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shiny-jr · 1 year

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☀ damnation [ the hyena chieftain ]

– Summary: When you commit a crime, you receive a punishment. This is especially true in your society. No matter the crime, your punishment is the same: banishment. But to where you will be sent in exile and how miserable will it be? No one knows, because no one has ever returned.

– Warning: Yes, this is a yandere thing. Gender-neutral reader.

– Characters: Jack Howl, Ruggie Bucchi, Leona Kingscholar.

– Note: Not much to say right now, just a continuation of transferring the results from the quiz onto here so people can read. Like last time, if you haven’t taken the quiz, please try it! I worked a lot on it. As for now, I’m working on the next batch of results (Scarabia, Pomefiore, Ignihyde, and Diasomnia). Scarabia is a current work in progress, had to rewrite part of it because I didn’t like it.

– Pages: 42

– Not satisfied? Try looking here for the quiz to take it yourself and see where you end up banished!

The King of Hearts | The Hyena Chieftain | The Diviner

Wrapped. You were partially wrapped in a thin cool cloth. It was hot, and whatever you woke up on was uncomfortable but was much better than the hard cold benches of the jail. Everything came rushing back in an instant, your crimes, those scowling judges, and the portal that led to your punishment— You were here, the place where you’d live the rest of your life in exile.

Looking around, you thought to yourself, it could be a lot worse. It appeared that you were in some type of room, or a small house, or rather— a cave. The low ceilings were uneven, rocky, reflective and shiny with dew. The hard cold floor was uneven, and looking down, you could see that you lay atop a dirty old mattress with no bed frame. The mattress was just on the floor, there were even a couple of springs cutting through the corners. Thankfully there was light thanks to an old broken lamp in the corner, lit by a flame instead of electricity. The few shelves on the wall were stock full of pots and pans and silverware, and just a few feet away there was a small stone stove. Looks like you ended up in someone’s house. But who’s? And why?

As you jumped up on your feet, you realized that the cloth you were swaddled in was not a blanket for this bed, but a gray wrap that stretched from your left shoulder to the right side of your hip, the cloth held in place by a thin belt around your waist. Attached to the belt was a scabbard, and inside was a curved dagger you curiously examined in the palms of your hands, covered in long fingerless brown gloves. This knife might be useful to keep on you. You never know when things might get dangerous. Tucking the weapon back in its place, you returned your attention to the rest of your outfit. Underneath your wrap, you wore an extremely loose fitted sleeveless brown tunic that could just barely be seen, with matching cargo pants and worn boots.

“Hey, boss! Guess who got a great haul?”

Surprised by the sudden voice, you looked up only to see a short guy barreling into the room, past the curtains that served as a barrier, with an armful of goods. You weren’t too focused on whatever he was carrying, you were distracted by something else attached to his head and lower back. Ears, and a tail. The guy had fluffy but messy brown hair that faded into a sandy blonde, his semi-round ears were brown and his short tail matched his hair color. Were those the characteristics of a dog or a cat…? More important, why had he called you boss?

His downturned eyes, gray in color, peered up at you as he dropped all of his goodies on the mattress you were just asleep on moments ago. Flashing a proud grin, he rummaged through the pile as he explained, “Bunch of tourists from afar were on their way to the kingdom. Lucky for us, they took a wrong turn and ended up on our land. I mean, look at all this cheddar! Coins, jewelry, clothes, oh, and check it out–– rations! There’s a bunch more where this came from. And don’t worry, we split up all the stuff like you told us.”

As he sorted through the various objects, you pried your eyes away from his animal features and noticed his gloves were torn, old and rugged from what must’ve been countless times being worn. In the spots that were torn through, his hands looked rough and damaged from work. Curiously you stepped closer, scanning the pile, “There’s no gloves…?”

“Nah, I went through everything before we split it and sent them to the different ends with the guys to hand out.” Tossing aside some cans, he inquired, “Why? You lookin’ for some?” Actually, now that you were looking at him, you realized most if not all of his clothes were most likely stolen. The white cotton tunic was browning with age and was several sizes too big on his thin form, the large gray pants he wore were held up by a belt similar to yours that held a knife, and he had a dark brown shawl long enough to wrap around his shoulders and extend down his sides.

You still weren’t entirely sure what was going on, but as you looked down at your hands, it became evident that this guy needed these accessories more than you did. Peeling off the long brown gloves from your palms, you outstretched your hands and watched as he hesitantly, confusedly, placed his palms against your own. Removing his old gloves, you replaced them with your own. They matched his shawl. “If you don’t want to throw away your old ones, then save the material to make something else.”

“Really? For me? Seriously, you’re always giving me your things…” Eyeing the new gloves on his hands, he tugged on the material, seemingly content with the new pair. Raising an eyebrow, he eyed you suspiciously, “Spit it out, what job do you want me to do?”

Job? Right, so it seemed like this guy thought you were his boss and he was the subordinate. But it wasn’t just an ordinary gig being run here. Based on what he said before, these people stole if not for a living, then probably very often. And it was a large number of thieves that included himself, and you were their leader…? This was getting too confusing. “Look, I think you’re getting things wrong.” Clear things up now. “I’m not––”

“Is bringin’ ya the news good enough to pay you back? Because I heard a lot of it from those tourists and from locals in the pride lands. Come on, let’s walk while we talk.” Gesturing you to follow, you hesitantly did, and what you saw outside surprised you.

It was the slums. The little house you had been in, was inside of a huge cave system that housed multiple other rooms and even rooms outside in the sun. The environment was rocky, hot, and barren, but there were still countless people about. People like this guy, with fur-covered ears and tails, in rags and worn clothing. Clothes were being washed in huge bins by groups and hung to dry on lines, there was another group over fires cooking bits of food and collecting cans, and various other jobs being done. However, what caught you off guard, was that each person smiled at you and greeted you merrily, calling you boss, as if they had known you for years. Then, they also greeted the guy beside you. Ruggie, they called him.

“So here’s the deal, it’s not looking good on food for the week. We scavenged and sent some fishermen to the far end of the river, we even got some more people than usual at the markets in the kingdom making the usual food runs. But with King Falena making random rounds with his soldiers, we’re risking the chance of our guys getting caught.” Rolling his eyes at the mention of this king, Ruggie scoffed, muttering in annoyance, “Falena’s a dad now, why can’t he just go waste his time playing dear old daddy for that dumb little spoiled brat of his?! That’d make things so much easier for us, you know?”

A king and a land of hungry… Why did this seem familiar? You looked back at the guy beside you and his animal ears and tail. Almost everyone else here had similar appendages. What animal were they…?

“Oh, and before I forget, that Prince Leona was skulking around the borderlands again. Says he wants to talk to you, told me to tell you that myself. Gave a time and everything, talk about conceited.” Annoyed at the memory, he folded his arms behind his head and huffed, “You know, I kinda hate that guy. He’s always trying to boss me around, as if I work for him. Lions, am I right?”

A lion…? A lion prince, and an impoverished community… That… That sounded like the story of the Lion King. A story you used to read a lot when you were a kid. It was about a powerful and majestic lion that ruled over the savanna, and eventually his queen had a son who became heir and next in line for the throne. However, the majestic king had a prince brother who desired the throne more than anything. So, in secret the second prince met with the frowned upon hyenas that lived in the outskirts of the kingdom where there was little food and little water. The second prince befriended the hyenas and with the promise of being allowed into the land of plenty, plotted to overthrow his brother with the help of the hyenas. His plan succeeded, partially, as he murdered his elder brother but his prince nephew escaped. Only years later, after a short harsh rein under the cruel second prince, did the young prince return, now grown. The young prince took back the throne after a duel, and the second prince fell to his demise as the very hyenas he allied himself with, turned against him when the second prince attempted to blame them for the entire ordeal.

“Rightttt…” You responded quietly, not really paying that much attention to him because you were currently trying to piece together what you knew and what was going on. “... What time did he give you?”

“Who? The prince?” Ruggie stopped to look up at the sun, analyzing the angle of the light and length of the shadows with the position of the sun. Slowly he shrugged, “I’d say in ‘bout… few minutes actually. You’re not actually thinking of going, are you?”

The prince… This was a possible lead to… well, something, wasn’t it? Nodding to yourself, you answered confidently, “Yeah, I am, actually. Lead the way, will you?”

A sigh escaped past his lips as his shoulders sagged and he shoved his hands into his pockets. It seemed he was considering it, like he even wanted to say no, but finally he relented and threw up his hands. “You wanna see that stuck-up guy? Go for it. You’re the boss, you know what you’re doing.”

Yeah, you totally don’t know what you’re doing at all. Going with the gut feeling at the moment, and apparently your gut thought you should meet this prince, whoever he was. So you followed Ruggie as he obediently led the way through the dirt streets.

So wait, did that mean that this Ruggie guy and the rest of those people in the community were supposed to be the hyenas? Glancing at his animal characteristics, you could totally see it now. The fluffy ears and the short tail with brown or black colors, they were definitely the frowned upon hyenas of the story. Which meant that the majestic king was King Falena who Ruggie beside you off-handedly mentioned earlier, and his son was the kid prince that would one day rule the land after the tragedy. And finally, the villain of the story, the cruel and calculating second prince, brother of the majestic king… was this Prince Leona that wanted to meet you.

If you got all that right, then one of those outlandish rumors about where prisoners were banished to, was actually right! What a weird punishment, to be transported to the animal equivalent of Hamlet. At least they weren’t actually animals, just people with animal traits?

Now, considering all that, the rumors and information you had so far, what role did you play? It was obvious that the hyena folk didn’t see you as just some random human stranger that popped out of the sky and fell onto their land. No, they held you in high regard, like a person in power, despite not having their animal traits and you not knowing a single one of them. There was this one rumor your crazy aunt used to rave on and on about whenever a trial was broadcasted. Now it made sense as to the reason she always read you bedtime stories about good guys and bad guys, was precisely because she firmly believed that theory she always talked about. She truly believed that criminals would somehow end up in fantasy tales, and die in those tales. Maybe she wasn’t crazy after all. She actually had it right on the money. Wait—

Did that mean you were going to die here? Nervously you looked over at Ruggie, who seemed completely content with walking in silence, as he led you through dry rugged lands of cliffs and stone.

As you walked beside him, careful of where you stepped, you replayed the whole story in your mind. You were with the hyenas, they called you boss, so were you… the hyena clan leader? The clan leader was respected by the rest of the hyenas, she called the shots, and dealt directly with the second prince when negotiating. It was also her who overheard the second prince betraying them when confronted by the kid prince after he returned. Then, she and the rest of her kin, attacked and killed the royal that betrayed them. Queen shit, but what happened to her after? It never clarified, since the story revolved around the kid prince and how he restored the savanna to its former glory once he reclaimed the throne. If you had to guess, she and the rest of the hyenas were probably forced into the outskirts once again, where there were little resources to live off of. There was no immediate death for her, no violence that ended her life, but she was surrounded by poverty, starvation, and lack of water until the day she died. That was still a horrible way to die…

The ending never sat particularly right with you as a kid. Surely all the hyenas weren’t bad, so why were they all driven away while all the lions got to live in the land of milk and honey? It didn’t make much sense, considering the main villain was a selfish lion too. You for one, did not want to settle with the destined ending already set in place.

If we’re going according to the plot, then this must be when the second prince initiates first contact with the hyenas and begins to gain their trust to use in the plotted coup against his elder brother. As you got near the top of a few cliffs, on one side were the slums you just emerged from, and on the other side was vast greenery as far as the eye could see with a large colorful vibrant city. Two completely different worlds, separated just by cliffs.

From your spot this high up, you could see various animal-like folk. Yet the most common had golden ears and a shiny mane, wearing just as shiny gold and jewels with fabulous garbs, living in huge houses no-doubt furnished entirely with fine objects and appliances. In a way, the huge gap between the rich and the poor reminded you of home, and not in a good way. You scowled at the abundance these lion-folk had, while thinking of the misery the hyena folk lived in. It really was no wonder that the hyena clan leader had willingly helped in a coup, if it meant her people would finally get a piece of the wealth. The scowl grew on your lips as you spat, “Eat the rich.”

“Hear, hear!” Ruggie threw his head back and laughed, but it was a sort of desolate laugh, not one of happiness. And it was obvious as to why it came out like that as he eyed the bountiful city down below. “If it weren’t for them, you’d be the ruler of this land, you know. Doesn’t that seem great? Getting to live life without worrying when your next meal will be or if there’s even enough water to drink?”

Resuming your trek behind Ruggie, you slowly nodded along to his words. “Yeah, that sounds like a dream to be honest…” But the hyenas eventually succeeded in becoming part of the savanna. However, it doesn’t last long before the savanna becomes a desolate wasteland. Perhaps it couldn’t support both the lions and hyenas, but stories liked to claim that the hyenas just consumed far too much due to their greed. If things did go according to the story, then you would have to find a way to prevent the land from becoming barren and lifeless.

Just as you reached the top of the cliff, you and Ruggie roamed the high grounds until you spotted something. Or rather, someone.

They were a towering figure, if you had to describe them, he looked like the most intimidating bouncer to stand at the entrance to the most exclusive club. Perfectly fitting the body-guard type, he must’ve been security for the second prince. He looked to be on the younger side but he had to be over six feet tall, and with a muscular build like that, you feared that he’d easily be able to take on both you and Ruggie if things went south.

His attire was unlike yours, it was dark brown thick fabric with colorful orange and red vibrant patterns over his torso, that were mostly concealed by bronze and gold plates over his shoulders and chest. And in his hands, he held a long sharpened spear. Yup, definitely a guard. It became obvious that he noticed you, because his golden-brown eyes became laser focused on you and your companion. His ears–– among his wild mess of white hair that contrasted against the healthy bronze glow of his skin, were white pointed wolf-like ears, standing upright in attention. That’s when you noticed his long bushy tail too.

Yeah, that’s a white wolf, but there were no white wolves in the story…? Additionally, he looked nothing like Ruggie, who was short with his brown and blonde hair and beige skin, that easily allowed him to blend in with the rocky environment. Were you wrong? Was this not a story?

The wolf guy eyed you and Ruggie with suspicion before stamping the dull end of his spear against the ground and barked, “The prince approaches! His highness wants–– er… is requesting an audience with… you.” He pointed at you with his spear.

Inexperienced. You were right, the guard was young and he doubted himself with that last line. You exchanged glances with Ruggie, who must’ve been thinking the same thing as you, because he covered his mouth and whispered,

“Newbie. Fresh meat.”

You cracked a bit at that last bit, a very short and brief laugh nearly escaping your lips, to which Ruggie only grinned at before lowering his hand. The guard did not seem to appreciate the laughter in response, because his ears flattened back a bit and his frown deepened in embarrassment as he chastised, “I heard that! You disrespectful–– If you have dignity, you would respect the prince!”

“Why should I? He’s a lion, he’s definitely not my prince.” Crossing his arms, Ruggie took amusement in the wolf’s annoyance. So he continued cockily, “Yeah, we know who he is. He’s just like all those other lions, lazy, arrogant, you name it.”

The guard looked like he wanted to retaliate, but you weren’t sure if he wanted to go about it physically or verbally as he clenched his fists and gritted his sharp canines. You sent a look over at Ruggie to which he zipped his lips and offered a half-assed apologetic shrug that was directed more to you than to the wolf.

Just before you could find out if this wolf would act on impulse, a figure you hadn’t even noticed appeared from the shadows of the cliff.

“Don’t let them get to you, Jack. They enjoy seeing you all flustered.”

Immediately you whipped your head towards the approaching figure, wondering how they were so quiet. How long had they been there? When he stepped out of the shadows, you were immediately blinded by the jewels and beads wrapped around his neck and wrists. Even his red agbada was decorated with golden and orange linings, highlighting his wealth even further, as if the rare accessories weren’t enough. A mane, a long brown mane just slightly darker than his cool umber tone, was nearly enough to hide his own animal traits. Almost. You could make out the shape of large cat-like ears and a long thin tail that hung limply. A lion. This could only be Prince Leona, the second prince.

Turning his predatory green-eyed gaze over to you and your companion, he faked mock dejection before an amused type of grin appeared on his tired face. “We lions can’t be that bad. Try not to lump me in with them.”

You stood a distance away with Ruggie, carefully eyeing the prince. Right over his left eye, was a lengthy scar. At the moment he seemed… alright, but if you were right about this world’s events following the plot of the story, then this prince was to be feared. The second prince was cunning, calculating, and cruel. Very nearly did he succeed in everything. He murdered his elder brother, he completed the coup, he won over the hyenas, he became king. The only thing that went astray in his near-perfect plan, was the escape of his nephew that allowed the cub to grow and eventually become strong enough to regain the throne. That was the second prince’s one mistake that led to his demise. Slowly, albeit unsurely, you nodded your head in acknowledgement of his presence.

“Chief.” Leona nodded back regally, his curved charming smile keeping you on your toes. “I’m surprised you accepted the invitation. I didn’t think you would come. I thought maybe you’d send your little lapdog for you.”

Glancing at Ruggie, you noted his irritated frown, but the comment didn’t appear to dig into him too much. You’d have to choose your words carefully. Afterall, this was a prince you were dealing with. These were practically diplomatic issues, one misstep could bring trouble. But, luckily, you knew how things would go, and you had a rough idea of how the second prince would react according to the story’s plot. Even if things did go astray, not everyone would jump to defend the second prince. It’s said he was disliked by nearly everyone in his home kingdom.

Turning your attention back to the said royal, you responded calmly with an even smile, “I thought maybe the prince would have better manners and better brains than to just openly offend one of my own. Do you know what we do to royalty that step out of their kingdom?”

Once those words left your mouth, Jack bared his teeth and pointed his spear at you, bending his knees and shifting into a fighting stance.

However, Leona’s amusement at your retort quickly faded as he appeared unimpressed at his guard’s action. “Easy, boy. Relax.” Once the wolf begrudgingly lowered his spear and resumed his standing position, the prince shrugged, “It’s true, it’s not much of an invitation from me since we are still on your land. Forgive my impertinence, won’t you, chief? Where are my manners? I shall practice my curtsy next time I greet the ruler of the hyenas.”

At his sarcasm and dramatic curtsey, you gave a quick chortle. “Flattery won’t get you anywhere, you know.”

“I realize that, which is why I’ve come with an offering.” Leona snapped his fingers, gesturing to his bodyguard.

You hadn’t even noticed but Jack was carrying a bulky knapsack which he removed off his back at the sound of the prince’s snap. Zipping it open, he dumped all the contents of the bag onto the space between himself and the royal. Shaking it to make sure it was empty, he then tossed the bag aside, leaving a sizable pile of canned rations and packed goods. The metals and reflective packaging shone in the sun, tempting the hyena beside you.

