The Thief

My name is Ruby Merren. Made by magics to be the twin to my sister Opal Merren. Not that it means much anymore. icon made by batteredmettle

[theheartmuncher]

ofgalaxiesandstars​:

thundergoodspeed​:

“One of the boys the Goodspeeds rescued recently. Evidently he has teleportation magic he is unused to,” he explained to his husband. “Have you seen Zaolain?”

“’Kite ‘masu,” Ryuji grunted, sitting up and peeling the book from his face. He rubbed his eyes and looked up, sleepily grabbing for his leg. “Oh, hey. I’m Ryuji. ”

Fang headed into the kitchen for a glass of water. “This is a, ah…. acquaintance of Hawk’s,” he explained. “I didn’t get your name. I can call Breaker for you.”

@ofgalaxiesandstars

Yami chuffed and wiggled, doing those air bites dogs do sometimes when they play. Making funny noises and batting at Ruby with his paws.

Off to the side, Haruki grinned a bit, waiting until both of them were distracted before moving to shoot water at both of them with the hose.

Sora nodded in understanding, “On the roof, last I checked in. He’s been a bit quiet since he came home from Utah with Theron and Jay. I’ll text him, but Ryuji might have a better chance getting him to come back inside.”

Rune blinked as the blond woke up, giving a small wave, “Rune… Host is Gabe.” He paused, watching Ryuji reach for the prosthetic, then reaching to tap his own host’s prosthetic, “You have leg like Gabe’s.”

He followed Fang towards the kitchen, looking to the side, “Hawk’s little brother…” He muttered, “I’m Rune. Yes please. Gabe sleeping now, and he can’t use phones.”

@theheartmuncher

Oh now he’s done it! Bitings is fine but soaking?!

Haruki you poor boy you’re doomed. Doomed to a life of being jumped on by a three ton wet fluff of dog. The stench will never leave.

There are of course play bites again, but these bites are for victory! And glory!

And a little bit of awoo.

@thundergoodspeed​

[theheartmuncher]

ofgalaxiesandstars​:

thundergoodspeed​:

Fang shot Ruby a look. “Uncle, stay,” he said. “You’re not going to win anyone over by pushing boundaries. Give him time.”

He arched a brow at Rune. The kid’s demeanor and broken English…perhaps he wasn’t too keen on seeing Hawk even if he’d asked for him. Though he didn’t know Uchikage could have brothers.

“He’s inside, I believe. Unless Zao snuck off again.” He opened another archway, this one directly to the porch. He didn’t want to walk all the way back. “So you are staying with the Goodspeeds, then?”

@ofgalaxiesandstars​

Rune blinked at Ruby, then frowned a bit and took a step away, “Sorry. Gabe scared– can’t get close.”

He frowned a little again, looking a bit annoyed, “Hawk good at leaving.” Ouch. He nodded a little, “I’m new. Uhm… Bad things happened,” He reached back to gently tap his heart– looking a little uneasy about how exposed it was. He’d already had his heart ripped out of his very being, he didn’t much like the idea that it could be damaged so easily with where it sat, “Bad wolves…”

He glanced at the archway, then to Fang, and would wait for the older man’s cue before he’d step through. On the other side, Haruki was chasing Yami with the hose in the yard, Hoshi was sitting on the porch watching them, and Zao was… Well, either up in his room, or on his favorite spot on the roof.

@theheartmuncher​

While it was a tight squeeze, Ruby stayed behind for a bit to allow Rune to go through the archway.

At least there was already a puppy that was excitedly running around! His tail wagged a bit to see Yami before bounding after him in a pounce. At least to enjoy running and playing before trying to go hang out with the new puppy.

@thundergoodspeed​

[ofgalaxiesandstars]

thundergoodspeed​:

theheartmuncher​:

Eventually, despite every bone in his body wanting to comfort the obviously scared kids, Ruby layed down. He wasn’t about to cause more headache than necessary.

Though his tongue poked out of his lips. Just kind of vaguely trying to eat the ambient scared in the air.

@thundergoodspeed

Fang knelt down, giving Ruby a scratch behind the ear. Then he helped Rune put the prosthetic back on properly–having had plenty of practice with Ryuji.

“No. You’re in Ireland. Although, I do know people in Utah, if that’s where you were staying.” He stood and once more held his hand out to help the boy up. “I don’t know how you got here, but if you just magically teleported halfway around the world perhaps you should come in to rest. Don’t worry, Ruby doesn’t even fit through the door,” he added with a little smirk.

@ofgalaxiesandstars​

Rune allowed Fang to help him with the prosthetic, though he still eyed the two warily. He stood, testing the leg to make sure it hadn’t been broken, then looked up at the dracopire with confusion. He probed Gabe’s consciousness for help with an answer of some sort, but the boy was still working through his current panic.

“Ireland? Not... Not possible... Wanted to go to brother...” He faded off, taking a minute to think about it. He... Hadn’t specified which brother they’d been trying to go to. Only ‘brother’. Which... if they hadn’t gone to Tim, likely meant that...

