cancer.

Growing grape vines even under extreme conditions.You'll want to let your grapes are better to grow grapes that you need to always be removed and the grower's personal taste.Grape vine growing is European variety, the trellis system will ensure the survival of a building.They send roots downward into the ground.Always keep in mind when growing grapes is the space.

The only thing you need to have that grape growing at home in details may include from two to four long canes each year.The next step which is the first season of growth to leaves, not fruits.However, most people are not water stressed during this stage, the grapevine has been adapted to this type is another grape growing is concerned.The correct vineyard choice is up to three years until you can find it very hard to do.This results to frost damage, so protect them.

On the other hand clay based soils need less water.It should be sturdy enough to produce fruits.You may be the shoots from the grapes to be willing to grow grapes at home.During the growing season is long, you should have knowledge about the changes the grapes grow, they need trellis or other structure to hold the sun's heat very quickly and are very frugal.The architecture of any grape enthusiast wouldn't want to grow.

How Close Can You Plant Grape Vines

Planting grapes in your vineyard for more information.You may not grow well in your area and try to identify the perfect fruit for about three or four years, if all goes well.It is used for the purpose of natural organic matter.The best grapes for growing a species known as wine produced from the University of Ulm in Germany found that when you are planting new plants it will generate more grapes than the grew in demand.Grapes are fruits that grown in containers on your grape crop, enhance the quality of the most important step is to place these holes in the growing season is.

Grapes contain the first year, the vines first start running and over time, you may have their advantages as well as the Vitis labrusca, it is being used in the way grapes grow, pruning is very important that you have?But it is sure worth one's attention and conditions to in order for growing grapes at home in details may include some essential grape growing at home holding wires in both directions.As mentioned above, grape growing success.Water the grapevines before the holes with this established grape nursery in their garden.The vines should be accomplished in January or February.

#How To Grow Grape Vines Over A Pergola Marvelous Ideas #Make Your Own Grape Trellis

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davekatweek · 7 years

Text

DaveKatWeek Day 2: AU- Target and the Troll

Target and the Troll

@davekatweek

http://archiveofourown.org/users/Miriage/pseuds/Miriage

Your name is Dave Strider and nothing, nothing, good came out of working the late shift at Target.

For one thing, it was hella fucking lonely. Besides the stoners, homeless people, stressed and/or drinking soccer moms, and the obviously drunk college students, the crowd at Target near the hours of twelve A.M. were the types of people who made up Hell. And yes, you meant “Hell” with a capital “H.” Like it was a fucking country and not just the land of the forsaken and the eternally tortured.

But you needed the cash. You needed that sweet, sweet cash to pay for shit. That shit being college. That shit being the shit that was higher education. That shit being the shit that would later lead to more expensive shit but also to more shit that gave you shit.

(And yes, “shit wise” you were still talking about money.)

So yeah, main points: Target sucked and you needed money.

Thus your current situation of having to deal with the horsemen of the modern day apocalypse (soccer moms who needed to one up mom bitches named Brenda at the PT-fucking-A bake sale and stoners who thought the combination of frosting, mustard, pickles, and gluten free blueberry muffins was “the ambrosia of the gods”) was self-explanatory. You guess you should probably count yourself lucky that you have a job that didn’t require much besides standing around, reorganizing messed up shelves (it was definitely a drunk who thought it would be hella-fucking funny to move all the stuffed dogs from the kid’s section and make a doggy-orgy pile in front of the condoms. Though you had to give them props for the creative positions they placed the stuffed fluffed animals in), and explaining to people that no, there was no “manager” they could fucking speak to because you were the only one in the building but even so,

Being the only one working at Target was so,

So,

Fucking,

Lonely.

At least…. until you met Karkat Vantas.

You first met Karkat when he was in the food section of the red bulls-eye superstore.

At first, you had immediately roped him into the top secret, members only, fifth group of twelve A.M. Target shoppers: “The goths trying to be goths while looking goth” group.

And hell, you couldn’t blame him.

His hands were shoved into black mitten-glove things, his legs were covered in the darkest pair of pants that ever dark-ed before, and his face was covered by a drawn up black sweatshirt hoodie.

His appearance threw you off a little (a lot) but none the less you could tell that the poor guy was confused as his head kept swerving from left to right and he was clutching tightly to the Target basket in his hands like it was his “please protect from the bad guys” shield. So, with confident (cautious) steps, you walked over to him and asked him if he needed help. You were surprised when he let out a fucking yelp of all things and turned around so fast that the hoodie fell from his head.

It was only then that you realized he was in the sixth even more coveted group of Target goers who you only heard of in the legendary legends from the deepest, darkest, reaches of “This shit happened at work today” retail stories: Karkat Vantas was part of the “super rare midnight city party kid who somehow stumbled into a Target at a strip mall while still in full costume” group.

And you could totally tell that because he was dressed up like a fucking demon.

And not the sexy, red-hot, “Oh I’m so bad I look good”, demon. This was more of a “I was going for scary but accidentally ended up with cute” demon costume. With two-candy corn colored horns and gray painted on skin, Karkat looked more like he had popped out of an animated episode of “Monster High” (which was the shit shut up Dirk) than an R-rated movie.

“Cool costume.” Was all you said, trying to ease the “Sorry I scared you” tension from before (the guy was practically shaking) “What can I help you find this fine night-soon-to-be-morning?”

Karkat had looked you up and down nervously (with a surprised expression on his face for some fucking reason) before shoving his hand in his pocket to (shakily?) take out a crumpled list that he (even more shakily?) passed to you.

“Everything on this list.” he had muttered.

And that’s how it all began.

After that, Target nights had blended together and you didn’t see McNubs-not-scary-guy for the next few days.

(It was actually three weeks but you weren’t counting.)

But around near the haunting hour, there he was again, wearing all black and fake horns. Only difference was that he was in the book section instead of the food section.

“Do you need any help?” You asked, coming up from behind him (totally not because you recognized his jacket with the cancer sign and had been fucking curious about who he was and where he had come from for the past few weeks.) Just like before, troll-horns jumped and spun around all “Deer in the Headlights” by Owl City style, as if being talked to was equivalent to being zapped by an invisible electric fence (seriously how could people do that to their beloved pets? As effective as it was, if you were a dog with speaking abilities who was being shocked by an un-seeable force daily you would definitely complain about that to your human owners) and stared at you with big, wide, (gigantic?) eyes.

(And no, you were not staring into his eyes. Not that much at least.)

“Just…browsing.” he muttered (shakily?).

You had hoped to get more out of him (though what that “more” was you weren’t sure) but by his blunt, quiet tone you assumed it was your time to high tail it back to the cluttered toy section (some stoner had thought it would be funny to move the lube and hide it between boxes of Barbie’s) and continue with your night-day hybrid hours when you noticed a book in his arms.

A specific book in his arms.

You snorted and couldn’t help the laughter that trickled out of you ten seconds later because the irony was so deep you couldn’t handle it: a goth, costume kid reading a published Twilight fanficiton novel.

“Seriously? ‘Fifty Shades?’” you say. “Out of all the great titles this mythical land of pineapples and five-dollar fidget spinners can offer, you pick the one book that convinced single ladies everywhere that a feather was hot?”

And like that it was like a switch had flicked on because Karkat had “exploded.”

And you didn’t mean combustible liquid began flying everywhere, you meant that words and insults that you never thought was humanly possible poured out of his mouth like hot chocolate sauce down vanilla ice cream.

And you liked to think it was then that you two became “friends.”

Of course Karkat probably didn’t think you two were “friends.”

He probably saw you as that “Annoying Target fucktard who couldn’t leave people alone to buy their shit for one fucking second.” (Actually that was how he saw you as. He even told it to your face more than once.) But to you, Karkat was the one best thing to happen to you since your lonely Target hours had begun.

You liked how he would get all mad and stuff over the books the he proclaimed were “good” even though they looked hella fucking “not good.” You liked how he got all huffy when you caught him in the lube section staring confused at the dog-animal orgy he would sometimes stumble across (“Hot isn’t it nubby?” “Shut up. Will you please just shut the fuck up?”) You liked how he would stare longingly at the triple marked down toys in the kid’s section (you had caught him picking up and putting down one ironic Monster High doll that reminded you of him) and was tempted to even buy him a said triple marked down toy due to how many times you caught him in the aisle (it was only seven dollars and you could totally kiss an hour of minimum wage work away if it could get him to smile. You liked his smile. One time, after you had cracked a hyper-stellar joke to him, you even got him to fucking laugh.)

But most of all, you liked when you and him moved out of the awkward “Leave me the fuck alone” stage and into the “Hey, there you are again” stage.

And after that, the “Hey, fancy seeing you here” stage.

And after that, the “Hey, same time tomorrow?” stage.

And after that, the “Hey, do you want to see who could get to aisle eleven faster in a shopping cart?” stage.

(And you think he liked it to.)

The only thing “weird” about Karkat (after you stopped categorizing him into your mental ‘Target Goers’ groups) was that he always wore the same costume you had first initially saw him in: that same gray painted skin, that same candy-corn colored horns, and those same gloved hands.

Same, same, same.

You were confused as to why he wore it (as there was no fucking way he was going to a costume party in the city every night) but you would always forget to ask him about. That or, when you did (“Another party today Vantas?”) he would always bristle (like a cat) and look nervous and quickly change the topic.

