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crazy4myself · 4 years

Text

No Harm List Pt.4

Word Count: 7.2k

Summary: You live in a city where crime runs rampant. One day, you save a young boy's life, not knowing that he is the most powerful crime lord's heir. And you have just been put on the no harm list.

Trigger warnings: DESCRIPTION OF PANIC ATTACK!! I really took my time with writing this, trying my hardest to convey these feelings without being triggering. I also tried to make it as comforting as possible, but if you are feeling a little anxious maybe save this fic for a better day. Mental health first!

Additional warnings: mentions of violence, explicit language, mentions of death,

Genre: Romance, angst, violence, gang/mafia AU,

Rating: 18+ (bc of mentions of violence there’s no sexual content)

<- Pt.3

"Hobi, I don't wanna be mad. I just wanna know the truth,” you pleaded, voice wavering. And that was the truth, you felt like you could care less if he was in a gang. It was Alcorn, you had to be in a gang to survive if you weren't rich.

Upon seeing your eyes water and your lip tremble, Hoseok instantly wished you would scream at him. He didn't want to hurt you. He didn't mean for it to go this far. For you two to get so close after his sister's death, or for him to lie to you for so long. He told himself he kept you out of it for your safety, but really it was just too easy for him to live two lives, for you to look at him like he wasn't a murderer and for him to pretend for a few hours that he wasn't.

He sighed, sitting on the couch, and you plopped down next to him and waited patiently for him to gather his thoughts.

"I guess it's best to start at the very beginning, which was when I was around 16," he started.

"I lived in the same neighborhood as these two guys RM and Suga. They had actually served some time for getting busted with another gang, the Dime Lions, they're long gone now but basically, some shit went down during some kind of gang raid, and RM and Suga ended up taking the fall for it. Instead of the Dime Lions busting them out of jail, they left them there and basically disowned them afterward."

You nodded along to let him know you were following.

"Anyways RM and Suga, they had a rough start when they got out of the gang, both were bastards, street rats on the Westside they never had anyone to look out for them. So they did the only thing they could do at the time to survive, which was breaking it to cars and shit and cleaning them out. I don't just mean personal belongings of these guys took engine parts, piping, tiers they took it all, and sold it to any scrap shops they could find. At the time, I was working at my uncle's scrapyard. I knew RM and Suga when they were in middle school before they joined the Dime Lions. They stayed with the foster family that lived in my neighborhood. I knew they had been kicked out of the house and were basically living with the Lion's, so when I saw they were working alone, I got curious. For a year or so, I convinced my uncle to continue buying from them even when he started getting a little suspicious about the guys stealing. The guys knew I looked out for them, and we were cool for a while. Then my mom got sick," he paused for a moment looking away from you.

You reached out and placed your hand on his leg knowing how hard it was for him to talk about his mom and Dawon.

Collecting himself, Hoseok went on, "So I asked for an in with the guys, I needed money and I knew cars. I could remove the parts more effectively than they could. I also knew some clientele who were always coming by and buying parts because they flip cars for fun, those guys were easy targets. So I guess the three of us were a little gang of misfits for a while, I used the money to help pay for mom's treatment. They used the money to survive.

Then we started taking some younger ones under our wing. RM and Suga got their own place and opened their doors to some kids in a rough spot like they were. But as we got bigger, we started getting sloppy. We had been at it for about a year at this point. The guys started taking on some other jobs, but I stuck to what I did best. I wasn't really interested in broadening my horizons. Like I said, we had been at it for a while, and I got cocky, I guess. We had a few scuffles here and there, but we always got out of them okay. Then one night, we got busted scraping a car at some guy's house, and he shot me in the leg, and the cops got me. RM ended up bailing me out of jail, and Suga, Suga got me a gun."

He shifted in his seat and looked at you nervously, "I wanted out at this point, mom was basically on her deathbed, and I was all Dawon had. I couldn't risk going to jail, ya know. I owed RM money for bail, but my uncle got me a job as an actual mechanic, I thought I could earn money the honest way, pay them back and then Dae and I could just go back to our lives. But then the doctors told us about some experimental treatment that could possibly cure mom. How the hell could I pass that up? I would have done anything to help her get better." his brows furrowed as he tightened his fist into balls.

"So I stayed. At this point, BTS was growing, it was an official gang, tattoo and all. We had recruited Jin, who came from money, he used some of his trust fund to fund BTS and help us grow, and RM was starting to get a little ambitious. He wanted territory, he wanted me to take the tattoo and be his third." Hobi squeezed his eyes shut as he let out a sigh, he felt like he had to force the words out of him to confess his sins to you.

"I told you Suga got me a gun after the arrest, and it ended up I'm a really good shot, so good I didn't even have to kill a guy for a long time. I researched where to shoot to keep someone down for a long while without it being fatal, so that's what I did. I worked a few more jobs for RM, we did a big heist. Actually, that was our big break. A team of six other guys and I broke into this old rich dude's mansion, nearly cleaned out his safe when we split the money most of the guys put a percentage into my pot. I walked out that night with almost enough to pay for mom's treatment in full.

I told RM I wouldn't be his third, and he offered me an out, I just needed to take one more job for him, and he would pay out the rest of mom's bills, so that's what I did. I killed for the first time, and then I was free. I wouldn't have to do any of it again. Well, that's what I intended," he paused, his voice growing softer.

You tried to keep your face neutral as he revealed the horrors to you. Not that it mattered Hoseok couldn't even bring himself to look at you.

"Mom ended up passing that night." he laughed, a bitter sound that felt foreign to the kind man you knew, "I swear whatever cruel god is out there pulling all the strings did it to punish me. To let me know, they saw what I had become and that I didn't deserve to have people I love in my life. I wasn't good enough to feel love in this world,"

"Hobi, that's not-" he cut you off with a bitter laugh as he looked upwards to hold back his tears. The motion made him seem as though he was searching for the fates he mocked. "Don't y/n, I know what I am,"

"Dae was a senior when mom passed, and it absolutely broke her. I had to fight to get her to go to school for those last few months. Hell, it was a fight to get her out of bed for her graduation. Her exit exams were a disaster, and the councilors at the college were understanding, for the most part. They still admitted her to the school, but not a drop of financial aid was offered to her. She deserved so much more," Hobi's voice was laced with bitter disdain, his eyes looking far off.

"So I did everything I could to give it to her. I borrowed from Namjoon, enough to cover her entire admission at Alcorn University."

"Hobi, that's so much," you couldn't hold the comment in. It was near impossible for an ordinary person to buy their way into Alcorn if they didn't get scholarships, the tuition at the prestigious school was over $20,000 a semester for admission alone.

"And I did it, I had Jin make up a fake scholarship for her, send her a cute little letter telling her about the award. She thought that she earned a full ride, and I let her believe it. I even borrowed enough so she would stay in the dorms, I figured it would be safest to keep her out of the house. I didn't know what kind of jobs RM was going to have me do."

"I took the tattoo, and killing became more of a normal thing for me. It started to get easier, I kept my distance and tried my hardest to not even see their eyes.

There was a big turf war that year. I don't know, the city was on the brink of a recession, a lot of big players in the city were changing the rules of the game. Business owners fought to take down other businesses simply so theirs could stay open, the market was a disaster. I never cared about the politics of any of it, I just did what I was told, and because of that, I'm still not totally sure all I did that year. What lives I took. Who all I hurt. I did everything I could to forget those nights and the blood. I told myself I was doing it for a good reason, ya know.

I didn't want to know, I thought I would save that for the day I'm standing outside of hell, and they list off every single one of my evil deeds before they sentence their judgment." Hoseok's vacant eyes started to shine with tears.

"And that was the stupidest fucking thing I could have ever done. I had no clue who had it out for me, I had started feeling invincible. I didn't even consider that someone would want to take their revenge, I had killed Kim Martin Sr.'s son."

Your blood chilled at the name, and he didn't look at you as he continued.

"He was some big business owner or something, I was supposed to kill him, but there was a mix-up, and I got his son, Kim Martin Jr. instead. Whoever made the call decided that killing his son was just as effective because the grief practically destroyed him. A few misguided stock investments, while he was grieving, crashed his empire. He lost everything and had to move to the Westside in the aftermath.

Suga kept good tabs on the guy, but then he fell off the grid. We figured he left town or hell maybe he died. We didn't consider him a threat, he showed no interest in coming after BTS, so I didn't even think to keep an eye out for Dawon."

You felt hot tears roll down your face as you realized what happened. The media painted Martin as the bad guy. They accused him of losing his business after his son died due to extreme drug abuse. The city officials wrote him off as such a pathetic low life, that come the time of his death that his murder was barely investigated. It was simply declared a drug deal gone wrong. But he was a father, a father who lost everything to a hitman and wanted to return the favor.

Hoseok believed he didn't deserve love. Whatever higher power that was calling the shots took everything away from him as punishment.

You think of your best friend now long passed, her beautiful smile and contagious laugh. The way she could always read you and knew exactly what you needed, whether it be your favorite ice cream on your period or a trip to the botanical gardens in the middle of the night when she knew you were missing home a bit more than normal.

There was a loose glass in the greenhouse that hosted the plants native to your home. You would both scale the fence to the gardens late at night and push that glass panel in and carefully crawl into the greenhouse. The air would be filled with the floral scents you grew up with, and you would just walk the rows of plants and run your fingers over the velvet petals and waxy leaves.

Until Dawon would play music, a playlist the two of you made of songs in your native tongue. You would dance around the humid greenhouse singing on the top of your lungs while Dawon would laugh and clap along, excitedly shouting with you when she recognized a word or two.

You thought about the way you and Hoseok both carried a burden of guilt after she passed. Until now, you had felt like you failed her as a best friend and roommate.

For three years, you had tortured yourself with thoughts like if you hadn't procrastinated so much on your assignments that week, you would have been home when she decided to make a late snack run. You told yourself the robber probably wouldn't have stopped her if you were together. You reasoned that two of you would have deterred her as a target.

Or maybe he would have just shot you instead. Dawon would have recovered from the loss so much better, she had Hoseok to comfort her and family and friends to support her. You were merely an exchange student in a city with no morals, loved by no one, but taken in out of guilt by her brother. It would've been a better trade.

You tortured yourself with these thoughts day and night consumed with feelings similar to survivor's guilt.

You never understood Hoseok's guilt, until tonight, you felt like there was nothing he could have done to make that night play out differently. But now you realize he could have anything, and it might have made a difference.

"Y/n, I understand if you hate me," Hoseok said softly, watching the tears that dripped down your cheek as you processed everything he told you.

"I wanted to honor Dawon's wish. I didn't expect you to do so much for me, for you to become my best friend and for you to make me feel normal. I kept this from you because you were the closest thing to her I had left. There was a time where I thought I would distance myself from you when you moved out. That I would just become another hazy detail to the tragedy, and you would move on completely with your life, but y/n you were so sad, and you needed me too.

When you moved out, I was terrified of something happening to you. I couldn't stop myself from checking up on you. I couldn't let us grow apart." Hoseok's voice broke off as you looked at him, the pain and betrayal in your eyes.

"Y/n, you're the closest thing I have to redemption, protecting you, being your friend is the last thread of humanity I have left, I can't lose you," he pleaded.

"You watched me blame myself," you whispered accusingly, your eyes shining with betrayal.

"You watched me tear myself apart, and used comforting me to make you feel better about yourself?"

He flinched at your words, "I tried everything I could to convince you there was nothing you could have done," Hobi argued feebly.

"Everything but tell the truth," you hissed as hot tears rolled down your cheek.

You got up as a sob escaped you, your face red and snot running from your nose. Hoseok stood with you, but you flinched away with a broken no.

"I need time, Hoseok," you begged.

You swallowed thickly as you did everything in your power to keep it together, "I don't want to hate you, but please, I need time to think about everything," you assured. Even knowing what he did, he was right. You needed him too. If you lost him, you truly didn't have anyone in the city who cared if you lived or died tomorrow. And maybe settling for that made you your own kind of monster.

It was funny how he claimed such a tarnished person could be his redemption.

You secure your bag to your shoulder, stepping out into the night air and pulling the door closed behind you. You couldn't even bring yourself to lock the door behind you, afraid that if you stopped moving for one second that you would completely break down and be unable to make it home. You only hoped Hoseok was smart enough to check the door behind you and make sure to lock it.

You counted the stairs as you made your descent and into the parking lot, making an effort to take in your surroundings. You tried to list off the colors of the cars as you passed them, and while some distant part of you did the action, you still felt like the effort wasn't reaching whatever corner of your brain you were hiding in.

You got a lot better with controlling your anxiety attacks as you made it further in college, even going as far as taking advantage of the university's free therapy sessions to get professional guidance in your junior year. You defaulted to your go-to grounding technique as your feet moved of their own accord to carry you home. 5,4,3,2,1 was an exercise that made you aware of your surroundings and tether yourself to this world when your mind felt a dimension away.

The technique walked you through your five senses, making you list off 5 things you could see, 4 things you could feel, 3 things you could hear, two things you could smell, and one thing you could taste. Even in your most anxious moments, you were a slut for making a good list. You always found this exercise more soothing than any breathing technique.

Your eyes searched without really seeing as you tried to find five things you could see around you. Straining yourself to really take in your surroundings, you settled for a yellow fire hydrant, a car parked on the side of the road, a penny on the ground, a drainage inlet tucked into the curb, and finally your own yellow shoes pacing down the concrete sidewalk.

You were going to be okay, you reminded yourself as you took an intentional breath.

Next, four things you can touch, you focused on your breathing as you reached an arm out to graze your fingertips along with the rough brick of the building you walked by.

You shifted a little more with each step, concentrating on how the fabric of your clothes moved across your skin and curling your toes into the padding of your shoes. You didn't count each feeling, your wandering mind struggling to really take in each sensation, but you were sure you touched four things by now.

This was a mistake you often caught yourself making when counting down like this. Sometimes you were in such a rush to reach the end and get to one as if identifying one taste would magically make all your anxieties go away that you forget to take it slow and really center yourself.

Three things you can hear, it was at the time, as you strained to let the world in through the all-consuming pounding of your heart in your ears, that you realized you were whimpering to yourself slightly. The awareness of your own vulnerability made you stumble as your mind spiraled, and you struggled to find something to tether you back to the earth.

You began walking faster before realizing you're not certain you were going the right way. So you came to a halt, realizing you couldn't bring yourself to focus enough to take in your surroundings. You stared at the street sign for a long time, repeating the letters to yourself as you made them form a word finally settling on Gardenia.

Your breathing hitched as you realized you had wandered off the main streets and into a neighborhood in your daze. You were lost, but you couldn't bring yourself to care about it, and the lack of fear flashed an alarm in your mind that let you know you were too far gone to count away your anxieties.

You struggled to breathe as you tried to come up with a decision. You needed to ground yourself to calm down. You needed to list off 5 things you could see, fourth things you could feel, three things you could hear, two things you could smell, and one thing you could taste. You knew the only way to bring yourself back to the world was to become aware of your settings.

But it felt as if the part of your brain that knew all these things didn't even touch whatever part of your mind was controlling you now. You were better off giving directions to the light pole you stood under.

You felt your breathing get harder as you desperately gasped in all the air you could. Your arms and legs began to tingle as your body over oxidized, and your head began to spin.

Slowly you slumped to the ground, wrapping your arms around the light pole you had stopped under as you spiraled.

What were you even doing before this moment? How did you even get here? You forced your eyes open wide, hoping the action would make you actually see and register what you were looking at to no avail.

What were you doing, what were you doing, what were you doing?

You struggled to reign in your thoughts of your laughing best friend and her crying brother. Or was it your crying best friend and his dead sister?

You were supposed to find three things you could hear. Your crying doesn't count. A more logical voice seemed to get through to you.

You strained your ears to hear past your own breathing, you could hear a frog croaking in the grass nearby, you felt the earth beneath you to confirm you had in fact settled in a patch of grass. You smiled to yourself proud of your progress as you continued to listen as you continued to listen. You heard the electricity buzzing in the light pole you had wrapped your arms around, you felt almost childlike as you opened your eyes. Actually, seeing this time as you looked up at the pole, you were around.

You needed one more sound, you strained your ears, expecting to be met with something like a far off car driving by. Instead, you heard your name being called. You blinked as you turned away from the street lamp and towards the repeating sound of a familiar set of syllables coming from a familiar voice.

Jungkook jogged up to as he saw you curled around a lamppost. Even from a distance, he could see the rapid way your chest was rising and falling in that familiar chaotic rhythm he only saw when he found Taehyung or Yoongi having a panic attack. You looked up at him with a tear-stained face and saw the confusion of his presence take you off guard and snap whatever control you had over yourself.

Your face crumpled as a sob broke from your chest, and you turned away from him and curled yourself around the light pole a little tighter.

Jungkook felt such a rush of guilt and panic at the sight of you so broken that he ignored the dull ache in his knees as he instinctively fell down in the grass next to you, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you from the cold metal pole, trying to position comfortably in his chest.

Jungkook shifted as he uncurled his legs from beneath his body and stretched them out next to yours in front of him, trying to touch as much of his body to you in comfort. You didn't resist, but the jolting motions did seem to make you more upset for a short moment. Jungkook realized he forgot to ask for permission to touch you before he acted.

He knew Tae preferred physical comfort to calm down, but sometimes it could act more as a trigger when unwelcomed. He loosened his grip hesitantly, and you wrapped your arms around his middle, hugging him closer to you in response.

Physical contact is. He thought to himself as he began stroking one hand up and down your back and rocking you both side to side slightly as if he was trying to calm a baby from a tantrum.

Which he basically was doing, you thought bitterly to yourself as you accepted the comfort.

You were too far gone to calm yourself down. You had ridden the river of upsetting thoughts that triggered your attack all the way down, and now you risked floating out to sea and losing yourself forever. Not actually forever, just until you would cry yourself unconscious and wake up to start anew. But you supposed accepting comfort was better than sleeping outside in a neighborhood you didn't know.

Jungkook whispered to you, not the sweet nothings people typically say when they see people break down like 'it's going to be okay,' or most annoyingly 'breath.' No Jungkook simply told you, 'you're safe,' 'take your time,' 'you're stronger than you give yourself credit for' and in your case most importantly, 'exhale.'

When people see you having a panic attack and hear the loud gasp you make as you fight to breathe, they instinctively tell you to breathe as a way to calm down. But it's your failure to let the air out that keeps your body over oxidized, making it harder for you to feel in control of yourself.

Slowly, you regained control of your body, and your desperate gasps for air morphed into shallow panting. Your shallow breathing morphed into soft whimpers and sniffled. Jungkook held you as your continuous knit itself together, and you faced the pain your mind was so desperate to escape.

He rubbed you back as you let out soft sobs as you reopened wounds that had healed into jagged scars. You cried for Dawon and her undeserved death. For Hoseok and the guilt you knew, he carried every day. You cried for Kim Martin, who died at the hands of the killer that stole his son. You cried for yourself, over the fear of the future as you saw it grow intimately tangled with a notorious gang.

You don't know how long Jungkook waited as you reeled yourself back together. He waited long after you finished crying, knowing just because you had control of yourself physically didn't mean you were mentally ready to face the world, so he wrapped you in his warmth and hummed to himself as he rocked you both slowly.

You loosened and tightened your grip on his shirt and curled and uncurled your toes as you tried to become more aware of your body. You were basically sprawled out on the grass with your upper body twisted and pulled into Jungkook's middle. It wasn't the most comfortable position, but you weren't willing to risk losing his warmth to move.

You licked your lips, and the jarring taste of your salty tears pulled you from your self pitying thoughts, deciding to work your way up the list you once again started to count.

One thing you taste, salt.

Two things you smell: you inhaled deeply and took in the smell of laundry detergent that clung to Jungkkook's shirt. "Detergent," you mumbled into his shirt, and the sound of a coherent word leaving you made Jungkook's humming stop as he looked down at you, nuzzling your face deeper into his chest. He held in his chuckle as you stiffed the air again, and confidently said, "and grass."

You finally pulled yourself away from him only slightly to turn your face away from him, your cheek still pressed against his chest.

"I can hear frogs, cars nearby, and.. your heart," you listed as you looked up at him from under you thick lashes still clumped with tears, "it's louder than mine," you observed as you listened to the hammering in his chest.

He was from a different kind of nerves.

He recognized the countdown and realized you were working to ground yourself, "What can you feel?" he prompted eager to get you to move on from his pounding heart.

"Your t-shirt, it's soft, the grass poking at me through my jeans, my bra digging into me" you wrinkled your nose as you became aware of the discomfort.

"And?" Jungkook prompted. A smile curled your lips as you looked up at him mischievously, "You're abs," you giggled as you sat up, finally pulling away from him. Jungkook felt the heat crawl up his neck as he turned away, rubbing the back of his neck bashfully.

"And what do you see?" he asked gently, looking everywhere but you.

You smiled at his bashfulness as you look around, "I see the street sign, the green grass," you pause as you squint, "I think that's either a rock or some dog poop over there," Jungkook let out a startled laugh. You smiled to yourself proudly as you continued.

"Our shadows from the street light, and,” you pause realizing how close the two of you are, "the little mole underneath your lip."

"Good," he whispered, and you watched in fascination how his lips formed the words, "Are you ready to get up now, or do you need a few minutes?" he asked. It was the way his mouth twisted into a smile at the end of the sentence that made you realize you were still staring at his lips. You blinked before looking up at his eyes, which was alight with a teasing glint.

"I can stand," you answered, flustered as you pulled your body away from him. Maneuvering your feet beneath you to get up. Jungkook offered you a hand once he was up helping pull you to your feet, before bending down and grabbing your purse for you. Your feet still tingled in that pins and needles feeling. You wiggled your hands to wake up your fingers as well, but other than that, you felt like you recovered from the physical toll of the panic attack quite well.

"C'mon my place is at the end of this road, let me grab a car and drive you home," he offered.

You walked with him obediently, your hands brushing past each other twice before Jungkook's hand finally snatched yours mid-swing; you looked down and watched as your fingers intertwined with his effortlessly. You looked to him to see a change in his expression, but he looked straight ahead as he walked, acting as if nothing happened.

You smiled at yourself, thankful for the affection. You always did get a little clingy after panic attacks, relying heavily on skinship and the feeling of someone taking care of you as a way to feel calm. You were surprised how easy it was for you to let Jungkook fall into that roll despite barely knowing him. But you suppose in the handful of interactions the two of you shared, he's always prioritized your comfort and safety.

"This is your house?" you asked as you took in the massive white art deco house behind the gate you stopped in front of. The gate buzzed and rolled open for the two of you of its own accord and rolled open for the two of you.

Jungkook smiled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Yeah, kinda," he said with a shrug.

You raised a brow, "kinda?"

"It's complicated, c'mon let's get you home," he said with a tug reminding you that the two of you were still holding hands. You flushed but followed obediently as you made your way to the garage.

You squinted as your eyes were met with a flood of fluorescent light upon opening the door. A row of vehicles lined its way down the length of the garage, varying from sports car, to jeep, to a large black truck at the end of the row. A line of 4 motorcycles along the furthest wall.

"J-Hope sells Namjoon a car any chance he gets," Jungkook chuckled as he took in your awed expression.

"J-Hope?" you questions, and Jungkook's smile faltered.

"That's what we call Hoseok," he clarified.

You nodded in understanding, "Like how Taehyung goes by V?" you asked, and he nodded.

"Hoseok, does he sell drugs like V does?" you asked curious of what all Hoseok's gang involvement entailed.

Jungkook opened his mouth to answer but was cut off as the adjacent door slammed up from what looked to be inside the house, revealing a man in a black t-shirt with a mop of platinum blond hair.

"There you are," he practically growled as he stormed in the room.

The man was dwarfed by Jungkook a good bit, but somehow Jungkook seemed to cower and appear smaller as the man approached, dropping your hand as if he were caught doing something he shouldn't.

You looked at him curiously and wondered if he was.

"Yoongi hyung," he greeted as he tried to force a smile, "I was just about to-"

"Save it," he snapped, "I have half the army out looking for you, ya know," he turned his fury to you much to your surprise as he added "both of you."

Your mouth fell open, shocked by the confusion apparent on your face as he continued, "Do I need to babysit both of you, because believe it or not, she's taking up a lot of my time. I really can't handle you getting flakey on me Jungkook, we need to know that you're safe,"

Jungkook looked down as he lectured, murmuring a small apology.

"And you" Yoongi turned to you, "That goes for you too, the Black Tips are still on your tail, I can't do much for you if you go running off,"

"Hyung," Jungkook hissed. "Not now, please."

Yoongi blinked at his younger in surprise, turning to you and making a point to really look at you, and take you in. Your red-rimmed eyes and splotchy face, the way you seemed to lean into Jungkook. He recognized that far off look in your eyes like you had to concentrate on being present in the moment, and Yoongi remembered the warning in Hoseok's earlier message when he told him you had run out.

"Yeah, okay, get her home and come straight back when you're done, we still need to talk," he said dismissively. None of your questions were answered, but you didn't resist as Jungkook put a hand on your back and guided you towards a nearby car.

"Good night, princess," Yoongi called over his shoulder before closing the door behind him. Unlike with Jimin, you felt like you were being mocked when Yoongi called you that.

"Who was that, your brother, and why did he say he needs to babysit me?" you questioned as you both settled into the fine black vehicle the windows were so deeply tinted on the outside you wondered if it was safe to drive at night, but upon getting in the car, you noted that you could see through the windows clearly.

Jungkook waited until after he put the key in the ignition and backed out into the driveway before he started talking."That's Yoongi hyung or Suga, he's head of surveillance for BTS. He was the one who sent out a message to go escort you home when J– Hobi Hyung told him you were upset and left his apartment so late. I was on my way in that direction when I ran across you on our street," he said, breaking at a stop sign and turning on the blinker.

