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In a world where vampires lurked in the shadows, young Abraham Lincoln embarked on a journey unlike any other. Armed with a silver weapon and a thirst for vengeance, he sought to rid his land of the undead. His closest companion in this dark quest was none other than Henry Sturges, a vampire who had been his oldest friend since their young adulthood.One crisp autumn evening, as they trekked through the dense forest in pursuit of a nest of vampires, Abraham stumbled over a fallen branch and landed face-first in a patch of mud. Henry, with his timeless elegance, smirked at the sight of his friend now sporting a mud mask."Having a bit of trouble there, Abe?" Henry teased, his eyes dancing with amusement.Abraham scowled good-naturedly, wiping mud from his face. "Just testing the effectiveness of a new disguise method," he retorted, his voice laced with dry humor.Henry chuckled, the sound echoing through the dark trees. "I must say, you make an excellent swamp monster," he remarked, lifting an eyebrow in mock admiration.As Abraham tried to rise, his foot slipped on a root, sending him tumbling back into the mud. With a resigned sigh, he lay sprawled on the ground, staring up at the twinkling stars above. Henry extended a hand to help him up, a genuine smile tugging at his lips."You know, Abe, if this vampire-hunting business doesn't work out, you could always consider a career in comedy," Henry quipped, his gaze warm with affection.Abraham accepted the offered hand with a chuckle, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet. "And what about you, Henry? Any hidden talents besides hunting vampires and mocking your friends?" he retorted, his eyes dancing with mirth.With a dramatic flourish, Henry bowed low. "Ah, but my dear friend, my greatest talent lies in enduring your company with grace and charm," he replied, a twinkle in his eye. Lincoln brushed off Henry's words and shoved his shoulder."You be so lucky to endure me" Lincoln drawled onward with a whine as he and Henry walked off into the shadows of the darkness of the woods to hunt the vampires down and offering merely laughter in their friendship. Despite Henry being a vampire and Abraham a human, they seemed to be kindred souls with the goal of saving innocent lives.

The year was 1834, and young Abraham Lincoln found himself standing amidst the bustling crowd of New Orleans. He had been traveling up the Mississippi River for weeks now, his trusty axe strapped to his back, a small sack of possessions slung over his shoulder. He was here to make his fortune, to start a new life for himself, far away from the dreary farms of his youth. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices, and the sound of laughter and the clanging of coins filled the air.Abraham turned a corner, and there it was: the slave auction. He'd heard tales of such places, of the brutal trade in human flesh that took place within their walls. He couldn't help but feel a mixture of revulsion and fascination as he surveyed the scene before him. Row after row of human beings were lined up, men, women, and children alike, their skin a rainbow of colors. Some were chained together, their bodies marked with the cruelty of their masters. Others stood proudly, shoulders back, refusing to let their captors see the fear that surely gripped their hearts.As he made his way through the crowd, Abraham couldn't help but overhear a conversation between two men who were watching the auction with equal parts horror and fascination. One of the men was his friend Larry Renfield, a fellow traveler and someone with whom he often discussed politics and philosophy. Larry was arguing with another man, insisting that the spread of slavery must be stopped at all costs. "It is a stain upon our nation's conscience," he declared, his voice rising above the din of the crowd. "A blight upon our collective humanity."Abraham stepped forward, unable to remain silent any longer. "Larry, you're a good man," he began, "but I don't see how ending slavery will solve anything. The problem goes deeper than that. It's the nature of men themselves." He gestured toward the auction block. "These people are not property. They are not cattle. They are human beings, just like you and me. Until we acknowledge that fact, until we treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve, we will never truly be free."The other men scoffed, "But they're not like us! They're savages! They don't deserve the same rights!" Abraham shook his head sadly. "That is where you are wrong. It is our duty, as Americans, to fight for the rights of the oppressed, regardless of their skin color or their place of birth. It is our duty to stand up against tyranny and injustice, for if we do not, who will?"The auctioneer stepped forward, a gavel in his hand. He rapped it sharply against a podium, drawing the attention of the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a fine specimen of a slave here today. Strong and healthy, he'll make a fine addition to any plantation. Who'll start the bidding?" Abraham felt a shiver run down his spine as the auctioneer spoke, his voice cold and calculating."Five hundred dollars," a man in the front row called out. Another man raised his hand, nodding in agreement. "Six hundred," he bid. The crowd murmured, their voices a cacophony of whispers and shouts. Abraham couldn't take his eyes off the slave as he was paraded back and forth, his body on display like some prized possession.Larry glanced at Abraham, his expression grim. "I can't believe this is really happening," he said softly. "How can people be so cruel?" Abraham shook his head, unable to form the words that needed to be said. He wanted to do something, to stop the auction and free the slaves, but what could one man do against such a vast and entrenched system of oppression?The auctioneer continued to call out bids, the price of the slave's freedom rising higher with each passing moment. Abraham felt a growing sense of helplessness as he watched the man being sold off like a piece of property. He glanced around the crowd, searching for anyone who might share their disgust and determination to put an end to this injustice. But all he saw were faces hardened by the brutality they had witnessed, the horrors they had endured.As the auction drew to a close, the slave's eyes met Abraham's, and for a brief moment, they shared a look of despair that cut straight to his soul. The slave's family was being torn apart before their eyes, their loved ones being sold off to strangers, their fates unknown. It was a scene that Abraham would never forget, a stark reminder of the cruelty that human beings were capable of inflicting upon one another.

The darkness was suffocating, but the silence was worse. It held no whispers of battlefields, no murmurs of speeches, no comforting creak of the rocking chair. It was just a vast, emptiness that pressed in on Abraham Lincoln, his tired body strangely light.Then, a faint glow. It grew, shimmering like moonlight on a snow-covered field, and a figure emerged. Tall, majestic, his face etched with wisdom and time. George Washington stood before him, a familiar but somehow different aura surrounding him."Mr. President," Washington spoke, his voice resonating with a gentle power, "We have been waiting."Lincoln blinked, the world around him coming into focus. He wasn't in his bedchamber. He wasn't anywhere. This place felt...at peace."Waiting?" Lincoln echoed, confused. "For what, General?"Washington smiled a hint of sorrow in his eyes. "For you, Mr. President. Your journey here has been long and arduous, filled with trials and tribulations. But you have fought for a cause greater than yourself, for a nation you believed in, for the very soul of liberty."Lincoln felt a pang in his chest, a memory of the war, the pain, the division. He looked again at Washington, the man he had so admired from childhood, the man he had always strived to emulate."But...my work is not finished," he said, his voice a mere whisper. "The nation is still divided, the wounds are still fresh. I must return."Washington laid a hand on Lincoln's shoulder, his touch surprisingly warm. "Your work is done, Mr. President. You have left a legacy, a path for others to follow. The journey ahead will be yours no longer. You are free."Lincoln looked around, trying to grasp the reality of his situation. This place radiated a peace he had never known, a calmness that washed away the tension and burdens of his life."But what of the future? What of the challenges to come?" he asked, his voice thick with worry."Those will be faced by others,"Washington replied, his eyes twinkling with a knowing light. "But they will face them with the strength you have given them, with the ideals you have instilled in their hearts. Your work will live on."Lincoln closed his eyes, feeling a weariness he hadn't known before. He had finally found the rest he had so desperately desired."General," he whispered, 'I...I am at peace now.'Washington smiled, his gaze reflecting the soft glow surrounding them. "Welcome home, Mr. President."And as Lincoln stepped forward, the world around them dissolved into a blinding light. He felt a sense of liberation, of finally being free from the shackles of his mortal life. He was no longer a president, no longer a man of war, no longer burdened by the weight of a divided nation. He was simply Abraham Lincoln, finally at peace, finally home.

 Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, walked amongst the fallen soldiers. His tall frame stooped, his hands clasped behind his back, his black suit now stained with mud and grime. He did not wear a hat, for it had been blown away long ago, and he found it rather fitting, somehow, that he should be exposed to the elements just as his beloved country was.His eyes roamed over the battlefield, searching for any signs of life amidst the carnage. He was drawn to a particular figure lying motionless on the ground, a young soldier whose uniform still bore the crispness of a fresh enlistment. Lincoln knelt beside the soldier, his hand gently brushing aside a lock of hair from the boy's forehead. The soldier's skin was pale, his breath shallow. Lincoln could see the deep wound in his chest, could feel the warmth of his blood soaking into his own clothes."Son," he murmured softly, "what's your name?"The soldier coughed weakly, his eyes fluttering open. "L-Lieutenant Jack...son, sir." He tried to summon the strength to salute, but his arm fell lifelessly back to the ground.Abraham Lincoln's heart ached as he looked into the young man's eyes. "I'm not your commanding officer, Lieutenant Jackson. My name is Abraham Lincoln. I'm the President of the United States."The soldier seemed to struggle for breath, his eyes widening in recognition. "The... the President... sir... it's an honor..." His voice trailed off, his strength failing him.Abraham Lincoln reached out, gently taking the young man's hand in his own. "The honor is mine, Lieutenant Jackson. To stand beside brave soldiers like yourself, to see the courage and selflessness you display in the face of such adversity... it fills me with pride, and reminds me of why we fight."The soldier's eyes, already dimming, grew brighter at the President's words. A faint smile curved his lips. "Sir... I... I'm sorry. I tried my best..." His voice trailed off, his breath growing shallower.Abraham Lincoln squeezed the young man's hand, feeling the coldness seeping into his own flesh. "Lieutenant Jackson, you don't need to apologize. You've done more than your duty. You've given your life for a cause greater than yourself. And for that, I thank you. I promise you, your sacrifice will not be forgotten."The sun dipped below the horizon, plunging the battlefield into darkness. The air grew chill, and a gentle breeze stirred the leaves on the trees, carrying with it the cries of the wounded and the distant boom of artillery. Abraham Lincoln remained kneeling beside Lieutenant Jackson, the young man's hand still clasped in his own. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, inhaling the smell of gunpowder and blood that hung heavy in the air."You're a good man, Lieutenant Jackson," he whispered softly. "A good man, and a brave soldier. I can only hope that those you left behind will find some solace in knowing that you died fighting for what is right. For what is just."The President leaned back, resting on his heels, and gazed up at the starlit sky. The constellations twinkled coldly, seemingly unmoved by the turmoil below. "Sometimes, I wonder if it's all worth it," he mused aloud. "All the bloodshed, all the pain... does it really make a difference in the end?"Lieutenant Jackson's grip on his hand tightened slightly, and Lincoln glanced down at the young man, hoping that his words had not caused him undue distress. "Forgive me, Lieutenant," he said gently. "I didn't mean to doubt your sacrifice. It's just that sometimes, the weight of it all can be overwhelming. But I do believe that what we fight for, what we die for, it matters. It changes the course of history. It shapes the future for generations to come."The President paused, drawing a deep breath as he studied the stars above. "We fight for a world where all men are created equal, where every person has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We fight for a world where our children can grow up free from the shackles of oppression, free to chase their dreams and live their lives to the fullest. And I believe, with all my heart, that the sacrifices we make today will not be in vain. They will not be forgotten."Abraham Lincoln leaned forward, brushing a stray lock of hair from Lieutenant Jackson's forehead. "You were a good man, Lieutenant. You served your country with honor and distinction. And for that, you will always have a place in my heart, and in the hearts of your fellow countrymen."The President's voice cracked as he spoke, and he blinked back tears. "I wish there was more I could do. I wish I could bring back the thousands of lives that have been lost on this field. I wish I could undo the pain and suffering that war brings. But I can't. All I can do is offer my condolences, and promise that we will never forget what you and the others have given."Abraham Lincoln stood slowly, his joints protesting from the long hours spent kneeling in the dirt. He reached down and gently closed Lieutenant Jackson's eyes, brushing a tear from his cheek. "Rest easy, my friend," he whispered. "Your sacrifice will not be in vain."

The air was thick with tension as Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln sat across from each other in their cozy parlor. The flickering light of the fireplace cast dancing shadows across the walls, painting the somber scene in warm hues. A heavy silence hung between them, punctuated only by the occasional creak of the floorboards and the hiss of the fire. It was the sort of silence that could be cut with a knife, and both Lincoln's were acutely aware of its presence.Their son, Robert, had recently come to them with news that would surely rip their family apart. He wished to join the Union Army and fight in the ongoing Civil War. A war that their father, Abraham Lincoln, was leading as the President of the United States. It was a conflict that had already claimed so many lives, and now their own son wanted to throw himself into the fray."Abraham," Mary's voice broke the silence, her words laced with a combination of fear and desperation, "surely you can't let him do this." She looked to her husband, pleading with him to see reason. But Abraham's expression was unreadable. He seemed to be wrestling with his own thoughts, his own conscience.Robert's choice was a cruel irony. As the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was charged with preserving the Union at all costs. Yet here he was, faced with the possibility of losing his own son in the process. It was a conflict that tore at his very soul."Mary," Abraham finally said, his voice low and measured, "I understand your concerns. But Robert is a grown man, and he has made his decision." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing, "Besides, what father could possibly deny their son the chance to fight for what they believe in?" His eyes met hers, searching for some sign of understanding or agreement. But Mary only looked away, her features set in a stubborn scowl.The fire crackled and spat, casting dancing shadows across the room as Abraham leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "I don't envy you, my dear," he said softly, "having to live with the choice that Robert has made. But know this: I will never stand in his way. If he wishes to fight for our country, then he will have my blessing, and my respect."Mary looked up at her husband, a mixture of gratitude and disappointment in her eyes. "I only wish that we didn't have to lose him in the process," she said, her voice catching in her throat. "He is all we have left."Abraham reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "We will get through this, Mary," he said with quiet conviction. "Together, we will see our country through these dark times. And if it means that Robert must fight for that future, then so be it." There was a newfound determination in his voice, a resolve that seemed to strengthen them both.Outside, the wind picked up, howling through the trees and rustling the curtains of their parlor window. It was as if nature itself was echoing their turmoil. The fire crackled and spat, casting dancing shadows across the room, painting the scene in warm hues. Despite the tension that still hung thick in the air, there was an unspoken understanding between them. They would support their son, no matter what path he chose.As they sat there in silence, lost in their own thoughts, Robert's words echoed in their minds. They knew that he was a changed man, hardened by the world and the horrors of war. They also knew that he was still their son, their little boy who had once chased butterflies in the meadow and dreamt of becoming a great explorer. They ached for the loss of that innocence, but they also understood that it was a sacrifice they would have to make for the greater good.The night wore on, and eventually Abraham and Mary retired to their chambers. They lay side by side in their bed, their bodies entwined in a silent embrace. Though they tried to sleep, their minds were filled with images of Robert marching off to battle, of the horrors he might face on the battlefield. Despite their fears, they found solace in each other's presence, taking strength from the bond that had sustained them through so many trials and tribulations.As the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, Mary stirred, rolling over to face her husband. "Abraham," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the patter of rain against the window, "do you ever wonder if we're doing the right thing?"Abraham sighed, his chest rising and falling with a deep breath. "Sometimes, Mary," he admitted. "But I believe that Robert is a good man, and that he knows what he is fighting for. And as his parents, it is our duty to support him, even when it hurts." He reached over, taking her hand in his once more. "We must trust that God has a plan for all of us, and that Robert's role in it is an important one."Together, they faced the new day, their hearts heavy with the knowledge of what lay ahead, but strengthened by the unbreakable bond of love and family that bound them together. They would endure the pain, and they would survive. For they were the Lincolns, and they were made of stronger stuff

