#sparrow fics

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"Get a Grip" (first edition) by OneWingedSparrow for the @sthbigbang event!

Main Tags: Sonic & Tails & Knuckles, Sonic & Shadow, Sonic Heroes canon compliant, POV Team Sonic, Alternating POV, Lost Jungle, Vs Team Dark, Hang Castle, Mystic Mansion, Light Angst, Bullying, Fear, Ghosts, References to Major Character Death, coughcough Post Sonic Adventure 2, Amnesiac Shadow, accompanied by illustrations! Characters: Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles "Tails" Prower, Knuckles the Echidna, Shadow the Hedgehog, Rouge the Bat, E-123 Omega Word Count: 18k Summary:

Ever since Dr. Eggman taunted Sonic with the letter claiming he would conquer the world, Team Sonic has been running nonstop to stop him. The high-speed chase down the seaside, through the metropolis, across the pinball city, and even over the canyon was a piece of cake for the team in their relentless pursuit of Eggman—but a breakneck narrow escape from the snapping, giant crocodile in the swamp, followed by an unplanned tussle with Team Dark, drains Sonic, Tails and Knuckles more than any of them wants to admit. As night falls over the lost jungle, the brothers take a breather in some ruins. However, while they sleep, an unnatural fog settles, and they wake up facing a creepy castle full of...what might be ghosts?! There’s no way out of this mess but to trek through this mystic mansion, so Team Sonic boldly presses onward. The supernaturally spooky atmosphere will prove a testing ground for each brother’s determination to protect his family, by forcing Sonic, Tails and Knuckles to let go of their most gripping fears. Will they be able to overcome their individual struggles and work together to escape, to storm the Egg Fleet in time? Or will hanging out in this castle too long be the team’s ultimate undoing?

Read the whole thing (with the sweet illustrations!) on AO3! This was my first time participating in a Big Bang event as a writer, and I had so much fun! Sneak peek below! Thank you so much @quiet-kid-gone-rogue for your Lost Jungle artwork for Sonic, and @hopetatic for your Mystic Mansion artworks for Tails and Knuckles respectively!!! It was an honor working with you, and I hope you both know that you are amazing! Pssst, Tumblrinas, show the artists you love their work by REBLOGGING THEIR ART! :D Not reposting, that's something else. Believe me, you'll want to reblog these pieces, they're amazing!!! Reblogs of this post are also appreciated! Seriously, thank you so much for checking out this STH story of mine! It was a long time coming—longer than you'd think, and I'm so, so, so thankful I can FINALLY POST THIS NOW! Here we go! LET'S BLAST THROUGH WITH SONIC SPEED! :D ~ CHAPTER 1: WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN

“There’s that black frog again!” Tails exclaimed in alarm.

Those relentless black frogs! If the odd creatures summoned the withering rain again, where could Team Sonic run next? Below the platform over which they galloped churned an ominous, bubbling quagmire, the murky waters reeking of dank algae, decaying weeds, and drowned promises.

Sonic’s eyes darted back and forth as he speed-scanned the path before them. “They’re trying to take us down to the swamp!” he shouted, right as the platform beneath them began to quake. “Hurry!”

Tails and Knuckles scampered after him. The water began to rise rapidly as their spongy footholds sank deeper into the muck, the mushrooms crumbling into soggy pieces like cookies disintegrating in rotten, black milk.

Sonic’s feet squelched deeper into the mud with every step. A nasty feeling, cold and clammy. The sooner they were out of this yucky, mucky swamp, the better!

However, that might have been easier said than done. Sonic kept his sights on the terrain ahead, only to see that no more mushroom stepping stones remained. Team Sonic was running out of road. Which meant…time to trailblaze a new path.

That’s when Sonic noticed the vines dangling over the water. Rows of them, even, like living monkey bars haphazardly and teasingly arranged over the swamp.

No way outta here but forward!

“We’re gonna swing!” Sonic yelled over his shoulder. “Grab onto me when I jump, and hold on tight!”

“Okay!” said Tails.

“All right!” said Knuckles.

Sonic dragged his heels a bit, allowing his teammates time to catch up. Once they were beside him on either side, he jumped. With the practiced acrobatics of a crew that had been together for ages, his partners leapt in sequence. Sonic grabbed onto the vines. Tails grabbed onto Sonic’s legs. Knuckles grabbed onto Tails’s legs. Thereby linked, they swung, and flew.

Sonic let the momentum fling them through the air. Then he latched onto the next vine. Then he waited till the arc had reached its zenith, before releasing and launching.

What goes up must come down!

Sonic launched and landed and launched and landed, and his team followed his lead, clinging onto Sonic as he clung to the vines.

Each vine was somewhat slimy, having absorbed the humidity from the marshy area. Moreover, he could feel the structural integrity of the vines withering with every millisecond he hung on. Though the rain had stopped, the black frogs’ influence clearly reached farther than he could see.

At least they were moving! There were plenty of vines ahead. Swinging would have been a walk in the park, were it not for the ominous grumbling noise that suddenly warbled across the swamp.

“Tell me that was your stomach, Knux?” Sonic shouted over the water.

