Side blog dedicated to posting updates and links to fanfiction.Sometimes I enjoy writing sorta crappy stories about some of my favourite pairings... Nothing too weird about that...
It’s that time of year again (we’re still here and going strong), PRUCANWEEK!
This year the themes are centered around The Hero’s Journey
PROMPTS:
Day 1 (10/3): Ordinary | Orchid
Day 2 (10/4): Call to Adventure | Hydrangea
Day 3 (10/5): Crossing the Threshold | Calla Lily
Day 4 (10/6): The Ordeal | Gladiolus
Day 5 (10/7): Reward | Chrysanthemum
Day 6 (10/8): Resurrection | Daffodil
Day 7 (10/9): Return | Peony
While I have set the prompts up based off of a traditional outline for films/stories, you’re free to interpret the prompts in any way that you’d like! As an addition, I have added a flower/meaning along side that you can include or use for the prompt itself. I hope everyone has fun creating!
What is prucanweek?
For seven days in a row, content will be made centering around Prucan (Prussia/Canada) (each day with a theme of its own). Anyone and everyone is free to join and post all days, or just one if you can! Even just reblogging the works of others is a way to participate!!
Have fun making fan art, fanfiction, edits/graphics, anything you want!
When the time comes around track the tag #prucanweek. (that is the two words together, not separate) Add this hashtag on all posts that you make! (Make sure it’s within the first 5 tags so it will appear in the tag)
Additionally to including the hashtag, I would appreciate it if everyone can tag this blog (prucanweek) in the post! Such as > @prucanweek so that your posts will appear in my notifications ❤️
Below I’ve included some links that summarize The Hero’s Journey and the website I used for the flower meanings!
It had been nearly a week’s worth of travel before they neared a small village on the outskirts of a massive mountain. There was a sense of relief that was passing through them all that the first leg of the journey was nearly complete. It had been quiet enough, mostly sticking to well traveled roads. Only one incident with a curious bear searching for snacks among their provisions had disrupted the rigorous schedule that Ludwig had laid out for them.
Alfred rode beside Gilbert lately and talked and he found he enjoyed the company. Gilbert learned the other had left his village at a young age and he and his twin had learned from an old hunter how to survive in the wilderness. Even going as far as cheekily commenting that he had seen boar tusks far bigger than the one around Gilbert’s neck. After stunning him that he had been found out, he laughed loudly, much to Lovino’s annoyance.
They were just starting to see buildings sprout up in the distance when a man ran out in the road to block their path.
“Friends!” he cried cheerily, flashing them all a giant grin. “My name is Antonio Fernandez Carriedo and for a gold piece I’ll tell you all your fortune!”
“No,” Ludwig said flatly, steering his horse to try and get around the man. Antonio was quick to dart in the way.
“Aw, come on! It is only one gold piece!” When he realized he wouldn’t get anywhere with Ludwig he threw himself at the next in line which happened to be Gilbert. “You! Don’t you want to know what might be in store for you? What secrets could be lurking out there for you to find?”
Gilbert shrugged and pulled a coin from his pocket. “Sure. Why not?” He flicked it with his thumb, which the fortune teller quickly caught and examined before hiding it away.
“Gilbert, don’t encourage him,” Ludwig said.
“Actually, you should probably give that charity case more than one piece of gold,” Lovino griped from the back.
Antonio held up his hands and began wiggling his fingers. “Let me call upon the ancient spirits. What secrets should these travelers learn.” He closed his eyes and hummed, swaying side to side for a minute until his eyelids snapped back open wide and he spoke in a slow monotone. “You will soon learn that one of your group has been telling lies.”
“Wha… What sort of fortune is that?!” Lovino scoffed, his face red. Gilbert went stiff. Alfred pulled his hood further down. Ludwig’s face had turned an odd shade of green.
Ivan laughed. “That’s very interesting! I wonder who it may be…”
“It’s obviously a trick,” Lovino continued. He fixed a sneer at Antonio. “I don’t even think he’s a real fortune teller.”
“I am!” Antonio pleaded. “My fortunes come fully true every other time!”
Lovino hesitated, his mouth held open for a brief moment and then he practically shrieked. "Only every other time?"
Gilbert heaved a sigh and began to laugh, though it sounded strange in his ears. “That was a good one. One of us being a liar. Right, Alfred?” He jabbed the blonde in the ribs with his elbow which seemed enough to knock him back to his senses where he joined in laughing feebly.
"Let's go," Ludwig grumbled, leading them past while Lovino heaved a few spare curses behind him while Antonio remained in sight.
Despite all his best efforts, Gilbert couldn't relieve his own tensions in his mind and the mood around him seemed equally as thick. Calling someone in their group a liar could mean anything, and he knew he himself wasn't entirely truthful. Was it him that the fortune meant?
One glance at Alfred sent him reeling. It was still strange the way the other made attempts at hiding his appearance. But it would be easy enough to blame it on his upbringing or that someone with a similar face was currently being held captive. No, he thought with an involuntary shake of his head, he wouldn’t let himself believe everything Alfred had told him was a lie.
Eventually he settled on Ivan as being the culprit. It was a comfortable decision, one that he felt no reason to dwell on. Of course the mage lied. He never said anything of his past or his intentions and always left an uneasy feeling deep within Gilbert’s gut. The sort that had him keeping watch out of his peripheral.
Not much was said until after they had entered the village and stabled their horses. The mountain that made up the backdrop loomed overhead while shops at the base sported many trinkets and images of it. The group ignored these to check into the inn and rest for the time being.
A woman eyed them as they entered with a knowing look. "Here to see the librarian?" She shook her head when her assumption was proven correct and pointed to a table of five exhausted men staring off into space. "They returned this morning, though it didn't go so well."