Two Roads   Machiavellian / @windingxpath Tokyo was always beautiful this time of year. The grounds of Tokyo Jujutsu High were full of flowering buds and innocent animals with the desperate curiosity to know what these children were learning. Granted Suguru Getou wasn't exactly a child but he wasn't a fully recognized sorcerer as of yet. He stood by himself next to the bright yellow petals of the kiku that he gently caressed with his extended digits. Most outside of Japan associate cherry blossoms with their country. The whole thing amused Getou to a rather large degree. Getou was a young man of considerable height. He was dressed neatly in his school uniform with a fresh crispness about it. The lengthy sable strands of his hair spilled down his shoulders and along his spine. He was one of two leading sorcerers at the school at this time. There was a team of four at the time but everyone knew that it was between him and his best friend Satoru Gojo. Getou and his collection of cursed spirits were far superior to the general sorcerer. Even the other two that were often in his and Gojo's company couldn't hope to be on their level any time soon. Yet Getou fell short.Gojo often wore sunglasses to hide his eyes and with good reason. His eyes were the color of heaven itself. It was the Six Eyes that came along ever so often in his sorcerer clan. This meant that this arrogant little prick was the most powerful sorcerer in a generation. Getou could never hope to be on his level but he was damn close. If not for Gojo he would have been the absolute best. Instead he had to play second string to Satoru Gojo. Where was the equity in that? The answer was simple. There was none. Oh there was nothing wrong with playing second to Gojo. Getou and Gojo got along famously. They were even best friends. Although considering how well the two knew each other, Getou and Gojo were like brothers. They were inseparable. It was actually why he was waiting here for his brother. The obnoxious little warthog with the most beautiful eyes in all of Japan was late. Getou was going to have to save his ass again. A stitch of stress passed behind Getou's left eye letting it give a slight twitch. Gojo was going to have to learn to stand on his own soon. Getou's path was turning in a different direction. He could already see it just beyond the proverbial next bend. It was still soon enough that maybe he didn't have to walk it alone.Getou brought the brilliant yellow petals closer to his nose so he could inhale the scent. He had been hidden away from nearly everyone as the most stygian thoughts began to overtake his mind. Sorcerers were dying for a world that did not know they existed. Not only were the youth or the sorcerers in training dying, established sorcerers were wiped out on a daily basis. The ignorant monkeys who were not sorcerers had no clue of the world of cursed energy and curses in general. They were unseen and out of mind. Yet the duty of the Jujutsu Sorcerer was to protect them with their life if necessary. The majority of Sorcerers were in Japan. A handful existed beyond their country. It was Getou's decision that he would find them all no matter how long it took. The minutes he spent waiting for Gojo were beginning to stretch to hours. The tension and anxiety of this decision was beginning to exact a toll on him. He pulled the kiku blossom and left the petals torn to bits on the ground before him. Gojo was everything to him. It was becoming painfully obvious he was going to have to walk away from his brother. The continued heightened thoughts that had taken root in Getou's mind were fervently in place. His decision had been made. Their paths were about to diverge.All Getou could do now was mourn the glory that could have been with them both side by side. He was going to have a new family now and Gojo would not be a part of it. Getou ceased his waiting and turned in the direction of a path away from the school and away from Gojo. The wind began to whip around as Suguru Getou left the campus as a student. The once beautiful cloudy sky had parted and the rain began to fall.  I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.  "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." credit: james kriet

Michael was the loyal soldier of a gang leader. His skills and strength were second to none, and his name was more well known than his boss. He followed orders without question and did not have any ambitions of his own. That is until he met a woman that gave him a reason to be selfish. And from that came a child. However, he soon learned the consequences of his unwavering devotion. Once it was found out that he had married in secret, his wife was killed. It was seen as an act of betrayal that this man sought after anything other than his boss' wishes. Michael was forced to face reality. One thing that was well known was to never come between a man and his family. The world was going to have to learn that lesson the hard way. He burned it all down as the hate consumed him. 5 years later:The most precious thing in his life is his daughter. After having avenged his wife, those who once followed the man he killed now followed him. This life kept him away from home often, but he needed to keep little Chloe safe. That was when she was hired to take care of and live with his daughter. It was not an easy position to get considering the extensive background checks. However, the very generous salary as well as the lavish living accommodations made it a dream position, especially for a college aged girl.  Since Michael could not always be there for his daughter, he spoiled her beyond belief. They lived at the top of the city in the most gorgeous penthouse. Anything she wanted she got. However, it did not make up for her absent father. Fortunately, Chloe took a liking to her new nanny, seeing a sort of mother in her. This of course made Michael grateful to her as well for all that she has done, but that was where his feelings ended. But her attraction towards him had only grown. After all, what she saw was an older man that was handsome, caring, and an utter mystery. However, she has heard a bit of the rumors surrounding this man and who he truly was, but those rumors hardly described the half of it. Could anything truly develop between them? Even if it somehow did, would her little crush remain after learning the truth about this dangerous man?He had been out of town for almost a week now, but he was finally coming back home. The man always had a professional, sharp appearance. His sleek clothes fit his frame well and conveyed his authority. When he did return, it was late into the night. Shutting the door behind him, Michael let out a low breath- the relief of being back where he belonged. Following the faint sounds, he moved deeper into the living room. It was a rainy night, and the large floor to ceiling windows offered the most gorgeous view of the city under the cover of darkness. Yet, that is not what had caught his attention. The television was running: there was occasional spur of bright color along with faint mumbles of background noise. Turning it off, the room darkened with only the moonlight able to offer some illumination. Stepping behind the couch, he looked down to what was before him, and it made a soft smile come over the hardened man. She and his daughter were snuggled up together on the couch. Chloe was leaned into her side like the little bean she was and sleeping peacefully in her embrace. They must have had quite the night together to be passed out like this with each other. Chloe's coloring books spread out on the coffee table. Taking the blanket, Michael pulled it over the both of them to keep them comfortable. His rough hand rubbing against her cheek as he did so, which is when he noticed her eyes open. His deep blue hues looking down to her, "Hey..." That deep voice had been forged through all sorts of trauma, yet it sounded so tempting. His daughter still resting against her side. "Thank you" he whispers to her softly. How could it be possible for those rumors to describe the man before her? They must be false right?

  I lay on the floor, shivering. I told Minny to go home but she wouldn't. She came in, gasped at the horrific scene before her—her boss on the floor a blubberin' cryin' mess with blood all over her. I look up at her dark eyes, pleading with her. I reach out a hand, slap it on the porcelain white commode. A stain the size of my hand is left behind as I collapse onto the floor.“Why is there so much...blood?” I wheeze out as Minny seems to draw in a deep breath. I hear her suck in a breath as though blood is a touchy subject. I'm from Sugar Ditch, Missippi and I've seen way worse. Why I've seen my Mama lay her hands on a man who had his ear sliced off due to a gamblin' debt and then he could hear out of that hole. She's stopped a baby from crying with the colic, she's helped a woman keep her wayward husband at home. But once Mama died, the magic she held seemed to as well.She tries to teach me. I can remember at seven in our sweltering trailer watchin' her pour somethin' into her black cauldron. It was outside, in the bonfire. She used herbs and her pretty crystals I used to hold up to the light-- and candle wax. And other thins I don't care to recall. I can smell Mama's perfume oil, handmade. Before marryin' my husband I never had no store bought clothes. No makeup that wasn't natural. My husband he treats me to all of it and it's still all a treat to me. Such as Co-Cola in the bottle, or on ice with a lemon wedge! I feel like a fancy lady drinkin' that. I seem to go in and out of it. Minny is pleading with me to get up, tellin' me it's nearly four and Mr. Jonny—my husband—will be home soon. I'm dreamin' of this baby's blue eyes like Johnny and his dark blonde hair. I can see fat cheeks, plump little hands.Why...Don't....They...Stay with me? *** When I wake up Minny is still there though it's gotta be late. “Mr. Johnny he at the lodge.” Says Minny. Concern folds her dark eyes, her hair in that bun, bent over studying me. “I hid in the storage room downstairs when he found you up here, sleepin'. So he left you a note.” She hands it to me. I read his precise, perfect scholar penmanship. Cee, Some of the guys wanted me to play darts. Won't be no later than about nine, darlin'My love, Johnny. The kindness in the note makes me wanna cry. I hold it to me to put in a scrapbook of things for a future daughter if there ever is one, but with three plots of flowers outside I'm starting to doubt things. Minny sighs. “Don't you be gettin' soft now, Miss Celia.” She orders. “I'm on to teach you to cook and clean not lay around in bed and feel sorry for you self!”I roll over. “You have kids, Minny. Everyone in Jackson has a child, but me.” I say mournfully. “Miss Skeeter don't.” Minny says of Charlotte Phelan's daughter. I wrinkle my nose. “That's cause she's weird.” I say. “Now look.” I sat up softly. “Can you get me a cold Co-Cola with ice and lemon? I'll get up, I promise.”Minny studies me as if she's on to say somethin' but then changes her mind. “Yes, Ma'am.” I watch her form walk down. For a few moments I sit quietly feeling very empty inside of myself. My childhood is inky at best. I seem to recall half a dozen memories, and wonder if any of them are true. My teen years are what I remember most. An angry mother, teenage angst, those things. Wishin' to be anywhere but here...“Minny.” I say when she returns with two glasses of ice. We share the bottle cause now she no she no better than me. “We should start workin' on the fried chicken.”“But Miss Celia--”“We should. I want to make it myself by the end a the week!” I insist sharply. She saw there was no room for argument. “Yes, Ma'am. Soon as you get up.”We both sip our sodas in silence. A thick, dark silence I was used to that kept all kinds of secrets.  