“Hey, I said the fruit made me hungry, but I’m not that hungry!” Knuckles shot back up at him.

“I think something’s coming from behind us!” Tails called from below.

At that moment, there was a giant SPLASH at their flank, showering them with water.

Sonic’s heart slammed against his chest.

Oh snap. Oh snap. Oh dang. Shoot!

That splash was tremendous. Way too powerful to be a mere mushroom collapsing.

That noise was monstrous. Way too loud to be from one of the frogs.

That grumbling sound…that wasn’t grumbling at all. It was a roar!

... TO BE CONTINUED! THANK YOU FOR READING! CATCH THE REST ON AO3!

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"What You're Up Against (First Edition)" by OneWingedSparrow for the @sthbigbang 2026 event!

Main Tags: Sonic Heroes, Post-SA2, Team Dark, Shadow the Hedgehog & Sonic the Hedgehog, Shadow the Hedgehog & Rouge the Bat, Amnesiac Shadow, Referenced Character Death, Angst Summary: Team Dark is on a bitter chase to catch up with Eggman, with whom they all have a personal matter to settle. On the way there, however, Shadow discovers he has more questions than answers when he runs into a rival blue hedgehog who looks like his twin! As Shadow struggles with returning whispers of memories of this mysterious friend-or-foe, Rouge and Omega do their best to support him through his mental crisis…despite Shadow's reluctance to accept help. As fate would have it, the unlikely trio's bonds will be truly tested when they are forced to venture through an eerie haunted castle—because even as fast as the ultimate life form is, not even he can outrun the trailing ghosts of his past. The Companion Fic to "Get a Grip (First Edition)," written for the Big Bang last year! Hey Sonic fans!!! It's so good to be back!!! Thank you so much to my artist partners @elmelowen and @thewiredgalaxy for their accompanying illustrations! The artworks are both so wonderful! I'm so happy to include them with my story. I appreciate all your hard work! Check out @elmelowen's piece for Chapter 1 here, and @thewiredgalaxy's piece for Chapter 2 here! Reblogs are appreciated! For all of us! Reblog the art and yell in the tags to keep the fandom ecosystem alive on Tumblr! Artists love hearing your hype for their work. <3 Sneak peek of the fic below! ~ “Are you sure this is the right way?” Rouge the Bat glanced this way and that, suspicious, as any practiced jewel thief would be of such ominously quiet and noticeably vacant surroundings.

“AFFIRMATIVE,” broad-shouldered and boldly-soldered battle robot E-123 Omega declared, with his typical, calculated confidence. His red optics flicked back and forth as well, as he scanned the area before them. “EGGMAN’S ENERGY SIGNATURE LEADS INTO THIS AREA.”

Hardened warrior Shadow the Hedgehog barely heard them. Focused on his mission, he marched onward in silence. He didn’t like the way his rocket skates grated against the pavement, so, for once, he kept himself walking in the way of his companions.

The path before him was long—an ancient road of some sort, made of tiles weathered with age and chipped by travelers long since dead. In this dim location, most of the plants that could grow here were whispering ferns that swayed in the wind, and hardy succulents that spiked their growth ever upward as if they wanted to spear the moon itself for light.

A different sort of area than the lush jungle they had come from. A biome that looked almost deathly, what with the ghoulish faces carved into the stone walls, and the weeping skull-like illusions that seemed to shudder among the drooping leaves of the few purple willows scattered about. A far cry from the vibrant seaside hill they had long since dashed over, and no more welcoming than the industrial power plant that had threatened to swallow them in its boiling depths of liquid energy. 

But, he supposed, life remained here, regardless.

Shadow raised his right knee high, to carefully step over a tiny fern newly poking up between the cracks of the pavement.

As quiet as their surroundings were, his mind was a cacophony of thoughts.

Each wondering spiraled and blasted like Omega’s semiautomatic rotary gunfire—loud and incessant, powerful and demanding.

Think about it, screamed his mind. Think about it ALL.

You can’t keep running. You can’t keep hiding. FACE IT.

What kind of person spends their life trapped in a tube? Shadow shifted his jaw back and forth. I was in that capsule…for a reason.

Rouge knows why I was in there. But she won’t…tell me. Why won’t she tell me? What is she keeping from me? ~ READ THE REST ON AO3! Read "Get a Grip" too while you're there ;)

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もう少しだけ　(Just a Little Bit Longer) by OneWingedSparrow

Main Tags: Death Note (anime / manga), During Canon, L vs Light Yagami, G / K rating Summary: A drabble about insomnia, the yet unproved Kira case, and L. Read on AO3 Reblogs are appreciated! ~ Just a little bit longer.  Dry eyes traveled the white desert of the computer screen, where cursor flickered urgently to make up for the lack of motion in L's eyelids. I will put an end to this everlasting back and forth, Yagami-kun. Front teeth brushed dry knuckles as pointer finger wandered over equally dry lips. As long as it may take me, this case will be closed. There's information that can be trusted. Clock numerals shifted in screen corner, languorous hour submitting to lethargic heir, the surreptitious handoff not unnoticed under untired, unblinking eyes. Just a little bit longer. Kira.