You looked out the window as you took in everything he's told you, noting that you were stopped again by the light pole you had a panic attack under. Suga was one of the original members in Hoseok's story. You thought to yourself as you connected the dots. Your head still felt a little foggy as you recovered from the literal mental breakdown. The sudden change of lighting earlier had started to make your head throb. You were ready for bed.

"Hobi sent people to look for me?" was all you could manage, not entirely understanding the emotions stirring in your chest.

"Well yeah, I mean, I was supposed to escort you home after work, and you kind changed plans, so we had to roll with them. I figured Hoseok would have taken you home after everything, so I didn't wait around. And then when Suga did send out the message I didn't notify them that I found you it was dumb on my part," he clarified.

You leaned onto the console between the two of you, propping your cheek upon your hand in a way that squished your lips into a slight pout. Jungkook tried not to stiffen as you got more in his space. Peeking down at you through his peripherals he saw your brow furrow as you processed everything.

"Why do you care?" you finally settled on asking as you still struggled to pinpoint why so many people would be worried about your safety.

Hoseok, you understood, to a certain extent, you even understood why he called in the favor. He knew your patterns and signs, you were probably shouting you were about to have an attack with your body language as you walked out the door. He knew he could never comfort you, not when he was the trigger. What you didn't understand was why BTS would listen.

"Because you're still not safe, and BTS took responsibility for your safety when I did," Jungkook said, simply turning to look at you as he stopped at a red light.

If you were in the right state of mind, such a comment would have triggered an immediate fight. You had been on your own for far too many years to suddenly need a whole gaggle of men to tend to you as if you were some helpless girl. You were a grown-ass woman. But you weren't yourself as you searched for a response in the fog of your mind.

"You're not responsible for anything about me?" you said softly as you shifted to rest your hand on your chin.

"Y/n what all did Hoseok hyung tell you?" Jungkook asked, confused, you weren't rejecting his protection, you just seemed oblivious. He assumed the cat was out of the back as soon as you learned what BTS was, who they were concerning you.

"Just how he joined BTS as how he ya know," you stuck your pointer finger and thumb in the air making soft 'pew pew' sounds. You couldn't bring yourself to talk seriously about the subject. Too much of this night had been severe for your liking.

"Y/n, you saved my life last week," Jungkook said, trying to look in your eyes and convey all his gratitude. You shifted under his stare.

"I wouldn't call it that," you murmured, turning away, "The lights green," you added flatly trying to turn his attention from you. He ignored you and placed a warm hand over yours.

"I would, and because of that, I and all of BTS owe you a life debt. We want to protect you as best as we can, especially since you're not totally safe from the guys you saved me from," he emphasized.

You looked up at him owlishly as you thought over everything he said. But whatever you were going to say died on your lips as a car honked its horn behind you. You both jumped startled, and the intensity of the moment evaporated slightly.

After a few moments of silence, you decided he didn't require a response. You can't imagine you would give a correct one anyways. You looked down at your hand, his larger one still resting atop your own and turned your wrist quickly and intertwining your fingers.

You rode in silence the rest of the way home, and you were fighting your eyelids as you pulled up to your complex.

Jungkook wondered if you always fell asleep in the car even with dangerous men. He wondered if that's why he never sees you take the bus at night.

"You really should consider living somewhere safer," Jungkook muttered under his breath as he shut off the engine.

You bit your tongue holding in several comments and gave a noncommittal 'mmm' as you unbuckled and stepped out the car to see he planned to walk you to your door again.

You grew embarrassed as you climbed the stairs and scrambled to think of parting words dwelling on everything Jungkook had done for you that night, "Thank you," you finally forced yourself to say. Jungkook looked down at you as you came to a halt in front of your door. "For earlier, with the crying and the counting," you offered awkwardly your eyes looking everywhere but his as you breached the sensitive topic.

"Oh, it wasn't a problem, really. I'm glad I could help" he laughed nervously, and you smiled, reaching for his hand before he could bring it to the back of his head, a nervous habit you were quickly picking up on him having.

"I'm serious Jungkook, a lot of people freak out and make the situation much worse for me, and I get it seeing someone crying like that it's never an easy thing to react to, but you did—" you hesitated as you searched for the right words, "You were good, comforting."

You didn't give yourself time to question it as you stood on your tiptoes, deciding to convey your gratitude in a way that your stuttering mouth wouldn't botch, and grazed a small peck aiming for his cheek. Unfortunately, the height difference and your own lack of balance had you landing more on his jawline. Jungkook gasped only slightly at the feeling of your soft lips on his jaw, the heat of your body radiating off of you in your nearness. You smiled at him again as you turned towards the door to unlock it.

"Haha yeah, happy to hear that," he responded, his voice crawling in pitch as he ordered his heart to beat, and you gave him another warm smile as you pushed open your door.

"Good night, Jungkook."

"Good night, Ella."

Jungkook's face split into a grin as you closed the door, a hand reaching for his jaw and pressing against where you kissed him as if it would simulate the feeling. His steps seemed to bounce as he made his way down the concrete stairs and back to his car.

A/N: Thanks so much for reading please tell me what you think! Your comments make me eager to write more :)

Pt.5 ->

#bts fic #jungkook x reader #bts mafia au #btsghostie #bangtanhq #btsbookclub #btsguild #bangtanscenery #bts gang au #gangster jungkook #gangster yoongi #gangaster taehyung #gangster hoseok #jungkook au #bestfriend hoseok #no harm list #crazy4myself fic #drug dealer teahyung #jungkook fluff

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grim-faux · 3 years

Text

2 _ 27 _ Sad Little Shadow

First

The hallways sat empty, much as they always were when he snuck away to wander aimlessly. Endless open passages, winding and twisting. The staircases he stumbled upon only ever go down, some ladders too, only guided him deeper into the depths of thick shadows and teases of twilight. He only ever seemed to sink perpetually into this place, but never really went anywhere at all. He supposed that was lucky, given he might not ever find his way back up with how far he delved without supervision.

Shimmering screens and television boxes gifted to him offered reprieve, but why would he ever want to leave? The world was nothing, he learned that. An empty void, cruel and punishing, which offered bitter disappointment to those intent on seeking... more. And the despair, the reality of everything he was once so certain of. In the wake of his hardest lesson, he was promised a place. Somewhere, always waiting. If he wanted it. His needs were so basic, what else could he possibly want? Except for one, which could not be supplied….

“Hey!” he called, without concern or woe. Yelling through the empty corridors, receiving no sound back, not even the resonance of his own voice. “HOI!”

No one returned the cries. No one ever called back. No one searched for him. It wasn’t like the place was dangerous, at least… not when he was around. He made it safe. He was always very careful. Regardless, somewhere or another time, the kid would run off.

That wasn’t new at this point. Every time, he did try. He made an effort. Wanted them to stay close, keep in his sight. It wasn’t hard, if the doors stayed closed. None of them wanted to stay still for too long. No one wanted to stay with him. Eventually, each and every one.

Mono turned the corner, trying once more. “Hey! Don’t be afraid!” He lowered his arms to his sides and rocked back on his heels, frown deepening. He frowned a lot lately. “Here! Where you?”

Without fail, every time. The moment he turned his back or was flat out careless, he’d lose track. They left him. Eventually. That never changed. Still, he went on calling and carrying through the hallways. The light jammed around door panels glittering, as he rushed past. Coattail flashing, feet… barely hitting the solid, hard floor. Very much a floor, in an ambiguous hallway, anywhere, in any building. Nothing bizarre or frightening here. No matter where he searched, how far he ran. It was only and always a vague, obscure building somewhere.

Resigned that the other kid was… gone. He didn’t know where. He didn’t want to think about it. This time, he had been certain it would be all right. He was all right. He could protect them! They didn’t… no one wanted him. They didn’t understand. They hated him! Gone! Good riddance!

Cheeks flushed and eyes shimmering with hot tears, he bottled up the hurt. It wasn’t hard to find his way back to that one room, and the chair. Always waiting. Perpetually patient. Endlessly faithful. The one object he looked forward to confiding his pain in. The one thing that never left him, in this lonely place.

The door was always open, as it would always be. This was his place. This is where he kept himself, where it was most safe. Nothing could find him here.

Not even….

Patches of the slate walls rupture with rolling, foul ripples of bubbling tissue. A gargantuan orb sweeps beneath the wet shutter of its lids, blinking. The ceiling too, crumbled here and there as gooey rolls of flesh hung out. As he rushed to the chair, poised at the focal of the disturbing scene, the floor splint and creaked upward. A gnash of cackling voices filled the room, in the dark shadows within the sweaty hills, teeth grin.

“NO!” Mono barked. He clambered onto the chair and held the backside, curling his legs beneath his ever wonderous coat. “You don’t look at me! You can’t Ļ̶̉ò̷̠o̴̪̅k̵̨͗ ̶͖̀Ă̷̦ ̵̮͠M̷̫͘Ë̷̬́!̶̜̈́”

The Thin Man stole his chin from the cup of his palm and gaped at the dingy, cracked walls surrounding him, the furniture out of place but the only memorabilia of the departed occupants. To one side of the wall, a long desk with a sliding door; upon it sat the smashed record player. An empty bookshelf, the bulk of its knickknacks lay on the floor, along with half the shelves.

A perfectly drab, dusty room. No weeping orbs staring, no teeth a snapping. Natural decay of plaster and paper, not the decay of bones and tissue.

That dream haunt. He didn’t like it. All dream haunts were terrible, but some worse than others, some harder to shake out of.

In a deliberate heave, he pushed off his knees and stood slowly. This room had no window and was detached from another wing of the dwelling, along with the kitchen… he supposed, social gathering area? This side of the abode was more for personal entertainment and privacy.

He flashed through the dim hall, making his trip quickly to those gathering areas and the dining space. When he insured the kitchen was quiet and the transmission scarce, he entered. The counters and cupboards received a brief glimpse, he sized up the functioning but untouched refrigerator. Aside from the dull erosion of hospitality, nothing is out of place. No crumbs, packages, discarded spoiled foods. He can feel the few starved insects gaze up at him, pleading for a bit of something, anything.

With a crackly sigh, the Thin Man searched through the upper cabinets. He picked out a box of chewy meat sticks and departed the depressing, barren space.

The child was deep-deep asleep when he chanced upon this location, and he left the little bundle in a cupboard while he went off to do his patrols around the city. He doesn’t expect the child to be present when he roamed back to this area – honest, he doesn’t expect anything of that child – yet, Mono remained in the perfectly decayed but hospital apartment. The lack of foraging did put the Thin Man off, but he didn’t mull over that at first.

Usually, when he returned from his wandering, the boy would pop out of hiding and follow under foot, or in the least peer from a shadow while hidden, keeping his distance but observing. As if some other creature might have dragged on the hide of the Thin Man’s guise, and invaded through the front door.

He took full advantage of this change, and secluded away to another room for some reading and quiet; only periodically emerging to wander through the corridors, lost in thought. Nothing in the literature he acquired does anything to satisfy his questions, nothing addressed his interests. Empty books, vacant passages – like the empty corridors he wandered, while he was only a boy. Lost. Searching. Seeking the things that ripped out of his grasp.

Not once did he encounter the child, his younger-self, in the residence. The kitchen, as he certified moments before, remained untouched. What was he chewing on? Was he even eating?

Long ago the boy left the room he first deposited him, and scurried into another room. A gaping wound sat at the wall base, beyond the edge of a drawer set. This is where the transmission cued him in, it was strongest in this small chamber. The Thin Man does not know if the crack opening goes back further, but by focusing he can discern that the wall did open through behind a large pile of discarded clothing along the floor. The connection is strongest somewhere in there.

“Child,” he crooned. He leaned low to the wall and tapped at the chipped plaster. “You need to eat something. Something that is preferably food.” He grimaced at the thought.

Children could go some (un)healthy while without the need to eat, but still he is concerned. This boy can’t resist exploring through the abode, exploring the rooms until he’s on the verge of collapse. Particularly, while he-himself has settled in for some inactive time, the child and their shared transmission, occasionally blipped out as the boy took on distance. Got away from him for the childish need for space and separation, most likely.

Not a sound nor a flicker from the child. This all began to perturb him. A fresh prism of moods, he concluded. Some new event or another set Mono off, as was the case. He was helpless to intervene while without hint or grasp of the initial cause.

Within the boards, a scuffle of something moved about. The child could be hurt, for all he knew.

“Child,” he tried as before. “This food is very good. You’re hungry, are you not?” He took the meat stick and broken it out of its wrapping. He set the piece down, not directly by the crevice but near enough. “Won’t you come out?” He knelt and tilted over, enabling him to peer into the dark interior.

No sign of the child. He wasn’t even graced by a scratching this time.

“I’ll let you alone, then.” The Thin Man shifted back in a glitchy flash, a shadowy outline trailing. The one bulb in the ceiling dome sputtered, as he turned and departed the room.

It was tempting to drift around the dwelling and ponder through this issue, wait out the child. However, Mono seemed resistant of his presence, and for that it would be best to make himself scarce. Give the boy a breather and give him space to come around on his own.

When he stalled at the main entry door, hand on the doorhandle, he was despaired that the child didn’t reappear to confront him. For the briefest moment he held there, but only fleeting. In a glimmer he dissolved, as if he was never there.

The Pale City never dried out. The roads never saw sunlight, runoff trickled down the cement walls of the looming skyscrapers continually. Even when the downpour took time off to recharge, the rain founds it way into everything; dry hollows in the walls, the abandoned clothing, even the food buried in cabinets.

The Thin Man was unfocused as he idled through the shops and offices, browsing the usual books lined on the shelves or folders jammed into filing cabinets. He perused the covers and spines, the colors and thickness of the tomes – not seeing but searching. Endlessly. He tried to reign himself back on track, but questioned where his focus should align with. The Tower was the pivotal of his intent, but where to begin understanding that. He never thought of it much since evicting it from his haven, even when he acknowledged it was ever present. He forged the barrier to repel its grotesque presence, it used his powers to perpetuate the Signal and entrap the residents of the Pale City. He and They existed and cohabitated and held a symbiotic relationship. It promised safety, shelter.

It was a cold building that eternally hungered, and no amount – no grand banquet, no endless supply, absolutely nothing – would be enough to satisfy its empty, rotten core.

Perhaps if he was more prone to speculating about his place in the world, his eventual future, he would have grasped why the Tower was so lenient with its tethers. It knew everything and toyed with him for its own amusement. He was only a child.

This outing was going nowhere. He grabbed a few random pamphlets along with a discarded shirt, and left the office. He took a roundabout way on his return, flittering through other stores and browsing over salvageable merchandise that caught his fancy. The evidence of other children was apparent in several shops, as evident by the ravaged foods or imparted speek.

Children had basic needs. Food. Shelter. The little travelers settled when this criterion was met. They did marks on the walls, warned others of dangers, told their stories. The things they had seen, the other children they met. The pack they lost.

Sighing, the corners of his lips turned down. The Thin Man spun from the forlorn spot of the wall, only suspending his impulse to flicker out for a scarce instant to peer at the far end of the aisle. In the corner and a little hidden by an eroded, tilted metal rack, the branches extend from the hollowed clothing slumped to the tiled floor.

The feet have already regressed into the pant legs, the visible hands are an ashen shade. Nothing was left of the head, excluding the appendages stretching out of the shirt collar and high into the ceiling crease above. A distinct block shape formed, with a veiny network webbed across the surface.

In a glimmer he was gone, leaving those lonely messages to speek to open air and the vacant store aisles.

Returning to the skyrise was uneventful, as it was while he was alone. No delays or stutters, always moving and never stopping – not for anything. Far better now that he was fully restored, and scarcely could recall how much of a drag it was when he first departed the Factory. He didn’t care to think of that period….

The first area he checked post entering the residence, was the kitchen.

Nothing is out of place. The Thin Man set the sack of procured items on the dining table and went to the cupboards, opening one after the other to check if supplies had been tampered with. He knows damn well this is pointless, but he was driven to confirm this kitchen was left untouched.

He’ll give the boy the benefit of the doubt. Often Mono went off and ransacked some other kitchen. That did happen. However, the boy was always inclined to some pilfering of the shelter’s kitchen, before he went off exploring. Even now, the child was present in the abode. Had he not ventured out at all?

Enough of this. The lights in the kitchen dim as he flashed, tempering the crawl of time and moving through the corridors. He traced the source of the transmission, reaching the same room the child secluded to. Once he solidified in the room, the somber gleam returned to its normal radiance.

The food he deposited beside the wall’s break went untouched. This child! What the Tower? Was he still alive?

“Child! What are you mad about?”

Somewhere within the wall, muffled scratching and a thump. Good. He was alive.

“You come out this instant, or so help me. I’ll tear down this wall!” The bulb above flashed and crackled. “C̵͍͌H̴̪̔İ̷̭L̶̫͆D̸̹̆!̷̜̓” And like that the, the dome light in the ceiling burst sending shards of glass and cinder over his hat. The Thin Man took a step back and glanced up.

Reel it back a bit. This wasn’t helping.

“Mono.” He rubbed a hand to his face. “You have to come out. You must eat something. At least, let me know that you are alright, and then, I will go away. Child? Please.”

For a very long time he stands, waiting. The static hummed across the walls, pressing at his thoughts. It was time for him to go, then? That would be for the best. If he left—

Before he could flicker, movement pricked at the edge of the cranny. The paper bag inched out, but not entirely into view. He was granted the featureless backside of the paper mask, the wearer downcast.

“It never fails, I do something which agitates you,” he crackled. “Then you scurry off and hide in a little hole, with all your thoughts and doubts crammed into your head.” He shifted his weight and crossed his arms. “While that leaves me to puzzle through and figure out how to appease your… fit. You are… bewildering.” He reached into his pocket and produced one of the atrocious plushy toys. He stooped and set the insulting thing beside the untouched – insect riddled – meat foods. “You are quite content to isolate away, feeling morose. Nothing is ever good enough for you, is it? Hmm?” He braced an arm across his thigh and bowed low, the already shrouded crack pitched into a bleak veil of black.

“Hurt’u.” The word(s) was so faint and graveled, he almost missed the speek. The Thin Man dipped down further. “D’nt mean. S’not th’ght better. Was bad. Shu’dnt. Hurt'oo. Hurt.” The boy fiddled with the edge of his coat, while he stayed huddled, as if expecting a fierce reprimand.

What… was he talking about?

“Did you have a dream haunt?” he groused. “Is that what this is all about?” The paper bag swiveled.

“Mon’ser. Tri'd take. Aam’made worse. Was pro’tek. Made n’danger.” The little heap of coat swayed with a sigh, or gasp. “Was t’hurt. N’mon’ster. E’smashed. Break’u. D’nt… n’left. Ran’way. D’ran. Not right. Th's danger. M'hurt You. Was bad.”

At first the Thin Man hung there baffled by what the boy was trying to convey. Where to begin? How did this make him an exiled wreck? He worked to put together the words, and unthread the pattern. Monster. Hurt. Break. It comes together, what happened on the stairway some while back. That event lay far from his thoughts, the encounter so fleeting.

“Are you hurt?” The boy had been so spry following the stairway incident, he didn’t think to check him over.

Regardless, the paper bag shifted in an indolent no. “Y’hurt. Did th’t. S'gone. Made go. I... hurt.”

Two wires connected under his hat, and it clicked. “Me? Hurt?” The shape dipped back into the shroud of the crack.

“Child. Get out here and take a look at me.” When the boy did not emerge, the Thin Man reached to the cranny and tapped the floorboard with a finger. “Here. Right now. I won’t repeat myself.” It takes more coaxing, another tap of his finger. “G̷͜ě̴̬t̴̟̎ ̸̺̿O̴̘̚v̴͚͘e̵̛͜r̴̬̂ ̸̭̇H̴̝͌ȅ̵̩r̴̦̈́ë̴̬́.̷̱̿” It is impossible to do anything with this child.

Finally, the paper bag and the shoulders of its wearer brave the outside air. Only at the threshold of his hideaway. The child winced but didn’t struggle when the Thin Man snared his elbow, and hauled him closer to his knee.

“Look at me, Mono. Look at me. Do I look hurt?” The Thin Man had to fit a finger beneath the boys chin to break him from his personal raincloud. The vacant cutout holes of the paper mask gawked up at him, but the child uttered no response.

“Nothing in this world can harm me,” the Thin Man stated. “I have no fears, no enemy can touch me. I bow to no threat.” Great nor small, he credited, unspoken of course.

The Thin Man never cowered in the face of his younger-self, he simply accepted that… his fate was right. It was his time to rest, while the younger-one took on the role left empty and waiting. Given how it all turned out, it might’ve been the kindest act his own man in the hat left to him.

Never lied to him. Failed in stealing him away from his calamitous fate. Didn’t do… anything. Nothing could have been done to prepare him. The man in the hat merely surrendered, and let him discover himself. However bitter that turned out.

The child Mono gaped at him with that ridiculous paper bag, tilted. He reached his free hand over to the Thin Man’s grip, on his elbow, and petted his knuckle.

With a brisk inhale, the Thin Man stole the hand away to rub at his face. “You haven’t eaten. Let’s take care of that.” When he flickered into standing, the boy recoiled a step. “Cease that nonsense, child. I am not hurt. You can clearly see that.”

The child picked his way around the insects and pulled up the meat stick thing. He kept the blank stare of the paper bag fixed on the Thin Man, as he tore off a few chunks of the food item. “Y’r okay?”

“Yes,” he rustled. “The perils of the city are minor inconveniences to me. Trifles easy enough to ignore.” He observed, as Mono shuffled in closer and crouched down beside his shoe.

“S’coz tol.”

That was beside the point, but he wasn’t about to go off on a fresh tirade. The boy hiked the paper bag up to his nose and ate, while keeping that unwavering line of sight on him. It barely occurred to him the age of that food, sitting out of its packaging. Crawling with vermin.

He grimaced when, as expected, the child held up a chunk of the stale food. The face only partially hidden, held the most deliberate expression. With a diluted stutter, the Thin Man leaned down and took the offering. “I’ll try that later,” he muttered. “Now you. Let’s find something more palatable.” He slipped the bit of food into his breast pocket and began to move away. Barely two steps, and the child was grabbing at his ankles.

“Go? S’where?” he rasped. "Not n’stay. W'leave.”

He was forced to halt, or he would tramper the boy. “Kitchen,” he hissed. “I’m going to the kitchen. That food is old.” He scooted the boy aside with his shoe and moved, unobstructed. The child was still grabbing at his ankle as he tried to walk; all he could do to mitigate this was glitch ahead, try and keep a few sprints beyond the boy.

For the longest time he couldn’t get this child out of a wall, now he can’t get that same boy away from his heels. This kid was driving him up a wall.

“Move. Mono. Shoo.” He began with checking the upper cabinets, since the child was so insistent on being right in the way of all the doors. Where were those biscuits? “Here. HereHereHere.” While unsupervised, Mono clambered onto the countertop and was hauling open cabinets. “Food. Take this. It’s right here.” A cacophony of dishware tumbled out of the cabinet when a stack of cups flipped off the shelf. The Thin Man glitched and sputtered.

Mono lunged off the counter and ducked into a cupboard.

Well, that didn’t last long.

The Thin Man dropped the food package on the counter and leaned back, knocking his hat askew as he settled against the cabinets. He looked over at the door of the cupboard, shut tight. This was hardwired, he had to remind himself. How long he would hide away this time? That, he didn’t know. He was a smidgen disappointed, but it was largely disheartening.

A murmur hissed from the cupboard as it edged open, and the paper bag peeked out. He watched the boy ‘sneak’ out and grab one of the cups off the floor. The selected cup was hefted up to the tall thin man.

In most of these buildings, the water lines remained in some functioning order. The city was perpetually operational, managed by aimless caretakers with little to no conscious thought to the tasks they sustained. Just as the electricity ran through the separate grids of the districts, not that the televisions needed electricity to fulfill their purpose.

After filling the cup with clean water, he returned it to the boy. Resolved to stay out of the way, the Thin Man clicked over to the table. He took a seat across from the provision sack left there and rummaged through his coat. The boy aligned with his most essential task, began poking through the cupboards and pulling out packages. The Thin Man tucked a cigarette between his lips and slouched on the tables surface.

From his patrol, he held a general idea of the course to take. The route was safest, but it might test the child’s aptitude with his powers. Unless the boy was suddenly receptive to assistance – exclude getting corralled in an imploding building – the child was uncooperative in all situations. Stubborn little thing….

A package of food smacked the tables surface.

He puffed smoke, observing as the boy hefted himself off the chair. The child just about tackled the wrapped food thing and shoved it across the tabletop, tearing at the waxy coating as he went. The Thin Man slipped the arm on the table away, while Mono scooted closer.

“I don’t have an interest in that,” he muttered. When he was forced to lean back due to proximity of the child, he reached over to the bag and shuffled through for one of the books. Mono merely watched him, paper bag perched precariously on his brow as he munched on whatever he finally picked out.

“Sure y’okay?” Mono mumbled, through food.

The Thin Man worked at peeling pages apart. The book was completely dry, but the sheets remained adhered like glue and difficult to work with. Some of the marks remained comprehensible, unless the damaged paper tore.

“Yes. I’ve told you this. Why do you persist to ravel that subject?” And now the child was sneaking to the edge of the table. Towards him.

“Wuz hit,” he whispered, as if he was answering himself. “Forg’t check.”

He raised a finger to Mono’s chest and pushed him back. Sort of. “No. You forget to take care of yourself. I have a not for those woes.” He set the book aside and rubbed at his eyes. This unyielding child.