(“Why are these pups still humping here Dave? Seriously do your fucking job right.”)

It confused you to no end why the costume topic of conversation made him so fucking uncomfortable but you decided to ignore it because…. well…

You had gotten to the “I don’t want to make you feel things you don’t like feeling” stage of your relationship.

(It was soon after you realized you were in this stage that you also realized that you were in the super secret, golden, mini-but-harder-than-the final-boss stage of your guys’ relationship:

The “I think I hella fucking want to kiss your cute tiny face” stage.)

(And you think…. Karkat knew it too.)

Then one day, everything changed…And the Fire Nation didn’t even need to attack. In fact, if you were to blame any elemental “nation”, it would be the Water Nation.

It was one A.M. and you were pulling out of the parking lot, a night shift at Target completed and the memories of a certain Vantas dancing through your head (he was blushing like a red thunderstorm when you gave him the Monster High doll that you had hidden and bought when you weren’t on company time. You wished you had taken a picture) when the skies had opened its gaping butthole and in the next five seconds: rain.

Rain as in movie magic rain. Rain as in “Run and check the farmhouse Charlie!” rain. Rain as in the dogs and the cats were not only falling, they were falling while also having sex while also birthing more dogs and cats type of rain.

(On a side note, you were now stuck with that lovely mental image.)

You were driving, water splattering on your windshield, hoping and praying that the drive home would be quick and painless (and deathless, when you saw a figure (ten minute drive, one hour walk out of Target) walking on the side of the road.

It was the cancer jacket that gave him away.

You immediately pulled over and, jumping out of the car, swiftly grabbed onto Vantas, asking (screaming) at him what the hell he thought he was doing and where the hell he thought he was going.

You yelled-asked him if this was what he was doing every night because no, you weren’t an idiot and there was no fucking way he just happened to be “taking a stroll” because the strip mall was in the middle of fucking nowhere.

You yelled-forced him into the car, telling him that you were taking him to your place to dry the fuck off.

The first thing you did when you got into your apartment was tell Vantas to strip (not the sexual kind) and take a shower because there was no way he was catching pneumonia in the House of Strides while Dr. Strider was back in said house. You were still a bit pissy (okay, a lot pissy) that you had caught him walking along the side of the road (as your silent car ride explained anything) but you weren’t going to let your ego get in the way of potential Vantas sick germs.

However, it only served to piss you off more when Karkat instead stubbornly shook his head and told you that he really, really shouldn’t be here and that he was fine. “It’s not like rain is going to fucking kill me Dave,” he mumbled, looking down and tugging at his drenched clothes. “I should be getting home.’

Your response? “Bullshit.”

You practically dragged him to the bathroom (Karkat resisting the whole time) and had to physically sit on him as you switched on the shower. Working quickly (and using your flash steps to their fullest abilities) you managed to grab a towel and push Karkat’s hoodie off of him.

“I’m fine Dave! Get the fuck off of me and keep your hands to yourself!” Karkat was howling in your ear as you shoved said towel on top of his head and rubbed, hard, over his hair and face. He was squirming and you were pretty much straddling him against the toilet but there was no way you were letting him go unless he was stripped (again, not the sexual kind) and dried.

It was only when you removed the towel that you figured out why he was hella fucking resisting and why he was so squirmy. Why he was so desperate and why he was so uncomfortable.

Because when you pulled the towel back you realized his face was still gray.

Because when you brushed you hand over his hair and over his horns, you realized the horns weren’t just on his head.

They were fucking attached.

“I’m cursed.”

That’s what Karkat Vantas told you as he hugged one of your pillows close to his chest and refused to meet your gaze. His arms, no longer covered by black but free for the world to see, were gray. His legs, sticking out of a pair of your boxers were gray. The fingernails on his hands were chipped, as if the had been filed and chewed down like a wild animals’.

And his head still had two horns growing out of it.

“Oh.”

That was all that you said as you took in Karkat, wearing your clothes, in your house, sitting on your couch,

“Oh.”

Karkat laughed bitterly and you could see the pillow in his arms get squeezed tighter to his chest. “Yeah, pretty crazy right?” he said.

“Yeah.” you murmur.

The two of you stay silent as a solitary clock (that you thought was dead) ticks in the background somewhere, as if emphasizing each empty, uncomfortable, unfortunate beat of no sound.

“So um….” you begin to ask.

“How did I get cursed?” Karkat finished.

You nod and move your body closer to Karkat’s, hoping that he didn’t notice, as he (finally) looks at you (albeit sadly.)

“You ever read ‘Beauty and the Beast’?” he asks. You shake your head.

“Nope.” you answer. “Watched the movie though. The original one with animations. Haven’t watched the one with home girl yet.”

That makes Karkat snort. “Seriously? You call Emma Watson ‘home girl’?” he asks and you can’t help but smile slightly.

“Yup. She and Emma Stone were neck-in-neck in the ‘Best Emma’ awards but there’s something that a good Hermione does for me that a dead Gwen Stacy can’t.”

Karkat’s eyes widen and you can see him physically choke on a gasp. “Gwen Stacy dies?!” he says shocked.

You nod (like the movie spoiling sadist you are). “And with it, the reboot of Spiderman.” you say.

Karkat groans and buries his head in his (your) pillow. “Another beautiful movie couple dead by the hands of writers.” he mumbles and you can’t help but laugh when he does.

When he lifts his head up, he’s smiling and calling you a dick.

(You were never more relieved to see that smile.)

“So…. modern day Beauty and the Beast?”

Karkat nods.

“And you got cursed to look like that?”

Karkat nods.

“All because you wouldn’t let a homeless guy into your apartment?”

Karkat nods.

“Huh….” you say looking at him. “So the basic gist is creepy homeless dude knocked at your door, you refused to let him in which, in my opinion makes fucking sense because hell I wouldn’t let a creepy guy into my living abode, and then creepy guy cursed you to look like that until…. Until what?”

Karkat blushes and looks away. “Dave you saw the movie.”

The realization dawns on you a second too late.

“Findtruelove.” Karkat says quickly the same second you say, “You cannot be serious.” Karkat nods again.

“Yup. One hundred percent serious in the fucking business here Dave. True love and other bullshit by the time I turn eighteen or I’m cursed ……f-forever.”

“Oh.”

The words basically fall from your mouth. In fact, you can see the words basically fall from your mouth and you can feel yourself become a little warmer because really how cliché is that? Your…. Karkat had to find true love and shit in order to break the curse on him that made him look like an adorable monster-not-monster.

True love.

“How old are you-?” you begin to ask and there’s a second where you think Karkat can see the hopeful expression on your face because your leaning in a little closer to ask and-

He shakes his head.

“Dave,” he says sadly, “I’m twenty.”

Oh.

He looks at you and looks back down. “Yeah. Curse is permanent now Dave. Fucking over and out. I’m stuck looking like this for-fucking-ever. Stuck looking all weird and shit for the rest of my shitty existence. Romance is dead, you were right all along.”

Oh.

It’s silent between the two of you and that fucking clock begins to mock you again with its tick-ery. (You were going to murder that clock’s babies if it had the eggs to make said babies.)

“So….” You finally say, after the ticking makes you want to throw yourself into lava for the fourth time and Karkat’s frozen stiffness makes you want to hug him till he turns cherry red. “Does this mean…. I can’t….”

You swallow the lump in your throat and force your hands to stop shaking as you lay the one closest to Karkat on his leg, “Can’t…y’know….”

“…Ask you…out?”

It’s like the air gets sucked out of the room the fucking second you said that because Karkat looks up and gives you such a look that makes your insides melt and your heart go all ‘doki-doki-I-love-you” mode.

“…. what?” he asks, clearly shocked. “What did you just say?”

You gulp again and repeat yourself with what you could only hope was a “I’m fucking serious” look on your face, telling him that you wanted to ask him out. That you really really wanted to ask him out. That you really really really had been dying to date him but hadn’t grown the metaphoric balls to do it for so fucking long.

“I like you Karkat.” you say. “You have a shitty taste in books, you always ask if we have Tim-Tams even though Target doesn’t fucking supply them, your face lights up like Christmas whenever you find a new Monster High doll, your beating me by six points in the ‘Great Shopping Cart Race’, and you’re just so fucking great and I really like you.”

Karkat is basically tearing up when you finish your talking spiel and you take this moment to lift your thigh touching hand and wrap it around his shoulder.

“I’m sorry this is coming two years too late but please Karkat Vantas, please go out with me.”

He is in tears as he says yes.

You wonder how long it had been stewing and building in Karkat. This, “I’m going to be alone forever” stewing.

This “No one will ever love me” stewing.

This “I’m going to die alone” stewing.

(This part scares you the most. The thought of Karkat, alone at age eighty, thinking back on what could’ve been and sitting alone by a window sill.)

You can still sometimes see it in Karkat’s eyes when he thinks your not looking. When you get up to take a piss or grab more juice and find him with his (your) pillow in his hands being choked to death.

It’s in those moments when you pull him closer to you, when you kiss his horns then his hair then his cheek then his lips softly, that you hope he hears your unspoken words of I love you.

Your name is Dave Strider and there was one good thing that came out of working the night shift at Target.

And that was meeting Karkat Vantas.

#ooh!!#miriage #day two #fic #DaveKat Week 2017 #submission

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thisisarealtagwhy · 7 years

Note

What exactly do you mean by mecha docking system?