~

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"Screened" by OneWingedSparrow

Main Tags: TFP, Canon Compliant, Canon-Typical Violence, During Canon, Major Character Death (referenced), Megatron & Soundwave Summary: A tribute to Frank Welker for providing the iconic voices of Megatron and Soundwave—among many other characters across animation—over the years. Told from the perspectives of both TFP Megatron and TFP Soundwave, during and after the events of the episode "Crossfire." Part of the "Peace Through Tyranny Zine" hosted by @allsparkzines ! Please check out everyone's artwork and stories! They're amazing! Read on AO3; paired artwork here Reblogs are appreciated! ~ The bridge of the Nemesis revved with unchecked tension, like a jet engine that grumbled and screamed and refused to leave the ground despite the time for liftoff.

“The reason for our inability to locate Breakdown’s signal is all too clear...but how is it that you were unable to recover his remains?” Lord Megatron snapped.

Dreadwing avoided his gaze, fixating his attention on the floor instead.

An incoming message set the computer trilling with urgent beeps. Soundwave turned to open the notification.

“What is it?” Lord Megatron barked, just as the call connected.

A saccharine voice sent a teasing greeting echoing around the room. “Heard from Breakdown lately?”

Laserbeak twitched against Soundwave’s spark chamber. Silently, Soundwave looked to his lord.

“Trace the communication,” Megatron snarled. With practiced grace, Soundwave’s fingers flew over the keys. The onscreen cursor ricocheted around a virtual globe as frequencies were examined and swiftly eliminated, one after another.

“Megatron, truly,” Airachnid said through the speakers, as merrily as if she offered advice to an old friend, “you sent simple henchmen to terminate a high-ranking officer. I thought you reserved that honor for yourself.”

Soundwave’s fingers hovered in place.

Megatron stomped towards the dashboard, words aflame with vitriol. “Is that a challenge?”

“An invitation,” Airachnid corrected, mildly. “And, since Soundwave is, no doubt, tracing this signal, you know where to find me.”

Right then, the monitor flashed with the coordinates.

Megatron stared at the screen. Soundwave watched a thousand emotions smolder in his optics before he spoke with an air of finality.

“I’ll be back.”

“Allow me to accompany you,” Dreadwing proposed. “You already had your chance,” Megatron snapped. He stormed from the bridge.

Dreadwing hung his head, thoroughly chastised. Soundwave almost pitied the failure.

~

Cracks of lightning split the sky around Megatron as he flew—verily, the fury inside him come to life. As he glided into the cavern where Airachnid surely lurked, Megatron growled to himself. If you desire proper execution of a task, by the Antispark, you need do it yourself!

“I place too much faith in those who follow me,” he muttered. “The war has despoiled my troops of competence. I imagined my expectations lowered enough, and yet…!”

The mouth of the cave swallowed him. Megatron vanished into darkness.

~

Soundwave knew Lord Megatron was a fierce combatant, fully capable of handling his own. However, he also knew Airachnid. Airachnid was not your typical opponent. Even among Decepticons, she was diabolically cunning, darkly creative, and downright ruthless. Moreover, as an uncommon eight-legger, she wielded a fighting style that sharply disadvantaged Megatron’s. Whereas Megatron exuded might and force, Airachnid thrived in speed and guile. She was a trickster, an ambusher, and above all, a predator.

If Airachnid had the gall to consume Breakdown’s husk, Soundwave did not doubt her readiness to dismantle his lord as well. Airachnid was surely weaving trickery between her needling fingers, a net with which to snag Megatron in his anger. No matter his proven battle prowess, Lord Megatron would not be returning unscathed.

Against his spark, Laserbeak hummed in agreement.

Soundwave commanded the computer to sleep and drifted from his post.

~

When the Insecticon tackled him, Megatron had been thrown backwards.

Airachnid’s secret champion had slammed his neck at an awkward angle, setting it aching. Now, the Insecticon whinnied inches away from his face, mandibles waggling. Breathing heavily, Megatron seized all his strength, and thrust the creature far enough away to fire his fusion cannon.

Before he could shoot again, a web blast from Airachnid’s perch rendered his cannon useless. Utilizing the diversion, the Insecticon transformed into beetle mode, zipped forward, and tossed him into the air. A stab near the spark chamber left Megatron gasping. He hit the ground, showered by his own energon.

Instinct ignited as pain kicked in, accompanied by sheer adrenaline. When the Insecticon charged for another blow, Megatron timed its attack, and smacked the beast away with one fell swoop of his arm.

Airachnid hissed in displeasure. He cast a smirk towards her distant platform.

“You and your beast would do well to remember,” Megatron yelled, “I honed my skills in the Pits of Kaon!”

Furious as he was at Airachnid’s scheme, part of him thrilled in the unexpected matchup. Many of his memories of the Pits had been blocked out; but there was still much that he recalled. ~

Rather than stride the halls, Soundwave opened a ground bridge and teleported himself directly into his private quarters, while Laserbeak sequestered himself in the rafters outside to alert him to approaching vehicons.