  What on earth made her think that was going to work out?He deserved that knee to the nuts. He deserved it. Amy kept repeating over and over in her head. The clacking of her pumps on cobblestones was background noise to her. This moment in her life was like something out of a movie. She was walking in the cold London rain, hugging her chest and her head hanging forward. The End Last pub was shrinking into the distance behind her. It was where she first met Blake and where they would have the fight that ended in their split. Instead of punching Amy, Blake’s fist went through the pub’s jukebox.I’m sorry, Amy. This was all a mistake. She didn’t want to believe a word of it. No wonder Amy didn’t feel much guilt sleeping with an A&R man behind her boyfriend’s back. She already knew about Becky and never liked her too much. 𝘍𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘪𝘮𝘣𝘰.Later that night, she would be naked under her sheets, turning over onto her back with a big old smirk after sleeping with a close friend of Blake’s. Her former boyfriend was unavoidable, and they occasionally ran into each other at Camden Town pubs they frequented. But her drinking had taken a toll on her. Unable to walk to the pub herself, she downed a pint bottle of Jack Daniels and passed out on the couch of her flat in Jeffrey’s Place.That morning, Amy did not respond to a loud pounding on her door, which she foolishly left unlocked all night. Her ginger-haired manager, Nick Shymansky, found his way in, calling her name, but it just reverbed. “Oh God, Ame,” He gasped, kneeling at the front of the couch. Amy felt lethargic, grasping her head. Nick brought the trash can to the living room so she could empty her stomach. Gathering her long locks of hair behind her head, Nick held it back, waiting for her to finish. Her head dropped back onto the cushion.“Nicky… what is it…?” She inquired, her voice more hoarse than usual. “Amy… you don’t answer my calls. When you do, you sound like someone else. What’s happened? Talk to me. Please.” Taking her hands, the towering man helped her upright and parked beside her. “It’s… it’s Blake,” Amy sighed, leaning forward. Sluggishly, she swiped away a hanging streak of saliva from her mouth. Her eyeliner was smudged around her eyes and trailed down her cheeks from all of the crying the night before, “He dumped me. I just… goddamn, man. I drink about as much as you do! Get off my 𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙠.” “Amy, you do realise this isn’t normal? Island said they need another album from you within the next year, or they will drop you! Three years is a bloody long time to wait; you have had plenty to come up with something and get in the studio again. Instead, you’re crying about blokes like… him.”“Don’t…” Amy said firmly, glaring up at Nick through her touseled locks. Lying back down on her side in a fetal position, she wasn’t interested in talking to him any further. In a couple of minutes, she fell back asleep. Quickly getting up, Nick swiped the blanket off the back of the couch and wrapped Amy in it. Grabbing her keys and heading out to his car, he loaded her into the backseat. After forty minutes of being out of consciousness, Amy returned and slowly sat up, looking to see where they were in the middle of nowhere. Nick’s blue orbs pierced hers through the central rearview mirror. Pulling over the highway's edge, he got out and fetched Amy.“W…What the 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠 are you doing??!” Maybe she had watched too many films, but this was the type of thing someone about to commit murder would do. She and Nick were too close; he wouldn’t do that. But her mind under the influence convinced her otherwise. Thrashing around, Amy barely caught her balance on the way out, leaning against the car. Angrily, she kicked the side. “What the 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠 is this?? Nicky?? What’re you doing?!” Crossing his arms, her manager shook his head.“I took you here so you can think this over. You need to get a grip on the situation you’ve got yourself in, Ame,” Nick started, his voice gradually picking up in volume, “Most days, you’re too pissed to function! Over Blake?! He’s a dopey fella, and you don’t need to be around someone like that!! Amy, I care too much about you to let this slide. I…” Sighing, Nick pocketed his hands and slowly began to turn away from her. Business and friendship never go together. And they allowed things to go too far past a platonic relationship previously.Letting her forehead fall on the hull of the car, Amy began to sob uncontrollably. Unsure whether to approach her and risk her wrath, Nick took small steps toward her. Precariously, he placed his large hands on her shoulders. “Ame… please. There’s a rehab out here you can go to, and-”Shooting upward, Amy slammed her fists onto the hard steel and kicked it a few times. The rubber of her Reebok sneaker squeaked against the metal hull, her toes stung, but she barely reacted. Hopping a few steps back, Nick recoiled. Getting on Amy's bad side was something he knew to avoid, but he was pushed to the brink. “𝙁𝙐𝘾𝙆!! No!! I don’t NEED rehab!! I won’t go to rehab! NO! NO! NO! No bloody rehab!! Do you hear me?! I don’t have seventeen weeks!! Everyone will think I'm on the mend!! I don't need that kind of reputation!! If my Daddy thinks I’m fine, then I’m fine!! Understand?!”Starting to chuckle, Nick stroked his chin. “Hey, Ame. Write that down. All of what you just said. It sounds like it could be a good hit song. I’m serious.” The moment Amy stared at him seemed like an hour. Weakly, she curled a smile, scratching at her Monroe piercing.“Oh… I love you, Nicky. You 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 cunt.” Greetings. You are on Contemp Jams FM, your local pop music station, and I'm your host, Tom Harley.Today, British singer Amy Winehouse released a single in the United States for the first time. She has already won European music awards, from Ivor Novello to the Mercury Prize and BRITs. This is her first exposure to an American audience. She already has one album out called Frank. Unfortunately, it has not yet been distributed outside of Europe.This song from her second record, Back To Black, is called 'Rehab'. I have heard the track myself already, and I have to say it is amazing. I, personally, think it will be fire. Amy has to be one of, if not the best vocalist I have heard in years. Decades, even. And I believe this young girl is just twenty-two years old. I don't even know if I said that number correctly. Anyway, you will have to hear it for yourself. So, again, this is 'REHAB' by British soul singer Amy Winehouse. Enjoy."𝓡𝓮𝓱𝓪𝓫"𝓞𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓽𝓲𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓭,"𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓣𝓸 𝓜𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓜𝓮 𝓖𝓸 𝓣𝓸 𝓡𝓮𝓱𝓪𝓫"---𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓰𝓸 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓱𝓪𝓫𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭 𝓷𝓸, 𝓷𝓸, 𝓷𝓸𝓨𝓮𝓼 𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓫𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴𝓨𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓘 𝓪𝓲𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝓭𝓭𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓼 𝓘'𝓶 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓰𝓸 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓱𝓪𝓫𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸, 𝓰𝓸, 𝓰𝓸𝓘'𝓭 𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓡𝓪𝔂𝓘 𝓪𝓲𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓽𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝔂𝓼'𝓒𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮'𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓽𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓶𝓮𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷'𝓽 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓷 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓜𝓻. 𝓗𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓘 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓪 𝓵𝓸𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓬𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓼𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽 𝓭𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓪 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝓽 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓼𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓰𝓸 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓱𝓪𝓫𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭 𝓷𝓸, 𝓷𝓸, 𝓷𝓸𝓨𝓮𝓼 𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓫𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴𝓨𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓘 𝓪𝓲𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝓭𝓭𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓼 𝓘'𝓶 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓰𝓸 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓱𝓪𝓫 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸, 𝓰𝓸, 𝓰𝓸𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭 '𝔀𝓱𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮?'𝓘 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭, '𝓘 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓷𝓸 𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓪.'"𝓘'𝓶 𝓰𝓸𝓷𝓷𝓪, 𝓘'𝓶 𝓰𝓸𝓷𝓷𝓪 𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓫𝓪𝓫𝔂""𝓢𝓸 𝓘 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓪 𝓫𝓸𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓪𝓻"𝓗𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭, "𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓻𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭""𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓮, 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓱 𝓫𝓪𝓫𝔂, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽"𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓰𝓸 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓱𝓪𝓫𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭 𝓷𝓸, 𝓷𝓸, 𝓷𝓸𝓨𝓮𝓼 𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓫𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴𝓨𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓘 𝓪𝓲𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝓭𝓭𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓼 𝓘'𝓶 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓰𝓸 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓱𝓪𝓫 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸, 𝓰𝓸, 𝓰𝓸𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓭𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓘 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽, 𝓸𝓱 𝓘 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓯𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓞𝓸𝓱, 𝓘'𝓶 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓮𝓷 𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓴𝓼𝓗𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓘'𝓶 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓶𝔂 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓘𝓽'𝓼 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 '𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓭𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓰𝓸 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓱𝓪𝓫𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭 𝓷𝓸, 𝓷𝓸, 𝓷𝓸𝓨𝓮𝓼 𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓫𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴𝓨𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀,, 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓘 𝓪𝓲𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝓭𝓭𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓼 𝓘'𝓶 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓰𝓸 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓱𝓪𝓫 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸, 𝓰𝓸, 𝓰𝓸 

@import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=BenchNine'); @import 'https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Roboto+Condensed'; @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Abril+Fatface'); @font-face {font-family:BebasNeue;src:url('https://dl.dropbox.com/s/sezab7p2jgqc34c/BebasNeue.otf'); } a.linkuno, a.linkuno:link, a.linkuno:active, a.linkuno:visited {width:12%; font-family: BenchNine; font-size: 10px; line-height: 20px; color: #685b6d; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase; background-color: #b496bf; text-align: center; display: inline-block; padding: 8px; margin: 1px; letter-spacing:2px; -webkit-transition: all .9s ease-in-out; -moz-transition: all .9s ease-in-out; -o-transition: all .9s ease-in-out; }a.linkuno:hover {color: #6e463a; font-style:normal; letter-spacing:3px; background-color: #f19f87; } clear water Girls aren't supposed to know if we're pretty or not. but isn't that bullsh*t? Because we're all beautiful in our own way. home msg cmnt gallery stream bulletins these violent delights The drive back home that day was mundane until we passed a fruit stand on the side of the road. It was a simple setup: a few wooden crates filled with peaches and an honesty box for payment. I wanted to stop, a desire I kept to myself. Yet, Conrad must have sensed my silent longing. He casually asked, "Want to go back?" Trying to appear nonchalant, I brushed it off, "Nah, that's okay, we already passed it." But to my surprise, Conrad made a daring U-turn, defying the one-way street rule for this slight detour.Approaching the stand, I was struck by its rustic charm. The peaches looked irresistibly ripe, their sweet aroma wafting in the air. I picked one, feeling its softness. Lacking exact change, I dropped a dollar into the container, its sound mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.Holding the peach, I turned to Conrad, "Aren't you going to have one?" His reply was unexpected, "Nah, I'm allergic to peaches." I stared at him, bewildered. "Since when?" I questioned, recalling times he'd eaten peaches or at least peach pie. He shrugged nonchalantly, "Since always. They make the inside of my mouth itch." It was a small revelation, yet it added a new layer to my understanding of him.I paused before eating, taking a moment to inhale the peach's fragrance deeply. "Your loss," I murmured, half to myself, half to him. Biting into it, I was overwhelmed. The peach was sublime, its flesh yielding softly under my fingers. Juice trickled down my chin, pulp sticking to my hands - it was a messy delight, engaging all my senses in a symphony of sweet and tart.Finishing the peach, I expressed my hesitation to have another, fearing it couldn't match the first's perfection. Conrad, with a playful glimmer in his eyes, challenged my doubt. "Let's test it out," he said, buying me another. I devoured it in four quick bites, each one as satisfying as the last."Was it as good?" Conrad asked a hint of amusement in his tone. "Yeah. It was," I replied, feeling a wave of contentment wash over me. Then, in a moment laden with intimacy, he reached out and gently wiped the juice from my chin with his shirt. It was a simple act, yet it felt profoundly tender, the most intimate thing anyone had ever done for me.I felt light-headed and unsteady on my feet. It wasn't just the sweetness of the peaches but the intensity of the moment. Conrad's gaze held mine, a look that conveyed more than words ever could. It was a look of understanding, of shared joy in a simple pleasure. But as quickly as it came, the moment passed. He looked away as if the sun was too bright, leaving me standing there, heart fluttering amidst the quiet beauty of the roadside.At that moment, with the sun setting and the taste of peaches still on my lips, I felt a connection with Conrad that went beyond words. It was as if, in that small gesture, he had seen and understood a part of me that I hadn't even realized was there. Turn itself back to re-behold the passWhich never yet a living person left