Holding out your arm, you stopped Ruggie from jumping into the pile of food, shaking your head at his hands itching to snatch up every single object he could carry. This was it, you realized. This was how he befriended the hyenas and earned their trust. He bore gifts they desperately needed in the name of good-will, and only later did he reveal his plot that required their assistance. It wasn’t a friendship, it was something akin to a treaty. A treaty that would one day be torn to shreds the moment he betrays the hyena-folk. When you looked up, everyone was watching you, waiting to see what you would do. It felt as if the lion was patiently biding his time until you fell into his trap.

The plot was moving forward. Leona needed the hyenas, he couldn’t complete the coup all on his own. So either way, with or without your approval, he would win the majority of the hyena-folk by his false good-will. You could reveal to Ruggie and the others that you weren’t who they thought you were, but that didn’t work before. Even if it did work this time, what then? Would they turn on you? Would they accept you but lower your standing in the ranks? Or would you be banished, die stranded in a hot desert where the vultures would peck at your remains? There was that option, or… you could stay and play the role of chieftain of the clan. Then, with your knowledge of the story, you could alter the course of the future, get rid of the kid prince and keep the kingdom from declining once the hyenas arrived, and live the rest of your life in the beautiful land of plenty. To be honest, that last option sounded way better than the first.

Clearing your throat, you began, “I see what you’re doing here, Prince Leona. Offering food with a smile, waiting for us to eat out of your hand like obedient mutts so you can save us in your backpocket for something… devious. I respect that.” Focusing your gaze on the surprised prince, you once again flashed another smile before nodding to Ruggie, to which the hyena immediately dove forward to claim the offering. “But if you want our trust, or are trying to fool us, it’s going to take a lot more than that.”

In an instant, Ruggie had shoved every single ration and good back into the sack. Once done, he threw it over his shoulder and merrily gave a salute, jogging backwards until he was right back at your side. “Pleasure doing business!”

“Distribute that when we get back.” You murmured to the hyena, then averting your attention back to the important matter at hand. The prince. Giving him a thankful nod, you began to take your leave, following after your energetic companion, but not without bidding your goodbye, “Prince Leona, and Jack, was it? I look forward to next time. And next time, try not to underestimate us.”

At your words, Leona merely scoffed, his smile gone as he warned slowly, “Oh no, perhaps you shouldn’t underestimate me. But for now… Be well, little chieftain.”

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

By the second visit, a week had passed.

In that week, you had begun to get a feel for what this role you took over required. It may have seemed like an attractive role, to be a clan leader beloved by many, but it was tiring and grueling work. It required hard labor, there wasn’t a moment you weren’t busy either with tasks directly for the clan or by solving disputes within the community. Directing the groups of expert pick-pockets and looters to areas of the prosperous kingdom where King Falena was least likely to appear on his rounds, assisting in separating and handing out the stolen goods when the group returned, collecting foraged foods to cook with a group designated to prepare meals with the little they had, that was only a small list of responsibilities you had somehow managed to successfully deal with since arriving. The meals you had were not full course ones, but it was just enough to get by on, but not enough to keep you full since you’d wake up every morning with an aching hunger.

As you climbed up the cliff to the meeting spot designated by the prince who once again sent word through Ruggie, you were followed by said hyena. The guy was really a huge help around here, it was no wonder that everyone in town loved him, even if he was conniving, he only really ever plotted against the lion-folk.

In your head, you went over the story for the umpteenth time. You couldn’t remember any other specific reason the second prince would visit again unless he was trying to further build the foundation of trust. To be honest, you had been so busy trying to complete your work and blend in the past few days, that you had forgotten about the prince for a while. Until now that is. When you arrived at the meeting spot, Jack and Prince Leona were already there waiting.

As soon as the lion’s green gaze landed on you, a smile appeared on his face. You didn’t like his smile. It was the type of smile that felt like it was hiding something, it felt like more of a grin or a smirk. But perhaps that’s just the way he smiled. “Why, if it isn’t the chieftain descending from on high to meet me? Or shall I say, ascending from down low.” His gaze flickered to the run-down abodes down below.

“Haha, uh-huh, watch it, Prince.” You raised your gaze to meet his, having to look up at him as he casually strolled past you. Getting close enough that you worried he might try something. “Let’s speak privately. You seemed to doubt my sincerity last time, so let me try again. Jack.” Turning to face his personal guard that approached when summoned, Leona gestured to the wolf and continued, “Take him. You have him for one week. Use him as you like. Through intense labor, guarding, whatever. He’ll serve you well, just try not to use him for your little thieving parties. If caught, I’d rather not have to explain to the court why my own guard was working hand-in-hand with you hyenas, stealing from citizens of the kingdom. He’s a good guard, comes from the northern continent, new and naive but he has enough strength to overpower some of my brother’s own guards. But I laid claim to him before Falena could.”

You eyed the muscular guard up and down, looking at Ruggie who appeared just as caught off guard as you were. When your companion met your gaze, he shrugged, looking uncertain. Turning your attention back to the guard, you crossed your arms and inquired, “And what’s your say on this, big guy? You’re really okay being left here for a week in this wasteland?”

Those big pointed ears of his perked up as he peered down at you, looking the tiniest bit astonished that you would even ask his opinion on this matter. Actually, you were a little offended, because you could clearly tell he was surprised.

“I’m not gonna take you if you don’t want to come. Please, I am not as savage as your royal master here.”

That slight smirk on Leona’s face and lack of denial spoke volumes.

Jack nodded, hesitantly bowing his head in respect as he answered, “I’d be honored to be part of any deal to mend relationships between the hyena-folk and the rest of the kingdom.”

Ah. Now it all made sense. That’s how Leona was painting it out to be to his loyal guard. In reality, what Jack said wasn’t that far from the truth. Hyenas would become part of the kingdom, but probably in not the manner he expected it to happen.

“Well, that settles it, doesn’t it, chieftain?”

“I guess it does.” Shifting your attention from Leona and with one more glance at Jack, you resisted the urge to laugh at the wolf’s slowly wagging tail and determined expression. Poor guy really thought he was going to make a meaningful difference, when he was all just a pawn in the prince’s plot… “Ruggie, take Jack down to the town and show him the ropes. Give him a job that won’t get us in trouble with the king.”

Your subordinate side-eyed the guest who was looking at him expectantly, before frowning and finally waving at him to follow. “C’mon, let’s get outta here and let them talk boring politics. I’ll show you around then tell you where you’ll be working the rest of the day.”

You watched the two take their leave and head back down to the town, ignoring the way Leona purposefully stepped closer. So close that his thick locks nearly brushed against your nose when he turned to walk away. “As he said, let’s talk politics.” You watched as he sat on a large rock conveniently placed under the shade of the higher cliffs, and he gestured for you to do the same. So you sat across from him on another rock, and continued with your inquiry, “Why are you so incessant on gaining our trust?”

“Hm, I wonder…” He hummed, pulling out a bag that was hidden behind the very rock he sat on. Without any explanation as to what was inside, he dropped it at your feet. You had a decent guess as to what it was. Supplies. “Here you are. Now, I’ll be taking my leave––”

Watching him get up, you remained seated and merely murmured, “If you won’t answer me, you won’t receive my trust. Trust is a two way street, you know? So if you tell me what it is you want, we might actually make progress today instead of just ending at another standstill.” When he stood still, you murmured with a confident smile, “You want the throne, don’t you?”

Those tired green eyes carefully studied you before he grinned with equal confidence and muttered, “You aren’t the real chieftain, are you?” You slipped up and froze, your expression dropping, and that’s when he knew he had you. “The real chieftain wouldn’t take the initiative to extend conversation with me, or have the confidence to tease. And yet, the hyenas appear to treat you the same. I wonder if they have realized, hm?”

A standstill once again. You felt your throat dry, uncertain how to respond. He had you, but you had him. If you revealed his secret, then he could be banished from his homeland or worse, and he’d never ever get to sit on the throne. If he revealed your secret, you may be a goner, there was still that slim chance that the hyenas would turn on you. When he didn’t sit down, you gulped and hesitantly tried, “Your brother… what would he say?”

“You would tell him? Oh, how the thought of my big brother knowing makes me quiver with fear.” He mockingly hissed, chuckling at the end. “Falena knows I wish to be king, he just cannot comprehend the things I would do to attain the crown. Even if you could reach him, why would he have any reason to believe the word of a lowly being from the hyena clan? Is it not as you said? Trust is a two-way street.” A smirk curled on his lips, revealing his unnaturally sharp canines. “Let’s establish a bit of trust between us, little chieftain. You must know, I mean no disrespect. I have a certain… respectfor those that try so hard to be on par with me.”

You watched him carefully, feeling your nerves rise until he slowly sat back down. Only then could you breathe a sigh of relief, but you didn’t, because you had to keep your guard up around him. You couldn’t allow another little thing to slip, and give him the upperhand. Meeting his tired green eyes that never once strayed away from your form, you admitted, “I just want to survive.”

For a moment, he was quiet, looking you up and down, analyzing you as he slowly leaned against the larger stone behind him where he rested one arm. “Life's not fair, is it, my deceitful friend? I’d gamble and say wherever you’ve come from, whatever your circumstances, they were not much better than they are now, are they?”

The trial and your banishment immediately came to mind once his words reached your ears. You averted your gaze downward and frowned as you thought of how cruelly you were tossed out of the community, how they did not care what would happen to you now. And then there was everything beforehand, your personal grapples and struggles with the rigid rules of that society. It left a bitter taste on your tongue. Somehow, it's as if Leona sensed your anger and hate boiling inside. It might actually be similar to himself, perhaps that’s why he one day snapped and decided that what he desired most far outweighed the lives of those few who loved him.

At your silence, he continued, “While some are born to feast, others spend their lives in the dark, begging for scraps. The way I see it… you and I, are exactly the same. We both want to find a way out, and that way is through what my brother has.”

Your eyes shifted back up to his neutral expression. You knew what was coming. But, you were curious, “Why confide in us? Why not just challenge the king in the duel? You do have that right, since you're from royal blood just like him. Ritual combat is the easy way out, isn’t it?” You already partially knew of the answer to this, but maybe now, under these changed and special circumstances, he would give up more information.

At that, he scoffed, appearing irritated as he replied, “You think facing Falena is the easy way out? Tsk. I’d call you a fool, but you clearly aren’t that. Just ignorant at times. I wouldn’t dream of challenging him again.” Leaning forward, he folded his hands together, and then his mood began to change. That vexed frown began to steadily shift into an eager grin, an ominous one that showed hunger. Not a gluttonous hunger for food or drink or anything of that sort, it was a hunger for power, and the second prince was starved of it. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the mighty strength his royal highness has. But, I do have something he does not best me in: brains.”

There it is. The proposal. This was it.

Leona turned his head to the horizon, noting the direction of the sun that was beginning to fall, day was turning to night. Gazing at the colorful sky with you silently observing as you remained in his company. “I believe I should be going.”

What? You watched incredulously as Leona stood from his seat and stretched his arms over his head, opening his jaw to let out a big old yawn. What lax behavior for a prince. And what was his deal? Cutting things off when things were just getting good! You felt like you just watched the most anticipated episode of a soap opera only for it to end on a cliffhanger at the huge climax, but also… it felt like he finally moved the knife away from your throat, metaphorically speaking. It felt like he was doing this on purpose, so his words would haunt you until the day he returned. “That’s it?”

Noting your frown, the prince gave a lazy grin as his arms swung back against his sides. “Don’t be too depressed. I’ll be back in a few days for my guard, and to continue these talks with you. And I won’t hold your little secret over your head, as long as you don’t hold mine against me. I have a very interesting proposition that you and your kin will love, one I’m sure we can all agree to without the use of our secrets. But until next time, consider to what lengths you’d go for yourself… and your clan, of course.” Nodding his head to you in acknowledgment, he turned away and began his trek back home, but not before leaving you with these thoughts weighing heavy on your head, well over an armful of supplies to carry home, and those familiar parting words, “Be well, little chieftain.”

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Over the next few days, not only had Leona’s words truly haunted you and prevented you from getting sleep at night, but you also had to keep watch over the wolf on top of your usual duties.

But surprisingly, Jack fit in just fine. You weren’t sure what to expect from the guy in the first place, considering he was pretty out of place in this setting and you still had no idea what role he played in the original tale. Yet somehow, he seemed to fit right in, swiftly handling chores that would usually take multiple people hours long to complete, getting along with the village children running about and mischievously attempting to trip him up, and beginning to look up to the conniving Ruggie. Everyone was incredibly weary that a palace guard was among the community, some even questioned your decision, but when he showed he was useful, he was gladly accepted. Most even thought he was humble and pretty amusing for such a tough guy to be so dedicated to following your right-hand hyena.

Speaking of following… You had caught the wolf stalking you on multiple occasions, but never outright admitting he was tailing after you. Had you been had? Was Jack actually instructed to spy on you by that second prince? No, there was no way. Jack had rigid morals and stooping so low as to spy under the guise of a diplomatic deal to mend relations would definitely go against those morals. Although you did have to admit, it was pretty funny to see him try and sneak around to shadow you when he stuck out like a sore thumb.

One day, in the middle of his stay, you were startled to find him outside of your room, so alarmed that you mistook him for someone else with the lack of brown hyena appendages, that you nearly brought out your dagger to strike. Only for him to greet you good morning rather enthusiastically, confusing you with the change of attitude from him. It was different from what you were used to. Ruggie was fairly quiet in the mornings, he was much kinder, at least to you and those he cared for, so he’d greet you with a dopey smile and sparkle in those downturned eyes. Jack, however, was not like that. His greeting was reminiscent of that of a soldier at morning salute, not smiling but still full of energy. Then he’d only take his leave once you informed him where you would be throughout the day.

Then came the unexpected acts of service. Whenever you required assistance with a chore or had to send word out, the hyenas would listen to your commands obediently. But Jack took that to a whole other level. Whenever he had completed his tasks, he’d come to you, taking up the role of subordinate much to Ruggie’s annoyance. The only way you could get the wolf off your back and to stop him from taking over your own chores, was to give him a list of more tasks that was hopefully enough to keep him busy for the next few hours. Yet somehow despite all that, it never was enough to stop him.

At dinner time when most of the clan sat down to eat at the center of the village, he’d serve you and proudly explain that he helped hunt and gather food for the day! Just when you thought you could get away after eating, you’d be dead wrong. Because somehow, Jack would find you, and escort you home, despite your insistence that you didn’t need a personal guard to walk you home. It had only been one day, but the guy was already starting to get on your nerves. How did Leona even deal with him?

So when you were greeted by him on the final day of his stay, you decided to cut things off here.

“Look, Howl, answer me this. Why are you so insistent and respectful all of a sudden?” You crossed your arms, eyeing him warily as you continued your small interrogation. “Didn’t you nearly attack me and Ruggie the first time we met? You seemed like you hated us, so why the change? Huh?”

At your words, his ears flattened in shame and he averted his gaze down to the uneven ground, looking like a kicked puppy. “I misjudged you and your clan, I’m sorry… I’ve been trying to make it up to you.”

“What?”

“I’ve been watching you, and you’re a respectable leader, more than most give you credit for.” Did he not realize how weird that first line sounded? “I have to apologize. I fell for the rumors without knowing anything about you, and that was wrong. In the kingdom, they don’t exactly say the most… flattering things about you and the others. But they’re dead wrong!” At his sudden exclamation, your eyes widened and you stared at him as he continued his rave angrily, as if he were the one being whispered about. “You aren’t some mangy stupid rude crook! You’re fair, selfless, and diligent! And all the hyena-folk starving and living like this… they don’t deserve it!!”

“Are you done?” You frowned at his outburst, waiting until he pursed his lips together and silently nodded. His fluffy white tail hanging limply behind him. Well, he was sincere, even if everything he said wasn’t true, at least about you. You weren’t all those good things he said, you were just doing this to survive, to save and later improve your own life. However, if accepting his apology meant you would finally get some breathing room, then you had no choice but to accept. “It’s alright. You’re forgiven. Besides, complaining isn’t going to help us in any way. If that weren’t the case, you’d hear me complaining all the time.”

Jack remained quiet, slowly nodding, “You’re right… Which is why I’m going to help for as long as I can!” He what…?Looking even more determined than before, he gazed down at you and confided, “You’ll be striking up a deal with my boss, won’t you, chieftain? Now I know why he’s so incessant on sending rations every once in a while! And the king… he wouldn’t approve so that’s why he’s gotta do it in secret!”

Yeah, no, Leona was most definitely not sending supplies out of the pure goodwill of his heart.

“I want to stay here with you, and help out as much as I can! Until people won’t go hungry anymore!”

“Uh-huh…” You muttered, noticing his slowly wagging tail. He was getting way too worked up over this. “Don’t you know, if the king heard you say all that stuff, then you’d be a traitor? Hyenas and lions are sworn enemies. You’d lose everything. The only reason you’re currently not labeled as a traitor by the state, is because your boss has you here in secret.”

“I know… but Leona wants to help you guys out too, doesn’t he?”

The answer to that was… debatable. “Sure, let’s just say we both might help each other out. Why?”

“Then… I’m swearing my loyalty to you!”

You froze, stunned into silence. Without even needing to ask why, he answered.

“You know I’m from the north. I’m from a small village, a poor one. Not as poor at this one, but I know what it’s like to be in need. This place needs my help, more than the king and his kingdom do, even more than Prince Leona. So I’m going to do all I can until everyone has enough to eat and drink.” Stepping closer, you winced a bit at the rapid wagging of his tail that created a slight wind and you did not miss the instance his pointed ears perked up straight in attention. “Leona doesn’t need my help, he’s honestly stronger than me… but that doesn’t mean I’m weak! I can be useful!”

Yeah, you know. You witnessed a sparring match with him yesterday where he was able to take on five of your own men and women. Actually, with everything he’s saying now, it all made sense as to why as soon as he was victorious in yesterday’s match, he looked in your direction as if expecting praise. Total sense. Even if you did reject his pledge, you had a feeling he wasn’t exactly the type to take no for an answer.

“I’ll be your guard now, boss!” He was looking down at you expectantly again with those sparkling eyes.

Jack really had no clue what he was getting himself into, did he? You merely sighed, not willing to sit here and listen to his reasoning all morning. “Okay, you know what? Fine. Jack, welcome to the clan. Just don’t expect me to be the one to break the news to your now former boss.”