Soundwave’s tentacles easily found the package, stacked in the corner among dozens of decoys. To the unsuspecting optic, the package appeared to be an ordinary Energon Cube. Courtesy of his visor, however, Soundwave could clearly identify the invisible symbols stamped all over the container, backlit by the artificial glow. A simple deception, engineered by Shockwave, meant for his sight alone.

He tapped the symbols in their proper order, unlocking the seal. The item inside snapped neatly into Laserbeak’s rest. The Minicon would fit right over it; no one would notice the extra mass on his frame.

At that moment, Laserbeak trilled on a frequency only Soundwave could hear. He tilted his head at the news.

So the failure does have some brass in his bearings.

~

“Rescue” was not a word Megatron regarded fondly; but, he decided he could live with an assisted tactical retreat.

“You disobeyed my orders in following me here,” Megatron growled.

He waited just long enough for worry to overtake Dreadwing; then, Megatron transformed his tone, almost sounding…jovial.

“You will make a fine first lieutenant,” he said through a wide, concealed grin.

~

Lord Megatron returned limping.

The average Decepticon would never have detected this; yet, Soundwave had spent enough time with him to identify when something was off. A miniscule change in his gait was all the proof Soundwave needed.

Megatron straightened his back as a group of Eradicons passed by, saluting him. As soon as they left, he grumbled and pulled a strand of web from his fusion cannon.

Knock Out welcomed Lord Megatron into the med bay. A few wayward drops of energon trailed behind him, at Soundwave’s feet.

A single tentacle unfurled, claws sweeping over the floor to wipe the energon away—out of sight.

At Knock Out’s beckoning, Lord Megatron sank onto the examination berth. Soundwave noticed how his knees quavered under him, but chose not to say anything.

~

Knock Out’s examination was prompt, as Megatron demanded. No Decepticon should ever know all his wounds or weaknesses...even his medic.

Once Knock Out was dismissed, Megatron narrowed his optics at Soundwave. “Did you send Dreadwing after me?”

“It was his own stupid idea!” Knock Out’s voice protested from Soundwave’s speakers. A favorite recording, from yet another occasion of Starscream’s troublemaking.

Megatron laughed, hoarsely. “So there is hope for Decepticon competency, yet.”

Yes, Soundwave thought, at last we have found someone faithful to your cause.

Towards his lord, he nodded, signaling Laserbeak to deploy.

Into Megatron’s open palm, a tentacle placed the item that Soundwave had guarded since their time in the Pits.

His lord’s knee brace. ~

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"Optimus Prime & His Feisty Little Two-Wheeler" by OneWingedSparrow

🏍️ First Draft: 2021 ⤵️

🚛🏍️ Main Tags: TFP, Arcee & Optimus Prime, Pre-Canon, Canon-Typical Violence, Mild Hurt / Comfort, Found Family Summary: A tribute to Peter Cullen for striving to always keep Optimus Prime "strong enough to be gentle," told from the perspective of TFP Arcee towards her newfound leader, when she first comes to Earth and joins Team Prime. Made for the "To Be Gentle Zine," hosted by @allsparkzines ! Please check out everyone else's stories and artwork; they're all lovely! :D Read on AO3; paired artwork here Reblogs are appreciated! ~ Arcee refused to affiliate her name with anything. The Autobot faction was her lone exception. Her former leaders left her...and, after she lost Tailgate, the only teammate who respected her for who she was...she didn’t wish to be associated with any singular bot.

Her spark was broken, and no medic fixed sparks.

But over the years...Arcee realized there was one person she could stand to fight beside. One person she could fight for. One person she could depend on, and willingly link her name to.

His name was Optimus Prime.

~

The first time his name is affixed to hers, she is jolted with shock.

“It’s the Prime’s scouts! All units, fire!” The Prime’s—the Prime’s…? Arcee trips over her own feet.

Magnus had been the one she followed. Before that, Prowl. She is a stranger to this Prime.

Sure, the moment she forsook the wastelands of Cybertron, racing Cliffjumper through Shockwave’s space bridge, she rolled straight into the ranks of Optimus Prime, who sought refuge on this rugged rock called Earth.

...but is she already counted as one of his?

Their cover exposed, Bumblebee bounds towards a farther bunker, retreating from the Decepticons’ barrage, as Optimus directed.

As Optimus directed, as Optimus ordered, as Optimus would….

Hand flipping into a gun, Arcee shakes her head and follows.

Everything she does now will be in his name.

~

The first time he delivers a speech in her earshot, she cramps her neck looking up.

Arcee knew Optimus Prime was tall, but she never stood on level ground with him. Only now does she realize how truly massive he is; the tip of the pink tiara spike atop her helmet doesn’t even reach his hip.

This mission is futile. They’ll never see optic to optic.

No one ever does, with a two-wheeler like her.

So, she gives up, dropping her gaze to the Autobot insignia emblazoned on their new base’s floor.

