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therainroguefanfiction · 4 years

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🎃 Frightful October Act V, #13 ~ Urbex (Haechan / Donghyuck Lee)

📑 Table of Contents

Genre: Supernatural, AU, Fluff, Friendship, Halloween

Word Count: 3,259

Pairing: Reader x Haechan

World: NCT

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It was the night of Halloween and you had resolved yourself to spending the night reading as many horror books as you could while munching on your favorite snacks. You had been invited to a party to ring in the holiday, but partying wasn’t really something that interested you.

You stepped out of the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn in hand when the doorbell rang. Confused, you glanced at the clock above the fireplace. It was eight-thirty. ‘Who could that be?’ you wondered, setting the bowl down on the coffee table next to your book. You checked the peephole before pulling the door open. “Haechan? What are you doing here?”

Your best friend smiled, his hands behind his back.

“I thought you went to the party,” you shifted, crossing your arms over your chest as the cool October air hit your skin.

“Nah, it wouldn’t be fun without my bestie!”

You raised a brow, knowing something was up. Normally, he would have pushed himself inside already, plus he had no problems going to the party without you last year. “What is it, Haechan?”

“Ah, well…” he gave you a sheepish smile. “Mark hyung and the others didn’t want to go, either. Chenle thought it would be fun to do some urban exploring – he’s been watching a lot of those videos online lately.”

“Okay… and what does that have to do with me?” You were getting a bad feeling.

“I may or may not have promised them that you would be willing to come with us?”

“I’m sorry, you what?”

“I’m sorry!” he bowed, holding his hands together above his head. “You’re skilled in martial arts, so you being around makes everyone feel safer! It was the only way the others would agree to come.”

“Haechan – ”

“Please!”

You frowned, glancing over your shoulder at your horror book waiting to be read and the popcorn that was now probably cold. You looked back at Haechan’s pleading face, and back again to your snack. With a heavy, defeated sigh, you turned back to your best friend, who took the sound as a sign of compliance.

He grabbed your wrist, pulling you out the door. You barely had enough time to pull the door closed behind you. The cold air nipped at your skin and you whined, ‘He didn’t even give me time to grab my jacket!’

The rest of the group was waiting down the street at Jaemin’s house, loitering around Mark’s car. After playing a quick rock-paper-scissors tournament to determine who would sit where, everyone piled into the car. Jeno won but allowed you to sit upfront in his place. Jaemin, Jeno, and Jisung sat in the back, with Chenle, Renjun, and Haechan sitting across their laps. Not the safest thing to do, but everyone trusted Mark’s safe driving.

The destination Chenle had chosen was Oakmeadow Estates, an abandoned gated community on the outskirts of town. No one knew why, but the place had been completely abandoned five years ago and the city hadn’t made any moves to do anything with it.

Mark pulled up to the metal gate and you stepped out of the car, Haechan following close behind. The gate was rusted, vines curled around the bars like a snake constricting its prey. It was on a track and had been previously opened enough to allow a person to slip through.

Your fingers wrapped around one of the bars at the front of the gate. Haechan squeezed into the opening and the two of you started to push it. It creaked and moaned, and it took some effort to unstick before it finally started to slide along the track. Mark pulled the car through and you pushed it back to its original position. That way, if anyone drove by they wouldn’t notice anything amiss.

Haechan held the passenger side door open for you and you thanked him, climbing back into the car. He grinned, plopping onto your lap before closing the door. You huffed but said nothing. Mark followed the road to the back of the estates, which was surrounded by towering spruce trees. There was no power there anymore, the streets illuminated only by the full moon that hung above and headlights of the car.

He parked in a cul-de-sac and everyone hesitantly shuffled out of the car.

A gust of wind ruffled the trees, making you shiver as you folded your arms tightly, hands in the warmth of your armpits. ‘I think it’s getting colder. And man is this place cree-py,’

Haechan frowned, shrugging his jacket off before holding it out to you. “Here, wear this. Sorry I didn’t give you a chance to grab yours.”

“Are you sure?” you asked, taking it from his hands.

He nodded. “This sweater is thick, so don’t worry!”

With a smile, you slipped your arms into the jacket, sighing in content at the warmth it provided. It smelled like him, which was a plus in your eyes.

Mark unlocked the trunk and everyone gathered around as he handed out flashlights and walkie talkies.

You whistled. “You really came prepared, huh?”

“You can never be too prepared,” he smiled.

“Are we splitting up, then?” You asked, clipping the walkie talkie to the pocket of your pants.

Mark hesitated before nodding. “We’re going to split up into two groups.” He shuffled around in the black bag before pulling out a handful of thin sticks. “Long sticks on one team, and short sticks on the other.”

The group took turns taking a stick and hiding them. On the count of three, everyone revealed their stick, everyone’s eyes immediately snapping to your long stick before checking theirs.

“Yes!” Haechan cheered, throwing his arms around you. Jisung and Jeno high-fived before doing the same. The other team didn’t look pleased.

Mark made everyone test their walkie talkie and flashlight. “Okay, we’re all set. Don’t stray too far from the car, and don’t wander off on your own. Stay alert and on your guard.”

You headed toward the two-story house in the middle, your shoes crunching as they followed the gravel path. The grass was overgrown, reaching your knees as it tilted over the path like hungry hands. Jeno took the lead, slowly pushing the door open and shining his flashlight inside.

“Hello? Is anyone here?” he called, pausing to listen for a response. “We’re just exploring, we mean no harm.” The house remained silent so he stepped inside.

Everything was covered in dust an inch thick, kicked up into the air as everyone entered the house. On the left was an archway leading into the living room. You shined your flashlight, the beam ghosting over the pictures hanging on the walls. They all seemed like normal photographs except for one, sitting in the middle of the wall above the fireplace. It was hanging lopsided, like many of its brethren, the glass broken in a single line from the top corner to the bottom.

The photograph itself was faded and old, a rustic orange in color. A woman sat straight in a wooden chair, her hair pulled taut into a bun that sat on top of her head. In her lap was a young child, maybe five years old, wearing a white dress. She looked terrified.

Something about the photo made you feel uneasy as a chill slid down your spine. It seemed like the girl’s face was moving, and you leaned closer, squinting in the darkness. Her face flashed before turning into a swirling void of black like someone had taken a ballpoint pen and circled it a dozen times. You blinked rapidly, brow furrowed. The girl’s face was normal again. ‘I guess the darkness is playing tricks on my mind…’

Shaking your head, you stepped back into the entryway, following Jisung up the rickety stairs. They creaked under your weight and the railing was loose, shifting when you put your hand on it. He pushed open the door directly across from the stairs – it was a small bathroom. You stepped past him, pushing open the next door.

It was a bedroom, stripped down and nearly bare. The wallpaper was faded, the flower pattern barely visible as it peeled and yellowed in various places. The queen-sized bedframe was missing one of its legs and the dressed had been stripped of all its drawers. The wood was splintered as if the drawers had been removed with force.

Jisung stepped inside and you headed to the next room. It was also a bedroom but looked more worn down than the first. The springs on the single bedframe were sticking up like a bed of bloodthirsty nails. The carpet was stained a sickly shade of yellow-green and the wallpaper had been ripped from the walls. It looked like one of those stickers stores put on their product, and then you try to peel it off, half of it gets stuck on.

You stepped farther into the room, glancing at the dresser across from the bedframe. The bottom drawer was pulled out a bit, so your finger wrapped around the handle and you tugged, pulling it open all the way. The bottom of the drawer had been removed. You pushed it closed again, the handle rattling as you did so. Against the back wall was a long mirror, pieces of the glass missing. You stepped closer, inspecting the glass. Words had been etched into it, but it was too dark to see. When you pointed the light at it, it became too bright to make out the words.

A dark shadow moved behind you, reflected in the bottom of the mirror, followed by a soft bang, as if something had been knocked over. You whirled around, training the light where you thought the sound had come from. Your heart picked up speed as you slowly approached the closet door, reaching your hand up. You hesitated, fingers brushing against the metal. You took a deep breath to calm your nerves before wrapping your fingers around the handle.

A scream ripped through the air, sending a chill through your body. You abandoned the closet and rushed down the stairs, trying not to trip. Haechan was at the bottom of the stairs, breathing heavy with his eyes wide open. Jeno was kneeling beside him, flashlight aimed at the ceiling, the light shining off the chandelier.

“What happened?” you demanded, kneeling on his other side and gently grasping his shoulder. His eyes met yours, a mixture of embarrassment and fear swirling in their depths.

He offered you a sheepish smile. “Something landed on my head. I thought something grabbed me…”

A squeaking pulled your attention to the ceiling where a small bat was flying in and out of the beam of light as it tried to escape. You sighed in relief, standing up and offering him your hand. He gladly accepted, sliding his hand into your own. Once he was on his feet, he kept a tight grip on your hand.

You gave it a tug as you turned toward the stairs. “Come on, I wanna finish exploring upstairs,” he followed close behind, lacing his fingers with your own. You headed straight for the second bedroom but stopped short when your light fell on the closet door, which was now open.

Haechan walked into you, not expecting the sudden stop. “What’s wrong?”

Your brow furrowed. Had you opened it in your haste to leave the room? Your hand had been around the handle, but you never turned it. Or maybe you did and just didn’t realize it. Cautiously, you walked around the bed, scanning the area with the flashlight. You pushed the door shut, testing to see if it would spring open on its own. It didn’t.

Haechan frowned at you. “Did you find anything?”

“I heard a sound in this closet,” you explained. “You screamed before I could open it…”

He seemed to realize what you were getting at and swallowed. “Who opened it, then?”

“Maybe… it was Jisung?” you questioned, glancing at him. “He was up here with me.”

“Let’s get out of here, I don’t like this.” He tugged you back toward the door and you followed him down the stairs, but you couldn’t help but look behind you at the open door. Something about that closet really unnerved you. “Jisung!”

The youngest of the group was nowhere to be found.

Jeno stepped out of the kitchen, looking at the two of you curiously. “Something wrong?”

“Where’s Jisung?”

“He went over to the other group.”

“Before or after Haechan screamed?” you asked.

“Before,” he frowned, looking between the two of you. “What’s going on?”

You and Haechan exchanged a look. If he had left before the scream, then there’s no way he could have messed with the closet. Was there someone hiding in the house and they were trying to scare you? Or was it something else, something sinister that couldn’t be seen with the naked eye? Your hair was beginning to stand on end and dread was pooling in your stomach.

“Let’s get ou – ” your words were cut short when you saw the look of terror on Jeno’s face. You followed his wide eyes and nearly dropped the flashlight. Standing at the top of the stairs was a shadowy figure, short in stature. It was too dark to make out any features – the only thing you could see were two bloodshot eyes staring directly at you. The three of you were frozen.

“Wh-What is that?!” Haechan whispered, gripping your arm.

Shakingly, you lifted the flashlight. The weak beam lit up its dark, sunken face. Blood dripped from where its hairline should be. Its mouth opened, showing off rotting teeth. A high-pitched scream ripped from its throat, threatening to pierce your eardrum.

“Run!” you ordered, shoving Haechan to get him moving. You brought up the rear, keeping your eyes on the creature so it wouldn’t be able to sneak up on you, slamming the door shut. The others came running over, asking what was happening and what the scream was. “No time to explain, get in the car!”

Mark fumbled to pull the keys from his pocket and everyone jumped in, slamming and locking the doors. As he pulled away, you glanced back at the house, seeing a dark figure standing in the upstairs window. “Crap, the gate!”

With your heart hammering against your ribcage, you jumped out of the car, jogging over to the gate. Jeno joined you and together, you tried to push the gate open. It started to move but then came to a dead stop with a loud groan.

“I think something’s blocking it,” Jeno breathed loudly, following the length of the gate as it sunk into the tall bushes. You followed close behind, keeping your eyes peeled and body alert. You held the bushes apart for him with some difficulty.

A chunk of broken brick had been shoved inside the track, blocking the gate from opening any farther. Jeno wrapped his fingers around it, trying to pry it free but it wouldn’t give an inch.

“I can’t get it.”

“Let me try,” you switched places, your fingers digging at the brick. Even with your monstrous strength, you couldn’t get it to budge. You glanced around, finding a thick stick lying on the ground. It wasn’t as thick as a branch, but you hoped it would hold up without breaking. “Let’s try this,” you said, doing your best to wedge the end of the stick under the brick.

The walkie talkie crackled before Mark’s voice came through, full of worry. “Are you guys okay? What’s going on?”

Jeno unclipped the walkie talkie from my waist as you wiggled the stick back and forth. “Yeah, the gate got stuck but we’ve almost got it.”

The stick snapped just as the brick rolled free of the track. You heaved a sigh of relief, exchanging a look with Jeno. Worry lingered in the back of your mind, though. It was obvious that the brick had been deliberately put there to stop the gate from opening, but by who? And why?

The two of you stepped back through the bushes and you glanced at the car. Everyone was watching the two of you, a mixture of relief and fear present on their faces. The gate moved easily now, sliding along the track with a whine.

The bushes rustled on the other side of the road and you tensed up.

“What was that?” Jeno whispered, stepping closer to you as his eyes scanned the darkness.

“It was probably just a squirrel or something,” you shakily breathed out, not entirely convinced by your own words.

A twig snapped behind you, right where the two of you had been just a few moments before. Red eyes shined through the inky blackness. You stared back. It felt like your body was paralyzed. Your legs wouldn’t move and your mind became hazy like a fog was entering your brain. The eyes seemed to speak to you, beckoning you forward.

Jeno grabbed your arm and tugged you roughly toward the car, breaking whatever trance you had been under. Before the door was even closed, he was yelling at Mark to floor the gas. The car ride back was silent as everyone reflected on their own personal experiences that night. No one wanted to talk about what they had seen and heard, scared that admitting it would make it real.

You and Haechan were the last ones to get dropped off and the two of you headed toward your house in silence. You stuck the key into the lock, pushing the door open and plopping onto the couch. You felt completely exhausted and just wanted to drink some hot chocolate and go to bed.

The clock read eleven-fifty-five. Had you really been gone that long? In some ways, it felt like you had only been there for an hour at most, but at the same time, it felt as if you had spent an eternity in that house.

Haechan fell beside you, his head falling onto your shoulder as his hand found yours, tugging it onto his lap. “Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“Let’s never talk about this night again.”

“Agreed.”

The walkie talkie in Haechan’s pocket crackled with static and he pulled it out with a furrowed brow, waiting for a voice to come through. You took it from his hand, pressing down the button. “Mark? Is that you?”

More static.

“Maybe the channel got changed,” Haechan suggested, taking it from your hand. He played with the knob until the static stopped. “There. See?” he held down the button. “Testing, testing, one two three. Markie hyung, can you hear me?”

The grandfather clock started to chime loudly, signaling the arrival of midnight.

The walkie talkie clicked as if someone was pressing the button and heavy breathing came through, following by a distorted voice, “Y̸̥͘ó̸̜ü̸̘ ̶̨̕w̷͚̒o̶̦͌n̵̢͝’̸̘̒t̸̞͂ ̸͔̀g̷̦͠e̴̗̾t̴̰͌ ̵̲̎ả̴̗w̴͕͋a̸̺͐y̸̛ͅ ̷͙̑n̸͎̕ḛ̷̎x̷͍̓t̸̼͊ ̵͍̚t̷̗͊ȋ̸̫m̸̝̏ë̸̦́.̷̠̍.”

Both of you froze as an icy chill settled over the room. With a gulp, you took the walkie talkie into the kitchen and dropped it in the sink. Haechan hung in the doorway, watching you curiously as you searched around the kitchen drawers until you found a meat mallet. You brought it down on the walkie talkie with a satisfying crunch before turning to Haechan.

“I say we spend the rest of the night hiding under the comforter and pretending this never happened.”

“Sounds like a plan,” he nodded.

And that’s exactly what the two of you did until the sun filtered through the window the next morning.

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medialit-posting · 3 years

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Creating Meaning In Audio Production

What does "Cold Water" by Major Lazer (ft. Justin Bieber & MØ) mean?

The song is fun and pop-py with all the electronic device I like in the pop song (and some acoustic guitar at the beginning). I love the sound of "Cold Water." Justin Bieber is singing with MØ which makes the job very fine, and the song is well-made by DJ Major Lazer. Moreover, the lyric song debuted on the Hot 100. Has an uplifting and inspiring meaning – a very cool thing to hear about. The song has ample star power and just the right combination of optimistic lyrics and funny songs, which makes it not really difficult to make this song famous.

youtube

Verse 1

Justin Bieber starts by singing in the first verse from Major Lazer 's song "Everybody gets high, you know, what else can you do when we are low?." Bieber understands that his friend wants some cheering and he says it's understandable to get 'high' and 'low' in life (note there's a slight possibility that 'high' could mean cheering himself temporarily).

He offers his help and companionship instead of leaving it: "So take a deep breath and let it go / you shouldn't be drowning on your own." Note the complexities of that last line. He vows or can't promise to save her from being drowned. He is offering himself to get "drown" with her. He wants to fight for his friend, solve his problems even though he himself can not solve it. He wants to fight. Of course, he may have plans to save her, but on this line he seems willing to risk getting sucked in. He may have something he can do after all.

Pre-chorus

In this part of the song where the title makes sense: Justin bieber sings "And if you feel you're sinking, I will jump right over / Into cold, cold water for you." The story that Major Lazer and Bieber wants to tell the listeners is that a story of someone or a friend who has fallen overboard into cold water, and Bieber (or the narrator) is jumping in too to help that person.

He preceeds, "And although time may take us into different places / I will still be patient with you." When we here these two lines, the meaning of these two was a little bit more vague or ambiguous, but Bieber is either saying that he'll wait for her to come back if they take a break for a while or that, even though he knows it may not work out, he's completely committed. Finally, the pre-chorus finishes with a lead that brings us to the chorus part of the song: "And I hope you know."

Chorus

Major Lazer's song "Cold water" continues with Bieber singing, "I won't let go / I'll be your lifeline tonight." The song has used imagery of a "lifeline" that is usually used in many songs. Wherein this "lifeline" refers to the rope tied to a life preserver ring. A person throws the life preserver to someone and can pull them in using the rope. Bieber is trying to be the connection between the drowning friend and the ship where she can be safe again.

Verse 2

Here, when he sings, Bieber preaches empathy, "Because sometimes we all get lost, you know?" He explains, "It's how we learn and how we grow." He says it's understandable that his friend is in a tough time and place. It is part of life to go through hard times or get frustrated and it is how we become stronger.