Curious, they approached the table to mixed reactions from the occupants. Two seemed to perk up at seeing that attention was directed their way, while the rest gave flat looks of warning that were enough to cause their steps to hesitate.
"Hey!" The shortest of the group waved, his round face pulled into a pleasant friendly smile. "Are you here to try and meet the librarian too?"
"Well, that's obvious!" This one was far louder, his grin wide and confident. His hand stroked the handle of a large two handed axe leaning against his chair. "They look pretty capable. Not as much as us though."
"You think so?" Gilbert challenged back, his grin equally matched the other man's.
"Too noisy," the lithe man slumped back in his chair muttered, waving a hand and silencing his companion easily. The other continued to speak and laugh in mute.
The first to talk paused to note that his friend was now quiet, but then continued as though this was a routine occurrence. “I’m Tino. Are you here to try as well?”
“Yes,” Ivan nodded. “We need information only she can provide.”
“Then I wish you luck. We didn’t make it to her chamber.” He sighed, leaning his chin into his hand.
“You sad sacks have any advice?” Lovino piped up, earning himself several glares.
“Yes,” the one who cast the silencing spell sat up in his chair. His frigid gaze bore into each of them in turn. “The guardian has no weaknesses. You would be better off running.”
“Everything should have a weakness,” Alfred said, his voice petering out towards the end. “Right?”
The man snorted. “Don’t believe me then.”
“Lukas…” Tino said. The man in question returned to his slouched position in his chair, his eyes closing and feigning sleep.
“Thank you for sharing that with us,” Ludwig stepped in. “We’ll leave you for now.” He managed to corral the group away to their own table where a round of drinks were ordered. Evening fell and the tavern slowly came to life with patrons entering and upon seeing them wishing them luck on their attempt, while a handful grinned and asked who should receive their belongings if they did not return.
In the morning they stood abreast at the mouth of a cave that led into the mountain. A few locals had come to see them off, offering advice they had already heard. They should stay clear of the guardian if they could and retreat if they couldn’t. Gilbert was used to warnings from frightened villagers. It came as part of the job that when townsfolk said not to enter a dark forest at night that he needed to charge in.
He nudged Alfred when he noticed the other’s intent stare at the entrance. “This is going to get us one step closer to getting your brother back.”
Alfred offered a relieved smile. “I know. I worry because he can’t really take care of himself.”
This cave system began easily enough. The path was smooth and descended gradually, but soon they were met with jagged twists and turns. It would be easy enough to lose one’s way in the dark. Their torches crackled along with the steps they took with care to keep quiet and spoke minimally.
Unsure of how long they had been underground, they eventually stopped at an intersection to rest, sharing water and food as they sat around the small impromptu campfire. Lovino moped his face against a sleeve. “Did anyone hear how far we have to go to reach this Librarian?”
“No,” Gilbert said as he flopped onto his back. “And they’re not even sure exactly where her chamber is. So no help there.”
“Quit complaining,” Ludwig ordered. He had pulled a small bit of parchment out and was trying to construct a map of what tunnels they had already taken. So far it looked like a jumbled mess of crisscrossing lines.
“All I know is I am going to be covered in dust for a week because of this place,” Lovino continued to whine. “One of you with more muscles than sense will need to carry me back.”
“Not gonna happen!”
A loud rumbling echoed from the darkness down one of the tunnels freezing them all into place. The ground began to shudder while the noise grew, crashing and grinding like thunder it echoed ahead of whatever it was that was coming.
“We need to go,” Gilbert grabbed Alfred and dragged him in the opposite direction. Lovino was soon attached to his other side, his eyes gone wide.
“Everyone, run!” Ludwig snapped, just as the torch light illuminated a large humanoid shape crashing into the chamber. It straightened, rocks comprising the entirety of its body that slid and moved at will. At the top something akin to a head turned in their direction as they darted away from it and it let out a deafening roar.
“They were right! There’s no weaknesses on that thing!” Lovino yelped, easily keeping pace with the rest of them.
“Everyone just keep moving.” Ludwig’s breathing still managed to come out even. “We’ll come up with a plan.”
“I have one.” Alfred grabbed Gilbert’s hand and dragged him to the left of a fork, the rest quickly adjusting course to follow. Behind them a massive hand slammed into the earth, shaking them all and causing them to stumble. Another roar and it gave chase again.
“I don’t know a lot of magic, but I did learn one useful spell.” Alfred paused, his head twisting in all directions and he ran for a tiny alcove in the wall, grabbing the others and forcing them in where he muttered a few words. A thin veil of shadow surrounded them as he whispered, “I don’t think it’ll be able to see us.”
Gilbert held his breath. They were uncomfortably close, he and his brother taking up most of the narrow space and forcing Lovino into an undignified position between them where he trembled and clutched at an amulet around his neck. Alfred was flush against his other side, something he would have paused to consider if it weren’t for the terror of what was still coming after them. It took seconds for the stone monster to come around the same corner they had, each lumbering step shaking free loose dirt as it propelled itself forward and past them.
Several minutes passed after the last of the thundering to echo into quiet before the spell dropped and they emerged from their hiding place. Gilbert doubled over, allowing his lungs to suck in much needed oxygen while his heart rate was slowing. He grinned at Alfred, slapping him on the back. “Bet those other guys at the tavern didn’t think of that!” He received a smirk for his compliment.
“Don’t celebrate yet,” Ludwig grumbled, frowning. “We’re missing one.”
Gilbert blinked, looking around. In everything, he hadn’t noticed.