The same symbol embossed onto her wings. The same symbol that gleams on the grill of the Earth truck form Optimus has chosen. A Western Star, she heard the human soldiers call it. Lumbering engine, muted paint job, lackluster tires...it’s surely a far cry from his regal Cybertronian form, but he steps into the disguise humbly.

Her thoughts are wandering. She’s lost track of the speech. She forces herself to focus on her surroundings. Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Bulkhead and Ratchet stand beside her, listening intently as Optimus continues. I’m part of the circle, she thinks, suddenly. This is new.

Will it last? She doesn’t know.

Only time will tell.

As always.

~

The first time he rolls with her, she feels her systems stall.

“Arcee,” he says. Her name lolls in the air.

She straightens her frame, flashing an urgent salute. “Sir!” “At ease, soldier.” He gets down on one knee.

This only stiffens her further; Ultra Magnus never adopted such a lax posture.

What’s more, Arcee decides, looking directly into Optimus Prime’s face is mildly frightening. Here is a Warrior who has plowed through fire and acid, shrapnel and rust, energon and terror—and captured the weight of all to carry forever. In those piercing, blazing optics, she can see the glory and the pain, the fervor and the fury, of a leader blessed by Primus….

And she knows, while she beholds, that he will brake for nothing in bringing this war to its end.

Arcee trembles under his gaze.

“I am coming with you,” he says.

Statement. Declaration. Fact.

In shame, her spark plummets to her feet. The Prime must have higher priorities than her safety. No one ever makes the effort to care. Why would he waste his time on a two-wheeler most bots look down upon?

Are you sure I’m worth it? Arcee blurts out, unheard.

Aloud, she stammers the scrap substitute:

“Sir?”

“You are in need of backup, and there is no one else to accompany you at this time. Therefore, be mindful of my presence.” Arcee wants to protest.

However, one glance at his decisive expression deactivates all argument.

You just can’t argue with Optimus Prime.

~

The first time he saves her spark, she flinches, and not from her wounds.

Bulkhead fell back. Bumblebee paused to reload.

A quick scan of the battlefield revealed only a “few” Decepticons. Her arm blades clicked from their casings. The enemy seemed distracted.

She thought she could take them all on.

Arcee speeds into the open. An ever dutiful partner, Cliffjumper attempts to provide cover fire. Dust billows in her path.

She flies, wings spread wide with the thrill of the hunt. Leap and dodge, flip and kick. Swipe and cut, scratch and slice. The Decepticons falter, unprepared for the frontal assault.

Until they get smart to her timing, and they stab her through the gut.

Her frame screams with pain. Something else roars louder.

Optimus. Her enemies freeze.

He charges, blasters smoking. Optics blazing.

They’re dead in seconds. Arcee’s lifted up, leaking energon.

Wordlessly, Optimus carries her home.

~

The first time he rebukes her, she wishes she could hide in vehicle mode.

Not hide as in “cower.” More like hide as in “transform, to then zoom away.” The best kind of hiding: speeding so no one can catch you. She’s already transformed. Engine’s running. Kickstand’s up. She’s already halfway gone.

But her wheels don’t roll.

Deep down, she knows barricading in vehicle mode while he has words to deliver would be incredibly rude, and she’s not sure she wants to disrespect him so, after he saved her tailpipe. With that, she mentally punches herself in the T-Cog, and stands up to face him.

“Arcee,” he says, so far above her, voice stern and edged. “Your judgment today was far from exemplary.”

She swallows.

“Make no further attempts to engage the enemy alone.”

“Yes, sir,” she whispers.

Those optics meet hers, once again.

“We will fight on,” Optimus says quietly. “That is a promise…

“Stay with me.”

Arcee blinks something from her vision.

If he notices, he says nothing.

~

Now, whenever he summons her, she’s alert and prepared.

“Arcee, with me.”

She nods, and falls into step beside him.

Though one step for him is many for her, they march in the same time.

His massive, towering form no longer feels as looming or daunting as it did. She’s learned to rest in his shadow, to trust he will shield her. She’s not sure why she grew so comfortable with his presence so fast, but perhaps his mannerisms influenced this transformation.

He stands tall to intimidate, but not to belittle. He bends down to her level more than anyone else. In battle, he never abandons her. He even looks back for her, when his extensive strides travel farther than her shorter limbs can reach. And when he sends her ahead to scout, hidden well in lofty places, she always finds him watching for her when she returns with a report.

Quiet things. Subtle things.

Little things a great, big Prime needn’t trouble himself with.

But he wants to.

He cares.

So, when he says “With me,” she follows...

Because the little things have shown her that he is someone worth following.