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

“Chief!”

You stirred, groaning as you begrudgingly opened your eyes, stretching out on the rough mattress and shivering from the cold of the windy outskirts. When you glanced to the side, there was Ruggie, crouching at your bedside and looking both wide-awake and alert. Blinking slowly, you muttered, “What is it, Ruggie?”

“There’s a spy! We’ve been had, boss, but they’re still around. We got them surrounded, so they’re not going anywhere.” The hyena watched as you immediately sat up, giving you space to place on your boots and grab some weapons.

You grabbed a few things, whatever seemed useful and small enough to carry on your person. Something like this hasn’t happened since you arrived, but you had a good idea on how to go about the situation from stories told to you by local residents. They said spies were much more common a few years ago, and the former clan leader could be much more… brutal in her resolve. A spy appearing now was throwing a wrench in your plan, especially if they noticed a certain white-tailed soldier here. “Who noticed them?”

“Jack. He’s the one keeping them at bay, but knowing him, he’s probably beaten them an inch within their life.”

“Shit.” Great! Just peachy! Just the opposite of what you needed. If that spy got word back to authorities that a guard of theirs had turned, it could ruin Leona’s plot. Which might mean that the hyenas would never get to live in the pride lands. When you heard running footsteps, you quickly removed the curtain separating your room from the outside. You stepped outside just in time to see a figure sprinting past your door–– that is until a thin rope was thrown at their feet, tripping them up by getting their legs tangled in the material.

Thump!

They fell over with a yelp before being dragged in the direction they had come from. In an instant, the person who had caught them and dragged them back, had tossed the remaining rope over a tall wooden pole that held a small lit candle to dimly illuminate the dark street. Jack heaved on the rope, pulling so the captor hung by their legs several feet off the ground, like some rare catch being displayed in the middle of the town.

“Y-You can’t do this to me! You’re part of the kingdom! This is treason!” The spy cried as Jack tied the rope to the pole so he could let go and they wouldn’t fall.

Slowly approaching, you announced your presence with your voice. “What do you have there, Jack?”

As soon as his ears detected your voice, he stood upright almost as if in salute as he answered, “Boss, I heard them sniffing about the storage. They planned to poison the only water source we have.” He turned to glare at the captured spy, nearly growling, “This would’ve made everyone sick, and people would’ve died.”

“Huh. I get it now.” According to your knowledge, this was not the first time something of this sort had happened before. Although the last time it happened was years ago. Several years ago, when a group of lion-folk attempted to cut off the biggest food source the hyena-folk had. Tilting your head at the spy, you noted their dark lion ears and tail. One of the few outcasted so called weak and sick lion-folk that came to the village as the only place they could go when their own turned them away.

Jack gazed down at you, murmuring, “It’s your call, boss.”

Their arms flung around wildly as they attempted to stop themselves from swinging in their captured state. From the shadows there were eyes, watching so intently, and you were sure that this snoop knew they were being watched by more than just you and the wolf beside you. They struggled to speak properly, but managed to choke out a desperate plea, “If you let me go, I-I’ll never come back here or to the kingdom! I won’t say a word about this wolf-man here. And–– I’ll tell you who sent me! But! You must promise that you won’t kill me.”

You ignored Jack’s gaze, focusing your attention on this back-stabber. You recognized them. They had been in the hunting group. Continuing your staring contest with them, watching their wide eyes and the way their chest went up and down with quick breaths in rapid succession, you finally had your reply. As calm as can be, you responded, “I swear I won’t kill you. Now, who sent you to stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong?”

Hesitating, they then groaned and relented, “The queen! The queen has been wanting to put a stop to the constant thieving and tricks by the hyenas. So she sent me to get rid of a few.”

“That’s all I need to know.” The queen was hardly mentioned in the original tale. All that you knew was that she was supposedly a strong and respectable woman, beloved by the whole kingdom, and deeply in love with the king. Oh, but now you are beginning to despise her. She too had no idea of the change that was to come. “I think it’s fair game now. She tried to take the lives of people here, so I’ll take everything from her.”

As you began to walk away and wordlessly gestured for Jack to follow, the captee began to squirming anxiously, not able to reach the rope around their ankles. They hung out like a piece of steak to dry, and for their crimes, that’s exactly how they will be treated. A piece of scrap to be torn apart bit by bit. “Wait, chief! Don’t leave me like this! We had a deal! Any crime seen has to be reported, wolf! You took that oath when you started working for the royals!”

Slowly nodding at his words, after a few more paces you noticed Jack froze. Sighing, you turned around, watching the enemy struggle like a miserable little fly caught in a web. Bending down, you picked up a sizable stone which you judged the weight of in your hands, inspecting it in your palm. “You’re right. I promised that I wouldn’t kill you. And as per his oath, Jack has to report what he saw. He can’t report what he doesn’t see.” Tossing the stone, you struck the candle atop the post, extinguishing the flame and the only light source for this block. It was night, and there was no way to see.

“W-Wait, what are you doing?”

The glowing eyes of the watching hyenas seemed to brighten in the sudden darkness. Multiple pairs of eyes steadily creeping closer to the defenseless traitor.

“Oh, wow, too bad. The light went out. Guess we can’t see.”

You ignored the traitorous lion’s cries and begs for mercy, a rapturous laughter breaking out from the multiple spectators. Their giggles rung in your ears, the pure multitude of them overpowering the fearful shrieks of the one criminal. You managed to get the former royal guard to look ahead instead of back behind him, escorting the wolf further down the road because from your room you were certain you would still be able to hear the carnage about to take place. As Jack went a few steps ahead before taking a turn at a block, you lingered behind, looking back to see the enemy screaming and wriggling wildly but to no avail. They continued to hang from their feet as the glowing eyes from the darkness crept closer and closer, no doubt ready to strip them for all they had and give them a punishment for their betrayal that could only make them yearn for the sweet release of death.

You followed with Jack, getting far away, enough so you could no longer hear the pained screeches and wails of misery. Once far enough, you questioned, “Did you know? About the queen?”

Jack whipped his head towards you, his white hair rising a bit. He looked as if you asked him if he poisoned the water. Betrayed. “No!! I’d never do something as low as that!”

“It’s just a question.”

He frowned deeply, ears flattening as per usual when he was somber. “Why did you do that…?”

Stopping in your tracks beside him, you looked up at him, able to see his features well on these dimly lit streets. “What, that back there? If we let them go, they would’ve reported you anyway. I know their type. Besides, I have to help out my own, don’t I? That’s my job.”

His expression went blank, but you could practically see the words being processed in his head. The more it registered, the more his ears perked up and the faster his bushy tail wagged. It was difficult for him to hide that slight curve tugging at the corner of his lips, no matter how hard he tried to remain stone-faced. “Your own…” That meant acceptance, didn’t it? “Right, I understand now… Thanks, chief.”

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Maybe saying that to Jack was a mistake. His insistence on being your closest subordinate had only worsened, if that were even possible. He burned through chores and tasks even faster, sticking by your side like glue. As you tried to escape his presence at least for a minute, you found yourself on the outskirts of the village by the abandoned bones of giant creatures and in the dark rocky valley where most lion-folk wouldn’t dare venture.

In between two small cliffs, you were abruptly yanked up in a tiny cranny where a familiar hyena quickly motioned to keep quiet. It was a small little nook he found off the ground, a cool shaded perch nestled between the larger rocks. Holding a single finger up to his lips in a shushing motion, he grinned when he heard the wolf calling your name was getting further and further away. After a moment, he finally relaxed, sighing loudly, “Man, I thought that beefcake would never leave! Seriously, who’s he think he is? He’s practically trying to rob me of my top spot! I’ve worked my tail off for this place beside you, you know? Jack won’t ever understand, he could only dream of getting on my level with you! I kept my promise, you know.”

“Hm?” When you turned your head to look over at him, he was gazing at you with those gray eyes, watching you intently. Before a content looking smile steadily overcame his features.

“My promise, you remember, don’t ya? When you used to take care of us and the other kids, just because you were the oldest and the strongest. So you’d go out and make those dangerous rounds into the kingdom all on your own, and you’d always come back with just enough food for us to share. But you were always injured somehow.” In this small space, he had to sit curled up, bending his knees but using them as a spot to lean the side of his head against. He continued to smile at you, giggling at those mysterious memories in his head. “It worried us sick when you left, and when you came back scratched up we couldn’t stop cryin’. So one day, I promised you that I’d get stronger to help you out and… Well, I’ve kept that part of the promise. Now the only part left is the part where I swore we’d live in a huge fancy palace one day where you didn’t have to go out and do the hunting!”

So Ruggie was close to the real chief, even before they became leader of the clan… It made you feel slightly guilty for taking up this moniker. But you had no choice when you were tossed into this world with no warning. However, even if Ruggie couldn’t fulfill this childish promise, you would. It was the least you could do, not just for yourself, but for the rest of the hyena-folk. He helped you so much in that first week. Leaning your head against the wall, you responded quietly, “I’ll make sure you get to live in a palace someday soon, Ruggie. I promise.”

“Don’t say that, or I’m gonna hold you up to it! Besides, I promised first. Make up your own.” He laughed, playfully bumping his shoulder against yours as a cheeky grin spread on his lips. After a moment, he waited, gazing at you impatiently as he tilted his head and rested it back against his knees. “Well? C’mon, tell me, what’re you gonna promise to me?”

“What should I promise you…?” Tapping your finger against your chin, you pondered on the thought. What would Ruggie want? Scratch palace off the list, because he already claimed that. An abundance of food seemed like an option, but you rather not risk promising him that and watching the land run out of resources. Promising him a place in the pride lands was a bit too much on the nose. It would just make you seem suspicious when you would eventually get all the hyena-folk access to the pride lands. Finally, after a few moments of thinking with no ideas, you shrugged and inquired, “Well, what do you want, Ruggie? What can I give you?”

That cheeky grin grew wider, stretching across his face as he averted his gaze, beating around the bush and drawing out his words for further suspense. “Welllll… Actually, there is something I can think of, call me greedy.”

Rolling your eyes, you scoffed, feeling your own smile begin to form. “Okay, greedy, what is it?”

If you took a peek, you could see his short brown tail moving side-to-side rapidly as he lifted his head, “Swear you won’t laugh? Even if it is mushy and stuff?”

Amused, you gave a soft chuckle, “I swear, I won’t laugh. Even if it’s mushy.”

Shifting so he was facing you with his legs crossed, he began somewhat hesitantly, almost nervously, before gaining a bit of confidence the more he went on. “I want you to promise me that I’ll always be your number two, and you’ll always let me stay beside you.”

Raising an eyebrow, it suddenly hit you. Ruggie was jealous of Jack! At that realization, a small laugh escaped your lips as you poked him, pestering him for a response as you teased, “Aww, were you jealous of that big bad wolf~? Is that it? I should’ve known! You’ve always been sticking by me, then Jack comes and ruins your flow. Who would've guessed?”

“Shut––! I’m not jealous!” He hissed, growing embarrassed. “You promised you wouldn’t laugh, you lyin’ little––!”

Laughing and giggling reached your ears, causing you and Ruggie to both freeze. His semi-round ears perked up, both of you listening intently to the voices. It sounded like two children, but it wasn’t familiar. Leaning your ear closer to the stone wall, you listened to the voices that were getting closer and closer, almost directly below the hiding spot you were in.

“This is it. Just like my uncle said!” One of the voices whisper-yelled, as if they were worried about whatever may lurk just around the corner, or just above them. It sounded like a young boy. But none of the children you had encountered in the village sounded like him, and you met practically all of them.

The second voice piped up. It was the voice of a young girl. “It’s so creepy… People really live out here?” That implied they were children not from the outskirts.

Then you were reminded of a scene from the original story. The young prince, son of the majestic king, heard a secret from his uncle, the second prince. The second prince told him of a graveyard full of bones among the outskirts, just past the kingdom’s reach, where only the bravest of souls ventured and returned from. The young kid prince, being such an ambitious child, foolishly snuck out to the outskirts with his friend. There, they were attacked by the hyenas, for the outskirts were their territory. The only reason the two children and royal attendant who arrived late to save them, were not killed, was because the majestic king arrived just in time to fend off attacks and warn the hyenas to never attack his son again. That scene was about to happen, right now.

As the two children, the kid prince and his friend, went back and forth, you and Ruggie exchanged glances. Steadily a grin spread on the hyena’s face as he mouthed: fresh meat.

Before he could even think about moving, you held up your hand, motioning him to keep still and quiet as you detected an additional pair of steps. Steps coming quickly, heavier, meaning it was someone in a rush. Someone heavier than a child. “Wrong! The only thing we’ll be doing is going home! We’re way beyond the boundaries of the kingdom!”

The royal attendant that served the king himself, there was no mistaking it. It was happening. Silently, you and your right-hand hyena listened to the slight bickering and scolding occurring between the young royal and the attendant. As much as you wished to end the king’s royal lineage here, which would allow Leona to take the throne once Falena passed, that would take far too long. The kid prince couldn’t die here. He needed to remain alive, that way you could be sure to kill two lions with one stone later. Besides, killing the two later by staging the accident was much more preferable to killing the young prince in cold blood while the king remained alive and could wreak havoc in revenge.

Ignoring the continuous conversation down below, you looked over at Ruggie who appeared antsy. “Now?” He whispered impatiently.

You shook your head. You didn’t want to face the majestic king alone if he really was strong enough to make people fear him. So, turning your attention to Ruggie, you replied in a hushed tone, “Backup first. No wolf in this royal business. And I want them alive.” You grinned, giving him the sign to go. “Scare them good.”

The royal attendant quickly attempted to usher them away, but the two children stubbornly refused to budge. “Right now, we’re all in very real danger––!”

Interrupting him was a whistle. A slow quiet whistle in an ominous tune, carried on by the wind which seemed to make it echo throughout the entire area, bouncing off the bones and walls of the rocky terrain and carrying it beyond. Any hyena-folk or a wolfman within close distance would be able to pick up on the whistle with their ears, and those of the clan might be able to decipher its message. Backup needed. Only hyenas, no wolf or lions. Capture guests alive.

The whistling had caused the three unexpected guests to become paralyzed in fear, you could see the hairs on the back of their neck were raised in alarm. First they heard Ruggie, who’s whistling had turned to cackling at their expressions of freight.

You too couldn’t contain your laughter at their pure fear. “Heh, Ruggie, when I said give them a good scare, I didn’t mean to the point of making their souls leave their bodies.”

The hyena shrugged, giggling as he followed you when you stalked closer to the unexpected guests. “Gee, boss, what can I say? It’s not my fault it’s as easy as stealing candy from a baby.”

You ignored the other two, and honed in on the kid prince, the protagonist, the hero of the story. Too young to fight back, yet one day he’d be powerful enough to defeat even Leona. “How unexpected to be greeting the son of a king.”

The three had nowhere to run, not when the reinforcements arrived. Soon, they were surrounded by a good number of hyena-folk. One thing you learned about hyena-folk is that they were small and gaunt due to lack of nutrition, but they worked frighteningly well together in groups to defeat much bigger and stronger opponents. As you focused solely on the little prince, you examined his features as he bravely stood in front of his friend. There was a healthy glow in his bronze cheeks, and his hair was unlike his Uncle Leona’s. His short messy locks were thick strands of a bright orange that faded into yellow, and he had big brown eyes that never broke eye contact with you. “Two children and a servant of the king’s. I know exactly who you are.”

The royal attendant interjected, stepping between you and the two lion-kids. “Let them go, chief! We did not mean to step on your land. We will leave immediately!” No matter how he spoke, you could tell he was scared but his tone and the way he stepped back each second when you didn’t stop moving forward, forcing the two younglings behind him to step back as well. Had he been a hornbill bird like in the original tale, his feathers would surely be all ruffled by now. “If you do this, you will start a war with Falena!”

“Hyenas and lions have been at war since anyone can remember.” Removing your knife from its sheath, you gripped its handle in your hand. In its reflection, you could see Ruggie and the other hyena folk appearing fidgety and ready to sink their claws at any given moment, while dread and terror crept onto the faces of the three in front of you. “But with this… I can cause the kingdom a tiny shred of grief, just as they have caused the village a world of pain.” All you wanted to do was knick them, a cut small enough to draw blood, but when you lunged forward, the royal attendant threw the long blue sleeves of his cloak at you, effectively blinding you but only for a moment.

As soon as you lunged, so did the others. Those hyenas closest to you, instantly removed the royal attendant and pinned the squirming man to the ground. When you could finally see again, it revealed you were correct on your guess. The two lions had run, with some of your own chasing behind them until they were led to the underground tunnels. Placing your knife back at your hip, you scowled at the royal attendant now restrained and unable to help those he was tasked to protect. “Keep him there, don’t let him go. The rest of you, after them!”

From where you remained, you could hear and see the hyena-folk running about, in and out of the maze of tunnels. They were small, yes, but the children were smaller, so they’d no doubt get away until they were cornered, just as they did in the original plot. But this was exactly what needed to happen for the plot progress. There was no point in changing the plot now. It was best to change the plot when you could reap the most, and that was not now. It was a loss required to win in the grand scheme of things.

It didn’t take long for the two lion-children to reemerge from a hole in the ground, leading the two to become surrounded. The two huddled together, fearfully scanning the faces of the dozens of hyena-folk that surrounded them.

Three.

The young prince bared his baby fangs, letting out a squeak of a roaring war cry. A pathetic example, probably puny compared to his father. Speaking of which, he should be here soon, judging by how the royal attendant was gone meaning he had somehow escaped the grasp of his hyena captors. That attendant would probably be sending out an alert by now.

Two.

You watched, unimpressed as the hyena-folk present broke out into laughter at the cub’s tiny yeowl, their heightened anxiety only doing more to add to the hyena’s howling cackles. Even Ruggie was doubled over in laughter, but you knew better than to lower your guard right now, especially as a few of the underlings poked and prodded for the little prince to do his war cry once again.

One.

You grabbed Ruggie’s collar and pulled him back just the young prince opened his mouth, and a much powerful louder war cry like a terrifying roar could be heard that echoed in the space all around them. Just in time, you watched as the hyena-folk stepped back in alarm at the sudden noise. Towards the back of the crowd, you could make out the scene of some of your own men and women being flung to the side like rag dolls by a mightier figure. It was clear by just that glimpse, that this was King Falena, and he was stronger than even Prince Leona and former royal guard Jack. You couldn’t watch these people get hurt anymore, so you whistled, instantly signaling your kin to back away as the lionman’s ears perked up at the noise from your direction.