He goes on, "And I wanna lay with you 'til I'm old / you shouldn't fighting on your own." Here we see the scale of the singer's devotion to this person. For the long run, he's in it. He wants this person to live a lifetime of being a lifeline.

Bridge

MØ takes the place of the person being rescued on the bridge. She sings, "Come on, come on / Save me from my rocking boat." A little mixed up here is the imagery, but it's still connected to water. She is in danger of dropping out and asks for assistance because she needs to "stay afloat"—to survive — even though she is" all alone.

Her one request is for companionship, a friend: "And I hope someone can take me home / I can rest my soul somewhere." Her final request ends the bridge and is "to know you're not going to let go." She needs assurance and a guarantee that she will be protected and can "rest [her] soul" without having to worry or be on the lookout for something else that might go wrong.

Overall thoughts about the song "Cold Water" by Major Lazer (ft. Justin Bieber & MØ)

I think the most surprising thing about "Cold Water" is that the song might be about a totally platonic relationship before the second verse in which Bieber discusses wanting to "lay with you until I'm old."

And I truly think that would have been a great way to go. Not only does the song also refer to romantic relationships then, but it would also apply to many beautiful friendships that are not romantic.

It's not a complaint, it's simply a feeling. And just an invitation to celebrate several different kinds of friendships is the only other thought I'd like to leave you with. Not the only ones are romantic relationships, and there are many beautiful ways to support other people.

#lyrics #media literacy #youtube #interpretation #must remember #reblog #long reads

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emotionalsupportfiction · 4 years

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Stages of Love Python

Long post with NSFW under the cut

Attraction:

• When he saw you enlist he thought it was such a shame that someone so cute would be used as another pawn in the noble’s stupid war. Yet another life to be wasted on pointless conflict “That’s life I s’pose...” he shrugged as he thought to himself

• You were a healer so your encounters with him were always brief and for medical reasons. You always had your hands full tending wounds, checking the medical supplies, or making salves, poultices, medicinal syrups and the like but Python noted that you did your job with a smile on your face, a smile he couldn’t get off his mind

• He noted how genuinely kind you are, how you tend to treat everyone equally. Status didn’t matter to you. There was a situation where Fernand had made quite the commotion about you tending to the wounded among which was Python. Fernand was going on about one of the nobles in the Deliverance needed medical attention for a wound, your response “I’ve already checked that Lord’s wounds sir and they aren’t that serious. Here however I have men with more serious injuries that I have to attend to.” You spun on your heels to tend to a soldier’s bleeding but Fernand grabbed your arm “How dare you prioritize the wounds of these rabble!” you didn’t let him finish, you yanked your arms from his grasp and looked him dead in the eyes “No. How DARE YOU, interfere with my work helping these men fighting YOUR war. I don’t serve nobility alone, I serve all those who need help. Now Fernand, leave this tent. I’ll check up on Blahey once I’m done here.” you resumed to tending the injured. You definitely earned a lot of respect from Python

• Python was nursing a hangover when a cup of something was placed right next to him, looked up and saw you. You said it was for his hangover and he continued to ask you why. “I now something that can cure a hangover, you have one, so I made you some.” he scoffed at your response “Sunshine, little ol’ me’s hungover cause I got smashed last night, go worry about someone else.” you chuckled “Oh cobra...” “Its Python.” he interrupted “I know, but you’re not the only one who can give nicknames.” He liked that you had a sense of humor, he found himself interacting with you more and developing a friendship. There came a time he trusted you enough to tell you his given name so you’d stop calling him “viper” or “cobra” or “adder” and the like, he’s kinda hoping he’d get to hear you say his given name.

• He liked how open-minded you were and how safe he felt talking to you, he knew he would get no judgment. He spent fewer nights getting drunk and chasing skirts at pubs and more time with you. Lukas and Forsyth were very happy with the change in how Python used his free time though you still enabled his habit of napping. If Python would carry the herbs for you or help you pick them, you’d let him nap in the healer’s tent. He liked that but he liked the fact he had an excuse to spend time with you more

• One time he opened up about his father and the effects his old man on him rather than feel pity or look down on him your response was unexpected “That must’ve been very difficult for you having to support yourself at such a young age. But look how far you’ve come now. You’re nothing like your father Python, you’re reliable, diligent, and you look out for your friends.” he was rendered speechless after that

• It took time for him to catch feelings but once he did they developed far too quickly for his liking. His closest friends started noticing how his behavior changed while he was around you. How he smiled more, was less cynical, would actually do his work. If Lukas or Forsyth asked him to do a task they’d get maximum resistance and complaints. On the other hand, if you asked he’d either say “no” in jest but do it anyway or do it outright. You always thanked him for his effort “C’mon sunshine, it's a small thing don’t put Ol’Python on a pedestal, might get used to it.” he rubbed the back of his head “Well you helped me and I appreciate it. Could I make you some dinner to thank you?” there’s that smile that always melts his heart and makes him weak in the knees, he hopes you don’t notice him blushing. “I’d like that very much sunshine...”

• Python thought these feelings would pass but they only got deeper and more intense. He wasn’t content with stolen glances, time spent helping you with chores or just being in your presence. He got jealous when he’d see you getting all playful with Forsyth or Tobin, it drove him crazy knowing you were alone with Lukas or Luthier studying something, he wished he was in Gray’s position when you ruffled the younger man’s hair. He knew he shouldn’t be jealous but you meant a lot to him and he was dying to know what he meant to you. He had to tell and if you didn’t feel the same way about him he could move on

Confession:

• Python knew his confession would not be some grand gesture, that’s just not who he was. Straight forward, simple, and concise, fewer opportunities to mess up. Great, now all he had to do was wait for the chance to tell and preferably when it was just the two of you.

• He spotted you sitting under a tree humming to yourself and he knew this was his chance. Taking in a deep breath, he steeled himself and made his approach. Words clumsily tumbled out of his mouth, frustrated he threw all caution to the wind and spoke candidly. He confessed to falling in love with you, he knew there were parts of his personality that would understandably make you hesitant to have a relationship with him, but Python wanted to try to be a better man and earn his chance. Putting the time into courting you, making an effort to earn your rust was something he’d gladly do but he’d completely understand if you didn’t see him as anything more than a friend. After pouring his heart out he readied himself for rejection but that never came. With a smile on your face and comforting touch to his shoulder, you said you’ll give him a chance and that he could court you. This was one of the few instances Python smiled sweetly and sincerely.

• Python got tips from Lukas and few unsolicited tips from Clive on how to go about courting you. It was quite the process as this was new territory for him but you felt the sincerity in his efforts. Waiting for you outside your tent to help you with your daily chores, knowing when you were low on herbs used for healing salves and syrups, and small tokens of affection. The most noteworthy gift he gave you was a small arrowhead necklace made of your favorite precious stone. The arrowhead charm was fixed between two wooden beads he had fashioned himself, the string it was on was a bowstring from one of his old bows. You knew that charm was not cheap and Python must have saved to afford it, add the effort of making the wooden beads and shaping the arrowhead. The effort and sentiment earned your sweet “yes”. “Sunshine… so we’re… uh, we’re a couple now?” he was uncharacteristically sheepish as he asked this. You held the necklace close to your heart and nodded “A couple, yes… a couple of idiots.” You both had a good laugh. You never took off that necklace.

First Kiss:

• You both agreed to take things slowly and not rush your relationship. Your first kiss most definitely happened well into the relationship, within the first 2-3 months.

• Python peeked into the healers’ tent to check if you were there, you were busy checking on the supplies. Silque was there too and they exchanged greetings, Python couldn’t help himself and hugged you from behind. “P-Python! Mila’s grace Silque is here!” you turned crimson but Silque chuckled “Oh its alright, I was just on my way out. If you both will excuse me.” She left the tent with a “certain” smile on her face. Your boyfriend took that as his cue to bury his face into your neck and sighed in content from your scent and warmth. “Oh Py… rough day? You can nap for a bit here…” you dropped what you were doing and turned around to return his embrace. “I’m fine. Just miss ya’ is all…” he cupped your cheeks and titled your head to face him “ B’sides Fors is probably looking for me and I gotta train some recruits, ‘fraid I can’t stay long love.” He rested his forehead on yours, both of you basked in that warm intimate moment. He squeezed your cheeks lightly before he pressed a kiss on your forehead. Python kissed your forehead again, then the bridge of your nose, trailing feathery kisses down to your cheek pausing briefly before planting a chaste kiss on your lips. He pulled away with a sigh though he felt you tug at him, your eyes were shut tight and your cheeks warm and flush “One more…” you tugged at him again. Now, who was he to deny your request, going for a deeper and more passionate kiss, so lost were both of you in the moment that neither of you noticed Forsyth coming into the tent. “Python!! The recruits have been waiting to get started, have you no consideratio- GAH! MY APOLOGIES!! SORRY! I SAW NOTHING!” the green soldier stumbled on his words and on himself as he made a panicked exit. Regardless, that didn’t ruin the memory at all.

First Time:

• Python respects the fact you want to take things slow, he didn’t want to rush you and ruin his one shot at what could be true love. Your first time would’ve happened after at least a year of being together.

• Both of you had snuck out from a wedding party (could’ve been Matilda and Clive’s, Claire and Gray’s, or Celica and Alm’s). You seated yourself on a windowsill in one of the castle’s many guest rooms while Python stood just inches from you, the two of you engaged in playful banter. A moment of intimate silence enveloped you two, he took this moment to hold you in his arms, pressing kisses into your hair and nuzzling his face into your neck. One thing led to another, now both of you were locked in a passionate kiss. He trailed hot needy kisses down your neck, nipping at the crook of your neck then soothing it with his tongue. Clothes were getting in the way so you both had to do away with those, you hungrily palmed at his body and he asked if you comfortable where this was going, a needy yes escaped your lips as you pulled him for another passionate kiss.

• He worshipped every inch of your body with his hands, lips, and tongue. He focused his efforts between your legs, draping your legs over his shoulders and went down on you, your whole being quivered at the sensation and you lost count at how many times he’d made you cum. Hearing your moans pushed his restraint to its maximum limit, he checked with you once again if you were okay with going all the way with him, you responded with a “yes” so thick with desire Python barely restrained himself. Teasing your entrance with his cock, he asked you once more and when you nodded he slowly slid the length of him into you. His thrusts started off slow but grew in intensity and depth, the window-rattling every time he sheathed himself into you. Your lover built you up to a climax then watched you melt and fall apart in front of him, he isn’t sure if you intended to do so but you called him by his given name when you orgasmed. Hearing his given name was hot and unexpected, he spilled himself onto your inner thigh.

• Once you caught your breath, you teased him about how surprised you were how energetic, passionate, and motivated he was being. You were expecting him to be more... laid-back, Python kissed you deeply, biting your bottom lip then licking it “Just you wait till morning love, I’ll show you energetic...” Python gladly accepted that challenge

Proposal:

• You and Python had been together for years now, the war was over and the topic of getting hitched was on the table. You and Python were on the same page that neither relationships nor marriage should be rushed. He didn’t believe in marriage before but things have changed now, funny how life works. Python knew how sacred you saw matrimony, it wasn’t a fancy expensive ceremony but a deep solemn promise of trust, respect, and love.

• When both of you were more open about the topic, Python knew he had to put his long-term plans into action. Being a militia leader didn’t pay well though, he admonished himself for not saving more while he was in the Deliverance and he felt much worse when he realized the available money he had could only afford a rather slim band with one humble stone. His damn pride wouldn’t allow him to borrow money from Forsyth or Lukas. Maybe he should’ve accepted the knighthood? Never the less, he bought the only ring he could afford (Also let’s face it if Forsyth found out, he’ll ruin the surprise)

• You were mending some clothes on the bed and heard Python come home from militia work, he made his way into your shared room. You chatted about your days as he took off his armor and changed into his house clothes. He got on the floor and rested his head on your lap, he nestled into your thighs, this wasn’t new to you at all as he’d often do this whenever the fancy strikes him. Setting aside the clothes you were mending, you focused your attention on him, running your fingers through his hair as he sighed deeply. “So warm and nice… I just wanna stay here with you forever. Stay with me forever won’t you sunshine?” he nuzzled himself deeper into you lap as you chuckled “Oh Py… if I didn’t know any better I’d think you…” he cut you off “That I was proposing? What if I was love?” looking up to your face frozen in surprise, Python gets on one knee and shows you the ring. “It’s… not much I know… I could save up and get you a better one, you deserve a nicer fancier one. I… I’ve just been thinking a lot about my future and you’re always there. I’ll break my back to provide for you and give you a comfortable life… What I’m trying to say is… What I’m asking is… do you see yourself spending the rest of your days with Ol’ me?” his voice trembled more than the time he confessed to you as he watched the tears stream down your face, you held his hands into your own. “It’s perfect… I love it the gem even matches the necklace you gave me. Oh, of course, I’d marry you!” Python felt your form crash into your own, your lips peppering his face with kisses. Python was the happiest man on earth at that moment and he thought he shouldn’t feel this much joy but damn he could get used to this.

Marriage:

• Neither of you liked the thought of a huge fancy wedding, a small intimate affair was more up to preference. Queen Celica and King Alm honored your wishes and conducted a humble ceremony with close friends only. Forsyth did not stop crying the whole ceremony, seven hells, even Python shed a few tears while saying his vows. Your first night as a couple was spent reminiscing and talking about your future together. Your new husband surprised you at how well thought out his plans with you were.

• Post-marriage Python retained his relaxed nature minus the cynicism. You were pleasantly surprised when he resigned from leading the militia group after he trained a suitable replacement. Even more surprising was how he picked up carpentry and became the village handy-man, he never ran out of things to fix. You’d hear him gripe and moan about it but deep down you how fulfilled he felt and how proud you are that he’s put his past behind him.

• He made good on his promise of providing for you, his first major project was building your house. There was something very alluring about seeing Python so motivated while working (and probably looking a bit sweaty), a few of his comrades from the militia pitched in to help build your new abode. You, on the other hand, opened a small bakery, nothing too fancy, just baked some loaves you sell to the villagers. Additionally, you were also the village healer.

• Because you’re such a good cook, Python’s gained a bit of weight. You don’t mind, you love pinching his hubby chubs while you’re in bed together. He doesn’t mind either, there’s more of him available for you to embrace and he can’t complain about the good food

• As a partner Python’s very laid-back and calm, it's easy to talk to him about what’s on your mind and he knows the right things to do or say to ease your worries. He’s very observant and sensitive, if you’re busy with a lot of medicine orders and hasn’t been started dinner, you’ll come home to the ingredients chopped and prepared, maybe some of the laundry’s been folded, or the house has been swept. Python loves your cooking and that’s not his area of expertise but if he can help a bit with the prep, he’ll do it.

• Forsyth would visit you both at least twice a month when he wasn’t too busy serving the One Kingdom. Python’s childhood friend would often gush at how far he’s come and how happy he was that Python married. Lukas would visit too, sometimes he and Forsyth would visit together and the house would be loud and vibrant.

• You don’t fight often but when the coins in the purse are sparse that’s when Python starts getting more irritable. All he wants is to provide for you, he doesn’t want to be like his father but you always assure him that isn’t the case, he’s not his father. If ever he ends up yelling at you he’s quick to apologize, you understand, he’s scared but Python has you now and keeping your family financially stable is a team effort. He doesn’t have to shoulder the burden alone, as time passes he grows out of it and though you wouldn’t say you’re the richest couple there is great wealth to be found in the bond both of you share

Notes: I enjoyed writing Python and Forsyth so much, I actually finished Python first but that was at almost 4K words so I had to edit it. Lukas is a challenge to write but I will try!

#fire emblem echoes #fire emblem echoes: shadows of valentia #Fire Emblem Python #FE Python #Python Fire Emblem #Python FE #reader x python #reader x python fe #Python x reader #Python fe x reader #fire emblem fiction #Fire Emblem Echoes fiction #maanrambles #i’m starving so I made 2 meals #its so easy for me to write about Python i just love this man so much #this is self-indulgence taken up to eleven #I focused all my lustful energy into this one and now I’m all shrivelled up

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therandomfics · 5 years

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Convalescence: 4

Class wore on with minutes feeling like hours until finally, it was time to leave. You grabbed your treat box and your bag, dreading the drive home. It wasn't necessarily a journey but it was the thought of going home to your small void of emotions that you called your room. It was a strange feeling to not want to go home, you had to admit, but you pushed it out of your head as you walked alongside Sonny to your car.

"You know you didn't need to get me a donut, honestly," you finally said as you neared your vehicle. After unlocking it and pocketing your keys, you tossed your bag in the backseat and shut the door. "But it's really nice of you and pleasantly surprising. Thank you, if I haven' told you yet."

He shrugged with a humble smile and held his hand out for the box. "I'm doin' this for you, but keep in mind I really don't like donuts. They're all the same, except for this one."

"What makes this one so different?" you asked, handing over the pastry box. "First of all it's a unicorn. I've heard from my nieces those are rare," he explained, as if the answer were entirely obvious. "Secondly, I'm sharing it with you. Thanks for being the best night school co-desk inhabitant I could have asked for."

You shook your head and rolled your eyes. It was impossible to deny how nice he was. "Well let's get on with it then before our rare unicorn disappears." He gingerly removed the sprinkle decorated dough ring and tore it in half while the box rested on the hood of your car. He handed you a side and kept the other for himself. "M'lady."

Suddenly you were overwhelmed with the desire to embrace this new person in your life and hold him tightly while praying he didn't leave or change. It was alarming and obvious to Sonny as he looked at you quizzically, brows raised.

"Hey, are you okay?"

You waved it off with a small laugh. "Yeah. But you know they say consuming unicorn blood is like the biggest cruelty of all - dooms you really, so what's to say eating an actual unicorn won't be just as traumatic?"

"When you're with me, you don't need to worry about anything traumatizing you," he insisted, and you believed him.

"Well, if you say you," you conceded with a shrug and took a bite of the donut as sprinkles tinked onto the concrete of the parking garage floor. It tasted like strawberries and was so sweet it hurt your teeth.

Sonny was two bites in, a feat for someone who didn't like donuts, and winced at the sugary indulgence as well. "Next time I'll get something plain."

Next time, you repeated to yourself. It was so easy to let yourself get caught up in the idea that Sonny was perfect because he hadn't shown you anything bad - yet. What kind of warped mind did you have that you were already set to find his flaws? It was a defense mechanism, yes, but it was also stupid you thought, that you were always trying to find the bad in people. At what point would it change so that you were able to function like a real human being again?