~

[sparrowsworkshop]

“Watched” by OneWingedSparrow; Chapter 1

Last Chapter >>> Fic Summary: Despite Colin's worry for his safety, Link ventures to the barn at night to check on the goats, unaware of the events transpiring behind his back. Main Tags: Twilight Princess, pre-canon, Link & Rusl & Uli & Colin, TP Link & the Hero’s Shade, Ghosts, Suspense, Assassination Attempt, Angst with a Happy Ending, Found Family Read on AO3 Reblogs are appreciated! ~ Ordon Village didn’t see storms often, but when they came, they were something. Harvest season always brought more rain and wind than was typical. Fretting over Link’s safety in the newly built treehouse he had recently moved into, Uli always insisted that Link come over during heavy windstorms. While Link felt confident in the stability of his home under any weather conditions, he never protested the invitation, since visiting Rusl and Uli’s meant quality time with his adoptive family and an opportunity to chow down on Uli’s famous pumpkin and carrot soup. “Have some more,” Uli encouraged, and ladeled another helping into his bowl without asking for permission. “This season always leaves you hungrier than any other.” Link swallowed a bite of warm sourdough bread before replying. “I'd be happy to," he said with a grin. "Thanks, Uli." Seated beside Link at the table, Colin stirred his spoon through his soup over and over again, watching the herbs swirl around. “I want more, Mama, but I’m getting stuffed.” Uli raised an eyebrow at the empty plate before him, which was littered with crumbs. "Maybe someone had too much bread tonight, hmm?" "But the bread is good!" Colin exclaimed. "Right, Link?" Busy blowing on his soup, Link flashed him a thumbs-up. The outside door burst open then, shooing cold air and a very drenched Rusl into the house. “Mighty strong shower out there,” he commented, kicking his boots off. “Good thing Fado brought the goats in early tonight.” "Oh!" At the reminder, Link set down his spoon. “I should check on them. It’s my week for night patrol.” “But it’s dark out there,” Colin said worriedly. A particularly big gust of wind passed over the house, causing the roof to rattle. “I taught him how to use a sword, I think he’ll be all right,” Rusl said, taking a seat at the table. Uli shook the ladel at him. “No, you don’t, mister. Wash those grubby hands first!” With a sheepish grin, Rusl rose and headed for the washbasin. Colin glanced anxiously towards the window, though it was obscured by the curtains. Link slipped on his boots and shrugged on his parka. “I’ll be all right, Colin. I’m not afraid of the dark.” *        *        * A pleasantly steady shower drenched him before he’d even finished crossing the creek. The village was dark, the rainclouds having blocked out the moon and all stars, but Link knew his way over the muddy path well enough he could have confidently traversed it blind. Despite the water resistance of his parka, Link felt bogged down by the downpour, and was all too glad for the cozy shelter of the barn. Steady rain thrummed on the roof, but the goats were strangely silent. Usually they bleated a chorus of welcomes, or at the very least, shuffled around in their stalls, scuffing straw. "You're awful quiet," Link called out, slipping his hood off and shaking out his hair. There was no response, save for a gust blowing a spray through the open door. Link heaved it shut and bolted it. As the bolt clacked into place, his numb fingers froze over the grainy wood. Prickles crept up his neck.

His many years spent hunting with Rusl had trained him to recognize this feeling. The feeling of being watched. Uneasy jitters that could transform the hunter into the hunted, and convince even the most footloose wanderer that they were unlawfully trespassing. That dreadful awareness of being alone, with no one around to come to your aid. He was alone...but he wasn’t, because the goats were there. Forcefully, Link shook his head. He was safe. There was no danger. Nothing was wrong. No sense letting childish worries hinder his work. Whistling to himself, he made rounds, tending to each of the goats in turn. This wasn’t strictly part of his and Fado’s patrol—usually they checked the troughs for refilling and the stalls for mucking, and made sure the goats were settling down—but a certain unease drifted in the air, and he wanted to be certain the entire herd was fine. “Easy there, missus,” Link soothed the old nanny Dot as his fingers quickly carded a mat in the tangled wool on her back. “You’re trembling something awful.” Dot’s knobby legs didn’t stop shaking. Maybe she was cold. “Why so tense, Juniper?” he asked as he refilled a trough from a bulging burlap sack. “It’s just a good ole rain from Ordona, makin’ your grass nice and green again.” Juniper only stretched her big eyes wider, locked in a staring contest with nothing that he could see. “Silent treatment, huh?” Link raised an eyebrow at Bogo’s rump, which was turned his direction. “What’d me and Fado ever do to you today that you’re huffing about it?” The old goat faced the wall stubbornly, as if he couldn’t bear to look at Link. Link investigated every member of the herd, but found no clue as to what was causing them to act so strangely. Though dutiful and methodical, he neglected to look behind him. He did not see what passed straight through the old barn door, translucent as a cloud. A pale blue lantern floated through the air, teetering violently back and forth, slinking nearer to the boy like the gleaming eyes of a stalking predator. ~ Last Chapter >>>

[caffeinatedcorvus]

How Rouge Find out she technically has a step daughter

this is a dumb shitty one shot with Rouge and Dacey being cute and discussing  the fact they have kids

this is going to have shitty grammar I tried my best be eh its 5 am and also poor pacing at the end

  Dacey was rather surprised by how much had changed in the little town her partner called home. The pirate had been traveling for a few years and hadn’t had a chance to stop in and see the place often. 

 Walking down the old stone road way. It wasn't too busy, only small groups of people here and there. It was just before rush hour in the small shopping district. She had also noticed new store fronts in what once were old decaying buildings, that were now repurposed into usable buildings. With a very familiar build style. It reminded her of her beloved ship Hangman's Treasurer, it wasn't named by her, but by the first captain of the ship who had built it generations ago.