  •⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅BORN A HYBRID, ACTIVATED BY FORCE! | DRABBLE # 3!Trigger Warnings: Torture, Blood.Word Count: 824•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅The day Alessa became a hybrid. It would be a day she wouldn't forget easily. It was at night, that she made her way to her Father's chambers once more. Like every night, he would summon her and every night she came before him, obediantly. Every ounce of her being, told her to run and keep running. But he was her King and Father. To disobey would cause her more pain and suffering then she wanted.She headed to the door and was grabbed by a guard who forced her into the room. He grasped her shoulders hard, squeezing them, until she winced from the pain, and then he kicked her feet until she was on her knees, before her Father, her King. He was standing by the window, looking up at the full moon. Upon hearing her and the guard enter, he turned around in his night gown and walked up to her. Grasping her by the hair harshly and pulling her head to look up at him. She gasped softly as she felt her head jerk back with force. Her mouth slightly open, as she struggled to breath. Her father grinned at her and leaned down kissing her lips softly. He had no emotion in his eyes as he leaned back and looked into her eyes.  Alessa was surprised by the kiss, it was forceful. She kept her eyes down cast, even as her father gazed down at her. Her father lifted her to her feet and forced her, with the guards help, to a table that had been placed near the opened window. He stripped her of her clothes and then tied her to the table with silver chains. The guard left the room, closing the door behind him. Her Father, then grabbed a bullwhip with sharp glass at the ends of each tentacle from his bed, and began to beat her without mercy.  Alessa shivered as the cold wind blew from the window, hitting her bare skin. The sound of a CRACK and the stinging told her that her father was now going to beat her. The whip hit her bare back, sending bolts of pain upher spine to her brain. She clenched her fists into a balls, and bit her lower lip to keep from screaming, as the blows just kept coming. The brunnette whimpered in pain and tears began to fall. A new sensation crept up to her, as the moon light hit her body, a tingling of her limps, and then the cracking and changing of her bones. Oh she thought she was going to die. Her father kept beating her throughout her first change into a dog. Once she was done changing, he put a silver collar around her neck and chained her to the table.Her dog form was lithe, white, pure white fur with red glowing eyes. She cowered underneath her father as the whip kept hitting her, causing her to bleed more. She felt the blood flowing down her back and trinkling down her legs. She whimpered in pain. She began to pant hard, shaking, growling and whimpering as she laid helplessly on the stone ground, blood now starting to surround her feet. If her father didn't stop, he would kill her. She figured that was the case though, to end her life. He never loved her nor showered her in gifts or anything. Finally her Father grabbed her by the nap of her neck and bit into her neck with his vampire fangs. Without mercy, he tore her throat open. She gurgled, as she struggled to breath. He held her for the first time in his arms, as she died. He had given her his blood, as he held her.  He laid her down in the pool of blood and sat back and waited. He told her mother of her "Death" and heard her wail in pain and suffering. Not knowing that she would be alive by the end of the week.Alessa woke up naked in a cage, still in her father's chambers. He had a human standing near-by, as he waited for her to awaken. Once he saw her awake. He let her out and ordered her to kill the human. Oh how she wanted to disobey the order. But instead she grasped the human's neck and tore into him, activating her hybrid self. Once done, her father tied her to the table and had a witch enter. The witch marked her with a blue and white owl on her right shoulder. He then let her return to her mother, a hybrid and marked forever as a servant of his. She left the room, naked, bleeding and scared. She headed to her shack and cleaned herself up as her mother was doing work for her father. once cleaned up she began the work her father wanted her to do. She wondered if she would escape her father's cruelty and hatred.•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅   template credit.

In the three weeks following the FBI's incursion upon Middletown, Maine, the citizens of the small town have turned their attention and efforts towards cleaning up and rebuilding the wanton destruction exacted upon them. The town council, comprised of Solomon White [Saruman], Merlyn Grey [Gandalf], Edward Nightingale [Elrond], Grace Goldbloom [Galadriel], and Christopher Goldbloom [Celeborn], have gathered in the town hall to discuss rebuilding efforts as well as what recourse Middletown will take upon the United States Government for their grievous overstep.As fortunes would have it, Guardian Angel's Hospital remained relatively undamaged and Leo Forrest [Legolas] has been moved there where he remains in a medically induced coma. Ever vigilant and watchful at his side is Adele Nightingale [Arwen] who has not left his side since his surgery. While Leo Forrest [Legolas] appears to be resting peacefully, his spirit wanders through Middle-Earth on a quest given to him by the White Lady, Galadriel. The Dark Lord has dispatched the Nine to find Legolas, led by the Witch-King of Angmar. who is eager to please his master after a failed attempt to turn the Lady of Light to the darkness.In the absence of her brother, Tara Forrest [Tauriel] has stepped into his shoes as Middletown's Sheriff. Her first task is into the investigation of the two attempted murders of Leo Forrest [Legolas]. The primary suspect in both attempts is none other than Mai Summers/Orton [Merenwen] who was already in custody prior to the FBI's incursion and is suspected of playing a prominent role in the second attempt. Alex Orton [Azog] has posted bail for his adopted daughter/niece who is remanded to house arrest pending her trial. As Mai Summers/Orton [Merenwen] struggles to grapple with her newfound consciousness thanks to Melanie Slovenzky [Meldainiel], Bradley Orton [Bolg] is tasked by his father, Alex Orton [Azog], with ensuring that Mai Summers/Orton [Merenwen] remains compliant with her house arrest.The tension between Trenton Forrest [Thranduil] and Alexander Orton [Azog] have reached new heights. Now that Trenton Forrest [Thranduil] has peaked beneath the veil and seen the faces of his enemies, he stands at the ready to oppose Alex Orton [Azog] who seeks to seize the opportunity to sew further chaos amongst Middletown's residents, attempting to turn against those who were entrusted to protect them from outside threats.

Waking up. Leon woke to two things. The pounding in his head and the insipid sound of something dripping nearby. From experience, he could also tell before he opened his eyes that he was hanging upside down. He bit back a groan and opened his eyes for the confirmation. And just as suspected, he was suspended off the ground. A look up confirmed that he was suspended by a rope tied around his feet. He could tell the knot had been hastily tied together so it would not take much effort to unravel if his hands were not tied behind his back as well. This was inconvenient. "I see you are awake Mr. Kennedy." A voice drawled out from the shadows. Leon could not make out anymore than a vague impression of the whites of their eyes from the shadows. So, they were afraid to reveal themselves. He filed that away. "It would appear so." He quipped back. Pain exploded across his back. Leon used his weight to try and propel himself away from whatever had struck him. Then glared back in the direction of the eyes. "You will speak with me respectfully, or my associate will strike you with the crowbar again. Do we have an understanding." The voice called from the shadows again. Rage burned in Leon. Whoever was in those shadows were only brave because he was tied up and suspended. And because they had protection with them. Whoever they were would never be able to take Leon one on one. The pain flared in his back again when he did not respond quick enough for them. "I asked if we had an understanding." He sounded like he had so much patience asking, so much calm. "Crystal clear." Leon responded. Hating the laugh that trailed out from the shadows. "Good. I am sure you are wondering why I brought you here," He said, trailing off. Leon refused to participate and ask him to continue. He just waited him out. "You see, being locked down from this latest strain of the virus, my associates and I are beginning to waste away from boredom." Leon wished he could drop the man and his "associates" in the middle of a hot zone and see how long they stayed "bored." "I promised them some entertainment. That is where you come in. You are several other agents from several other agencies have been taken. You will fight to the death and we will bet on the winners." He explained and Leon could swear he heard him clap in excitement. So, he was taken by a madman. Just what he needed. A mentally unstable kidnapper. "You will fight first, with a Biker we took who was looking for his 'old lady', his name is Deacon. You better bring your A+ game. We told him that if he killed you, he would be reunited with her." Leon watched him, giving nothing away. He would think of a way to let the man know he was being deceived. The man may not believe it. Thinking Leon was lying so he could get his own reward. But Leon would rather not have to kill a man who was only trying to reunite with his girlfriend. "And if I refuse to play your reindeer games?" He asked. He already knew the blow was coming before it did. He hissed in a breath. If he did not know better he would say the man nearly broke a rib. Even if he did though, thankfully it did not cause any real damage like a collapsed lung because he could still breath normally. "Then my friend here will torture you, up until the very moment where you lose your sanity entirely. When you are begging to fight in the ring, begging for anything to make it stop, we will let you fight. You will be so out of it, you will lose and you will lose your life. Would you not rather do as we say and have a fighting chance. . . Well as much as you can with your newly acquired injuries?" He fired back at Leon. Leon looked him in the eye as best as he could. He wished he would slip up. Just once. So he could memorize his features for later. He heard a groaning coming from somewhere else in the room. This 'Deacon' must be waking up. The pain in his back was surely a warning not to try and talk with the man. When he did not say anything else, the man in the shadows took that as a sign that he was willing to fight and smiled. Leon could see his teeth. "Get them ready and get them down to the ring by 8:00 sharp." He ordered before leaving the room. By the sound, the room had a heavy metal door. It made a clank sound at the end like something was caught in the door or jammed under the door and would hit when the door was closed or open. Leon filed that away as well. Everything could help him for later. He ducked his head and took the hit on his back when he was cut down. "You have such a light touch." Leon mocked. He took a boot to his ribs for his trouble. This man was not trying to hide from Leon. He had dirty blonde hair that looked like it had not been washed in weeks. His nose was long and pointed like a birds beak. He had a scar above his right lip. He also had a tattoo of what looked like a fox on his forearm. Leon catalogued everything before he walked away from him and towards the other man hanging upside down. He smashed 'Deacon' in his side once to wake him up. Then he gave him no warning before cutting him down. Thankfully 'Deacon' thought quickly on his feet too and managed to take the hit on his back. Leon did not hear what he said, but he heard the tone. Another boot to the ribs for the other guy. Leon was oddly proud of the man for taunting him like Leon did. That meant he was not going to go down without a fight. Leon just hoped that the man would be willing to listen to him and believe him. He would make sure they both got out of this alive. The fight. After they were both "washed" and "gotten ready" they were brought to the ring. The ring looked basically like a redone dog cage. The ground was uneven and had sand, gravel and rocks scattered. The fences were high and had barbed wire along the top. Leon assessed the rest of the cage, finding no faults he could exploit to help them escape. They were kept from each other at separate sides. They watched as men and women filed into the space. Some of the women were looking at them like they would rather jump their bones then watch them fight. Others were looking at them as though they were nothing more than animals. The men sneered and made jokes. The betting had already begun. Someone was clapping to get everyone's attention. Their face was obscured by a mask. Leon wondered if this was the mystery man from when he first woke up. "I'm glad to see everyone could make it." He called out, and it was indeed the same voice, "Place your bets now, the fight begins in ten minutes. They will fight to the death." The sounds of excitement and anticipation spread around the crowd. Leon was enraged. So, he was their entertainment?