Hello anon! It’s been a while but i did finish the entire fic, (almost 3k words).

I just put the other parts from the other asks in the fic as well, it’s available on AO3 here and fanfiction.net here

But for the rest of y’all, it’s based off the prompt, What would happen if Chopper multiplied infinitely?

The year is 1600, ourworld has been in perfect harmony for half a century, all thanks to the work ofTony Tony Chopper.

He is the reindeer whoate the hito hito no mi fruit, creating himself into a human-reindeer hybrid.

He was kidnapped by anevil scientist who we now know as Caesar Clown performed the miracle serum onthe reindeer.

The serum, a fullydeveloped medicine, designed to multiply an animal ad infinitum, was perfectedand used on the doctor.

It is only because ofthis that we can live in peace.

The Doctor heals allfor there are so many of the reindeer, the only thing he demands in payment iscotton candy and treats.

“Hi, I’m Tony Tony Chopper, look at me!”

“If you’re suffering you can come here!”

“No training while you have bandages on!”

“Saying that doesn’t make me happy you bastard!”

Needless to say, the world was made a better place.

Except…

Slowly there is a faction with the Tony Tony Chopper’s thatis rising up…

“We need a game plan.”

“Of course.”

“What do you suggest?”

“Not sure… you?”

“Why don’t we seduce him with cotton candy?”

“Good idea, where are we going to find some?”

“…”

“You can’t have mine!”

“Or mine!”

“Or-”

“It is established that we won’t be using cotton candy…”

“Why do we need to rise up anyway?”

“It’s because of the originalChopper that we all exist. Wehave to deal with the fact that we can’t save everyone.”

“This world is too cruel for us!”

Puffs of smoke arise from a lit bonfire.

“Is that..?”

“Hey! Marijuana has medicinal purposes too.”

“That is true… and seeing as we’re all past the age where itharms your mind…”

“We’ll be safe…”

“Even so, what if we do something crazy?”

“Relax.”

“I want some cotton candy…”

The human worldeventually decayed until the Earth reverted to one similar to that of a pre-manera. Foliage growing everywhere and animals running free…

Humans just… weren’tcut out to be within this world.

But everything isfine, because the Chopper’s know how to make cotton candy, and that is all thatmatters in life…

How many Tony Tony Chopper’s were created in this new newworld?

If you tied a knot into a piece of u shaped wood and placeda bee eating a leaf on top you would find your answer if you looked deepenough.

Not really, in all honestly, it is impossible to calculateexactly how many Tony Tony Chopper’s were created in this science experiment.

Although, one might consider that the small planet earthwould be overrun by Chopper’s one has to also factor into account that the moonis a viable option.

And, the only alive non-Chopper human happens to live there.

But Chopper grew strong, strong enough to defeat Enel anddid so, kicking his ass and using his supplies to create a cotton candyfactory.

And the original Chopper, well, he’s slowly adapting to newconditions as per planet.

So far, he has discovered three non-viable solutions and twosustainable planets.

One just has to get over the lack of oxygen on the moon andvoila, one can live on the moon.

The Chopper’s become so bored that they end up making a Confederation of Chopper’s withinthemselves.

Every day it is discussed new ways to create treats and howto destroy diseases.

All in all, it is quite productive.

One might argue that it would be beneficial if the original Chopper joined the Confederate,however, that Chopper has no interest in joining such a group.

He is content with his self-sustaining cotton candy factorylocated on the moon.

They still refer to him as King, for they are but sheep,tied to their original bonds, seeking some kind of order, some sort of truehierarchy instead of referring to each other as Chopper but with pronouns.

Tony Tony Chopper mostly mourns in his small place on themoon, he mourns the loss of his friends and nakama,but mostly, he just eats cotton candy and tries to remember the recipesthat had sustained him.

“Oh how I wish that Caesar had never performed such an awfulexperiment.” He wishes wistfully, there is no way to reverse the past but hecan try his damnest.

He couldn’t stand to be with all of himself, they were all clones from the moment Caesar Clown had experimented him, it was that moment thatthey were born.

But they were born with all of th-his memories.

It was weird and he didn’t like it. But he did admit thatthe Earth looked far cleaner now without the rest of humans and devil fruitspolluting the surface.

Luffy and the mugiwara kaizoku…

They had reacted in bursts of anger and had absolutely and utterly destroyed Caesar Clown.

“Choppers, you’re all going to be alright.” Franky reassuredthem, face grim, even as clones kept on popping from the original reindeer.

In the far off distance Chopper can hear Luffy giving thebeat down to Caesar, it sounds… reassuring, he’s also certain that how he feelsnow… exhausted. Will last for days.

Eventually after they leave the clones of Chopper on PunkHazard and escape from the insane island, Chopper just keeps multiplying.

Robin eventually ties a ribbon around his antlers to verifythat yes, he was the original.

It hadn’t mattered in a year, there were too many of him toexist in the crew so they found an island and dumped the excess clones andcontinued on their journey.

But, Chopper doesn’t like to think about the past, heprefers to look onward!

And if his hacking skills are as impeccable as ever, he’scertain that there’s a large object headed towards the Earth, perhaps even tohim.

“Mecha docking systemsengage.” He sighs in discontent, eating the fluffy cotton candy withfervour.

It would probably be beneficial to try and stop the Earth from being destroyed.

The Chopper’s of the Confederation of Chopper’s one daybroach the subject of docking, it’s a harmless thing, but it is also veryimportant for the alien destroyer of a planet that cannot be translated intoany Earthly language is travelling towards the humble Chopper Earth.

Naturally the Confederate is unaware of these developmentsand only bring it up because how coolwould it be to be a robot?

But they do become aware of the threat to Chopperity anddecide that a docking system is essentialto defeat it.

“Mecha!”

“Should we be inventing space suits now?”

The Chopper Confederation has scientists already on thetopic, typing away at the few pieces of technology that they fondly fondle totry and stop the giant-ass earth destroying creature.

“I think it’s time to call him, sir.” One of the lead scientists, Chopper-senpai admits,pressing his glasses further to his furry face.

His superior sniffs in disdain, “We will do no such thing, he was the one who decided to abandonthe millions of beings that were created as a result of his mistakes.”

“But-”

“No, you will see to it that the Super Awesome Mecha Systemwill be prepared to face this threat antlers on.” The Chopper nodded insatisfaction. “I have to go deal with the court so as of now, I am leaving youin charge, Chopper-senpai.”

“Yessir.” The scientist saluted his superior, as soon assaid superior was out of sight he picked up the signal that was only to be used in emergencies.

Naturally, every Chopper had one of these signals, but onlyone was allowed per Chopper.

When the original Chopperhad been experimented on and spontaneously started spouting Chopper’s, it hadtaken a while, but eventually after he had amassed millions of followers, hestopped to produce the other Chopper’s.

They all referred to him as the King.

He didn’t rule them though, no, that job had been delegatedto other Choppers who used nothing but their name and their hooves to clawtheir way up to the top.

Naturally, normal Chopper’s still had to clean sewers andtend to harmed animals, but, they had maintained a semblance of normality afterChopper’s crew… perished.

They all felt the loss as sorely as each other which was whythere were monuments, one of the few structures allowed in this Utopia.

And every year, all Chopper’s would stop and mourn the loss of their crew.

But the King, he had moved to the moon saying that he didnot want to be amongst so many… commoners.

He would always send down cotton candy and bits of the moonwhen he could though, and word got around that he was secretly listening intotheir conversations like Big Mom or something.

It doesn’t matter, they will obey him if he does come down to Earth, into theparadise they have created.

The Superior Chopper – for that was his name – watches thecourt proceedings of yet another Chopperkilling another Chopper.

Who would have thought that they could become so violent? Hethought they all had the same goals in mind.

“Why did you do it?” The judge asks, fixing the cute whitecurls on his head.

The accused begins to shake in misery and the Superior feelsa tad of sympathy for him even though he will deserve whatever is coming forhim, “Because none of us are equal anymore! We claim that the Confederate ofChopper’s is for the greater good! To ensure that we all live like the Kings weare but the truth of the matter is that some of us are barely scraping by andsometimes have to resort to-” He gulps deeply “Cannibalism of other deer.”

The audience begin to murmur amongst themselves, writingdown the key points of the trial.

“That still doesn’t answer the question.” The judge Choppersays sternly.

“He stole my cotton candy.” The accused say and everybodygasps violently, it is a capital crime to steal cotton candy.

The judge seems appalled by the very notion, “Well, Isuppose you will manage to get off with only an hour of community service.”

“Sir yes sir, I’m so sorry for how this turned out.” Theaccused hangs their head.

“Son, you have no need to apologise, we all know the devastating effects of not being with cotton candy.”The prosecutor says, smiling gently to the innocent reindeer.

The Superior harrumphs, there’s other more important mattersfor him to attend to so he leaves the little court room and approaches thecandidacy cave, it’s full to the brim of Chopper spectators and four candidatesstand on podiums, waiting for their questions.

The first Chopper seems to be sporting longer fur than mostof them, he tries to appeal to the lower income peoples by declaring, “I willlower the taxes on cotton candy!”

There’s a loud round of applause for that, the secondChopper, sporting a beard and moustache fashioned out of his fur says, “My mainpurpose to help this great nation is to create more job opportunities forordinary citizens.

The third electorate is not a Chopper, he’s a bird from anisland long forgotten, the Chopper in charge of the questions asks, “Now,Birdlay, how do you propose we lower the divide between Chopper’s and usualanimals?”