"Thanks for walking me to my car," you murmured and turned towards your car door, signalin to Sonny that you'd be leaving soon.

"Hey, listen.. Y/N.." he trailed off, placing his hand gently on your arm. You pulled away and looked at him with just enough concern that he pulled his hand away and apologized immediately.

"It's okay. I'm sorry. What were you going to say?"

"I was hoping maybe I could have your number? Nothin' funny I promise," he swore, hands in the air.

You nodded in agreement and he lowered his hands to fish his phone from his pocket. He handed it to you after unlocking it. "As long as you don't call me before 8AM. And never after 10PM," you explained and entered your cell. You saved it and handed the device back with a small, almost forced smile.

"Thanks, Y/N. I'll text you so you can have my number. And please, let me know when you get home so I know you got there safely," he added before he turned on his heel and strode away. Getting comfortable was impossible with a million monitors hooked up to you and your unborn child. Everytime you moved, you dislocated a pad and a nurse had to come back in to replace it. Eventually she got angry and told you to stop moving, but you reminded her very quickly that she wasn't the one with pre-eclampsia and uncomfortable.

Emma and Jake showed up that night to console you and bring you a few things you'd need for comfort - pajamas, slippers, a nice plush blanket, and ice chips because you weren't allowed to eat or drink until the baby was born. The OB-GYN came in several times over the course of an hour. You were dazed and out of focus in your own mind, oblivious to the growing tension in the room.

"Listen," Dr. Thiels began slowly. "You're not dilating. We've been trying since you got here, but because your blood pressure is dangerously high we can't keep waiting. I'm scheduling you for a caesarean tomorrow morning at 9:30."

"Okay, sure," you murmured. What did it matter if you disagreed?

"Is there anyone I can call?" he offered as he patted your knee.

"No. There really never is," you replied dismissively and turned to face away from him, staring at the beeping of the heart monitor. By 10AM the next morning, a beautiful and healthy baby girl was introduced to the world. She was just slightly underweight given her three week early appearance, but otherwise everything about her was wonderful and perfect. As you held her in your arms and stared down at the bundle of joy - or so they'd called her - that was resting in your protective embrace, you realized that she looked like her father - like your attacker. You fought back your tears as you asked Emma to hold her and feigned the need for sleep before asking everyone to leave the room and leave you be. There weren't enough drugs in the ward to keep you from feeling the pain you felt at that very moment.

That night as your medicine wore off and your c-section wound began to burn and seethe, you realized that in comparison to what you'd been through, an incision wasn't much to cry about.

The night nurse pumped you full of morphine that night, little sticks to your thigh every hour so that you'd sleep. You figured maybe she was an angel of mercy - that, or she was sick of hearing you cry. Either way, you thanked her. Y/N: Home. SC: Took you long enough. Y/N: I stopped to get dinner. SC: Why didn't you say something? I would have taken you to eat.Y/N: That isn't necessary. You're really kind for offering. SC: What can I say? I like you. You're different. Y/N: Different good or bad?SC: Can't call it. :PY/N: Goodnight, Detective Donuts

So maybe Sonny wasn't all that bad after all. Maybe you'd be wise to give him a chance? Maybe not every man in the world was out to ruin your life and make you suffer. Maybe. Fridays at work were always the best days. You wore jeans, you got a longer lunch, and you left 30 minutes early. Your roommates always had weekend plans and had grown tired of asking you and never getting a yes, so they'd stopped asking you ages ago. It was normally your habit to go home, cook dinner, watch something on TV, do some homework, and go to bed. You lived a very mellow lifestyle, but you did so as a kind of repentance for the wild and crazy way you lived pre-baby, pre-assault. There were too many nights you couldn't remember and too many close encounters with strangers who wanted more than you were willing to give. It should have been an eye-opener, but for some reason it was just more of a reason to assert your dominance until suddenly you had none left.

Your phone vibrated in your back pocket as you headed for the elevator, leaving work for the weekend. It was Sonny.

“Hey,” you greeted as you swiped to answer his call.

“Hey yourself. What are you doing tonight?”

You paused. Nothing, of course, but did he need to know how boring you were? He could probably tell already. “Honestly nothing. How about you?”

“Taking you out. Nothing fancy, don’t worry, I just wanted to see you. Is that okay?”

You held back a soft giggle and felt your cheeks blushing again, how many times had he done this now? “Yeah. I’ll text you my address.”

“Can’t wait. I’ll come by around 7.”

#Detective Sonny Carisi x reader #sonny carisi fanfiction #sonny carisi fanfic #sonny carisi x reader #SVU fanfiction

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reikiajakoiranruohoja · 5 years

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Be Yourself 2- The Monster she made

In terms of culture, the Yellow Court was an oddity among the wider Homeworld. While the three other courts (because legally, the Earth gems were just a rebuilt Pink Court) were made from or the lack of emotions, the Yellow Court boasted its main cultural cornerstone as Duty.

Duty not to just the Authority, but to one's task, to one's teammates and to one's ideals. While obedience was expected, it was also rewarded unlike in the Blue Court. Most of the nobility couldn't figure out why shouldn't a gem just be happy fulfilling their intended purpose?

Those gems rarely had to stand up in a battlefield covered in dead things, be gem deep in blood or organs. To dull their mind to the mere act of -killing- a living being for the Empire. To watch as their comrades were shattered or -worse- by the enemy.

The rewards were a meagre consolation to the crude reality the Yellow Court's finest had endured. The loss of their innocence was hardly as cheap as a prism or a respected position.

Of course, Steven would tell Yellow killing and colonization were wrong. He would explain to her how gems could always find an alternative way of living. Yellow did believe it, she had witnessed Amethyst of the Crystal Gems be social and lacking most or even all the conditioning her less fortunate kin had.

Where Steven's theory hit a snag, was when it came to gems like her. Ones who had seen combat and death already. Unlearning millennia of training was hard, he had to have noticed it by the ease she had attacked Blue. Once the fight started, there was no holding back or mercy. It was either you or your foe dead. It didn't matter who it was, as Yellow had realised days after the incident at the mecha.

Yellow and her most elite soldiers were dulled to the sights and sounds of gore and death. It was abnormal for gems, who had no need to hunt or kill for sustenance. Most barely tolerated the sight of -eating-, nevermind witnessing what an organic being looked all gored up.

It wasn't just the sight of an organic torn to shreds that she was null to. Shards on the ground or extraction fluid leaking out of her were far too common. Gems as a species were quite deadly, but Yellow had witnessed and faced landmines, blades, explosions and energy blasts enough that she knew to be complacent was suicide.

It did make watching horror movies quite the bore, though. Yellow had decided to spend her newly acquired free-time studying humans and their ways. Their love for fear was curious, especially how commonly it was tied with the fear of an extraterrestrial being with acid blood coming to kill them.

She guessed being an apex predator with total planetary dominance got -dull- eventually.

War movies, however, were another thing. They were listed as thrillers and drama and had a high maturity rating (Steven wasn't allowed to watch anything above 13, apparently) so Yellow hoped they would stir something within her.

She ended up trying to empty a stomach she did not have onto the palace floor, the vestigial programming of her gem overtaking her body. Apocalypse Now was aptly named, indeed.

It did somewhat bring Yellow hope that she and her elites weren't alone in their dulled empathy. Humanity had the exact same issues with their soldiers, down to their military training being dehumanizing.

Being reminded of just how bad it had once been, however, made Yellow's mind reach yet another dark spot. Rest was not needed for gems, though ones like Blue often used it to recharge their energy levels. To Yellow, gaining energy from rest was impossible.

She'd look into the eyes of a drone, staring blindly at her. No mind of its own, even if White wasn't controlling it. The old thing would attack her with the intention to kill. Blades cut into her, punches caused bruises.

Every single sun-cycle, for most of her younger years. Even worse if rules had been broken. She had to get up, she had to fight, shatter if need be. White had plenty of old drones to use, those maddened by their faulty programming.

White had made her into a shatterer, dug the reflex to fight so deep into her that she'd attack Blue without question. Millenia of war had only heightened her senses, taken away her compassion and left behind nothing but tempered steel.

Yet, not even a month ago, all of that training and conditioning hadn't been enough. White had stolen Yellow's body to hurt Steven. Yellow had hazy memories of White controlling her limbs and mouth, forcing her to expose her weaknesses.

What if she had intended to never let Yellow be herself again? Just leave her like Pink's old pearl, a drone without a mind.

Yellow's stomach lurched once more, extraction fluid dripping down her chin like organic drool. It hurt to go through the past like that, to look into the face of her creator and see how much she had been wasted.

The general got on her feet, letting the old conditioning lead her to Blue's room. Weakness was not a dirty word when it was Blue.

Of course, Yellow had forgotten the legalization of alcohol.

"Hhey, Yellow" Blue said, leaning against a wall with a glass in her hand. Trying to look more proper than her state allowed. Yellow snarled, marching into the room and closing the door.

"Blue, are you intoxicated on work hours!?" Yellow snapped, feeling her hackles bristle. Blue eyed her with squinted eyes. "No? It's night you windbag. What's with you, you look like you ate something wrong" Blue asked, motioning to the extraction fluid on Yellow's chin and armour. "I...err...Can I stay here for a bit?" "Sure"

Yellow sat in a corner, hugging her knees as she tried to centre her poor mind. Blue, naturally, decided to lean onto her and chuckle a bit. Yellow let herself shake, trying to not let the mask cover her once more. She did not want to harm Blue. "Blue, why do you tolerate me still, after everything?" Yellow mumbled a question, sighing deeply. Blue looked at her, squinting her eyes more and letting out a tired grumble. "Oh fuck off, Yellow" "What?" "You heard me! Fuck off. You always do this when you're all self-doubting, come to me to get you fucking worth back. Not bothering to actually DO anything about it yourself, just leaning on me for kind words. Well, guess what? You can't take it all back. You can't fix the ones you killed and shattered. You just have to start bettering yourself now"

Blue's outburst left Yellow staring at her twin, it was one thing for Blue to be snappy, but to be so blunt was rare. Especially with that amount of cursing. "I'm assuming that is the alcohol talking" Yellow muttered, giving Blue a glare. Blue answered it, grabbing hold of Yellow's chin a bit too roughly. "I can handle my drink, Yellow. This isn't about just you, it is about us" "Us?" "Yes, what we have done. What we did to Pink, what we did to Steven. I don't know if his gems can ever forgive us. I know that garnet and Lapis Lazuli don't. But also, what White did to us"

Yellow listened to Blue rant, the alcohol had loosened her tongue enough that the diplomat spoke of her greatest fears in a candid way. It was, as much as Yellow tried to mentally deny it, refreshing to hear a honest Blue. "I don't think I can forgive White, Yellow. Not after what happened. Sure, she wanted to be 'perfect', but fuck if that doesn't justify the cycles of abuse. Pink didn't know the amount and it was still too much for her. What about us, why can't we too just leave and find a place to stay" Blue vented, now studying her bottle of alcohol rather absentmindedly. "If we leave, no one is there to hold her back. She'll just hide in her head once more and start thinking she is perfect."

"We can't, Yellow, I think we already saw how much we could do in terms of standing up to her. We were nothing more than rubies to her, the defective amethyst took longer to resist than -we.-"

Silence fell upon them, as awkward as it had once been. When they were young and uncertain.

"You are wrong, Blue. You never gave up trying to find something more out of life than blind obedience and duty. You fought back and Pink followed your example. I just followed what White told me to do" Yellow admitted, wincing at the far too easily recalled memories. Her walls had been torn down and rebuilding them was going to take a while. If she wanted them back at all.

Blue moved closer, enough that Yellow could feel her soft hair falling over her. "Yellow, you did all you could for me. You shielded me from the worst of White's abuse and you protected Pink as well. But this wallowing isn't you, you need to find a way to get past it" Blue spoke, her tone comforting once more if a bit slurred by the alcohol. That made Yellow smirk just a bit.

"Drinking that poison is yours?" "Making this legal and letting gems feel free to get drunk is. So much of the Black Market is about choice, even if it is a bad one"

Yellow thought about it, the new freedoms gems were given. Night cycles were free time to explore, alcohol and most contraband goods were now legal. Payment for a work well done, rather than bought by money. They weren't about to mimic -all- of humanity, after all.

In this new Homeworld, was there a place for her armies? Or her? Would they need to find a way to seek the-ra-py? "I fear that I am forever a live wire with its coating stripped off, dangerous to everything around me. I don't know how to not be a killer" she admitted, groaning as she leaned against the wall. Looking outside the window, she could see all of her colonies. They were tiny specks in the darkness, but she could pinpoint each one regardless. "We will always need a killer, Yellow. Even the Crystal Gems discorporate gems, who knows how many organics they have killed. But you don't have to be -only- a killer anymore, nor feel you are broken" Blue mused, wrapping her arm around Yellow's shoulders.

"What we need more, though, is defence. We cannot allow White to ever get us like that, ever EVER again. If this new thing is to work, we need to be safe. No more White Pearls, no more danger of being controlled. That is where we need your expertize at being a fighter"

That was a good point, Yellow thought. Blue had always been the more sensitive one regarding White, to a fault. But what had once been nothing more than a childish paranoia, was now the stark reality. As much effort as White put into trying to interact with them now, it was all on her terms. If White chose to just revert back to her old ways, there was no Steven to save them this time.

They had to be their own shield. Who better than the gems jaded by combat and war, who would not baulk at being told to hold down White's power. Or find a solution to combating it. It was heresy, of course, to consider such methods.

But this was Era 3, the old ways had to give for the new.

#ptsd #vomiting //#my writing #yellow diamond #blue diamond #alcohol use //

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donateliamitsuki · 5 years

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IT’S PRIDE MONTH FELLAS.

NOTHING BUT THE GREATEST MONTH THAT COULD EVER EXIST.

Gays and lesbians. Keep loving who you love,you’re not alone remember that. Even if you’re in the closet it’s fine,celebrate the month from there if you feel safe and sound,nobody should make you come out but yourself.

Bisexuals. Being one of you myself. We’re valid,remember that. We aren’t greedy,we aren’t more likely to cheat,and being in a relationship with the opposite gender or same gender does not makes you any less bi than anybody else. I’m waiting for the puns.

Pansexuals. I want to give you all my support and love even if I sadly disagree. You deserve respect,if this is who you say you are then it’s totally fine by me! Be happy with whoever you want to love!!

Demisexuals. I hope you have found the right person. For you it takes time. But worry not,you will one day just like everyone else<3

Aces/Aros. Dear friends. You’re just as valid as the rest of us. You deserve a safe space to be in,a place to belong. And for me,you’re in all your right to be right here!!

OH AND I CAN’T FORGET.

Trans gals and guys. You’re just as valid. You’re just as much of a man or a woman that someone cis. Your transition haven’t started? Is just starting? Don’t worry you keep going and get that goal! And if you have finished transitioning I’m so happy for you!! I knew you could do it!!

Non-binary pals of mine. I haven’t forgot you either. Must be hard but don’t worry,it’s fine! You’re perfect the way you are,you also deserve love and you also deserve acceptance.

You all are completely valid. You all deserve respect. You all deserve to be loved. And one day we’ll be free to be who we are without fear. It’s been a long journey and it’s still going but we’ll make it. I trust on it. Baby steps are better than not progressing at all.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!!!

#it's here #pride month #hurray #:d #tried my best with the flags #i just wanted to give you all love #lgbt #lgbtq community #lgbtq #lgbtqai #lgbtpride

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h4rin · 6 years

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prompt: HAPPY HALLOWEEN 🎃 I was wondering if I could request a demon/angel! Au scenario with Monsta x Changkyun? Like Changkyun is a demon and the reader is an angel and they fall in love? Preferably angst but a happy ending. And feel free to take your time! I’m in no rush :) also did you do anything special for Halloween? ✨

hello!!! i really didn’t, i went to my mom’s friend’s halloween party, tbh. what about you, my new nonnie?

word count: 4,434

masterlist

You were a good kid.

You always had been and always would be. You were an angel, of course, so it wasn’t odd. Nobody knew, though. The only way they would know would be if they, themselves, were an angel, or a demon. You’d never met them, but you knew that they had to exist - after all, you did, why wouldn’t they?

But you didn’t know any demons until him. Your roommate, who you’d been friends with since college, invited you out on a rare day off. “You’ll love him, he’s an angel.” You knew humans didn’t use that literally, hell, you’d known that in heaven. But [Y/F/N] had never called you an angel before, despite not knowing, so you held onto hope.

You agreed immediately after that. What if you weren’t really alone? You could always go back to Heaven, but you liked Earth. Humans were weird, yes, but they were funny. Some angels never laughed. But another angel here? They must be like you.

The day took an eternity to arrive. [Y/F/N] woke you up hesitantly, knowing that you didn’t specifically like mornings. They made you homesick; the sunrise, the warm feeling, the knowledge of a new day. But that day, you were ecstatic to be awake. “When are we meeting?” you asked.

“About twenty minutes. The cafe’s only five away.”

You grinned. “Perfect.” You got dressed quickly, pulling on a loose, too-large white shirt and a simple pair of jeans. You unplugged your phone and grabbed your shoes on your way out the door, practically dragging [Y/F/N] out. Scratch that, you did drag her out.

“You’re excited, damn,” she laughed, still pulling her shoes on, your grip on her arm unwavering. “You’ve never been this excited to meet a friend.”

Angels can’t lie, but they can avoid the truth. You shrugged, avoiding her eyes. “He sounds interesting.” [Y/F/N] gave you a weird look.

“Didn’t you say that was a bad thing?” You let out a weird noise, knowing that, yes, you had said that being interesting was a bad thing a few years ago when you were still new to Earth.

“Don’t use my words against me!” [Y/F/N] laughed, letting the conversation die comfortably. Your long strides, despite causing [Y/F/N] to be out of breath, did lead to you reaching the cafe in only three minutes. You looked around excitedly, trying to guess who the angel could be.

“There he is!” [Y/F/N] exclaimed, pointing ahead of you. As you followed her finger, your heart stopped, sinking down into your stomach.

When you looked a human, you could see an aura - two, really. The first was a color, a soft white to gray, usually. It was the closest to them, representing how pure their soul was. [Y/F/N] was almost pure white, to the point where it almost blinded you sometimes. That was why you’d trusted her without knowing her.