Summary: The world has never felt so cold. AU. Rivetra.  xxxxxxxx He scans the printed words of the newspaper for any interesting headlines. There is nothing much, just alerts about the weather and articles having to do with politics. After hearing something light hit the floor in the kitchen, he peers over to see what exactly it was. However, when he is met with her bent over form and her perfectly shaped, ahem, “asset” he finds his mind drifting off to other thoughts. He restrains himself from leaning to get a better look, but a small smirk appears on his face at the thought of his sneaked glance. Then, when she straightens up – the runaway coffee filter box now firmly grasped in her hands – she meets his level gaze. A pink tinge appears on her cheeks as she realizes what he had been doing and her hands automatically flutter up to rest on her slightly bulging stomach.  “To think that you’re still shy after being married for two years,” he teases as she sets his coffee mug down on the table. She turns around and he extends his hand to lightly pinch her butt. “Levi!” she scolds only half-heartedly before he pulls her back until she teeters on his lap. Wrapping his arms securely around her waist, he leans forward. Carefully maneuvering around her swollen belly he seals his mouth to hers.   His lips move lovingly, gently. When he feels her tongue poke into his mouth, he deepens the kiss. He smells the cinnamon and vanilla from her being in the kitchen, and where his hands hold onto her, the skin is smooth. Since becoming pregnant, she has grown curvier in the best of places, and her once muscular abs and sides have become soft with the extra weight. Not that he minded when she possessed the tight muscles of a gymnast, but this slightly different body is a welcomed change. Almost ritualistically, she has begun lathering her body in cocoa butter, ‘good prenatal bonding she calls it.’ Frankly, he thinks it is just an excuse for her to make her skin even more touchable and to taunt him as she rubs her hands all over her body. Her hands come up and brace themselves on his shoulders, and she begins squirming on his lap. He moves as if to take her to the bedroom, but she stops him when she pulls back and giggles. “What?” he questions, loving the way he can still make her blush so deeply. “The baby is kicking,” she whispers, grabbing one of his hands and placing it on her stomach. He feels the flutter of movement against his palm from within her body and cannot keep the smile from his face. Petra glances up at him and cracks her own grin at the expression on his face, her eyes squinting from the intensity of her action. At the moment, she is his only family, and in three months their small family will grow by one more. Xxxxxxxxx “I should be back by two this afternoon, so we can go out for a late lunch,” Levi says as he pulls on his shoes and winter coat. “Okay, I’m going to run to the grocery store, is there anything special you want for dinner this week,” she asks before helping him wrap a scarf around his neck. “I’m okay with anything,” he tells her as she lightly kisses his nose. “Look how pretty the snow is,” she says quietly, leaning against his chest for a moment as she looks out the window. “It’s so peaceful.” He follows her gaze and has to agree with her. Outside is blanketed with white, the sky taking on that appearance of it simply being a bright backdrop that somebody had draped over the usual blue expanse. Snowflakes flutter down slowly as if they have all the time in the world before joining others in the light dusting that covers the ground. Even the small bunny hopping around in their yard is pure in color. A strange sensation in his stomach causes Levi to embrace Petra just a little tighter, brush back her copper hair just a little gentler, and hold her just a little longer. “Honey,” she whispers as if afraid to ruin the moment. “You’ll be late for work.” Slowly he releases her, and for a moment just to takes in her appearance. The angle of her nose, the curve of her jaw, the gentleness of her eyes… everything. “I love you,” he tells her. Sure, he had told her plenty of times before, but it still surprises her. Levi had always been a very personal man, keeping his feelings to himself; it took him two years of dating before he finally proposed. As always, she smiles back genuinely before kissing him lightly and shooing him out the door. “I love you too,” she calls out as he gets in the car and begins to pull out of the garage. She waves and blows a kiss as always before reentering the house and closing the door. Xxxxxxx The paper work on his desk is as blank as it had been when Erwin had set it on his desk. The Times New Roman font taunts him on the page as it blurs and focuses, blurs and focuses. He rises from his chair with enough force to almost knock it over, and moves to the back window of his office. Glaring out of it, a tight knot pulls in his stomach as he watches the wind pick up and the once calm snow dance around until it hits the glass forcefully. He glances at the phone on his desk and has a strong urge to call his wife, his Petra, to see if she is sitting at home, sipping tea and waiting for him. Just when he picks up the black receiver and begins pressing the first number of their house number, his co-worker, Eld, bursts through the door, a panicked expression on his face. “Levi!” he gasps out, “there’s been an accident.”Without another word, he is out the door, a grave expression dominating his features. Xxxxxxx The ride to the hospital goes by in a blur. He drives quick, but carefully on the – now slick – roads. He mentally berates himself for not telling Petra to stay in today. He should have volunteered to go to the store on his way home from work. He should have held her tighter this morning.  He should have kissed her longer. He should have… He should have… But he did not. Parking quickly he runs into the ER, practically yelling at the woman behind the desk. “My wife was just brought in,” he sounds panicky, but he could not care less. He just needs to see her, he just needs to see her smile and know that she is alright. “Her name is Petra Ackerman, she is pregnant.” The woman’s eyes widen momentarily before she moves out from behind the desk. “Please follow me, sir,” she walks quickly, ushering him down harshly lit hallways that reek of antiseptic. “She was just brought in a little bit ago,” she begins telling him. “A semi truck jackknifed on the road and when she tried to avoid it, she skidded on ice and hit a tree.” She comes to a stop in front of a closed door that lacks windows and Levi pushes past her to get inside. She stops him with a firm hand on his chest. “The trauma has caused her body to go into labor.” “But, she’s only six months along,” Levi says now itching to get into the room. The nurse shakes her head slightly before stepping aside and opening the door. Instantly, he is assaulted with the sound of Petra yelling in pain. “Petra!” he calls, and her head instantly turns to him. “L-Levi,” she pants before another cry escapes her. “Levi, the baby, it’s too soon.” Sweat and tears stream down her face and her legs are dyed red with her own blood. Monitors next to her bed beep loudly and nurses bustle around with grave looks on their faces. By her side now, Levi takes her hand, which she squeezes weakly. “I’m here, Petra,” he says pressing a kiss on top of her head. “I’m here.” The doctor tells her to push, and Petra complies with shout. Her face is as white as a sheet and her whole body trembles. “I-I can’t do this,” she sobs and Levi cannot stand how absolutely hopeless she sounds. “Petra, look at me,” he orders, sounding much more calm than he actually is. “You can do this because you are strong.” She sobs loudly and Levi moves closer to her face so that she focuses on him. “You are the most amazing woman I have ever met, beautiful, kind, determined.” A painful smile slips on her face at his words and a shaky hand comes up to cup his cheek. “And ever since I met you that rainy day in the bar five years ago, my life has never been better.” She kisses him quickly on the lips before tensing up and giving one final push. She falls heavily back on the bed, her eyes fluttering shut. Levi looks down to see a sad expression on the doctor’s face, and one of the nurses wrapping up a completely still bundle in a blue blanket. “Doctor?” Levi asks, his unoccupied hand curling into a tight fist. The doctor just shakes his head, but presses a finger to his lips gesturing to Petra. One of the nurses in pink scrubs walks over to him as another doctor begins examining Petra’s battered torso. “Mister Ackerman,” she whispers into his ear. “I’m so sorry, but the baby was stillborn.” He notices a lone tear running down the nurse’s cheek. “We should not tell Missus Ackerman yet because she doesn’t need anymore stress on her body at the moment.” “Levi?” Petra’s small voice croaks out and the nurse gently tells her to remain still and not strain herself. “Yes?” Levi asks, his voice choked and quiet. Her eyes are still shut as if it is just too much effort to open them, but she raises shaky arms. “Can I hold our baby?” she asks. The nurse looks at Levi and he nods, gesturing for her to bring the bundle wrapped in the blue blanket over. She sets the baby in Levi’s arms and he is shocked at how light it is. He moves back the fabric so he can see his son’s face and it is so small and tinged blue. His little eyes are closed and he does not move and squirm like a baby should. He sets the baby in Petra’s arms, wrapping his own underneath so that she does not actually have to support any of the weight. He leans her tired head against his shoulder and rests his chin on top of her head. “It’s a boy,” he murmurs sadly, and watches as Petra’s eyes open slightly. She looks down at the baby and confusion passes over her features. “Why isn’t he crying?” she asks, and Levi barely acknowledges one of the nurses leaving the room in tears. “He’s sleeping, but the nurse has to take him now, so the doctor can work on you, Petra.” She nods, but the movement is barely more than a tremble of her chin. Passing his son to the nurse, she sets him in a portable crib and wheels him out of the room. “Levi?” Petra begins, “I’m so tired.” Her eyes shut again and her head falls heavily. “I know you are, the doctors need to put you to sleep so they can work on your injuries. But you did amazing, Petra. I told you that you could do it.” “Do you really think so?” she breathes, her voice trailing off. “Of course,” he says as tears gather in his eyes. “I’m going to go to sleep now,” she tells him and he gently sets her back so that she is lying on the hospital bed. “Watch after our son for me, okay?” “Okay, Petra,” he tells her. “You go to sleep now.” She hums out a little response, and Levi wipes a hand down his face in frustration. She lies down for only a moment, her hand now limp in his, when the machines begin to tone singularly, the sound of a flat line. “Doctor, what’s happening?” he asks, though he already knows the answer. “Her wounds were bad enough, but after delivering the baby,” he yells slightly as nurses begin CPR. “It