When he rushed forward to stand closer to the two children, you nodded at your kin to step further away, giving him plenty of space and no one within radius to attack. Their brown and black semi-round ears were flattened as they kept their distance, none daring to attack, not that you would make them right now. You felt Ruggie’s hand on your back, he too kept low and didn’t engage.

When the king’s brown-eyed gaze turned to you, it held nothing but pure fury. Now that you were looking at the majestic king of the tales, he really did look like his son, the similarities were uncanny. But King Falena didn’t look anything like his brother, Prince Leona. Falena had bright brown eyes that must’ve been usually filled with kindness whenever his son wasn’t in danger, Leona had watchful green eyes that felt they were judging you with every move you made. Falena had a long warm-colored mane with sand-colored fur on his lion traits, while Leona had a dark mane with dark brown fur on his lion traits. Falena had a stature and was built with an incredible strength that must’ve even greatly surpassed your wolf guard, and while yes Leona had a sure strength himself he was only a few inches shorter than Jack. It really was no wonder Leona had never won the crown through ritual combat. No matter how you saw it, Leona couldn’t beat Falena through a battle of brawn. However, a battle of brains may have a different outcome…

“If you ever come near my son again––”

You stood your ground as he stood close, his face merely inches in front of yours. Behind your back you gripped the dagger in your palm, resisting the urge to plunge the weapon through his eye. Imagine that, if you could give the king a scar matching his disgraced brother. It took everything not to snap back, attack him for all he and his kingdom had done by leaving the hyena-folk to rot. But somehow, you didn’t lunge forward. You only nodded slowly, answering firmly, “No, Falena, never again.” Patient. You needed to be patient this time.

“You’ve been warned, chieftain.” Falena growled before turning around, giving his son one last firm look before silently escorting them through the crowd of hyenas that parted ways for them to take their leave.

Once they were gone, you gazed around, seeing the hyena-folk help the injured and wounded by Falena’s short rampage. Behind you, Ruggie emerged, moving in front of you to do a once over, despite knowing you had barely even touched anyone throughout that entire ordeal. “Are you good?”

“Yeah, I’m good. Perfectly fine…” Just then, your gaze traveled up to the cliffs. High on the top of the rocky terrain, was that familiar lionman, the second prince, gazing down at the scene with a slight frown. When his green eyes flitted over to you, you frowned in turn as a small smile appeared on his face before he promptly disappeared away from sight. “Ruggie, you stay and help the others. I have to have a little talk with our prince friend.”

It didn’t take very long to reach the top of the cliff where you found the second prince lounging in the shade. Leona didn’t spare you a glance, and he didn’t even open his eyes, but you knew he was awake. When his ear slowly flickered, he sighed, “Why didn’t you kill them?” When you blinked, his eyes were open, those green orbs gazing at you intently. “You had the perfect opportunity. Yet you hesitated.”

Begrudgingly, you sat down across from him, frowning at his lazy form. “Because I know you have a better plan. A plan that will get rid of both Falena and his son.”

A sly grin made itself visible on the curve of his lips, and you felt that you made a mistake before the words even left his lips. “I never once told you that, or anybody about that.” Shit. Sitting up before pushing himself up to his feet, he slowly began to circle you as he mused, “You know, you always seem to know what’s going to happen, before it happens. Somehow, you were able to get this far without any of your clan noticing you aren’t the true chief. You’re always looking at me with this wise-ass look, like you’re so proud that you can predict what comes next. When we first met, for a brief second there was a look of… disbelief on your face when you kept staring at me. After pondering on the possibilities after our last meeting, I think I figured you out. It sounds insane, but then again, I’m not completely sane if you haven’t noticed by now. But you aren’t even from this world, are you? You had this foreign scent on you when we met, it was something I couldn’t name even if I tried, but now all you smell like is hyena. Then I looked into it. I went down to the kingdom’s marketplace, I even contracted merchants to bring me sweet-smelling products from all around the world. But nothing matched that scent you had on the first day, nothing at all. At least… nothing in this world.”

You went still as he stopped pacing, and opted to plop close down beside you. Incredibly close, so much that his arm that propped up half his upper weight was against your arm. You could feel his warmth, but his close proximity made you squirm in place. You didn’t move an inch though, because even scooting over an inch would be giving him a sign that you would bend to his will.

As he leaned against you, you glared at his amused expression. That cocky smirk was on his lips, because he knew he had you in his claws. When he spoke, he was so close that he only had to speak in a low and husky whisper. “This time, I brought a proposal instead of an offering. But I want to hear you tell me what it is I’m planning.”

You were silent.

“Well?”

Under the pressure, you finally relented. “Fine. But only if you answer one question I have.”

It only took a second of consideration until he hummed, “Of course. That’s only fair, chieftain.”

Taking a deep breath, you averted your eyes away from intense green-eyed gaze, attempting to forget the fact that his face was literally inches beside yours. There was no point in hiding it from him anymore, was there? He already knew everything. “My guess is that you’ll want to do it in the gorge. You’ll have myself and some of the other hyenas start a panic with wild wildebeest grazing on the grass. There’ll be a stampede, and you’ll have the little prince down there waiting. When his old man goes to save him, you’re hoping he and the prince get crushed by the stampede. If not, at least it’ll weaken them enough to finish off quietly and stage it as an accident.” When you glanced at him, you could see his grin had grown. “Did I get all that right?”

“Everything down to the smallest minute detail.” He chuckled, somehow finding this tense exchange amusing. His tail swished slowly side to side, and you couldn’t help but notice how pleased he looked with himself. “Now, your question.”

You paused, carefully considering how to go about wording this specific inquiry. All the while he continued to watch you, never once taking his eyes off you. Until finally, you had it. “Why’ve you kept me alive? If you knew I wasn’t who I said I was, you could’ve told the hyena-folk by now. You would’ve been a trustworthy figure then, at least in their eyes. They’d follow you, just like you want. You never needed my help. Besides, if you knew I knew stuff about the future, wouldn’t that mean I was a threat to your plan?”

“You see me for the wonder I am.” Noticing your confusion, he continued, “You don’t know what it’s like to be the second born, when your entire kingdom scorns you just because you were born a few years late. But now…” He chuckled, holding your chin between his fingers and forcing you to look him in the eye. “With meticulous planning and suffering through years of denial, I’ll become King. I’ll get everything I ever deserved and more. And should you help me achieve my vision, I promise you, you will do more than just survive. You shall thrive. But without me, you won’t get a thing… If it's agreed, shall we go then? Let’s inform your beloved little village of the coup of the century that will take place tomorrow.”

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

To say the clan rejoiced at the news felt like an understatement. They were elated, it led to partying and laughing all night, all of them eager to follow your command and the second prince’s plan if it meant that they could finally improve their way of living. Even Jack, who you thought you might have to deal with his refusal due to his strong morals and all, only silently listened to the declaration by Leona before approaching you and announcing he’d follow what you decided.

It wasn’t much of a choice anyways. You’d get to survive and live in splendor, and you’d improve the lives of so many hyena-folk that may have later died of sickness or starvation, all in exchange for the life of a king and his son. When the day arrived, you sent out the able-bodied hyena-folk to prepare. Burn the wild wall of thorns between the cliffs and the desert, have a few posted at every potential escape route, place watchouts on top of high cliffs so they could see everything, and above all was the warning from you to the clan. Do not let the young prince escape, because if he does, then hope for the lion-folk will live on and he may one day grow to be as powerful as his father.

When everything was prepared, you waited. You had assembled a small team to rile up the wildebeest, which consisted of yourself, Ruggie, Jack, and two other small groups of three hyena-folk currently positioned on other sides. You would frighten the creatures simultaneously, flanking from the back, the right, and the left, forcing the gigantic horde to go down into the gorge where they’d create a deadly stampede, trampling anything in their path.

Jack gazed at you silently, before he murmured quietly, as if to himself, “Is it alright to really be doing this…? To kill the king and the prince? I know you said it was, and I trust you, but…”

“Jack, you’re way too soft. It’s an eat or be eaten world! If you’re so worried about it, think about it this way. Those two lives will allow countless hyenas and outcasts like me and you to survive.” Ruggie scolded, watching as the white wolf slowly nodded. While waiting for the signal, he glanced at the wildebeest grazing on the grass before looking at you. “You know, I knew you were ruthless, boss, but going along with Leona’s despicable plan? I mean, not that I’m opposed to it, but it was surprising at first, is all.”

“I do whatever I have to for…” Me. “You and the others.” Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed a figure on an opposing cliff. It was Leona, who was staring you down with a devious sort of smile. He must’ve already left his kid nephew down in the gorge. Quick to change the subject, you announced, “There. Let’s go. Jack, signal to the others.”

Obediently he fulfilled his command, standing upright from his spot leaning against the boulders and rocks they hid among. When he whistled, it rang in the air, immediately alerting not only your allies on the other side of the herd but also the wildebeest that shot up in alert.

It took one stone from you, a stone tossed at full speed, smacking the hind leg of one of the closer wildebeest, causing it to let out a deep pained noise and instinctively react by kicking about wildly, causing a chain reaction of confusion and alarm to those around it, which only spread further and further. Jack’s whistle was the sign to attack, and having already made the first move, you stood back as you watched Ruggie, Jack, and the two other hyena groups jump out of their hiding places and cause even more of a panic throughout the entire herd as they scared the beasts with their spears and knives.

You watched as the wildebeest began to scatter in the opposite direction of yourself and the clan members, leading them right into the gorge. They moved as a group. One thing about wildebeest, is that they traveled in herds with numbers ranging anywhere from a few hundred to a couple of thousands. They were so numerous and sizable creatures that caused the ground to shake when startled and running. It would be very very difficult to survive a stampede of such magnitude, maybe that’s why Leona chose such a demise in the first place.

When all of the wildebeest had been chased off the flat and into the gorge, you stood beside your subordinates and paced at the edge. Ruggie and the others looked excited, almost as if they were having fun, especially because they managed to catch and kill one of the straggling creatures. Jack looked down at the gorge, frowning but doing nothing else until he inquired, “What next, boss?”

You couldn’t be at ease until you knew that both King Falena and his prince son were dead. You didn’t want to imagine the prince getting away, which would lead you to years of sleepless nights as you would have to plot a way on how to track him down through the desert and send people to kill him. “Good job, everyone. Now, go out to individual posts along the desert. Make sure the entire perimeter is covered. The king and the prince cannot leave that gorge alive, got it?”

A chorus of hums and giggles responded, “Yes, chief.”

Once they all departed and you were alone, you slid down about halfway into the gorge. You weren’t on the ground floor, so you weren’t concerned, but for now to avoid being seen, you would keep behind boulders and rocks to blend into the environment. At this point in the story, the second prince would feign horror as he goes to inform the majestic king of the stampede occurring with the young prince trapped within the gorge. The two brothers would rush to the gorge to save the young prince. For now all you could do was follow the cloud of dust and stragglers the stampede left behind, keeping low and against the wall so you would not be spotted.

The gorge was massive, so you continued for a few minutes, all the while reciting the rest of the story from your childhood in a low mutter. “When Falena and Leona get there, they see the kid prince hanging onto a branch during the stampede. Falena jumps in to save his son, dodging almost every hit by the wildebeest. As he’s right next to the branch, he’s hit, knocked down and the branch breaks. Before the kid prince can fall to his death, his dear old dad jumps and catches him. When he lands, Falena is hit again, dropping his son. Falena manages to get up and pick up his kid, putting him on a ledge right before he’s swept away in the stampede. The prince watches in horror, looking for his dad, until he sees Falena jump out and cling to the steep wall of the gorge. He struggles to climb up, obviously weak from being hit before, but he reaches the top and there at the top… is Leona.”

Leona. There was Leona across the gorge standing upright and looking down at the figure beneath him as if they were nothing but a speck of dirt on his feet. Just below him, nails dug into the rocky walls and slipping, was King Falena. You couldn’t hear what they were saying over the thousands of hooves stomping against the ground, but you didn’t have to hear a word in order to know what was going on. This was the moment where the majestic king died. In an instant, Leona lunged forward slightly, digging his nails into the flesh on the back of the king’s palm, which caused him to emit a roar of pain. You knew what came next. You averted your gaze to the side as you heard his plummeting scream, and then it was silenced, drowned out by the continuous running wildebeest. Long live the king.

One down, one more to go. The cloud of dust left behind in the stampede’s destructive wake, concealed the bottom of the gorge from your sight. You need to get down there now. You needed to see Falena dead with your own two eyes, and you needed to make sure that the kid prince he left behind would not live to see tomorrow. Upon finding your way in the dust, you squint to see past the sandy clouds, and one of the first things you could make out upon searching the ground was the king’s motionless body on its side right under the broken branch. Yet neither of the princes were anywhere in sight.

Continuing forward, you felt your nerves spike. That kid prince must have ran–– and you could only hope the story would truly divert from its original course here and now. You could only pray to whatever cruel god there was that allowed you to be thrown into this world, that all your preparations worked to stop the runaway prince.

When you heard a footstep, you froze, hand hovering over the dagger at your hip as the approaching shadow in the cloud of dust got closer and closer. However, when it was revealed to be Leona from the ashes, your shoulders slumped, relieved of the tension. No breath of relief, because you could not be relieved when knowing that the job was not done yet. However, that tension immediately went straight back into your system when you noticed the red on his hands. By now he had already noticed you, he probably was aware of your presence far before you were aware of his. Hesitantly you gestured to the blood on his hands. “What’s that from…?”

“A finished job. It’s not mine.” He answered with an ominous smirk. Steadily he stepped closer, before announcing in a melodramatic tone, “My brother’s death is a terrible tragedy, but to lose my nephew who was swept away in the stampede and whose body was never found… For me, it’s a deep and personal loss.” No longer could he hold in his laughter as he stood right in front of you and concluded, “So it is with a heavy heart that I assume the throne. Yet out of the ashes of this tragedy, we shall rise!”

You frowned, prying your eyes away from his hands and to his face full of wicked mirth. “And the body?”

Sighing, he rolled his eyes but answered in a slight chuckle, “I knew you’d worry about that. So I had your clan dispose of the body, in the desert where no one will find him and his remains will be plucked by the vultures.”

At that moment you froze, eyes going wide. That… That might have been the fate that would have awaited you…

When he stepped closer, so close that you were practically up against his chest. You winced when he tapped the bottom of your chin until you looked up at him, painting the bottom half of your face red with the blood smeared on his fingers. Blood that was not his, whether it belonged to the king or his son, you weren’t entirely sure, and you’d rather not know. “That won’t happen to you, I wouldn’t let it happen.” He spoke, as if he sensed your current fears. Just then, another delighted smirk grew on his face and that familiar spark of desire reignited in his eyes. He had the throne, the kingdom, what else did he want? What else could he possibly gain? “I promised you that you’d thrive, didn’t I? Well, now that the throne belongs to me, I’ll make good on that promise. Your reward is the opportunity to be my royal consort.”

Your stomach dropped, feeling dread settle in the pits of your gut as his thumb moved to rub small circles on your cheek, covering you in more red. Only a small choked whisper could escape your throat. “What?”

“Be my consort.” He repeated casually, looking down at your stunned expression with amusement that made him chortle. “What better way to unite two, lion-folk and hyena-folk, then by matrimony between two leaders? You get a life of splendor and continue to hold power, while I reign as king with you by my side. It’s like… killing two lions with one stone, isn’t that right, my Little Chieftain?”

#twst #twisted wonderland #yandere #yandere x reader #yandere twisted wonderland #yandere twisted wonderland x reader #yandere twst #jack howl #twst jack #yandere jack howl #ruggie bucchi #twst ruggie #yandere ruggie bucchi #leona kingscholar #twst leona #yandere leona kingscholar #Savanaclaw #damnation twst au

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embodyingchaos · 8 months

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Hello again!!!can I do an ask for the episode when sebastion throws the slushie in blaines face and the reader just attacks him? (Sebastion deserved a beating for that ong) or could you write about when coach bieste first showed up and when everyone was avoiding her the reader does their best to talk to her(bieste also deserved better, shue and sue were jerks)??? THANK YOU

❥ hiii! so glad to see you on my asks again! i shall write the first option! i apologise that this is late and short and the ending is so abrupt 〒▽〒

definitely deserved pairing: glee x gn!reader genre: platonic, angst warnings: light violence, light assault, sebastian being an ASSHOLE, not rlly a character x reader word count: 1.5k

walking through the library on a monday morning was the usual routine for y/n, rummaging through books for research and song ideas. just as they took a book off a shelf, they were jump-scared by the face of a beaming rachel berry.

“holy shit, rachel. you can’t just do that to a person.” y/n scolded, placing a hand above their chest, trying to calm down their rapidly beating heart. “sorry, was wondering what you were up to. needed something to get my mind off… something.” rachel said suspiciously, looking like there was something heavy on her mind as she walked around the bookcase towards them. y/n noticed the tension but decided not to pry. “i’m just looking through some things.” the two of them made their way to the seating area, joining quinn and tina who were having a conversation.

“hey, guys.” y/n greeted, taking a seat beside the blonde. the two only smiled and waved.

y/n went through their books as the other three had their conversation before blaine came strutting into the library, singing a michael jackson classic, ‘wanna be startin’ somethin’’ alongside kurt, mercedes, santana and brittany. the four joined immediately, used to this at this point.

they all regrouped at the choir room soon enough and discussed about the first michael jackson number they’d do for the weak, planning out costumes based on some of mj’s iconic outfits.

after the rehearsal, a small part of the glee club met up after school the next day. “okay, favourite michael jackson memory. go!” blaine tells them and they all smiled. “when i was one, my mom showed me a vhs tape of his motown special, and when he did the moonwalk across the stage for the first time in history, i uttered my first words - ‘hot damn.’.” y/n grinned at the thought of a baby artie saying those words, finding it totally believable.

“i owe the king of pop a deep debt of gratitude. he’s the first one to pull off the sequined military jacket long before one kurt hummel made it iconic.” kurt boasted, “i have to be honest. i never really got him.” rachel’s words immediately caused everyone’s faces to morph into disbelief. “no way.” “and we are no longer on speaking terms.” y/n and artie share a look.

rachel quickly defends herself, saying she believed he is an amazing performer but she never really got what he was about. though these reasons did not calm them down, y/n could understand where she was coming from.