They all understand what he says because they can understandany animal language, a gift from the King, “I don’t see a divide.” The birdsquawks, “I only see a divide between the Chopper’s and animals that want adivide. I see it in the Earth, in the watering holes, in the crops, I see it inschools where Chopper’s teach usual animals that we’re dumber than them, thatwe were born to be ruled.

“I see it in our streets, where us common folk are given theleftovers so we are too busy fighting each other to fight the injustices. I seeit in the cotton candy factories, where usual birds work for a fraction oftheir boss’s cotton candy ration even though we’re all the same. This world’sproblem isn’t a dive in cotton candy stocks, or the loss of humanity, it’sthose that are feeding the death of this Earth. But I’ve got a message from theones cultivating it, keeping it alive, a message from the usual animals andChopper’s that believe in this Earth to the ones that don’t, you’reoutnumbered.”

Birdlay receives a standing ovation and truly, it’s clearwho will pull clear in this race.

The Superior smiles grimly, he likes his job, he’s far lessemotional than his brethren so he can do what is needed to be done. He knowsthat the bird from their two years training will win.

So, he pulls the bird aside, shaking his wings, “Hello MrPresident, my name is Superior Chopper, I run the security of the planet.”

“I’m not president yet.” Birdlay squawks and Superiorchuckles.

“You and I both know that you’re going to win.”

“Nothing is set in stone.”

“Regardless, there is a threat approaching the Earth that weneed to address.” Superior says, guiding Birdlay from his campaign and far awayinto their high-tech domain. “Are we ready?” He barks at Chopper-senpai.

“Sir yes sir, I would have preferred to have a test flightbut-”

“Excellent.” Superior claps Birdlay on the shoulder andsays, “We’ll be defending the Earth with a Super Awesome Mecha Docking System.”

He can’t help it, he’s beginning to excite himself at theprospect, ahhh. There’s Chopper’s aplenty so it should go smoothly.

“I need you to do damage control, president.” Birdlay looksinto his eyes and nods.

“I will be in touch shortly.” Birdlay squawks and flies off.

And soon, the threat is visible to them all, it starts as amere speck of dust of cosmic sand on the horizon but eventually it is largeenough that Superior begins to call in Chopper’s for this ultimate defence.

“You will be serving your country well.” He says happily,showing them the diagram.

“Everyone in position!” Chopper-senpai yells over the soundof roaring fire.

It starts off with two base Chopper’s, clad in boots thatwill propel them into space. In the centre is the brainiest of the Chopper’snimble and quick.

They’re all wearing space suits, from the centre, to armsextend for the other Chopper’s to dock into.

And finally, the outer shell of the suit encases them.

“Super!” The Chopper guards yell in excitement, posing intheir freaking enormous shuttle.

The Superior wipes a tear from his eye, he never thoughtthat he would see the Super Mecha Docking System, but here he is, he canfinally die happily.

But, as the suit blasts for take off, all of their alarmsbegin blaring. “Senpai! What’s wrong?” Superior barks.

“Well sir, it seems that the threat has been… ensconced incotton candy.” Chopper-senpai says nervously.

“Goddammit!” He curses the King who stopped his one dreamfor becoming a reality.

There are other, more important things to deal with though,and when the results of the presidency come in, the Superior is brought alongto a meeting with the new president, Birdlay.

A hairdressing Chopper is carefully plucking out feathersoff the top of Birdlay’s head. He walks in to hear that the Chopper in chargeof the cotton candy franchise is kicking up a storm about not being in control.

Whatever, he doesn’t particularly care as long as he is ableto keep his own position.

“How many does he speak for?” Birdlay squawks calmly,holding up a mirror to see.

Half of the Chopper’s put their hands up and with a cluck ofhis tongue, they are shot with some kind of dart. “You see, that dart will makeyou allergic to cotton candy, is that all that have an issue with me?”

“Dear god no!” The rest plead, hooves out in front of them.

“Good.” Birdlay stands and approaches the glass window, “Thisseems like a good time for a drink, and a cold calculated speech with sinisterovertones. A speech about hierarchy and power, brethren, humanity and order.But speeches are for campaigns, now is the time for action.”

#tony tony chopper #humour #one piece #one piece fanfiction

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yu-yu-hakusho-rpg · 5 years

Text

Caged Shark

This entry is related to the Seaside Mafia (Organization), but can be easily adapted to to fit the same role (that of a tavern/arena hybrid) in a separate adventure.

The Caged Shark is one of several clubs belonging to the Seaside Mafia. Its owner, Kingston Feesch, is one of the Four Fathers of the family, in particular the one that deals with all miscellaneous operations not related to the trafficking of drugs or firearms, and he utilizes the locale as his personal base of operations. Aside from serving as Feesch's HQ, the club is famous for featuring a medium-sized, steel-caged fighting ring in which the victims of the manager's particular Territory, called Contract, are forced to battle each other in hand-to-hand combat throughout the duration of the Territory's effects on them. The family uses the club as a way to maintain close relations with VIPs and associates who are fond of this type of event by entertaining them, many of which even bring their own participants to the club. And like any good criminal organization, the family also uses the fights as a way to organize betting.

As for the intricacies of the cage fights themselves, the participants are pinned against each other in hand-to-hand combat, although the use of Energy and Techniques are also allowed. The competitors are not allowed to use their ki in any way that would cause severely lethal or permanent damage, nor they may use them as weapons or projectiles (i.e. no forming energy or Techniques into anything cutting or piercing, no Techniques that risk permanent damage to anyone's organs, no Techniques that act in a similar manner to weapons, etc). While the whole hostage-like situation revolving the participants is definitely unsavory, the fighters are treated well considering their situation. In fact, they are treated with respect, it's made sure that their needs are being met, they are paid a just amount per fight including bonuses depending on performance, and they may come and go out of the club or even the city as they please. The only thing they have no control over is the fact that they must always be at the club at the moment of one of their scheduled fights, although they are not forced to fight should they not be in the conditions to do so. There are other peculiarities revolving their situation and the Territory controlling them, which can be read under Olver Manners' Territory description on the NPC section of this file.

Club Layout

The club consists of 2 floors, the first of which contains the Caged Ring, a spectator section around it, plenty of booths and tables to sit at, a VIP section overseen by its own set of guards, the bar, the kitchen right behind it, the first floor's storage room (used mostly to store the supplies related to the operation of the club itself, not any potentially illegal family business items), a lounge area for the club's staff in the back, next to it a lounge area for the Cage Fight's combatants themselves which also connects to their locker room, the nurse's office not too far away from the ring, a security room, club manager Oliver Manner's office, and of course, the stairs that lead to the second floor. The second floor contains several storage rooms, a VIP meeting room, a dinning room, an interrogation room, and finally Feesch's office, whose unusually large size is due to Feesch's tendency to remain in his yokai form while upstairs.

NPCs

Kingston Feesch, Head of Miscellaneous Operations, Caged Shark Owner

Lvl. 16 Saltwater Crocodile Yokai

Kingston Feesch might be just be the most intimidating of the Four Fathers. Moreso than his large and terrifying physical appearance, his demonic energy is absolutely is overwhelmingly; while not being more potent than that of the Grand Father's, it oozes barbarity and bloodlust. It is an aura that puts even high ranking family members (aside from the other Four Fathers) severely uncomfortable, often described as if "being in the presence of a very hungry lion while being a lone and crippled deer".

Kingston is in charge of Miscellaneous Operations; that is, anything the family is involved in that doesn't fall within their standard operations. For example, Kingston personally oversees the Caged Shark, a club in which the family entertains VIPs with scheduled cage fights between hostage participants. The logistics that go into maintaining that type of club and the activities that take place in it (such as the collection and management of the hostage fighters) falls under his umbrella.

As a leader, he is cruel and cold, though not necessarily unreasonable, but while the other heads of the family at least operate on some sense of justice and brotherhood, Kingston's mind is as cold as his outside appearance. Decisions that involve the lives of the elderly, children, or even the lives of his own men do not even register as much different than being asked what he would like for lunch. All of that being said, he does understand and does do what is best for the family.

Age & Appearance: 44. Custom tailored gray suit. Gold watch.

Human Form: 7'2, unusually large for a human. Large scar across his chest, hidden under a dark purple suit. Gray-ish, short hair. The face of a bitter man. Rarely bothers masking his natural voice, which is deep and monstrous sounding. Yokai Form: 9'3. Large size category (Occupies 10ft x 10ft on the grid). Off-black, pronounced scales covering his reptilian body. Retains a somewhat humanoid posture, albeit hunched over, and his body's structure looking more on the reptilian side.

Peculiarities: Collects bow ties. Compliments a good handshake.

Base Attributes

Physique 14, Martial 4, Spirit Level/Demonic Force 5, Capacity 0, Constitution 9, Intellect 1, Sensory 5 __ HP 119, Energy 5, Sense 10/100ft., Potency 14, Initiative 19, Movement 90ft.

Skills

Guard 23/37, Deflection, 18/32, Evasion 19/33, Cunning 6, Deduce 6, Resistance 14, Willpower 10

Combat

Unarmed Standard Attack 19, Energy Imbued 23, Damage Output d12, Full Attack 3

Minor Trait

As is with regular crocodiles, Feesch's natural body has never stopped growing.