At dawn Gilbert led his horse down the street towards the main gate. A peaceful calm was over the city and he breathed deep the cool air and let it invigorate him towards what lay ahead. It would be difficult, but he could already imagine the fame he would receive riding back through this same route after having defeated something so powerful. Would he use the title of wizard slayer next? Or perhaps something all encompassing like magical being slayer?
"Stop daydreaming," Ludwig grunted from the side. It snapped Gilbert back to the present and his overly serious younger brother. "This won't be an easy mission and if you're fooling around you'll get yourself killed."
Gilbert laughed. "That's impossible. I plan on living forever."
Ludwig wasn't impressed, but he let the comment slide.
The gate soon loomed into view, open to allow the slow trickle of travelers to enter and exit freely. The brothers spotted a pair standing to one side and deep in heated conversation. Alfred still wore the hood and mask as he had the night before, but his companion was dressed in long crimson robes. He was clearly doing the most talking, if the over exaggerated arm movements were anything to go by, and it was his voice that reached them first.
"That's my point, you don't know who they are. Could rob us blind and leave us for dead somewhere."
"Only if you deserve it," Gilbert joked, grinning as the lanky brunette in red yelped and turned a glare full of hate his way.
"I wasn't talking to you," he spat. "Don't butt into other people's conversations. Who raised you?"
Alfred groaned loudly. "That's Gilbert and Ludwig, the monster hunters."
The companion gave the brothers another look over, the scowl not leaving his face as he finished. "Now I know we don't need them."
Gilbert’s grin remained undiminished and he leaned into view. "Who's the ray of sunshine?"
"This is Lovino Vargas," Alfred gave his temples a rub. "Belongs to the Scarlet Order." He waved a hand to indicate all of the man in question. "In case it wasn't obvious."
"Out doing good deeds?" Gilbert readjusted his saddle and climbed up once he was satisfied. Ludwig was similarly preparing to depart.
Lovino snorted, turning up his nose. "None of your business. Meatheads like you wouldn't understand Scarlet Order business."
"You serve Vatir, patron of the lost and helpless. Likes sacrifices of evil men. You wear red because it stands out and because it hides blood stains well. Less known is that under those robes you have plain clothes and a lot of weapons for less flashy assassinations." He smirked at Lovino's shell shocked expression. "How'd I do?"
His face flushed to rival his clothes. "That other bastard is waiting for us outside." Lovino and his horse started on ahead of them at light jog, leaving the others behind as they too began their journey.
One glance at Alfred caught him trying to hide a laugh behind his hand. "How do you know all that?"
Gilbert shrugged. "How else? Dated one a while back. But how do you know him? Seems like the kind of guy who wouldn't make a lot of friends."
Alfred sighed. "We ran into each other years ago and he helped me out. So when my brother disappeared he was the first one I asked for help. He's not always like that."
"When? When he's asleep?"
Alfred laughed loud enough to earn a glare from Lovino ahead and quickly tried to cover it up, but was still struggling when they reached Ivan. The mage appeared at peace despite Lovino’s comments even as the rest of the group joined them, smiling warmly and giving them a small wave.
“It’s a nice day to begin, don’t you think?”
“Sure,” Gilbert grunted, ducking his chin to avoid the light chuckle his comment received.
“Unless there are any more distractions,” Ludwig pulled a large map from one of his pouches, going over the selected route once more with a finger despite having memorized it the night before and taking a moment to get his bearings. “We should be heading north east along this road. With minimal stops we should reach a village by nightfall.”
“Wait, how many stops are we allowed?” Lovino asked, a bit nervous.
“Let’s put it as, with Ludwig leading the way we’ll be there in record time, but you might sleep on your horse,” Gilbert said.
Lovino’s face went pale. “What?”
“Don’t worry! Means we’ll be done fast and you won’t have to see us anymore.” Gilbert spurred his horse on the way Ludwig had indicated, the sounds of horse shoes against dirt and stone following behind him. Settling back into his seat, he found the rhythm between him and his horse, letting it relax his mind to focus on what they needed to do.
“May I ask a question?”
Gilbert peered back, but Ivan’s attention was focused entirely on Alfred. Their horses were matching gate, shoulder to shoulder, close enough he could have reached out and grabbed him if he wanted to. Gilbert made a mental note to try not to let Ivan get that close in the future. Maybe he should encourage Alfred to ride alongside him instead.
“Sure, if you want…” Alfred pulled the edge of the hood around his face, hiding him further from Ivan’s sight. It only served to make him more interested.
“What would a wizard want with your brother?” His head tilted to one side and then the other.
Alfred’s face warmed. “Uh, well, I think he kidnapped him to use for a spell. Or maybe as a servant! I’m not sure myself…” He hung his head, chewing on his lip.
“Hmm, yes, I have heard of people being kidnapped to work in his castle,” Ivan mused, mostly to himself. “How alike are you and your sibling?”
“Everyone says we look the same, if that’s what you mean...”
“Strong workers then. Maybe useful gathering items or defending him. People can be easily charmed into jobs they wouldn’t normally take…” Ivan tapped a finger on his lips for a moment, then his expression morphed into a strangely grave one. “Why do you hide your face?”
“Hey! What’s with all the questions!” Lovino hissed. “You said one question. That’s been like ten already!”
The smile returned to Ivan’s face and he reigned his horse to give them more space. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Less than an hour and Ivan was already making everyone uncomfortable. Gilbert tried to keep his grumblings to a minimum.
This year is a week long story in a D&D/RPG setting. Sorry for any ooc as I’m a little out of practice.
Day 1: The Fool
It all began when a masked stranger pulled up a stool across from Gilbert while his brother had gone to the bar for another round.