“okay, but just since you guys are so jazzed about him, i think it’s a good idea for regionals-” “that might not be the best idea.” a new voice entered the discussion and it was a voice they all dreaded. “hey, blaine. hello, everyone else.” sebastian smythe, a member of the dalton academy warblers and basically kurt’s arch nemesis. “does he live here or something? seriously, you are always here.” kurt asked incredulously, flabbergasted at the fact he showed up out of nowhere. y/n snorted before taking a sip of their drink.

artie ignored the two of them, “why don’t you think that’s a good idea?” “because we’re doing mj for regionals.” at sebastian’s words, y/n sighed into their cup before sinking further into the leather armchair they were on. “you see, warblers drew first position, so as soon as i heard what your plan was, i changed our set list accordingly.” he explained with a smug expression on his face, y/n really wanted to punch him.

“i’m sorry, how did you hear?” rachel asked, fully upset. “blaine told me this morning.” y/n’s head turned to look at blaine who only rolled his eyes at the boy, “i just called for a tip on how to get red wine out of my blazer piping, and he would not stop going on about it.” at this point, the whole group was staring at him with an accusing look.

blaine avoids their gazes, “i may have mentioned it.” “how often do you talk?” kurt’s question makes sebastian fake chuckle. “oh my god! hey, kurt! i didn’t recognise you. you are wearing boy clothes for once!” santana had enough after that. “alright, twink, i think it’s time that i show you a little lima heights hospitality.” this made y/n throw their head back against the chair in exasperation, “unless you want to join your relatives in prison, that’s probably not the best idea.” sebastian’s comeback only makes them feel worst. y/n tuned him out as he talked even more, wanting nothing more but for him to leave and go away.

when he did, they sighed. “thank god. i thought he’d never shut up and leave. he’s like those never-ending interactive voice responses you get on automated telephone systems. he never shuts up.” y/n groaned, sitting up straight again. “we need to do something about michael.” kurt announced and they all nodded, agreeing to discuss what to do the next day.

the next day came faster than it could. everyone piled into the choir room and were complaining about the whole incident when puck suddenly spoke up about his suspicions over how blaine was still somehow a warbler. “come on, blaine’s with us. he’d never intentionally hurt our chances at winning regionals.” y/n defended, walking into the room with their sling bag, taking a seat beside blaine.

blaine gives them a grateful smile, “either way, he’s on notice as far as i’m concerned.” “we should all be on notice.” finn interrupted his best friend, trying to reason with them. “i mean, next to vocal adrenaline, the warblers are the best glee club in the state and for a lot of us, this is our last shot at a championship, so we should stop complaining about the warblers and figure out how to beat them.” finn told everyone, being the voice of reason as usual.

“i couldn’t have said it better myself, finn.” mr. schue commented, walking into the room. “i’m less worried about our set list right now, and more interested in getting us in the right mind-set to crush those guys. which is why our lesson for the week is…” with a marker, he wrote down on the whiteboard ‘wwmjd’. “what would michael jackson do?” “he’d fight back. he’d say regionals is ours. mj is ours, and if they want it, they can pry it from our sequin-gloved hand.” y/n grinned at finn and nodded along, “mhm. straight up. in 1983, mtv said they wouldn’t air his ‘billie jean’ video, what’d he do? he fought back, they aired it and the thriller album sold an additional ten million copies.” artie added and y/n only stared at him, “you’re like a michael jackson encyclopaedia.” they commented quietly, the boy held a hand to his chest. “why, thank you.” he gratefully said.

blaine smirked, “i know what michael would do. i think he would take it to the streets.” at his words, the whole room filled with excited mutters. y/n kept quiet, though. they couldn’t help but feel like something was going to go wrong with this, terribly wrong.

after the glee club dispersed, they tried to chase blaine down before he got too far away. “blaine, are you sure this is a good idea?” they asked as the two of them walked to the entrance of the school. “i’m sure it’ll be all good. we’ll show them that they’re gonna regret taking michael from us, and then we’re going to get him back.” the former warbler said excitedly before heading out the door. “god, i hope so.” y/n whispered to themselves, clutching their bag tightly.

the day of the showdown arrives quicker than they expected. they’d all agreed to wear matching leather jackets, after kurt’s persistent determination, to have some unity. it was the new directions against the warblers after all.

at the sound of santana’s snap, the rest of the group came out and they started their jackson-off. truth be told, having a dance and sing-off in an empty parking lot was a very 60s thing to do but y/n had no complaints. their only complaint was that the more the song progressed and the closer they got to the ending, they’d seen one of the warblers grab a paper bag.

y/n’s eyes widened when they realise that sebastian was going to slushee kurt. “kurt!” they yelled but blaine had thrown himself in front of the boy, getting the liquid assault instead.

blaine yelled out in agony at the impact, falling to the ground as he pressed his palms against his eyes. everyone froze but y/n couldn’t handle it anymore. “you fucking asshole!” they clenched their fist tightly and laid a hard punch against sebastian’s face, making him stumble back towards his group members. “y/n.” finn warned them, placing a hand on their shoulder to calm them down so they don’t rip their rival into shreds.

the warblers soon fled the scene with guilty looks on their faces as they helped sebastian stabilise himself and walked off. the new directions could see that his lip was bruised and his cheek was swollen when he passed by. it was easy for any of them to say, he’s definitely deserved that punch in a while.

#glee masterlist #glee x reader #glee x gn reader #gn reader #gender neutral reader #they/them reader #blaine x reader #blaine anderson #blaine anderson x reader #blaine anderson x reader platonic #reader insert #sebastian smythe #angst #violence #assault #darren criss #grant gustin #platonic

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aahsokaatano · 20 days

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A Brief Examination of Margaret Houlihan and Gender

(aka I'm doing my rough draft of my essay on tumblr bc I can ramble here)

I spent 6 weeks watching all 251 episodes of M*A*S*H with the aim of critically analyzing Margaret Houlihan, and more specifically how she is referred to throughout the series. I was initially doing this with the idea of tracking the change from "Hot Lips" to Margaret, but I got more than I bargained for - I really forgot how often she's referred to as a man or in a gender neutral way, and it's super interesting, so under the cut is a list of quotes and some light analysis.

Season 1

"Oh, sorry baby." / "Major to you!" ("The Pilot" s1e1) Neutral

"You're dismissed!" / "Thanks, Mother." ("The Pilot" s1e1) Feminine

"One lady in our outfit..." ("Dear Dad" s1e12) Feminine

Season 2

"You are no gentleman!" / "Good thing you are." ("Divided We Stand" s2e1) Masculine

[Margaret speaking on behalf of Frank] "That's pretty strong stuff, Frank." / "It's true!" ("L.I.P. (Local Indigenous Personnel)" s2e7) Masculine

"You've emasculated me for the last time!" ("Carry On Hawkeye" s2 e11) Masculine

"Margaret Houlihan; nurse, friend, and all around good egg." ("Carry On Hawkeye" s2e11) Neutral

[Radar calls Margaret "sir" - this is something that he ends up doing for several more seasons] "Men are sirs, women are ma'ams!" ("Hot Lips and Empty Arms" s2e14) Feminine (with Masculine connotations long-term)

Season 3

"You know, for once I agree with him?" / "I [Margaret] said that." / "I know." ("Rainbow Bridge" s3e2) Masculine

"Speaking man-to-man, Colonel," ("There is Nothing Like a Nurse" s3e10) Masculine

"He's a creep." / "She's a creepette." ("The Consultant" s3e17) Feminine

"I know you didn't volunteer because you're a married man [...] Well, I'm a married man, too, Frank. Married to the Army." ("Aid Station" s3e19) Masculine

"I'm not just Major Margaret Houlihan, army nurse. I'm also Margaret Houlihan - frail, vulnerable, sensitive female." ("Aid Station" s3e19) Feminine

"Don't think of me as a woman!" ("Aid Station" s3e19) Neutral/Masculine

Season 4

"When I was five, I had a crying fit because they wouldn't let me have a crew cut." ("Deluge" 4.23) Neutral/Masculine

Season 5

"He [Donald] calls me his little plebe." ("Margaret's Engagement" s5e2) Neutral

"I'm an engaged person!" ("Margaret's Engagement" s5e2) Neutral

[Speaking to a newborn baby] "Major Houlihan is here to help you." ("The Abduction of Margaret Houlihan" s5e6) Neutral

"Anybody can open with a pair of 10s if they're wearing civilian boxer shorts." / [...] / "I'll open for 25 cents." ("Dear Sigmund" s5e7) Neutral/Masculine

"Margaret, when you're sick, can't you call me Frank?" / "You know I'm an engaged person." ("The Colonel's Horse" s5e11) Neutral

"Margaret, I'm as taut as a watch spring." / "Your state of tautness s no longer a concern of mine, Major Burns. I happen to be an engaged person." ("Hawkeye's Nightmare" s5e13) Neutral

"Sure, nurse..." / "Nurse?! You're talking to a major!" / "Sorry. Would you help us move this guy into pre-op, Major?" ("Post-Op" s5e23) Feminine/Neutral

Season 6

"A head nurse who is part seductress, and part Attila the Hun" ("The Winchester Tapes" s6e4) Feminine/Masculine

[the nurses to Hawkeye] "Do you think you could talk to Hot Lips?" ("Images" s6e9) Feminine

"Hot Lips Houlihan: blonde landmine." ("Patent 4077" s6e16) Feminine

"Congratulations. You're still a major, Major." ("What's Up, Doc?" s6e19) Neutral

Season 7

[about her divorce] "Best thing that ever happened to me. The weight of the world is off my shoulders! I feel like a new woman!" ("Peace On Us" s7e2) Feminine

[BJ] "The king is dead." / [Hawk] "Long live the queen." / [Margaret] "You bet." ("Hot Lips is Back in Town" s7e20) Feminine

"I'm going as far in this man's army as any woman can go. Maybe even general!" ("Hot Lips is Back in Town" s7e20) Feminine

Season 8

"I'm a woman, and I can tell you what it's like for a woman to be away from the man she loves." ("Too Many Cooks" s8e1) Feminine

"To be a woman, with the rank of major..." ("Are You Now, Margaret?" s8e2) Feminine

"Hot Lips?" / "Yeah, that's a nickname she picked up." ("Are You Now, Margaret?" s8e2) Feminine

"Hot Streak Houlihan strikes again!" ("Life Time" s8e11) Neutral

"I'm just as much a major as any other major. You'll notice these leaves come in gold, not pink for girls and blue for boys." ("Stars and Stripes" s8e14) Feminine/Neutral

"What do you suppose I am deep down?" / "Deep, deep down? A woman." / "Go a little deeper." / "A major." / "I'm me. Sometimes a nurse, sometimes a major, sometimes a woman in love... sometimes all three at once." ("Stars and Stripes" s8e14) Feminine/Neutral

[speaking to an infant] "Hello there, sweetheart. I'm your Auntie Margaret." ("Yessir, That's Our Baby" s8e15) Feminine

Season 9

"What's the matter? She isn't man enough to bring it in [to the men's showers] herself?" ("Bless You, Hawkeye" s9e17) Masculine

[speaking to Margaret] "You know, you don't get to be a high-ranking officer, to run an O.R., to command respect, unless you've earned it." ("The Foresight Saga" s9e19) Neutral

Season 10

"I know everybody thinks I'm tough, demanding, insensitive, cold, callous, crabby - feel free to disagree at any time!" / "Think of it this way; maybe you are all that stuff, but deep down underneath, I think maybe there's some more stuff that's... pretty good stuff. You know?" ("The Birthday Girls" s10e11) Neutral

Season 11

"I do not need the help of a nurse." / "It's a good thing I'm a lady or you'd need a nurse, buster!" ("Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen" s11e16) Feminine

Total Counts:

Feminine: 19

Masculine: 12

Neutral: 17

These aren't all of the quotes I collected during my rewatch, or the only thing I was paying attention to, but it definitely caught my interest. And laying out like like this, by season, you can really see the trends ebb and flow. Margaret is portrayed pretty firmly as feminine/neutral through the first season, but season two introduces the running joke of other characters referring to her as "Frank" and using he/him due to how often she speaks on his behalf, as well as Radar calling her "sir" rather than "ma'am." She sticks even more firmly to referring to herself neutrally in season five, calling herself an "engaged person" rather than an "engaged woman" on three different occasions.

After her marriage and Frank's departure, Margaret is referred to more femininely again, but she doesn't refer to herself as a woman until season 7, after her divorce. I find it especially interesting to compare "The Abduction of Margaret Houlihan" in s5 and "Yessir, That's Our Baby" in s8; both deal with very young infants and show us Margaret's interactions with these babies. In s5, she refers to herself as "Major Houlihan" to the baby, but then in s8, she's "Auntie Margaret." Between these events were her marriage and divorce, and Margaret's self-confidence being boosted by her work on herself and her duties as head nurse.

BJ refers to Margaret loosely in masculine terms in s9, and it's the first time the joke has been really touched on since s6, when Charles compares her to Attila the Hun. This is the last time anyone refers to Margaret as masculine, with the final two seasons having her presented either neutrally (by rank) or femininely (as a "lady").

Margaret's character journey actually can be tracked through this list of quotes pretty well. She's more of an antagonist when she's referred to more often with masculine terms, and as she develops into a more traditional protagonist, the narrative refers to her with more feminine terms. The fact that Margaret herself is most likely to use feminine terms when she's at her most confident in herself is definitely interesting, and I think says a lot about how her confidence is tied into her self-image.

#margaret houlihan #mash #m.a.s.h #hot lips #max is talking #my stuff

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itsmoonpeaches · 11 months

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Title: All the King's Horses

Written for @flashfictionfridayofficial, a short fanfic written for Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Fandom: Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Word count: 1,000

Rating: G

Summary: Years after the fall of the Blaiddyd line, Fódlan lives on.

Also available on ao3.

There was a sword and a lance in the forest of forgotten dreams, their blades encased in magical stone. They were trapped there for all eternity it would seem, doomed to see the light of eras fade away like supernovas sparking out of existence in the night sky.

Who placed them there and magicked the stones so that none but someone worthy could wield them, no one knew. The knowledge was lost to time and tale, a distant memory once clear and now long gone.

The weapons had magnificent, strange names which were passed down. Their meanings were now lost to them. The Sword of the Creator was one and the other the Areadbhar lance.

That was the story the villagers told, the ones that lived around the mouth of the forest.

“If you go further, dear child,” an old woman named Renee would say to her grandchild, “you can walk along the light-speckled path. The roots grow in twists and odd knots that straddle the sides of the well-trodden earth as if beckoning to you and clearing the way. You can feel the difference in the air. I have felt it too.”

“But grandmother,” her grandchild would reply. Renee would pat down her blond locks and nod approvingly as she gazed into her azure eyes.

“No buts. Simply listen to me.”

“Is it white magic?”

“Oh, dear child,” cooed Renee, “We can only speculate. My mother used to say that generations ago we once had strong magic in our family, but that time is no more. Perhaps you should speak to the healer down the road. I am sure Betryse will be most helpful to you in finding your answers.”

And so, the little girl decided to go see Betryse. She was a young, curious girl with a bright personality and a benevolent heart. She had been told that one day perhaps that would get her far in life.

She knocked softly upon the door to the healer’s home.

“Miss Betryse?” she spoke through the woodgrain.

The door swung open to reveal a startling woman. Her eyes and hair were a brilliant, ethereal green. Not quite like an emerald and not quite like the green of a tree’s leaves. Jade perhaps, or some other precious stone. There was a glow behind the color that the girl could not name, a mysterious one. But Miss Betryse had always been like that.

She was welcomed in with a slight smile. Miss Betryse was not one to express much emotion, but the whole village knew her to be rather kind.

When the girl explained her thoughts and curiosity, the conversation began as if a question about white magic in an otherworldly forest was natural indeed.

Miss Betryse set a tray on the table between them, biscuits and honeyed cookies balancing upon it. She poured them cups of freshly brewed chamomile tea. The steam still coiled above the porcelain in neat curlicues as they sipped.

“Of course, it’s white magic,” said Miss Betryse. “Black magic does not seal in this manner and dark magic would not dare.”

“But why?” asked the girl. She leaned forward and took a biscuit.

Miss Betryse glanced behind her at a peculiar painting above the fireplace. It looked impossibly old and cracked like it should not have been around still. Like something held the pieces together by an invisible thread.

On it was the visage of a powerful-looking man whose blond hair was tied into a ponytail and a black eyepatch covering one of his eyes. A fur cloak rested on his shoulders, draped around a gambeson of midnight blue. He had striking eyes that reminded the girl of her own and a crown of gold atop his head. Beside him stood a woman whose face was obscured by the curtain that hung from the frame. She could tell she held herself with grace just from the strokes the painter had depicted her with. Her white gown flowed, and her silver wedding band seemed to glint even without the help of a real sun. Her hand rested upon the man’s.

“Once in this land of Fódlan we had a king who united us all after a war,” said Miss Betryse. “He and his queen had a long and prosperous reign that led to peace for hundreds of years.”

“What happened to them?”

Miss Betryse sighed and put down her cup of tea. “All kingdoms eventually fall,” she replied. “The people forgot the king’s legacy and his descendants too did not know the meaning of peace. So, in an act of desperation, the mages of Old Fhirdiad sealed away the king and queen’s legendary weapons in hopes that—when the time comes—the people will remember again.”

The girl sat straight in her seat, her lip trembling. “Will we?”

Miss Betryse smiled. “The fact that you ask this question tells me all that I need to know,” she said. She tapped her chin. “It seems that your grandmother, Renee Blaiddyd, still remembers your family’s past.”

The girl blinked. She was unsure what that meant.

“One day you will see,” continued Miss Betryse. “Our world is a cycle and one day they will be needed again. All the king’s horses will appear on the crest of a hill, and all the king’s men will come.”

Years passed and the girl grew up. She told the story to her children and her children told it to theirs.

The healer watched from her home as her neighbors changed. She did not speak to many of them for a long while, preferring to stick to the sidelines.

Then, in the north where the Sreng Empire inched closer to their borders, war brewed.

She walked through the forest and grasped at the hilt of the Sword of the Creator. Across from her, a man she found familiar held onto Areadbhar’s shaft.

“Beloved,” said the man. “It has been too long.”

The blades slid free from the stone. The eyes of the forest saw all.

#flash fiction friday #dimitri alexandre blaiddyd #byleth #fe3h #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #fe16 #byleth eisner #dimitri #fff204 #all the king's horses #itsmoonpeaches fanfic

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red-ropes-of-avalon · 1 year

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They Can Live In My New World Or Die In Their Old One- Chapter 9: But I Am

Summary: You are known among the kingdom as The Mad Queen, a ruthless woman with a large military. Seeking to take your rightful throne, nobody who has ever seen you has returned before, all thought to presumably be dead. Your strength is unequal. Ser Leon Kennedy is a knight sent by King Graham to ask for a temporary truce. Hordes of monsters and the undead rising, the kingdom couldn't fight two wars. But how does one reason with a Mad Queen?

