#just plot

Part 6

Phecda’s little safe house was near the outskirts of the exam site. A simple apartment building with walls neatly decorated as though a prince lived in them.

‘Maybe that’s why he picked that host,’ thought Centaurus as he made his way down the halls and towards the lobby. Everything was far too pristine, far too unnaturally beautiful. It wasn’t unlike the buildings back at Terras, home world. This place was probably familiar for an Elite like him.

Elite…

“Worms don’t make for such fine test subjects,” Phecda had said. The words still bothered Centaurus. What had he been trying to imply? And did Centaurus want to know? Just the idea of being considered a ‘test subject’ annoying him to no end.

“Is he saying I’m not a worm…?” Centaurus muttered out loud. A few passing residents spared him a glance, the curiosity clear in their expressions. However, Centaurus didn’t pay them much mind. He only wanted to see if their body language betrayed any intent to fight.

Was Phecda suggesting that Centaurus was somehow better than his peers?

“Sunuvabitch,” he muttered as he walked past the automatic doors. Golden flowers and vines made of fine metals decorating the glass. The sheer lavishness of it all made him ill. He was glad to be leaving the building. Taking his first step forward, his gaze instantly shifted to the professor leaning up against the wall just a few feet away from the entrance.

Professor Polaris’ eyes didn’t widen when they wandered over to Centaurus. His pose, lax shoulders and a hunched back, remained static as he spoke up. “Ah! Quite fortunate, seeing you here,” he said, lazily raising his arm in a small greeting. Despite his attempts to seem casual, he had been expecting Centaurus. Polaris should’ve been at least a bit surprised or had some sort of reaction to seeing him.

‘What is he playing at?’ thought Centaurus. ‘He was waiting for me.’

Even after several hours, Polaris retained the same host. For whatever reason, whenever he found a body he didn’t seem to enjoy discarding it until the mission was over. Centaurus had once overheard a student from another class refer to Polaris as ‘overly sentimental.’

“How have you been, Centaurus?” said Polaris as he approached. “I trust your tasks have been finished?”

“Professor,” said Centaurus with a curt nod. “Is there something you need?” Answering his question, for whatever reason, didn’t feel right at the moment. It’d be better to just remain discreet. Centaurus also noticed that Polaris’ stance was unusually lax. His knees were straight, his hands were in his pockets, and his feet weren’t far apart. Weren’t soldiers, especially those with stories histories like Polaris, supposed to be more serious? Despite how little humans knew of their existence, the planet was still enemy territory.

“No, not quite what I need. But I do wish to inform of some of your classmates’ conditions. Particularly that of Alcor.” Centaurus’ eyes widened, and he cursed his sudden reaction.

“What does Alcor have to do with me?” he said, attempting to remain casual.

Polaris shrugged. “From what I can tell, nothing. But that reaction is certainly interesting. Usually you just shrug and dismiss me whenever I discuss your classmates with you.”

“Well, what’s the news on Alcor?”

“He’s gone,” said Polaris, eyes brimming with… pride? Amusement? Centaurus couldn’t tell. “Left the testing grounds, and it doesn’t appear he’s returning. For all intents and purposes, he has gone AWOL.”

“Oh, I’m surprised,” said Centaurus with a shrug. He had managed to regain his composure. Just a few more exchanges and he’d walk away and be home free. “For all his talk, I wouldn’t have guess he’d just up and vanish. Guess he was all bark and no bite.” He said, forcing a snicker.

“Aww… is that any way to talk about your new friend?” Despite his teasing words, Polaris’ eyes almost looked sympathetic. Centaurus didn’t respond. He dropped his arms to the sides and glared at his professor. “You know, Centaurus… to live freely is to give other freedom. To gift him that chance to escape, that opportunity to shape his own life and future, is something beautiful. Did it feel rewarding?”

“...Why aren’t you reprimanding me?” asked Centaurus, narrowing his eyes. “You almost sound proud of me. Why? Shouldn’t I be…I don’t know, expelled? Punished? Even just scolded?”

Polaris didn’t stop smiling. Instead, he turned around and gestured for Centaurus to follow. “Walk with me. We should talk privately.” Before Centaurus could respond, Polaris had already begun walking off. They were headed towards a more populated part of the fair. Not far from them was a closed, unattended booth. That was most likely his destination.