The tavern the brothers found themselves in that evening catered to their sort of ilk. The drink wasn't great, but it was strong enough alcohol for what one could afford on a commission and at least the place was kept clean. It was also popular among locals and traders alike, the perfect place to drum up business while also relaxing at the end of the day. And they had only finished their first round.
If this stranger's intent had been to not draw attention to himself, he was certainly doing a poor job. A hooded cloak was pulled over his head and black mask was covering from the tip of his nose to the roots of blonde hair that fell over brilliant, yet determined eyes. Young eyes, Gilbert thought as he raised an eyebrow over the mug held still at his lips. It was the only explanation for how brightly they shone. Ones that had yet to be hardened by life’s misfortunes.
“You’re Gilbert Beilschmidt?” he asked.
Gilbert set his mug on the table and leaned forward on his elbows. “Who’s asking?”
“You can call me Alfred.” He rushed to continue speaking, not allowing any room for Gilbert to interject. “I have a job for you. I hear you do all kinds of jobs. But mine is urgent and I have gold to pay." When the door blew open and a group of loud merchants entered he jumped and studied them for a moment before huddling closer to the table and redjusting his hood.
He could see his brother, Ludwig, eyeing them from the bar. "Alright, Alfred. Tell me about this job you've got. We did just kill a chimera, in case you haven't heard." For proof he pulled a string at his neck and freed a large thick tooth from under his shirt. It, of course, wasn't a chimera tooth, but he enjoyed the looks of awe he received from monster hunter groupies who didn't know the difference between that and an ordinary boar tusk.
Alfred studied it appreciatively a moment before saying, "It's a wizard."
Gilbert choked on his own spit. "What'd you say?"
"A wizard," Alfred repeated slower as though he were a child.
"No, I got that." Ludwig was making his way back across the tavern with more blessed alcohol to save him from this conversation. "What I mean is, what the hell do you want us to go after a wizard?"
"But, I thought-"
"What's going on?" If a door had rattled him earlier, his brother's deep voice nearly sent him out of his skin. Alfred was scrambling to escape from under Ludwig's shadow until he recognized him as not being a threat and forced himself, still trembling, to right the stool he had knocked over in his haste and sit.
"Sorry, I… I, uh…"
"He wants us to go after a wizard," Gibert filled him in, grabbing one of the mugs from his hands and downing a large swig.
"They are very powerful and very dangerous," Ludwig said, his eyes narrowed as he took his seat.
"I know," Alfred said, his voice still shaking as he fought to gather himself. "But everyone says you are the best."
"Best monster hunters. Emphasis on monster." Gilbert tapped the table between them. "What you're asking us to do? It's impossible for the two of us alone."
"You won't be alone!" Alfred piped up, his determination returning. "I'll come with you." At the sound of Gilbert snorting, he grimaced. "I might not have killed monsters like you, but I've lived off the land for years and can handle myself."
"Still not enough, kid," Gilbert said, amused at how the other frowned at the name.
"I have a priest joining us. He specializes in support spells."
"Sounds like he'll get in the way," Gibert grumbled.
"I've also hired a mage to help."
"Who is it?" Gilbert asked, already dreading the answer.
"Someone named Ivan-"
"No. Nope. No." Gilbert shook his head hard enough that it jostled his drink and droplets splattered along their table's surface. "I'll never work with him again."
"Why not?" Alfred's face had gone slack. "He was also recommended for tough missions."
"Yeah, because he's fucking insane." His mug landed hard and he swiped away the spill with his hand. "I guess you can say he's good, but he has no problem sacrificing anyone with him in order to succeed. In fact…” Gilbert started untucking his shirt from his trousers and pulling the fabric up to expose his torso and ran a finger down a pale line on his chest. “See this? Sea dragon. Thing’s attacking the ship and Ivan’s like “Go be a distraction, Gil!” What he meant was go get eaten so we can carry on our way and I can have your stuff.”
The entire time they spoke Ludwig had remained silent, sipping from his mug with an unreadable expression. It was at this point that he lowered his drink to comment in low tone, “He’s over exaggerating.” Alfred’s very wide eyes turned away from the scar and to the younger brother. “He ran in half cocked.”
“O-over exaggerating?” Gilbert sputtered. Ludwig ignored him.
“What I want to know is,” he continued, leveling his gaze on their companion. “Why do you want to go after a wizard?”
Alfred bowed his head, his hands wringing in his lap. He remained silent for a long time, before taking a shuddering breath. “He has my brother. My twin. And I'm afraid he'll kill him.”
All the fight left Gilbert’s body replaced with sympathy and acute understanding. There had been nights when one or the other Beilschmidt had been laid out on a cot in a healer's den while the other had begged for leniency from the gods. Gilbert had seen the look Alfred wore before, etched into Ludwig's face as he hovered over his semi conscious form.
"I guess we've no choice." Gilbert shrugged.
Ludwig sighed. "We should be making these decisions together."
"Do you object?" Ludwig stared at him then shook his head. "Great! We're going to rescue a damsel in distress!"
"He's not really a damsel," Alfred objected.
"He's held captive by an evil wizard and in need of rescuing." Gilbert grinned despite himself. "By that definition, he is. And if he's your twin, then I'm guessing he's pretty good looking."
Alfred made a face. "I'm not giving you my brother for helping to rescue him."
"Maybe he'll take one look at my impressive features and fall in love. It's happened before." He gave him a wink though Alfred looked thoroughly disgusted at the thought.
"So you've decided to join us, yes?" It was Gilbert’s turn to jump as a fourth sat himself between them. Wrapped in furs, the mage called Ivan smiled merrily at Gilbert in particular and chuckled. "It will be nice to work together again. I enjoy your company."
Gilbert hoped this twin would be worth all the trouble he was about to receive.