Upon the moment of his inattention, the child evaded his hand and leapt onto his thigh. “Child! Get O̴̹̅f̵̢͒f̶̙͒ ̴̙͘M̵̻̆ê̵̞!̷͎͊” He latched onto the boy and nearly shot to his feet in a glitchy shadow, but restrained himself. Though he tugged and protested, the child more or less managed to get his arms snagged onto his suit. More or less. Sort of.

Mono yowled and held tighter to the thread. “How sure?” He wasn’t letting go. Somehow, he managed to get his toes locked in.

“Would you quit with that? Here. Eat something.” The Thin Man tried the tactic of releasing the boy in favor of grabbing a piece of the food. When he offered that to the child, it appeared to redirect his one-track mind. Mono accepted the morsel and plopped right down on his lap.

“B’t sure? How tell?” The child tipped his paper bag up his face and peered up at the Thin Man. He shoved the food to his face and gnawed at it.

“I took care of it. That’s how.” Scarcely, he did recall that the child should have the capability to mend his own injuries with minimal effort, but had yet to display that capacity. He had no more need for mending wounds. For the child he was tempted to try, yet he was not confident he wouldn’t… do more harm. As before.

“No more of this. You have more pressing concerns.” With the child preoccupied with eating, it was easy to pluck him up and set him back by his food. “You come first. You must eat and take better care of you. Otherwise… how will you be able to make sure I’m looked after?”

Mono drew his knees up as he ate his food, still watching. Maddening little doting hen. At last, the child appeared mollified and was fixed on his task. Once again, the Thin Man reached to the ratty makeshift sack and brought out a spare food container.

“When you have recuperated adequately, we do have a ways to go.” It was probably jam, or food paste. He didn’t bother reading labels, Mono ate anything. It was always important to make certain the items the child took interest in were edible. That was not so much of an issue, if Mono was kept fed.

The Thin Man exhaled smoke and took up the book he neglected. Before he settled in, he scooted a ways back from the table. Though realistically nothing would stop that boy, save for aimlessly wandering. He resumed picking at the pages, working to ignore the flat stare drilling into him.

At some point the Thin Man became lost in a daze, became detached from his surroundings; not quite reading but not expelled from the material. The literature didn’t provide substance, but he was not disconnected from absorbing sentence upon sentence into a blur of intangible conjectures and syllables. He missed the child drop off the table and scurrying over to him. Not until the little tugging worked up the side of his shin. He suppressed a sigh, but let it be. When Mono fell asleep, he could go… do some more investigating. When they began anew, he might chide himself for not exploring the constructed course more thoroughly.

The child climbed over his knee and scooted to his side, where he curled up and leaned against his coat. Mono just stared up, through the vacant cutouts of his paper mask. Just staring. The Thin Man did his best to ignore it and set a hand over the boy. It does surprise him that Mono doesn’t go ballistic and abandon completely… the child doesn’t react at all. That does unnerve him. Hopefully, this isn’t a new quirk; he could scarcely tolerate the faraway watchful eyes cloaked by patches of shades. He always suspected the child did that on P̶͓̅u̸͇͂r̵̲͆ṗ̸͔o̷͓͒ṡ̴̨e̴̜͋.̴͍̅

While the child was fed and pacified, he won’t bother. The Thin Man is content to leave Mono to recover in peace, he appeared to have torn himself up over this unfounded anxiety. Didn’t trust him, wouldn’t listen. It was no shock the child didn’t understand anything. He did not look forward to moving on, but it would be for the best. Mono didn’t appear to have the tenacity to keep this up.

#little nightmares #mono #the thin man #thin dad #little nightmares fanfic #little nightmares fanfiction #fanfic #fanfiction

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alphawave-writes · 4 years

Text

Sigrold week 2019 Prompt 1) Beginnings/Universe

Read it here or find it on ao3. You can support me by asking about my commissions or buying me a ko-fi

It begins with a touch. Just a simple stroke of the fingers on the back of his hand. It’s accidental, not on purpose, or at least that’s what Siebren tells himself when he glances up the wrist, arm, shoulder, and finally face of Dr. Harold Winston. It’s the last one that draws his attention. Siebren does not pretend to understand the finer points of human emotion, but even if he hypothetically could, there was no way he could truly interpret the expression Harold gives him at this moment. It’s multi-faceted, prismatic, utterly indescribable and gorgeous all the same time. But like a black hole, he wants to know how it forms, what causes its formation, why it appears to him now, when they’re all alone in the Commissary.

“Sorry,” Harold says as he takes the seat opposite Siebren.

“I-It’s fine,” he gruffly responds.

There’s a few seconds of silence where there’s nothing to be heard but the hoots of the gorillas in the distance and the whirr of the vending machines. Siebren takes off his gloves and folds them neatly together before pocketing them.

Harold stares at his hands, his eyes widening microscopically. His own hands fidget in front of him, clenching and unclenching. Another curious reaction.

“Did I ever tell you I learned palm reading?” Harold asks.

Siebren can’t help but chuckle. “Which stereotype are you living up to now? The American one, or the Chinese one?”

“Hey, I never said I believed in it, or that I’m any good at it. Just that I know a bit of it.”

“That was far from what I was suggesting. The universe is so vast and mysterious that I would not be surprised if there is an inkling of truth to it. However unlikely that may be.”

“Just give me your hand, big guy.”

Siebren does, and regrets almost instantaneously. Harold’s hands are surprisingly soft to the touch, and the caress of his fingertips sends shivers down his spine. His cheeks redden, his breathing becomes unsteady, and the universe begins to fade away.

Siebren feels a lot of things for Harold Winston. Admiration, for one. Companionship is another. It’s so rare that he finds someone he can consider his intellectual equal. But what he feels right now in this moment is something else entirely. It’s gentle and warm, not unlike the slide of Harold’s thumb over his life line, then his head line, and finally his heart line. Heat blossoms from Harold’s touch, traveling up Siebren’s arm only to dissipate within his chest.

Harold hums quietly, biting his lip in thought. Was it just his imagination or did Harold’s lips seem more kissable today? “So,” Siebren cleared his throat in the vain hope his thoughts didn’t transfer to his voice, “w-what does it all mean?”

“Well, if I remember this correctly, your life line says that you will be mostly healthy, although you might get into a serious accident later in your life. Same with your head line. Which probably means it might be the same accident that will affect your body and your mind somehow.”

“That’s a little morbid,” Siebren frowns.

“It’s a little better here. Your heart line says you’re rather passive in your love life, but you are willing to sacrifice a lot for love. That being said, you are more career-centered,” Harold suddenly smiles. “I’ve got the same line myself on my hand.”

“I wouldn’t know if I’d call myself passive.”

“You’re in a relationship?” Harold asks.

Siebren shakes his head. “Single, I’m afraid, and have been for a long time. If I must be honest, I have yet to be in a relationship one would call ‘steady’.”

“So I was correct,” Harold grins.

“Probably,” Siebren can’t help but smile. “Although I’m not sure about the sacrifice thing.”

“Maybe you just haven’t found the right person yet. I did your right hand after all. Right hand is supposed to show you what your future holds.” Quieter, Harold says, “Perhaps you might find a love worth sacrificing for.”

Siebren stares into Harold’s chocolate eyes. There’s something to his words, something hidden beneath the layers that he does not recognize but that he wants regardless. He wants to decipher it, wants to know what it means, wants to hold Harold in his arms and press his lips against that incessant stubble and be one with the universe.

The thought startles him, not because of its suddenness but because it feels like a natural progression of events. Despite his experiences, this fluttering in his throat feels normal, and necessary. His eyes trail down to Harold’s long chin and bare forearms and firm hands, ordinary things that seem extraordinary in the context that is Harold. They’re soft to look at but they’re deceptively strong, hardened over time. A fitting metaphor for the man it belongs to.

Harold suddenly smiles. “What is it?”

Siebren tries his hardest not to smile too widely. “Could you teach me?”

“Sure,” he says. He offers his own hands to Siebren.

As Siebren caresses Harold’s palm tenderly, Harold patiently teaching him the basics of palmistry, the heat settles comfortably in Siebren’s stomach, making him feel like he is being embraced by the universe itself. Harold is the one to bring this feeling to the surface, this strange but wonderful sensation that Siebren wishes to last forever.

It’s the first time he feels this way, but it won’t be the last. Not by a long shot.

It begins with a sound. Not a normal sound, but not a frightening sound. Harold is walking along the hallway when he hears Siebren chatting to some of the cleaning staff, who are hanging off his every word. Siebren has an uncanny knack for being profoundly poetic about space and the universe. Not many of the astronauts appreciate it, possibly because of their extended stay on the moon, which might be why his captive audience—who usually only have brief stints on Horizon—are so utterly enraptured. Even Harold himself is not immune, pausing in his step so he can get drawn into the story.

He hears it again, and Harold understands what that sound is. It’s a laugh, almost a cackle. Excited, brash, abrasive. In another context it might have sounded cruel or mean, but here in the company of others, it sounds…pleasant. Very pleasant, in fact. So pleasant that Harold gets the strange urge to pull that sound from Siebren’s lips and make him laugh again.

Siebren turns to Harold and gives one of his rare smiles. It’s soft, smoothing out the harsh lines of his face. Uncharacteristic but it suits him beautifully.

Harold smiles. “Telling them about the magnificent universe?”

“The universe is magnificent. Those who think otherwise are fools with narrow minds.”

“Compared to wide minds.” Harold points at Siebren’s large forehead.

Siebren puts a hand on his forehead and rolls his eyes, continuing his story. He continues his conversation about moon dust, and the mysteries of gravity, and the many subtle ways he has manipulated it to suit the Horizon One lunar base. It might sound like boasting, but there is genuine interest and heart in his words.

Harold lets the meaning of the words drown out, focusing instead on the sound of Siebren’s voice. Siebren is a passionate man, but there’s something almost romantic about the way he talks right now, like he is speaking of a lover that’s in another country and not of the mysteries of the universe. He speaks in hushed, low tones, teasing out every sentence, a heavenly song from mortal lips.

Harold knows Siebren can be passionate, but it hasn’t truly computed until now just how passionate. He loves every aspect of his work, and he wants the world to know that he loves his work. There’s a sparkle in his ocean blue eyes and it reflects the beauty of everything around him. For a brief moment, Harold wishes Siebren will look at him like that, like he is the centre of the universe, the answer to his question, the thing Siebren wants.

He blinks, and the cleaning staff are gone. Siebren’s stopped talking, his lips pulled into a knowing smirk.

“Earth to Dr. Winston. Or should I say, moon to Dr. Winston?”

Harold shakes his head quickly. “S-sorry. Just spaced out there.” With a grin, he adds, “in more ways than one.”

Siebren’s grin gets wider. “I always knew you were out of this world.”

“I’m over the moon that you think I am.”

There’s a few seconds where Siebren’s face scrunches up and his lips thin before he bursts into laughter. The sound is melodic, melodic. Utterly enrapturing.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t think of anything else.”

“It’s fine. You just didn’t understand the gravity of the situation.”

“That is a good one,” Siebren chuckles. “I am stealing that one for my own use.”

“Didn’t your mother tell you that stealing is bad?” Harold teases.

“I don’t think mijn moeder can do anything about it. We are on the moon.”

Harold giggles quietly as his body feels weightless. He’s taken away from gravity, pulled into the orbit of Siebren’s dazzling stare. It’s been a long time since he’s felt this way, and usually it scares him, because every time he’s the first one to feel it. All his past relationships failed because they did not feel the same. Perhaps it’s ironic and sad that he should feel this way, up in the stars, away from everyone. But Siebren is no ordinary man. His eyes reflect the beauty around him, and in that moment, Harold’s reflection never looked so sublime. For once, Harold feels safe and secure, like Siebren will take care of him regardless of whether his feelings are returned or not.

It's the first time he feels this way for Siebren, but it won't be the last.

It begins with a kiss. Soft, desperate, eager. Objectively, it’s not all that good—Harold's stubble roughly grazing over Siebren's chin, the tentativeness to move their lips—but it’s the emotions that make their kiss so beautiful. In this moment they are but a singular entity, their kiss catalysing a chemical reaction that merges their bodies into a new, wonderful substance. Their wordless thoughts combine together, a swirling vortex of love and want and need and fear and worry.

When their lips part, they both let out a soft breath, blooming galaxies into formation. The world has disappeared. The Earth and the Moon and the stars and the Sun are nothing. All that exists in their universe is Harold and Siebren and the space between them.

“Harold,” Siebren whispers.

“I love you,” Harold says, even though they both know it is absolutely unnecessary. Siebren knows Harold loves him, just as Harold knows Siebren loves him.

Siebren holds Harold's cheeks tenderly. "I love you too. Does that mean...?"

"I want to be with you," Harold whispers. His fingers card into Siebren's scalp, making Siebren shiver in content. "I want us to be together."

"Then why don't we? We can be together. Just the two of us."

Harold leans forward and kisses Siebren again, taking them both back to that black void. With their caresses they recreate the stars, the asteroids, the galaxies, and the planets. With their affection they breathe life to Earth. With their sighs the universe expands and grows organically, chaotically, exactly as it should be. Earth glows, crystal blue waters amongst soft green trees and swirling white clouds, highlighting the contours of their faces.

With their kisses, they have created a new world, a new beginning, a new stage in their relationship. From now until eternity, they shall be one.

#Overwatch #Sigrold #Sigroldweek #Sigroldweek2019 #Ah I can't believe Sigrold week is here!#I am so excited you would not believe #Or maybe you do believe because I am apparently the 'master' of Sigrold #Not that I think I am but I'm definitely one of the most prolific so I've got that going for me #Some prompts will be normal others will be AU #You just gotta stick around and see XD

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ua-monoma · 4 years

Text

.01.13.

Before the Interrogation: @ua-hawks

[Hawks had known that this was the day that Monoma's questioning was scheduled. He asked, specifically, when it'd be and if he'd be allowed to visit beforehand. Not to question him about anything, he assured, just to see him. He hasn't since the rescue, after all, and it felt cruel to keep away for that long.

So he comes in early, hoping to catch Monoma before they've started. The officers there don't exactly ask as much as confirm what he's there for and then lead him to the room Monoma's in, waiting ever so patiently.

He waves them off when they're there, rapping his knuckles against the door a few times before slipping in, giving him a lazy half-smile.

Monoma looks up the second he hears the knock on the door, a sheepish smile on his face as Hawks comes in. He can't help but make himself smaller at the sight of him, a thousand different instincts fighting to mold him at once, and he ducks his head a little under his hair, biting his lip from nerves before he glances towards him again.]

MONOMA: ... Hi...

[Hawks notices the change in his demeanor. It's hard not to, with it always being so drastic. He knows how much Monoma's always trying to fit into a mold, a vision that he thinks is right, that should be given to the person he's around.

He walks to the side of the table Monoma's at, turning to lean against it rather than sit on the other side and feel so far away. It doesn't suit them.]

HAWKS: Hey, kid... how're you doin'? Excited for how thrilling this is gonna be? [His arms cross while he chuckles.]

MONOMA: I mean, a little bit...

[He tries to fight the smile that tugs at his lips but he can't help but beam a little just watching him. Hawks always seems so at ease, it's contagious.]

MONOMA: It'll be a bit more entertaining than the last few times, is what I'm hoping...

HAWKS: Yeah, that's always a good hope...

[Hawks hums. He sits on that for a moment, thinking. About Monoma. What he did. Why he's here. He's not careless. He knows what this means.]

HAWKS: ...

MONOMA: ... I've been trying to practice that lately...

[Monoma mutters after a few seconds of silence, sheepish again as he admits what sounds incredibly childish coming out of his mouth.]

MONOMA: This... being hopeful thing... I tend to be more of a pessimist about these sort of matters, but I'm trying to look at the bright side for once...

HAWKS: Yeah..?

[Hawks smiles, tilting his head, admiring what Monoma's saying.]

HAWKS: That's good. It's important. I don't think you can get anywhere being a hero if you're not hopeful, y'know... plus it's good after stuff like this, trying to work on that shit.. even if it was a tragedy you still learned a lot and grew, might as well take advantage of it, right...

[Monoma nods slowly, feeling a little more solemn as the topic continues on.]

MONOMA: Well... I am adept at taking advantage of a situation... or, at least, I like to think I am...

[Another nod as he reaches for a lock of his hair, fiddling with it.]

MONOMA: I hope you know, I appreciate everything you've said and done for me... To think I can still be a hero after all this... [He laughs weakly, a dry little chuckle at his own expense.] Another exercise in optimism right there... It's just so hard to believe, mm...

HAWKS: Mm..

[Hawks reaches out to ruffle the hair Monoma's so nervously toying with, interrupting the nervous tic.]

HAWKS: Anybody worth anything thinks so too, I promise... all your teachers and friends... no matter what went on while you were there, you're still a hero.

MONOMA: Ah...

[Monoma flushes pink with surprise as Hawks so easily reaches out to him, then closes his eyes as his hair is ruffled, leaning into the feeling. Even with his visits with Shouto, he still feels absolutely ravenous for physical attention, and it feels nice...]

MONOMA: ... Thank you... [he murmurs.] Hopefully I don't disappoint, then...

HAWKS: I know you won't.

[Hawks sighs, letting the hand on his head drop to cradle his face for a moment, reassuring him, before it falls away.]

HAWKS: Even if you don't become a Hero I know you'll always be doing something good for the world..

MONOMA: ...

[The blush doesn't fade. If anything, it deepens into red as he opens his eyes again, meeting his gaze before he watches his hand drop away from his cheek. He doesn't know what to say.]

MONOMA: ... Thank you...

[Hawks shrugs.]

HAWKS: I'm just tellin' the truth. You're a good kid, and we all know it. Good kids do bad things sometimes. I did some wild shit, you should ask Shichirou... probably has countless stories about what a trainwreck I was.

[Monoma pouts a little, though he keeps his usual protests about being referred to as a child at bay.]

MONOMA: You shouldn't tempt me, I'll actually ask... And who knows what I'd do with that kind of information, heheh...

[Hawks laughs, bracing himself against the table while he thinks about what his guardian would say.]

HAWKS: Please do, I'd love to hear about what he tells you..

[Monoma gigges a little, warm and happy at the thought of drawing a laugh from him.]

MONOMA: Then I will... Soon as we're done here... It'll be the first thing I do! Hehe...

HAWKS: Yeah? [He grins,] have fun with that... make sure he tells you somethin' good, too.

MONOMA: I will...

[He trails off, looking away, a hand clutched to his stomach as his solemn mood returns.]

MONOMA: I... I hope, um... [He frowns to himself.] ... I really don't think I can apologize enough for... what happened... and what I tried to do to... I wasn't... okay...

[He shrugs a little, struggling to speak even as his voice tightens and his chest aches at the thought.]

MONOMA: ... And I'm still not... but I really want to try to be... and I plan to cooperate all I can, really... And I just... um... I hope we can still talk. Like this. Because... this is really nice...

[He makes a weak attempt to look his way again, a pained smile on his lips.]

MONOMA: I hate that I tried to ruin this...

[Hawks stops him from saying anymore once he can tell he's finished, putting his hand into his hair again.]

HAWKS: You don't have to apologize. I know you were in a rough spot.

[He pulls him into a hug, mostly holding onto his head because of the position they're in, massaging his scalp through his soft hair.]

HAWKS: You can talk to me anytime you want...

MONOMA: ...

[Monoma clutches to him tightly, burying his face against him. He's still on suppressants that stop him from automatically tugging his quirk into him, making the embrace feel a little more hollow than it should, but it's still enough to make him shudder and fight tears. He's missed this...]

MONOMA: Thank you...

HAWKS: Of course...

[He sighs, wings slowly wrapping around the boy in his arms.]

HAWKS: You need someone to be there for you.

[Monoma nuzzles against him, clinging hard.]

MONOMA: Yeah... thank you...

HAWKS: Mhm...

[He keeps him there like that as long as he can before he has to pull away, knowing they'll want to be starting soon.]

HAWKS: ... I should probably go... [He chuckles.] Didn't even mean to stay this long...

[Monoma just barely keeps himself from digging his nails in, wanting to keep clinging forever. There's a pout on his face as they seperate and he starts to fidget, staring down at his hands as he keeps them on his lap.]

MONOMA: Okay... are you going to be watching for what happens...?

[He’s quiet, glancing towards one of the cameras he knows is in the room.]

MONOMA: They didn't really tell me much about what this is supposed to be...

[Hawks frowns at the question, glancing at the time and then following Monoma's glance to the camera.]

HAWKS:... Maybe for a while. I still have to work, but I can try to stay for a bit...

MONOMA: ...

[He nods slowly.]

MONOMA: I don't want to get in the way of your work...

[He fidgets a little more.]

MONOMA: I'm just a little nervous...

HAWKS: It's fine, I can stay a little while longer...

[He smiles for him.]

HAWKS: Plus I know that you'll still be in good hands.

[Monoma tries to muster up a small smile back.]

MONOMA: I hope so...

HAWKS: You will. It might be a little rough, not everyone trusts you, but as long as you tell the truth it'll be okay.

MONOMA: ...

[Monoma stares down at his hands. That's the hardest part... He's still not even sure he can do it.]

MONOMA: ... I'm scared... I don't want to be treated like a criminal anymore...

HAWKS: ... At this point, most of us have to operate assuming you were one.

[He shrugs.]

HAWKS: ... We don't know the full story. We don't know what happened, to you or because of you. That's why you're here.

[Monoma nods slowly, grimacing to himself. It's obvious that's not quite what he wanted to hear.]

MONOMA: ...

[Hawks sighs, giving his hair one last pet before he stands up straight.]

HAWKS: I'll see you later.

[He nods again, tensing in an instant the second he starts to rise.]

MONOMA: ...

HAWKS: It'll be alright.

[He offers one last small smile before he leaves, closing the door gently behind him.]

MONOMA: ...

[The only thing that moves for a moment are his eyes, flitting towards the camera before returning to the door. Easily, he's terrified, a small sound of distress leaving him as he craves Hawks' return.]

MONOMA: ...

#monoma.log #obscurity.arc #[[ that's his niisan... ]]

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flamegodess · 5 years

Text

Let The Darkness Fall

Chapter 12

Rate: T+

Genre: Angst, fluff, Romance, young royai vampire AU

Warning: some description of torture... And after that something that I don't know how you'll deal with. Whatever it's a vampire au, if you came for cupcakes then sorry:)

“They know? Already?” Riza asked and bit her lower lip anxiously. If they really knew then it was the end of them.

“Maes says they didn’t mention the reason. But they said that only the two of us should go.” He explained wondering why they didn’t want to see Rebecca either.

“Y-you can’t go there... ” Rebecca murmured. She was new to all of this but she understood how strict and sever the council was.

“We have to.” Riza answered knowing that they had no choice.

“What if... If you don’t make it back?” she asked as her usually glowing eyes lost all their excitement.

“Then at least someone can explain to my father what happened.” Riza added trying to cheer her friend up. The truth was that she wasn’t so scared about the meeting. She had been through a lot during the last weeks so she knew she could take more and still survive. And there was Roy too. She felt that when having him by her side, nothing looked so complicated.

“You have no reason to worry. No one will touch her.” Roy said shortly. That was something that made Rebecca relax a bit. Riza turned her head to him. Yes, but who will protect you? Even though she was a puny human she promised herself to do everything in her power to keep him safe.

His bleeding body flashed again before her eyes and she clenched her fists until her knuckles turned withe. The brand on her shoulder didn’t only connect him to her. It connected her to him as well.

888

They stepped into the large hall and walked silently towards the three big chairs of the three leading vampires. Instead that there were only two. Kimblee’s place was empty, thing that made them both relax. However the concerned face of Hohenheim and the smirk on Lust’s lips couldn’t bring good news either.

Roy nodded respectfully and this time, Riza followed his example. That brand was somehow bounding her to the vampires' world as well after all.

“Now, you probably know the reason we summoned you today.” Hohenheim spoke and sighed. They nodded in response. “The situation is very complicated, kids. In fact, more for you, Miss Hawkeye.”

Riza bit her lips. Of course, Rebecca was her friend. It was her fault that she knew about everything.

“It was an accident. And it was my fault as well.” Roy tried to defend her.

Lust laughed and Hohenheim pressed a palm against his forehead. “We wouldn’t call stabbing a vampire with a silver dagger an accident.”

“Especially when it comes from a human whose father happens to be a hunter.” Lust continued.

“What?”Roy and Riza asked at the same time both frozen and relieved. OK, so they didn’t know yet about Rebecca, that was good. Riza wanted to speak but before she could open her mouth, Kimblee walked in and sat on his chair, looking angrier than ever. His eyes were bright red and he was staring fiercely at them. Roy took a step in front of her.

“Why are you still discussing?! Let’s kill her already.” He hissed and Roy growled silently feeling attacked. His eyes turned a dark shade of red.

“We discussed this before, Solf, we are not killing her. Let her speak before we can decide anything.”

“Or we can skip that part and take a look through her memories.” Lust suggested with her calm and silky voice.

“Again, no. We can’t be so rude towards the humans. They are very important for us. Please, show some respect.”

“But she fucking killed Bridgette, Hohenheim! First, you decide to allow this scum to live and then decide that we should forgive his pet as well!” Kimblee barked angrily and Riza prayed Roy would hold back. He was looking fiercely at Kimblee ready to fight him if needed.

“Enough, Solf.” Hohenheim replied unimpressed and rised a hand to silent him then went on. “Miss Hawkeye, please tell us exactly what happened last night.”

Riza told them everything, from the moment Roy and Maes visited Bridgette, how then she came to her bedroom and barely killed her and how she had to go to her manor to save Roy’s life. She explained them that the only reason she killed the vampire was to defend herself.