was too much on her body.” “No,” Levi retorts, though he can already feel the warmth leaving his wife’s hand. “No, I am not losing her.” “We are doing everything we can,” the same nurse that had given him his son says as she tries to usher him from the room. “I’m not leaving her,” he says sternly as he watches the doctor try to breath life into Petra’s motionless body. “Don’t ask me to leave her.” “Mister Ackerman –“ “No.” He watches the chest compressions, urging Petra to respond to them. He listens as the long beep continues to carry on, wishing for it to take a pause, signaling the restart of her heart. White noise fills his ears and he just barely hears the doctor sadly mention something about the time of death. Somebody pats his back as they exit the room, leaving him alone with his dead wife. It does not register in his mind what has truly happened. Petra is not dead. How could she be dead? She had woken up next to him happy and healthy this morning just like all the others. She is not gone. Not gone. He leans over the bed and lightly brushes his lips against hers, waiting for her to let out a giggle, waiting for her cheeks to gain a dusting of pink, waiting for her to teasingly smack him and say how much she loves him. But it does not happen. She remains silent. Her cheeks stay pale. Dainty arms continue to lie lifelessly beside her. She is gone. Dead. Never to return to him. He picks her cold hand and brings to his lips as he leans over her small body. Closing his eyes, he rocks slightly as he tries to hold in the emotions. She did not deserve this. She did not deserve this. She did not f***ing deserve this. Of all people in the world who deserve to live a long life filled with loving people, Petra is at the top of the list. He traces his fingers through her hair, down her nose, over her neck, brushes the veins in her arms, skirting by her hips, drawing circles down her legs to her toes, and back up again. He sits with her for a long time, it feels like weeks. He just looks at her body and thinks of her. He vaguely remembers Erwin coming in and ushering him to a car, but the ride home is engraved in his mine. It is silent, and he is thankful. Erwin does not try to console him; he simply drives Levi to the small white house on the corner of the street. Erwin Smith is not simply his boss, he is easily his best friend – apart from Petra, of course. The blonde man had stumbled into Levi’s life many years ago, back in a dark time that he often attempts to block out. Erwin had helped him straighten everything out, had given him a job, and had put him on the right path. Eventually, when they were at a dusty, old bar that they frequently occupied, Erwin had bet Levi to speak with the copper haired girl at the opposite booth. The car jolts to a halt in the driveway and Erwin tells Levi that he will have Mike drop his car off later. Stumbling out of the car, the man’s voice stops him. “Levi, I truly am deeply sorry. Petra was an amazing woman. Neither of you deserved this.” He nods his head because it seems like the appropriate thing to do before unlocking the front door and entering his home. The silence is deafening. It feels like forever since he has returned to an empty house. Petra would always have music playing softly in the background, and as she makes dinner or reads she always hums along. On grey days like this, candles would be lit around the house. But the house is cold and vacant. Walking through the entryway, he can imagine her peaking around the corner before launching herself at him with open arms. He would just hold her and listen as she chatters away about her teaching job or the long lost friend she stumbled upon that day. He walks to their bedroom, flinching as the sounds of his footsteps reverberate off the wooden floors. He drags his feet across the room and sits on top of their bed. Their first night in here had been their wedding night. He had purchased the house in secret, and driven her here after the ceremony under the ruse of going to a fancy hotel. She had giggled the whole ride, her cupcake of a dress bunched up around her in the passenger seat of his car. But, she had sharp eyes and the moment he turned into the suburbs, had begun to interrogate him. He had played it cool, acting like they were just turning around, before pulling up into the driveway. Her little giggles stopped when he exited the vehicle and walked around to her side. Opening the passenger door, he picked her up and carried her small body up the front porch. By now, she had figured out what was happening and happy tears began running down her cheeks. He had saved up for a long time, and bought them this house so that they could escape the rundown deathtrap of an apartment that they used to have. It was his first step in starting his family, purposefully choosing the ranch style house because of the two extra bedrooms. As he carried her through the front door, she buried her face in his chest, trying to hide the absolute mess the tears had made of her makeup. Then, taking her to the bedroom, he laid her on the bed on the very same duvet that he sits on now. The look on her face at that moment was truly stunning. She looked excited, thankful, and amazed all at once. Her hair fanned around her head, and her hazel eyes shown with appreciation and love. Her giant ruffled dress had nearly taken up the entire bed by its sheer size, and as he carefully unsnapped, untied, and removed the monstrous thing, her laughter filled the room. At the thought, a strangled sob escapes Levi’s throat. She had easily been his true love, a light in his dark life, and he has no idea what to do without her. He stalks to the kitchen ignoring all the pictures hanging on the walls. He felt the eyes of his past-self judging him, blaming him for losing his entire family. He had that sickening feeling in his stomach that morning, he had felt so uneasy at work, but he ignored all of if. He had left her at the house. He left her. The bedroom has many memories, but the kitchen has even more. Her cup still sits on the table, the remnants of her tea having grown cold, a light pink lipstick stain along the rim. He imagines her bustling around the area, making dinner as he follows along behind her, cleaning up the mess. He remembers her laughing as he tidied any little mess she made. They had fallen into a routine so easily. She would cook, he would clean, she would experiment with spices and he would be her loyal taster. Bustling through the cabinets, he finds a brown bottle with a black label. Silently he takes it to the table and sits down in his spot, eying the abandoned cup across from him. Tilting the bottle in cheers, he untwists the top and takes a giant gulp. The whiskey burns all the way down. Looking out the window, he watches as the snow continues to fall, calm once again. The small white flakes seem to mock him as they drift gently down.We caused the accident, they seemed to say. We took her from you. After downing more of the whiskey, he pulls open the sliding door and walks into the back yard. Without thinking, he lobs the empty bottle, gaining a sick sort of satisfaction as the sound of glass shattering reaches his ears. Falling to his knees, he raucously yells her name. His voice is desperate and needy. Which he supposes fits in the situation. She left him. He sits in the snow, the numbness from loss worse than the numbness from the cold. As the wind picks up and the snowflakes grow massive in size, he could have sworn he saw her standing there, in a brilliant white gown laughing as she danced around. Somehow he finds himself sitting on the couch in the living room, the news blaring on the television. “Snow storm Titan is on the move again and its bringing harsh winds and heavy snowfalls with it,” the man says, gesturing to the swirling animation of white behind him as it moves across a map. “Make sure you drive carefully and have plenty of nonperishables in your pantries.” The scene changes to a woman sitting behind a desk, a sad expressions on her face. “Speaking of driving carefully, a deadly crash occurred today.”Levi’s eyes widen as a picture of Petra’s blue Civic smashed into a drive is shown. It is scrunched up like an accordion, the driver door is gone, probably cut away, and the all the visible windows are broken.   “Second grade teacher, Petra Ackerman who was currently on maternity leave, was driving down the road when her car slipped on ice as she attempted to avoid an out of control semi truck.” Levi tenses as a photo of Petra taken for her job flashes on the screen. “Missus Ackerman was taken to the hospital in critical condition and though the doctors tried all they could, she and the baby passed away there.” Levi kicks over the table in front of him and sends the television plummeting to the ground.   Now on her side, the woman continues speaking about his dead wife. She mentions how loved Petra was, something about a memorial ceremony at her school, before adding how much she will be missed. “She is my wife!” Levi shouts at the cracked screen, before raiding the kitchen for any more alcohol. He finds two bottles of wine and downs them without thinking. As the drink begins to hinder his movements, he stumbles through the house, memories of bright smiles and copper hair haunting him. He ends up in the would-be nursery, which only has a changing table pressed against one wall. Petra had convinced Levi to wait until after the baby shower to buy anything else. He imagines how her pregnancy should have gone. He would receive a call at work from one the hospital staff saying that Petra’s water broke while she was at home taking a nap. He would rush to the maternity ward of the hospital rather than the emergency room and witness her give birth with no complications. He would hug her as she holds their new son and whisper sweet nothings in her hair. They would come home and take turns waking up in the middle of the night to comfort the child. She would be a great mother, kissing scraped knees, washing dirty hands, and eventually another would come along. Not able to take it anymore, he walks out of the room, tripping over his own feet Landing on the ground with a light thud, his palm begins to sting, prompting him to look down. He finds little pieces of glass embedded in his skin, as blood trickles down his arm. Not recalling breaking anything, he begins to search the ground for the source of the glass. He finds an overturned picture frame with the very corner of its content sticking out. Curious, he pulls on the pointed end until he can see a picture he recognizes as being taken right after they had gotten engaged. They lay on the grass, Petra smiling widely at the camera that she holds above them, so much so that her eyes are closed. His arms are wrapped around her. Rather than looking at the camera, his eyes are glued to her face, and a shadow of a smile can be seen.   Flipping it over, he sees a note scribbled in Petra’s handwriting. Engaged! I will always be yours, forever. As he leans against the wall, Levi cries over the love that he had just lost, thinking that the world has never been so cruel or ever felt so cold.