For seven days in a row, content will be made centering around Prucan (Prussia/Canada) (each day with a theme of its own). Anyone and everyone is free to join and post all days, or just one if you can! Even just reblogging the works of others is a way to participate!!
Have fun making fan art, fanfiction, edits/graphics, anything you want!
This year, inspiration from was taken from the themes of tarot cards!
Please pick either of the side of the “card” to incorporate into your work!
Here is the website I used to get the meanings (https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list)
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The prompts are as follows:
Day 1 (10/11): The Fool: Innocence, New Beginnings, Free Spirit | Recklessness, Inconsideration
Day 2 (10/12): The Star: Hope, Faith, Rejuvenation | Faithlessness, Discouragement, Insecurity
Day 3 (10/13): The Moon: Unconscious, Illusions, Intuition | Confusion, Fear, Misinterpretation
Day 5 (10/15): The Wheel of Fortune: Change, Cycles, Inevitable | No Control, Clinging to Control, Bad Luck
Day 6 (10/16): The Lovers: Partnership, Duality, Union | Loss of Balance, One-sidedness, disharmony
Day 7 (10/17): The World: Fulfillment, Harmony, Completion | Incompletion, No Closure
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Ex. Day 1 (10/11): The Fool:
Innocence, New Beginnings, Free Spirit OR Recklessness, Inconsideration
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The prompts are up to your interpretation, so make what you’d like!
When the time comes around track the tag #prucanweek. (that is the two words together, not separate - for reblogging purposes) Add this hashtag on all posts that you make! (Make sure it’s within the first 5 tags so it will appear in the tag)
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Come check out the blog to see previous year’s work @prucanweek and other info
about | guidelines | previously answered questions
Matthew caught the briefest glimpse of fire, burning eyes, and sharp fangs before Arthur abruptly cut off the spell. He blinked free of his trance, returning to the stifling small room, the still smoldering incense and the flickering lights. Arthur was sweating, his chest heaved as he began to gather scattered items.
“I must have performed the spell wrong. Yes, that must be what happened…”
“THAT’S what I’m supposed to marry?” Alfred echoed his brother’s thoughts. The smell of smoke brought the images back with new intensity as a candle was blown out.
“No.” His guardian’s coarse tone put him on edge. Matthew wasn’t even sure what he had seen, let alone begin to understand the meaning of it. Had his brother seen the same thing? Arthur had described the fate spell so kindly. Warmth, future love… there had been none of that.
Alfred opened his mouth again, but his question went unanswered at Arthur’s glare. “Head to bed. That’s all for tonight.”
Silently they both rose and made their way out the door, following the passage back to the quiet cottage they called home. Nothing was said until both were changed, their teeth brushed, and had climbed beneath the blankets on their respective beds in their shared room.
Matt broke the silence first.
“What did you see?”
“A giant,” his brother stretched his arms wide. “And he had an extra pair of super long arms, I guess, that tried to grab me.”
Matthew shuddered and pulled his blanket up higher.
“What about you?”
“It might have been a person, or an animal...I’m not sure.”
The brothers didn’t say anything for awhile. A shadow passed by their window and when they peeked out from behind the curtains saw Arthur walking the perimeter and strengthening the cottage’s wards. It didn’t settle Matthew’s stomach to see.
He drew a sigil of protection under his bed before he could finally find some rest. And then he dreamt of heat and a cruel laughter that promised to find him eventually.
In what felt like the most cliche thing Mathew had ever thought, he considered setting fire to something if it meant being rescued by that hot fireman.
Career day was typically interesting as it was. The stories the different guests brought were generally entertaining for the library staff as well as the students. But as Matthew peered from behind a bookshelf at the group listening to their newest speaker he felt himself sigh.
It wasn't just that the fireman that the department sent over was clearly dedicated to doing more at the gym than running on the treadmill. Though that was an eye catching draw. The sort that secretly had Matthew hoping there was a calendar image of him somewhere. He had so much energy while he spoke with the kids. He was sitting on the rug with them, telling them an exaggerated tale of the time he climbed a tree to rescue a cat like it was something out of an action film. Mr. Whiskers wouldn't have made it out alive if it wasn't for one valiant man's actions!
All too soon they were wrapping up and the kids let out disappointed groans. Matthew smiled and returned to placing returned items to their shelves. No one paid him any attention as they trampled out, talking excitedly to one another about what they had just heard.
From behind him he heard, "Hey."
Matthew spun and clutched the paperback in his hands like a shield, though what he would have accomplished with the mystery novel was anyone's guess. The handsome fireman grinned and threw out a hand. "I'm Gilbert. But you can call me Gil."
Face warm, he shook it. "Matthew." The situation at hand caught up with him and he rushed to say something more. "I was listening to your stories. They were really interesting!"
"I saw you back here listening," Gilbert laughed. He had to lower the book that Matthew attempted to hide behind at being caught. "I could tell you more. Say, over lunch?"
Sweat trickled down his back and he readjusted his grip on his sword. Gilbert tried to keep his gaze cold and unfeeling as he looked down at his pinned enemy, the tip of his blade hovering over the hollow of his throat. It was difficult to do when he was staring into wet violet eyes.
A minute passed where all he heard were the sounds of their strained breathing. Gilbert glanced to the glowing symbol on the other’s forehead, a soft lavender much like his eyes and in a language no one living could understand. There were more down the exposed parts of his arms that had lit up when Gilbert began his attack. He had expected some kind of resistance, some kind of magic that would have protected the bearer. But there had been none and it was too easy to become the victor. Painfully easy in a way that filled him with guilt.
Gilbert pulled his sword away and rose. “Stand up.” He stalked to a corner further in the hovel and waited, letting his weapon remain at his side, attempting to look defenseless. “Fight me.”