Ada pushed you through the doors to the throne room before slamming the doors closed behind her. Blood was splayed over the floor and throne, coming from King Graham’s slashed throat. A middle-aged man with light brown hair and a beard was holding Leon. An old man with armor and glasses held a young girl with blonde hair. She was crying violently. “How good of you to join us Mad Queen, allow me to introduce us. I am Lord Simmons the Master of Whispers, and my companion is Lord Commander Wilson. We have served since your father’s time,” the brunette man spoke slowly eyes eating you up. You leveled a glare at the man, he seemed extremely confident. “We are glad to welcome back the rightful queen, however, we must say the company you keep is extremely poor. Ser Kennedy here, well he thought to end the war it would be best to slit the King’s throat on his own. I wouldn’t trust him, your grace.”

“How interesting, because if I recall he said he’d be in the catacombs. Helping the innocents hide, so my army wouldn’t accidentally cause harm. How would he end up in the throne room alone with the king so he could slash his throat?” You paused looking uninterested, as your gaze flicked to the sigil windows. How tacky you thought. “Especially if he was marked a traitor since Ser Redfield and Ser Nivans saw him pledge himself to me last night. They rode for the kingdom to tell everyone of this coming siege and that Ser Leon here was a turncoat.” You picked at something under your nail, not even sparing the men a look. “Oh by the way, these windows are nothing short of tacky, ugly even, nothing like the majestic beasts that represent actual lords.”

“He must have slipped in while the guards were changing posts,” Wilson tried to lie.

“Then your guards must be rather awful. What do you suppose was the weapon, good lords? His sword and hands look rather clean if they were meant to have spilled blood from the king’s throat. Furthermore, he knows the forces I command, and he knew what sign we had for surrender.” Sure the last bit was a small lie, but you knew these kinds of men. Small men who think themselves far greater than they were. Eventually, they would crack, they were never as smart as they thought themselves to be. In a battle of wit, you keep them for a long while. Long enough for either your dragons to follow your voice to the throne room overlooking the great bay, or for Setanata to come join you. If they could weasel their way out of this question, questions of your father’s reign and murder would roll after.

Setanta stood before his father, a father who wouldn’t even use his name. He was getting pissed at this point. His blade rose up and crashed against Lugh’s. As much as he hated the man for how he treated him, he could respect him as a Lord. A well-seasoned man, a man who survived many things, illnesses that could wipe his children, wars that could take a Lord Commander, none of that could get through Lugh mac Nessa. “Stand down boy! Our Queen is getting her throne, I just need to ensure you don’t go rabid, you mutt.” That just pissed him off more though.

“I’m not a rabid animal Lord mac Nessa! I’m your bastard son! If it doesn’t serve my Queen’s goals I won’t do it! I am her proud Lord Commander! How dare you call her our Queen! You stood by the bastard who kept with the institution that kept your power! Before her, I wasn’t worth anything! Your only child that survived everything and you still wouldn’t acknowledge me! You’d rather the family die than let me be legitimized!”

“You have never been fit to be an heir to me. The mac Nessa name is more of a chain than it is a crown. It binds you to an image, you would never be happy being. You were always wild, a wolf true and true, the sigil was the only part of the image you met. You would be far happier being my bastard and never bearing the responsibility of being tied to high society. Never having to play politics just to ensure that there was some balance. Holding awful knowledge but having to hold it tight to ensure nobody you cared for would be hurt by the despicable men power attracts.” Setanta lowered his sword and looked at his father’s deep eyes. He had never seen his father as anything other than a Puritan for the old ways, not a man aching for the new world, to be free from the political game he was thrown into from birth. The game played his wealth and name against the morals he wanted and wished to be able to express.

Lugh lowered his own sword and patted Setanta on the back. Both men moved to sheath their swords, and Lugh sat back down in the pavilion. He patted the seat beside him, and Setanta obliged. “Lord Simmons, and Lord Commander Wilson, they had King (L/N) killed when he began to make decisions they were unhappy with. I suspect that they may have killed King Graham as well, go protect your Queen. You are a loyal Wolf, and if the old wolf dies, know that I am proud of you, Lord Commander Setanta mac Nessa.” Setanta took a deep inhale willing the small burst of tear back down.

“Thank you, Father,” and Setanta turned to walk into the castle. The sound of a knight’s feet clanking on the ground coming towards the pavilion had him hide behind the wall quickly. The knight walked toward Lugh, and sat beside him. Lugh seemed to be laughing as the knight looked on confused.

“What did the Lord Commander order? He must be rather nervous if my suspicions are true.” The knight spoke not a word, some nameless kid probably promised a high promotion and drew his sword. Lugh laughed once more hearty and no longer covering for some stupid political game, not the Master of Coin, or Lord mac Nessa, just Lugh laughing at his fate. The kid swiftly cut the old man’s head off and grabbed it off the floor. Taking off the way he came, and Setanta cursed under his breath. Twice Kingslayers, thrice fatherslayers. He followed the knight quietly on his feet, he didn’t know the palace. Better to keep the bastard with his father’s head in eyesight.

You had succeeded in pissing off the Lords. You were too smart a woman for them, too clever, too sharp-tongued. “So in short, you expect me to believe, a useless drunk who was upset with a decision the king made, that didn’t even affect him, managed to get into the throne room here, murder my father, and all without a single guard, who you claimed to have posted at all times, noticing that a drunk as a skunk commoner had not only gotten into the castle during high tide via the bay entrance to the catacombs but also murdered their king?” Leon watched with pointed interest. You were way too good at pissing them off, keeping them talking, and ignorant of the surroundings. He had heard the soft sounds of the dragons moving along the walls, positioning themselves outside the awful metal sigils.

“I suppose we could be wrong about some details. But your Grace, the throne is yours now. What do you suppose we should do with these miscreants? The Kingslayer and his brat.” Wilson responded trying to ignore the uneasy feeling welling up.

“I think you and I both know, this good and honorable man is no kingslayer. But you two, you’re seasoned kingslayers by now.” You shot the men a dark look and dragged a finger up to the middle of your lips, hushing the two who now had dark faces. “See I can tell you, that man while he may have done the act, didn’t make the plan. See as much as it pains me to think this way, he was simply too drunk to even form a cognizant thought, much less manage to plan to kill a king. See I think my father started to displease you, so you decided he needed to go. But like the small small men you are, you couldn’t do it yourselves. So you got a scapegoat, who you could blame instead, and take your fall. And whenever anyone looked too deep into it, you had them killed, or you Master of Whispers, you took their tongue. Oh, I know all about that, yes a few of my girls were once victims of yours. You really are a small man, Simmons, you don’t even deserve the title of Lord. Now it looks like you did it all over again because you two fools thought a woman like myself would be easy to fool. So I will tell you now, release these two and you may not be granted a cruel death.” Soft claps were heard from the side and in a small corridor, Setanta stood leaning against the wall, a freshly decapitated head in one hand and in the other Lugh’s.

“You are so brilliant your grace. Well deducted my Queen! These men, they even had my father killed for figuring it out. So release the pretty boy and the girl, your little charade it’s up.” Simmons removed his hands from Leon, pushing him towards the door. You caught him, spinning, causing your back to face the men. Wilson released Sherry towards you as well. You brushed your hand over Leon’s face to check for injuries. Simmons's hands reached for the dagger once more, grasping it and steadily moving towards your back. Setanta’s eyes flicked towards the hidden hand and his stomach dropped. He moved quickly to block your back, and the dagger ended up embedded in his shoulder, the pain dropping him to the ground. You spun quickly, eyes gleaming with hatred.

“I’ve had enough of you, you old fool,” you removed one of the long sharp spines from the dragon scales on your shoulder. Simmons was caught off guard and in that brief moment, you dug it into the side of his ribs. He doubled over in pain, and Wilson raised his hands. Even in armor, he wasn't going to win against you, the only person to ever outsmart Simmons. “Leon help bring them to the dungeon. I’ll stay with Setanta until the forces return. They will be a demonstration, the old regime of these disgusting men is over, and my reign, a good and just reign will begin.” Onraxes and Moonfyre let out giant roars from the top of the castle. You had won, and the rule of the dragons would begin once more.

“My dear subjects, many of you do not know me. The real me, I am no Mad Queen, those are rumors propagated by these two Kingslayers. My father was the late King (L/N), and I am Queen (Y/N) (L/N), the Unbowed and Unbroken, and the Empress of Dragons. The men before me had my father killed, and now have killed your king, King Graham. These two shall answer for the injustice they have done, to all of us. I am here to break the cycle, for too long men who have high names have used it to oppress others, the commoners specifically. That ends with me, never again will an evil man like these two use that as a way to oppress the small folk. I will always champion you, for what is a ruler without love for her people and the love of her people? Today I would like to bring you all into our tradition, my dragons here are dispensers of justice. Today we begin the sacred cinder lands here, before the castle. Ashes are sacred and cleansing, the cinder lands are our celebration. I do not need you to accept it but I would be overjoyed if you did.” You turned from the citizens who had gathered and now faced the bound men. “Former Lord Simmons, Former Lord Commander Wilson, you are charged with treason on three accounts- one for my father, one for King Graham, and one for me. You are charged with murder on three accounts- one for my father, one for King Graham, and the final one is for Lord Lugh mac Nessa. There are numerous others, however, these charges are enough. I sentence you to die,” your fist gripped tight. Moonfyre and Onraxes opened their maws and flames spewed on the land they stood scorching the bodies. Despite the hesitancy of many knights, there was an overwhelming cheer from the citizens, your citizens.

#leon kennedy #leon s kennedy #leon s kennedy x reader #leon kennedy x reader #leon x reader #leon x y/n

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euphoriacafe · 2 years

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Somebody I Used To Know: Elvis Presley Series 1

In The End ; Chapter 1

Austin!Elvis Presley x Female Reader

Summary: A group of Diverse adults who are singers that traveled through other countries, some would call them hippies and others would call them abominations. Alexis, who is one of the main singers for the band, met Elvis Presley when he was barely starting his career and only fate can decide whether or not Alexis will save him.

Warnings: Lots of Swearing, Yelling, Sexual content, Twisting of history and angst/mentions of death.

Note: This series is purely inspired by the songs, I wanna Be Yours by Arctic Monkeys & Somebody I Used To Know by Gotye.

PS. THIS STORY WILL HAVE SOME DETAILS SUCH AS HOMOSEXUALITY, TRANSGENDER, DRAG QUEENS, DIVERSE GROUPS

P.P.S THIS SERIES WILL ALSO HAVE 21ST CENTURY MUSIC THAT WAS MADE BY THE “ BAND ” SO GET OFF MY ASS PLEASE AND ENJOY xx

Chapter Two

Flashing lights, muffled screaming from fans, sweat beaming down our faces from the bright lights, the music blasting through the room. My ears ringing and all I could feel was my heart beating fast as time felt like it froze for a moment. None of this felt real yet it was, everything that led to this moment was real and even then I could still feel his heavy eyes staring at us, at me. Turning my gaze to my far right behind the huge black velvet curtain stood Elvis Presley. The king of Rock and Roll himself was in a trance peering at me. Even though I couldn’t live in this moment forever, I knew deep down I wanted to stay like this.

It was July 25th, 1955 and Elvis Presley was making a name for himself whilst I had fame to my name already. My head felt clouded with a number of emotions that I couldn’t even name. As I gazed back towards the open crowd of people in the room it was filled with people dancing, security backing people up, and of course big company representatives on a stand to see the stage. My group was only here for what felt like charity work yet at this moment I was happy I came.

The Velvet Pristin was our group's name and we are the first diverse group that ever lived during our time.

You had our oldest whose name was Dani Harison (29), he is the first Drag Queen to come out and be a performer. He is an African American man who is 6’2, fit yet thin, his eyes black, and his hair cut short till he puts on his wigs and clothes he designs himself. He becomes Monnet Blac and believe me when I tell you that she was fierce. Dani loved and thrived off of seeing the representatives faces grow red and filled with hatred, because what is a little hate going to do. Then you had Scartella Wilson (25), our second oldest who was America’s sweetheart. Scartella was what every girl wanted to be thin, pale white, beautiful locks of blonde hair, filled heart lips, doe blue eyes, and her voice was like a dove singing.

Our third oldest was Kira Yuan (24), an Chinese American and she was the beauty standard and idol of China. She was graceful and fought back anything that was in our way, Kira was everyone’s back bone when they forgot who they were. Cherry Garcia (23) is the second youngest and she came from Mexico to escape the tragedy that happened, the biggest earthquake Mexico has ever had. She was tall, thin, long black hair, her tan was dark but was beautiful that it brought out her dark brown eyes. Then there was me, the youngest out of the entire group. My name is Alexis Ponce De Leon (20) I was the one who helped convince this group to happen and now we are here. My body was curvy yet some would call it provocative, my hair was to my shoulders, my skin was tanned to match my heritage of being also Mexican American.

Though the journey was a long way to go from where we started; now we are here in Memphis, Tennessee performing our latest songs that continue to shake the United States of America. Some newspapers would call us abominations and others would call us revolutionary. I looked up to view boxes where more fans were located screaming and chanting. I knocked back into my senses to finish my last note.

“Bang, bang, there goes your heart, I know you want it, Back, back seat of my car, I'll let you have it, Wait a minute, let me take you there, Oh, Wait a minute 'til you, Oh, hey.” I breathed out the final words of the song breathing heavily. I looked back to my right to see Elvis was gone. As I closed my eyes, I threw my head back trying to catch my breath. The fans clapped and screamed trying to reach out to touch us on stage.

“Thank you everyone, we love you all!” Dani called out into the mic hyping up the crowd further. “And thank you Mr. Representatives.” Dani winked and extended his hand to wave goodbye in a taunting way. Scartella blew kisses waving and bowing along with Kira and Cherry. As they left the stage I stood there still trying to get my breathing under control as I leaned down to touch a few people's hands. Some tried to pull me into the crowd while the security pulled them off. I smirked, pulling my hand away and doing a final little bow.

As I strolled off the stage to see the others stand by our staff who were also our friends: Steven, Hunter, Greyson, Skye, and Rory. Steven Jones (25) was a white man who always loved wearing blue and black suits, he was 6’1, lean, and was your typical Tennessee gentleman. He was the one who would promote us and manage us. Hunter Miller (23) was a white man also but who came from Canada. Hunter was 5’9 and was a gentleman who was connected to his sensitive side. Yet, he was the one who would protect any of us from any harm whether it’s death threats or accusations.

Rory Davis (28) was a Afro-Cuban man who found his true self through Dani. Rory was on the curvy side being almost 6’1, his English was broken yet he understood. He is the one who would design any stage outfits for the group and if needed make wigs to please his dear Dani. Rory and Dani have been lovers for 5 years but due to laws they could never marry, which angered him but being side by side with Rory is all that mattered to him.

Greyson Begay (22) being a Native American, Navajo, to be exact he was 5’8 with black long hair that he kept braided pigtails that complimented his upswept corners and a slanted eye shape while his cheek bones were well defined. He never spoke too much yet words never went unspoken, he was the one who helped with song writing. Finally you had Skye Rodriguez (21) Afro-Mexican American. Her hair was coily that formed into a big afro and her complexion was well defined, as if she could be a model. Clear black skin while her brown eyes were doe like. Skye worked with makeup and our hair as if it depended on it.

“Must you be so extra Alexis?” Skye questioned handing me a glass bottle that was filled with water. I scoffed teasingly while taking the bottle.

“If I’m not, who will be my darling?” I asked further, taking a small sip. There it was again, the feeling of being watched from afar. My eyes scanned behind my friends till I spotted him again. Our eyes met and the bottle touched my lips. I gave a small grin before looking away. Who did this man think he is to look that good and just want to stare.

“Anyways, before we get carried away we were invited to an after party in Downtown Memphis to visit B.B King.” Steven cut off Skye from giving her sassy remarks. “You mean THE B.B King?” Dani gasped with excitement.

“I heard he was making his way up there but formally inviting us to hang with him is beyond me.” Dani leaned his body into Rory’s side.

“He said we are more than welcome. There will be other formal singers there so let's all head back to our hotel before we go, alright?” Hunter added as he wrapped an arm around Scartella’s waist. “I’ll be right there, let me just get something real quick.” I exclaimed walking away after the few short calls they gave. I walked to the other side of the backstage to pick up a small bag I left till I saw a shadow tower above me. I turned around looking up at the one and only Elvis Presley who was thin, his hair swept to the side, black eyeliner around his eyes and his natural soft pink lips. “Well hello there.” I tilted my head to the side gazing directly into those baby blue eyes of his.

“Hello, I-I’m Elvis…Presley.” He stuttered and immediately his cheeks grew into a rosy color. I gave a small laugh and smiled while looking at him still. “I know who you are, you've been the talk recently I’m-” I was cut off by him quickly speaking.

“Alexis, I know my girlfriend loves to listen to you constantly when you’re on the radio.” Did he say girlfriend? Of course, how could I be foolish. My real smile then turned into a fake smile and my eyes slowly started to zone out. As I was zoning out I swear I could see that he even noticed that my smile faded. Elvis started to stutter again but to not waste much more of my time I spoke up once again.

“Well I’m glad she does. Now lets never meet again Mr. Presley.” I pushed gently past him leaving the poor man stunned.

I sighed walking away as my heart felt heavy and my ears began to ring once more again. I closed my eyes a little bit seeing his baby blue eyes that were carved into my mind. Love wasn’t in my cards and it won’t ever be. I’ve been with this group for the past 6 years and the whole time flings would come and go from the group but I could never get myself to fall for one. Shame on me for finding a boy attractive to the point I forget that there could be a possible lover on the side. I felt the eyes burning into my body till I turned the corner down the steps and into the parking lot that was cut off from the public for musicians.

“What took you so long?” Greyson called out as he was leaning against the black Cadillac with a cigar between his lips.

“I signed a fan’s book, what else do you want from me?” I bit back about his question as I was getting into the car's back seat and laid my head back since the roof of the car wasn’t there. I stared at the starry sky listening to the faded cheers from inside the building.

“Someone’s in a bad mood already.”

Greyson got into the front passenger seat once he closed the door the driver began to start the car and finally move. Greyson felt the heavy energy I was giving off, he hated when I would get like this due to either feeling alone or I felt like I could’ve done better for performing to a crowd. Most times it was performing but this felt different. He never liked when guys would get close to me since he saw me as a little sister all he wanted to do was protect me. Aside from everyone else, Greyson knew me inside and out and was the one who took care of me once my parents passed away.