“So everything happened because Bridgette was... Jealous?” Hohenheim asked trying his hardest not to laugh. Thing that Lust didn’t try to hide. Only Kimblee had his fists clenched.

“This is a lie! A mighty vampire as Bridgette couldn’t have possibly been jealous of a human! Does this sound right to you?”

“Well, Solf, you know that things like this happened before. Vampires who killed other feeders out of jealousy. Thank god this isn’t the case.”

“What?! So you’re happy that she survived and killed Bridgette?!”

Roy and Riza watched them argue for a while, feeling awkward. Suddenly, the vampires started whispering clearly not wishing them to hear the topic. Hohenheim sighed and silenced the other too. He looked defeated.

“We decided. We won’t kill you. You defended yourself after all and she had invaded your personal territory as well so... My two colleagues came with an idea.”

Kimblee smirked and crossed his arms. Riza gulped.

“You won’t leave this place unpunished.” Unfortunately, he wanted to add. “Kimblee will bite her and insert venom into her. We don’t want her turned into a vampire so we need the right amount only to...”

“Torture her.” Kimblee continued the phrase grinning as he got up from his chair.

“No way.” Roy said and gripped her hand. She started panting heavily as she felt the fear creep inside her.

“You have no choice. Believe me, she is lucky.” Solf replied. “And also, I hope you will enjoy too seeing her screaming in agony.”

“You are sick.” Roy whispered through his teeth.

“Repeat that.” Solf dared him.

“Both of you, silence. I am sorry, Miss Hawkeye, it’s the only-”

“It’s fine. I will do it.” She had resisted to the vampires before, she was going to to do it now too. What mattered was that no one was going to die. Did she like the idea of being bitten by Kimblee? No, of course not. The thought terrified her. Was she going to have traumas burnt on her brain? Totally. And it was all thanks to Bridgette.

“Can we have a moment, please?” Riza asked Hohenheim innocently seeing that Roy was on the edge with his nerves. The strong vampire nodded and Riza pulled Roy a little farther. “Please, control yourself...” She tried to calm him down even though her own voice was trembling.

“How the hell to control myself?!” he raised his voice and then lowered it. “I don’t want you to suffer. And I’m feeling like a useless idiot for not being able to do anything...”

“Roy... ”she felt the need of cupping his face and ruffling his hair. She wanted to whisper to him that everything was going to be alright. She wanted to press her forehead against his and stare into his deep dark orbs...but they couldn’t do that in front of the council. “I’m going to survive this.”

“It will hurt like hell. And I won’t be able to do anything to stop it. And that idiot is going to torture you as much as he can.”

She arched an eyebrow discouraged.

“I know, I’m not helping... But I know how much it hurt when I have been turned. I can’t forget that type of pain. Sure,you won’t feel the same intensity because, as they said, they don’t want you to become a vampire.” He sighed and stared at the ground not being able to face her.

“I am so sorry.”

“Hush.” She murmured and she stroked his cheek lightly. His eyes became darker and found hers. The moment was disturbed by Kimblee who cleared his throat with a stupid smile upon his face.

They walked towards the three vampires as Kimblee got up from his chair and came closer to them.

“But will he-? ”

“Don’t worry, I’ll stop him in time.” Hohenheim answered guessing Roy’s worry. Lust was watching the whole scene satisfied. “Come here.” She called Roy. “We don’t want you to interrupt anything.”

Roy frowned. He wanted to stay there,to hold her, to try to somehow take all her pain away. He didn’t want to watch it from further. She nodded to him not wishing to see how patient these vampires really were. Roy took a few steps but didn’t approach Lust.

Kimblee had a cruel expression upon his face. He was the hunter, she was the prey. But she didn’t want to be only the poor prey so she tried not to show him how afraid she was in fact. He was a little annoyed by that so he closed the distance between them and inhaled her scent.

“Oh, I can totally see why that mutt is so attracted to your blood. Such a shame I can’t feed on you... ” he whispered in her ear and she couldn’t help but shivered as his hand lingered coldly on her shoulder. She wanted to brush her hair away from the shoulder, but he didn’t allow her and did it himslef. She gulped at the freezing sensation of his fingers on her neck

She felt sick. Before she could think more, his fangs sank sharply deep into her shoulder. She tried not to make a sound even though he had been extremely brusque. She was glad she couldn’t look at Roy from where she was standing. It was hard anyway not to let her tears fall as Kimblee’s sharp nails were hurting her shoulder blades.

She felt her neck starting to burn. A burn that was slowly spreading through her whole body. Without realizing she was already panting fast and praying for it to stop, but Kimblee had no intention of letting go of her. His fangs seemed to bite her sharper. She bit her lips with all her strength as the burning sensation turned slowly into pain and soon she felt like she couldn’t breath so her body tried to escape Kimblee’s grip involuntarily. He held her tighter.

She started to panic. Her whole body seemed to be on fire. And she heard someone screaming. She needed to stay strong, not to give in. Even though she realized that her legs did give in and it was more Kimblee’s grip that was keeping her on her feet. She felt her tears roll down her face and realized shortly that the scream she was hearing was coming from her.

Roy wanted to rip off Kimblee’s neck. He had his fists clenched and his eyes reflected a violent shade of red. He would have stopped him but two other vampires that Lust had called earlier, were holding him against his will.

“It’s enough...” He begged Hohenheim not bearing to hear her scream in agony anymore.

“Yes, Solf, you may stop.” He added seeing that he was torturing Roy as well. He didn’t stop.

Riza could hardly hear anything in the background. She was striving not to lose her consciousness. Everything seemed to blur around her. And her throat was hurting badly both because of the screaming and the venom.

Hohenheim approached them and put a hand on Kimblee’s shoulder. He stopped only when he was pulled away. She fell on the ground as soon as Solf stepped away. The floor was made of stones so it was cold. Or it was supposed to be cold. She needed something to put out the fire she felt, not even the ground was good enough. Hohenheim allowed Roy to go to her.

In her agony and screams that she had grown accustomed to, she felt a pair of strong arms lift her from the floor. Roy pressed her head against his chest and she could muffle her screams. She knew she couldn’t resist more. She couldn’t move any member of her body. She passed out.

----

She opened her eyes feeling a metallic taste in her mouth. It took her a few minutes to remember what had happened. Fortunately she wasn’t in front of the council anymore,yelling and rolling on the ground. She was in her own bed and a worried sick Roy was staring at her from the side of the bed. She felt a faint burn through her limbs and her head was pumping wildly.

“Roy... ” she murmured and he gripped her hand.

“Don’t talk. You’re alright.” He soothed her and she didn’t need more. She fell asleep instantly.

The next time she woke up, the dim light of a cloudy morning was creeping in her room. She couldn’t go to school. Roy wasn’t there anymore. He was probably studying alchemy with her father. Damn, he wasn’t focusing at all probably. She found it funny that she was thinking about his study while she was laying numbly on the bed.

The door of her room opened and she cracked a smile when she saw Roy.

“Hey.”

“How are you feeling?” he asked softly as he pressed a palm against her forehead.

“I’m not really feeling too much.” She answered still feeling a little flame burning inside of her, behind the numbness.

“You will be alright by this evening.” He added and sat again on the side of her bed.

“Already?”

“Yeah...well you see... There is this one thing that heals you quicker and we’ll I gave it to you while you were unconscious.” He said and ruffled his hair not really knowing how to explain.

“Have you drugged me or something?” she asked realizing she didn’t care as long as she didn’t feel the terrible pain from the last night.

“No,of course not. But do you remember when I told you that my wounds heal faster because it’s propriety of my vampire blood?”

Even though she was confused and not totally awake, it clicked. At least that explained the metal taste in her mouth. Oh well, at least again, it wasn’t her own blood. “Oh” was all she could say.

“Yeah...and I don’t know how to tell you this but you have to drink more.”

Oh. It was one thing to do it when she was unconscious and another to do it fully awake. Firstly, it would be disgusting. Secondly, she was a human and drinking blood was disgusting.

“I can’t... I... ” she stopped in mid sentence as he bit his own wrist and blood started to drip slowly. She felt sick again. “Don’t think about it, okay?” he said and brought the wrist to her mouth. She closed her eyes and parted her lips. She somehow felt like her body wanted that blood. Like her whole being knew it would heal her. She gripped it with her teeth and let the red liquid flow down. And surprisingly she didn’t feel the need to throw up.

After a little she pushed his hand away and closed her eyes trying not to think about what she had just done.

“Fuck.” She murmured.

“Would you like me to react like that when I drink your blood? Because I don’t think so.” He complained seeing the expression upon her face.

“And would it be okay if as a human I would say that I totally enjoyed drinking your blood? Cause I don’t think so either.” she answered back and rolled her eyes.

“Oh good. You’re attitude is coming back. You’re recovering. ” he added and smirked.

#let the darkness fall #vampire au #roy x riza #young royai #royai fic #fma #angsty royai #royai fanfiction #royai is canon #royai #roy mustang #riza hawkeye #fmab #youngroyai

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realityhelixcreates · 5 years

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Lasabrjotr Chapter 22: Interim

Chapters: 22/? Fandom: Thor (Movies), Marvel Cinematic Universe Rating: Teen And Up Warnings: concealed racism Relationships: Loki x Reader (Let’s try this again) Characters: Loki (Marvel), Reader, Brunnhilde(Marvel), Thor(Marvel) Additional Tags: Post-Endgame: Best Possible Ending (Canon-Divergent), Lets Make This Bread, Royalty Means Short Weekends, That’s A Pauldron Summary: Everyone tries to go about their daily lives.

“You can just leave me here for a little while.” You told Brunnhilde. “I'm gonna bake up something tasty, but it'll take time.”

The kitchen staff moved around you, going about their own business, but not entirely ignoring you. You had been given permission by the kitchen supervisor to stay and make something, as long as you didn't disrupt his workers, or get in the way of the regular flow of the kitchens. Since you only wanted to use an oven, and a little space for making dough, you were pretty sure you could abide by those rules.

You rolled up your sleeves, put another apron on over your decorated apron, and began gathering ingredients. You became engrossed in your work quickly, lost in comfortable familiarity, so much that you didn't notice Brunnhilde leave.

*****

Loki sat at his desk reading stacks of papers, and setting them in piles; some to be signed permission on, some to be denied. There were all kinds of things in these stacks, but mostly, there were requests. For specialized building materials, for permission to sell certain Asgardian-made items on the internet, For leave to go into the nearest town and place a large order for food and toiletries for the Einherjar and trainees, for priority on construction of this building or that, and so on, and so on. The kind of thing that needed the permission of authority, but not quite material that the king needed to bother himself with.

Loki didn't mind much; even if they were considered of lesser importance, they still needed to get done. And there were many, many more of them needing attention than Thor ever saw. Didn't that make him of at least equal importance?

This was the part of royalty that no one ever really thought about. Oh, they saw and coveted the luxury, the wealth and power, the title, the name. No one ever saw the paperwork. The sheer amount of things one had to know how to do. Even the noble houses had no idea of the scope of it, though the merchant class likely did.

Ugh, speaking of the noble class...Loki read with distaste through a petition to classify certain titles and jobs as 'Asgardian Heritage Occupations', effectively barring any members of other species from them. This was so obviously in reaction to the rumor of your appointment to seidkona, and yet, even if it wasn't, he couldn't sign off on it anyway, or he'd be out of a job himself. He put the petition on the 'denied' pile, and moved on.

Saga wanted permission to go out into the human encampment-they had taken to calling it Trolekaerhalla, 'the Hall of the Faithful'-so that she could learn and record their stories. Sadly, that would have to be denied as well, for now. He hadn't questioned them properly yet. On the pile it went.

Ah, now this was interesting. Not long ago, builders digging the foundation for an expansion to the-well, Loki supposed this would eventually be a palace-broke through into caves. Apparently, they had been formed from lava tubes, produced by one of the islands many volcanoes. It was worth exploring these caverns; if they ran under the city, they might need to be shored up in places, to keep the above ground portions from sinking, and they might be useful for storage, emergency escape and safety, or even for adding a second level to their city, if the tunnels were extensive enough.

This report stated the discovery of a solid wall of ice, blocking progress in exploration. That was interesting. An underground glacier could also be very useful, as a supply of fresh water. They had the river, and the surrounding fens, but the environmental specialists were very adamant about limiting water extraction. This might solve all those problems. The report asked permission for miners to be brought in to dig through the ice, in search of a way to the other side. Loki signed, and set the report on the pile.

It might be nice to go down and look at the caverns. When you came back, he should take you to see them too. If you wanted. He thought back to the picnic and stifled an embarrassed flinch. He'd taken you out, away from the city, alone, near the trees where you'd be hidden...what must you have been thinking then? What must that have looked like to you?

The next paper was a request for...oh no. Absolutely not. It was another request from the noble house of Kykvendings that he meet with their daughter. They'd been trying this for centuries now. Unnar was a fine lady, but it just wasn't going to happen.

That one went into the 'denied' pile.

It wasn't that he disliked the woman; she was refreshingly honest and blunt for a noble. She'd stated outright that she simply didn't want him. As a person who both detected lies, and was constantly surrounded by them, he treasured the honesty. It was one of the reasons he'd insisted on keeping Andsvarr.

The boy had never expected to be much of anything, and had grown up as the baby of the household, able to express himself freely, and not caring a bit about courtly intrigue. Then all four of his elder brothers had died in Hela's attack, and suddenly he was the only heir. He clashed with his father constantly, but he hadn't lost his sense of freedom. That made him valuable in the world of nobles, as far as Loki was concerned.

He'd rather keep Unnar as a semi-ally among the noble houses than ever give her family the slightest hint of a marriage alliance. Especially since the entire kingdom now knew the truth of his heritage, and he was fully aware of how the lady looked upon Frost Giants. He wouldn't do something so cruel to her as to force her hand to someone she found so very distasteful, even if that someone was himself. And he certainly wasn't interested in being wed to someone that he knew for certain would never want him.

In this new age, arranged marriages would be a thing of the past. Technically, it already was, but it was still common practice among nobles and some merchants. He would see the subject brought up to Thor. His brother wouldn't hesitate to ban the practice altogether. If there was anything Thor had grown to hate, it was the curtailing of basic freedoms. He didn't even want to build a prison!

Yes, he would bring it up with his brother, and he might never have to see another expectant request like this again.

His stomach grumbled.

He'd lost track of time. At least his paperwork was done, and he could get a snack without any guilt.

He headed to the kitchens, seeking something sweet. He'd just wandered in and grabbed a twist of honey bread when he spotted you. Everything around you suddenly became inconsequential; you filled his vision, the deft movements of your hands, the flour that dusted your clothes and smeared your face, powdered you white nearly to your elbows. The contented joy on your face, an expression he had never seen on you before.

How it drained away the instant your shining eyes landed on him. How you drew in on yourself, mumbled something and retreated hastily into one of the back pantries.

Oh, that stung.

He ate his honey bread as if he held a grudge against it, chewing ferociously as he surveyed your room, looking for ways that he could make it better. He'd sent people out after beautiful houseplants, and fairy lights, once he had looked up what they were. It would take some time though, even on Asgardian horses; the nearest town was quite far away, and there was no guarantee that the necessary items could be found there.

He wanted to make this a perfect home for you, but how could he expect you to come home when you couldn't even stand his presence? He hadn't anticipated how much that kind of rejection was going to hurt, but it sure did.

He would just have to deal with it. Be patient. Accept what he had earned. Acceptance was always the hardest part for him.

At least he knew now that it wasn't entirely him that was the problem. Someone else had hurt you, and you had projected that hurt onto him. Something could be done about that!

He wasn't allowed to kill the man. Brunnhilde had talked him out of it, after finding him eavesdropping outside her door and kicking him in both ankles.

“If you were listening, you know how she feels about it.” Brunnhilde had said.

“Yes, she said she hated him.” Loki had pointed out. “I would be happy to take vengeance on her behalf.”

“What vengeance? She already killed the guy once. You go after him and she'll hate you, I guarantee it. Think of something else.”

So how could he shed the skin of your past pain, and present himself to you as a new man? He really should have thought about this before. Of course terrible things could have potentially happened to you during the Snap; disaster all too often begat further disaster. And you were a woman, and available, and not completely unattractive. You would have had to face certain things...But never again. How did he differentiate himself from your projection?

Grand gestures and high drama would have been his preference. He found it satisfying, and was quite good at it. But perhaps it was better for you if he exercised subtlety instead. Or at least kept the grandeur to private moments and smaller gatherings.

He'd spoken to Thor about his ideas, and his brother had approved of all of them, enthusiastically. When you returned, he would set them into motion. When you returned.

Not if. He couldn't accept if. He couldn't let it become if.

*****

Sofie and no few others watched Fritjof carefully, as he spoke with the newest arrival. She had come all the way from Siberia, alone from the looks of it. She'd brought a very large, conical tent made of skins, and dyed with blue geometric designs. She had deep tan skin, straight black hair, and wore thick, luxurious fur clothing, also richly decorated with colorful designs.

Sofie found her beautiful, and she was clearly very bewildering to Fritjof, who had approached her haughtily, and was having the tables turned on him. The woman had apparently expected to be confronted about her appearance; she had her phone out, and was pointing out historical articles while reciting her family tree all the way back to Geirmund Heljarskinn.

That was fairly impressive; Sofie knew Fritjof couldn't trace his ancestors back more than five generations, and this young woman was walking all over him. Perhaps it was a little unkind, but Frit could use the shaking up, in Sofie's opinion.

She didn't know who had led him to his conclusions, but his worldview had been done a lot of good by being shattered by the likes of Heimdall and the black Einherjar; by _____, and now this indigenous Siberian woman, who knew more about her own family history than Fritjof ever would.

He left her to continue setting up her tent, perplexed.

“Not what you expected?” Sofie asked.

“She...I didn't expect any of that.” Frotjof said quietly. He'd been more subdued lately, his aggression slowly waning. “She says to just call her Savane and to not ask further, as it's complicated. She knew many names. Apparently she is descended from a Norwegian king? Says she is Nenets, but her people were Sikhirtya before that, but what I don't understand is why she came here? She's clearly immersed in her own culture and ways. Why leave that to come here? Why bring it with her while she is here?”

“Why not?” Asked a heavily tattooed man who was sharpening a fish-boning knife nearby. “Just looking at her, you can tell she knows how to take care of herself when winter comes calling. That's a boon to us; have you seen the tents those Australians brought? Like paper! Once she gets settled, I'm going to ask her about the construction of her tent and clothes. I might learn something valuable myself.”

Fritjof glared at the man, but it was a weak glare. His eyes seemed drawn to a tattooed Othala rune, flanked by ravens, that graced one thick shoulder.

“Precisely.” He said. “Why come here? She obviously doesn't need us. She doesn't need anything from us.”

“Why shouldn't she come just because she wants to?” Sofie asked. “Besides, she does have a connection. I know the name of her ancestor; he's famous here. She probably just wants to see the land of her ancestor; maybe she's drawn to the gods as well.”

“But doesn't she have her own?” Fritjof persisted. “Why does she need ours?”

“You do know that there isn't going to be less god to go around, just because there are more people here, right?” The tattooed man said. “You wanna have a go at me? I got Polish grandparents, you want to complain about that?”

“No, no.” Fritjof said. “It's just, she seems like she has everything. I don't understand why she would leave it.”

“Maybe it's we who need her. Maybe she was brought to us.” Sofie said. “You're right, she looks like she could teach us all a thing or two about winter survival. It doesn't really matter where she's from, she's a part of the community now, and we all help each other. Frit, you stay here and figure yourself out. I'm going to go greet her.”

“You know, this isn't all that hard to figure out.” The tattooed man said, as Fritjof watched Sofie approach the young woman with an apple. “You just have to get it through your head that you don't own anything. Gatekeeping is pointless. There's no gate.”

“And Odin speaks to you, does he?” Fritjof snapped. “You just know the way things are supposed to be?”

“Odin wandered the realms in search of wisdom. Where do you think he got it, the air? He learned from other people! Did our ancestors become great by staying home and never talking to anybody else? Use your head man! Humankind has always been on the move, always mixing, always learning from each other, always innovating. These are things that come naturally, but the gods inspire us to even more. Don't you hear them? Not in here.” The man pointed to his head. “In here.” He pointed to his heart.”

“There have to be rules.” Fritjof insisted.

“No. There don't.” The tattooed man countered. “There only needs to be what you alone know is right. Not what your message boards say is right, not what your government says is right, not what your father says is right. Why don't you take some time to think on what you know?”

“Why don't you mind your own business?”

“Why don't you?”

Silenced, Fritjof stalked back to his own tent, the sound of Sofie and Savane's laughter following him.

*****

You were still kicking yourself. After all that talk about going back to your room, and moving forward, and looking at Loki in a new light, a single glance at the man had sent you running. You had been able to cover it with a story about looking for powdered sugar to make glaze with, and the kitchen staff had kindly furnished you with granulated sugar and an old-fashioned mortar and pestle. It had taken a moment for you to get the hang of it, but once you had, you had gone practically medieval on it. It was a convenient outlet for your embarrassment and frustration.

The glaze had come out beautifully though.

You'd made cinnamon rolls. Apparently, it was a recipe new to Asgard, because your tray of gooey goodness had everyone's attention. You ended up writing down instructions and making another batch in demonstration before they would let you leave.

You made it out with a plateful, heading to the familiar, anxiety-ridden halls where royalty resided. Andsvarr was thrilled to see you, and also extremely interested in the cinnamon rolls. You cheerfully gave him one, on the condition that he split it with Saldis.

You also left a whole roll for Loki, but could not bring yourself to enter the rooms and present it yourself.

You left one for Thor in the same way, And also Bjarkhild, and one cut into bite-sized pieces for the Valkyries to sample. One more went to Brunnhilde, which left one sweet treat for you.

How long since your last cinnamon roll? Ten years? A hundred? An eternity, it seemed.

Only two months. Maybe a little bit more. Two months and a single bite of a familiar treat brought you back to a completely different world, a completely different life. Cornfields and tornado sirens, buzzards and fireflies. All things that defined your life up to this point, all things that didn't exist here.

Iceland was quiet, even out here in the wilderness. No amphibious harmony at night, hardly any birdsong in the day. With the sun never quite setting, time was hard to tell. It was surreal, and you knew that sometime in the future, you would be facing the opposite. After these long days, would come the long nights, when the sun disappeared, and there would come a winter unlike any you had ever faced.

How did people live through such a thing? Obviously people had, for hundreds and hundreds of years, but it was hard for you to imagine. What did people do in that eternal, frozen night? How deep would the snow get? How would people work?

Would they just stop until the sun rose again? Surely not. How could a country run that way?

Maybe it was because you were American, but you couldn't fathom the idea of not working for three months. How could anyone keep occupied for so long? Especially if the snow forced everyone to stay indoors. Most of the jobs you had seen being performed were either in construction, or government. Construction would have to stop when the snow fell. What did all those workers do when winter came?

Perhaps that was when they practiced other jobs? For when the city was finally all built up, and construction workers were no longer in such high demand?

Well, you knew what you'd be doing. Learning. Magic and language, history and politics. You probably would not be able to train with the Valkyries during the winter. Your body just wasn't as resilient as theirs, and you would not be able to withstand as much cold as they could. Better get in as much practice as you could, while you still had time to do it.

You finished your cinnamon roll, and decided to head out to the training area. As usual, you gained more than a few stares on your way, but you didn't stare back, and you had your knife visible at your belt. Nobody bothered you.

Maybe Loki's idea of showing off actually had merit? It might be that Asgardians were just polite, or perhaps wrapping you in fine trappings made you seem untouchable. You hurried though, just in case that spell wore off once people noticed you had no escort.

You arrived to find Borgljot instructing the others on the repair of armor, using a pretty beat up leather set. You raised your hand as you approached. She pointed at you.

“Ah? Yes, supplementary student? Thy query?”

“Which part of that is the pauldron?”

“Why, 'tis this right here.” She obligingly pointed out the shoulder part. You nodded. Well, now you knew.

Borgljot tensed, then dropped the armor, all of the trainee Valkyries diving out of the way as a huge ax split the air between them, trailing lightning. You jumped back even further, grabbing for your knife. Borgljot began shouting orders, though she'd reverted to the Asgardian language, and you were the only person on the field who couldn't understand her. You snatched up the old armor and held it up in front of you, just as the ax came wheeling back along its course, knocking over one of the trainees who had stood up too swiftly.

The enormous weapon flew unerringly back into the kings hand as he strode out on the field, winged helmet and bossed armor shining under the everlasting sun. The Valkyries rushed him, but he knocked most of them back with a swing of the huge weapon.

Once again, you were impressed with the incredible strength displayed by the Asgardian people. No one should be able to wield a weapon that large and heavy one-handed like that!And to be struck by it, and yet get back up, like the Valkyries were! It shouldn't be possible.

Valda and Velda threw themselves at Thor's right leg, one stomping on his foot, the other jabbing him hard in the back of the knee. They barely made it buckle, and a swipe of his hand sent them both rolling as he laughed and shouted praise.

The Valkyries were inexhaustible, continuously being thrown to the ground, rising, and throwing themselves back into the fray. Thor let it go on for a minute or so longer, then struck the ground with the blade of the ax, lightning spraying out all around him. The energy arced from warrior to warrior, flooring each one.

A stray arc sped toward you, and in terror, you flung the armor and knife away from you, holding your hands out. You felt something sear through your body, deeper than your bones, but it wasn't the lightning. Instead, solid metal slammed you to the ground, pinning you there. The electric arc dissipated before touching you.

The great ax lay on your chest, too heavy to move. You had teleported the entire thing right to you.

You crowed at the sudden victory, throwing your fists into the air. You had done it! You had finally performed magic on your own!

Borgljot began shouting victory with you, and the others picked up the call.