The second was another color, sort of like a mood ring. The more intense the color, the more intense the feeling. [Y/F/N] was usually some form of pink, a happy color. The color was typically soft, but on some days, it was hot - you thought that if you got too close to her, you’d be burned.

When you looked at [Y/F/N]’s friend, you didn’t see the gradient. He was entirely shrouded in black, and not the black you’d seen in those with intensely unhappy moods. It was darker, somehow, pulling in all of the light that surrounded him, like a black hole. The longer you watched, the more you could see it pulling the second color of those around him down.

[Y/F/N] pulled your hand, tugging you closer to him. As you got closer, resisting only a little bit, his face became clearer. He was handsome, you couldn’t deny, with gorgeous brown eyes. If you were a human, you’d think he was an angel, too, honestly.

“Hello,” he said, greeting the two of you as you approached. He pulled your chair out, shooting you a wink, and you felt your heart start up again as you sat. “I’m Changkyun.” He stuck his hand out to meet yours. You hesitatingly took it, almost shivering at the cold touch. It wasn’t his skin, you could feel his soul through his hand.

“[Y/N],” you responded simply. He withdrew his hand, subtly rubbing the red mark where you’d touched it. So he knew.

The meeting wasn’t super uncomfortable, but you weren’t exactly feeling at home, either. The conversation never lulled, however, leaving you to barely finish your coffee. At the end of the meeting, as [Y/F/N] giddily watched, you and Changkyun exchanged phone numbers.

“So?” she asked, oblivious to your heavy footsteps as the two of you walked back to your apartment. The sunshine, usually a comfort for you, annoyed you. The sky was happy, why couldn’t you be? At least you knew, now, there were demons.

You summoned a smile, hoping that it would be realistic enough to fool her. “He’s nice!” The words felt fake, but you weren’t lying, you doubted that [Y/F/N] could be friends with mean people. Plus, for a demon, he at least acted nice.

She bumped into your shoulder with hers on purpose, one of the things you knew you’d never understand about humans. “Are you going to text him?”

Half trying to blend in and half avoiding the question, you smiled on just half of your face. “Only if he texts first.”

Sadly, he did.

That night, about twenty minutes before you usually headed off to bed, your phone buzzed. You frowned. You never really got texts, and it wasn’t like God was going to call you. [Y/F/N] was really your only friend, and she was right on the other side of your couch, completely engrossed in the TV show she’d flipped on. You grabbed your phone, heart beating in a way you did not like as you read the message from an unknown number.

“Hey, Angel, it’s Changkyun.”

You sighed. “It’s [Y/N], not ‘Angel’,” you responded. His response was immediate.

“But you are an angel, right? Came down from heaven? I’m being literal - you knew I’m a demon.” You knew, but you were still shocked. Demons are supposed to lie - why was he being honest. He sent another text. “How did someone so beautiful fall?”

“I didn’t.” Your response was curt. “I chose to come down. I can still go home.”

“But you won’t, will you? You’re gonna stay here, right? If not for [Y/F/N], for me. You think I’m attractive, right?” His words flowed so easily, and you hated it. Demons can lie so easily, twist reality, but he wasn’t. You decided to play coy as well.

“Yeah, you are. Oh, but alas, I’m not going to date a demon. Goodnight.”

“Who said anything about dating? Goodnight, Angel.” You muttered a quick goodnight to pY/F/N] and went to your room.

That night, you didn’t dream. You remembered.

You were in Heaven, dancing. Your wings were down at your back, pristine and soft. In the midst of the War with the demons, even the simplest of leisures was a luxury. If you could still feel your feet after the past hours of dancing, you were sure they would’ve hurt.

Ambrosia was flowing, the banana flavor sticking to your tongue. You were thankful to be safely in Heaven, you were intoxicated to the point where you wouldn’t be able to tell who was a demon, angel, or human. You switched partners often, not even listening to the music anymore. You felt the rhythm in your veins. You switched partners once more, and the grasp of a cold of a cold hand on yours shocked you. You hadn’t realized how much ambrosia you’d drank; you must’ve been overheating. In your drunken mind, you could’ve sworn his eyes were black through his mask.

“Who are you?” you whispered, scared to break the tranquil spell.

He hushed you. “Don’t. Not right now.”

The song was over before you knew it. Despite the gentle dance, you were breathing heavily. He left for a split second, refilling your cup with ambrosia and grabbing one for himself. His sat in his hands, untouched, but you sipped at yours. You opened your mouth to ask again who he was, but an alarm you’d heard only once before, long ago, sounded before you had a chance.

The alarm had to be wrong. That alarm meant that a demon had gotten into Heaven undetected until now. There were no fires, no death and destruction or black cloud hovering over your home. A demon? There was no way. The war was just about over, the victory of the Angels almost palpable. They’d sent a spy? No way.

Panic arose in your companion’s dark brown eyes as a robotic voice started speaking its mantra. “Demon spotted. Stay where you are.”

“I...I have to go,” he muttered, setting down his untouched glass of ambrosia. He instantly whirled around, heading for the door, before he was stopped by your sudden grasp on his wrist.

“We have to stay,” you said, the words leaving your mouth without thought. His wrist was cold as he ripped it out of your grip.

As soon as your hand was away from him, he was gone, almost barreling through the crowd of angels. His mask fell off, lose from the past few hours, and gasps came from all around him, silence then falling across the room.

“Demon.” The word was a cold knife through your heart, shooting ice through your veins. You were fraternizing with the enemy. You didn’t know, otherwise you wouldn’t have, but you did know that you could get kicked out of Heaven. Angels can lie when they’re home. Why would the Guards believe you?

The doors shut heavily behind him as he raced out, the sound echoing through the large hall. You woke up in a cold sweat. You’d never woken up cold before, and you didn’t like it. You usually woke up overheating, despite your blankets being on the floor and your fan overworking.

You turned to your bedside table as your phone buzzed. The demon - Changkyun - had messaged you.

“You were in my dreams, Angel. Did you remember that night?”

You narrowed your eyebrows and frowned. “I didn’t dream,” you responded. It wasn’t a lie - you had remembered, not dreamt.

“No need to lie.”

You rolled your eyes, a habit you’d picked up from humans, locked your phone and went back to sleep. This time, you didn’t dream. You didn’t remember, either.

When you woke up to your phone buzzing yet again, sunlight was streaming into your room, but you were too tired to appreciate it. You blindly reached to your table, grabbing your phone and answering it. “Hello?” you graned.

“Good morning, Angel.” You instantly awoke at the sweet yet dangerous voice that greeted you. “Sleep well?” You rolled your eyes, even knowing that he couldn’t see you.

“Goodbye, Changkyun.” Without moving your hand, you moved your thumb over the button to hang up.

“Wait, no!” There was panic in his voice. “I...I really need to talk to you.” You moved your thumb away. “I...Can we meet at the cafe again? Just us, no [Y/F/N].”

You hesitated for a second before agreeing. You made plans to meet there in ten minutes, as is he. You walked over to him, watching him stare into a cup of black coffee as if unsure of what he wants to do with hit. You sat down, and he quickly brings it up to his lips, wincing at the bitter taste. Before you sid anything, he stood up, grabbed several creamer and sugar packets, then sat back down. He emptied all of them into his cup, stirring constantly, then downed half of it in one gulp. You watched in half-amazement, half-horror until he sat the cup back down.

“Why did you want to meet here?: you asked.

At the same time, he voiced his question. “Why didn’t you save me?”

You paused, unsure of what to say. “That night in Heaven?” you finally asked.

Changkyun sighed. “I wasn’t always like this. I was human.” That was common knowledge. You...you were my guardian. You gave up.”

You racked your memory. You couldn’t remember a lot of what happened while you were still in Heaven, but you did know that you were a guardian angel. Who had you protected?

It hit you all at once. Im Changkyun, the last person you had looked over before the War. You’d kept an eye on him for just over two decades, but as the War and its Revolution took over your life, you, like most angels, ignored humanity. With nobody watching over them, life must’ve been miserable.

You couldn’t breathe. “I...made you like this?” He blinked quickly, nodding. “Changkyun, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s no big deal.” He let out a shaky breath. “I just wanted you to know. They made us, the last of us with angels out whole lives, hate angels, but…” He trailed off, then sighed. “I can get completely destroyed for this, but fuck it. They showed us our angels, and I fell in love with you.” He put his hands on his lap, then up to his coffee cup to sip at what was left of his drink.

You sat in silence for what felt like an eternity. “I…” You trailed off as Changkyun looked up at you, half-hopeful. “I don’t know what to say. That’s forbidden on so many levels.”

“How so?”

“I…” You trailed off again. “Angels and demons -”

“It’s not forbidden,” Changkyun interrupted. “At least not on my side. Believe it or not, we have rules, and I’ve read every single one. The closest thing is that we can’t give out secrets.”

You’d read every angel rulebook as well, and they’d most likely just assumed that everyone would have the common sense to not even /speak to demons, so there weren’t rules against it. There weren't even social cues against it. You were actually a bit younger than Changkyun, having died early on in life, so even if you were together on Earth, there wouldn’t be judgment from humans. “So...what? What do you want?” You didn’t mean to sound so rude, but you were honestly scared.

This time, there was no hesitation. “I want to make you feel at home.” His eyes looked human as they stared, seemingly into your soul.

“Explain.”

“I want to make you happy. Hell is supposed to suck the soul out of you, but you...you brought my soul back.” He raised his hand to the back of his neck. “God, that was cheesy. Sorry, I just...alie or dead, I’ve never felt this way about anyone. If you’ll give me a chance, I want to be yours.” His hand lay palm-up on the coffee table.

You held your hand under the table, picturing the golden veins that once flowed beneath. Changkyun didn’t pressure you to make a choice, he simply looked at you with soft eyes. You clenched and unclenched your fist under the table before slowly raising it, heart beating fast. You fully expected to change your mind, but you didn’t.

You inched your hand towards his for a minute, before giving in entirely and laying it down on his. Without thinking, you laced your fingers through his. The warm feeling in your chest was nothing compared to the burning feeling that suddenly shot through your back, right where your wings were.

Your hand shot towards your back, ripped from Changkyun’s as you dry-heaved, the loud sound echoing through the almost-empty cafe. The burning on your back was entirely internal; your flesh felt cool to the touch. Tears spilled from your eyes, as you lay on the floor, trying to keep from moving as best you could.

The only person in the diner was a now extremely concerned barista, but when she approached you, Changkyun asked her as nicely as he could to stay away. “Is she okay?” she asked.

“She will be,” he muttered in response, voice almost so low you couldn’t hear it. Changkyun.

He knew what would happen, didn’t he? Demons never change. The War must still be going on - he didn’t want Heaven to have help on Earth. It’s not like the demons could recruit you, after all, you’re not a human, you’re a fallen angel - still more powerful than any demon. The last time Hell had a fallen angel was also the first time - Lucifer.

The burning in your back had subsided slightly for the time being, but it still stung like a wasp when you moved at all. Your face burned, both from the salt of your tears rubbing it raw and the pure embarrassment of believing Changkyun was different from other demons. So what if you had guarded him? He wasn’t lying when he said Hell changes you - you’d seen the aftermath more times than you wanted to admit. You walk towards the door, towards the light of the sun, walking as normally as you could, but still wincing every time the fabric of your shirt touched where your wings had been.

“[Y/N]!” Changkyun called as the small bell above the door rang, signaling your departure and distracting him from his conversation with the barista. “Wait!”

You turn back to him, your face all of the rage and fury you could muster through your soul-wrenching pain. You walked as quickly as you could back to your apartment, silently praying to anyone who would still listen to you to please, don’t let him follow. Your quick footsteps were drowned out by the bustling noise of the city.

If Changkyun followed you, he didn’t follow for long. By the time you were halfway home, you were alone, turning the streets expertly to your home away from home - your only home, now.

“[Y/N]?” [Y/F/N] called as the door half-slams shut. “Weren’t you with Changkyun?” She walked towards you for a second, then ran as she realized you were in an immense amount of pain. She took in your raw cheeks, hand on your back, and red eyes. “What did he do?”

You weren’t sure how to put it. No matter how much he hurt you, and who you were now, you were still an angel at heart and you didn’t want to risk putting his life in danger as well. “No, it’s just my back hurts.” That was the closest you’d ever come to lying, and it terrified you how effortlessly it came out. She looked at you for a second, not trusting your words. It only took a second for it to click in her mind that you had never lied before, and there was no reason for you to lie about this, so she decided to trust you.

“Okay. You need Advil?” You nodded, walking towards your room as [Y/F/N] followed, stopping off at the bathroom. You lay on your bed, pulling your shirt up towards your shoulders. For once in your life, you were actually cold, but only where you could still feel your wings. You knew they hadn’t just disappeared, they had to have been ripped off, burnt off. [Y/F/N] stopped by, making you take some pain medication with a glass of water, then left when you insisted that you were fine. The medication didn’t help.

By some miracle, you managed to fall asleep. Your dreams were weird, and for the first time, you couldn’t remember them. [Y/F/N] woke you up hours later, when it was dark outside. You felt refreshed, however. “Changkyun’s on the phone,” she whispered, holding her cell phone out to you. You sighed, hoping she would assume it was just from being woken up so suddenly.

“What the fuck do you want?” you asked as soon as she left your room, the door clicking quietly behind her. It was the first time you’d ever sworn, in Heaven or on Earth, and it broke your heart, honestly. It was proof that you were no longer an angel, and heightened the chances of you believing you were closer to a demon than an angel.

“Wow, Angel,” he laughed, “does daddy know you use that language?”

“Don’t call me angel. You fucking know I’m not one.”

“What?” He sounded genuinely confused. “What do you mean?”

“You…” You trailed off. “If you’re lying to me, I will kill you.”

“I genuinely have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I fell. I’m a fallen angel now.”

“What?” Changkyun now sounded genuinely concerned. “How?”

“I don’t know the logistics of it, but I touched you, knowing what you were, completely sober. I...I can’t go home.” You didn’t know when you started crying, but this time, it wasn’t due to physical pain, it was because you had to admit it; you could never go home. “I don’t know what to do.” You stood up, stretching your cramping legs, and walked towards a mirror, terrified of what you would find.

You hadn’t seen your wings in a long time, but you could always feel them there. They weren’t physical on Earth, that much was obvious, they would’ve been impossible to hide. However, they would wrap around you when it got cold enough, keeping you warm automatically. The soft feathers would brush against your shoulders, tickling you slightly, in a comforting way.

You turned around, wincing slightly at what you did see. There were scars, running down your back, right where your wings had been. The skin was raw, just starting to scab over. They were deep enough so that you knew it would scar over, but you didn’t have to go to the hospital. Thank God, too, you had no idea how you’d explain that. Changkyun was speaking, but you weren’t listening, his deep voice becoming soothing background noise.

“[Y/N]?” Your name from his lips shook you out of your dissociative state. “Are you still there?”

“I can’t do this.” You didn’t hang up, but you didn’t offer any further explanation until he asked for one.

“Can’t do what?” His voice was full of concern again. “Are you okay? Do you need me to come over? I’m coming over.” There was a shuffling sound on his end, followed quickly by the sound of a door closing. “I’ll be over in ten. Keep talking to me.”

“You don’t need to come over -”

“I’m already on my way.”

“Okay, fine, whatever.” You winced at your apathetic words. Humanity was terrible, and you hadn’t even been a not-angel for a full day. “I’m fucking broken.” [Y/F/N]’s phone died as soon as the words left your lips.

You waited, testing the limits of your back pain by poking your back, running your fingers over the scarring wounds, and laying on your back, bored out of your mind.

“[Y/N], Changkyun’s here!” [Y/F/N] called from the front hall. You didn’t even have time to navigate before he was barreling through your door, reminding you of the first night you met, all those years ago. It felt like another lifetime, and it sort of was. He instantly engulfed you in a hug, carefully avoiding where your wings once were.

“What happened?” Wordlessly, you pulled out of the hug before starting to lift your shirt from over your back. The scars ran deep, and it was more obvious to him, being a demon and having been guarded by you. “Holy shit.” His finger, still cold despite hot blood no longer running through your veins, traced around one of the scars, making you shiver. “I...I did this?”

Tears dripped down your face yet again as you pulled your shirt back down. You nodded, still silent. “I...I’m so sorry. Oh my God. I fucked everything up, didn’t I?” You sniffled, cocking your head ever so slightly, egging him on. “Even fallen angels can tell if someone’s lying, right? Luci - the King of Hell said so. He could lie, but it seemed pretty legit. Please, please check if I’m lying.” His words were desperate, to the point where you felt the aching in his chest that you assumed he did, as well.

You gently rested your hand on his head, four of your fingers spread across his forehead while one sat on the bridge of his nose. You closed your eyes, inhaling deeply. The warm feeling you got in your forehead, mirroring where your hand was on Changkyun’s, told you everything you needed to know; he was telling the truth.

So demons could tell the truth, they just chose not to. You felt a tear slip through your eyelashes, confusing you beyond belief. You weren’t crying, you were actually a little bit happy - you still had one of your angelic abilities, a small, barely there connection, but still a connection, to your home, Heaven. Your eyes snapped open, just to see Changkyun sobbing silently. His shoulders didn’t move, your only hint towards him crying were the tears streaming down his cheeks. “I’m sorry.” The words heaved from his lips.

“Changkyun.” You spoke for the first time since seeing him that afternoon, voice cracking a little bit. “It’s not your fault. You didn’t know.” He sniffed, wiping his face with his sleeve. “I don’t blame you.”

“You can’t go home.” That fucking stung. You knew it, and he knew it, but saying it out loud made it seem so much truer.

“I can make a new home.” The words, even though you knew them to be true, felt like plastic coming out of your mouth. “It doesn’t even have to be a place. Home can be a person.” That was something you’d always learned to say when [Y/F/N] came home with a broken heart, especially when she needed to move back in with you after moving out to live with a partner. “I can be my own home.”

“I want to make you feel at home.” Changkyun repeated what he’d said only a few hours before. “If you’ll have me, I want to make you happy.”

You hesitated yet again. “I...I’ll take a shot with you.” His eyes instantly dried up, a smile spreading on his face, his expression pure love.

He held out his hand. This time, when you grabbed it, despite being cold, it made you warm.

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shewhowantsmouseears · 7 years

Text

Love Like Lava 18

Notes: As always, thanks to my fantastic editors Drucilla and Blueshifted! They worked extra hard on this last batch, so give 'em some praise.