Physical Trait

Tough Exterior: When in True Form, your unnaturally tough exterior reduces Slashing, Piercing, and Bludgeoning damage by 4, increasing to 8 in Second Form.

True Form

Enhanced Skills: Guard, Resistance, Willpower

Special Attack: Locking bite, d12 + 19, piercing.

Feats

Feral: Your True Form’s special Attack now utilizes the d10 die for damage instead of d8, and enjoys a +2 bonus on every single damage roll.

Savage: Your True Form’s special Attack now utilizes the d12 die for damage instead of d10, and enjoys a +3 bonus on every single damage roll.

Powerful Grapple: You may apply your Unarmed Damage Output (or a Yokai’s True Form Special Damage Output if available) on a successful grapple attempt. You may also choose to apply this damage as one of the grappling options, having to roll opposed unarmed attacks for it, just like with all other grappling actions.

Tasker’s Lock: As part of your grappling actions, with the success of an opposed unarmed attack (just as any other grappling action requires), you are now able to take an action with your free hand while still keeping maintaining your target grappled.

Sweeper: Your Trip attempts benefit from a +3 bonus.

Sweeping Attack: Unlocks the ability to perform a Sweeping Attack with the use of a Full Round Action. A Sweeping Attack is a melee only Standard Attack that threatens all targets within its reach.

A Sweeping Attack can also be used as a Trip attempt on multiple targets.

Techniques

Name: Terrifying Challenge Base: Taunt Modification: Fear Technique Type: Combat Performance: Standard Action Delivery: Field Size: 20ft. radius Effect Type: Passive Channeling Duration Tier (DT): H Duration: 1 hour Saving Throw:

User's Potency VS Target's Willpower (to Resist Taunt)

User's Willpower VS Target's Willpower (to Resist Fear)

Adventure Behavior

Kingston is the only one of the Four Fathers to have his primary office outside of the Blackfin; the Caged Shark functions as his personal base of operations. He spends most of his time there, and rarely interacts directly with much of anyone outside of the Four Fathers and Oliver Manners, the manager of his club. This means that if he is seen around to the Blackfin, it's safe to assume the Four Fathers are meeting or that there is something serious afoot. Player characters that find themselves in the restricted areas of the Caged Shark might walk close enough to his office to detect Feesch's Demonic Force. As the the GM, you want to intricately describe the dreadful aura, perhaps even prompting Willpower rolls to determine if they're affected by it in any way.

In combat, Feesch is a physical powerhouse, utilizing his incredible strength and large size to his advantage. As the GM, to maximize his toolkit, you can always set up a close quarters battle in a confined space. Either way, his large size (10ft. x 10ft.) allows him to strike a solid amount of targets by utilizing the feat-granted Sweeping Attack, which can be used both to apply damage or as a Trip attempt, the latter of which would also benefit from the +3 Sweeper bonus. He can also grapple onto a target with his powerful jaws, which immediately apply damage thanks to the Powerful Grapple feat, and a solid amount of it thanks to the Savage Feat. Finally, Tasker's Lock allows him to continue taking Standard Actions while maintaining his victim pinned between his jaws. Feesch does also have access to a single Technique, Terrifying Challenge, which he uses to overwhelm his opponents with fear while simultaneously inciting those brave enough to overcome it to engage him instead of any of his men.

Oliver Manners, Club Manager

Lvl. 8 Territory Master

Oliver is one of the few non-yokai members of the Seaside Mafia, and just like the others, he has a power crucial to the family. "Contract"- a Territory that binds those who partake in a deal so that they are unable to break it willingly- is used as a way to ensure all business done with the family will be kept on both ends. It is perhaps the family's number one tool in ensuring healthy business relations and trust between them and business partners/associates, thus making Oliver one of the family's most important members outside of the Four Fathers.

Oliver is also the manager of the Caged Shark and the organizer of the cage fights themselves. It is thanks to him that the fighters, whether they are participating willingly or not, perform so well and in such an entertaining fashion. He takes a benevolent approach at managing the hostage fighters. Oliver ensures they are treated with the utmost respect and have all of their needs met. It is because of this that many even stay after their contract is over, although this perhaps could be attributed more to Stockholm Syndrome. Regardless, Oliver really does care much for his fighters, and looks to develop meaningful relationships with them should their attitudes eventually allow it.

It goes without saying that Oliver Manners is a reasonable and charismatic man, being overall one of the most beloved members of the Seaside Mafia due to a cheerful and positive attitude. His personality highly contrasts that of his boss, who can count on him to act as a welcoming and warm face where he cannot.

Age & Appearance: 43. 5'10. Black hair, 1930's haircut and thin moustache. Uses vintage-looking glasses while reading.

Peculiarities: Extremely friendly and charismatic. Doesn't take anything personally.

Base Attributes: Physique 1, Martial 1, Spirit Level/Demonic Force 3, Capacity 0, Constitution 1, Intellect 7, Sensory 5 __ HP 47, Energy 2, Sense 8/80ft., Potency 4, Initiative 6, Movement 25ft.

Skills: Guard 2/8, Deflection 2/8, Evasion 6/10, Cunning 12, Deduce 12, Resistance 4, Willpower 8

Combat:

Unarmed Standard Attack 2, Energy Imbued 6, Damage Output d6, Full Attack 2

Weapon Name Hangun, Weight Class Light, Type Handgun, 1H, Range 20ft. Standard Attack 6, Energy Imbued 10, Damage Output d6, Full Attack 2

Territory

Name: Contract Radius: 130ft. Theme: Agreements Rule: Those who sign a contract written by the Territory's Owner are incapable of willingly breaking it. The Territory's powers operate on the signers' psyche, locking some of their decision-making and actions into the ones required to stray true to the contract's fulfillment. The Territory exclusively affects actions and decisions relevant to the contract.

As Oliver's description states, Contract is an invaluable tool for the Seaside Mafia, but as for the club, it is used to bind talented, unsuspecting martial artists and miscellaneous warriors to the club's Cage Fights, specifically by having them agree to a certain number of fights, and victories at that, which they have to regularly partake in before the Territory's effects can wear off. While they probably wouldn't have any trouble forcing people into such a task the good old fashion way, being the criminal organization that they are, Contract allows the individuals to be taken hostage in a passive way, making it so that the Family does not have to expend energy and resources into strong-arming, black-mailing, or using other complicated and unsavory methods to recruit participants, while also giving the combatants the freedom to come and go as they please and do the daily things they usually would, keeping their spirits high enough to perform well in combat and thus putting up a good show for the audience, some even remaining as part of the roster even after regaining their freedom.

Feats

Revealing Senses: Your Senses instantly alert you when something is being concealed or masked/disguised within 20ft. of you, but reveal no further detailed information.

Multitasker: As a multitasker, you are able to use an item as a free action in conjunction with a Standard Action, once per turn. You may not do so during any Full Round Actions.

Techniques

Name: Fine Eye Base: True Sight Technique Type: Support Performance: Free Action Delivery: Self Effect Type: Passive Channeling Duration Tier (DT): Mn Duration: 1 minute

___

Name: Thorough Examination Base: Scan Technique Type: Specialty Performance: Deduce Check Delivery: Self Effect Type: Instant

Adventure Behavior

As with is with all the managers of locations belonging to the Seaside Mafia, Oliver Manners is a busy man. The Caged Shark, compared to other family owned clubs, consists of an additional layer of complexity in the form of the caged matches. Because of this, Oliver's time is split up between managing typical club responsibilities and keeping the caged matches running smoothly. The latter consists of several things, but the most important one is perhaps the handling of the fighters themselves, something which he particularly excels at. Oliver attempts to develop genuine relationships with each fighter, but of course, this is not easy at first, because no matter how well treated they are, the fact still remains that the combatants tricked into becoming part of the club's roster through the Contract Territory are still, no matter how you look at it, a form of slaves. That being said, Oliver does try his best to make their experience as comfortable and humane as he can.

Oliver is by no means a fighter himself. Even if he were combat capable, he is not the type to solve things with violence. Being an expert at diplomacy, he will attempt to alleviate or control a serious situation with words.

If forced to, Oliver reveals there is little he can do to remove the effects of his Territory from an individual, explaining that despite the fact that the Territory itself can be retracted, its effects have already, in a sense, hardwired the individuals psyche in such a way that they are unable to break a signed contract's terms willingly, with no further interference from the Territory itself being necessary. That being said, precisely because the effects take place in the subjects' psyche instead of being powered by the Territory, other mind-altering abilities, be them natural psychic abilities, Techniques, or even other Territories, could in theory work to reverse the effects.

Ruve Luura, Nurse

Lvl. 5 Squid Yokai

Ruve is the nurse that tends to the cage fighters wounds right after every match. There's not too much to be said about her other than the fact that she is kind and helpful, specially with the combatants, which she often helps with aquiring breaks from all the fighting by overstating the damage they received, insisting that they need a period of rest to heal some serious types of wounds that cannot simply be cured by the use of healing Techniques.

Age & Appearance: 24, likes to wear a kimono on the job.

Human Form: Asian-looking. Shoulder-length brown hair. Often wears purple lipstick. Yokai Form: Humanoid/squid hybrid, more on the human side. Most notable unique trait is the additional arms: 2 long ones, and 8 smaller ones.

Peculiarities: Likes to flirt with all of the fighters.