Thor approached and retrieved his weapon, grinning broadly down at you. He took you by the arm and helped you back to your feet.

“Getting the hang of it now, are you?”

“Yes!” You beamed. “I know what it feels like now! I can...I...”

You sank slowly down to the pebbly ground, your limbs suddenly leaden. Shivering overtook your body, so hard it made your teeth chatter. Your brain fogged, but you didn't pass out, wallowing in confusion. What was happening?

Thor crouched next to you, a large, steadying hand on your shoulder. It didn't help at all, though it was at least warm. He shouted something to Brunnhilde, who sent one of the twins back into the building, and shooed the rest of the women away from you.

You could hardly hear anything, and what you could was garbled and nonsensical. You couldn't seem to form words within your own mouth. All you could do was lay shaking on the sand.

“What is this?” Brunnhilde demanded, kneeling next to you in the dirt. “Are you injured? Did the lightning hit you?”

“It's the magic.” Thor explained. “It hits her harder. It's all right _____, just wait a moment. Loki will be here soon. You'll be all right soon.”

You couldn't help but hope that he hurried.

#loki x reader #loki (marvel)#thor (marvel)#brunnhilde (marvel)#valkyrie (marvel)

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pinkevilbobdoesthings · 5 years

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Right, so, Nutcracker AU cause it's Christmas and my sister-in-law liked the idea of it. This loosely follows the ballet and not the original book, so no seven headed Mouse Kings in this one. This is teen because there's a little violence in it.

I hope you all enjoy it. Here’s ‘Jester’s Nutcracker’.

________________________________

Jester watched out the window as the snowflakes fell and danced. It was like they were putting on a show just for her. Out in Nicodranas, there were probably all sorts of parties and plays and dances celebrating the coming of Christmas, but Jester was stuck inside. It wasn’t so bad though since her mama was getting off early and they were going to spend the whole night together. But for now, all Jester had was her personal show of snowflakes.

The door opened behind Jester with a swirl of wind. “Happy holidays.” A melodic voice filled the room.

“The Traveler!” Jester jumped down from the window seat and ran to meet her favorite god/uncle figure. “Merry Christmas! Did you get me any presents?!”

The Traveler chuckled. “Christmas isn’t until tomorrow.”

“Oh right.” Jester tried to look contrite, but it was just too hard. “So what did you get me? Is it a new friend?”

With a laugh, the Traveler reached into his sleeve. “I have a very special friend for a very special girl.” He pulled out a nutcracker. A very ugly nutcracker. Except for its pale skin, eyes, and red painted hair, it was all brown. The right side of it was burned and singed. The only pretty thing about the nutcracker was its bright blue eyes.

“But it’s all burned.”

“Oh, well, if you don’t want it, I’ll just take it back then.” The Traveler started to put the nutcracker back in his sleeve.

Jester shook her head. “No, I’ll keep him. I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings. I’m sure he’s a fine nutcracker.”

“Oh, he is the finest of nutcrackers.” There was a smile to his voice. “Now you take good care of him.”

“I will!” Jester said.

“Perfect.”

The Traveler and Jester played games together for the rest of the afternoon, and the Traveler didn’t leave until Jester’s Mom was done with her work. “What do you have there?” the Ruby of the Sea asked.

“The Traveler gave me a nutcracker for Christmas!”

“Oh, he did?” Jester’s mom said. “That was … nice of him.” She examined the nutcracker. “Well, I sure he’ll want nuts to crack for us.”

Jester and her mom snacked on nuts and other tasty goodies while Jester told her mom all sorts of stories about the Traveler until her mom fell asleep halfway through a story. With a sigh, Jester covered her mom with a blanket. Her mom worked very hard and needed her sleep. After her mom was properly tucked in, Jester grabbed her nutcracker and snuck out of the room.

The Lavish Chateau was bustling preparing for the festivities of the next day. Jester crept along using the tricks that the Traveler showed her to not get caught. She tucked herself under the tree with her nutcracker. “See this is the best place to be on Christmas Eve and we don’t have to worry about waking up Mom.” The rest of the night Jester whispered stories to the nutcracker until she fell asleep.

A scurrying sound woke Jester and a hand covered Jester’s mouth. “Shh, we have to be quiet,” someone with a Zemnian accent whispered. Jester looked up to discover that it was her nutcracker, but he was the same size of her. She tried to get away, but his grip was too firm. “Stop that, you’re going to get the mice’s attention.”

Jester finally got his hand off her mouth. “Mice? But I like mice.” They were small, cute and made funny noises.

“They used to be just fine until the new Mouse King came,” the nutcracker said. “Now shush.”

A troop of mice marched past and they sent a chill down Jester’s spine. These mice could not be described as small or cute. Their eyes were cold, their teeth were sharp, and their claws were stained a muddy red.

Jester couldn’t speak even if she wanted to. When the mice finally passed, she turned to her nutcracker. “What’s going on? Why are they so big? Why are you? How can you talk?”

“Actually, the question you should be asking is why are you so small,” the nutcracker said. He pointed up and above them was the Christmas tree, but it was gigantic now. “If I had to guess, I’d say magic. That’s why I can talk or rather why I’m a nutcracker.”

“You weren’t always a nutcracker?” Jester asked.

The nutcracker shook his head. “No and the Mouse King was not always a mouse either. He was a powerful, horrible wizard once and I was his apprentice, but that wasn’t enough for him. My master took my magic and turned me into this and himself into a monster.”

“And now you’re going to go and defeat him and become human again?!” Jester asked excitedly.

“What? No, that’s a deathwish,” the nutcracker said. “I wasn’t a threat to him with all my magic and now I’ve barely got any magic left. I’m just going to lie low and we’re going to try to escape the mice.”

Jester pouted and was about to say something when the nutcracker covered her mouth again. The sound of footsteps were getting close to them. The nutcracker pulled Jester behind a large present. Another troop of mice were marching by only this time one of them paused. Its nose twitched in the air and it turned its head in their direction. The mouse squeaked something to its comrades and the troop rushed forward and surrounded Jester and the nutcracker. Using tinsel and ribbons from the tree, the mice tied them up and carried them off.

Struggling, the nutcracker tried to break free, but it was useless. Despite her efforts, Jester couldn’t reach the ribbon that tied her up. The nutcracker cursed in Zemnian and Jester said a little prayer to the Traveler. Everything was silent for a moment and then a small lilting whisper was in her ear. “You are brave and you are strong, but for now be patient and then you will make it well.” A calmness passed through Jester and she stilled.

Jester and the nutcracker dropped unceremoniously in front of a throne made of odds and ends, things that were dropped underneath cabinets and forgotten there. Spools, brushes, lollipop sticks, buttons, and more. And on that throne sat the biggest, longest mouse Jester had ever seen. The Mouse King(there was nothing else it could be) glared down at them, and the nutcracker stiffened. “Ikithon,” the nutcracker breathed out.

“So the foolish nutcracker has decided to bother me after all,” Mouse King Ikithon said. He chuckled dryly. “You never were the most clever of my pupils.”

The nutcracker flinched back from the Mouse King.

“Still a coward I see. Perhaps I should just play with your friend.” The Mouse King leered at Jester. Jester shuddered at his stare.

“Monster!” the nutcracker spat out. “Even when you were human, you were a monster!” Heat started to emanate from the nutcracker and his bindings began to fall.

The Mouse King shook his head slowly. “You just don’t understand the importance of power and what it can give you. Or what it can let you take.” He formed a fist and the nutcracker doubled over and screamed out in pain.

All the mice were focused on their king and the nutcracker. The fall had loosened the ribbons around Jester enough that she could wiggled out of them. She wanted to run and tackle the Mouse King, but the Traveler had told her to be patient, the hardest thing in the world. Jester shifted so she could get up easily but remained on the ground in case any of the mice noticed her.

Mouse King Ikithon stood up and approached the nutcracker. “I thought that being wooden would get rid of your magic, but clearly I was mistaken. All the more for me.” The nutcracker glared up at his former teacher as the Mouse King grabbed both sides of the nutcracker’s face. Screams filled the air as crackles of energy crawled up the Mouse King’s arms.

Jester couldn’t take it anymore. She got up, took off her shoe, and threw it at the Mouse King’s head with all her might. Mouse King Ikithon stumbled back at the blow letting go of the magical hold he had over the nutcracker. Lunging forward, the nutcracker muttered something as he grabbed the Mouse King’s robes. Flames erupted all around the Mouse King. All the mice scattered running away in every direction.

The Mouse King barely seemed to notice the fire. Instead he only had eyes for the nutcracker. He lashed out at the nutcracker raking his cruel claws across the nutcracker’s face sending him flying and falling with a clatter. Only then did the Mouse King notice the flames consuming him, but it was too late. The fire had grown too strong to put out. Mouse King Ikithon let out a cry, but it was drown out by the roar of the fire.

Jester tore her horrified gaze from the fire and ran to the nutcracker. His face had horrible gouges in it and he was still far too still. “No, no, you have to be okay! You were finally brave! You can’t die now! You’re my friend!” Jester cried. But, the nutcracker just laid there immobile like the wooden toy it was. She wept on her friend until she fell asleep drained by her sorrow.

*****************

Jester woke up in the arms of her mother. “Merry Christmas,” her mother whispered as Jester rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

“Merry Christmas,” Jester mumbled looking around. She was normal sized again and in her mother’s sitting room. “What happened?”

“You fell asleep underneath the christmas tree. Somebody trying to catch Santa Claus?” her mom asked.

Jester shook her head. “No, I was showing it to my nutcracker.” She sat up with a jolt. “Where’s my nutcracker?!”

“I don’t know dear. It wasn’t with you when we found you this morning.”

“The mice must have him. We have to go rescue him!” Jester jumped off her mom’s lap and ran back down to the tree and then where the Mouse King’s throne was. Her nutcracker was nowhere to be found and neither were the mice or the throne.

Jester’s mom knelt down next to Jester. “What’s the matter?”

“My nutcracker! He was a wizard’s apprentice and the wizard turned him into a nutcracker and we defeated the Mouse King, but he broke my nutcracker!”

“That sounds like a very exciting dream,” Jester’s mom said smoothing Jester’s hair back.

“But, but it wasn’t a dream. The Traveler was there,” Jester said.

A funny look crossed Jester’s mom’s face, but it left quickly. “If you say that you don’t think it’s a dream, then I believe you. Now, I heard that they are making special pancakes for breakfast and we’ll need to hurry if you want them fresh.”

Jester followed her mom to the kitchens, but her heart just wasn’t in it. She kept feeling like there should’ve been something more she could’ve done for her poor nutcracker. They were passing by the entrance when Jester heard something that made her pause. There was a voice that almost sounded familiar. Jester’s mom tried to usher her along, but Jester broke off to see who it was.

“You will start tomorrow,” the concierge said. “When you’re not assisting the bookkeeper, you will be expected to take and deliver messages and run errands for the staff. Do you understand?”

“Yes of course,” the familiar voice said with a zemnian accent. Its owner was a teenage boy a few years older than Jester. He was pale with red hair and the prettiest blue eyes Jester had ever seen. But what stood out to Jester was the burn on the right side of his face and the claw marks that were just starting to heal. Claw marks in the exact same place as those on her nutcracker.

Jester dashed up to him to get a better look at him. Jester’s mother called after her, but she had to see him. Closer up it was even more obvious who he was. The boy stared at her, his eyes wide with recognition.

“Jester,” her mom called out. “What’s the matter today? Are you sure you’re feeling alright?”

Jester nodded. “Yeah, it’s just that he’s my-” But the former nutcracker shook his head and held his finger to his lips. “He’s my age,” she corrected. “Or at least he’s really close to it and there’s no one here that’s even close.”

Jester’s mom’s face softened. “Oh, of course. Perhaps when he is not busy you can show him around.”

“I would like that very much.” There was genuine smile on the boy’s face. “My name is Caleb Widogast.”

“I’m Jester!”

The concierge ahemmed loudly behind them. “I must be going,” Caleb said. “But I do want to see you again.”

Jester waved goodbye as the concierge took Caleb away. She could barely wait to see him again.

“It looks like you made a new friend,” her mom said.

Jester froze. It was exactly what she asked for for Christmas. She whispered a grateful prayer before hurrying to catch up with her mother. Pancakes were going to be the perfect fuel for planning all the fun things she was going to do with her new friend Caleb.

#widojest #nutcracker AU #critical role fan fiction #pinkevilbob writes #this one's a bit on the platonic side #but they'll get together one day give them time

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captain-azoren · 5 years

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Something Different

As Soren lays dying, Azula angrily asks him “How could anyone be so stupid?! Were you trying to act the hero who saves the princess?! Were you expecting me to thank you, to kiss you, to fall in love with you?!” Azula starts to choke up, and her anger rises. “You know I’m a monster! You’ve killed yourself for nothing! It doesn’t make sense!”

“You said no one could love a monster,” Soren replies weakly, eyes closed. “I love you, so, I guess that means you’re not a monster,” Soren manages to open his eyes and gives Azula a smile. “That makes sense, doesn’t it? You...do the math. And you’re not nothing neither...nope.......nada..............~”

Felt like doing something...heavy. A little analysis on Soren and why I think a relationship with Azula (or someone like her) is fun and interesting to write about;

I’ve been thinking about why Soren chose to stay with his father Viren when his parents split. The most obvious answer would be that Soren, at that age, wanted Viren’s approval, so staying with his father would make sense, even if going with his mother might have made him happier. From the way Soren and Claudia interact, perhaps they get their childish sense of humor from their mom, since they definitely don’t get it from their dad.

However, I do have another theory as to why Soren chose his father instead; Soren might have known that Claudia would go wherever he did. He might have thought that his mother didn’t need him since she was the one leaving. Most importantly though, maybe Soren didn’t want his father to end up alone. Alone like Azula.

((Some spoilers under the cut for TDP S2.))

Soren knows his dad is intense and serious, but also that he’s a very troubled person deep down, even if Soren doesn’t fully understand everything. I think Soren chose to stay with Viren because he thought that if his dad was alone, he would keep getting worse. Soren and Claudia have so far helped keep Viren from completely falling to darkness, but as we’ve seen, even they can’t make him a good person, and he’s still willing to sacrifice Soren to reach his goals.

How does this relate to Azula? Well here goes; I would love to believe that, if Soren “befriended” Azula, and learned how lonely and messed up she really is, he would still stay with her, even if she ended up hurting him because on some level he would want to try and make her happy, in a similar manner to trying to make Viren happy.

Soren’s flaw though is that his lack of a strong moral conviction means he wouldn’t necessarily try to stand against Viren (or Azula) when they start doing bad things. He’ll be hesitant to carry out their wishes, but might still do them because making someone else happy is worth losing his integrity, though he still tries to find the most “honorable” way to technically do what he’s told. He jumps at the chance to be a leader, but easily becomes of a follower of someone with a strong will of their own; he wants to play the part, but doesn’t really have a real goal of his own, for now.

The Dragon Prince hasn’t had a lot of episodes yet, and as of now Soren is the least developed main character, so I’m really kind of reaching here. Still, I like to think that Soren does have some depth. He tends to look for an easy out to a tough moral dilemma; he’d rather fight Rayla and potentially lose than guarantee a win by killing her in her sleep. He’d rather set up an accident and leave it to fate than just kill the princes. He’s glad he’s paralyzed because it gives him an excuse to never have to make these kinds of decisions.

I think going forward, Soren’s development is probably going to have him gaining more conviction in his decisions, rather than trying to eat his cake and have it too. Someone like Azula is just the opposite, someone who is totally practical and does not hesitate to get things done.

I’m of the belief that a good partner is someone who balances you out, someone whose strengths help you with what you’re lacking. People can be broken, but sometimes those broken pieces can create a better whole. It’s very easy for Azula to corrupt someone like Soren and make him follow her, but I think it’s possible if they had a real relationship not necessarily based on fear that she would push him to be less wishy-washy and more decisive.

I don’t know how well Soren could balance out Azula though, she’s a much tougher nut to crack. I feel like Ty Lee could have been the one to help Azula with her problems, and Zuko certainly tries to in the comics, but I feel like Azula’s relationships to everyone she’s known is too troubled and soured for them to really do much to get her to listen to them.

Again, I’m reaching and inferring a lot about Soren, but after being raised by Viren and also having his mother leave, he might feel enough sympathy towards Azula to put up with whatever abuse she throws at him to keep her from losing it. Azula’s tragedy is that, in order for her to heal, she needs someone to love her unconditionally, but Ozai has warped her into a monster that scares and pushes everyone else away, including the people who were once her friends. Zuko in the comics is trying, but there’s so much bad blood between them that it is very difficult.

Azula having someone show her true, genuine loyalty born not out of fear but from, in her eyes, something as stupid as friendship, risking their lives for her benefit with no ulterior motives or strings attached, might be the thing that finally puts her on the path to finding balance.

Azula believes she’s a monster, she can’t imagine anyone could ever really love her, she hates that her brother has people who love him and she can’t, she can’t understand that she needs to change if she wants to be loved. Azula was raised to believe that love and trust are foolish lies by her father, but she desperately craves them and she breaksdown when confronted with the truth that her worldview is wrong, that she needs love as much as anyone and she can’t be as cruel and ruthless as Ozai unless she stops caring about having relationships with others. Fear is not a substitute for love, and it won’t make her happy.

Only a fool would stay with someone as emotionally messed up and abusive as Azula, believing they could help save her somehow, but I think Soren (or someone like him) might be that kind of fool. If he has at least one genuine virtue, it is loyalty. While blind loyalty is a flaw, like his loyalty to Viren, it can also be his strength as it means he won’t chicken out when someone he cares about really needs him, as painful as it might be. “I know you’re a bad person, I know that if I stay with you, I’m going to get hurt, but I care about you, you need someone, and if I don’t try to help you, no one else will. I can’t stand the thought of you suffering alone.”

I realize that this does sound like a really toxic relationship, and it is. Any relationship with Azula as she is would be, but she can’t get better on her own. Azula needed guidance the same way Zuko did, but all she had was Ozai after Ursa left her. Even with what I described, changing Azula would be the hardest struggle. As of Smoke and Shadows I think she’s in the same sort of denial phase that Zuko was in Book 1, she’s clinging to the idea that she can make things go back to the way they were and is working toward turning Zuko’s rule into what Ozai’s was, she just has to work hard and be patient, but cant see that things will never be the same. LOK proved as much.

What I imagine is that the thing that finally reaches Azula’s heart is someone just flat out sacrificing their life for her, something so far far from being logical in her mind that it finally convinces her of the truth; real, true, unconditional love does exist, it motivates others to do great things. The world isn’t always run on lies and deception. Not everyone is out for themselves, and even a so called monster like you deserves to be loved, even if you don’t think you deserve it.

Soren (supposedly) gives up his life and Azula can’t come up with a practical reason why. Up until now she always assumed every action was just a way to gain something, that anyone who tried courting her was out to gain status or to use her power. But Soren gives up everything for her, without even expecting so much as a thank you from her, because as much as a fool as he is, as much doubt as he’s had, he’s still holding onto the ideals he had as a kid, to grow to to be a crownguard, a warrior who protects others, especially the people he cares for.

Azula isn’t witnessing Zuko put himself in harms way to save Katara, a result of Azula exploiting his “foolish” sense of honor and comradery. She isn’t seeing someone just putting on a fake show of bravado or passion to win her over so he can use her later. She’s seeing someone be heroic and courageous and making the ultimate sacrifice for her, a MONSTER, something her brother or mother have yet to do.

The only motive Soren could have in this speculative scenario would be to prove, once and for all to Azula, that he is the real deal, that his feelings for her are real. When weighing the cost and benefits, Soren decides that his life without Azula in it, despite ALL that she has done to him and others, is worse than death.

“You said no one could love a monster,” Soren replies weakly, eyes closed. “I love you, so, I guess that means you’re not a monster,” Soren manages to open his eyes and gives Azula a small smile. “That makes sense, doesn’t it? You...do the math. And you’re not nothing neither...nope.......nada..............~”

This destroys the last big lie Azula still believed, that no one could love her. It finally convinces her she’s wrong, and she had to lose a loved one to learn the truth. Double irony if she caused his death. But I like happy endings, so let’s have Katara heal Soren for extra warm feels. It’ll give a reason for Azula to finally open up to the Gaang.

I’m fully prepared to admit that all this might be terribly cliche fanfic garbage and I might just be an Azula apologist, that I’m giving Soren far too much credit and making him wildly out of character especially if TDP takes him in a very different direction. Still, this was rather enjoyable for me, and I hope you got a kick out of it.

#Azula #Soren #avatar the last airbender #the dragon prince

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grither55 · 3 years

Text

The Princess and the Peasant - (An Azula Epic) - Chapter 128 - War and Tradition

Nako stood apprehensively over a table with both versions of her invention sitting out before her.

While the captain stood in the doorway staring back at the pilot and her inventions in interest.

"Princess Azula wants you to be ready to present your invention to the Fire Lord. You should have around an hour to prepare." Zoi informed in a composed voice as she strode into the room while the younger woman swallowed.

"U-understood. I-I'll get right on that." Nako answered in a skittish voice only turn around in surprise when she felt the warrior place a hand on her shoulder.

"You'll be alright Nako. Nothing bad is going to happen to you." The captain stated in her usual stoically supportive voice while the pilot tried her hardest to form a grateful smile.

Only to find herself shifting nervously on her feet while the captain stared back down at her with concern in her eyes.

"What…what if I am wrong Zoi? What if this device is a failure? I'll be the laughing stock of the entire country and the subject of the Fire Lord's wrath." The royal pilot questioned with a gulp while her brown eyes gazed down at the floor in worry.

"That isn't going to happen. Regardless of what happens with this gadget of yours…you have the support of the princess and myself as well." Zoi answered in a voice of reassurance while Nako gazed back up at her in appreciation.

"Thank you…captain. I appreciate that." Nako responded in a relieved voice as Zoi offered her a small smile while the woman patted her shoulder once more.

"Think nothing of it. That's what comrades are for." The captain commented as she removed her hand from the pilot's shoulder while the younger woman returned her smile.

Thirty minutes later in the royal throne room.

The two royals sat on their thrones while they watched the generals, admirals and nobles make their way into the throne room for the summit.

Including General Bujing.

General Shinu.

And many other high generals and admirals.

Followed shortly by General Meram and soon after members of several of the other seven clans.

Just before everyone turned to see the chancellor slinking in through the throne room doors.

While the eyes of many flashed with annoyance as Terak moved throughout the throne room with his hands shrouded by the long sleeves of his robes.

As he hurried in with an obsequious posture about him beside Meram while the young general glared at him out of the corner of his eye.

"I hate your cowardly sniveling." Meram spoke in a scornful voice as he glared back at the chancellor while the other man just smiled as he made his way in.

And not a moment after that all eyes turned to the woman that emerged next through the throne room doors.

It was none other than the most feared noble in all of the Fire Nation.

Governor Yoko herself!

The governor strode in with all the grace of a woman of her status while a great many eyes watched her closely.

And behind her was her widely famed oldest daughter with her hair tied into their nation's traditional topknot.

Captain Zoi of the Imperial Firebenders.

The two women of Clan Song made their way to their positions at the meeting table.

While the older woman gazed calmly at her daughter through the corner of her eye.

Before she knelt down on the floor before a long ornate table with a full-scale map of the world upon it.

The captain soon followed suit beside her mother while she stared around her with a stoic look in her golden eyes.

While she paid no attention to the many stares of distaste that she was receiving from the elderly generals across from her.

And then the chancellor quietly knelt down both members of Clan Song while the mother and daughter momentarily glanced his way.

Only for all members of the gathered assembled to turn to gaze up at the imposing faces of the Fire Lord and their crown princess.

All the while as they bowed in respect while the two royals stared intimidatingly back down at them.

While the Fire Lord gazed down at those present with his amber eyes scanning the faces of those below.

Just as he turned his gaze to the matriarch of Clan Song.

For the briefest of instances his gaze flashed with distaste.

And for good reason.

Clan Song is widely recognized as by far the most powerful noble clan.

Because they are situated on Fire Mountain, which is nearly as impenetrable as the capital itself.

Due to this Yoko had a tendency to flaunt herself about and behave as if she were almost royalty.

But he has thus far tolerated the arrogance of her and her clan because throughout the years they have remained faithful and committed to the Royal Family.

Despite his dislike of the woman, for that reason he has chosen to allow Yoko to continue to possess her influence.

For now.

And with that in mind Ozai turned his gaze away from Yoko and back to everyone gathered below.

All the while as his flames continued to burn behind him while his daughter sat patiently beside him.

"It has come to my attention that Princess Ling, the heir to Earth King Jaran of the deposed Earth Kingdom Monarchy is alive. And she has begun gathering forces under her banner with the Avatar in rebellion against the Fire Nation." Ozai announced in a coldly collected voice that carried throughout the throne room.

And that was all it took for the Fire Nation officials to begin muttering amongst each other.

Some were gazing on in surprise.

And others present were already aware of the news.

All the while as Azula stared down with callously hardened amber golden eyes.

Earth King Jaran…

To many it was a mystery why such a powerful king had chosen to venture on a suicidal mission into the heartland of their mighty nation.

But not to her.

She was one of the few who was privy to the truth.

Yes. She knew that her father provoked the Earth King's sense of honor by arranging the assassination of his precious pregnant wife.

And just like her father predicted.

The Earth King abandoned the great walls of Ba Sing Se in an irrational attempt to avenge his wife and unborn child.

And just as one would expect.

The emotional Earth King died long before he even came close to reaching the shores of their royal harbor.

Just the thought of the king meeting such a pathetic end at the hands of their forces was enough for a cruel smirk to pull onto her lips.