“H-Hey, wait damn it!” Centaurus ran to catch up with Polaris’ stride. The professor’s host had longer legs, and he almost seemed determined to leave him behind. “Asshole…” Centaurus muttered once he finally caught up. “… it was bittersweet.”

“Hmm?”

“You asked me how it felt—with Alcor. It felt, still feels, bittersweet.” It had been a brief connection, but it was one of the few that Centaurus had ever made. To watch it go and ride off towards a land promising freedom tore at his heart. It was difficult not being envious. “He’s fine, he’ll be happy, out there. But, I’m still here. Still the same.” He looked up at the sky. The sun was beginning to descend, dyeing the world a vivid orange. Everyday, the sky changed hues.

“I try to change,” continued Centaurus, looking down at his rough, scarred hands. It was unfamiliar to him, and yet he still remained the same worm he always was. The faces he wore and the memories he ingested were all different, yet the scars he bore and the faint hope he clung onto remained the same.

Static. Stagnant.

“I wish I could’ve gone with him. I wish I could’ve escaped and shaped my own future with my own hands. But I was scared.” His voice cracked as he spoke. His host’s heart was racing, each thump an agonizing reminder of his own life. Why had he survived while other worms didn’t? Why did he continue to live? “I always thought becoming a Dreadfighter, becoming someone, would bring me happiness and freedom. And maybe it will. But I still wonder why I didn’t just run away with my friend. Why just being someone to Alcor wasn’t enough to let me run alongside him.” He looked up at Polaris. “Professor, did I make the right choice? Or am I just weak?”

“I can’t say,” he said. “No one can know what choice is the right one. We simply choose and allow the consequences to play out. If we don’t like them, we just deal with outcome and make another choice later down the line. That’s what life is, Centaurus. That’s the beauty and terror of freedom.” Polaris raised his arm and stopped Centaurus in his tracks. “And you made your decision. You chose to help Alcor find freedom, Centaurus. Extending a hand out in kindness, even after facing so much abuse from others, from your own kind, takes a type of strength I deeply envy.”

Stepping forward to stand in front of Centaurus’ host, Polaris placed a hand on Centaurus’ borrowed chest and squeezed. “Your heart is scarred, and it remains strong. It’s so easy to hurt someone else because you’ve been hurt. But you chose differently, Centaurus. As your teacher, I am so very proud of the choice you made.”

“Professor, I…”

Before either of them could continue, “A-HEM,” a loud and deliberate cough cut them off. They both turned to face a round-faced women with a babbling infant in her hands. “Pride is important and all, but please don’t grope each other where kids can see you.” Polaris withdrew his hands, muttering a sheepish apology as his ears turned red. “Thank you.” With a huff, the woman walked off.

The two stood there in silence before Polaris let out a snicker. “Snrk…! Heheh…! Here I was trying to be all emotional that I forgot humans don’t share such intimacy with each other.” It wasn’t long before he was full-on laughing, shoulders bouncing up and down as that little embarrassed joy filled the air.

Centaurus joined in for a second with a few light-hearted chuckles, but remained paranoid the whole time. “Professor, what’s the real reason you wanted to speak to me?”

“Ah, yes, yes!” nodded Polaris. “Come. We should talk privately.” He walked over to the booth’s closed curtains and gestured for Centaurus to walk in. He didn’t. After a few moments of waiting, he nodded and said, “Smart. Don’t show your back to someone if you’re not 100% certain you can trust them.”

“It’s just common sense.”

“Not to those who can afford it. Those we call ‘Elites.’ I do apologize that to you it is common sense, Centaurus. Or for anyone, in that war-fueled society of ours.” Polaris stepped into the darkened booth first, and Centaurus cautiously followed.

“There’s a lot that needs to be said,” said Polaris, his voice dropping low and losing any of the levity it previously had. “And some that can only be shown to be believed. But I suppose there’s no easy way to ease someone into this next bit of news.

“Centaurus, our society relies on the weak thrown and killed on the front lines or dying in the mines for resources to fuel our machines and weapons to fight. Or even as slaves, not servants, to Elites who see them as lesser.” With each word he uttered, his voice became softer and somber. The look in his eyes, a bit harder to tell in the dark booth, grew dull and damp. It was as if speaking about this was sucking the life out of him.