While many things changed about this story once it came into development, the climax never did, as it was something I had envisioned for years and I'm glad it's finally out there. But hang on, it's not QUITE done yet - don't forget to read the epilogue!

Summary: As Goofy takes to the track, Minnie is forced to choose between her love for mortals and her love for Mickey. Were they only born to suffer in sadness? Or can they both find their purpose and take control of their destinies?

Goofy thought he'd be far more nervous than he actually was when the big day arrived, but perhaps knowing he was going to be nervous made him less anxious about the whole thing. Yesterday Gyro had been struck by inspiration and had vanished from sight in order to work on something. Since then, Goofy and Agalma hadn't seen him and now it was mere minutes before Goofy would be called to join the others out in the arena. At the moment, he was brushing Little Helper's mane, figuring that his partner should look his best. Agalma was putting a last minute paint job on the cart, mostly as an excuse to practice writing. It was rather impressive that she spelled “Pygmalion” right on the first try, and she was so proud of this feat that now she was writing it all over the cart.

As she was going for Pygmalion #5, Goofy glanced over at her and spoke gently. “Say, Agalma?”

She paused and looked over, the “Py” trailing downward. “Yes, Goofy?”

“You remember why I agreed to the race in the first place?”

She nodded. “We need the money, because of me.”

“Yeah, but...” He hesitated for half a moment, thumbing the brush. “I was thinkin' – well, wonderin', if you'd be all right with it... Maybe we use it in a different way. After we split our fair shares with Gyro and all.”

Intrigued, Agalma stood up tall, not caring that the paint brush was dripping black on her white robes. “What do you mean?”

Goofy gulped – funny, saying this was making him more shaky than the dangerous race that was to come – and spoke as slowly as he could, not wanting his dialect to ruin what he was about to say. “See, uh, I was thinkin' long and hard about this, about my life and yours. I never wanted to leave my home town, 'cause it was like leaving Millie behind... and for you, there's still so much of the world you don't even know about. But maybe things shouldn't stay that way. Maybe... if I saw more of the world, I could make even better statues, and be a better fella. And you could... you could find out more about what you like, and what you don't like, and everything else you can be.” Ignoring the skittish trembling going through his body, he held up Agalma's hand, getting paint on his gloves. “And I'd really like to see the kind of person you are. I want to know more about you, Agalma...” He began to lift his eyes to meet hers. “...If that's okay with you.”

Agalma couldn't understand why Goofy was looking like he was going to fall apart at the seams. Everything he said sounded wonderful. She rested her own cheek in her hand, curious. “You know, I'm starting to think I don't know everything about you either, Goofy. Maybe I can learn more about you too.”

Goofy's eyes widened, and he clicked his heels together in delight. “You mean it? You really wanna travel the world with me? All over and back around? You and me?”

“Yes, I think I'd like that very much.” Agala smiled warmly, shaking Goofy's hand up and down to emphasize her agreement. “There's a lot of things we can both learn for the first time! I can feel smart, you can feel smart, and we can make each other happy.” What lay ahead out in the world out there? Those mystical things called oceans? Those magical places called forests? New languages, new clothes, new experiences, and new sides of herself to discover. Who wouldn't want to take that chance? And with Goofy at her side, she'd have every question answered. He'd keep her safe, he'd keep her fed, and he'd keep her happy. It wouldn't even be difficult, because when he was happy, so was she. Yet any further daydreams were put on hold as she understood that none of this was a guarantee. “Oh,” she said, troubled. “But if you don't win the race, does that mean we can't do it?”

It was a very real possibility, and Goofy almost answered her that yes, there was a good chance this dream would stay a fantasy. But as he looked at their hands, fingers intertwined and warm, an unusual feeling was coursing through his body, one that he was so unfamiliar with that it almost scared him. He was confident in himself. “I will win,” he said in a near whisper, but when he said it again, it was loud and hard. “I'm gunna win! I am absolutely, positively, definitely gunna win!” He pulled in Agalma's hand, surprising her with his strength. “I am, I am, I am! Little Helper and me, we'll do whatever it takes! And with all of our friends watching me, there's no way I can lose! With Minnie, Daisy, Mickey, Donald, Gyro, and... and... and you... with you watching me-” A gulp before continuing, yet never faltering. “With you watching me, I know I'll win!”

Normally Agalma would've asked how her watching him affected the race in any way, but the sincerity of his words, the intensity of his gaze, and the tight squeeze of his hand was making her body react in a truly bizarre way. He'd never looked at her that way, never spoke of her this way – he'd never been so courageous. Heat flooded her cheeks, and Agalma lost her breath. For once, it was her that stumbled for proper words. “G...G..Goofy, I th-think there's something wrong with me!”

“Huh?” His bravado faltered, replaced with intense concern. “W-whaddya mean, what is it?”

“Something's going on with my heart!” Agalma exclaimed with worry, grabbing Goofy's hand and pushing it into her chest – so he could feel her rapid heartbeat - she'd ask at a later time why this made him go redder than an apple. “It's never gone that fast before! What does that mean? Is it bad?”

“Uh,” Goofy said, unable to offer any better explanation. “Uhhh.”

“SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME I MADE IT IN TIME!” a familiar voice shouted nearby, heading right towards the blushing buffoons. Gyro was carrying a large, full sack on his shoulder, and judging from how out of breath he was, he'd been running to find Goofy as fast as possible. That or he was out of shape. Both were plausible. “Oh, Goofy, thank goodness! I was so worried I'd miss you, and just when I finished my inventions! You...” he trailed off, only now noticing where Goofy's hand was on Agalma's body. He glanced at both dogs back and forth. “...Did I interrupt something?”

Goofy jumped a foot, whipping his hand back, and haphazardly struggled for a proper explanation of what Gyro ran into, although not even the best linguist could have understood him through all the stuttering and stammering. Agalma continuously rubbed her chest, still confused as to why Goofy had made her heart flutter. Gyro decided it was best he not inquire. “Oookay! Anyway, Goofy! The other day, when you pointed out my possible design for an underwater helmet, I knew what to do! All this time I've been thinking of how to improve the chariot, but never how to help you, Goofy, my friend!” He plopped the sack on the floor and began to dig through it. “Since you're my friend, and you're going up against notorious cheaters, I want to keep you safe! So I came up with these safety shields!”

First was a helmet, but not the glorified plated version a soldier wore into battle. This one was circular, better fitted for Goofy's dome, with a strap under the chin to keep it in place. Then came pads to stuff under Goofy's robes right on top of his shoulders, comfortable but also firm, though they did make him look slightly silly. Finally there were soft pads stuffed with cloth, made to cover Goofy's elbows and knees. Once everything had been placed on, Gyro slapped his hands together, pleased that it had all fit to a T. “There! With all of these, you should be as safe as a babe in their mother's womb!”

Goofy moved his arms around, feeling odd under the additional cloth and pads, but not entirely chafed. He wasn't sure how it was going to keep him safe, but if Gyro said it would, then it had to be true. Goofy nodded once, and then offered a hand to his friend. “Thanks a whole bunch, Gyro.”

Gyro smiled, and shook Goofy's hand, beaming with delight. “I know you can do this, Goofy! You're a good man, the best kind of man! And no matter what the Beagles pull, you're going to do your best! We'll be cheering for you every step of the way! Right, Agalma?”

She had no time to agree, for the loud sound of drums began to beat their way inside the halls. “That's the startin' signal!” Goofy announced, and then rushed to climb into the cart. “Time for me to go! I'll see you both after the... No, after I win this race! Heigh-ho, Little Helper!” With a crack of the reins, Little Helper, whinnied in victory, galloping ahead into the open sunlight. Yes, he was going to win! He had to win! There was a new future to grasp – one without nights of tears and agonizing loneliness. Goofy needed to take this chance, and he wouldn't take it alone. He had friends who loved him for who he was, and if such fantastic people believed in him, then surely he was worth something! Goofy was going to make them all proud – and make himself proud too.

Agalma exhaled all the breath she didn't know she'd been holding. “He's...really amazing.” Her voice was the quietest she'd ever used. Gyro didn't even know she was capable of sounding so soft.

Holding back an amused laugh, Gyro grabbed Agalma by the hand. “Yes, he is! So let's grab our seats before he shows off how amazing he is!”

Within the arena, the racers began to assemble at the starting line. To Goofy's surprise, Bouncer hadn't scared off every single participant. Three others had managed to join the line – a red rooster who was already kicking his feet in eager anticipation, a green parrot that was blowing kisses to pretty girls in the stadium, and a tired black horse who was warily eyeing the competition. The trio watched Goofy ride in, all of them with baffled expressions in response to Goofy's strange attire. Goofy waved to them in a friendly air, wanting to wish respect unto his opponents, and they waved back – then winced as Bouncer rode up, his gray steed huffing and snorting in every direction. Right away, he let his opinion on Gyro's safety devices be known. “HAHAHAHAHAHA! What kind of stupid get up are you in, goof? Did you finally decide to dress as dumb as you are?”

Goofy knew that no response would satisfy Bouncer or make him shut up, so he opted not to. Instead he gripped the reins, eyes staring right ahead. Bouncer wasn't used to being ignored, so he spat a wad of leftover breakfast at Goofy's cart. “I'm talkin' to you, piggy!”

“I ain't here to talk.” Goofy wouldn't turn towards Bouncer, and even had the audacity to grin. “I'm here to win.”

The rooster and parrot noisily enjoyed the comeback, high-fiving each other and hooting, while the horse saluted in pride. Bouncer growled, kicking a small box in his cart – Bombshell Beagle's tricks. “I'm going to enjoy knocking out all of those teeth, goof. Not only am I going to win, but I'll make you wish you were never born!” He would make Goofy fear him again, and get back on top of the food chain. Then maybe Ma would shut up and things could go back to normal. If he lost – which was impossible – she'd make life miserable for him. Or... more miserable? Was any part of his life legitimately enjoyable right now?

The drums began to beat again, and once they stopped, the race would begin. Ten laps, five racers, one victor. Goofy cautiously looked to the crowd, but he was too far away to focus on any faces in particular. But he knew his friends were watching. At least he thought they were – he had no knowledge of a crisis that four of them were going through.

Goofy inhaled deeply through his nostrils, and held his head high. Before he would leave on his journey around the world, he would finish that stone peach for Minnie. For her, he'd win. For Minnie, Daisy, Mickey, Donald, Gyro, Agalma, the villagers at home, Millie, for everyone he'd known - and most importantly, he'd win for himself. The drums began to slow down.

“Here... we... GO!”

~*~

Donald had never been a good liar, nor did he like lying for any long amount of time. If everything that had happened taught him anything, it was that even well-meaning lies had their cost. So when he returned to the Underworld and told Daisy what he'd actually been doing the day before, Daisy threw everything she could lift at him, including a startled Cerberus, and demanded that she and Minnie go to the island with him. Minnie had retreated back to the Underworld after her encounter with Pete, and after a day full of additional self-loathing and internally struggling with the knowledge she held, she had finally told both of her companions what had happened – including the fact that she could create life. Donald had lost his footing, found it, then lost it again when he remembered the prophecy the Fates had told him, with Magica's dark voice ringing in his ears.

In the near future, a great and bloody war will overtake the mortals! Thousands will perish, and the war will be endless! The Underworld will be flooded with the souls of the innocent! The will of Ares will bring about an end to mankind as we know it!

But there was no way it would come true. It couldn't. Minnie would never do such a terrible thing, and it would be more terrible to tell her about the prophecy. It was only then Donald relented, saying they would go to warn Mickey in case Pete was going to try anything. Warn him, but that was all, and then they'd leave. Maybe they'd even go watch the race, not that any of them were in a particular mood to cheer.

As they walked on the beach, Donald kept his eyes out for any wandering mermaids and was relieved to see none. Minnie kept her eyes down, holding onto Daisy's hand. She wanted to apologize to Mickey, but she also wasn't sure if she could handle another dagger of harsh words to her heart, even if they were deserved. Or, worse, what if he forgave her only because of some mystic power she had over all souls? Truth be told, all three of them were tense, but not a word was exchanged.

Not until they approached the cave's entrance, and Minnie suddenly lifted her head. “Something's wrong...”

Daisy turned around, confused. “Moreso than everything already is?”

“No, listen!” Minnie let go of Daisy's hand to walk up ahead, entering the cave. “Both of you, listen!”

Donald and Daisy put hands to their ears to try and hear anything, but Donald shrugged. “I don't hear anything.”

“That's just it!” Minnie shrieked, panic flooding her chest. “The Axelias – they're always hard at work! We should be hearing them chisel and dig! Why aren't they working?” She then fled deep into the cave, running as fast as she could, crying out her lost lover's name. “Mickey! Mickey! Mickeeeyyy!”

Donald and Daisy became equally frightened, chasing after Minnie in the darkness of the cave. The torches were dying without anyone attending to them, but the brightness of the forge still managed to lead the way. There they saw all the Axelias, lost in their confusion and grief, uselessly chanting their master's name over and over again. “Mickey-Mickey-Mickey.”

Daisy screamed as she saw the Axelia with the smashed back, and the other with the ripped arm, only stopping as she covered her beak with her hands. Minnie gasped for air as she saw the destruction before her, trembling as she picked up her tiara with the broken shells. Donald shook from head to toe before grabbing the nearest Axelia and shaking her back and forth. “Where is he? Where is my nephew?!”

“Mickey-Mickey-Mickey,” was all they would say, no matter how loudly Donald yelled in their faces.

“M-Maybe we can ask the mermaids, the nereids...” Daisy struggled for ideas, looking around for anything that could be a clue, but her hysteria couldn't be ignored. “Oh, what's going on?! There's no way Mickey would do this to his servants!”

Minnie held the tiara close to her chest, tears flooding her eyes. She had no words for this gruesome imagery. Whatever had happened, she couldn't fight the sensation that it was her fault – like all these tragedies had been. It was all her fault. The Axelias were hurt because of her. Mickey was in danger because of her. It was her fault, her fault, her fault, her fault, why had she even been born -

“THERE you are!” A new voice came from atop the workshop anvil – Minnie hadn't seen Fethry, also known as the messenger god Hermes, in so long she almost didn't recognize him. He wiped his brow, exhausted from an extensive search. “I've been looking all over the globe for you, little miss! Ares needs you to come to Mount Olympus, prompt-o!”

“Fethry!” Daisy snapped, grabbing his arm and yanking him down. “This is neither the time nor the place to indulge whatever ridiculous temper tantrum Pete is throwing!”

“B-But miss boss lady!” Fethry stumbled, trying to regain his footing, as his feathered feet were almost always floating. “She really needs to come right now!”

Minnie turned her back towards Fethry, head low again, tears streaming down her face. “I don't care what Pete says...I never want to see him again! I never want to return to that awful place!” If she could actually have a choice in how things in her life would turn out, those two were high on the list. Couldn't she at least have that freedom? Or was she no longer deserving of such things?

“You don't understand!” Fethry was pleading now, wildly pointing to high in the sky. “Ares – he's gone bonkers, nuts, off the deep end! He – he said if you don't come up there and do what he says, he's going to kill Hephaestus!”

That was the only way to make the Axelias stop talking, as they all lifted their heads in silence. Daisy's jaw dropped, Donald grabbed Fethry to make him repeat it, but Minnie had heard enough. She vanished in seconds, and in turn so did the birds.

It had only been mere minutes ago that Pete had revealed his captive, having privately used the mouse as a punching bag to vent out his frustrations before getting ready to start the show. Now on Mount Olympus, Mickey was on full display, bruises and all, tied firmly to a pillar. Mickey pulled and struggled, but to his humiliation, even though he was strong from working in his forge, these ordinary ropes were more than enough to keep him captive. Both arms and legs were held back, and extra layers of rope had been strewn over him just in case. It was crushing his lungs, and the rope was scratching his skin raw. Of course even if he had found some way to free himself, that would do little good as his kidnapper was standing right next to him with the sword Mickey made right to his neck. What a fine way to learn about irony.

Once Hera had laid eyes on the familiar reject, she stood up, knocking her goblet over and spilling its contents out on the floor. “ARES! What are you THINKING? I DEMAND an explanation for THIS...” She couldn't even finish the sentence, not wanting to acknowledge that the helpless boy being presented as some kind of victory trophy had come from her body. Zeus was squinting, trying to recall where he'd seen this familiar scrawny being. Mickey flinched at Hera's harsh tone, not wanting to look at her.

“Aw, pipe down!” Pete was so far gone in his pride and anger that neither ruler could put a dent in his mood. “This ain't got nothin' to do with you! This is between me, the runt, and Aphrodite!”

Hera was close to raising a fist to begin her wrath - and yet did not. Her eyes stayed on Mickey for an uncomfortably long amount of time, staring at his bruises that didn't heal right away, for he'd never taken a taste of ambrosia. He, the eternal mistake, the reminder of the perfect family life she'd never have – he could vanish and be out of Hera's life as long as Pete continued his arrogance. She slowly began to sit back down, picking up the goblet while her hands trembled. It wouldn't be her fault. Nothing had ever been her fault. “If this is the FAULT of Aphrodite...then she SHOULD be punished for her DEEDS. Correct, my HUSBAND?” She drank before he could answer. Surely she'd find the right amount of drink to make her body stop shaking. She wasn't doing anything wrong. She never had.

As for Zeus, he'd only just now recalled what, or who, the boy was, who was hanging his head low as Hera's reaction hadn't surprised him at all. Now that he was being questioned, he jerked. “Of course, my wife!” He had his own trembles to hide – a god, being injured? Being killed? That was impossible! And if it was impossible, then he didn't need to do anything, and risk his own life, risk his own rule. If he couldn't punish Pete, then everyone would see that Zeus was no ruler – and surely one life wasn't as important as that! “We can't step in every time they make a mistake, or they'll never learn!” It sounded good to him, and he convinced himself nothing would happen. It couldn't, not under his glorious rule.

Various viewing mirrors were held up, with gods, goddesses and demi-gods slowly beginning to see the state of affairs but far too afraid to watch in person. Every so often one would pop up in the flesh, mostly to see if this was actually happening – such as the case of Gladstone and Mortimer, who, unlike their rulers, weren't content to let guilt take a cozy permanent residence in the back of their minds.

“Ares, this is too far!” That was Mortimer, not daring to take a step forward, his voice becoming more shrill with every word. “Are you nuts? He's one of us, he's a god!” If Ares was willing to go this far after Mickey and Minnie, what did it say about the fates of all the other immortals?