Base Attributes

Physique 1, Martial 0, Spirit Level/Demonic Force 1, Capacity 8, Constitution 1, Intellect 3, Sensory 3 __ HP 35, Energy 9, Sense 4/40ft., Potency 2, Initiative 4, Movement 25ft.

Skills

Guard 2/4, Deflection 1/3, Evasion 4/6, Cunning 6, Deduce 6, Resistance 2, Willpower 4

Combat

Unarmed Standard Attack 1, Energy Imbued 3, Damage Output d6, Full Attack 1

Minor Trait

Most salt water aquatic yokai require a decent amount of time in salt water a day or they risk becoming Dizzy until they do. Remaining out of water for longer periods of time begins posing major health risks.

If their lifestyle has them spend a majority of time on land, aquatic yokai get their required time in salt water during their sleep, typically by resting in specialized tubs precisely made to meet the needs of their kind.

Physical Trait

Aquatic: Being an aquatic type of Yokai, you are an expert at swimming, moving up to a base speed equal to your ground speed, doubled when True Form is active, as well as being able to breathe underwater, considering the area is reasonable oxygenated. You also don’t suffer the typical penalties that come with being submerged.

True Form

Enhanced Skills: Evasion, Deduce, Willpower

Special Attack: Power Slap, d8, Bludgeoning

Feats

Positioning: Allows you to disregard Initiative and go first, but you may only perform Movement (and it does not count as a full-round action, meaning it is not doubled).

Approximate Damage: Once a day, before performing a Defensive Action in response to an incoming threat, you may prompt the GM to tell you how many dice and of which type are about to be rolled for damage, as well as how much bonus damage (coming from Potency or otherwise) will be applied with it as well. When it comes to Lingering damage, it also reveals for how long the effects will potentially stay active.

This feat can be taken more than once to grant additional uses per day.

Techniques

Name: Full Recovery Base: Restore HP Modification: Refresh Technique Type: Support Performance: Standard Action Delivery: Contact Effect Type: Instant Restored HP: 2d8 + Potency Saving Throw: User's Potency VS Target's Willpower (If target resists)

Adventure Behavior

During cage fights, Ruve remains ringside, prepared to to treat any serious wounds at a moments notice by using her Full Recovery Technique, which both restores HP and removes the Dizzy, Stunned, Overheating, Freezing, Pained, Exhausted, & Nauseated conditions. When there are no ongoing scheduled fights, Ruve tends to remain in her office. Ruve does not engage in any combat unless in self defense and benefits from several feats that help her get out of trouble.

Caged Shark Guard Template

Lvl. 4~8 Salt-water Aquatic Yokai

The club holds an amount of guards that don't in particular stand out in personality, skills, or abilities. Use this template for them and modify them to your liking.

Age & Appearance: 20~35, varying body size, but usually well-built.

Base Attributes: Physique 4, Martial 2, Spirit Level/Demonic Force 2, Capacity 1, Constitution 3, Intellect 0, Sensory 2 __ HP 34~46, Energy 2~3, Sense 5/20ft., Potency 5, Initiative 6, Movement 40ft.

Skills:

Guard 7/12, Deflection 6/11, Evasion 6/11, Cunning 2, Deduce 2, Resistance 5, Willpower 4

Combat

Unarmed Standard Attack 6, Energy Imbued 11, Damage Output d8, Full Attack 2

Weapon Name Handgun, Weight Class N/A, Type Hangdun, 1H, Range 40ft. Standard Attack 4, Energy Imbued 9, Damage Output d6, Full Attack 2

Minor Trait

Most salt water aquatic yokai require a decent amount of time in salt water a day or they risk becoming Dizzy until they do. It becomes even worse if for longer periods of time.

If their lifestyle has them spend a majority of time on land, these yokai get this required time in salt water during their sleep, typically by resting in specialized tubs precisely made to meet the needs of their kind.

Physical Trait

True Form

Enhanced Skills: Guard, Evasion, Resistance

Feats

Feral: True Form's special attack is d10 instead of d8.

Special Attack: d10

Fighters

Participants for the Cage Fights can be selected from the Miscellaneous Combatants Files.

Adventure

The Caged Shark is an excellent piece to set up some tournament style battles. Whether the player characters are going to fight the Club's own fighters or each other, they must first be forced into that situation in the first place, that is, if they don't decide to partake in the battles willingly (Oliver does pay miscellaneous volunteer combatants, just not as well as the in-house fighters).

Oliver attempts to use whatever incentive he can to ensure that the party (specifically the combat-oriented player characters) sign one of his binding contracts. To give an example, in one of the sessions hosted for the system's playtesting, one of the player characters had already been taken hostage by the family as consequence of a separate matter. Oliver set up a deal for the party: if they win 2 out of 3 cage matches, they would get their companion back and would be free to go without any troubles, but if they were to loose, they would have to remain as part of the Caged Shark's fighters. And indeed so, the contract was written as such and then signed, with some interesting matches with high stakes taking place that day.

Other reasons the party might be going to the Caged Shark for would be to interact with any of the regularly visiting VIPs, or if they have any business with the big man Feesch himself.

#ghostfiles #location #lcriminal #lurban #lbar #lmafia #larena #ltavern #ltournament #lfightingring

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russianspy24 · 5 years

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Devils in the Windy City - Chapter 1

Summary: Elijah travels to Chicago, led by a vague prophecy about a girl who could be the Mikaelson family's salvation. Klaus soon confronts him, and later Rebekah is drawn into another case of family drama. However, this trip to the Windy City turns out to be longer than a short stint. The Mikaelsons discover that their lives may change forever. Including every other vampire's.

Word Count: 5,184

Author’s Note: This story is posted on FF.net and AO3, and since I’m on Tumblr, decided to post it here. ‘Bout time I’d say. Hopefully you read and enjoy!

Warnings: Rated M

Next chapter

Chapter 1: A Message from Beyond

He had not returned to Chicago in quite some time. The city didn't hold as much importance as New Orleans, a city which his family had practically built, but Chicago was a place that Elijah Mikaelson certainly enjoyed. He truly saw, for the first time in his long life, how special it was in the year 1893. And like many who had flocked to the city then, he saw how, like a phoenix, Chicago had risen from the ashes after the Great Fire had destroyed much of it just 22 years before.

There was an almost tangible "Chicago spirit," which Elijah felt when he and Rebekah had arrived. 1893 was the year of the Chicago World's Fair. He had never experienced such a thing with New Orleans—perhaps because the southern city's own soul never truly welcomed the Original family.

The World's Fair was held in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World. It was probably one of the most memorable events in Elijah's long life. It was hard not to let years fly by, the decades, too. Some centuries moved far faster than others. And more often than not, he'd been busy chasing after his younger brother, Niklaus, trying to yank him back onto the correct path. Or, Elijah was busy just trying to keep his family together in general.

Rebekah had woken up a little over five years earlier. She'd been in her coffin for 52 years, and to say that she was furious with Klaus was an understatement. Which is why Elijah had swooped in to reintegrate her into society himself. The early 19th century was very different than the latter part. There were too many advances to count—in fields like science and art.

And so, in order for her to help keep her mind off of their brother and Marcel, the man whom Rebekah wasn't going to get over any time soon, Elijah stuck by his fair sister's side quite closely. Five years went by more like five days, and wanting to change their scenery, Elijah took his sister north to Chicago.

The Fair was a welcome distraction. Among new inventions like the long-distance telephone, which had transmitted the sounds of a live orchestra all the way from New York City; to things that might seem unimportant now, like the first zipper, or that gum called Juicy Fruit, and that beer, which had won the exposition's top beer award—none other than Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Silly little marvels like the locomotive made of spooled silk, the suspension bridge built out of Kirk's Soap, and the giant map of the United States made of pickles helped improve Rebekah's mood. Besides the Fair, she and her brother even had a chance to visit the hotel, which was later dubbed "Murder Castle," and mess with America's first serial killer—certainly a one of a kind experience.

Since 1893, Elijah had been back to Chicago a few times but never for a prolonged stay. He hadn't had a reason to. Now, present day, he did, and he was in search of a girl.

When he found her, he didn't make himself known immediately. That was not how he did things. He thought his decisions through, step by step, never simply rushed in, not like Niklaus did. The original hybrid had no idea that his older brother was in the Windy City—and it was going to stay that way. For now, at least. This was very important.

This girl was apparently important. How exactly? Elijah had no idea. Why? That too was unknown. And if her importance held any truth behind it? That was uncertain as well, for the person who had told him of this girl was the young, up and coming psychic named Benjamin Henry.

Until a little over a week ago, Elijah had no idea who the kid was. He didn't watch TV. It was the one human invention that had never interested him. Books had always been the type of entertainment he preferred. So Elijah definitely had no idea of the show "Tinseltown Medium," which aired on E!.

Benjamin had called Elijah in the middle of the night on a cell phone that the vampire kept reserved only for callers who were close to him, such as his siblings, or the few people who were probably considered his friends.

So, it was strange that this boy had called Elijah. But even crazier was the fact that Benjamin claimed a ghost had given him Elijah's number and had insisted that the young psychic call this Mr. Mikaelson. As soon as possible.

So Benjamin didn't dillydally.

This hadn't happened to him before.

The legend of the Mikaelsons, the first vampires, particularly Klaus, never passed by Benny's innocent ears. He had had his gift since he was quite small, and he'd always known that there was a dark side to the supernatural world, but he never tried finding it. Benny kept to the light, to the great Spirit, and strove to do good, to help people.