“War and hierarchy are intrinsic parts of our society,” he continued. “And this decades-long war, having started long before I was even born, allowed for technological prosperity, but social stagnation. It makes sense, doesn’t it? We can’t move forward without risking stability, and no one wants that in the middle of wartime.

Hanzo/Cole – Minotaur AU – Part 34 – Hanzo has a (fateful) conversation with his uncle.

---

Hanzo is aiming his weapon at the target peeking out from behind a tree. He pauses when he feels the thump of Cole’s hoof more than he hears it. He takes the shot, then peers over his shoulder to see his Uncle, of all people, making the trek out toward him.

He lowers his arm and puts the safety back on the gun as he awaits Kenzo coming close enough to be able to talk without screaming.

Part 1

Logince fantasy AU somewhat based off of tsubasa reservoir chronicles

This part is a bit shorter but I figure little and often is the best way to actually get this finished.

(Also in the original drawing this started as Logan and Roman def look older then they’re described here. thats not foreshadowing anything I just hadn’t decided they were gonna be wee)

Logan Sanders is a high school student who loves maths and cats and wishes he didn’t think Elon Musk is as cool as he does

(“Yes I am aware all billionaires are inherently morally deficient but he sent a car into SPACE Roman”)

Roman Prince is Logan’s best friend.

Roman is 5 days younger then Logan and loves singing and theather and getting Passionate About Causes.

They’ve known each other since they were both extremely small. Neither of them can actually remember meeting for the first time but their parents have many, many embarrassing baby photos to share.

People who don’t know them wouldn’t assume they were best friends - they’re the kind of friends who express their love through constant arguing and teasing. Who support each other by pushing each other.

Roman has big dreams and an over active imagination. Logan thinks most of his goals are entirely unrealistic and his life would be vastly improved if he could only Calm Down.

Logan is fastidious and takes forever to complete anything as he has to break it down into 1000 micro tasks which must be ticked off in order. Roman thinks he’s such a stick in the mud life is going to pass him by completely.

Neither of them are much good with other people (Roman being Too Much and Logan being Not Enough) but they’ve got each other. They get each other.

When they were little they used to spend a lot of time at this quirky old antique shop that’s equidistant from both their houses.

The owner is this older dude called Emile who was happy to watch them and would tell them stories about every single item in there.

Roman was always totally enraptured. Logan used to enjoy it but the older he got the more he found himself rolling his eyes at Emile’s stories. They tend to include a lot of magic and silliness and are generally NOT historically accurate.

Also he never seems to sell anything?? Logan once tried to convince him to let him set up an Etsy for the shop but Emile just laughed and said his shop was for granting wishes, not making money.

Logan worries about his business practices.

Anyway.

There’s this dance coming up at school.

Logan doesn’t really like dances or parties but he knows about this one because Roman got himself on the planning committee and hasn’t talked about anything else since.

Roman talks about the colour scheme and the food and the music and the lgbtq+ inclusivity posters he made unprompted. And the timing and the dress code and the drinks and his outfit (he talks a lot about his outfit).

He doesn’t talk about who he’s going with.

He does ask Logan if he’s got a ticket, and then WHY hasn’t he got a ticket and then WILL you get a ticket? For me? I mean, in solidarity with me and the planning committee?

And Logan does because he has a hard time saying no to Roman.

And. Because it’s kindve nice. How badly Roman wants him there.

(And because secretly he thinks it would be kind’ve nice to go to the dance with Roman. Like. Together together.)

He sort of thought maybe Roman was going to ask him. They were watching the Witcher - in their own homes but texting, (and then talking over the phone because Logan has a lot more video game v books v show thoughts then he can quickly express through type) - and Roman interrupted him to say “I needtoaskyousomething...”

-and then there was this pause where Logan absolutely did not hold his breath-

“ .... tomorrow. I’Il ask you tomorrow. Promise.”)

Logan tells himself not to expect anything. Roman could very well be about to ask him to pick up extra napkins for the dance or something. But he’s a little giddy getting ready for school anyway.

They normally meet outside Emile’s shop and walk to school together from there. Today, Logan is there first like normal. Unlike normal Emile actually has a customer - there’s a larger guy standing behind Logan looking at the window display.