  The ship had a very distinct build style to it, it was built to last, but to also be a home. Almost every captain that had been on the ship had something they had added to it as a sort of legacy.  The carving in the mast comes to mind and the metal works of the anchor and chains. So seeing something so familiar fill the streets of someplace she didn’t exactly call home was odd.

 Who had replicated the style of so many captains before her, and turned into the town aesthetic? Dacey would have to find the answer for that another day. As she was nearing the brewery of her partner Rouge. Rouge was a renowned alchemist. Having the ability to come up with a concoction for just about anything. Dacey could barely wrap her head around the ingredients rouge had requested she find for her dorn her seabound adventures.  

Rouge shops was a cute but rather compact shop. The alchemist lived in the attic of the shop, leaving the first floor as the main shop, and the second story being her workshop/brewery, As Dacey walked into the brewery she noticed a sickly sweet smell in the air, the pirate scrunched her nose up that the small.

 Was Rogue working on another type of healing potion or was it something to do with love? Rouge had ranted to the pirate many times over how she would have requested for some rather questionable potions for love affairs. Some of them even make the pirate captain cringe and wonder what person the sick bastard was simping for. Rogue often reported those foul requests to the guards.

 Dacey hoped it was just a restock of healing based potions, she didn't feel like dealing with someone with a twisted sense of love. Walking up the counter a few old and loose floorboards creaking under her boots. Reaching the counter Dacey knocked  rather loudly on the counter top. Letting the noise echo through the little cozy shop. 

“ I'll be there in a minute!”

 A voice that belonged to Rouge came from the doorway behind the counter that led to the more valuable item storage and also the stairway to the second floor.

Dacey leaned forward on the counter resting her chin in her hand and waited patiently for her partner to appear. The pirate captain's eye tailed the imagery on the walls. There were a few pictures of herbs plants, some insects and some well illustrated creepy imagery that Dacey found rather pretty. There were also a few shelves of random trinkets, old glass bottles filled with bits and bobs, old keys hung about, plants were also littered around the shop. Her favorite being the human skull with a purple berried plant growing out of the cap of the skull. Before Dacey could begin to debate what type of poisonous plant it was, she heard footsteps begin to head   her way from behind the doorway.

The teal haired alchemist walked through the doorway by the look of her expression she hadn't expected to see Dacey

 “well well what do i owe the pleasure to dear captain Dacey Jones “ 

the alchemist said with an amused tone .

“ oh ? I can't visit my favorite alchemist without wanting something? “

“ oh please you always want something if it is not a free potion then it something a bit more physical . “

 Dacey felt her face heat up she laugh and shook her head in amusement

” if i remember right you're the one screaming my name~”

 “oh shut it “ 

“you're the one that started it”

 Rouge huffed, crossing her arms and glancing away towards the old clock by the door.

“Waiting for someone?”

“Yeah had a repeat client request some rather interesting “healing” potions”

“Is that the sickening smell? I was worried it was some sick love potion”  

Rouge nodded, arms still crossed she lifted up her right hand and pointed to the doorway behind her with her thumb. She tilted her head and started to explain.

“ yeah the potions are rather interesting, half the ingredients are poisonous to humans i think the client is the only person able to stomach them. It’s for a chronic health issue … imma be honest I barely understood what she needed, but the potion seemed to work and she keep coming back to buy more so ehh “

 rouge shrugged at the end of the expansion 

“ It smells like someone mixed way to perfumes together. ”

“ I have to air out the whole shop for the rest of the day just to get the smell out. It's rather annoying but it only linger in the workshop thankfully’

“Do they pay well, since it’s such an annoying potion to make?”

“ A ridiculous amount for what the potion is and even gave me a few favors to cash in. Said I could use 'em for just about anything. I'll probably use 'em for ingredient retrievals. ”

“ Favors? Didn’t realize you took payment in I O U’s might have to do that myself.” 

Dacey chuckled with a wink.

“Shut it. I only take their favors cause honestly there dangerous as hell and it's nice having someone like that in my corner.”

“ dangerous? How dangerous are we talking like me, or some random mage that thinks they're powerful?

“ more dangerous than you that for damn sure. You can sense them from a mile away, they give off a sickening feeling.”

“Impossible” 

 Dacey rolled her eyes, someone more powerful than her? She's a pirate captain that fought sea monster for fun, some random person can't be that powerful. 

“ Dacey I'm not joking that kid is unhinged. She looks at someone and they just crumple to the ground. The crew she worked with helped clean the place up. I'm sure you noticed the changes. But she's a wildcard doesn't show up much in public.”

“ kid? Their a kid? And they're more dangerous than me. i think you've been sniffing to many potion Rouge.”

“ I'll have you know I haven't been delirious in weeks.” Rouge snapped like it was a achievement to be rewarded.

“ That is not as impressive as you think it it's.” Dacey replayed with a rather flat unamused tone

Rouge huffed at the reply it wasn’t  uncommon for the alchemist to be affected by the potion fumes. There are a few potions that are rather nastily and harmful. Whether it be the liquids itself or the fumes they give off.