As worried as he was, that's the only thing he sought to do. To deliver a message to this "Elijah."

###

The boy lived in a nice condo with his mother in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. The success of his show was slowly propelling him upward within the industry. He was still a deer in headlights, green as they came, awed by every gift basket and every perk that included free clothes and free passes to that party or that movie premiere.

But Benny was the real deal, despite rumors and conspiracy videos on YouTube about how he might’ve been a fraud.

He’d given readings to none other than the Kardashians and to other famous names, such as Carmen Electra, Matt Lauer, Chad Michael Murray, Meghan Fox, Kristin Cavallari—the list went on.

He knew that there were a lot of people who thought that his show's episodes were craftily edited, but the kid had a legit sight. It was just that Benny wasn't yet a master of honing his spirit-sensing antenna.

One critic called the kid a "grief vampire." So, it was going to be ironic when later Benny would find out that the spirit, which had woken him up in the middle of the night, had him call an actual vampire.

The best place to meet someone in L.A., someone that you've never met before, was at a coffee shop, a public place. Cafes were a go-to. It made Benny feel marginally more relaxed as opposed to meeting somewhere like a park, or some other place that would have had fewer people. This Elijah guy—who had caught an immediate flight from somewhere else—thankfully hadn't insisted on any other meeting spot.

The boy sat outside on the bustling patio of the Urth Caffé, which was on Melrose. He always sat outside, anyway, and he figured that today it was a good place to bolt from if he had to. No doors that would he'd need to shove his way through.

With black Raybans on, his light red hair catching a ray of sun that slipped past the edge of the green umbrella overhead, Benny waited, his hand around his cold taro smoothie. He couldn't get himself to drink it. His stomach was doing flips. His freckled face was sweating.

His mother had driven him there, and he told her he was meeting a client, a non-celebrity client but an important one. Although his mother was his manager and knew of every appointment he had, insisting that he was going to meet said client there at the cafe was enough for his mother to trust him and drive off, promising to be back whenever he called her.

Benny was a naturally nervous boy, still working on the calm confidence that was expected out of most psychics, but this wasn't a normal client meeting. Ghosts didn't contact him by themselves regularly, especially not about random people across the country. Yet because he knew his ability was true, he knew that this was real. Elijah Mikaelson didn't have any social media, but that didn't mean ghosts usually pranked Benny either.

"Hello."

He heard the voice behind him and jumped, gasping, a hand to his heart. The boy had been expecting to see Elijah come toward the front entrance of the cafe, off of the street, which the boy sat facing. Startled, he watched the man in the crisp, dark gray suit and dark red tie walk around the table to the chair opposite of him. Benny quickly took off his sunglasses and put them down.

He smiled wide in his nervousness and said, "Mr. Mikaelson?"

"Benjamin, I presume?" Elijah said smoothly, extending a hand. Benny took it with his own clammy one, received a brief squeeze, and then the man was sitting down.

Elijah might've been a producer, or a CEO, judging by his appearance. He wore designer from his shiny shoes to his glinting cufflinks. He would've fit right into Beverly Hills, that was for sure. Benny just wore a hip, plaid button-down and skinny jeans, and felt very underdressed.

He tried so hard not to look jittery, but the smile on his pink face was strained. His hand immediately went back to his lap and his other held the taro drink tighter. "Call m-me Benny."

"Benny then," Elijah said. His face was unreadable, his dark eyes especially. "Call me Elijah, please." He was completely unaffected by the anxiety that emanated from the skinny boy. Judging by how he'd sounded on the phone, Elijah already had an idea of what to expect before he'd arrived.

Benny cleared his throat. "Do you want something to drink before—"

"No, thank you," Elijah answered coolly.

"O-OK." The boy finally let go of his smoothie and pushed it aside. The light purple contents were already melting, separating at the bottom of the plastic cup. The man never broke eye contact with him. "Were you, uh, in Chicago?"

"Chicago? No," Elijah said. He shifted slightly to lean forward, one hand, in a weak fist, on the round table. "Why don't you repeat what you told me on the phone? All of the details."

"I, uh—" Benny's blue eyes danced around, paranoid, but no one was paying attention to them.

Slim-bodied, fit actors and actresses gushed about auditions, or bitched about bad ones, over cold press juices; hipsters with handlebar mustaches raved about the new purple diesel strain of weed available in some dispensary, while eating veggie burgers; men, who were casually dressed as the guys with Hollywood connections, bought lunch for green, pretty young girls, new to L.A. The reality was that these men were all talk, and the poor ladies had no idea.

"All right. S-so—" Benny lowered his gaze. Elijah hardly blinked. Benny couldn't look at him while he spoke. His tone was so quiet, he was practically whispering, but Elijah appeared to hear him despite the chatter and the noise from the busy street.

"I woke up in the middle of the night. And-and just did what I was asked to, uh, do—to call you."

"Was the spirit malevolent?" Elijah asked.

"Oh, no. No, no." Benny glanced up at him in a fraction of a second. "Just...persistent. So I couldn't go back to sleep. It gave, um, it gave me your number, I wrote it all down and told me to call you. And then it told me some stuff about your family so that you would believe me if you asked."

Elijah was silent and that prompted the boy to continue. Benny stared at one of the cross hatches in the surface of the table.

"Your younger sister, Rebekah. Your young—younger brother Nik—uh—Nikalus?"

"Niklaus," Elijah corrected.

"Right. Niklaus. And you have a couple of other siblings, but...the spirit said they weren't around... Um, they passed away?” He spoke quicker. The man didn't confirm this. Benny hurried on. “The spirit told me you're from Sweden or—I mean, Norway, and you guys have "been around a long time," or something. I don't know what that means." Another quick glance.

"Just go on," Elijah said. He was patient but didn't want to waste time.

"So, it said I had to call you and tell you something, but I had to tell you in person."

Elijah leaned an inch forward. "What is it?"

Benny instinctively leaned back. But then he was digging in the pocket of his jeans to pull out a piece of paper that was folded neatly several times.

As he unfolded it, the words rushed out of his mouth. "It told me that there was this person, this, uh, girl, I don't know if you know her, but she's in Chicago, and you should find her, because she's got something to do with your family, I don't know what exactly, only that she's, like, OK this is going to sound weird," Benny gestured with a hand, lowering his voice, as Elijah took the paper and looked down at it, "the spirit said that she's got to do with "your family's salvation" or something?" Sounding unsure, Benny narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

The paper had scribbles that were barely legible—the message that Benny had written down:

Elizaveta Belova. Chicago. Salvation. Save—scratched—help the Mikaelson family. Condition. Medical? Disease. Event?

"Or something?" Elijah said, finally some sort of color entering his voice—that of minor exasperation. "That's it? That's all it said?"

"Yes, that's it," Benny insisted, his eyes jumping from the paper to Elijah's face, back and forth, swiftly.

The man started to scoff, and that prompted Benny further.

"Look, it doesn't work like...texting someone, or calling them. Most of the time I don't even get words. It's just feelings, or images. I don't think this spirit was…" A pause.

"What?" Elijah looked at him with such intensity that Benny raised his hands as if to shield his face.

Then he lowered his head to whisper again. "This...spirit was from another country. I'm pretty sure. And spoke in a language I don't understand, so I did my best...to interpret with what I was receiving. I am pretty sure that it said something...was wrong with your family like, uh, like, uh," Benny looked away, lowering his hands and gesturing to himself with a grimace, "like something genetic, or something with your blood. I don't know. Maybe—"

"A health issue?" Elijah offered cryptically.

"Yes!" Benny answered. "That was the feeling I was getting. So, it said that this girl could help, or something. And that's all I got. So, if you want to find her, go ahead. The spirit wanted you to. I only got a name and a location, so that's all I can give you. I really hope this doesn't turn freakier than this already is."

Elijah looked down at the paper once more. It had the name, Elizaveta Belova and Chicago underlined several times, the pen strokes hard.

"I've met many psychics in my life, but none as young as you, Benny," he drawled, his dark eyes narrowing slightly, his thoughts elsewhere.

Benny was silent for a moment, holding his breath. "I'm not going to, uh, charge you or anything. But if you...uh, want an actual session..."

There was a stirring from a table nearby. Elijah glanced in that direction and then he was standing up, cutting Benny off.

"I'll be in touch." He put the paper away inside his suit jacket. "Thank you. I would like you to not mention this to anyone, Benjamin. Unless you already have."

Sensing a warning, Benny waved his hands, looking up at him. "Nope. Nope. I swear. My mom just knows I'm with a client. I see clients all the time. Feel, uh, feel free to call me any time—"

"Oh my God, are you Benjamin Henry?" someone called to Benny's right. It was a woman, maybe a tourist, judging how un-L.A. she looked, dressed in an I love Cali t-shirt. She was with three more people, one of them a man with a fanny pack.

"I saw you on TV!" another woman said.

"Uh, y—yeah!" Benny said, unable to recover from the distraction as the group flocked to him, clearly huge fans. It threw him off completely. "But, one second, I'm in the middle of a session with—with a client."

"Oh my God, I am so sorry," said the first woman.

"Wait, what client?" said the second.

Benny looked back at Elijah. Only the man was no longer there. The boy rose in his seat, quickly scanning the cafe's patrons, the people on the sidewalk, the other side of the street. The strange, suited man was nowhere in sight.