“Yeah, we had no problem when this was just mortals!” Gladstone added, pondering if his good luck could possibly extend to anyone outside of himself. “But this is insane! You can't really be thinking-”

“MICKEY!” The little crowd of onlookers was bowled and pushed over as the goddess of love barreled her way forward, followed by Donald, Daisy, and Fethry, the last of which hovered among the small audience. When Minnie saw the state Mickey was in, she screeched his name again, only stopping when Pete drew the sword closer to Mickey's throat.

“Ah-ah-ah, Aphrodite!” Pete sneered, taking pleasure that the woman who had dared scorn him was now horrified beyond belief. “Another step closer, and your hubby here becomes headless! He's the only one of us who's never drunk any ambrosia, so once he's hurt, he's hurt for good!”

“UNHAND MY NEPHEW THIS INSTANT!” Donald bellowed, immediately transforming into his monstrous smoky form, causing the crowd to gasp and cower in terror. He was at his most hideous now, filled with righteous anger and bloodlust, towering high above Pete with claws of shadows stabbing the air. “I'LL RIP YOU APART BONE BY BONE!”

But Pete showed no fear, continuing to smirk, waving the sword up and down a few inches. “So what's more important, Hades? You gettin' your revenge, or the life of everyone's favorite reject? Hey, you could win either way, since you'll see him in the Underworld after I'm done with him!” He laughed hard, a hand on his belly as he shook with merriment. Donald hissed and snarled, but retreated back into his normal form with a clear face of defeat. Daisy took his arm for comfort, glaring hotly at Pete.

“Don't hurt him,” Minnie begged, tears flooding down her face, unable to even see Pete for her vision could only contain Mickey, who was shutting his own eyes in humiliation. “Please don't hurt him! He's never done anything to you, he's never done anything to anyone! Please let him go!” If she had to beg on her hands and knees to earn his freedom, lick Pete's shoes clean, whatever it took to have Mickey unharmed, she would do so without hesitation. Except for what Pete actually wanted, as it turned out.

Pete clicked his tongue, pleased that things were finally going his way. “I'll let him go...eventually. First, you get to help him out! You're going to bring my statues to life, and start my forever war!” With his free hand, he gestured to the remaining hideous statues that waited for a purpose, with Gladstone and Mortimer feeling worse about it every passing second. “You're going to breathe life into every single last one, and the next ones I make, over and over and over and OVER, and maybe then I'll feel like letting the runt go.”

Startled and confused murmurs flew among the gods – was he serious? Did Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, truly have such a talent? Zeus began to sweat heavily, even more so when Daisy began to yell in his direction. “Do something!” she roared at him, fingers digging into Donald's arm. “He's going to commit genocide, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!”

Zeus swallowed, running his fingers through his lofty beard. He was well aware of Pete's blasé attitude towards physical punishment, and that it wouldn't help. But Zeus had spent so many years chasing women and not doing any real work since he fought his father centuries ago that his creativity muscles were dead. Maybe he could find a way to keep his rule without showing how little it meant in reality. “Persephone...of course I will not allow the destruction of our mortals. They are our valued allies and servants. So, I shall make a decree!” He cleared his throat, yet still refused to leave his seat. “For the greater good, we cannot place one life above millions. We shall let it pass.”

“P...Pass?” Donald repeated, his voice dry with shock. “Are you saying... we should just let Mickey die?!” How was this happening? How had the strong, prideful gods that once liberated the mortal plane become so cowardly and despicable? Or had they always been this way, and Donald had been oblivious to this darker side due to his life in the Underworld? “You can't be serious! That is your son being held hostage!”

“Zeus has made a DECREE,” Hera said, although her eyes were not on Donald, but on Mickey, who was slowly beginning to open his eyes. “BLOOD has no value. If there is to be BLAME, then lay it upon APHRODITE, for making a FOOLISH choice for a HUSBAND.” A fresh goblet was in her hand, but she didn't drink it. For some reason it and the last two she'd been drinking hadn't made the trembling stop. Her problems would be gone soon, and then she'd feel better.

“I'm blaming you!” Daisy spat, having to be restrained by Donald so she wouldn't try to claw Hera's eyes out. “You monster, you wretch, you're all evil, you hear me? ALL OF YOU! Standing around and pushing problems onto everyone else! I won't let you do this!” No one dared respond to her, uncomfortable eyes searching for better places, yet even then they would not move. Let it be someone's danger, someone else's blame.

Minnie was on her knees, holding her beloved tiara to her chest, unable to speak or think. Mickey or the mortals. What kind of choice was that? She stared at Mickey, Mickey whom she adored and treasured above all. Whatever her powers did to others, she knew the agony in her heart was real, that she wanted him to be happy and safe even if it meant she couldn't be a part of it. But she loved the mortals too, the amazing people who could find love and strength with their own two hands and by their own choices. Both of them helped her find her place in the world, gave her ideas and confidence and the courage to pursue them. If not for one, she would not have the other. Now, because both were innocent and precious to her, they would suffer for eternity. All because one man didn't get what he wanted.

One of the remaining seashells from the tiara shattered. A light tremor began to rumble in the floor.

~*~

Bouncer didn't start his trickery and treachery until the first lap had been finished, as he wanted to let Goofy feel a smidgen of victory. That way, it would be all the sweeter when he failed. Once he was close enough, he grabbed the first device from Bombshell's box of goodies. This was a fistful of seemingly ordinary little black balls, but in truth they were filled with an explosive powder that would burst upon impact. He grinned, and then lobbed them as hard as he could. “Bombs away, goof!”

Goofy didn't hear him, focusing intently on the race and guiding his horse. It didn't even matter, because the diminutive explosives hit his helmet – and when they blew, he didn't feel a thing, save for maybe a tickle on his scalp. Bouncer stared in disbelief, letting his horse slow down and the parrot gain a few feet. “Why...that stupid Bombshell, he's good for nothing!” Despite saying so, he grabbed for the next trick – a prototype Bombshell called a “firecracker”, which lit when Bouncer roughly scraped it against his chariot.

In the stadium, Gyro was loudly cheering for Goofy's victory, unaware that Burger and Bombshell were sitting nearby. Their directions were clear – if Goofy gained too good a lead, then they'd grab the friends and make it clear that Goofy's win would be a big loss. As Gyro clapped cheerfully when Goofy cleared lap number two, he realized Agalma wasn't cheering as well. “Is something wrong, Agalma? Don't you want Goofy to win?”

“Of course I do,” Agalma replied. “And he will, he said he would, so he will. So I was thinking about something else.”

Gyro smiled, amused by Agalma's sincerely strong faith. “Well, you know me, I can answer almost any question in the world. If there's something on your mind, let me clear it, so we can cheer on Goofy!”

As usual, Agalma's questions came out of left field, right field, and all fields in any directions. “You said you wanted to explore underwater volcanoes, but that doesn't make any sense to me. How can a volcano be underwater? Water puts out anything hot, so how can anything hot survive underwater?”

Funny enough, that was such an odd line of questioning that it stopped Burger and Bombshell's planned assault right in its tracks. What in the world was she talking about? Gyro by now was used to her out of nowhere curiosities, so he didn't mind indulging her. He pulled out the blueprints and plans that he showed his friends before, pointing out lines in the earth and sea. “Well, Agalma, you see it's not just heat that makes a volcano. The biggest cause is pressure.”

~*~

“Make all the decrees you want,” Pete laughed again, feeling more powerful than he ever had in centuries. “We all know Aphrodite would never let me do it! She'll do exactly what she's told, and be a good girl forever.” He then pinched Mickey's cheek, squeezing it hard between his fingers. “Awww, ain't it sweet how much she likes you? Even cripples can find love! You should be thanking me for proving it to-”

Everyone expected to see blood flow, but no one expected it would be Pete's. Mickey had suddenly chomped down so hard on Pete's hand that blood trailed down his fingers, causing Pete to howl in pain. He punched Mickey hard across the face, but only after three more hits did Mickey finally let go, wearing the new bruises like medals of honor. Pete looked at his wounded hand as if he'd never seen it before, and then grabbed Mickey by the throat, barking so hard that spit flew. “I'll kill you right here and now if you don't start behavin'!”

“Then do it!” Mickey shouted right back, slamming his head into Pete's forehead, making him temporarily reel. “I won't be your pawn! I won't let you use me to hurt the mortals and to hurt Minnie!” Whatever confusing feelings remained, Mickey was sure of his own worth, and he would not allow himself to be used as a tool for pain and destruction. “I don't care what Zeus says, and I don't care what you say! I am Hephaestus – I am Mickey, god of the mortal plane, and I would gladly give my life to see them live!” Minnie hadn't caused Mickey to respect and admire the mortals – no, they'd done that all their own, with their fantastic inventions and growing minds. The world was a beautiful and changing place, and he would not allow it to be stopped and filled with misery. There was so much they could accomplish, and they deserved better than to be ruled by greed. And just as importantly...

He breathed hard as he saw Minnie's face, the still astonishingly beautiful face whose eyes were a dull red and getting hotter. How cruel that this had been the way to prove that he'd never been a toy to her. This happy girl, this lively girl, she who brought smiles to all who knew her - “Minnie!” he called out to her, and she opened her mouth with no words to give. “I... I forgive you.” If he was brave enough to sacrifice his life, then, shoot, he could be brave enough to see if how he felt for her was real. “I know I didn't make things easy for you, and I was wrong too. I shouldn't have just assumed Aphrodite was no good. I should have given her a chance – I should have given you a chance! Like all the chances you gave me! Where you came from and what you can do, none of that matters! You're...” If he was going to die, and the cold reality of that was sinking in, yet he spoke on, “You're going to do really great things. Because you did really great things for me, and I don't regret any of 'em. So... So I don't want...” He clenched up, trying to push past his own fears. “So I don't want you to have any regrets either. I want you to keep smiling and helping others when I'm gone! The world deserves to know what great things you can do! Please, keep smiling for them! For yourself! Please be happy! I love you!”

He loved her, he loved her, he loved her so much it hurt – Mickey needed Minnie and Minnie needed Mickey – I don't need nobody – he needed her to be happy – if he could die with a promise of her happiness, maybe his life had some meaning after all. Of course he didn't want to die, but if he could have any choice with it, let it be for the mortals, let it be for her, and let it be for himself. It was why he was saying it all, so she could find a way to move on, so she would have no regrets, so she could find a way to exist without him.

Yet it only strengthened Minnie's feelings as to why she loved him and how she could never see another sunset without Mickey. After hearing his true feelings, after hearing all that, she was just supposed to say goodbye and let it all pass? Daisy was sobbing, Donald was holding her while remembering the prophecy the Sisters of Fate had spoken of. Would this be the one that came to pass?

The will of Ares will bring about an end to mankind as we know it!

Gladstone and Mortimer were eyeing the ambrosia, wondering if there was a way to get it to Mickey. Fethry was covering his eyes, unable to watch. Hera could no longer look upon the spectacle, whereas Zeus couldn't tear his widened eyes away. But all of them began to notice the movement in ground – the shaking that was beginning to increase – Daisy wildly looked around, having never experienced the phenomenon on Mount Olympus before and Donald was going through a similar shock.

Be happy without Mickey? How was Minnie supposed to do that? That was like asking the ocean to dry or the sky to stop being blue. Minnie hadn't been born for him, but she lived for him now, to choose between a life without him and a life without Goofy, Agalma, Gyro, all the courageous people down below...

Two more seashells popped. Then four.

Pete gave Mickey another punch for his speech, waving his hand that had begun to heal. “You really think love's gunna save the day? You moron, love is what's getting me exactly what I want! It's because she loves you that she'll do just as I ordered! Love is her weakness! Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty – what a riot!” He would have laughed once more, but then the tremors rattled the entire mountain so thoroughly that even he had a tough time keeping balance. It was the worst it'd ever been, with gods and goddess falling over, and the almighty throne Zeus and Hera sat upon began to crack.

And finally, at long last, Minnie spoke.

“Love... is... my... weakness?”

~*~

As Goofy stayed ahead in the next lap, Bouncer pulled his arm back as far as he could, and then let the firecracker fly, making sure not to aim for the head this time. But as Goofy whipped the reins harder, his elbow pad made the firecracker effortlessly bounce off and fall to the ground. When it did pop, it was right under the rooster's horse, startling it and causing it to smash against Bouncer's chariot, damaging the wheels – the fact that Bouncer could even hold on was a miracle. At this rate, the chariot wouldn't last much longer, nor would Bouncer's patience. “I'LL GET YOU FOR THIS, GOOFY!” If it was the last thing he did, even if he didn't win he'd make sure Goofy would lose! Forget Bombshell's lousy tricks, it was time he settled this the good old fashioned way – force!

Unaware of what was going down on the track, Gyro was using his hands to form tectonic plates pushing against each other. “You see, the ground we walk on is actually made up of plates touching each other, and when they 'hit', pressure builds underneath, containing something we call magma. That can happen underwater too, it really makes no difference!” He pushed his hands together, forming the iconic volcano shape. “The earth's core contains magma, but it doesn't come out right away. The pressure needs to build, and build, and build.”

“And then what?” asked Burger.

“You see, the earth's surface isn't-” Gyro interrupted himself when he saw he had two notorious troublemakers as part of his audience. “...You really want to know?”

“Yeah!” Burger said with enthusiasm, chomping on an old sandwich. “This is really interesting! Ma never told us that the world's made of plates. I love plates, especially when they've got food on them.”

“And I like things that go boom,” Bombshell added.

Gyro glanced to Agalma, who shrugged. “Did it ever occur to you boys that, perhaps, if you'd gotten a proper education, you wouldn't have resorted to a life of thievery and wicked ways? Just a theory, mind you.”

Burger scratched his head, giving it real thought. “Gee, Ma always said learning was for the weak.”

“I can guarantee you if you learned what a meat-shield was, you'd stop agreeing to be one.”

As Gyro began to lecture the Beagles on the importance of lessons, Agalma noticed a particular note detailed on the ocean exploration scroll. She picked it up, squinting. “Say, Gyro, the name of this ocean...You think an underwater volcano is there?”

Gyro leaned over to inspect what she was pointing out. “That is one of my theories, yes. Why do you ask?”

“It's just an odd coincidence.” Agalma put her finger underneath the name of the ocean. “That's where Millicent's family was sailing when they died in the storm.”

Bombshell raised his hand. “Can we go back to the boom?”

“Oh, yes, of course!” Gyro turned back to his now attentive companions, glad not to discuss someone's demise. “Where was I? … Hm, ah, of course! When the pressure builds, and builds, and builds...that's when it goes boom!”

~*~

And boom Minnie went.

In the sea many years ago, a young maiden met her death in the ocean's harsh waves. In her dying thoughts, she thought of the sculptor she left behind, and how dearly she loved him. She wished with all her heart that he wouldn't be alone. She thought only of this love, let it consume her whole with her last breath as her body happened to fall into the newly born volcano below the bubbling waters. She loved, loved, loved so deeply that it could rival the love of Gaia herself. Over many years, that love grew and developed, evolved and strengthened, and then, like Gaia's love, at last gave birth to something incredible.

Incredible was first word that came to everyone's minds when they saw the ground underneath Minnie split open, and a torrent of lava spew upward high into the sky, coating the goddess but not muting her scream of rage. None could understand what they were seeing, as the remains of Minnie's tiara first melted, and then burst apart, latching onto Minnie and forming shapes. The lava on Minnie's body cooled, and a threatening shadow loomed. She then stepped out slowly, one footstep at a time, with her feet making the floor sizzle and steam underneath her. No longer was she wearing innocent white robes of purity and delicacy. The lava that had splattered onto her had formed pink and red armor that coated her body, from a helmet that boasted a fiery mane streaming down, to heart-shaped patterns across her chest and arms, a massive shield that was bigger than she was, and a burning spear clutched hard in her right hand. She was still beautiful – but now in a frightening manner, the beauty of a forest turning into ashes. Her eyes remained red, and would forevermore be red, now that she had decided to live for herself.

Love could be soft and gentle, yes – but appearances can be deceiving. Lava too is beautiful when first seen, but the touch is as hot as any lover's passion, and burns twice as deeply.

“Ares.” Her voice echoed across Mount Olympus as the lava stream behind her began to die. “This is your first and final warning. Release Mickey.”

Pete had begun to consider the possibility that this was some sort of lucid dream he was having after trying one of Mortimer's latest experiments. He blinked hard, and rubbed his eyes – no, Aphrodite was still dressed as a soldier, this was actually real life. The rest of the mountain had fallen into silence, also in the same utter astonishment that this was happening. There was no explanation they could come up with, although none would have ever guessed that a mortal's love could be just as powerful as a god's. Pete regained some of his senses as he remembered he still presumably had the winning card in his hand. “J-Just you hold on there! I don't care what kind of fancy transformation you do, I can still end the runt here and now if you don't do what I say! I'm the one with the real power here! I am Ares, God of War!”

God of speed, he was not, though. Even with all his so-called experience, he couldn't have stopped the spear that was thrown right at his face – perhaps even Zeus wouldn't have caught it in time. It sent Pete flying backwards, destroying many statues that had the unfortunate position of being behind him. The spear was lodged in Pete's helmet, missing his excuse of a brain by mere inches. He sat up, trying to pull it out, but found the weapon so blisteringly hot he couldn't last two seconds – and now it made his helmet just as hot, burning his scalp with pain he couldn't believe was real. He scrambled to pull the helmet off, but it was now melting onto his fingers, creating blisters that popped as quickly as they appeared, spreading agony in every direction. Each of these was a new, horrible experience for Pete that wouldn't leave or heal as quickly as all other battle wounds he had experienced before.

By then Minnie caught up, launching a kick to his belly – one so hot that it melted another hole in his armor. Then came another kick, this one to his legs, sending him spinning and reeling. Her spear lay on the ground, in a puddle of what was once a intimidating helmet, and she called it to her hand with one flick of her wrist. Without sparing a second she jumped into the air, delivering one more hard kick to Pete's face so he'd meet the floor. No one had time to register the last action she made before she delivered another, and another, endless and quick with screeching cries of fury.

“Love is my weakness?” Minnie bellowed, on the floor once more and twirling her spear around, creating a flurry of flames to rain down upon him. “Love is my weakness? LOVE IS MY STRENGTH!” Pete tried to roll away from the rain of pain, making a grab for his sword, but Minnie was jabbing his armor over and over with her spear, making it melt as well. Whenever she struck skin, there was barely enough time to bleed before the agonizing heat cauterized the wound. “The strongest warriors fight for their loved ones! To defend their homes, to protect those they hold dear! Love gives them courage! Love gives them power!”