The princess found herself unable to resist rolling her brilliant amber golden eyes while she coolly brushed a lock of hair from her eyes.

Honor types are always woefully predictable…just like her traitorous brother.

'People that are obsessed with honor like Zuko and Jaran are fools.' Azula thought as she stonily crossed her arms over her plated breasts while she coldly watched the proceedings below.

And soon after that Ozai's lips formed into a devious smirk while his daughter stared on emotionless from where she sat on her throne beside him.

"However, in a recent turn of events…we have acquired a new war power that is certain to delivery victory to the Fire Nation once and for all." The Fire Lord declared in an arrogant voice while the members below listened in curiosity.

While the princess stared down with a frigidly detached expression in her callous amber golden eyes.

All the while as she tried her hardest to squash the protective feelings that she had for the girl that were bubbling up from within her belly.

Only for her lips to sink into the barest hint of a scowl as listened to the military figures and the nobles murmur below.

Each of the nobles, generals and admirals were intrigued by their Fire Lord's boast.

All except for three.

Terak tilted his head as he gazed up at his princess's imposing visage already knowing just who this war power was.

While Yoko arched a brow as she thought back to the events that occurred in her dungeon not too long ago.

Just as she turned to her eldest daughter for clarification.

Only for her amber golden eyes to express a margin of surprise when she saw that Zoi's eyes were flashing with a gleam of unmistakable anger.

All the while as the famed warrior tightened her jaw.

'It's just as I thought. He's already making plans to use Elle as a weapon of war.' Zoi thought while her golden eyes glared down at the floor.

But she knew better than to blow her temper over it.

She knew that her princess would never allow anything horrible to happen to her newly adopted little sister.

And she was also aware that her princess was growing in ways that their Fire Lord was unaware of.

And that the day would soon come when her princess would take the throne regardless of what Ozai has to say about it.

And on that day, she mused while she glanced up at her princess's face from where the young woman sat above her.

It will be Fire Lord Azula that is sitting on that throne.

Just as it was always meant to be!

'It doesn't matter to me who currently sits on the throne. The only person that I serve is Azula.' The captain thought with a resolute expression taking over her loyal golden eyes.

While she momentarily met her princess's gaze when the woman stared coldly back down at her.

"That isn't all Father. I have an announcement of my own to make that just may render the messenger hawk obsolete." The princess spoke in a smoothly regal voice as she held up an elegant hand before her face while her father turned to gaze at her in slight bewilderment.

While everyone below except for the captain gazed up at their princess in confusion as they waited for her to elaborate.

"Just what do you mean by that Azula?" Ozai questioned with a raised brow while a confident smile made its way onto his daughter's lips.

"Recently I discovered a young inventor who was serving on my crew as a pilot during my previous battle with the Avatar. Her existence came to my attention in the aftermath of the ambush on my airship where I was able to witness her ingenuity first hand for myself. I would even go so far as to say that her talents may rival that of the mechanist himself." Azula explained with a graceful wave of her flawlessly manicured hand while her father listened in sudden intrigue.

While the rest of the royal council knelt in silence as they gazed on with rising curiosity in their eyes.

"A young mechanist of our own…do go on Azula." The Fire Lord remarked in a thoughtful voice as he held a hand underneath his chin.

"Her name is Nako. Not long ago she informed me that she created a communications device that in theory would allow our forces to communicate over long distances." The princess informed with a sanguine smile on her lips while she gazed back at her father's astonished face.

And then she turned to glance down below to see that those gathered were gazing on in similar fascination.

"A communications device?" Ozai inquired with rare surprise in his voice while his daughter nodded confidently.

"Of course, right now it is only in rudimentary development but I feel that with our financial backing that it could be of paramount importance in our victory in this war. If you would like I could summon her in. After all I had her prepare in advance to give the court a presentation." Azula stated in an eloquent voice with her brilliant amber golden eyes turning to gaze back at her father's contemplative countenance.

While those below gazed at one another with expressions of growing intrigue in their eyes.

All the while as Ozai rubbed the underside of his goatee while his mind was filled with the endless possibilities that such an invention would grant him.

"Very well Azula. You may send for this young inventor of ours." The Fire Lord stated with curiosity filling his voice.

While Azula turned to gaze down at Zoi with her amber golden eyes already communicating her order to her strongest soldier.

"Zoi. Tell Nako that we are ready for her to come in." The princess commanded in a voice of natural authority while she watched her warrior stoically nod her head.

"Understood princess." The captain replied in a composed voice as she strode towards the throne room doors.

All the while as Yoko watched her daughter walk off with an intrigued gleam of her own in her eyes.

And then seconds later the sound of the throne room doors opening reverberated throughout the vast room that was followed shortly by a loud thud as they closed once more.

Only for the doors to be pushed open yet again not even a minute later.

While all eyes turned to the throne room doors to see the captain entering once more and following closely behind her was a young woman of common birth.

And most curious of all was that each of the two women were carrying similar looking wired black boxes in their arms.

Nako skittishly walked behind the captain while she gazed around her with astonishment in her intimidated brown eyes.

Never in all her life did she think that there would actually be a day where she would step foot into the throne room of the Royal Palace!

It was something that a peasant like herself could only dream of.

Until now that is.

It was then that she was torn from her thoughts when she gazed upon each of the faces kneeling among the Fire Lord's cabinet.

While she came to a nervous stop beside the warrior to find herself gazing up at the imposing face of her princess.

And the hardened visage of Fire Lord Ozai as well.

And without even giving it any thought she rapidly dropped into a low bow on her knees while the two royals gazed down at her from above.

All the while as she swallowed apprehensively when she felt the eyes of every general, admiral and noble fall upon her back.

While Yoko gazed back at the girl with her golden eyes flickering with a hint of surprise as she recognized her as one of the two commoners who had intruded upon her punishment of Clan Saolin.

"Azula has informed me that you have created a communications device." Ozai commented in an imposing voice while he gazed down at the two black boxes in great interest.

Before his gaze fell back to the face of the young woman kneeling beside the captain.

"T-that is correct Your Highness. After former General Iroh ambushed us with a commandeered airship…I wondered to myself. What if there was a way that we could verify the identity of those operating other vessels so that could never happen again? And that was when I learned that it was possible to transmit messages over distances with wavelengths of radiation from the sun." The royal pilot explained in a technical voice that impressed even the Fire Lord while she held up the box in her hands.

All the while as everyone in the throne room listened in rising marvelment.

While the captain gazed at her comrade with an expression of respect in her golden eyes.

"I won't deny that it is very much in an experimental phase right now. However, I can confirm that both units are fully operational as I have tested them out numerous times myself. If it would please you, I could show you how it works and leave it up to you to decide its worth." Nako offered in a loyal voice while Ozai let out a hum of approval.

"Hm. Interesting. I admit that you have managed to capture my attention. You may proceed with your presentation." The Fire Lord spoke in an intrigued voice while he watched the young woman in interest.

While the princess sat on her throne with her arms calmly crossed over her chest as she watched her subordinate rise to her feet.

While the rest of the royal court gazed on with curiosity in their eyes as the young woman turned to face the captain.

"Captain, I am going to place my unit on this side of the throne room, and I would like for you to place yours as far away as you can from mine on that side of the room." The royal pilot instructed in a nervous voice as she pointed between the two sides of the throne room while the captain nodded in comprehension.

"Of course." Zoi answered as she began to walk her copy of the unit to the furthest side of the vast room.

While the occupants of the throne room watched in interest as the young inventor carried the other unit to the opposite side.

And then the two women set the two devices down on opposing sides of the large room.

While the captain knelt over her copy of the machine awaiting further instruction from the other woman.

Before Nako turned to gaze back to her waiting audience to explain what she was going to do next.

"And now using the wavelengths that I mentioned…I am going to transmit a message through my unit to the captain's unit." Nako remarked in an educative voice while she crouched down over the unit to turn the dial.

While those in the throne room watched in anticipation as the young woman turned the dial.

While a faint crackling sound resounded lightly into the ears of her piqued audience.

All the while as the two royals observed the woman work with unusually fixated expressions of interest in their eyes.

Even Yoko and everyone else at the map was staring back at the young woman with their curious gazes conveying their captivation.

Just as Nako raised the corded handle of her unit to her mouth while she continued to operate the dial.

"Can you hear my transmission captain?" The royal pilot spoke into the device while she gazed nervously back at the warrior kneeling far away on the other side of the vast throne room.

While Zoi stared back with stoic golden eyes as she listened to the crackling of her friend's machine.

While Azula gazed between the two women with keenly interested amber golden eyes.

While Ozai listened to the machine crackle with an expectant expression in his intrigued amber eyes.

All the while as the rest of the nobles, generals and admirals gazed on with mutual trepidation.

Only for the young inventor to swallow nervousness when an uncomfortable moment of silence followed her query as she hurriedly fiddled with the dial.

While she felt the pressure on her begin to grow as she sensed the gaze of every powerful person in the throne room upon her back.

All the while as the gaze of interest in the Fire Lord's eyes began to wane as he stared harshly down at the now apprehensive girl.

"Some communications device. Of course, she can hear you. She's on the other side of the room." General Bujing mocked in a derisive voice as he chuckled from where he knelt on the floor.

While the much younger General Meram soon did the same as he gazed mockingly back at the now nervously sweating woman.

Only to for the two generals to feel a glacial gaze upon their back as they turned to find that was staring back at them with a murderous glare in her golden eyes.

While Azula also turned to stare intimidatingly down at the two generals with an icy glare in her terrifying eyes.

All the while as she watched through the corner of her eye as her loyal pilot continued to frantically turn the dial.

Only to spin her head back towards her captain when she started to hear a garbled sound emit from the second unit.

And just when the rest of the audience thought that the device was a failure.

They too heard a sound coming through the warrior's unit!

"Can you hear my transmission captain?" Nako's voice asked through the second radio while Zoi gazed down at the box with an astonished expression in her golden eyes.

While the entire throne room fell into a speechless silence as they listened to what was unmistakably the sound of the young inventor's voice coming from the unit.

And Ozai now stared down at the invention with an intense captivation in his astounded amber eyes.

While even the Fire Princess stared down at her pilot with a look of awe in her callous amber golden gaze.

It was almost like an underdeveloped version of the technology that she had witnessed in her encounter with those foreign soldiers!

And she once again couldn't help but find herself shocked that this nervous subordinate of hers was capable of constructing such an innovative device!

"Amazing!" General Shinu exclaimed in a fascinated voice while he stared back at the invention in awe.

While Yoko also stared back at the young woman with a rare look of astonishment in her golden eyes.

And Terak gazed on in just as much wonder from where he knelt beside the head of Clan Song.

And both General Bujing and General Sheng had fallen into a shocked state of silence.

All the while as an expression of tremendous relief came over Nako's face as she found herself unable to resist grinning as widely as can be.

While Zoi now gazed back at her comrade with a smile of praise growing onto her lips.

"Yes, Nako. I hear your transmission." The captain stated in a congratulatory voice while the other woman smiled back at her.

Before she turned to gaze back at Bujing's still taken aback face with a smirk on her lips.

"Just what was it you were saying General Bujing?" Zoi called out in a taunt while the elderly general glared back at her but chose to keep his mouth shut.

Just as the princess turned to gaze back at her father's uncharacteristically amazed countenance with a confident smile on her lips once more.

"See Father? I told you that the girl has talent." Azula commented in a smoothly regal voice as she gestured down to her now blushing pilot below.

While the Fire Lord begrudgingly nodded in agreement as he gazed back down at the young inventor with his amber eyes now reflecting his wonder.

"Yes, Azula. She certainly does." Ozai replied in a composed voice while he studied the young woman closely.

All the while as Nako's face turned red as she struggled to contain her joy that her invention was working as planned.

Before she recovered her composure as she turned to gaze up at the two royals who were still staring back down at her in marvelment.

"Fire Lord, I will be up front with you. These two prototypes have a limited range of likely no larger than beyond the palace walls, and are therefore insufficient to work over the far distances between ships. However, if we build larger units…and the appropriate towers to carry the wavelengths over the required distances…it is my belief that it just may prove successful for long ranged communication" Nako announced in an evaluative voice while the Fire Lord listened with a look of profound consideration in his eyes.

While Azula's callous amber golden eyes shone with approval over her faithful subject's ingenuity as she gazed back at her father's heavily contemplative face.

"It is my idea that we should give the girl her own lab. Perhaps even have her work in conjunction with the mechanist and War Minister Qin to oversee its production of this new technology." The princess commented in a sanguine voice with her hand held out before her face.

While the rest of the court listened in fascination over the potential new turn in technology below.

All the while as the pilot's brown eyes flashed with eagerness over the chance to work with the famed mechanist.

While the Fire Lord held a hand underneath his goatee as he gazed in approval back at the young inventor below.

"That is an excellent idea Azula. Such a captivating technology is truly worth investigating. So be it Nako. You may have whatever it is that you need to perfect this invention of yours." The Fire Lord announced in an authoritative voice that resounded throughout the throne room.

"Thank you, Fire Lord! I swear that I won't let the Crown down!" The royal pilot explained in a hurried voice as she bowed on her knees once more while the Fire Lord stoically gazed down at her.

While the princess gazed back down at her subordinate from where she sat on her cushioned throne beside her father with hidden approval in her ruthless amber golden eyes.

"That will be all for now Nako. You can go now." Azula ordered in a steely voice while she her subject bent her head in respect her direction.

"Yes, Your Highness." Nako responded in a dutiful voice as she stood up with her invention held in her arms.

Before she bowed at the hip to the two royals once again while her princess gazed stonily back down at her.

And then she walked back over to the warrior to collect the second unit.

While the captain handed it to her as she carefully balanced both devices in her arms.

All the while as she mustered a smile as she gazed gratefully back up into her friend's composed golden eyes.

While the noblewoman smiled back down at her.

And then she turned to walk out still feeling the awkward stare of the many important officials on her back.

And soon enough she exited through the vast throne room doors.

While Ozai stared at the closing doors with an elated expression in his cruel amber eyes.

All the while as he found himself unable to fight the pleased smile from forming onto his ruthless lips.

Things were shaping up even better than he had hoped.

Not only did he gained a prized new war power in the form of his daughter's young foreign servant girl.

He also just may have acquired an astounding new technology that just may serve to tip the scales even further into his favor!

Soon afterwards Zoi strode back to her position beside her mother and knelt back down once more.

While the Fire Lord turned his attention back to the attendees gathered below before his gaze shifted to the renowned warrior of Clan Song.

"Now then, onto other matters. Captain Zoi. What is your report on your status of your hunt for the Order of the White Lotus?" Ozai inquired in a coldly detached voice as all eyes turned to the kneeling captain in question.

While a confident smile made its way onto Zoi's lips as she turned to gaze up at her Fire Lord.

While a cruel smile formed on Azula's lips as well as she sat with her arms folded over her armored chest.

"Five years ago, I joined the Imperial Firebenders, and around two years after that I began to undertake special missions in the name of the Royal Family. To that end I gathered my own crew to aid me in such a task. And one year ago…I deployed under Princess Azula's orders to hunt the Order of the White Lotus. I am pleased to report that it is thanks to our efforts they are now but a shadow of their former strength and I am sure that you have heard that the same can be said for former General Iroh after I took out his left eye." The captain spoke in a ruthlessly focused voice as she reverted to her warrior persona once more while those around her listened with impressed looks in their eyes.

While the Fire Lord found his wicked smile growing even larger after hearing those delightful words.

"Yes, I did hear about that." The Fire Lord chuckled with a smirk on his lips while the princess smirked as well beside him.

"All and all, I would say that less than half of their original strength remain." Zoi stated in a stony voice while she gazed up at the Fire Lord's beyond pleased visage.

All the while as Yoko gazed at her daughter with tremendous pride flashing before her equally cold golden eyes.

"Nicely done Captain Zoi. I must say that you certainly do exceed expectations." Ozai spoke in a voice of merciless approval while the warrior smiled as she shrugged her shoulders.

"What can I say? If I am going to do something. I believe in getting it done right." The captain replied in a stoic voice while she once again ignored the way the generals stared at her back in unhidden dislike.

"As for the Avatar and his friends Father. It with my thought that we could use Nako's new technology to track down the Avatar in the coming weeks, and once we do locate them. I have already devised a fitting counterattack that should put an end to them for good." The princess spoke in a callous voice with her arms folded over her breasts while she smiled confidently back at her father's approving face.

"I commend your foresight Azula. I will leave the military preparations for the assault to you…provided that you keep me informed of any updates that should come to light with this new war power of ours." The Fire Lord responded with his cruel eyes gazing back at his daughter's icily inexpressive face.

While the princess stared on with her glacial amber golden eyes masking the ever so slight sense of anger that she felt boil up within her.

Over hearing her father speak of her young girlfriend as if she nothing more than a disposable tool of war.

All the while as the members of the cabinet still gazed out with expressions of curiosity in their eyes over what this mysterious new war power entailed.

And with that out of the way the Fire Lord turned to glance across the others present below.

"As to the final order of business. As I am sure that you are all already aware. Recently there has been a series of riots in the small fishing village of Shung Wu." Ozai stated in a fiercely rigid voice while the members of his cabinet gazed back at one another as they murmured amongst each other.

"I have already squashed it Father. Zoi and I stomped out the villager's little 'revolt' as we were passing through on our voyage home. Not only that, I punished Joza myself by revoking his governorship. I don't foresee there being any further problems with Joza or the villagers." Azula remarked in an aloofly offhand voice as she waved her elegant hand before her coldly sanguine face while her father gazed at her in recognition.

While Zoi knelt scowling with her golden eyes glaring down at the floor once more.

All the while as the generals, nobles and admirals still gazed back at one another.

"Yes, I have heard word among the peasants that they have recently given rise to an anti-monarchy movement." Yoko spoke in a dignified voice as she stared on with frozen golden eyes.

And just like that everyone including the two royals turned to gaze in the direction of the lord of Clan Song.

It was understood that the matriarch was not known for being a particularly talkative person.

And as a result, there was a saying in the Fire Nation and it was that on the rare occasion that Yoko chooses to speak.

You listen.

Before the governor did not speak without good reason.

While Ozai now gazed down at Yoko with furiously displeased amber eyes.

All the while as Azula glared down with her amber golden eyes reflecting her anger that their own subjects had the gall to even spread such treasonous rumors!

"Governor Yoko…tell me what you have heard." The Fire Lord ordered in an emotionless voice while he stared down at the older woman's equally impassive face.

"My informants tell me that there is a revolutionary movement that is brewing in the Fire Nation with its supporters seeming to be split in disagreement over two very starkly different objectives." The governor answered in a composed voice while her daughter listened with her attentive golden eyes gazing back at her.

While the rest of the throne room listened in a sense of capitation in their eyes.

"The revolutionary movement appears to have formed with the goal of obtaining certain rights and terms from the Crown…" Yoko trailed off in an informative voice as her golden eyes showed little to no emotion.

While the Fire Lord gazed on with cruelly uncaring amber eyes that showed that he wasn't moved in the slightest by the people's desires.

All the while as the princess callously rolled her amber golden eyes over the very notion of the commoners demanding anything from the throne.

"Rights. The peasants will get what we say they get and nothing more." The princess sneered with her merciless amber golden eyes glaring downward.

Only to find herself trying to fight the tight scowl that was forming onto her regal lips when words that her serving girl told her once more played in her mind.

Because your small folk don't have any rights. T-there are many countries in my homeland where commoners have rights.

Just as she turned to stare coldly with her arms folded over her bosom as scoffed under her breath.

All the while as she tried to push her handmaid's weak words out of her mind in favor of focusing on the meeting at hand.

While the captain turned away with a frown on her lips as she once again found herself recalling her adopted sister's passionate words.

No living being has the right to take the life of another.

We are all living beings.

We can find peace together!

'The more I get to know that girl…the more I start to wonder. Is there a better way than this? Is there a path to be found through Elle's peace?' Zoi thought with her golden eyes deeply mulling over the state of her country and the rest of the world.

It was a question that she has been pondering quite often lately.

And it was a question that she had yet to answer.

And not even a second after that she found herself torn from her reverie by the sound of her mother's voice once more.

While the occupants of the throne room listened closely as the matriarch stared back up at the two royals with a deathly serious expression in her stony golden eyes.

"However, it seems that a number of the supporters of this movement have taken on a much more extremist agenda. These supporters wish to start a violent purge amongst the populace…to kill not only the Royal Family but every last noble in the Fire Nation." The governor announced in a stunningly blunt voice while her words swept through the air like a storm.

And that was all it took for the generals, admirals and the nobles to gaze around with astonished expressions in their eyes.

And even the two royals could only stare down with shocked expressions flashing before their eyes.

'A movement to kill all nobles…that damned puppeteer was actually telling the truth!' The captain thought as she gazed on with an unnerved expression in her golden eyes.

While she gazed up at her princess's stoic face as she exchanged a quick glance with the royal woman.

And just as the princess was about to open her mouth to speak.

She found herself turning to glance down at those gathered down below when the sound of General Meram chuckling mockingly flowed into the air.

While all eyes then turned to the young man as he gazed back up at the imposing princess with a strange smile on his lips.

"I concur with our beautiful princess. That isn't going to be a problem. After Princess Azula put an end to the insurrection in Shung Wu…I made a stop in the village myself on my way to the Capital. While I was there, I punished the villagers for their disobedience and I can assure you that I made it clear that such actions will not be tolerated." The young general spoke in an unfeeling voice while a sense of confusion overtook the throne room.

While the princess scowled imperiously back down at the man never failing to miss the flirtatious smile on the nobleman's lips.

All the while as she stared down in callous disinterest as she pondered what he meant by his claim.

While Zoi, Terak and Yoko turned to gaze back at the young man with questioning looks in their eyes.

"What do you mean that you punished the villagers?" The captain demanded with her temper carefully kept under control as the nobleman smiled back at her.

"What do you think I mean? I personally oversaw the public execution of the instigators of the revolt." Meram announced in a remorseless voice that prompted everyone all but the Fire Lord and General Bujing to turn to him in shock.

While he smiled up at the princess's caught off-guard face.

All the while as Azula gazed back down with her ruthless amber golden eyes expressing her surprise.

While her mouth remained open for the most fleeting of a moment in a peculiar show of long buried emotion.

While those at the map of the world were gazing at the general with varying reactions in their eyes.

While the more pragmatic General Shinu stared back at the young man with disbelief in his eyes.

And for the first time since Yoko had entered the meeting.

The matriarch was now staring back at the young nobleman with her golden eyes narrowing in outrage.

Just as she quickly turned to her eldest daughter while she watched with cautiously widened eyes as the warrior shook in fury.

The famed soldier's sense of rage was so palpable that it was felt by everyone in the room.

While the mighty captain now trembled with her hair hanging over her eyes as she smashed her teeth together.

And the faintest sign of steam was even starting to exude off the warrior's muscular body.

All the while as several of the other attendees gazed out of the corner of their eyes in fear of the powerful warrior's reputation.

While the princess swiftly glanced down at her strongest soldier through the corner of her callous eye.

All the while as she watched with a weary look in her eyes in the hopes that the woman wouldn't do anything foolish.

'You bastard! I am going to kill you! All they wanted was food!' Zoi thought with her golden eyes now as wide as can be in murderous wrath.

Only to find herself turning to her gaze off to her left in surprise when an unlikely individual spoke up in outrage.

"Have you gone mad! You just poured fuel over an already volatile situation that will only inspire an even bigger revolt!" Terak exclaimed with his hand on the map while he stared furiously back at the now glaring general.

While an even greater sense of tension swept over the throne room air as the Fire Lord stared down from above with rigid amber eyes.

All the while as Azula gazed between the gathered cabinet and her father with her callous amber golden eyes expressing aggravation towards the general.

While both Zoi and Yoko stared back at Terak with surprised golden eyes over his outburst.

And yet the two members of Clan Song couldn't help but fear that the chancellor was right.

"I have resolved a revolt and I have also just returned home from securing multiple great victories in the name of the Fire Nation. Which is more than I can say for you and your spy circle." The young general snapped back with fire in his voice while he glared daggers back at the sneering chancellor.

"I have been working meticulously with Princess Azula to sow doubt and discord in the rebel ranks. With my carefully woven lies falsehood becomes truth and truth becomes falsehood. And unlike your savaging of hungry peasants general…my work produces results." The chancellor countered in a derisive voice while the face of the young general was now red with anger.

While all eyes in the throne were gazing between the two feuding men.

And that was all it took for the general to stand up in fury from the council.

While Yoko sighed with her face in her hands as her daughter still glared back at the Clan Sheng nobleman.

While Azula stared down at the two with her amber golden eyes conveying her annoyance over their bickering.

And yet for as much as the chancellor often grated on her she couldn't deny that the man was correct.

And it only made her all the more furious that the bloodthirsty general had foolishly rekindled a fire that she had already put out!

"How dare you question my worth!" Meram snarled with fire burning from his fists.

"I do more than question your worth! I question if you have a brain in that empty head of yours!" Terak shouted as he stood up beside the captain while he pointed a finger back at the outraged general as the man began to swiftly stride towards him.

While Ozai's callous amber eyes finally began to flicker with annoyance as he clenched his jaw.

All the while as Azula let out a haughty sigh as she gazed down at the arguing men with irritated amber golden eyes.

And not even seconds later the generals, admirals and nobles began to mutter to one another once more.

While they all watched in suspense as Meram came to a stop looming over a defiant Terak as they glared back at one another.

All the while as Zoi still stared back at the Clan Sheng man from where she knelt behind the standing chancellor with hauntingly murderous golden eyes.