Later, Logan will blame the fact that he’s too busy staring at Roman running to meet him, too busy thinking ‘I’ll ask you tomorrow” over and over, too busy standing there being dumb basically - for why he doesn’t notice the guy turn around.

‘The guy’ who doesn’t really have a human face. Or human eyes.

But he’s definitely staring at Roman too.

Bonus doodles:

Jack died because the Plot demanded it

part 2

   “Ok, Lance. You’re going to pick today, ok?” Ji tries to make his voice sound authoritative without sounding angry. Lance looks up at him with wide eyes from his signature spot next to the couch.

  “Yes, Master.” Lance’s body is tense with anxiety, but Ji has found that he won’t disobey a direct order. He sits on the couch, close to Lance, and presses the remote in his hand.

  Lance scrolls Netflix, looking up questioningly at Ji as he pauses on each movie. Ji just motions to the TV, wanting Lance to pick something that he’s interested in, like they had discussed. Lance turns and stares at the screen with intense concentration. He stops on a nature documentary, and peers up nervously at Ji.

  “You wanna watch that one?” Ji tries to keep his expression neutral.

  “Do you want to, Master?” Lance seems uneasy, like he’s anticipating punishment.

  “That’s not what I asked.” Ji knows that it won’t mean anything if he ends up choosing for him.

  “...I am... interested in this film. I would like to watch it, if that’s alright with you, Master.” Lance braces himself for the discipline that comes with requesting something for himself.

  “Nice choice, hon.” Ji plucks the remote from his hand and plays the documentary. They watch the film in silence. Ji tries to make conversation a few times, but he knows he’s already asked a lot of Lance, so gives up.

-

  Ji checks his phone, having silenced it so he could focus on spending time with Lance. Six missed calls from Anwir. Ten texts, one that declares that he’s coming over.

  “Uh, Lance?”

  “Yes, Master?”

  “Anwir’s coming over... for some reason.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  Anwir’s the only person he’s introduced Lance to, and Anwir took a liking to him immediately. He’s a lot more comfortable with the “pet” role Lance fills than Ji is. He has no problem with Lance kneeling at his feet, he even pets his head. Ji suspects that Anwir is involved in the BDSM scene or something of the sort, but he doesn’t ask because he doesn’t want to prompt Anwir into one of his signature inappropriate rambles.

  “Duuuude! Let me in! It’s important!” Anwir’s voice is loud even through the door. Ji rushes to let him in, not wanting another complaint from his neighbors.

  Anwir yanks the door open as soon as Ji turns the lock. “THEY’RE COMING FOR LANCE DUDE!” He shoves Ji out of the doorway and slams the door shut.

  “Wha-? Are you on coke again?! We talked about this!” Ji rubs his face, frustrated by the thought of having to force Anwir into rehab again.

  “NO DUDE! This is for realsies! Some big scary guys in suits showed up at my apartment!” He grabs Ji’s shoulders, shaking him roughly. “They asked me about Lance! I said I didn’t know what they’re talking about but THEY HAD PICTURES OF ME GOING INTO YOUR HOUSE! THE JIG IS UP DUDE!”

  “Ok. Ok. Just calm down. Why would ‘scary guys in suits’ care about where Lance is staying?” He pries Anwir’s hands off his shoulders.

  “Because he’s a pet, dude. And his Master must want him back!” Ji just squints at him, trying to decide if he’s high or not. Anwir sighs dramatically, rubbing his eyes. “Look, dude, I haven’t told you about this stuff ‘cuz I didn’t want to worry you. This ‘Master and Pet’ thing has a community.”

  “Huh?” Ji interrupts him. “Are we talking like a BDSM club kinda thing?”

  Anwir fixes him with an annoyed look. “No. I’m talking about an underground community of sickos who kidnap people like Lance. Abuse them. Keep them as pets, like dogs. They are rich and they are powerful, so they get away with it. And they want Lance back.”

  Ji gapes at him, unable to process the entirety of what he’s being told.

  “They will do whatever it takes to get their pet back. You are in danger. You both are.” Anwir has never seemed this serious before, and it freaks Ji out.

  “WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME ABOUT THIS BEFORE?!”