“What…?”
“I said fight me. Do something!” He growled when the other didn’t move. They had to be roughly the same age. How could he have never learned how to fight?
“I’m not anyone special,” he said, but Gilbert knew that to be a lie. The symbols on his skin was proof enough he was exactly what he needed. There had to be enough magic in that frail looking body to save him, his family, his entire kingdom if he stretched if far enough. There was no way he could leave without it, not when people were starving and there were calls for the heads of the nobles.
He had imagined this encounter differently. Inside the tiny hut half buried in snow he would find a witch or warlock, ugly and terrifying, that would attack him. And when he had finally defeated the monster he would have extracted their magical essence to return to his own country.
Gilbert returned his sword to its sheath. “Why?” he said, needing to look away while the blonde wiped tears and snot from his face. “Can’t you do any spells?”
The other shook his head. “I never learned how to do attack magics.”
He let his head hang, guilt attacking him from all sides. “I can’t let you stay here. More people might be coming.” And he had been here first. He glanced to the door and rubbed the pendant hanging from his neck. “Can you do any other kind of magic?”
The blonde nodded vigorously. “Some elemental things. It’s… still pretty minor…” he finished quietly.
“Guess I’m not killing you here then.” Gilbert lifted his chin, remembering his station. “You’ll be coming back to the palace with me.”
Fall is starting where Matthew lives. Gilbert is heartbroken but he needs to migrate into the open sea again. A bathtub for a full winter in a cramped lighthouse would not be ideal even near to your love.
he promise to be back with the first show of spring and Matthew promise to send a lot more messages in bottles while waiting for him.
Boots echoed down the street behind them. Gilbert pressed himself against the remains of an abandoned apartment complex, forcing air through his nose to try and slow his breathing. The old cement bit into his skin and he pressed harder. Beside him his blonde companion eyed him passively, gaze flicking to the corner where the sounds were emanating from.
One minute became two. The bootfalls continued, slowing down and spreading out. A splash came from the puddle Gilbert had avoided on his way down to this street.
He turned his head away from the sounds. Chains were hung around door handles, eliminating any possibility of quietly sneaking inside. There were only more unknown streets in a part of the city he hadn't been allowed to travel.
Gingerly he pushed off from the wall and began the first few steps towards the closest one. His companion remained on his heel as a soundless shadow. Gilbert didn't need to look to know he was there. Matthew, as he allowed humans to call him, was always obedient.
"Over here!" Gilbert's heart raced and he returned to a sprint, dashing towards the safety of another street.
"He went this way!"
"You can't run forever!"
Gilbert grit his teeth against their words. The memories still too fresh in his mind of his father's business partner and best friend, a man Gilbert had called a godfather, shoving open the door to their dining room and unleashing his demon on the family. Images of his father being mauled wiped away years of fond ones of being taught how to run the company or how to summon.
When he began to wheeze, Matthew moved to block him and he tried wave the blonde demon off and sidestep around him. Matthew pointedly got in his face. Gilbert found he couldn't meet those unnatural black eyes, not when the eyebrows were creased with concern.
A laugh sounded behind them, and looking over his shoulder Gilbert spotted three men coming down the alleyway in no hurry. At least they too were breathing hard.
"Given up?" The one in the middle grinned. He was a summoner, his demon in the shape of a mute snarling dog, but the two at his sides had no companions. They each held a gun leveled at Gilbert, the only one they could see. Their names lurked somewhere in the back of his mind, but refused to come forward. Gilbert spat on the ground.
"How pathetic," the summoner continued to goad at the amusement of his friends, "the weak heir to the Beilschmidt house." His gaze flicked to Matthew and Gilbert caught the way the demon's hands clenched into fists. He tried to grab the blonde's wrist only for it to be pulled away when his fingers grazed skin. "At least we will finally be free of your embarrassment."
The dog lunged forward. Matthew pushed in front of Gilbert, blocking him from view.
Gilbert blinked.
Matthew's shape had exploded into his true form, a massive silver serpentine creature with rows of spikes protruding from his head and back. Ice crystals formed in the air. The dog did not have a chance to question his summoner's command.
The men screamed as Matthew fell on them next and Gilbert felt a moment of pity for the two who did not see their death coming. He turned his head away and shuddered as the sounds of dying henchmen filled the deserted alley. His weakened legs collapsed underneath him and didn't notice the grime he was sitting in or when the street became quiet.
A hand rested on his shoulder and Gilbert jumped. Matthew squeezed to reassure him, squatting down to his level in his human visage once more.
"Hey Matt, what was that about being a pacifist?" He tried to smile, but his lips quivered about as much as his voice.
Matthew shook his head and rubbed his arm. Then he sighed and looked back at his carnage, a flicker of regret passing over his face before he clasped Gilbert's hand.
"Yeah, there's been a lot of that tonight." He closed his eyes, but it was still there. "You know you didn't have to. I wasn't going to force you to fight them.” Gilbert sucked in a deep breath. “This isn't your problem. If I was a decent person I'd release you from your service."
Matthew glared and shook a finger in front of his nose.
Gilbert let out a half hearted chuckle. "Hey, at least you'd have you'd have your voice back." He rose to his feet with Matthew gripping him to keep him steady. He needed to keep moving, or at the very least leave this place. They needed a plan, but for now continuing to run was enough.
The demon moved back into view and pressed his palm to Gilbert's chest then moved it to his own before dropping it to his side and falling docile.
"God damn it," Gilbert groaned. "Let's go."
He wished Matthew wasn't that loyal to him. It was bound to get him killed.