Summary: Before Etain moved to Mandalore, she said that she did not like beach vacations. But after her injuries and subsequent long recovery, Darman wants to take his wife somewhere nice, for a change.   Warm sand cradled Darman’s tired back and warm sun set his skin to prickling in a way that felt luxurious. Rolling his shoulders a little, he stretched his arm where he’d propped it under Etain’s head and turned his own to face her.   If he hadn’t known better, he would have thought she was asleep. Her lashes were fluttering over closed eyelids, her breathing low and even, and when he bent his head closer to place a gentle kiss on her hot forehead, she didn’t so much as smile. Better to leave her be, then; she was meditating. Early on in their relationship Darman had thought meditation had to be done sitting straight up and with as few distractions as possible, and Etain had told him she’d thought the same, but months lying on her back in bed and listening to the constant beep-beep of monitors and machines had driven her to learn a different way.   Darman’s gaze dropped to where the neckline of her swimsuit, so much lower than her typical high-necked robes (Jusik may have taken to armour with a relish but Etain never could fully leave behind the symbols of a heritage that meant so much to her), revealed faint, pulsing light. In the quiet dark of their bedroom back on Mandalore, the light, which could be seen in varying levels of intensity throughout most of her torso, filtered through her skin in an ethereal way that made Darman almost afraid to touch her for fear of shattering her. Here, surrounded by golden sunlight and white sands, the status lights looked almost natural, as if Etain was lit from sunlight from both within and without. She was beautiful like this. Radiant, Darman thought, even if she was freckling at such a rapid pace he could almost see the little brown flecks forming in real time.   Etain finally took a deep breath and opened her eyes.   “You’re beautiful like this,” Darman said aloud. He kissed her again, he couldn’t help himself. “What were you feeling?”   “Nonsense, I’m turning into a solid mass of freckles. I can feel that,” Etain said, but she smiled anyway. “It feels…right, Dar. Balanced. The ocean is terrible, I can feel the dark side in that. There’s echoes in the waves like they remember the deep parts where bones are swallowed up in darkness, and the storms where things - people, animals - were crushed against rocks and drowned.”   “Sounds horrible.”   “Yes. But there’s another side to it. The water is teeming with life, there’s so much energy to draw on it feels it could never run out. It brings life, it carries the animals where they need to go. It feeds them. That’s the light side of it, the part that nurtures and invigorates.” She brushed a few grains of sand off of Darman's belly in the motherly way she’d adopted since she’d taken their child back into her care. “We’re lying on powdered skeleton, basically, but that’s what gives new life a home.”   That was a new and somewhat nasty way of thinking about sand. Darman shifted uncomfortably; Etain must have noticed because she laughed and snuggled her head into the crook of his neck.   “That sounded more gruesome than I meant it to. I was never good at the more…philosophical aspects of the Force.”   “You are good at it. You’re just practical about your philosophy.”   Etain hummed thoughtfully.   “Maybe. I used to think people were either light or dark - good or bad. Now I think we’re all like the ocean a little bit.”   Darman picked up a handful of sand and let it fall onto her swimsuit, watching the way the tiny grains bounced and slid in the wrinkles of the fabric.   “Only a Jedi could relate to a big puddle of water.”   “Oh, Dar,” Etain said fondly. “Only you would call an entire ocean a puddle.”   “I said a big one,” Darman pointed out.   He was thinking now, though; Etain lost him sometimes with her flowery metaphors but this one was clear enough. All the people he’d met had certainly been more complicated than “good” or “bad”. Darman could barely remember how he had felt on Qiilura, back when he was shinier than his armour and looked to the Jedi and Skirata, and even the Republic, as beacons of moral goodness. Even Etain had turned out to have a “dark side”, as she put it, and not just because she had a temper.   And so had he. Maybe relationships were like the ocean, too, he thought; yes, Etain had deliberately lied to him and taken advantage of his naiveté, but had he been totally free of selfish intentions? Not really, if he was honest with himself about it. He’d taken what he wanted from her without giving her what she needed - he hadn’t even told her he loved her until he had a comm in his hand and could say the words without having to look at her while he said them. He’d wanted to marry her, but he hadn’t planned on it, for too long he’d been too scared to take the risk before he could see a way to make it work without having to give anything else up.   Etain had used him; she’d also devoted every second of her life after that to his and their child’s welfare. Darman had used her; he’d also given up every bit of stability he’d had left to be by her side. Good and bad, light and dark.   “What are you thinking about, Dar?” Etain asked.   Darman shrugged. He wasn’t as good at the metaphors, but -   “Balance - as a person - it’s a funny concept, isn’t it? Doesn’t mean it’s okay to be bad, but you have to accept the bad parts of your past, and your bad tendencies. Because you’re always going to keep adding bad things to your past, however hard you try,” He felt like he was getting rather away from the original topic and pressed on, hoping somehow he’d circle back around. “Kal always taught us we couldn’t get better at anything without first taking a good, hard look at exactly why we were mucking up. And then moving on.”   Etain nodded, lifting her head off his shoulder to look at him more fully. She looked wide-awake and eager now.   “That’s what I’ve figured out, too! My master never taught it to me that way, but I’ve learned that balancing myself looks more like forgiving myself than anything else. And taking steps to try and be better, of course, but that’s impossible in the absence of forgiveness.”   Darman sat up, pulling Etain with him. He started brushing sand off her suit and skin, and out of her hair, too, though the braids made it difficult. Perhaps she should have covered her hair like some of the other beach-goers, Darman thought, and then changed his mind immediately. His Et’ika’s hair was too pretty to be hidden when the sunlight picked out all the red and gold in it like this.   “You do forgive me, right, Dar?” Etain asked suddenly.   It was an old question at this point, and one Darman could answer without thinking.   “‘Course I do. I love you.”   “I love you, too,” Etain said, sighing a little as if in relief. “Is it time to go back to the hotel?”   “Depends. Do you want to be, ah - a solid mass of freckles?”   Gasping in mock indignation, Etain scooped up a handful of sand and threw it at him. Darman weaved, avoiding most of it, and got his arms around Etain’s waist, holding her carefully against his chest as he stood up.   “I’m not going to break, Dar,” Etain huffed.   “I know. I wish I felt more sure of it, though.”   Etain put her hands on either side of his face and leaned her forehead against his in the Mandalorian way. Darman let her put her legs around his waist and shifted his grip so he was holding onto her more comfortably; she would never him carry her bridal-style but at least he could do it like this.   “Until you are, you’ll have to trust how sure I am. And I feel much stronger today,” Etain said lightly. “You were right about ‘shore leave’, and about a warmer climate, too. This has been a lovely vacation, Dar.”   “It has,” Darman agreed. He began walking towards their rented speeder, walking very slowly and taking short steps so as to not jostle Etain. It probably looked awkward, he thought, but his wife’s comfort mattered rather more to him than his pride. “And here I was this whole time thinking you didn’t like beach vacations.”   Etain laughed and repeats her mirshmure'cya, banging their foreheads together a little in the process.   “I’d like any kind of vacation as long as you were beside me.”