“Would you like to just stay at the hotel tonight instead of going out?” Greyson yelled so I would be able to hear over the wind. I contemplated the factors and shook my head while closing my eyes once again breathing heavily.

“No.” I spoke quietly. “I need a distraction.” I whispered to myself.

After a few minutes we got to our hotel and saw the lights bright and three people leaning on the railing. It was Hunter, Dani, and Rory. “Finally they're here!” Rory called out in full confidence and smiled. They must have been drinking. I looked at them above and called out “What am I wearing mother!” I called Dani who held a glass bottle of alcohol.

“Come and see my beauty.” Dani chirped.

Dani loved being called mother; it was something that made him feel protective over each and one of us. I got out of the car once Greyson opened the door and walked up to the second story of the hotel. “What held you up Alexis?” Hunter questioned as he glared at me up and down trying to read my body.

“I needed to get my bag, now where is this beautiful outfit I’m going to be wearing.” I tried to rush my answer seeing Dani turn around in his heels that Rory customized himself. Opening the black door to see bags of outfits they had laid out for me. “Pick a color honey.” Dani whispered in my ear softly.

Baby blue, those eyes still filling my head. God fucking damnit that man looked intoxicating that he left a imprint on me. No, no, it can’t be like this. He has a girlfriend and I’m not going to be stomping into that. Fuck it.

“Baby blue.” I whispered.

“Perfect we need to fix up your makeup and your hair then we can go meet that beautiful man, B.B King '' Dani perked up and Rory showed clear jealousy smacking his lips. “But no one can beat my gorgeous babe.” Dani grabbed Rory's chin and gave him a soft peck. I gave a faint smile and grabbed the bag the dress rested in. “Okay just give me a few minutes and I will be right out.”

As 30 minutes passed I was dressed in this beautiful baby blue silk gown that showed a bit too much of my big cleavage but hugged each curve I had. That was it, Dani did it again with another gorgeous gown, he always thinks outside the box. While Skye came in to help fix up my makeup and touch up my hair I didn’t realize I was so zoned out looking at myself.

“You look beautiful Alexis.” She whispered, rubbing my exposed shoulder.

“I would hope so, Dani and you did such a beautiful job.” I smiled weakly, still staring at myself through the mirror.

“Come on, let's go to this party before it ends.” Skye noticed that something was bothering me but it was better to just avoid it to not have any outburst. We drove to the downtown side where colored and a few poor white people only resigned. The sidewalks were filled with life till we parked next to the side walks. Two black Cadillac's and we saw people crowding around chanting as we stepped out of the cars. We waved and smiled to each fan that we passed.

“Right through here!” The door opened with a security guard standing, as we walked into the black building we went up the stairs to see a club filled with African American artists singing, dancing, drinking, and chatting. It was so lively. Everyone dressed in either their best suits or best dresses.

“Monnet Blac!” B.B King called out from the other side of the room to move closer.

“Oh my lord, B.B King knows me.” Dani fangirled under his breath. Dani began to touch his black wig that was long and wavy. “Mr. B.B King it’s so nice to finally meet you, our staff and the rest of the group.” Dani pointed. I smiled and waved.

“It’s very nice to meet-” I paused when I saw a pair of blue eyes that was haunting my head. Black hair, black suit, his hair was now a bit messy. He spotted me through the crowd- once again the ringing in my ears came back, the room slowed down, and my breathing was caught in the back of my throat. B.B King took notice of this and glanced back at me.

“That is Elvis Presley, a friend of mine. Have you met him yet?” He questioned as he came closer holding out an arm. I entwined my arm with him and shook my head “No sir, I’ve only heard of his upcoming.”

B.B King strolled with me as we got closer to Elvis . He exhaled deeply and tried to give a confident grin as if I haven’t even met him yet. Gosh it irritated my soul yet it was attractive.

“Elvis, this is Alexis from Velvet Pristin, Alexis this is Elvis- Elvis Presley.” I gave a fake smile and grabbed Elvis' extended hand. It was soft and warm- it felt as if electricity was flowing through our bodies. We stared at each other in the eyes and time seemed to slow down all over again. Elvis took a deep inhale and gripped my hand gently pulling me towards his body. I pulled my hand away. “It’s nice to meet you Mr. Presley.” I spoke softly. “The feeling is mutual mama.” Elvis continued to stare at me as I looked away. How the tables turned in this situation was beyond me but all I could think is ways to leave the situation in hand.

“I’ll leave you two alone.” B.B King nodded with a smile as he walked away. I finally released my breath and looked at Elvis back. He snatched my hand and opened the door that was behind him that led into an empty room filled with tables and chairs. I yelped following him as he closed the door behind him.

“You know a normal person would usually ask to talk alone instead of dragging.” I snapped at him as I released my hand from his.

“Well, I wanted to get a moment alone with you before you tried to walk away again on me,” He paused, eyeing me. “Which by the way I feel like I’m kind of owed a reason why you just walked off in the first place.” He spoke kind of hurt but keeping a locked gaze. “I don’t owe you anything Mr. Presl-”

“Elvis- call me Elvis sweetheart.” Elvis leaned against the table.

Feeling a bit disobedient I inhaled going close to his face. “Mr. Presley, I don’t owe you an explanation other than just having to be on time for events, such as this one which I should be enjoying sir.” Elvis leaned down a bit meeting me at eye level, I could feel the hotness from his breath and the poor lighting barely showing any color of those baby blue eyes of his.

Elvis scoffed and pulled away. “Fine.” He stood up and grabbed the bottle that was on the side of the table. “I love your dress, it’s really different and very…” He paused as his eyes scanned down my body and slowly dragged up to my face again. “Scandalous.” I puff and snatched the bottle from his hands.

“So, I can wear what I want when I want.” I unscrewed the bottle cap and held it to my lips staring at his eyes as he eyed my lips. “Plus don’t you have a girlfriend to be paying more attention to than watching what other girls wear?” I finally took a sip and handed him the bottle, letting the warm liquor fall into my stomach loving the burn trailing down my throat.

“I don’t watch what other girls wear, I’m just talking about your outfit, that's all mama.” He grasped the bottle into his hands. His fingers grazed over mine before pulling the bottle away from my grip. Elvis brought the bottle to his lips as well taking a gulp of it. “If you ask me I was just interested in the design of it.” He backed himself up.

I smiled, fixing his hair and taking a dust bunny out of it. “Don’t talk to me then Mr. Presley- Talk to Monnet Blac.” I pulled back as well and just before I could open the door I turned around and carefully spoke. “Mr. Presley I mean it, let's never meet again. Good luck on your journey.” As I opened the door to the crowded room, the music was blasting, the singers singing on the top of their lungs, laughing and dancing. I felt my ears ringing and felt I was looking pale. I want him but I can never have him. I want him to chase me but I can’t have him.

Mr. Elvis Presley.

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seungisms · 1 year

Note

pink haired mingi was short lived but will always live in our hearts 🧎🏻‍♀️

honestly tho the haircut suits him so much???? like I was all over him with the long hair, but when I saw ateez a few weeks ago, his hair was already blond ish?? BUT THE WAY HIS FEATURES STAND OUT WITH THAT HAIR. LIKE HIS JAWLINE AJD CHEEKBONES LOOK GLORIOUS

imma stop now before I spill out pure filth

this - istg nobody else could’ve pulled that hair off like him, it was so sick of him that he didn’t take selfies with that cut and we had to rely on concert pics 😿 AND OMG U GOT TO SEE ATEEZ LIVE, I’M SO JELLY RN!! I BET THEY WERE AMAZING, STAGE PRESENCE KINGS !!!!! I HOPE U HAD AN AMAZING TIME <3333

no please that last line is so me, i go so feral when i see that man

he’s so fine bro i’m on my knees 🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️

#📨 askbox┊anon #stylists always hit so hard with him

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karama9 · 7 months

Text

OC Lineup

For no good reason at all, a brief summary of my current OC Links.

Under the cut!

Hero of Times (with an s, yes)

As seen in my old as hills story Hero. He’s a five year old who was tricked into fighting Ganon while absolutely not being ready, his soul was trapped in a bottle for 1500 years after he was brutally murdered several times (he had fairies), he was reborn (not reincarnated unlike all the previous times due to the whole trapped like a poe for centuries) in a dystopian Hyrule with no clear memory but a lot of crippling phobias. He finds out when he’s fifteen (in his new life) that he needs to fight Ganon but the poor thing has absolutely no resource other than a very hands on (and bossy) Zelda, who’s not a princess and is herself almost as resourceless. He’s also constantly terrified of everything, including monsters (even little keeses) and swords – which is a just a BIT impractical in his situation. The only thing that saves him is discovering the ability to send his spirit to visit his past lives (thus my calling him hero of times) and, as it turns out, borrow some stuff from them. He lives in a dystopia where long eared Hylians have been killed off, and everyone is very malnourished and overworked from dawn till dusk with no medical attention available ever, and the life expectancy is under 30. He looks almost normal in that context: short dark blond hair, blue eyes, extremely skinny and quite short even compared to most of his past lives, and one thing that sets him apart from his contemporaries, slightly pointed ears.

'Old Link’

One of the past lives the hero of times visits. From that hero’s perspective, a particularly helpful and fatherly old man living a seemingly happy life after his own adventures are long over and who seems to know a much younger Princess well, enough to send her to fetch stuff, and who only seems to regret knowing Ganon is not gone for good. The story the hero of times doesn’t know hasn’t been written (yet) but it involves Zelink and royal politic shenanigans (with a Zelda that’s his own age, not the one the Hero of Times meets).

‘Nice Link’ and ‘Angry Link’

Also appear in Hero, one just gives the Hero of Times a bunch of food thinking he’s a ghost trying to move on and eager to help, the other is in a dungeon and just generally not trusting of the ghost-looking hero of times and in a very bad mood. They’re not defined further.

The Last Hero

As seen in No More, Not One Single Time More. A radicalized teenager who looks a fair bit like the Hero of Time, part of a revolutionary group called Din’s Justice and dedicated to his life’s purpose of ending the monarchy with them. He lives in a very dark age and the royal bloodline is corrupted beyond anything ever seen before in Hyrule, has been for generations with no end in sight, and every time a revolution looks likely, they trigger the curse by summoning an army of unbeatable monsters which the hero has to defeat to save the population (or at least as much of it as they can) with the end game being the ‘Princess’ getting credit for the final victory. This stops revolutions not so much because the population falls for the Royal Family being to thank for the save but because they’re terrified to trigger the King into doing it again. This Link lashes out verbally a lot (expect a lot of f-bombs), he has zero impulse control, but he cares a lot for people who aren’t royalty or nobility.

The Previous Eight

The previous eight heroes in No More(…). They all died fighting the Unnamed, which is the enemy the Last Hero also has to face in the end. At least one was a girl, but they’re not defined further than that.

Link of Given

Main Character for my WIP All That Hurts Us. Third generation immigrant to Hyrule, he’s what Hylians call a ‘Sea Folk’ because they arrived in Hyrule by the sea. For all intents and purposes, they look like black people in our world. They have round ears, as well. Link lives in a time where Hyrule is very knowledgeable of their own history thanks to archeology and linguistics to decipher old texts. They know of the heroes, they know of the curse, and they have a method of finding the hero ahead of the time that person would be needed, which is how Link is identified. They do not, however, have any record of a non Hylian hero so Link is considered the first one with a notable portion of the population believing the id method failed and that he’s an accidental or willing imposter. He’s kind, selfless and dedicated, but he desperately wants the curse to only affect him so he’s very overprotective of everyone and bossy, pushing away any attempt at help of even support. He’s also paranoid due to still waiting for the curse to manifest after 11 years, trains endlessly and doesn’t deal well with whatever he deems a waste of time. He’s impatient, kind of jumpy and generally just always roaring to go. He’s dealt with racism enough that he’s grown into being overly polite and formal to strangers in an unconscious attempt to defuse potential aggression that most wouldn’t show anyway. It’s self torture: the formality and over politeness mean it takes longer to express anything when talking. Wears his hair in braids, they reach just below his shoulders.

The Hidden Hero

Don’t have an actual name for her yet, only just starting to define her. She also lives in a dark age with a corrupted royal family, and also one where Hyrule is aware of the curse. In her case, the Spirit of the Hero opted for stealth: she is a cis girl, which in the mind of most, disqualifies her from potentially being the hero. She works with an imprisoned prince, a relative of the current ruling branch to save Hyrule when the King attempts to make a deal with demons. She’d probably be best buds with the Last Hero if they met but they live thousands and thousands of years apart. She is NOT one of the ‘previous eight’ mentioned above, she’s way before that, in one of the early dark ages.

#the legend of zelda #AUs #OC Links #why yes I do have snippets where some of them meet for reasons #I mean it's easy with the hero of times he can meet anyone I want

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belethlegwen · 2 years

Text

THE STRANDING Character Descriptions Masterlist

HELLO WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW HOW SEXY EVERYONE IN THE STRANDING IS?

I have been searching face- and body- (and one butt-) claims all afternoon and OOPS, everyone in The Stranding is hot now. Sorry not sorry.

This list is technically In Progress but will I update it regularly or ever again? The future is a mystery, my friend.

NOTE: THESE PICTURES ARE BASELINE SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CHARACTERS. basically a good place to start from when coupling with the written descriptions. Please enjoy!

Here we gooooooo:

Commander Peter Martellis: Same height as Henry, slightly less built but still muscular. Fantastic legs and butt from riding horses all the time. Short dark hair with some notable gray streaks. Thick eyebrows and dark brown eyes. Well-trimmed black/dark haired beard with silver throughout. Crow's feet in the corners of his eyes, laugh-lines. Has smiled a good bit in the past. 35-36 years old

These photos were originally just going to be for hair and beard but it's just too good not to go with this face-claim in general. Case in point:

"Decorum." ->

Captain Daniel Grant: Clean shaven blonde, luxurious blonde hair that goes to his shoulders, pulled back often in a loose ponytail. Pointed face, very much a resting bitch face situation. Icy, blue-grey eyes that are VERY sharp. Slightly taller than Peter and Henry, thin and agile frame, also a competent rider, so also has nice legs and butt. 34-35 years old

This sour bastard has beautiful hair.

Henry Lemuels: Age: 30 (Rescue) - 32(?) (Stranding) Height: 5'9", or 7.2 inches A highly-skilled sailor from the land of Vogunti Royalty, Henry Lemuels left the port of his home's Capital City on a privateering mission from the King, only to have his vessel, his crew and himself, swept up in an immense storm. The wreck claims the lives of all but him, and he washes up on the shores of a strange land to be rescued by a giant woman.

[Art done by a friend of mine who wishes to remain anonymous (left) and the amazing @aceouttatime (right)]

Corporal Lionus Ethridge: Extremely kind, bright hazel eyes. Bushy eyebrows. Slightly shorter than Peter and Henry but not by much. Soft, light-brown hair that comes to about his ears in soft waves. Light scruff usually but shaves every couple of days-- at least one or twice a week-- to avoid growing a beard of any kind. Thinner than most of the other officers, doesn't have majorly large muscles, seems mostly agility-built similar to Grant. BEST GUESS FOR AGE: Early-Mid Forties but could be as old as fifty.

He's pretty.

Second Lieutenant Edmund Miller: Broad chested, big strong shoulders. Man looks like a happy lumberjack basically all the time. Not bad with riding horses but obviously uses his arms a lot. Warm brown eyes. Taller than most in the Watch. Brown hair, always has some amount of scruff on him but never manages to have a beard, and somehow only ever is clean shaved for special occassions. 27-28 years old

If you throw these three pictures into a paint mixer and shake them all together, that's the closest I can seem to find to our beloved adorable Himbo man

Second Lieutenant Gregory Jones: Fairly plain face, blue eyes, sandy-blonde hair. Shorter than Miller but not by a lot. Very straight, proper posture. Athletic build, strong arms but not nearly as thicc a boi as Edmund. Short hair, as with most of the watch. Little longer on top, almost shaved/short face on the sides. 27-28 years old

Horse pic is his body, firefighter for face.

First Lieutenant Terrance Wells Yes his name is Terrance. "He had a serious face, his neutral expression looking like a man deep in his thoughts. Dark blonde hair, a long nose and sharp features were almost betrayed by stunning dark eyes, large and round, with a browline that seemed soft, pleasant. He was one of the taller men, with a thin, lithe frame, and as he removed his jacket to inspect the back for dirt or debris from traveling through the dusty construction zone she was reminded of male figure skaters." 27-28 years old

Adam Rippon for body (white figure skating costume), that NICE BUTT for his butt, and face for face. Wells is very pretty and has a FANTASTIC butt.

Second Lieutenant Rupert Chase Yes his name is Rupert. Brown eyes, nice eyebrows, brown hair though partially sunbleached to be a bit lighter in the summer. Looks similar to photo. 23-24 years old.

I have been looking at firefighters and cowboys and figure skaters all afternoon, it's been a good day.

First Lieutenant [Noble Guard] Francine Wright Auburn hair, tall, muscular with a stunning face. Often smiling, bright happy eyes. 26-27 years old

More muscular but this girl is her vibe.

Lance Corporal Devon Harris Moody face, dark hair (slightly longer than photo), only ever makes it to five-o-clock-shadow levels of scruff, loves to be clean shaven but his hair grows fast and thick. Dark, dark brown eyes and sharp brows. 24-25 years old

Again, darker eyes. The arsehole is pretty lookin' though.

Privates Peters, Hicks and Bartlett Original Idiot Brigade Crew with Miller and Jones. Peters has crew-clut blonde hair, Hicks has dirty-blonde/light brown hair in short, wavy locks, Bartlett is tallest of the trio with black hair, thick eyebrows. Shown in same order in the picture below. All between 23 and 26 years old

Peters, Hicks, Bartlett

Second Lieutenant Cassandra Greibes Dark skin with dark brown eyes, glossy black hair tied back in a ponytail usually. Slightly shorter than Henry and Peter, very well-built with almost a swimmer's physique. 26-27 years old

This is absolutely her face.

Lieutenant General and Duchess Ais'lyn Vogunti Brilliant red hair now with some faded areas where she's going grey, BRILLIANTLY green eyes, high cheekbones and sharp brow/chin. A LOT of laugh-lines, crows feet, etc. Still toned but not nearly as muscular as when she was active in the ranks. 47 years old. Photos similar to when she was younger, like to imagine that yellow dress photo is very close to a portrait from her youth that hangs over the fireplace in hers and the Duke's home.