Gilbert slammed the throttle back to neutral on his ship with an exasperated groan at how every display on his console was filled with blinking red and blue lights. His mind ran over the past week or so. Surprisingly, it had been uneventful for someone like him.
The police cruiser drifted along side him, docking to the door the would tether the two ships in space. Gilbert's craft was only slightly bigger than the cruiser and the trip from his cockpit to the body with the door took several steps while he awaited his uninvited guest. The hull shook more than sounded as the mechanisms locked into place and an automated feminine voice filled his ship.
“Please stand back. Officers will be boarding your vessel momentarily. Do not resist. Please stand back.”
Gilbert raised his hands as the door began to open with a hiss and didn’t have to put much effort into a bored expression. He was actually considering what food ration he would try once all this was done as the officer in question trespassed onto his property. Nothing special about this one, just another goon in a pressed white shirt covered in police insignias, a label that read “Williams” over his right breast, and a pair of black trousers.
He barely heard what the officer said as he opened his mouth with his usual retorts on his innocence, but stopped at the familiarity of the voice. Giving the officer more than a passing glance, he frowned as he studied the straight nose holding up a pair of wire rimmed glasses and how the shoulder length wavy blonde hair was pulled back at the nape of his neck.
“You!” Gilbert snarled, his still raised hands clenched into fists.
“It’s good to see you too, Gilbert.” Officer Williams pulled his glasses off and rubbed them against his shirt. “I never thanked you for the drinks the other night.”
“You could thank me by getting off my ship.”
The officer’s lips twitched. “I have a deal I wanted to make with you.” When Gilbert showed no sign of responding he added, “Off record.”
“Wouldn’t peg you to be dirty.” When the officer opened his mouth, he didn’t give him a chance to try and reason his way out of it. “Is Matthew even your real name?”
“It is.” He paused and chewed at his cheek. “You weren’t lying when you said you knew how to break into the command center?”
“Now, why would I tell a cop that?”
“Stop! I need to know so I can hire you. And put your hands down.”
Gilbert let his arms fall limp to his sides, but his expression remained hard. “That’s still not anything I’d tell someone like you.”
Officer Williams eyed him in a silent standoff. Then he strode across the room and kicked in a panel along the hull. Gilbert winced as he watched illegal merchandise being exposed and held aloft, Williams’ smug grin barely contained. “Will you tell me so I don’t turn all this in as evidence?”
“You really are dirty,” Gilbert muttered through clenched teeth. “What’s the job?”
“We need to expose Commissioner Jones and his plans.”
He grimaced at the name. “I’ve heard of him… What exactly needs exposing?”
“That… He is an alien.”
Gilbert stared and for the first time, Williams appeared as he had when they met for the first time barely two nights prior. His eyes flicked away, his skin reddened, his hands twitched towards his mouth like he hadn’t completely rid himself from the habit of chewing his nails. Gilbert had thought it cute back when this person was only known as Matthew, he was wearing casual clothing, and when he didn’t know that he was talking to law enforcement.
“You’re serious?”
“Yes. I accidentally witnessed him shift forms a month ago, but I don’t know how to prove it to anyone else.” His tone gradually became more pleading, like force and blackmail wouldn’t be enough to convince anyone of what he’d seen. Gilbert didn’t think he believed it either. “I need help in getting the information out. You don’t even have to believe me.”
Gilbert sighed. This sounded too much like his well defined bad boy title could be threatened if they were to succeed. But then again, would he really want to give up a chance to possibly play white knight for a change?
Matthew thrust the sunflowers on the first person in a baseball uniform he found, because he was late to class, and he was sick of running errands for Alfred, and he wasn't paying any attention.
"Here! Take them! Tell Ivan he better be grateful, and not for you!" He snapped, and turned to go before a voice that was most certiantly not his brother's replied:
"You got me flowers?"
Matthew slowed turned back around, heat creeping up his neck and into his cheeks. "I... uh..."
Gilbert Beilschmidt, who Matthew had only met a few times, and who he had a huge crush on, was turning the flowers over in his hands. Anyone else on Alfred's team would have been better.
"I mean," Gilbert was saying, "I didn't know you liked me that much."
Matthew shook his head. "No, no, no, they're for--"
"Oh you don't like me enough to give me flowers?" Gilbert grinned, but Matthew could only feel an acute sense of distress.
"That's not true! I just--"
"Good to hear! And I accept, by the way."
Matthew blinked. What is happening to me? "Accept... What?"
"Your affection. I'll pick you up at 7, alright?"
"Oh." And Matthew forgot about the class he was late to. About his brother's errands. About how embarrassed he was. "Okay."
Gilbert laughed. "Cute." He waved the sunflowers. "And don't worry. I'll get these to Alfred's boyfriend for you."
"Oh..." Matthew repeated. "Thank you. Uh, thank you so much."
“Alright, everyone ready?” There is the sound of a bag rustling and then crunching.
“Been ready all afternoon waiting for you losers to get online.” Matt could envision Yong Soo’s grin as his digital character jumped around their party, eager to start their typical Friday night raids. It was something he looked forward to every week with his friends, signing on to their favorite online game and playing until late into the evening. And they did their best to not miss.
“Rude!” Alfred laughed around what Matt suspected to be a mouthful of chips. He readjusted his desk chair while the two continued to joke back and forth. His eyes swept between the multi-monitor setup at his party members, their stats hovering over their avatars’ heads. Systematically he began buffing them.
“I’ve read through the forums on this raid.” Kiku’s calming voice put him at ease as he continued through his pre-battle routine. He always knew what to do and didn’t get flustered when health and mana began to run low. “There are four distinct phases.”
A window popped up in the corner of one screen while Kiku talked through the strategies they would need to win. A private message despite the user being on voice chat with the rest of them.