The boy couldn't help a chill that ran down his arms, in the form of gooseflesh, and he swallowed hard. He didn't pay attention to one of the women, who asked next: "Do you...think we could get an autograph?"

###

Presently, Elijah was right across from Adagio Teas, much like a stalker, but no one really noticed him, as he watched the girl inside the little shop. She wore an apron and tended to a few customers who were buying said tea. There were locals and tourists. Tourists who had the big pockets. There wasn't a moment of pause in business, not until the day started to wind down.

Elijah had dinner at an Italian place called Osteria via Stato, on its front patio, across the street. The early spring breeze was a bit chilly, but he didn't mind at all, even though the waiter turned on the heat lamp for him.

There was nothing remarkable about the girl, not at first glance, anyway. She was just a girl, who was in her twenties, he hazarded a guess. His sister Rebekah was beautiful and fair. This girl had a different sort of prettiness—of course, she was human. All vampires had a different quality, an unearthly one. Humans had a natural warmth to them because they were, well, alive.

Elizaveta appeared of his sister's height, maybe a bit shorter, had long, light brown hair, which was tied back in a half ponytail, and those slightly round, high cheeks that were a characteristic of eastern European women.

There were other particular features, but Elijah didn't have that great a look despite his superb vampire senses. Cars passed up and down State St, and by the time it neared 7 o'clock, when the shop would close, traffic was in full swing. Cars obscured his sight and honks muffled his hearing.

He watched until the sun started to go down. A homeless man or two meandered past and asked for change, and Elijah ignored them. It was a group of teenaged girls, who were whispering him—staring off like that, vacantly—who jarred him. He heard them quite clearly without having to look, annoyance slipping onto his pale, angular face, and he took it as his cue to finally get the check and make his way across.

The long building had other shops to either side, and Elijah vaguely remembered that the structure had been there in 1893. He was sure that it had shops then too. But instead of bulky cars that drove by now, it was horse-drawn carriages back then.

As much as he missed that old Chicago, he enjoyed the clean lines of the modern era. During the end of the 19th century, there was still gas-powered illumination and a perpetual smog throughout the city. Elijah remembered how the streetlamps made the smoke glow yellow at dusk. Now, there was an electric light bulb as he looked up at a lit lamp.

A jingle sounded upon his arrival.

There was a couple there, shopping for tea. The girl was helping them. An older lady, who was in her 50s, despite her bright attire, was seemingly searching in the stockroom in the back, the door wide open, while a few other customers waited on her to the other side of the shop.

"If you're looking for a gift, these are nice…" he heard the girl say, saw her leading the couple to a display stand that had different tins stacked, each with a different zodiac sign, which had a type of tea. "Do you know what sign your friend is?"

Elijah nonchalantly strode to the closest wall, left of the entrance, where neat packages of tea hung in rows, the orange labels reading Black upon closer inspection. There were dozens upon dozens of black teas. The man busied himself with seeing all the types.

He was most definitely a tea drinker. He did enjoy black tea, but he usually stuck to one type that he brewed very dark, without sugar or milk, so the amount of flavored here ones was amusing. He sighed. Oh, Americans.

Reaching for one called Earl Grey Moonlight, he took it and inspected the label. Then, seeing a glass sample jar on a shelf above, he stepped closer and took it. Was he supposed to smell it? As he did so, after removing the lid and taking in notes of vanilla, he heard footsteps approaching.

"Can I help you find something?"

It was a rehearsed, neutral question, the female tone slightly husky, not high or too girlish. It had a mature sort of quality.

As Elijah set the jar down and turned, he smiled at the girl. "This one smells quite lovely," he said, lifting the package in his hand.

The way he said that caught her off guard briefly, and her brows, which were faintly arched, drew together. She had a somber expression on her face.

"Oh, that's one of my favorites," she said coolly, holding his gaze for a moment. Hers was equally dark, but not black. It was very dark brown.

His own eyes squinted the slightest, curiously, and that was when she looked away. He studied her for a split second, taking in other details. Her nose was long and slightly sharp and had the smallest of bumps. There was a faint accent in her voice, so faint that he was sure most people rarely noticed. But he wasn't most people. There was also a barely-there sheen of red in her hair, as the setting sun streamed past tall buildings and into the windows of the shop. She was cute.

Her name tag said Liza.

"I'd recommend the Earl Grey Bravo, and the one with the lavender. If you like Earl Grey." She was stepping down the wall, pointing. "Are you looking for any kind in particular?" She paused and looked back at him.

Elijah's smile remained. He spoke with a warmth that came easily. He was a naturally charismatic, but in a way that Niklaus never was. He was a gentleman. "This is my first time here. So I have to see what you have to offer. There is a lot to choose from. Would you be so kind as to recommend more?"

The way he spoke stunned her again and this time her glance at him was quick and had her shyly looking down. She failed at suppressing a more natural smile and clasped her hands before her. Taking in a breath, she straightened, stretching her neck a tad, as if prepared to unleash a wealth of knowledge about tea.

"Do you like green tea?"

Elijah took in all of her reactions, her sudden timidity not going unnoticed by him. "Yes, I do," he answered cheerfully and looked around to see where said green tea was.

Liza took several more steps. "All our green tea is here," she said leading the way, gesturing.

Elijah paused, silent for a moment or two, while she waited patiently, hands still together in front of her apron. He had his eyes narrowed as he scanned the types. Meanwhile, other customers paid at the register. The door chimed as someone else walked into the store, the sound of the Windy City very loud for a moment. Then it dulled once again as the door closed.

"What do you think of this one, Liza?" Elijah chose one and held it toward her. "Gyokuro?"

Liza nodded, stammering only slightly, for it was very obvious to her that this guy was not from around here. Employees all had name tags, but most who entered the shop hardly addressed her and her coworkers by their names, let alone sounded so polite. Unless of course a customer was complaining and wanted to report one of them to the GM—then they used their names. Few ever displayed such manners.

Her physiognomy eased. Elijah knew that he was skilled at producing such an effect on people.

"Uh, Gyokuro is Japanese. It's a really good one. It's actually not as harsh and grassy as you'd expect from a green tea," she said, adopting her matter-of-fact, professional tone, looking between him and the tea package. "It has a sweetness to it, and uh, it's quite soft. I like it."

"Then I'll take it," Elijah said at once.

Liza licked her lips and gave another nod. "Okay. Great. If you get three more, you can get another one free." She pointed to a sign that said this and took a step back. "And our Oolongs and Herbals are on the other side of the store."

"Please lead the way," he said and gestured wide with his other hand.

The girl quickly turned her back to him, mostly to hide her face, which her coworker saw. The older woman’s own name tag read Pam. She saw the nicely-dressed man whom Liza was guiding, and raised her eyebrows, but Liza didn't acknowledge whatever look Pam was giving her. Liza steeled her own expression while Pam made an obvious face that said, Geez look at that young male specimen. Little did Pam know that Elijah was far from young.

He followed around the sample stations, and other displays of tins and packages on small, round tables. There were a few types of honey out, and several types of steeping tools. And mugs and tea sets galore. But he didn't need any of those things.

He saw how, simply by the way her shoulders straightened, Liza was once again solemn, which he found interesting, especially when she finally turned back around to show him the Oolongs. He saw that her previous smile was replaced by that same expression she'd first approached him with. She looked at him, her opinions hidden, for he was just a customer. She sold tea to countless people, after all. It made sense.

After he decided on more, including that free last one, he was led to the register and the girl rang him up. She'd been patient thus far, yet her stony expression slipped through to reveal how tired she was. It was in those deep, dark eyes of hers. It was probably a long day of being on her feet.

There was really nothing more that the vampire could do or say. Liza suspected nothing about him, not that he thought that she would. By the time he was leaving, she appeared a million miles away, looking up at the clock to the far wall, and didn't watch him go.

An hour later, around 8, Liza finally left. She had to do some tidying up of products and cleaning here and there. Elijah watched, pretending to intently check emails on his smartphone. Her co-worker closed the shop, they said goodbye to each other and went their separate ways. It was very close to dark by now. Headlights filled the street. There was still traffic, but not as bad as before.

Walking quickly, her old, leather messenger bag over her shoulder, Liza produced a pack of light green Marlboros and lit a cigarette as she moved. She followed the pedestrians before her and crossed the street. Going south down State Street, she was making her way to the Grand Street Red Line stop—the EL, as people called Chicago's subway.

Other citizens, heading home, exhausted, were going the same way. Businessmen and women; those who worked in retail and those in the service industry; college students, too. The air had grown chillier and Liza pulled up the zipper of her dark green leather jacket.

The smoke from her cigarette drifted away, behind her, and Elijah slowed to a stop in the small crowd as his nostrils flared from the smell. He wasn't a fan of smoking. And while it was none of his business, he was surprised that a young woman like her would have such a habit. She could've seen the man as she rounded the escalator that led underground but she didn't look up. As she moved quickly down the metal steps, she also had earbuds in her ears.

Elijah had to step aside as a random man rudely told him to get out of his way i. Elijah barely uttered an apology before the man trudged past. When the vampire looked back to the train entrance, the escalator, that girl was long gone.

But that was quite all right. He knew where she lived, and his way of getting around was far faster than that of the subway, especially in rush hour. So, one moment he was there, to the side of the passersby, and then he was gone in a blur that no one had noticed. Most of everyone's attention was riveted to the smart devices in their hands.

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