Fierce fierce lady.

Melanie Barnes: Age: 32 (Rescue) - 34 (Stranding) Height: 5'4", or 50 feet An "early-retirement" crafter from Canada, Melanie Barnes suffered a string of bad relationships and a devastating loss in her family before stepping away almost completely from her old life, isolating herself in grief. She picked up driftwood art crafts to keep herself busy and semi-social by selling them at flea markets, and one days comes across the bizarre wreck of-- what she believes to be-- an elaborate model ship. After rescuing a small man, she has to adjust her life again to try and keep him safe, and hopefully help him return to his homeland in the future.

[Pictures in order from: @hollewdz, @lnbeep-art, and @aaytaro-gt]

#g/t writing #g/t #giant/tiny #giant tiny #g/t author #gtauthor #author thoughts #big little thoughts #character thoughts #faceclaims #face claims #descriptions #The Stranding

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titlemewickedwonderland · 2 years

Text

Mr. Sandman (Chapter 11)

Summary: Felicity Burgess, the adopted daughter of Alex Burgess and Paul McGuire lived a sheltered life from the dark secret that lay beneath her feet. But what happens when that secret is now her's to keep? Will her love for her family keep her from doing the right thing or will Mr. Sandman bring her a dream worth sacrificing everything?

Chapter Triggers: Slight Angst, spoilers for episode 4 for those who haven't seen it; most dialogue is taken from the script!

“Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.” – Jonas Salk

Click here for chapter 10

Wonderland's Workshop

"Hello Dream." Felicity could hear the soft voice from across the room as she stumbled after Morpheus; lagging behind a bit as she took in all the sights of the tower's architecture.

"Greetings to you Lucifer Morningstar." The redhead saw Morpheus standing at the top of the few steps with his hands clasped elegantly in front of him as he addressed a figure as it slowly walked from across the room.

"And to you Mazikeen of the Lilim." his head tilted slightly to the side as he met the gaze of another that lurked in the shadows.

At first, Felicity thought the woman was beautiful; was beautiful once upon a time, but as she fully turned to address the dream king the redhead forced down her gasp of horror at the other half of the woman's face which looked like it had been melted like candle wax

"Greetings, Dreamlord" the demon replied back

Felicity who has yet to be noticed exchanged nervous looks with Matthew and chose to stay just around the corner since she had yet to be discovered; she was eager to stay out of the spotlight. Having listened to Matthew and Morpheus speak of Lucifer Morningstar and the realm of Hell made her rather nervous to be here; especially after her initial bodily reaction to the energy here. The very memory of earlier made her tighten her hold on the necklace hanging around her throat to ground herself.

"You look well, Dream. Are you well?" the soft regal tone of Lucifer Morningstar spoke up giving off a sense of safety just with the sound of their voice.

"And you family. Destiny, Death, Despair...and the others?" there was a little bit of an amused lilt in the voice as Felicity finally dared to peek around the corner to see the tall imposing but utterly beautiful figure.

Lucifer Morningstar was indeed as beautiful as Morpheus has described on the way here. Skin that seemed to glow, rosy lips, short curls of pale blonde as if the first rays of morning graced the once holy locks and bright blue eyes; although, Felicity would always stubbornly admit Morpheus's eyes were far prettier than Lucifers. Their figure was tall wearing long sweeping robes of white silk making them look angelic if it weren't for the draconic leathery black wings that jutted on either side of their shoulders as a testimony of how the once most beloved angel of God had fallen from grace.

"I presume the Ruler of Hell knows this is no social call." Morpheus's voice spoke up making Felicity turn her attention to him; cautiously watching from afar as he spoke with the ruler of hell.

"Have you come to join forces then?" there was a sense of enjoyment coming from the other as if banter was something amusing to them.

"To ally your realm to ours? To acknowledge the sovereignty of Hell?"

"You know my feeling on that, Lightbringer." The reply came with a bit of spite barely hidden beneath the polite exterior of Morpheus's tone. He did not want to upset the ruler of hell but at the same time, he was not going to be swayed.

"Feelings change." came the reply

Felicity was so inclined to listen in that she didn't notice when Matthew chose to take to the air to join Morpheus on the landing before he was already flying away and Felicity cursed under her breath

"Matthew!" she hissed reaching to snatch him from the air but he was already out of reach

The commotion drew the attention of those who were speaking and Lucifer Morningstar turned to look over Morpheus's shoulder with a look that barely contained a sense of anger in the way their mouth twitched as they spoke.

"Dream, do you have a guest with you?"

Morpheus closed his eyes a moment. Damn that girl. He'd warned her to stay silent and out of the way for this very reason. Turning in his spot he held his hand out towards Felicity not pleased by the look in his eyes as the girl gazed across at him with a sheepish look as she cautiously stepped into view and sidled up to him.

As soon as she came into view the air seemed to change as blue met green from across the room. "Oh," Lucifer murmured almost in awe as the monarch gazed at the young girl

"You look just like your mother." the ruler of hell stepped closer to the pair.

Their figure was so tall and imposing in their own right that Morpheus's hand grabbed Felicity's wrist tightly; whether to ground himself or to comfort the girl in some way. He could not do much as the blonde figure gazed down at the frightened girl. One hand rose and reached as if to touch Felicity's face but the teen pulled her head away looking up at the ruler of hell.

"There had been rumors over the centuries that Seraphina had a child with a mortal man." the Lightbringer spoke softly as their blue eyes took in Felicity's features.

"A special child born out from an angel and a mortal is one of the greatest sins. Did you know that? It's a phenomenon that rarely happens as the child does not often survive." they continued

"What are you talking about?" Felicity whispered

"That is enough, Lightbringer. We have some business to conduct." Morpheus's voice tried to bring the attention back to himself but the devil simply smiled that leisurely smile as they stepped back.

"You have not told them, Dream? That is unlike you. I do hope you know the consequences of keeping such power in your realm."

Felicity looked up at Dream with a look that held fear and confusion; what was the ruler of hell talking about? He hadn't told her anything more after they'd arrived at the kingdom gates of the hell fortress. Only that he had met her birth father who as far as she had known was not in the picture upon her birth. Now, the ruler of hell themselves; Lucifer Morningstar is sprouting some shit about a child of an angel?

"No." Felicity took a step away from her companion "I want to know what that means." she stated much to Morpheus's dismay as he turned to look at her to convey a sort of message that clearly stated this was not the time or a good idea.

Of course, it wasn't a good idea. It's never a good idea to trust the devil. But if your friend will not tell you the truth maybe the demon will? Sometimes demons don't need to lie to fuck your life over and this is exactly where Felicity was standing at that moment. Turning herself towards the blonde being she swallowed thickly and reached up a hand to grasp the necklace around her throat.

"What do you know?" she asked searching the impassive face in front of her.

"Felicity...come on kid let Morpheus-" Matthew hopped towards her but she held out a hand hushing him; never once breaking eye contact.

The pale blues of the fallen angel fell to the hand clutching the ring around the pale throat of the mortal girl before giving a plaintive smile "You see, child. Your dear Morpheus has not been truthful to you about who you are it seems." the croon made the dream lord shift uncomfortably in his spot and eyes search Felicity in hopes to convince her to stop this exploit.

"I reckon the devil won't be honest with me either but at least you're willing to talk." Felicity quipped back with a wary look. "So tell me. What did you mean by I look like my mother?"

A slow smile graced the ruler of hell's face as the being turned away with a flurry of robes to idly walk around a pit of fire in the center of the room.

"If it is a story you'd like to hear. Then perhaps Mazikeen would be willing to share. After all, she is an amazing story weaver." the Morningstar stated before turning to look at her companion who slowly emerged from the shadows.

"D-don't hurt her! Please..err your majesty." Matthew piped up as he watched the demon walk over to the redhead and hold a hand out politely to escort her from the room.

"She will not be harmed little raven. Now, Morpheus. What have you come to my realm for?" Lucifer turned to fully face the dream king who watched with tension as the half-faced demon escorted his companion from the room

"My helm of state has been taken from me and I would like it back. Now."

The voices ebbed away the farther Felicity was led down darkened hallway after darkened hallway. She could hear ominous sounds; akin to something like howling but her gut told her it was not altogether the wind's doing. Hell was oddly cold here despite it being a place of eternal damnation. People had often theorized that hell was supposed to be hot due to Hell Fire. But others said it would be cold despite the fire burning within which is where the phrase 'When hell freezes over' came from. It didn't matter to the redhead. Whether Hell was hotter than a volcano or colder than Antarctica she knew one thing; she was not meant to be here. Not because she was not dead but also because apparently, she was on the whole other side of the spectrum than those who resided here.

The demon paused in front of a door and produced a large key; from which Felicity did not know. But upon opening the door the girl was surprised to see that inside was not a dungeon but an actual room. A study of sorts. There were couches made of leather, and tables of the darkest ebony that almost looked like black glass. Shelves upon shelves lined the walls and between each heavy wooden casing was a torch lit with a flame and across the room was an open balcony in which pale curtains hung transparent; shifting with the breeze that ghosted into the room.

"Wow...I uh...didn't know Hell has a study." Felicity muttered more to herself than to the demon.

Still standing just within the threshold of this room the teen watched as the demon named Mazikeen walked to one of those large bookshelves and plucked a large tome from among the collection; her lips pursing as she blew a thick layer of dust off the cover.

She turned slowly to look at the girl who stood looking around the room before the demon began to slowly walk towards the couches; taking a perch on the armrest as she opened the volume in her hands.

"Did you know the story of the first fallen angel?" Mazikeen's voice broke the silence gaining the girl's attention.

"Vaguely. I'm not a very religious person...Morpheus told me a little about your erm...your ruler." Felicity shuffled further into the room cautiously as if the demon would try and hurt her.

Mazikeen merely looked down at the book in her lap. "Lucifer Morningstar was one known as the angel Samael. The most beloved, smart, beautiful, and most importantly most powerful of all angels. It is said that they were the first angel God had ever created and thus special to him. Your mortal religion claims that the angel Samael loved God so much but grew jealous because God created humanity. Seeing them as something flawed and imperfect Samael did not see why God loved his creations so much; he loved men more than he loved his angels." the voice of the demon was oddly soft-spoken but alluring as she spoke.

Felicity slowly sank onto the couch a few feet away. Staring at the firepit across the room as she listened to the alluring voice that drew her in. She could have sworn she saw the orange flames that licked the air begin to take form and shapeshift into tangible visions as she listened to Mazikeen.

"That is what humanity was taught at least. You see, before humanity was created there were other angels. Some, you may know from the Bible. Most others did not make it to your religion. One of those was an angel named Seraphina. Her name comes from the Hebrew language which translates into 'burning ones'. She was a beautiful angel who was known for her intense passion and zealous love. She was one of the highest ranks of angels God had at his disposal; second to Samael, of course."

"There was a tale old as time itself that Samael and Seraphina had a rivalry. While Samael did not understand why God loved humanity so much more than his angels who were above such creations as mortal beings Seraphina broke all rules to love humanity more or almost as much as God himself. They were always butting heads; as siblings often do. Torn and betrayed by Seraphina the angel Samael went against God, the almighty maker created this place specifically for Samael to rule since his angel was so keen to take what was not theirs and mold others to their will but Samael was not alone for Seraphina who in all sense, betrayed her sibling by making known of the ambition burning inside of God's most beloved high angel to the creator himself was confronted by Samael."

Felicity squinted to stare into the fire some more. Her voice was soft and purposeful as if the words slowly registering in her mind spoke. "The battle of whims and wordplay. And she lost; cast down by the angel Samael to walk the earth Seraphina loved so dearly and wings stripped away to never be able to return to heaven again."

The demon's mouth curled up slightly into a smile. "It seems your memory block is weakening," she commented. "And soon, you will know the full story."

Felicity snapped out of whatever trance she had been in and looked with startled eyes at the demon with a slightly panicked look. "Mazikeen...what does Lucifer know of my mother's whereabouts? Was there any sort of record kept about her?"

"Oh yes, my sovereign kept a close watch on your mother. But I am afraid you will not like the answer to your question." the grin on the woman's face curled into something a little more vicious.

"And this?" Felicity lifted the necklace in the air. "What if this?"

Mazikeen licked her lips and leaned closer to look; there was something almost feral and predatory about her gaze as it locked on the jewel. "That is a ring made by your mother's holy grace; given to your mortal father to protect you and hold your powers inside. If broken..." those dark eyes met Felicity's green

"You will no longer be Felicity Burgess." the woman tilted her head. "But the Nephelim Ariel."

She swallowed and tucked the ring back into her shirt and drew away from the hungry look the demon was giving her. A pause between them before the other cocked her head towards the study door and grinned.

"It seems it's starting. Shall we join to watch little angel?"

Felicity rose along with her. "Watch what?" she demanded feeling a wrench thrown into her gut at the ominous words.

She was led with quick steps back to the tower. She could see the Morningstar standing tall and proud wearing a long black leather gown; the look akin to one going into battle. Her eyes met Matthew's as the raven swooped from his perch in the ceiling to land on her shoulder.

"Damn kid you had me worried," he muttered softly

Felicity reached up to gently stroke along his back feathers as she watched Mazikeen leave her side to stand behind her master in the shadows. Next, her eyes turned to the last two people in the room. Morpheus who too was changed into a leather armored suit standing tall and proud in front of the ruler of hell and off to the side was a green-skinned demon with sickly-looking features and spikes coming from his mostly shaven head; he was holding an odd-looking helmet mask that looked like a combination of an old steampunk mask and an elephant trunk made from bones of a spine. That must be Morpheus's helm he was here to retrieve.

"What's going on Matthew?" Felicity whispered.

"The boss ushered a challenge to win his helmet back. He's up against Lucifer while representing himself to battle."

The girl bit her lip itching to call out to the dream lord but she didn't. Instead, her mouth went dry as she stood across the room watching with trepidation.

"As the challenged, I set the meter and take the first move," Lucifer said softly as they gazed across at Morpheus who stared at the ruler of hell without moving; his face giving nothing away to what he was feeling.

"Very well, make the first move," he replied.

Felicity watched almost enrapt as the blonde fallen angel lifted their chin with eyes burning into her friend's across the few steps

"I am... a dire wolf. Prey stalking, lethal prowler."

Morpheus did not react and instead issued his move. "I am a hunter. Horse mounted, wolf stabbing."

At his words, the Morningstar gasped in pain and clutched their abdomen as they staggered a step where they stood. Palm opening to see blood pooling in their hand and an arrow pierced hole in their chest.

With barely hidden anger and pain, the ruler ushered their next move. "I am a serpent. Horse biting, poisoned tooth."

She could see Morpheus's veins tint in black and green as poison entered his body and he twisted slightly in pain trying to bear it. Felicity wanted to say something; anything. To utter his name and tell him she was here but instead, she dug her nails into her palms; her gaze shifting across the room to meet a tense Mazikeen's,

"I am a bird of prey. Snake devouring, talons ripping." A three-claw slash to the fallen angel's cheek caused them to touch the contusions. Eyes glaring up at the dream lord

"I am a butcher bacterium. Warm life-destroying."

Felicity did gasp this time, a hand flying to her mouth as Morpheus fell to his knees in pain. His head lifted slightly to gaze at the Ruler of Hell; showing the skin of his face was decaying slowly.

"I am a world. Space floating, life nurturing." his skin slowly healed itself back to normal

Things were starting to ramp up as the battling pair became more serious and angrier with each move. With a voice filled with rage, the angel spoke strongly with wings extending on either side. "I am a nova. All exploding, planet cremating!"

Felicity shut her eyes as she saw Morpheus's body thrown to his back and his skin beginning to burn as if stuck in a fire. The smell of burning flesh was horrifying as it drifted in the slight breeze in her direction and she turned her head; Matthew's feathers tickling her face as he ruffled them partly in an attempt to ease her and to comfort his racing panic as he watched for the both of them

Morpheus gasped for breath as he struggled to get his strength beneath him to push himself back to his feet. "I am a universe, all things encompassing, all life embracing." was his breathed reply.

With a gleam of triumph in Lucifer's eyes, the ruler of Hell gave their last move. "I am anti-life, the beast of judgment. The dark at the end of everything."

She couldn't hold back the sound that tore from her throat as she witnessed Morpheus collapse to the ground; drained and pale. Looking as if she dared to touch him his skin would be like ice. He looked dead or damn near to it and the very idea of such a thing made Felicity lurch forward. But the battle was not yet over; the competition was still on unless Morpheus claims defeat. But she wouldn't just stand there in silence anymore.

She didn't get far though; she wouldn't get the chance to comfort her friend as a pale green arm snatched her mid-step before she could ever get near the fallen dream king and hauled her off her feet. She screamed and kicked in desperate frustration. Her head flinging back to meet Lucifer's; silently pleading for mercy she knew the ruler of hell would not give.

"What would you be then, Dream Lord?" the fallen angel asked in soft condescension as they stood looming over the raven-haired man weak on the floor.

Morpheus tried. Truly he did. His head weakly moved an inch as his eyes raised toward Choronzon as the green demon who had possession of his helm now held something of greater value in his demonic grasp. He saw her tears, the desperation as she watched him. Her lips moved as she begged under her breath; her words barely reaching his ears with their soft pleadings.

"Get up. You have to..." she was saying. "Morpheus...please!"

"I....I..." he struggled to rise again but couldn't

Matthew landed quickly on the cold stone of the floor defensively between the pair.

"Boss." Matthew spoke up softly "Hey! Boss." he spoke up a little louder attempting to keep the dream lord awake.

"Still with us Dream?" Lucifer's voice crooned as the ruler stepped closer.

"He is! And it's his move!" Matthew stated defensively before clarifying with a bit more respect out of fear "Your majesty."

"There are no more moves." Lucifer stated seriously "What can survive the anti-life?" they questioned leaning down slightly

Matthew gave the ruler a nasty side-eye before turning his attention to the dream lord. "Hey, boss. Listen to me. You know what can survive the anti-life? You. Dreams don't fucking die as long as you believe in them." Morpheus stared across the room weakly at the pinpoint of auburn hair in the otherwise darkened room of doom; trying to focus on something, anything to keep himself awake as he listened to Matthew's words.

"And I believe Dream of the Endless would never leave his raven and his girl here alone. In hell with Lucifer."

The silence was thick with only the man's rattling breaths in the otherwise doom-filled room. Pale lips; cracked and parched parted slightly and his voice barely a whisper spoke up into the stillness. Filling the room with a sense of light as he slowly began to rise to his feet.

"I...am...hope."

Click here for chapter 12

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