We still on to quest after?
Matt smiled and swiftly tapped out his reply.
Pay attention! Last time you nearly wiped the whole team.
Gilbert snorted.
“Yo, Gil! You paying attention? Fire is bad.”
A round of laughter at Gil’s expense, including Matt’s own quiet chuckle, followed Yong Soo’s comment.
“That was one time!”
“Was it though?” Alfred questioned.
Kiku hummed. “Are we including lava?”
“Lava definitely counts!”
“Then it has been more than once,” Kiku concluded.
“Ha ha, you’re all hilarious.”
Matt’s hands went back to his keys.
Don’t mind them. But you really should pay attention. I can’t just heal you.
There was a pause before another reply popped into view.
Your words heal me more than any spell.
He bit his tongue trying to keep silent.
Haven’t you used that line before?
But it works every time!
It really doesn’t.
:(
Still smiling, Matthew returned his attention to Kiku’s talk. His healer was dwarfed by Alfred’s beefy tank as he moved it around, stopping before Gilbert’s DPS. His fingers lightly tapped the keys in thought.
I AM looking forward to questing with just you after.
He didn’t have long to wait before Gilbert’s avatar started dancing and Yong Soo’s joined in shortly after.
Matthew took another sip of his drink and pretended to receive a text from someone who cared enough to message him. He hadn’t moved from his seat near the back of the room since the party began and felt out of place to have even set foot within the room at all. Hundreds of influencers mingled and chatted freely and he was stuck as a permanent wallflower.
That wasn’t a fair assessment. He had spent the afternoon speaking with a girl from Belgium and felt they were becoming friends. But the lifestyle blogger was currently at a photo op with a fashion guru and so couldn’t back him up now.
He sighed and considered going back to his room for the night. This mingling thing with fellow creators wasn’t going as well as he hoped and he had been nervous to even mention that he shared his music online, albeit under a pseudonym and never showing his face… He crushed a paper napkin within his fist. Maybe by next year he would have the courage to at least post what he looked like…
A loud crash announced a man collapsing in the seat next to him, his face flushed. “Hey, sorry. This spot taken?”
Matthew shook his head, his eyes growing wider as they took in the person before him. Those features and that voice… It had to be Gilbert Beilschmidt! He was always creating videos about what he was up to, even if it was basically nothing. He looked exactly like he did in his videos!
Matthew didn’t realize he was staring until Gilbert looked up from his phone with a grin. “You a fan?”
He forced himself to nod.
“Awesome! I love meeting fans!”
‘Of course, he would,’ Matthew though happily, a smile growing steadily on his face. He had alerts set to know when Gilbert had uploaded a new video. Followed his other social media accounts. It was borderline stalker-ish how much of a fan he was.
“What’s your name?”
His mouth opened, but nothing came out. With a shaking hand, he reached for the lanyard around his neck and held it up. Gilbert squinted at the smudged permanent marker on the plastic badge. “Does that say… Mathew? Nice to meet you, Mattie! Mind if I sit here for a while?” He waved a hand in front of his face. “I need a break!”
Matthew’s face felt hot as well. By now he had a large, stupid grin and when he caught it, internal alarms began to sound that he was embarrassing himself in front of an idol. Panicking, he tried to claw words out of his throat, begging his body to comply and say something. Anything!
He managed a slight choking sound and gestured to Gilbert’s phone.
“Hmm? Oh, this? It’s just this channel I’ve been crazy about. There’s something about it…” Gilbert’s smiled faded from the over the top to something much more muted and genuine. Mathew blinked at the change, never having seen a side to him other than what he played to his followers.
“Here, listen to this.” Gilbert fished an ear bud out of his pocket and held it out, allowing him to place it into his ear before pressing play on a video saved to his phone.
What played back was a song he had posted six months ago.
“If you can keep a secret, this guy has been keeping me going. Found it when that scandal between me and Roderich really got going, and…” He leaned back in his folding chair and crossed his arms, looking out over a sea of people. “I was hoping he’d be here. Really wanted to thank him for saving me. I’ve been leaving anonymous comments on on all his videos and he always responds to them.”
‘It’s me.’ Matthew chanted the phrase over in his head while his own voice played back to him in his ear. Gilbert said nothing more as the song ran its course and once it finished Matthew offered the ear bud back.
Gilbert returned to his former self. “Anyway, guess it’s back into battle!” He groaned as he pushed himself up and stretched. “And give that guy a follow. He’s worth it. Nice to meet ya!” Without a second glance he disappeared into the crowd.
Matthew remained where he was, frozen and mute, for another fifteen minutes. Then he picked up his own phone and searched through the comments to his last video.
Hello everyone! This is way long overdue but finally here! These are this year’s #prucanweek prompts!
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Day 1 (10/6): Strangers/Drama | Red carnation
Day 2 (10/7): Sports/School | Sunflower
Day 3 (10/8): Heroes/Villains | Anemone
Day 4 (10/9): Dystopian/Supernatural | Cyclamen
Day 5 (10/10): Fantasy/Mythology | Chrysanthemum
Day 6 (10/11): Careers/Future | Amaryllis
Day 7 (10/12): Fate/Soul Mates | Yarrow
(Flower meanings all taken from this website!)
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For your post, the first two words are the main themes, but in addition I wanted to add a flower meaning to each prompt (you can choose whether or not you’d like to include it of course). Mix them in however you want. The prompts are up to your interpretation, so make what you’d like!
When the time comes around track the tag #prucanweek. (that is the two words together, not separate) Add this hashtag on all posts that you make! (Make sure it’s within the first 5 tags so it will appear in the tag)
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Come check out the blog to see previous year’s work @prucanweek and other info
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