He groaned, folding his arms and looking to the side, “Where Hawk?”

@theheartmuncher​

[theheartmuncher]

A keening whine. Ruby was at least appeased by head scratches but he wanted to help the puppy!

He didn't sit up thankfully but... He did inch. Just a bit closer. While still laying on the ground.

The dog in him was very persistent it seemed.

@thundergoodspeed

[ofgalaxiesandstars]

Rune kept the barrier up as he scrambled back to standing, grabbing the prosthetic as he did. He was a bit more wobbly than Gabe was— having no experience moving without the prosthetic on —but he managed to stay balanced.

He flinched when Fang suddenly appeared, too focused on the thought that there was a threat that was scaring his host— he acted on instinct alone.

The barrier went down, and Rune swung the leg at the dracopire. Whether the attack met it’s mark or not, Rune wobbled at the force of the swing— falling right back down to the ground.

@theheartmuncher

[theheartmuncher]

A whine, pitiful. Painful. Ruby took the brunt of the hit for his smelly nephew. He was weakened by the arch as is! He couldn't stand by.

There still wasn't a growl that escaped him. Despite the damage hurting more than expected, he still stayed low. His big eyes searching the child and trying to figure out why they were so scared?

Soft roofing trilled from his throat. He just wanted to have a friend...

@thundergoodspeed

[thundergoodspeed]

Fang might have dodged, but maybe it was a good thing Ruby blocked for him. There had to be at least one level-headed person among them. He was really tempted to smack Ruby for remaining so close to someone who was obviously trying to defend themself, but he abstained for now.

"Uncle," he panted, trying not to look irritated. "You are currently a gigantic wolf. Even someone without a phobia would have a hard time not being afraid of a beast your size barreling toward them." He turned to...

Well, this was something different. The aura on this kid wasn't dissimilar to that of Theron and Jay. Speaking of those two, though... hadn't they mentioned seeing someone like this with the Goodspeeds?

"I am Fang. This is my uncle Ruby. You're in no danger here. Do you need help?" he added, holding out a hand.

@ofgalaxiesandstars

[ofgalaxiesandstars]

Rune frowned— looking like he might be trying to glare, but it was coming off as more of a pout, “Gabe… Scared of big dogs…”

A bit of an understatement, but language and articulation was something that Rune didn’t really have the hang of just yet. Too much damage after what Caleb had done to the two of them. He could sense full panic coming from his host, gruesome memories that made him a little green to witness.

“Where is this..?”

He glanced around him, looking a little lost now as he shifted to try and put the prosthetic back on, “Where n’Utah?”

@theheartmuncher

[theheartmuncher]

Eventually, despite every bone in his body wanting to comfort the obviously scared kids, Ruby layed down. He wasn't about to cause more headache than necessary.

Though his tongue poked out of his lips. Just kind of vaguely trying to eat the ambient scared in the air.

@thundergoodspeed

[ofgalaxiesandstars]

Gabe hopped forward, prothetic brandished like he was wielding a war club or something of the like. That is, of course, until he realized that what had been racing towards him was a giant wolf. His brave face fell into one of terror, and the leg fell from his hand as he stumbled and fell back. He could handle Cyclops, Manticores, Chimeras— but bigger than average dogs and wolves?

He was terrified.

He would’ve been frozen where he sat, if not for Rune stepping in. The Uchikira pulled Gabe away and fronted instead, the boys eyes returning to that pink color with dark sclera— and runes lighting up along his cheeks, neck, arms and calves. He didn’t really understand what was happening, but he knew Gabe was scared, so he crossed his arms in front of him, a pink barrier raising like a bubble around him.

@theheartmuncher

[theheartmuncher]

He didn't quite understand the yelling his nephew gave. But Heel? Yes he could heel. But this boy was scared. And... Then it was not the boy. His nose sniffed and his throat whined in some confusion.

With a keening whine he inched forward, head very low and eyes big and glossy. He gave a half a bark. Almost a whimper. Just to make sure he couldn't scare the child anymore.

@thundergoodspeed

[thundergoodspeed]

Fang rolled his eyes. Clearly whoever Ruby was unintentionally antagonizing didn't know the giant dog was harmless. He didn't figure they might wait to do something to potentially harm his uncle, which meant he was too slow.

He opened a shadow arch ahead of himself, diving through and putting himself immediately next to Ruby.

He might have said something then, but now he was out of breath, and he braced his hands on his knees to recover.

@ofgalaxiesandstars

[ofgalaxiesandstars]

Rune kept the barrier up as he scrambled back to standing, grabbing the prosthetic as he did. He was a bit more wobbly than Gabe was— having no experience moving without the prosthetic on —but he managed to stay balanced.

He flinched when Fang suddenly appeared, too focused on the thought that there was a threat that was scaring his host— he acted on instinct alone.

The barrier went down, and Rune swung the leg at the dracopire. Whether the attack met it’s mark or not, Rune wobbled at the force of the swing— falling right back down to the ground.