“So this kid, what's their name? Might have to go challenge them if there as powerful as you say''

 Dacey chucked leaning further onto the counter she still didn't believe that this kid could be that powerful. Rouge tilted her head back and forth. She seems to be debating on telling the pirate she eventually made her decision and sighed.

“ Leviathan, her name is Leviathan psychopomp. I've heard her be called Levi a few times by her teammates and only her teammates.”

 Rogue stressed that last part. Dacey blinked a few times, lifting her head from her hand eye blown wide

“ Did you say leviathan psychopomp as in black hair with bright white strands in the front, purple and yellow eyes, covered hands that vaguely look like claws?” Dacey asked rather fast as she pushed  herself up into a standing position 

“ Yeah, I think so? You know her?” 

“ know her? that's my god damn kid”

“ you have a fucking kid!?!?!? Since when?!?!?”  Rouge just about yelled in shock.

“ Since I was 17 I found her washed up on  eastern sea walls. She was around 3 or 4 when i found her. We went our separate ways when she turned 13. She  wanted to explore the world.“

“ And You just let her ?” Rouge had a confused expression on her face not one Dacey saw often.

Dacey nodded it wasn't an odd thing to Dacey she had left her family to explorer at 7. She saw no reason to restrict the kid, she knew how to handle herself at that point.

“ the kids fucking scary i haven’t seen her in a while she’s what 17 now i think “ 

It was true when Dacey was raising Levi she did some very ..odd thing that raised the hair on the back of her neck a few times. So this random person wasn't actually that random and just happened to be her daughter who could in fact be more powerful than Dacey. interesting. 

“ You're telling me the terrifying person that just exists in the town sometimes is your daughter. and even you're saying she's scary. Dacey what the actual fuck! and why didn’t you tell me??”

“ Levi asked me not to talk about her much due to wanting to exist without being called the pirate captain's daughter. Guess she wanted to do her own thing.” 

Dacey shrugged she understood Levi request being known as Dacey kid could get her in a lot of unwanted trouble. 

“ How powerful are we talking? I know she is powerful but how??”

“ I would say she’s about one minor inconvenience from destroying the world with a snap of her fingers at any given point. …wait, you said she had teammate’s? Is one of them a redhead  with bright green eyes named siren?”

 Rouge just blinked and started at Dacey like she had grown another head.

“ Yeah, I'm guessing she’s Leviathan's right hand. they're always seen together when leviathan actually makes an appearance in town? You know her as well?’

‘You remember Conductor right?  The medic that makes all those emergency healing vials ?

Rouge nodded. 

“ well he picked up a kid a year or two after i pick up  Levi there around the same age, they grew up together and I believe they were on there way to being romantics but I'm not sure if it's happened yet, again haven seen them in 4 years” 

“ I hope you know you just won me a large betting pool “

Rouge laughed leviathans team was often the talk of town, many betting pools circled the townspeople daily gossip, one of them being Siren and Leviathan being partners. Romantics was close enough.

“ Siren's sweet as hell performs a lot at the taverns. Brings in a lot of money from what I understand. The names fitting . ….I still can't believe you didn't tell me you had a kid”

Dacey shrugged, she had already answered why. No need to repeat it. Before Dacey could say anything else a small shadow  like portal opened just above the counter. It dropped what looked like a hastily written letter on the counter. The portal disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared. Rouge reached over and grabbed the paper and began to read it over. she signs before crumpling the paper up and tossing it over to the trash can nearby. Dacey tilted her head and raised an eyebrow

“looks like your kid picking up the potion tomorrow said she ran into some last minute business apparently. “

“ So what I'm hearing is, your schedule just cleared ?” Dacey said with a sly grin forming on her lip. 

“ Do you really think that I don't have any other clientele?! ” Rouge faked gasped hand resting on her chest with a exaggerated offended look. 

“ aww did i hurt the alchemist feeling how about i kiss it better” 

Dacey reached forward over the counter to Rogue. Grabbing her by the collar red jacket she always wore and gently tugging her forward. If Rouge wasn’t up for this she could easily pull away but the alchemist didn't, she let herself be pulled over the counter into a quick kiss. Rouge tucked her head into Dacey shoulder when the kiss had ended. A red blush already forming over her cheeks. Dacey gave a small laugh at the adorable reaction from the short alchemist. 

“ How about closing up earlier and taking this to the bedroom?” Dacey hummed into Rouge ear

Only to get a small playful smack to the shoulder. Rouge pulled away face even redder than before. Raising a hand and making a small circular motion, the faint click of the door lock and the sound of the open sign being turned over filled the small shop.

“ i hope you know we're to come back to this conversation about you having a kid later after I have a shot or two.. maybe even 4 “ Rouge said as she extended a hand out to Dacey waiting for her Partner to take it. 

“as long as you're paying.” Dacey chuckled back as she slipped passed the counter top and took Rouge hand 

Said alchemist led her into the back rooms and up the staircase a flirty conversation between the two filling the empty shop.