  “Because it seemed like Lance had lost them! And you don’t have any ties to them, so I didn’t think they’d find you.” Anwir looks at his shoes, guilt showing on his face.

  “Why do you even know about all this? Are you... involved?” Ji’s heart is pounding, and he’s scared. Scared that the only person that he’s trusted Lance with has had bad intentions the whole time.

  “No dude! I mean, a friend of a friend is, and I ended up doing some odd jobs for the group, but that was before I found out what it is they do.” His face twists up like he might cry. “When you introduced me to Lance, I figured out that he used to be a pet. But I couldn’t bring myself to tell you, and possibly ruin your and Lance's relationship.”

  Ji’s expression softens. “I get it man. I’m not mad. But what am I gonna do?!”

  “Well, I have an idea. It seems like they aren’t actually sure that you have Lance. If they did, they’d probably just take him by force. If we hide him for a bit, and you let them check things out here, they’ll think that they had the wrong guy. They’ll go continue their goose chase somewhere else, and you guy’s’ll be safe.” Anwir wrings his hands as he speaks, his tense body emanating anxiety.

  “Where would I hide him though?” Ji takes Anwir’s hands in his, massaging the tension out of them.

  “I can take him. My parents have a cabin up in the woods that no one ever uses. If I’m careful there won’t be any trail, Lance and I can stay up there until things cool down.” He gives Ji a small smile, clutching his shaking hands tightly.

  “You’d do that for us?” Ji’s eyes fill with tears.

  “Of course man. Let me pay you back for all the times you’ve patched me up after my stupid bar fights and shit.” Ji pulls him into a hug, tears streaming down his cheeks.

  Ji pulls back, both stress and relief contorting his features. “Should I pack him a bag right away?”

  “Yeah, we better get this thing rolling. The sooner the better. I’m gonna go make sure Lance is ok. I’m sure he’s been listening.” 

  “Oh shit. Yeah. You do that, I’ll go pack his bag.”

-

  “Hey, pal. Did you hear us talking?” Anwir squats down next to where Lance is kneeling.

  “Yes, Sir.” Lance doesn't make eye contact with him, as per usual.

  “Alright, so you understand why you need to come stay with me for a while?” He stands and sits on the couch. His eyes never leaving Lance’s face.

  “Yes, Sir.” Lance’s expression doesn’t change, although Anwir thinks that he can sense sadness radiating from him.

  “This isn’t you fault, ok?” He gently lays his hand on Lance’s slight shoulder.

  “...Yes, Sir.” His eyes well up with tears despite his efforts to be well behaved for his Master’s friend.

  “Awww, don’t cry! Ji and I are gonna get this all worked out. Then you two can be all lovey-dovey again in peace.” Anwir chuckles at his teasing, patting Lance’s shoulder.

  Ji strides into the room, duffel bag in hand. He kneels down, facing Lance. “I’m really sorry about this, hon. But it’ll just be for a little while, ok?” His tears don’t go unnoticed.

  Lance’s face pinches with guilt. “I-I’m so sorry, Master.” He sniffles, tears wetting his cheeks.

  Ji pulls Lance into a hug, glaring up at Anwir when he whistles at the display of affection.

  “Well... The sooner we’re out of here, the safer we’ll be.” Anwir pats both Ji and Lance on the head and grabs Lance’s bag. Ji presses a loving kiss to Lance’s forehead, and helps him up. The three make their way to Anwir’s car, Ji holding Lance’s hand the entire way.

  “Alright, bro. Get rid of any trace of Lance. When they show up, and believe me they will, just let them poke around. They won’t find any evidence of a pet, so they won’t have any reason to fuck with you. I’ll bring him back like a week after they leave, just to be safe. Got it?” Anwir jerks him into a hug before he can even answer.

  “Yeah man. I got it. Keep me updated, ok?” Ji turns and pats Lance’s head, giving him a sad smile.

  “No worries man. I’ll text you when we get there. And I’ll take good care of him.” Anwir fixes him with a smile as he leads Lance to the passenger side.

  Ji waves to them as the car pulls away. Lance timidly waves back. Anwir sticks his entire arm through his window, swinging it like a madman. Ji can’t help but laugh, despite the solemn situation.

Thanks for the tag from @purgetrooperfox and @karlyanalora

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