Donald and Daisy had equally matched dropped jaws, but reality came back to Donald quicker. “Mickey! Daisy, hurry!” He grabbed his wife by the hand and raced to the pillar. Together they were able to untie the ropes, and Mickey fell to the ground, Donald catching him. As Daisy began to grow a small sapling for a new walking stick, Donald steadied Mickey to his feet. “Are you all right?”

“I...” What kind of question was that, at this time, at this place? He wordlessly gestured at the impossible fight that was causing lesser-willed gods to either faint or run. The display was alarming – and, okay, he couldn't lie, also deeply satisfying in particular areas. If Mickey wasn't in love with Minnie before, he sure as goodness gracious was now. Homina homina homina.

Pete miraculously found his footing, and summoned up as many weapons as he could hold, but with every swipe and every motion, Minnie melted them away without even breaking a sweat. Which was the exact opposite of Pete, as her intense heat was making him do nothing but sweat. Even worse, the pain wasn't leaving – he was getting burned, and it kept hurting! Other wounds would dull, maybe ache, but this was lasting! This was endless! Even if he stopped moving, if he stopped breathing, it continued to hurt! A cut or a punch, one strike and you could move on – but a burn seeps into the skin, pressing into pores and nerves, keeping the memory alive without end. The God of War had governed over battle for so long that loss had never occurred to him, that pain other than that which he inflicted could exist. For centuries he was content to belittle and tower over those who could never oppose him. He'd never expected or even wanted a fair fight – and certainly never thought he'd be in a fight where he would lose. That was causing pain as well... although not as much pain as the actual burns themselves.

He'd never been burned before, and it HURT! IT HURT IT HURT IT HURRRRRRRRRT! “This – this ain't how it's supposed to go!” Pete had summoned up the biggest, largest metal club he could dream up, but as he locked it with Minnie's spear, it too began to dribble. Horror of horrors, he found himself being pushed back, feet dragging in the clouds. He couldn't even land one hit on her. Was she too small? Too fast? Or was he in too much shock and pain to be accurate? “I'm supposed to win! I'm supposed to be the strongest! I'm the god of war! You're – You're just Aphrodite!”

“I am not Aphrodite!” Minnie began to smack away at the club, while Pete desperately tried to keep up, each new blow making another scorching mark on his armor and then his skin. It was all he could do to defend himself and he couldn't even do that. Minnie was relentless, never stopping, never pausing, eyes full of revenge and movements full of fury. If anyone was going to listen to her, it would be now and they would never forget her intentions again. All of Mount Olympus shook, entire rooms cracking and capsizing. “I never agreed to be Aphrodite! I am Minnie, goddess of love, and I shall protect love! I will fight for love! And right now – I'd love to give you the punishment you deserve!”

She drove her spear into the ground, and once more a searing geyser of lava came forward, but this time it was aimed at Pete, drowning his agonized screams. The lummox was encased in lava, the streams running all over his body and pooling endlessly around him. It refused to harden, and continued to burn, burn, burn. He'd live, no surprise, but every inch of him was burnt beyond recognition, the smell of cooked flesh giving several gods their first taste of nausea. Now that he was covered in lava, lava made from the will of a goddess, the healing process wouldn't begin for a long time. Being gods, who knew how long a long time was? Until then, his every waking moment would be nothing but convulsions of torture. Even now as he laid on the floor, he couldn't move or breathe without breaking skin and giving new meanings to the word ache. He whined with stinging tears, babbling incoherently, though many could guess he was saying “I'm...the...god...of...war...”

Minnie looked down upon her victim, feeling no pity or remorse. “And should I ever find you harmed another mortal or my precious Mickey again...I will come back.” Her dangerous eyes surveyed the crowd, letting them know the warning was not solely for him. The whimpering she heard let her know the message was received.

No, her powers were not for creating love or instilling it in others. Her powers were for protecting it, as Agalma protected Goofy's heart, letting it heal by showing him he didn't have to be alone. Love had never needed Minnie's help, but it wouldn't suffer for it either. This was her purpose, and she would be proud to carry it.

She slowly turned her back toward the gods, and when she saw Mickey standing upright, her vicious personality vanished. “Mickey!” She threw away her spear, running right toward him, her sweet as sugar voice returning as she tackled Mickey in one of her classic huge hugs.

“Mickey Mickey Mickeeeyyy!” Minnie cried, her touch not burning or harming Mickey at all. No, to him, her touch was warm and very enjoyable. “I'm so sorry about everything! I was wrong! I should have told you who I was from the start! I should have been honest! I'll never ever lie to you again, I promise! If you never want to see me again, I'll do that too! I'll do whatever you want, just don't ever throw yourself away again! Please don't-”

Once again, Mickey found himself defying expectations. During their relationship, every kiss on the lips had been started by Minnie, but for today, it was Mickey who held Minnie's shoulders and pressed his mouth to hers. Daisy was so exhausted by the day's events that she began to laugh happily at this sight, and even Donald shook his head with a smile, trying to hide the fact he'd been so afraid for Mickey's life that tears had formed. Mickey held the kiss long enough to make sure Minnie would calm down – and maybe a few seconds longer than that, he couldn't help it – before pulling away with a smile. “Minnie...can we start over?”

Minnie needed a minute, reeling from what she considered a pretty passionate embrace. She didn't register the words right away, stars in her eyes. “Huh?”

“Can we start over?” Mickey repeated, touching Minnie's hand. “And this time...let's just... be together. We're gunna fight, we might even lie, but I think...” He glanced at Donald. “That's kinda normal. We can't be perfectly happy all the time...and maybe trying to do that is what made everything so rotten.” Mickey would never call himself an expert on this subject, but maybe he'd learned a thing or two. “It's okay if we stumble or get things wrong. It's okay if we get mad at each other. I like you, Minnie... all of you. Even the side of you that's crazy and annoying.”

Minnie looked down at their entwined hands, and then back up. “You're stubborn,” she decided, “And hardheaded. And you don't listen to people. And you pity yourself too much. And...I like all of that too.” She smiled, and then found herself giggling. How strange, to tell him all the things she didn't like about him, yet still adore him from head to toe. This felt natural, this felt real. “I love you, Mickey.”

“I love you too, Minnie.” They held each other, content for the first time in ages. Things weren't going to be exactly like they were before, but they had decided the loss wasn't too terrible. The future was unpredictable and exciting in that way. There was still so much to discover about this odd thing called love. No one person could ever rationalize it completely, no one person would ever truly need it, but those who wanted it would surely have it if they believed.

Minnie and Mickey stood back up, and Daisy slapped Minnie hard on the back. “Am I ever going to get an explanation for what just happened?”

Minnie looked down at her new outfit, lifting her foot and waving her hand to see it all for herself. “I... don't think so. I don't even know what happened, it just felt right. Does this look good on me?”

“Sure does,” said Mickey, taking an admiring glance at Minnie's backside.

Donald rolled his eyes. “Great, thousands of years passed and only now he enters puberty.”

Mickey playfully nudged him, but then became serious. “I wouldn't have said all that I did, and done all that I did, if it wasn't for you. You put some sense in my head...and you actually came for me. So, thank you...uncle Donald.”

Donald stared as the words repeated in his head in an endless refrain. Uncle Donald. Uncle Donald. Uncle Donald. Uncle Donald swiftly turned around. “H-Hang on, I gotta sneeze.”

“Oh, let your feelings show, you big baby!” Daisy lightly shouted at her husband. “It's okay to cry!”

“I AM NOT CRYING!” Donald said as he was definitely crying.

Daisy, Minnie and Mickey laughed, yet the good times weren't allowed to roll just yet. As Minnie's laughter settled down, her eyes slid over to the so-called rulers on their throne, who had held onto each other during the entire battle and only now registered that they might be safe – although judging from the way Minnie was looking at them, this might not have been true. Zeus shoved Hera off, sitting up straight and clearing his throat.

“Aphro – er, Minnie, goddess of love!”

~*~

It was the final lap of the race, and Goofy would have been surprised to learn he had kept the lead the entire way if he let himself think about it. However he wasn't letting himself think about anything but winning, which meant laser focus and only staring right ahead. That's why he didn't see Bouncer getting dangerously close, and then driving his horse hard to the right, slamming Goofy into the wall – at least, that was the plan. Goofy was surprised for a moment, but when his shoulder hit the wall, he didn't feel an iota of pain, thanks to his extra protection. All he let out was a confused “Huh?”

Worse for Bouncer, the attack destroyed his already suffering wheel. The chariot toppled over, dropping Bouncer to the ground in front of the other racers. They swerved to avoid him just in time, and also gave Goofy enough space so that no one had any hopes of catching up to him. Gyro was now deep in the lesson about how mountains were different from volcanoes when he remembered that a race was happening, and as he took a look, he jumped out of his seat. “He's doing it! He's going to win!”

“Of course he is,” Agalma said with a smile, rising from her seat. “He said he would.” For her. Thinking about that made her heart do the weird thing again.

Even Burger and Bombshell began to hoot and holler, hoping Bouncer wouldn't hear them. Gyro called out Goofy's name, the Beagles followed suit, and so did the people behind them, and behind them, and within seconds it became a glorious, hearty chant throughout the crowd. Everyone was rooting for the definition of underdog, because if he could win, anyone could, and in him they saw the greatness of humanity. He was only himself, only a mortal, and he was doing something fantastic.

“GO, GOOFY, GO! GO, GOOFY, GO! GO, GOOFY, GO!”

They screamed, they roared, they cheered, and then everyone danced as Little Helper's hooves crossed the finish lap for the tenth time. Cries of elation exploded throughout the coliseum, and even the losing racers felt great exhilaration in Goofy's win. The rooster came in second, the parrot third, the horse fourth, and Bouncer had to crawl to his embarrassing last place. Save for Bouncer, they would have been pleased to congratulate Goofy on his well-earned victory, pulling their chariots aside and climbing out. There was just one problem.

“He did it!” Gyro was celebrating, twirling Agalma around as she giggled. “He did it! He...He's still doing it. Uh-oh.”

Goofy was in fact so intent on winning that he didn't realize he already had, and was still running laps around and around. At this rate it didn't look like he'd ever stop.

Burger finished the last of his sandwich, and began to fish for whatever other food he had in his clothes. “Look, it's not like we call him Goofy for no reason.”

“We'd better get down there,” Agalma decided, taking the lead down the stairs with the others following. When they were on the race track, Goofy had yet to stop, and no one was sure how to do it. Bombshell then saw one of the foods Burger had stowed away was a carrot, and he yanked it out, although Burger whined about it. He then prodded Gyro with it.

“Huh? ...Oh, good idea!” Gyro complimented as he took the vegetable. “You get an A+ for that one, Bombshell.”

“Huh. I didn't know there were grades higher than F.”

Gyro stepped forward, cleared his throat, and then waved the carrot high in the air. “Little Helper! It's lunch-time!”

The moment those words hit Little Helper, he screeched to a halt. Goofy, however, did not, as the force of the sudden stop sent him flying from the carriage -

“YAAAAAA-HA-HA-HOOOOIE!”

And smacking headfirst into a wall, thankfully protected by his new helmet. Agalma rushed over as Goofy toppled to the ground, unharmed but incredibly dizzy. As he tried to sit up, he saw Agalma watching over him. “Uhhh... did Aphrodite send over three more Agalmas, cause I don't think I can handle that many.”

“You won, Goofy,” Agalma said happily, offering her hand.

“I won?” Goofy took her hand and shakily began to stand up, letting it all sink in. “I won? I won. I... won. I won!” Having confidence in what you were doing, and then accomplishing the thing, were two entirely different matters. “I won! I won, I won, I won!” He picked up Agalma, spinning her around. “I won!” She laughed, repeating after him, and they danced arm in arm, singing that he won, he won, he won. Goofy had never been more proud of himself in his entire life, and he never wanted to let that feeling go. He never wanted to let Agalma go either.

Speaking of people who had a hard time letting things go, Bouncer dragged himself into this happy-go-lucky scene, all the anger exhausted out of him. “I don't believe this!” he moaned. “I did everything I could, and he won? What do I do now? If I go back to Ma with this, she'll tan my hide!”

As Gyro stuck the carrot in Little Helper's mouth, he held up a finger. “What says you have to go back to your mother?” Bouncer blinked – the idea of doing otherwise had never occurred to him. Burger was just as stunned, and Bombshell merely shrugged. “If I may, gentleman, perhaps your talents lay elsewhere.”

“But punching people is all I know how to do,” Bouncer lamented.

“Only because no one has taught you otherwise.” Gyro clapped his hands together, an idea bubbling forth. “You know, Goofy is going to split the prize money with me, so I can make brand new inventions. But I can't do it all alone, and the more hands I have, the faster I can help everyone around the world! What say I take you all on as my apprentices and students?”

Bombshell raised a hand. “Can I learn more about things that go boom?”

Burger raised his hand. “Instead of giving my teacher an apple, can I eat the apple?”

And lastly Bouncer raised his. “Can I see a doctor? I think I have a concussion.”

“Yes, yes, and... oh, goodness, let's go do that.” Gyro waved towards his canine companions. “Goofy, Agalma, I'll catch up with you later!” But even as he said that, he doubt he was being heard.

Goofy and Agalma were still dancing along, holding each other 's hands, reveling in not only victory but accomplishment and their realized hopes for the future. Because of their hard work and faith in one another, they were going to get their dreams. There was so much to learn about everything, and now they'd taken the first step together. Goofy couldn't have done it without Agalma – couldn't have moved on, couldn't have made more friends, couldn't have seen the sun for its beauty – and his heart was healed.

As for Agalma, she still didn't understand this floaty, blissful feeling that fluttered throughout her body as she danced with Goofy, but she hoped it never stopped. Maybe he could tell her about this feeling that made her want to be in his arms and stare into his eyes, this feeling that his happiness was the most important thing in the world to her. Did this feeling have a name?

~*~

As Mickey, Donald and Daisy craned their necks to look at the king of the gods who had dared spoken, each look was filled with bitterness. Minnie was walking towards the rulers, tall and proud for someone so small. Other gods backed up, some even bowing graciously in case her anger was directed towards them. Zeus scrambled as he talked, hoping he could butter up someone who had murder in their eyes. “You must be commended after defeating Ares, the God of War! All of Mount Olympus thanks you for your noble deed! Name any gift, and it shall be given unto you!” He grinned at her, his palms open, waiting to hear her heart's desire. One little gift and they'd be safe and sound, and maybe then she'd leave and everything would go back to normal.

Minnie wordlessly summoned her spear back into her hand, and with one mighty movement, launched it right into the throne, shattering it into pieces. Hera shrieked as she fell down, and Zeus stayed on his rear, trying to understand what just happened as he sat among the shards. Many remaining gods fled, deciding this was the final straw, and they weren't going to come back unless they were certain they'd never make her angry. Gladstone wound up hopping into Mortimer's arms, and he'd lost all the feeling in his legs. Yet neither of them left – they actually wanted to see what would happen, and couldn't help but be a little amused. “What in the world makes you think I'd want anything from you?” Minnie snapped, the ferociousness back in her tone. “It's your fault this all happened in the first place, because you never want to do any real work!”

“How DARE you speak to the KING of the GODS in such a MANNER?” Hera barked, but when Minnie had her spear again, she quietly pointed it at Hera. She yelped and hid behind her husband. The scene of such supposedly powerful and all-knowing leaders made some immortals snort and giggle, perhaps overwhelmed by all they'd seen.

“The only good thing either of you have done was free the mortals, and make Mickey!” Minnie growled, hands on her hips. “You're not the King and Queen of the gods – if you can't enforce the rules, you can't make the rules! One good deed doesn't mean you get off scot-free for eternity! From now on, you are just plain, ordinary, run-of-the-mill gods like the rest of them! You hold no power over anyone!” As she finished her declaration, she looked at Mickey, wondering if she'd stolen his thunder. As their son, he had the final right to tell them off.

Yet as Mickey looked upon his parents, he couldn't think of anything to tell them. It seemed so pointless now. He didn't need them, nor did he want them. He had a better family. Mickey took Minnie's hand. “C'mon, let's go. I don't think this place deserves any of us.”

“Well said,” Donald commented, still not crying and no one could prove it shut up.

“Where should we go?” asked Daisy.

Mickey looked at Minnie. “I'd like to fix my girls first... then maybe I can work on a new tiara for you.” Seeing the fury and beauty of volcanoes had gotten him inspired, while also reminding him of the hot furnace he missed.

Minnie squeezed Mickey's hand, at her most beautiful when she smiled at the man she loved. “Yes. Let's go home.”

As they began to leave, Donald exhaled a breath he'd been holding on for far too long, relieved that the prophecy had been avoided. Yet, it was at that moment he recalled another one, one that had been so long ago that everyone had assumed it would never come to pass. His last look was toward the remains of the throne, at the pitiful faces of Zeus and Hera who would never erase their guilt and shame. When he turned to rejoin his family, he saw Gladstone and Mortimer offering Mickey a drink of ambrosia, and Mickey politely declined. Mickey joined hands with Minnie, who joined hands with Daisy, who waited for Donald's hand. He squeezed it tightly.

It had been said once that the son of Zeus would take away his throne – it just never said the son would do it himself.

#disney #fanfic #love like lava #mickey mouse #minnie mouse #donald duck #daisy duck #goofy #gyro gearloose #gladstone gander #mortimer rodawn

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carnivaloftherandom · 7 years

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:clears throat: paypal.me/kristenmchugh22 Since the last vehicle decided to die on a bridge, in traffic, a week before my non-refundable vacation in April, after previously knocking out my savings via repairs needed info py the dead of winter when it's nearly impossible to even get to my nearest bus stop without a car, I set a goal of having both a solid enough credit score AND $1500-2000 for a down payment by the end of July. Go, me, I'm almost there! But: While I've saved a skosh over $1k (i get paid mid/end of month) and I seem to be in good shape for financing, I'm still a little bit shy of the down payment goal and I have several REALLY GOOD PROSPECTS for a vehicle right NOW. (Safe, reliable, warrantied, and a payment I can live with.) Like, if every Twitter/Tumblr follower I have, felt like chipping in $1, (seriously, I don't want anyone compromising themselves, you can make a difference with ONE DOLLAR) I'd be in damn good shape, but if even one third of y'all felt like, "Hey, I can spare a buck," I'd be SUBSTANTIALLY helped. :my '80s kid self is muttering "I want my two dollars," I can't help it: : current self hums "Washington On Your Side": After nearly 3 months of hauling ass up and down the hill of death (no sidewalks, windy hill) washing clothes by hand (no washer at home) and hauling groceries either via Lyft or on my back and NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCOMPANY MY MOM TO DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS because I need to work and can't make that travel work while working, I'm asking: If you can, if you want to, and if you feel like it's worth it to toss $1 or $2 into substantially improving someone's life, please do: paypal.me/kristenmchugh22

#car trouble #life #funding

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its-allaboutfanfic · 7 years

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Unbearable (Kili x reader)

Word count: 2022

Warnings: death of reader, a lot of crying. This is also my first fic I wrote in english, so don’t be too hard on any (possible) grammar mistakes. The next ones are going to be more cheerful, I promise (づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ .

Author’s request: Enjoy! (✪㉨✪) and send me some requests, if you want.

~*~

It didn’t take you long to analyze the situation in front of you and you closed your eyes one last time to mentally prepare yourself, before you started runnning.

The second you took a glance of the situation happening a couple of metres in front of you, you somehow knew how all of this was going to end.

While you were running, a smile actually started to creep up your face, despite of all what was surely coming next. Because now, you were going to become useful, for once at least.

Since the day you joined the companion of Thorin Oakenshield, every single dwarf and even Bilbo with his courage, seemed to outshine you. Everything you did was average through and through. Your skill in archery, your sword fight, your stamina and hell, even your cooking was unremarkable and it had made you sick since day one.

You had volunteered to accompany the king, because just like every other dwarf you wanted to win back your mother land at all costs, but what you weren’t planning, was falling in love with one of your companions.

Yes, you admitted it, especially now for that it didn’t quite matter anymore, anyways. You had hopelessly fallen in love with Kili and his bravery, his strength and his sometimes childish sense of humour.

Your love was never returned, though.

Kili just didn’t seem to be able to look at you the way he was looking at Tauriel, a beautiful elf-maiden who was, and you hated to admit that, not nearly as unlikable and awful as you’d liked her to be. So you didn’t have any other choice than silently watching Kili confessing his love to her and feeling your heart aching and crumbling in return.

Nobody seemed to notice your love, but this was a circumstance you were highly glad about.

You were always one to endure your pain alone without bothering anyone with it.

So you loved and suffered alone and it didn’t take long until the only thing you wanted was for this journey to end, so that you could gain some distance between yourself and Kili and you started to hope, that maybe your love would fade when you wouldn’t have to see him and his gleaming eyes every day anymore.

You had tried to avoid him as much as possible, but Kili, as friendly and open minded as he was, had often started conversations with you and you couldn’t help yourself but fall in love with him even more everytime.

Sometimes, there’d even been moments, when you’d found something in his eyes, that’d made you believe for a second, that you’re feelings maybe weren’t just one-sided, but soon after that Tauriel was either seen or mentioned, and then his admiration for her was clearly recognizable and there was no need to only suspect it.

You always came to the conclusion, that that glimpse in his eyes that you’d thought you’d seen had only been wishful thinking and a clear sign of you desperation.

You increased your speed, you ran faster than you ever did before with your target right in front of your eyes. The pale ork didn’t seem to notice you as you raised your hand while running, he was too focused on the dwarf he was going to kill in any second. At least he’d try, because you wouldn’t allow it.

When you reached them, you let something out that sounded like a weird war howling and stabbed him in the head, as well as you could, with the jagged stone you recently had picked up. Unfortunately, you didn’t manage to pierce his head or cause any serious damage, but it was enough for him to release the one you wanted to safe from his grip. Kili.

The dwarf fell down with a thud and you quickly shielded him with your body as you went to stand in front of him, facing the ork.

You had accomplished to reach them before Bolg could seriously wound Kili and that was all you had aimed for.

But now you had to handle the other problem: to defeat the ork. Unluckily, you were unarmed, because at the moment you had seen the seriousness of Kili’s situation, there hadn’t been enough time for you to look for any other weapon than the stone you had quickly grabbed from the ground.

However, let’s be honest, even if you somehow could’ve been able to find a sword or something like that, the probability of you winning against the spawn of Azog was rather low.

Still, you didn’t regret coming for Kilis help a bit. Hell, there was no way you could’ve stopped yourself.

It didn’t take long for Bolg to recover from your pathetic and desperate attack, and he turned to you, growling out of anger.

And as you kept eye contact with the huge ork, never avoiding his gaze, you strangely didn’t feel an ounce of fear. You knew you were going to die, there was no escape, so there wasn’t anything else left to do for you, then to… let go. To let go of life and welcome death.

So you banished your all of your fear and you still weren’t afraid, when he raised his sword and stabbed it right through your chest.

Every ounce of air was seemed to be taken from you, as he slid the blade out again and the ground you then fell on, felt oddly soft and secure. You gasped.

Somewhere you heard a scream filled with unbearable heartbreaking pain, and this persons sorrow, somehow, felt so much like your own and hit you so hard, that tears started to form in your eyes.

You wanted to help this person, but your whole body had went numb and you could feel neither your arms, or legs, or any other part of it.

From the corner of your eye, you caught a glimpse of what seemed like red fire and suddenly, Bolgs head fell right from his shoulders. You didn’t care though, you had done what you wanted.

You turned your attention away from him, as you recognized tiny rain drops falling on your face and as you wondered when it had started to rain, you then realized, that there was no raining and the rain drops in fact had been tears.

You slowly turned your head and finally noticed Kili, who had pulled you to his lap, his arms wrapped around your body, while you were pressed to his chest.

How could you not have noticed this? Suddenly you felt the absurd need to laugh. Wasn’t it sad, that the first time he held you in his arms, you couldn’t even feel them? Couldn’t feel the warmth they send to you body?

You saw the tears that fell from his eyes and felt your heart cringe at this sight. Interesting, how physically you weren’t aware of your body, but your heart could still feel every emotion and seemed not to be damaged.

„K-Kili…“, you croaked, causing a cough attack you tried to surpress.

„I am here, (Y/N).“ By Valar, his voice was, although it was full of sadness and pain, still the most beautiful sound you had ever heard. Maybe in another life, you would have been allowed to get sung to sleep by and wake up to it every day.

Oh, how you wished for this heaven to become true, but you couldn’t imagine that Valor would grant you this. Still, even the thought of it gave you a warm and peaceful feeling.

„Stop crying, … p-please.“ Tears, that now belonged to your own eyes, started to run down your cheeks. „I’m very glad that after all, I could con-contribute something good to our journey“, you had a hard time trying to spit out the words you needed to say and you could literally feel your life floating away more and more.

Kili stared at you with a mixture of shock and ache „Why do you say something like that, (Y/N)? How could you…“

„No Kili, lis…ten to me“, you interrupted, your voice getting weaker and weaker. You knew that you hadn’t much time left. „Before I g-go, I want you to know that I am very hap..py right now for that I was a-able to safe you. You’re going to be a gr…eat king and the dwarves will need … you,“, you coughed, but forced yourself to keep talking. „s-so please p-romise me some…thing.“

Kili gently cupped your cheek with his hand, as he wished his and your tears away with his thumb, his eyes never leaving yours „Anything.“

„Don’t change… ever…“ This were your last words, for that your view went black after them and didn’t ever light up again, at least not in this world.

„(Y/N)?“, Kili stroke your (H/C) hair. „(Y/N), please, you have to wake up.“

His vision went blurry again and he pulled you tighter to himself, silently sobbing into your neck.

Why did this world had to be so cruel? At first he had lost his brother, his second half and now you, a companion he had learned to like and value. You had been so young and… precious. Far too precious for this cruel world.

But still, the pain he was feeling about your loss was way too… strong. It was as if he had lost another family member but nevertheless slightly different.

During the time you had appeared to throw yourself in front of Bolg, it came to him, that he hadn’t once given a thought to Tauriel, who had still to be anywhere here too.

After he had seen her kill Bolg, he hadn’t looked for her again.

At the beginning, where Tauriel was fighting against Bolg and was nearly killed, he had thought that if she’d die, he’d die right along with her, but now, as Kili was breathing in your pure scent and hugging your lifeless body, he realized, this wasn’t normal grieve as well. Maybe it should have been you, that he should have protected with his life. He let go of a scream, a scream full of sorrow and loss and he didn’t care who was watching or listening.

How could he have been so blind? He had been blinded by Tauriels silky skin and her elvish grace, so that he hadn’t been able recognize the one, who had been by his side all the time. You.

~Time skip ~

Its been a few days since the war was over, but Kili didn’t really care how many.

He had heard that except of you and Fili, every dwarf of the companion had survived. Legolas and Thorin had killed Azog together and after the leader of the orks was dead, it didn’t take the others long to defeat the remaining orks who hadn’t had escaped.

Coming back to the prince, since you and his brother died, Kili wasn’t doing well. To be completly honest, he was miserable and he wished, that he would have died alongside with you. Of course he hadn’t forgotten the promise he gave to you, but he had to give himself a few days to grieve about the deaths of his brother and you.

When they had taken your body away from him to set everything ready for your burial, he hadn’t been able to look Tauriel in the eyes. But instead of cursing and screaming at him, like he would have deserved, she had simply taken his hands in hers, kissed them softly and had said: „I understand.“

After that she had left him and the forest elves and was never seen again.

He felt bad about how he had treated her, just as he felt bad about and regretted a lot of other things and he desired for everything to have been turned out different, but this was a hopeless wish and there was nothing he could do about it.

When Thorin would perish one day, Kili was next in line to become the king and for that he would prepare himself. He had to fulfill a very important promise, at least.

#mine #the hobbit #kili x reader #fanfic #kili #fili #tauriel #sad #oneshot #its all about fanfic #imagine #hobbit imagine #hobbit fanfiction

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felord · 5 years

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SOLVED:Sudoku soln

Lab Overview This lab uses the game of Sudoku to investigate the use of logic, nested lists, and nested loops. Please download the ﬁle lab06_files.zip from the Piazza site. This includes a Python utility for reading ﬁles, and several “games”. You will use the utility function only in the ﬁnal checkpoint. Until then, you will work with a given board. The Game of Sudoku Sudoku is a popular logic puzzle, often called a “wordless crossword”. There are many books and websites for Suduko. The following puzzle was taken from http://www.websudoku.com, where you can learn a bit more about the rules of the puzzle In a Sudoku solution, each row, each col, and each 3x3 block has each of the numbers 1-9 appearing exactly one time. A Sudoku puzzle starts with some of squares having numbers, and there is generally only one way the remaining squares may be ﬁlled in legally. Sometimes ﬁnding this solution is easy. Other times it seems impossible. Checkpoint 0: Double loops Before you start this lab, we will do a small exercise that will allow you to complete the rest of the lab much faster. This checkpoint is meant for an exercise and it will not be checked oﬀ. The idea is that you will need to write a few loops that simply generates pairs of values of diﬀerent types. Once you have these loops in place, you can easily use them as indices for your code later. The best idea is to write them in a separate ﬁle. Try doing these both with while and for loops. 1. Write a loop to count from 0 up to 8 (all ranges inclusive from now on). 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2. Write a loop to generate pairs of values from 0 up to 8 (basically, for each value above, you will generate a second value between 0-8). As a special challenge, I added a space and line to seperate each 3x3 block. 0,0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 1,0 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4 1,5 1,6 1,7 1,8 2,0 2,1 2,2 2,3 2,4 2,5 2,6 2,7 2,8 3,0 3,1 3,2 3,3 3,4 3,5 3,6 3,7 3,8 4,0 4,1 4,2 4,3 4,4 4,5 4,6 4,7 4,8 5,0 5,1 5,2 5,3 5,4 5,5 5,6 5,7 5,8 6,0 6,1 6,2 6,3 6,4 6,5 6,6 6,7 6,8 7,0 7,1 7,2 7,3 7,4 7,5 7,6 7,7 7,8 8,0 8,1 8,2 8,3 8,4 8,5 8,6 8,7 8,8 These will serve as the indices for the Sudoku board entries. 3. Write a loop to generate all the items in a given row, say row=2. 2,0 2,1 2,2 2,3 2,4 2,5 2,6 2,7 2,8 4. Write a loop generate all items in a single column, say column=5. 0,5 1,5 2,5 3,5 4,5 5,5 6,5 7,5 8,5 5. Finally, write a loop to generate the valid indices for the ﬁrst 3x3 piece of the board. 0,0 0,1 0,2 1,0 1,1 1,2 2,0 2,1 2,2 Think about how you would modify this to generate the other 3x3 blocks. What are the starting and end indices? You can see the patterns of how we can write these loops. Now, we will use these to actually solve the lab. Checkpoint 1: Representing and Building the Board We will represent the Sudoku board as a list of lists of single character strings. Start by looking at the code in check1.py. It has an example board, stored in the variable bd. Each '.' is an empty location on the Sudoku board. The code prints the length of bd, the length of the 0-th list stored in bd, the entry in row 0, column 0, and ﬁnally the entry in row 8, column 8. Go ahead and run this code, and make sure you understand the output you are seeing. Write nested for or while loops to print the whole board on the screen. You will ﬁrst go through each row with one loop, then for each row, you will go through each column using a second loop (see index range 2 from Checkpoint 0). Print each item with space on both sides, and a | after every third item and third row. Remember, you have exactly 9 rows and 9 columns. 2 Here is the expected output: ------------------------| 1 . . | . 2 . | . 3 7 | | . 6 . | . . 5 | 1 4 . | | . 5 . | . . . | . 2 9 | ------------------------| . . . | 9 . . | 4 . . | | . . 4 | 1 . 3 | 7 . . | | . . 1 | . . 4 | . . . | ------------------------| 4 3 . | . . . | . 1 . | | . 1 7 | 5 . . | . 8 . | | 2 8 . | . 4 . | . . 6 | ------------------------ Hint. Double loops can be diﬃcult, so I recommend you start slowly and add complexity. This will also help you in the other parts. First, read each row as a list, and print each list on a single line. This is doable with a single loop. Now, add the second loop for formatting each row. Go through each item in the row with a second loop, and construct a string containing your whole line. For each item, you will append a space before and after the item, and | at the beginning and end. Once done, print this string. Now that you are printing reasonable lines, ﬁgure out how to add the | after every third column in the row. Finally, add the code to print the line of hyphens (-) as needed. Always do things in small steps, and add complexity. To complete Checkpoint 1: Show your code and output once you are ﬁnished. Checkpoint 2: Assigning Numbers to Cells Recall that the completed Sudoku board has no repeated numbers in a row, in a column, or in any 3x3 block. In Checkpoint 2, your code will ask the user of the program to enter a row (starting at index 0), a column (starting at index 0), and a number. It will then call function ok_to_add, which you must write, to check to see if the number can safely be added to that particular row and column based on the current contents of the Sudoku board. You will then either tell the user, This number cannot be added, or if it can be added, change the board and reprint it. To start Checkpoint 2, copy and paste your code from Checkpoint 1. The actual work of Checkpoint 2 is the function ok_to_add. It has quite a few checks you will need to write. For example, if the user asks to put a 2 in row 1, column 8, the function should • check if row 1 contains a 2 already, • check if column 8 contains a 2 already, and 3 • check if the 3x3 block starting at row 0, column 6 contains a 2 already. What about the location (1,8)? Well, you need to check that there is nothing there currently. But, it is better to move this check to outside of this function. This way, we can use this function for multiple purposes. For the Sudoku board from Checkpoint1, ok_to_add should return False because there is already a 2 in the 3x3 block. ok_to_add should also check to see if the row index, the column index and the number are also legal values — remember that users make typing mistakes! The function ok_to_add will have separate loops to check the row, to check the column, and to check the 3x3 block. The latter is the hardest because you need to ﬁnd the lowest row and column indices in the block and then write nested loops to check all 9 locations. The code should return False immediately when it ﬁnds a mistake, but it should wait until all checking is complete before returning True. Note that when ok_to_add returns True, it does not mean that the placement of the number is actually correct. It is really just a sanity check. To complete Checkpoint 2, show a TA or mentor your code, and the results of testing a full range of possible mistakes. Checkpoint 3: Sudoku Veriﬁer We are going to make a few changes to your code from Checkpoint 2 to complete this one. First, you will use the utility given to you to read a board from ﬁle. Prompt the user for a ﬁle name and read the board from ﬁle by importing the given code and using it the board. Next, you will write a Sudoku solution veriﬁer by utilizing the ok_to_add function. The veriﬁcation of a correct solution to a Sudoku board can be broken down into two steps: • Verify that there are no empty ('.') spaces in the board. • Verify that for every number in the solution, it is ok_to_add in its current position. For example, if there is a 3 in position (0,1), we want to make sure that ok_to_add(0,1,3,board). If all numbers are not empty and ok_to_add in their current position, then the solution is valid. Your job in Checkpoint 3 is to write the function verify_board. To verify your solution, you can use the ﬁles solved.txt, unsolved1.txt and unsolved2.txt. To complete Checkpoint 3, combine all your code into a while loop that does the following. ask user file name read board from file while (board is not solved according to verify_board): ask user for input to the puzzle if ok_to_add add value print the board When you have tested your code properly, show it to a TA or mentor. 4 Extra Challenges Here are two extra challenges for those of you who are really ambitious: 1. In theory, a Sudoku can be any NxN block grid, where N 0. The most common Sudoku is a 3x3 block board, but there do exist 4x4 and 5x5 Sudoku puzzles. As an extra challenge, rewrite Checkpoints 1b, 2 and 3 so that they support any sized Sudoku boards. You might start by modifying print_board, and include a parameter for the block_size (in an ordinary 9x9 Sudoku, block_size is 3). You can test your code with the ﬁle bigger.txt, which is a 4x4 block Sudoku. 2. If you are really ambitious, write an automatic solver. For each cell, keep a list of the possible digits that can be assigned to that cell. When there is only one possibility, say the digit 3, then 3 must be removed from the list of possible digits for the other cells in the row, in the column and in the block. The trick is to keep a list of which cells have been reduced to one entry. This solution will not allow you to automatically solve all Sudoku puzzles — multi-cell reasoning is needed for this — but it should be able to solve almost anything labeled “medium” or easier. Unfortunately, no extra credit is being oﬀered for implementing this except for the satisfaction of great accomplishment! Read the full article

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azanycollectormilkshakeworl-blog · 6 years

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