"The only reason that you have the gall to run your mouth at me like that is because you sit beside the Fire Lord as chancellor but perhaps, we should see if your talent for combat is half as fearsome as your silver tongue!" The young general hissed back in a livid voice as he leaned in to glare down at Terak while the smaller man valiantly stood his ground.

There wasn't a single person in the throne room who wasn't aware that Terak didn't stand a chance in an Agni Kai against the ruthless general.

And yet the man boldly persisted likely out of a belief that he was safe standing beside the two powerful women of Clan Song.

"I deliver order and peace to the Fire Nation!" The chancellor retorted in an indignant voice as he furiously gestured with his robed hands in the general's ice-cold face.

While the princess coldly rolled her aggravated amber golden eyes as she groaned from where she sat on her cushion.

While the anger in the Fire Lord's eyes grew even further as the sound of the two men shouting continued to make his temper boil over.

"How amusing. The chancellor is going to get brutalized." The elderly general commented with a cruel smirk on his lips while several of his fellows chuckled in agreement.

While Yoko simply still gazed on with agitation in her golden eyes that only rose as the two men continued to bicker in her ear.

While Zoi remained on the floor with her stony gaze never once leaving the general's face.

"You are reckless! You have resolved nothing! Your actions will lead us into a civil war that will tear the Fire Nation apart!" Terak shouted as he thrust his finger in Meram's face while the general seethed back at him.

While Azula sat in her seat with her amber golden eyes still glaring down at the general.

Only to turn her head when she finally saw her father's flames rise up in his ever-growing anger.

All the while as the captain's vengeful eyes for once agreed with the chancellor.

"A civil war with peasant farmers! I have no fear of peasants! Let the lowly commoners hate me! I welcome it!" Meram scoffed as he glared back into the chancellor's narrowed eyes while they stood not even a hair apart.

"Silence!" Ozai roared at the top of his lungs as his flames shot up to enormous heights intimidating all gathered below into falling quiet.

While Azula let out an irate sigh as she lounged with her fist against her annoyed cheek.

She had been wondering how long it would take for her father to lose his temper.

All the while as the chancellor sneered once more into the general's face as the taller man recoiled away from him with his golden eyes still glaring back at him.

Only for everyone to gaze on in a margin of surprise not a moment later when the heat from the Fire Lord's flames sent Terak soaring onto his back on the floor.

"Enough out of you Terak!" The Fire Lord bellowed in a resounding voice from where he sat upon his throne while the chancellor now cowered on the floor in shock.

And the princess turned to gaze at her father with a degree of surprise in her callous amber golden eyes.

"General Meram is correct. Insurrection is to be crushed without compassion. The peasants will learn their place once more. As for you…it was your failure that allowed Iroh to commander an airship that allowed the rebels to ambush Azula. You have failed me far too many times. As of this moment forward you are no longer royal chancellor." Ozai declared in a tyrannical voice while he stared imperiously down at the politician's aghast face.

While Azula stared on with emotionless amber golden eyes as she observed the scene from her seat.

While Zoi turned to glower down at the world map with still furious golden eyes.

'I should have expected that he wouldn't give a damn about his own people.' The captain thought as she knelt glaring at arrogant young general through the corner of her eye.

While General Meram now smirked as he gazed tauntingly down at the now paling Terak from where he lay trembling before the Fire Lord's flames.

"I couldn't agree more Fire Lord. Treason must be punished swiftly and brutally." General Bujing remarked in a cruel voice with a malicious smirk on his lips.

While the captain glared at the elderly general with stony golden eyes.

"B-but Fire Lord! I have been royal chancellor for ten years!" The now former chancellor protested in a disbelieving voice as he pushed himself up only to cower when the flames flared up once more.

"I am sick of your pathetic whimpering! All you are is empty talk. I need results. I want the Avatar dead. I want my enemy's heads on spikes. Perhaps General Meram will be able to succeed where you have failed." The Fire Lord concluded in an utterly frigid voice while he gazed heartlessly down at the man's speechless face.

While the princess rose a regal brow as she turned to gaze back at her father with an impassive stare.

And even the captain was staring back at the smiling young general with a surprised expression in her golden eyes.

While the matriarch of Clan Song knelt in silence as she showed no emotion to what was happening before her stoic eyes.

"I-I beg of you to reconsider Fire Lord! Just give me one more chance I promise that I-" Terak cried out only to find himself cut off when the general stomped on his hand.

"Be silent weakling." The young general taunted in a voice laced with ridicule as he stood over the humiliated man while Terak stared back up at him in outrage.

"You can't treat me like this!" The former chancellor yelled in a distressed voice only to find himself howl in pain when a boot stomped down onto his throat as he was slammed back down into the floor.

And not a second after that the general ripped the royal emblem from the writhing man's chest as he stepped down even harder onto his neck.

While a great many of the other generals, admirals and nobles observed the man's humiliation with cruel expressions in their eyes.

While General Bujing chuckled in sadistic amusement as if he was getting pleasure just from watching the man scream.

The only general who wasn't laughing was General Shinu who was now turning away with an uncomfortable look in his eyes.

And the Fire Lord for his part was just staring down with cruel amber eyes that showed no emotion for his former chancellor's humiliated screams.

While Azula watched the man scream from where she sat above with frigid amber golden eyes.

It was now pitifully obvious just why the chancellor came to her to scheme against her father in the first place.

It was because the sniveling man was on the verge of losing his position!

She could care less who holds the title of royal chancellor.

But even so…

Her amber golden eyes narrowed ruthlessly as she stared down at the young general's back while he crushed the howling politician under his boot.

She couldn't help but feel a sliver of something akin to concern from somewhere deep within her cold heart that the presence of this general would endanger her little girlfriend.

While Zoi stared back at Meram with unrivaled disgust in her golden eyes as silently vowed to make him pay for killing Fire Nation citizens.

Just as the general finally removed his foot from the former chancellor's neck and wrapped the royal emblem around his neck.

And then he turned to gaze up the two royals while he bowed with an arm over his chest.

While he gazed from his Fire Lord's flame lit countenance to his princess's imposingly fire accented face.

"I will not let you down Fire Lord…nor you either my beautiful princess." Meram declared with a smile on his lips while the princess rolled her golden eyes back down at him.

It didn't deter him in the least.

As he had expected that such a goddess would not be so easy to woo.

'Please! You are not my type!' Azula thought with her arms crossed haughtily over her armored breasts while she regarded the general as if he were nothing more than a bug that she was about to squash.

She much preferred submissive pretty little things.

And that was all it took for a tight scowl to form on her lovely lips as she turned to stare moodily into the flames.

And she couldn't help but find herself longing for her pretty pet's company once more.

The summit had long since begun to grate on her every last nerve and it was long past time that her serving girl ease her foul temper.

And the sooner this wretched meeting was over.

The sooner she could do so!

While Terak lay gasping for air on the floor with his fists clenched in unimaginable rage.

And then he shakily stood up in a fury as he pushed his way past the two women of Clan Song as he made his way for the throne room doors.

All the while as the sound of the generals and admirals chuckling mockingly at his back only served as further fuel for his rage.

"Good riddance. He was a pathetic worm anyway." The elderly general stated in a heartless voice as he watched the humiliated man stagger off.

While General Meram knelt upon the floor once more with a cruel smirk on his lips as he too laughed in entertainment over the other man's disgrace.

Before they all turned away to gaze up at their Fire Lord and their crown princess.

Just as the former chancellor panted as he stopped behind a pillar as he nursed his bruised wrist.

All the while as he stared on with enraged golden eyes at the laughing members of the Fire Lord's cabinet.

'I am going to get you Meram! And you too Bujing! I am going to get every last one of you! Even you too Ozai! I will remember all of your names! I will see each and every one of you burn!' Terak thought as he stormed away with his teeth gritted in his outrage while he shoved open the doors of the throne room.

It there was one thing that he never forgets.

It was a slight!

Never!

While Azula turned to watch with merciless amber golden eyes as the man disappeared through the doors as they closed shut with a thud not a moment later.

Before she turned her callous gaze back down to the laughing generals below.

Where there was no doubt that Terak was pitifully weak.

She damn well knew that he was far more intelligent than General Meram.

And she knew full well that there way that the man was going to let this go.

While Zoi observed the man storm off with stoic golden eyes before she too turned back to the smirking Meram and Bujing.

'Then again I may not have to.' Zoi thought while she stared back at young general's smiling face.

What a clueless fool.

He didn't even know the horror that would be in store for him now that Terak was out for his blood.

While Yoko gazed on with equally aware golden eyes knowing full well that the generals were going to regret the day that they crossed Terak.

Only for all eyes in the throne room to turn to the captain not a moment when the sound of the famed warrior scoffing resounded into the air.

"Congratulations General Meram. You were able to defeat a defenseless Terak and a crowd of starved peasants. I am in awe of your tremendous strength." The captain stated with sarcasm dripping from her voice while the young general spun around to glare back at her.

"Is there something that you wish to say to me Generalkiller?" The young general replied with his golden eyes glaring back at the captain's stoic face.

While everyone in the throne room watched the two closely.

All the while as the princess snorted as she gazed down at the general with sneering amber golden eyes.

'Savaging Terak is one thing…. but that man is a fool if he believes that he can defeat Zoi.' The princess thought as she rolled her intelligent amber golden eyes while her gaze remained on her strongest soldier below.

"Not just you but to many other individuals here as well. But before I do…I have an important announcement to make." Zoi remarked with her arms folded over her chest while her princess rose a brow in curiosity from where she sat above her.

While the Fire Lord did the same as he turned to glance down at the warrior with his usual rigid stare.

All the while as the others seated below excluding Yoko turned to gaze questioning in the captain's direction.

"It is my upmost pleasure to inform the court that Princess Azula has officially appointed me as her second in command." The captain announced with unmistakable smugness in her voice as she gazed back at the faces of the many shocked military officials.

While a smile now formed onto Yoko's lips with her prideful golden eyes gazing back at her eldest daughter in approval.

All the while as the Fire Lord rose his brows as he turned to gaze back at his daughter for clarification.

"Is this true Azula?" Ozai asked in a composed voice while a confident smile graced his daughter's lips.

"It is Father. As long as her actions are in accordance with your wishes. Zoi is to be viewed for all intents and purposes as an extension of my will." Azula declared in a perfectly poised voice as she held up her hand before her authoritative voice.

While her domineering amber golden eyes stared powerfully down at the stunned members of the cabinet below.

While the Fire Lord let out a curious him as he held a hand underneath his goatee as he turned to glance back down at those gathered among his cabinet.

While the generals, admirals, and nobles were now gazing back at the captain with something similar to alarmed looks in their eyes.

It was a well-known fact that nearly all of the senior military officials despised the woman for her killing of her superior many years prior.

And now that the woman had been bolstered by the authority of Princess Azula…

They knew well enough that their interactions with the wretched woman were about to grow far more unpleasant than they had ever before.

"And in that regard Fire Lord, I would like to offer you my counsel concerning what I learned in the year that I spent traveling in the Earth Kingdom." Zoi spoke in a calmly collected voice as she stared confidently up at Ozai's piqued face.

All the while as the princess listened with her full attention as she eyed her best soldier from above.

"And just what would this counsel entail?" The Fire Lord pondered in an unemotional voice while he watched the woman with curiosity in his amber eyes.

Just as the captain turned to glance around her as she gazed upon the faces of many of the high generals present.

"After the one year that I spent fighting the people of the Earth Kingdom. I discovered that they are a diverse and resourceful people that are willing to fight to the bitter end to defend the land that they call home." The captain commented in a stonily focused voice while the two royals listened as they studied her curiously.

While the warrior paid no heed to the sound of several generals coldly laughing over her description of the Earth Kingdom people.

"To that end…I want to advise you that a significant part of why you are having difficulty occupying the Earth Kingdom is because the training programs of certain generals present are highly inadequate for such a prolonged occupation." Zoi remarked in a stunningly blunt voice while many of the generals turned to stare back at her with outraged expressions in their livid eyes.

While one general after another now looked as if they wanted to leap across the throne room and kill the brazen woman.

All the while as the Fire Lord sat authoritatively beside his daughter with his hand underneath his chin as he stared down at the woman in consideration.

"Take General Bujing for instance. While he may be a veteran general. His methods of training his troops…are far too linear. There is too much focus on brute force and nearly no focus on defense. Furthermore, he spends far too much time following outdated traditions and little to no time on innovation." The captain added in a fearless voice as she gestured coldly in the enraged elderly man's direction.

And just like that murmurs began to spread across the cabinet once more.

While Ozai gazed down with a contemplative frown on his lips as General Bujing slammed his angered fists on the floor.

All the while as Azula's cold amber golden eyes pondered her warrior's words while she calmly watched her subordinate below.

"What!? I will not take this disrespect from you Generalkiller! I have been training soldiers for over forty years! You are in no position to question my methods!" General Bujing shouted in a fuming voice as he glared furiously back at the noblewoman's confidently smiling face.

While the matriarch of Clan Song knelt with her arms folded over her breasts.

All the while as an ever so slight smile of maternal pride formed onto her lips.

Only for the elderly general to freeze up when he caught the glare of the princess seated far above him.

While the princess's terrifyingly amber golden eyes now gazed imperiously right back down at the old man's sweating face.

"You will take it General Bujing. Unless of course…you are telling me that I am in no position to question the effectiveness of your methods." The princess commented in a mercilessly imposing voice as she stared dominantly down at the now terrified general's face.

While her father turned to gaze back at her with his cold amber eyes observing her intently.

Before everyone turned back to Zoi when the sound of the noblewoman chuckling smugly flowed into the air.

"That is precisely my point. You have been doing this for forty years and you haven't won yet. If that isn't a sign of a need for a complete overhaul in training protocol then I don't know what is." Zoi replied in an utterly scathing voice as she stared back into Bujing's beyond outraged golden eyes.

"That is a bold claim that you have made Captain Zoi. Can you back your words up with action?" Ozai inquired in a majestic voice that carried throughout the throne room while all eyes at the world map stared back at the smiling woman.

While Azula just smirked as she folded her arms over her chest once more already knowing the answer to that question.

All the while as General Bujing and General Meram in particular glared back at the woman as her lips slowly but surely curved into a sanguine smirk.

"Can I back them up Fire Lord? Of course, I can back them up." The captain stated with unmistakable pride in her voice while she gazed back up at the Fire Lord's intrigued countenance.

While the elderly general still stared furiously back at the woman from where he sat on the other side of the long map.

While the Fire Lord released a thoughtful hum as he held a fingertip underneath his goatee once more.

"Then perhaps you should give the court a demonstration of the revisions that are needed." The Fire Lord suggested with a margin of sadistic implication in his voice as a smile made its way onto his lips.

While all gazes were still on Zoi as she still held herself with an undeniable aura of confidence.

"It would be my honor." Zoi spoke with a small smirk on her lips while the generals stared back at her in loathing.

While the Fire Lord turned to glance at his daughter's smirking face before he too turned to smirk back down at the confident woman.

"General Bujing. Send for five of your best troops…." Ozai trailed off in a devious voice while a cruel smile made its way onto the elderly general's lips.

"I would be delighted to oblige you Fire Lord. I will send for them at once." The elderly general stated with a giant smirk on his lips.

"Ten. Five won't even be enough to make me sweat." The captain boasted in a shockingly assured voice with her bangs hanging over her eyes while she smiled at the table.

While all but Azula and Yoko turned to gaze at the captain with disbelief in their eyes.

All the while as the Fire Lord stared down at the smirking warrior with his cruel smile growing even larger.

While the princess held her head high with a look of complete confidence in her callous amber golden eyes.

While the Clan Song head still knelt smiling at the table knowing full well that her daughter had all the reason in the world to boast.

"Have it your way…Generalkiller." General Bujing spoke through gritted teeth while he glared a hole through the arrogant woman's skull.

And then he waved his hand in the air to give the order to send for his ten best soldiers.

And soon enough a guard rushed through the throne room doors while Zoi still knelt smirking in her position.

And not even five minutes later…

The doors to the throne room opened wide once more.

While an entire squad of ten of General Bujing's elite soldiers entered through the doors.

While their gazes landed on the kneeling captain as they stood in formation before the opened throne room rooms.

All the while as the two royals stared down with eagerness in their eyes as they watched the famous warrior slowly push herself up from the floor.

"There is only one rule. No killing. Aside from than, anything goes." The Fire Lord announced in a wicked voice as he stared down with intensely entertained amber eyes below.

While the princess watched from above with her beautiful lips forming a cruel smile.

While the soldiers walked forward towards the noblewoman as she stood up with her back turned to them.

All the while as their commanding general now knelt smiling coldly with his sadistic golden eyes never leaving the scene.

While Yoko gazed up at her daughter with endless faith in her combat prowess in her stoic golden eyes.

"I'll try not to break anything critical." Zoi commented in a fearless voice as she cracked her knuckles with a poised smile on her lips.

While the generals stared at her with hatred in their eyes as she turned to face the squad of elite soldiers.

"Don't get ahead of yourself." The squad leader scoffed in a near emotionless voice as he strode forward with his fellows at his back.

While everyone in the throne room watched the composed captain stride towards the gathering of soldiers.

All the while as the soldiers stood in different positions beside the intricately designed pillars.

Just as the noblewoman confidently strode to the center of the soldiers.

And then she began to slowly pace in a methodical manner as she listened to several of the soldiers laugh in excitement at the chance to brutalize her.

While she calmly turned in a circle with a sanguine aura about her as she watched them surround her from all sides.

"Begin!" Ozai commanded with his voice carrying through the air while he watched with a smirk on his lips.

While the captain still stood at the epicenter of the circle with her hair shadowing her golden eyes.

All the while as a beyond self-assured smirk still adorned her lips.

And not a second later all ten of the elite soldiers rushed forward towards their singular opponent.

While General Bujing watched with a vicious smirk on his lips as his soldiers sprang at the over confident woman.

Only for all but Azula and Yoko to stare on in surprise when Zoi effortlessly sidestepped a swing of firebending from a man lunging at her.

And not even seconds after that the battle cry of a true warrior resounded imposingly into the ears of all present.

And then the captain seized the shocked man by his arm while she flipped him down onto the floor.

And that was all it took for the soldier's helmet to roll across the floor with an echoing clang.

While the soldiers watched with stunned expressions in their eyes as the woman sprang at them like a rampaging beast!

"Too slow! You have no agility!" The captain shouted in a merciless voice as she evaded another strike while her boot impacted with another soldier's face.

And then the man was hurled into one of the large pillars before he slammed into it with his pained shouts resounding into the air.

While General Bujing's smirk had transformed into an expression of shock as he gazed on with disbelieving golden eyes.

While all of the other generals, admirals and nobles watched the spectacle in awe.

All the while as the roaring warrior bounded into the fray once more with an every so slight steam emerging from her toned muscles.

And even the Fire Lord was gazing on with his amber eyes widening ever so marginally.

'What…is that steam?' The Fire Lord thought as he studied the woman with a calculating stare in his astonished eyes.

While Azula stared on with a huge smile on her lips as she watched another man scream as he was sent soaring into the wall.

While Yoko observed the demonstration with a completely unfazed expression in her golden eyes.

"And you have no defense!" Zoi called out as she slammed her fist into another soldier's belly while he keeled over in agony.

And then he too was thrown to the wayside while the unfortunate soldier impacted with the wall!

"You are all too predictable!" The captain roared as she sprang down above the now terror-stricken soldiers.

While the court gaped on with astonished expressions in their eyes as Zoi savagely sent another man flying unconscious onto the floor of the throne room!

And then another was ruthlessly taken down with a powerful kick to his helmet!

And so, it went.

As each of the elite soldiers were dispatched one by one!

Until finally the squad leader was seen slumping to the floor with his helmet rolling to the ground with a resounding clang.

While all ten of General Bujing's best soldiers were now sprawled out in various undignified positions upon the palace floor.

All the while as Zoi now stood at the center of the unconscious soldiers with her back turned to her speechless audience.

While Ozai sat in an unusually taken aback silence with his amber eyes still conveying his shock.

All the while as Azula gazed down with an approving gleam in her callous amber golden eyes.

'As if there would have been any other outcome.' Azula thought with a regal smile on her lips as she sat with her arms crossed over her breasts.

"H-how?" The elderly general murmured in a disbelieving voice while he gazed out with tremendous anger in his humiliated golden eyes.

While General Meram knelt in a state of similar surprise with his golden eyes gazing on in astoundment.

"How? My Zoi has created a revolutionary technique that was previously never before seen in recorded history. This brilliant technique allows her to convert her internal fire into raw physical strength and stamina. She is the only firebender in the entire world to master it and the only one capable of using it." Yoko announced in a voice of boundless maternal pride while all but the princess gazed on with disbelief in their eyes.

While the Fire Lord gazed on with his amber eyes shimmering with a hidden spark of anger as he tightened his jaw.

'Just how did this woman discover such a technique?' Ozai thought with his amber eyes narrowing at the warrior's turned back.

Just as he turned to gaze out of the corner of his tyrannical eye at his daughter's smirking face.

Yet another detail that Azula has kept hidden from him!

Before he turned to stare imperiously down at the soldier below while he gripped his fists in his lap.

It would seem that his daughter and this captain were starting to become too strong.

And from this moment forward…

He would have to keep a much closer watch on the bother of them!

"In simple terms General Bujing. It means that you and your soldiers are trash compared to my daughter." The governor concluded in an impassively conceited voice while the general glared at her daughter in abject humiliation.

While everyone watched in silence as the mighty warrior wordlessly reached up to tear her bun from her hair.

And then the captain cast it aside to the floor below while her dark hair once again spilled free from constraints.

All the while as the warrior finally turned around to face her stunned audience with her lips pulling into a sanguine smirk.

While she gazed up at her princess for the briefest of moments as the royal woman gazed back down at her with an approving smirk on her lips.

And then she turned her gaze back to the faces of all of the shocked generals, admirals and nobles kneeling before the world map.

"You can keep your top-knots and all of your other meaningless traditions that hold you back. I don't need any of it. I'll take the power, innovation and glory." Zoi spoke in a stunningly dismissive voice while many of the officials bristled in outrage over her mordant words.

While the Fire Lord's amber eyes stared back at the woman with his rigid amber eyes reflecting a spark of newfound paranoia.

While Yoko gazed after her daughter with emotionless golden eyes as she let out a slight sigh under her breath.

All the while as the captain turned around to walk away with her boots striding across the floor of the throne room.

And just before the warrior departed the throne room.

The captain stomped down on her discarded hair tie while she made sure to flatten it beneath the sole of her boot for all to see.

The meaning of the action was all too clear.

It was the noblewoman's way of stating once more that she has chosen innovation over tradition!

And with that Zoi strode through the doors of the palace throne room.

While the many elderly military officials stared on after the woman's walking back in offense over her blatant disrespect for their long-held traditions.

While the princess gazed after her strongest soldier with her arms still confidently crossed over her plated chest.

All the while as her beautiful lips still adorned a poised smile.

And she didn't even pay any mind to the strict stare that her father was now directing her way.

There was a time when she used to be frightened of her father.

But that time has long since passed.

Now, she merely viewed him as just another enemy to be crushed.

For now, she would bide her time and wait until the moment was right.

And then she will crush him!

And with that Azula's amber golden eyes formed into a stare of absolute unrivaled dominance.

It was no longer the stare of a daughter subordinate to her father.

It was the gaze of an indomitable ruler!

With her little beloved at her side and her loyal captain at her back!

She is going to conquer everything under the sun!

Everyone and everything that stands in the way of her conquest will be destroyed!

This world is hers to rule!

And it was only a matter of time before she takes her rightful seat on her throne as Fire Emperor of the entire planet!

It was simply inevitable.

#Azula #avatar the last airbender fanfiction #Avatar The Last Airbender #ty lee avatar #fire nation royal family #femslash

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wesawbears · 7 years

Text

No clue where this came from, but I’d been thinking about religious/spiritual Jeremy and this is what happened. That being said, this fic deals with issues of religion and prayer, so if that’s not your thing, just skip along.

Follow the read more for the whole thing!

If there was a feeling Jeremy hated more than anything in the world, it was being helpless. He was a people pleaser, that was true, but it was more that he genuinely hated seeing the people around him unhappy. He could feel their suffering like a crushing weight, and he needed something to help prove the world wasn’t hopelessly cruel or heartless. He was that kid who gave his lemonade stand money to charity and gave up his lunch so some other kid could eat. His mama always told him his heart was too big for his own good and that he couldn’t take on the world’s troubles on his own.

Which is why it was so awful when he realized there was absolutely nothing in the world he could do for Jean Moreau.

Jeremy didn’t know all the details of Jean’s life in the Nest, but he knew it was bad, immeasurably so. Jean wouldn’t talk about it if he asked and Jeremy couldn’t ask to begin with. The hardest part was knowing he couldn’t help anyone until they were ready to let him in. So he lay in the room they shared, hearing Jean awake panicked in the middle of the night, and had to pretend to be asleep so Jean wouldn’t be embarrassed.

After a few weeks, Jeremy felt so powerless and awful that he tried the only thing in the world he could- he prayed.

Jeremy already prayed every night, for guidance and forgiveness and to remember his blessings. But starting that night, he tried to pour all of his frustration, his fear, his sadness into a prayer for Jean. It started coherent, with a plea to help Jean where Jeremy could not, to give him peace, but the words choked him and it ended with a plea, over and over: “Please.”

Jean usually sleeps before Jeremy, giving him time to reflect and pray without disturbing Jean. Tonight, though, Jean is thrown out of sleep earlier than usual, throwing them both off.

“You okay?” Jeremy asks tentatively, rolling onto his side to blink at Jean in the dim light.

Jeremy thought Jean wasn’t going to answer, but finally he said, “Nothing I cannot bear. What were you whispering to yourself?”

“I was just praying.”

Jean looked curious. “I didn’t know you were religious.”

Jeremy ran a hand through his hair. “I’m-it’s complicated.”

“What do you pray for?”

‘Everything,’ he wants to say, because there’s no good way to put into words what he wants to convey. Instead, he settles for, “Strength. Wisdom. For Him to help where I can’t.”

Jean raised an eyebrow. “You’re admitting you can’t do everything?”

Jeremy ducked his head. He doesn’t know if it’s extraordinary bravery or just his sleepiness, but he says, “I pray for you sometimes.”

It’s the wrong thing to say. Jeremy can see Jean’s face snap closed. “I don’t need your pity.”

“It isn’t pity,” Jeremy protests. “It’s-”

It’s all I can do. You won’t let me in, you won’t let me help, but I can’t just not try.

Jean rolls over before Jeremy can finish his sentence.

Jean leaves early the next morning before Jeremy is up. Saying he’s avoiding Jeremy makes him feel like he’s being a petulant child, so he doesn’t admit that’s what he’s doing. He notices Jeremy staring at him from across the field with those puppy eyes, but pretends not to see. He’s not angry with Jeremy, not really, but Jeremy’s admission had shocked him and he needed to process it. Jean didn’t want anyone feeling sorry for him, especially not Jeremy. That Jeremy thought he needed it...it felt like pity, even if Jeremy said it was not. He couldn’t understand what else it could possibly be.

He called Renee at his lunch break and she listened patiently as he explained the situation.

“So what’s really upsetting you about it?” she asked.

Jean parsed through the possibilities: not wanting someone intervening for him, believing it to be a waste of time, the strangeness of him meaning enough to Jeremy that he would include him in something so personal.

Finally, he says, “I know he means well, but if God wanted to help me, he would have.”

Renee answered thoughtfully, “I think he wants to help, but he knows he’s not what you need right now. He’s putting it in the hands of someone he thinks can do something.”

Jean pauses to weight that. “Have you prayed for me?”

“I have.”

He nods even though he knows she can’t see. “I don’t know if it’s working,” he says.

“Prayer’s never been a magic wand to fix all your problems. It just makes the load easier to bear.”

They say goodbye and Jean heads off to talk to Jeremy. When he gets back to their room Jeremy is sitting on his bed, knees pulled up to his chest. It doesn’t match up with Jean’s ideas of captains and how they should act. He looks unsure and pensive. He hadn’t been aware Jeremy could feel an emotion that wasn’t positive.

Jeremy looks up at the sound of the door opening and Jean can’t read his face, though admittedly, Jean has never been the best at interpreting emotions. He hands Jeremy an apology coffee, ignoring the look of surprise he gets in return.

“For being an ass yesterday.”

Jeremy shakes his head. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“I don’t entirely know how I feel about it,” Jean says honestly, “But I appreciate the sentiment.”

Jeremy smiles briefly. “And I appreciate the coffee.”

Jean nods and sits on his own bed. He still has to work through it, but for now, the idea that two people considered him as not an afterthought, but a real person worthy of consideration was what he could handle for now.

#the foxhole court #aftg #jeremy knox #jean moreau #jerejean #ish #not really but everything I write for them is at least leading up to a relationship so

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randomnessunicorn-imagine · 7 years

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Father/Daughter HCs with Underfell Asgore, Underswap Asgore and Mafiatale Asgore?

{ Oh, I don’t do Mafiatale so I can write only the Fell! and Swap! Versions this time. }

👨‍👧 Fell! Asgore ;

We cannot describe him like the best father of the world and he is still the one who has brought into force the law “kill or to be killed”, so it can make people think about the nature of this man. Then, being king is not always easy so he often ignores his children, just think about the poor Asriel who is grown up without a dad. Asgore frequently ignored Asriel when he was a kid so Asriel became an insecure and strange person, he can be considered like a maladjusted and Asgore had permitted to Alphys doing experiments to him, this is the reason why Asriel has turned to a flower. I don’t know how being the daughter of this man can be a good experience. On the other hand, to be his daughter could give you so many benefits and privileges since you are respected and protected as a royal citizen of the Underground. The Underground is not a safe and peaceful place so it’s lucky you are his daughter so nobody will mess with you. Then, Asgore has always dreamed having a female kid while Toriel wanted a male so she had been the one to be satisfied this time, maybe it’s one of the reasons Asgore is not so attached to Asriel and this is so sad. The same Asriel could develop a sort of envy towards you, for this reason he could consider you like his rival because you seem the favourite child but it’s something normal in the Underground since everyone usually fights and wants to be the strongest and the best person alive, demonstrating their own value. It’s the main rule, after all and you have to demonstrate to be the greatest by fighting as well, or the King is going to kicked you out of his realm, he is the kind of person who does not understand the sense of those qualities like kindness and benevolence. There are some moments when Asgore is not a bad father even if he never shows his sentiments and affection so you have to be a good observer understanding the hidden meanings of his words. He will be the one who wants to train you, teaching you the art of fight because you need to know it to survive and to earn respect here. Maybe those are the most pleasant moments you will spend with him, because he is a very closed person especially after the divorce with Toriel he became colder and meaner. You have to be patient but with the right amount of tolerance and understanding he could confess to you his true feelings, being able to be a more present and generous father for you (within his limits).

👨‍👧 Swap! Asgore ;

Asgore has seen too many destroyed souls in his life and he is sick and tired of it, so he tries his best to protect you from his Ex-Wife who wants to conquer as much souls as she can, and the only thing he can do is not to make you cross the ruins. He is very happy when you decide to stay with him, and he is such a good father, since it’s the thing he loves doing the most. Now, you are his only reason to exist since he considers his sons like his everything and he tries to give to them what they need to be happy and satisfied. Sometimes, Asgore can appear a little too apprehensive and you may think he is too much clingy and over protective towards you but he acts like this because he has to protect you because he knows how this world can be difficult and cruel. Asgore has already lost two of his sons and he does not want to lose you, too. It’s something he would not be able to handle. His soul suffered so much so he must be sure you are safe and sound. You can still befriend the other monsters since he does not want you to isolate yourself or being alone. You can socialize as you want but it’s better if you remain nearby Snowdin and he knows the skeleton brothers would take care of you since they are his friends and they are harmless. Even Sans, who wants to be a part of the royal guard, will never hurt you despite he says he wants to catch you but you can have fun with him and his brother so you have nothing to worry, until you do not get away from the ruins and you do not reach the Castle you are protected. Before you go to bed, he will always tell you fables even if you are too big for them, but he knows a lot of them so he could tell you about his adventures and life, too, if you don’t want to hear children’s stories. Then, Asgore is a good chef and maybe you could have the need to go on diet because the meals he prepares are too exaggerated and big that they seem Christmas dinners and you had to buy bigger clothing since you ate too much! He is just like those grandmothers who say to their grandsons “You do look a bit peaked!”, “Have you eaten?”, “Are you hungry?” every second of your day and maybe you would get tired but try to forgive him and his grandmother‘s attitudes. At the end, we can say Asgore is the best father you could aspire despite his little flaws like his over protective behaviours and sometime he worries so much but when you demonstrate to him you are strong enough to protect yourself and you are not like a little harmless baby, he will respect your courage, giving you more space. Ah, the poor man will need a lot of patience when you become a teenager since we know very well how them can be difficult and problematic. Every one of them is, but he will handle you even in the hardest times.

#randomnessunicorn-imagine #twistybliss #ask #undertale headcanons #undertale scenarios #underfell asgore #underswap asgore #asgore #undertale #imagines #x reader #douhter reader #family moments

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grim-faux · 3 years

Text

4 - Committed to Survival

Rather fix the camera in its hoister now, I’d wait until I wasn’t around the water. The path out of this place felt long and oppressive, the sharp smell of mildew at this point drilling a painful ache in my head. I shut the mesh door behind me and trudged up the stairs to the first landing, where a tolerable light source awaited.

MKULTRA program, CIA document no. 190691, p. 1, excerpt To: File Subject: Hypnotic Experimentation and Research, Febuary 10, 1954 On Wednesday, 10 Febuary, 1954, hypnotic experimentation and research work was continued in Building 13 of the Mount Massive Preserve in Colorado using the following subjects.

1. A posthypnotic of the night before (pointed finger, you will sleep) was enacted. Misses Jackson and Pierce immediately progressed to a deep hypnotic state with no further suggestion. Miss Pierce was then instructed (having previously expressed a fear of firearms in any fashion) that she would use every method at her disposal to awaken miss Jackson (now in a deep hypnotic sleep), and failing this, she would pick up a nearby pistol and fire it at Miss Jackson. She was instructed that her rage would be so great that she would not hesitate to “kill” Jackson for failing to awaken.

2. Miss Pierce carried out these suggestions to the letter including firing the (unloaded pneumatic pistol) gun at Jackson and then proceeding to fall into a deep sleep. After proper suggestions were made, both were awakened and expressed complete amnesia for the entire sequence. Miss Pierce was again handed the gun, which she refused (in an awakened state) to pick up or accept from the operator. She expressed absolute denial that the foregoing sequence had happened.” In the least my little souvenir was interesting. Hypnoses to cure fears, or force a person to perform a desired function. I read files on this but the fancy didn’t strike me, people liked to read those sorts of articles but I wasn’t prime on reporting them. I left the file on the landing and made the ground floor. I exhaled a breath of relief to see my surroundings unchanged, whether good or bad. At least the big fucker had left most of the building intact. I made my uneventful trek back to the Security room, I didn’t like the idea of a gaping hole behind me at this point, but I wasn’t about to prop that heavy metal door up with that little rolling chair. Call me lazy, I just wanted to get the doors open and put a fuck lot of distance between here, and the remnants of my healthy psyche. I wasn’t going to be normal after this, alright? The terminal looked like it would still function, some of the monitors seemed to be spazing out from the abrupt shut down. The main root, system controls, was up and ready to go. I managed to type in the first half of Security before someone crashed into me from behind, I didn’t even hear them enter. I tried to push back and throw them off but they had braced a knee into the back of my leg, the edge of the terminal bit into my bruised thigh. I already knew who it was even before he braced his arms over my chest, pain rippled up my side as he wrenched my head up. Something metal flashed across my vision. A needle! It was jammed into the base of my neck, my vision flashed as whatever the hypodermic was filled with drowned my senses. He released me and I collapsed against the desk, my forehead started to tingle and I immediately worried over what was in that needle. I leaned against my arms struggling to drag my failing strength back, but it was impossible. The blue chair rolled over the clean portion of the floor as he nudged it aside, and moved close beside me. I turned my head to watch his movement, his foul black robe swelled along my peripheral vision. Getting hard to focus. Felt like my legs were turning into jello. “I’m sorry, my son, I didn’t want to have to do this to you.” He revealed the needle and grasped my hand. “But you can’t leave, not yet.” I jerked my hand away from his clammy grasp and brushed him off. I tried to turn, push him away. I want nothing to do with you. Nothing! Just let me Leave! Without the support of the desk my legs gave out. The Priest caught me under the arms and lowered me to my knees. My shoulder pressed into the side of the metal desk as I stared up into his face. He was bald, with wild eyes that frightened me. “There is so much yet for you to witness.” Oh god. “Will you see it? Can you?” With one arm latched to my side, he used the other hand to turn my head towards a gray video feed. My thoughts were muddled, it was a room. Camera looking down in a room, with a desk, wall with windows. Bright windows. Everything in that room was bright. A symbol. Rings on the floor. Sharp ovals. People in the room. Holding guns. Looked like MHS cops. The guy I watched die. I tried to get out…. “Our lord the Walrider, tearing His truth into the unbelievers.” They were dying. My eyes drooped but I fought to keep focus, what was killing them? Dragging them off, throttling them, blood everywhere. This place was turning red, full of blood. Blood up to my knees, I was running from my shadow. What did they see? What was killing them? What did he put into me? “The only way out of this place is the truth.” My head rolled back to him. The drugs made me weak and heavy, and I couldn’t care less for what he was saying. The lights dimmed and I sank to my side. His last words rang through my mind. “Accept the gospel and all doors will open before you.” The dark. There was safety in the dark. There was comfort in the dark. The dark was the unknown. The dark was all encompassing. The dark was unmovable. Unless there was light. That terrible light. I awoke once, enveloped in white, everything was bright and painful to bear. By my side was a dark shape, the Priest. I blinked and he was outside the door, it looked like he was speaking to a man with ants crawling on his face. Maybe it was a dream. The road was very long, and it was already night. It didn’t matter what time visiting hours ended, I planned to snoop around the grounds anyway and pick up whatever looked incriminating. But I had to film something concrete, or my contacts would just scoff. When I arrived, the patients were wandering the front lawn in white shrouds. Something without form was tearing through them, tossing their bodies like broken toys against the walls, muscle and lungs were tangled in the barbed wire. Amidst them was Chris Walker, the other patients had bowed before him. It didn’t look like he cared. His face was splint back in a cruel grin, but his eyes were milky and dead. Once I had gotten away from the Asylum, I collapsed in the woods. Everything hurt, my body was broken. Death wasn’t the punishment anymore. I didn’t have to worry about paying the bills, a boyfriend, my next job - nothing mattered. The fight was over. I curled up in the wet leaves and sank into a deep sleep, the dead of winter closed in, but not even the cold could reach me. There was just the indiscriminate black that awaited at the end of it all. A soft groan escaped me as I roused, clearing the short rest from my stiff lungs. I opened my eyes to view murky shapes, odd lines in the white walls. The damn light was too bright, I turned my head and felt the dull pain in my neck reminding me of the previous events. Everything felt muggy and pointless to my mind, but at least I was alone. It felt like I had slept on the world’s hardest substance, the material crinkled nastily as I shifted. Smelt like a retirement homes bad day, but at this point I didn’t give a damn. Same scenario if you were drunk off your ass, you didn’t give a damn where you passed out. I put a hand to my collar and brought it back. No blood. Probably bruised like hell, but otherwise fine. My brain was still working out the crap that guy injected me with, should probably be the least of my worries. For a while I lay on that stiff cot, staring at the walls until they came into focus. Crosses and words scrawled everywhere. Some of it in blood. I took it this was His cell. I didn’t feel ready to resume my personal vendetta for freedom, but options were a luxury I feared I was now banned from. Time was my worst enemy, and my chances of walking out alive dwindled the longer I wavered. Either way, I didn’t want to be here when He returned. Slowly I sat up, making mental note of the injuries that had set into my body. I coughed a bit of blood onto my sleeve, but that didn’t alarm me. But I would check in to the hospital first chance I had. A real hospital. Very considerate of the Priest to leave the camera, but he had reinforced his desires into me that I was to be his Apostle. I flipped the visor open and raised it to the walls. “The priest, FATHER MARTIN brought me here to show me something. Thinks I’m going to be a witness for whatever batshit crazy he’s trying to sell me. This DR. WERNICKE is at the center of whatever went wrong here. But he died more than ten years ago. ‘Rest in Peace,’ says the blood on the wall.“ Fuck the story, when I get out of here I was going to write a New York Times best seller. “How I Survived the Worst Tip in my Career.” By Miles Upshur. In your face, Oprah. The door had no visible lock or latch mechanism. How did I get out? Maybe if I pushed. That didn’t seem to work, but as I peered out of the small window a face shot into the lens of my camera startling me. A click echoed, and the figure darted off. Though the door was now wide open, I waited. I had no idea what was out there, let alone where the hell I was NOW. I hadn’t seen much before he unlocked the cell. But the question I needed answered immediately, where was I in this god awful place? Far from the safest exit, of course! Tentatively, I crept forward, but what was I going to do if someone decided to come in next? I wasn’t hiding in here. This was better than Disney land. I think every ghost hunter in the world would donate a kidney, just to spend a night in this place. It was the main ward of the asylum, its heart, where all the crazies hung out. Below, I saw a few of the frequents. One man patrolling, smashing his skull into blood stained concrete with bone cracking force. I winced with each impact. “Back! Get back!” To my right a man lunged at a segregation gate rattling at the bars, shrieking his lungs out. “Get the fuck away from me! Rrah! Huh…don’t look at me. Don’t you dare….” I whirled away from him, relying fully on the doors capacity to withstand his violence, even if fate did not favor me this hour. I walked along the bland and gray wall, glancing down to the people on the lower floor. Had they been this messed up before Murkoff got ahold of them? They were using dream therapy to alter their higher cognitive functions of the mind, didn’t look like these people had that treatment. Even if they had, I still wouldn’t be able to distinguish them from your typical lunatic. I shuddered to think if Murkoff had been trying to cure their mental deficiency in order to use them for further experimentation later on. The smell. Like all the filthy alley ways and slums in every city in the world. I could hardly breathe without gaging, filth was everywhere. It was a miracle these people weren’t dead from contamination. Or maybe it was some sort of curse. This was no sort of life for a human. The window parallel to my face burst open and a hand shot out, grabbing for my head as I ducked. I smashed against the rail and stared up as the arm continued to grope blindly for nothing, then withdrew. The shock wore off quickly and I stood up to gaze on the face that met mine. Skin had been cut and moved, tacked down in cruel areas. It looked like his right eyelid had been removed, the eye now a shriveled sack in the socket. Despite his earlier ‘attack,’ I think I felt sorry for him. I was still glad his door was locked. The next door was open, but I could change that. “Said he shouldn’t hurt you,” a voiced hummed from within. Inside, opposite to a blood splashed corner, stood a man pawing at his face. He too had been mutualized by some form of surgery, one eye stitched shut and his face scarred by malpractice. “Is what he said.” I glanced around, then turned back to him and raised the camera. “Father Martin?” “Our Father,” he corrected. “Told him not to hurt you. But when the cat’s away….Hmmmm….Mmmmm.” Everything in me screamed, slam that door now. But I didn’t. Quietly, I backed away and left him as he was. If he was a danger, he was the least of my concerns. Shutting the door might agitate him, and there were people on the floor below that seemed to not have noticed my presence yet. I slipped around the pillar of the next corner and walked towards the metal door on this side of the level. “Who’s this?” I stopped in my tracks and stared at the speaker, cloaked by shadow. That was all they were cloaked by. “Maybe…Farther Martin’s man.” “Maybe.” The first seemed excited by my presence. My hair stood on end and I knew without a doubt, I should not be near them. The thick metal gate stood between us and presumably was locked, but I couldn’t make that gamble. Even without the NV I could distinguish their lack of apparel, their shapes were tall and sinewy, and they appeared to be identical twins. Splattered with blood. “He looks nervous.” “I would like to kill him.” I hid behind the pillar a little more. “As would I…” His voice made the task sound tedious. I really didn’t want to be here at this particular moment. “The preacher asked us not to.” “It would be impolite.” “Not here.” They paused. “We give him a running start?” “There’s an idea.” “And when we kill him, we kill him slow.” “Such patience.” I was done. I was gone. I was staggering down the steps searching for a way out of this mad house. “I want his tongue. And liver.” “They are yours.” Was there a way out? Not from down here, the only route I could see had the camera shy freak and my new fan club. They were giving me a running start. What the FUCK did that mean?! “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Said the man staring at a pillar. I decided from this point on, for the safety of my psyche and my body parts I did NOT need to speak with ANYONE. They could talk to me, I was not going to converse back. Someone darted from the group into an open door, and slammed it. One less to worry over. Two men still roamed, there was a third sitting in a wheelchair. I didn’t trust anyone in a wheelchair anymore. The two rooms on either side of the stairs had nothing to offer, no tools or messages, or items of interest. I had a fear of standing in the doorways, unless someone opened the door from the outside I could be locked in. The man staring at his pillar, he had been the one to let me out in the first place. I didn’t want to ask if there was a way out of this area. The Priest had brought me here, how the hell did he get out? Unless, he was still here…. “Don’t trust them.” I jerked away from the man in the wheelchair, I had given him his distance though it was doubtful he could do much. His mutilation went beyond the laws of humanity, scars and broken flesh healed over. I raised my camera and knelt down, but I refused to get too close. “They’ll tell you it’s science but it’s not. They were…waiting for us. In this place. Billy understood. They’ve always been here.” I wanted to ask him about Billy. About the experiments and the Walrider, and what he meant by ‘they.’ But I was frightened by what he might say. If he said any more. Uttering this information had seemed to exhaust him, and his head wilted to his shoulder. Briefly, I wondered if he had fallen asleep or had he finally escaped this place. I shivered and stood. A way out that involved my body and I escaping together, and in one piece. That seemed like a naive dream. I didn’t bother with the door behind him, or the one after that. Though, as I passed by a face appeared in the glass. I stared, and ‘he’ stared back. My mind was attempting to fathom how someone without a mouth could survive, unless there was a tube in his nose, but even his nostrils were compromised. It looked like there was an opening in his throat, reminiscent to smokers that suffered cancer and had their larynx removed. This place was god awful. I had to keep reminding myself that, the more I looked around, the more I felt. Even for a clutch of crazy people, murderers, whatever. I think the worst ones were the men and women that consciously decided they were going to mangle the part of them that wasn’t broken beyond function. Then, crack their minds open and figure out to what extent they could fuck their thoughts up even more. I was between feeling terrible and feeling like bitter justice was served. Everything was a whirling mess of gray with globs of black. One room I entered on the far side had a patient curled up on his cot, trembling. I knelt down to film him through the nightvision feed, taking in the details of his misshapen face. Many of the patients I had encountered thus far had scars or wounds of unknown origin, from experiments Murkoff was performing on them. It was briefly mentioned in Chris Walker’s file, many of his injuries were self-inflicted, but the report indicated not all. Were the patient’s the one mutilating their bodies, prior to Murkoff’s fall? Not all of them shared these injuries, some appeared almost normal or unharmed. It must have been a part of the process Murkoff was putting them through. But what sort of process I couldn’t begin to imagine. Some of the scars appeared almost like chemical burns in theory. What sort of monster would give an order to maim humans? “Too many voices. They followed me back.” He stumbled into me as I swayed to get out of his way. “No more sleep.” He grabbed my collar and forced me aside, and then continued on toward a bloody spot on the wall without pause. Wack. Smack! Crack! Clack! “They’re in my blood and they want to get out. Can feel….” I continued to back away until I was a safe distance, concealed in shadows. My back pressed against the cold wall and I slid down to sit. “We angered Him with our science. He only wanted faith.” The voice sounded very close, but when I turned my camera to find him, he was a few feet away curled up tightly in a corner. I sat there for what felt like a long time observing the habits of these people, lost in madness. Eventually the man whom stared at pillar did move, at first leaning on his subject matter, then slipping down until he was on his side facing the cold concrete structure. I turned my attention back to the man in wheelchair, but he had not yet moved since he spoke. I wondered if he did indeed die. It made no difference to me, not at this time, but I did feel a unique chill in my veins at the thought. How many people have I watched die today? “Voices in my head follow me back!” When the head banger made his third round, I decided it was time to find a way out. Without a word of farewell to the squatter, I crossed to the other side of the wall to doors that had not been examined. I was beginning to despair, surrendering resolve to the idea of returning to the upper level, to the twins. It was very likely they would open the door only to murder me. There was no place for me to run, or hide. Especially with the two of them, they’d corner me with little effort if I tried. My heart thudded against the stress, and that persistent pain in my chest. I needed a doctor. A door I opened finally offered some promise, the back of the room was shattered revealing a crack into an open work space. A shred of concern did remain in me to enter a room in which I could not open from the inside, but I didn’t give a damn at this point. I squeezed through the gap and pulled up the nightvision, it sounded like someone was struggling. I wasn’t confident in facing the source, if I had someplace to run I might felt more assured. Truth was safety was an illusion in Mount Massive, my only hope for survival was my capacity to elude danger. There wasn’t much to see in the work hall, pipes for water, pipes for gas, I couldn’t tell which from the static green NV feed. The noises were muffled but grew louder as I moved through the work space. I didn’t like the sound of them. Overhead the cement had been torn out, where the debris was removed to remained a mystery but it was a direction to take. I climbed onto a crate and made sure it was sturdy before leaping up to an overhead ledge. For a span I was completely blind in the dark, the camera strap I stuck in my mouth rather the case so I could reach it quicker. Once I had pulled myself onto the floor I knelt and took it up, looking immediately into the visor. A face covered in ants stared back. I gave a sharp yelp and toppled sideways, catching the jagged edge with my elbows before I fell through, my legs swung beneath me and I struggled not to drop the camera in my hand. Groaning, I pulled myself back up and crawled away before checking once more. “Agh! God damnit! What the fuck is the matter with you?” One of the patients had plastered himself against a wall and was fixing his shirt. He wasn’t wearing pants. On the floor across from him was a bloodied and decapitated body, nude, in a…suggestive position. “You weren’t invited to this, you god damned sicko.” Just….This place needed to go to hell. Some of the people here did deserve what they got. “What, you like to watch?” He pointed directly at me and reaffirmed his diagnosis. “It’s sick. You’re sick.” And thus my pledge, not to speak to any of these people, was solidified. You couldn’t stage better propaganda. “Fuck this place. Seriously, just fuck this place. Dying keeps moving lower on the list of the worst things that could happen to me here.” I jogged down the hall, an otherwise good mood literally—No, no. I needed to forget. Positive thoughts, healthy thoughts. I was terribly fucking lost, had no map, two naked men were admitted into my fan club, and dying was no longer top of the list of shitty ways to ruin this day. Or night. I had no fucking idea. “Hey! Hey!” I stopped in an intersecting hall when someone called for me, and rattled a gate. He was on the other side, which made me happy. “You… Oh. I….” By the time I had my camera zoomed in he had already spun about and was running away. The small event had me smirking despite everything, who did he think I was? A friend? Lord give me strength, I was just mistaken for a loony. And I thought it was funny.

#outlast #outlast novelized #miles upshure #outlast fanfiction

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