@theheartmuncher

[theheartmuncher]

A whine, pitiful. Painful. Ruby took the brunt of the hit for his smelly nephew. He was weakened by the arch as is! He couldn't stand by.

There still wasn't a growl that escaped him. Despite the damage hurting more than expected, he still stayed low. His big eyes searching the child and trying to figure out why they were so scared?

Soft roofing trilled from his throat. He just wanted to have a friend...

@thundergoodspeed

[thundergoodspeed]

theheartmuncher​:

ofgalaxiesandstars​:​

Yami was boofed out and running around the yard himself– rolling around in the mud currently. Definitely going to be fighting a bath later. He stopped and rolled upright abruptly when Ruby took off, looking about ready to go chasing after if not for his siblings telling him to stay in the yard.

Gabe rubbed his head, slowly getting himself to his feet– and groaning a little as he realized his prosthetic had dislodged. He really needed a better fitting one, “Ugh… We might’ve been a little off the mark, dude.”

“Oops…“

“It’s okay. Let’s figure out…” He paused, frowning as he looked around. They were outside… But he didn’t recognize the area. Well, that wasn’t good… With a flinch, he turned towards the sound of something rushing towards him– instincts telling him to fight first, ask questions later. He reached for his bow and– groaned. That’s right. Tim was tinkering around with the weapon for upgrades. In a bit of a panic, he looked around and… Well, better than nothing…

He’s gonna grab his leg and start hopping forward to take a swing at whatever was coming his way.

@theheartmuncher​

Running. It was always exhilarating. The wind in his fur. The smells of summer in his nose. The dirt between his paws.

And the child locked in his sights. With a bark, he stopped suddenly but let the momentum carry him forward enough to slide at least within viewing distance for the boy.

His nose took another whiff. Something smelled… Minerally. Like there was extra salt or something else.

But he barked again, looking back and making sure someone else was able to find him.

@thundergoodspeed

Fang looked ahead. Athenry was mostly ruins and hills--and sheep, like most of the country--so it was pretty much direct line of sight to where Ruby had run off to. A sniff of the air gave him the hint of magic, which was worrisome... but could also be residual from Ruby himself.

If the foolish dog got him in trouble with the neighbors...

"Ruby! Heel, you great oaf!" he shouted ahead, growling in annoyance. "What part of 'stay on my property' didn't get through to that fuzzy brain of yours?"

@ofgalaxiesandstars​

[ofgalaxiesandstars]

Gabe hopped forward, prothetic brandished like he was wielding a war club or something of the like. That is, of course, until he realized that what had been racing towards him was a giant wolf. His brave face fell into one of terror, and the leg fell from his hand as he stumbled and fell back. He could handle Cyclops, Manticores, Chimeras— but bigger than average dogs and wolves?

He was terrified.

He would’ve been frozen where he sat, if not for Rune stepping in. The Uchikira pulled Gabe away and fronted instead, the boys eyes returning to that pink color with dark sclera— and runes lighting up along his cheeks, neck, arms and calves. He didn’t really understand what was happening, but he knew Gabe was scared, so he crossed his arms in front of him, a pink barrier raising like a bubble around him.

@theheartmuncher

[theheartmuncher]

He didn't quite understand the yelling his nephew gave. But Heel? Yes he could heel. But this boy was scared. And... Then it was not the boy. His nose sniffed and his throat whined in some confusion.

With a keening whine he inched forward, head very low and eyes big and glossy. He gave a half a bark. Almost a whimper. Just to make sure he couldn't scare the child anymore.

@thundergoodspeed

[ofgalaxiesandstars]

thundergoodspeed​:

theheartmuncher​:

It was supposed to be a day of play fighting. Running around the woods away from civilians, being as a dog does. Of course that’s what Ruby had hoped, especially since he set up this little visit with the intent to see his great niblets.

It was already night, and his fur felt alight and on edge for a moment. But only for a moment. It faded just as quickly as it arrived but on his nose a new scent lingered. Burning ozone. Sweat. Human? No, too sweet. But it was hard to say.

His paws began to thunder forward. Ruby’s nose was glued to the new scent.

@thundergoodspeed​

Fang looked up as his ears picked up the sound of something in the distance–something that very distinctly wasn’t his neighbor’s flock of sheep. He set his e-reader down and stood, watching as Ruby changed direction.

He frowned. If he caught up to whatever it was, someone could get hurt.

Standing, he flicked his tail in annoyance, then chased after Ruby.

@ofgalaxiesandstars​

Yami was boofed out and running around the yard himself-- rolling around in the mud currently. Definitely going to be fighting a bath later. He stopped and rolled upright abruptly when Ruby took off, looking about ready to go chasing after if not for his siblings telling him to stay in the yard.

Gabe rubbed his head, slowly getting himself to his feet-- and groaning a little as he realized his prosthetic had dislodged. He really needed a better fitting one, “Ugh... We might’ve been a little off the mark, dude.”

“Oops...“

“It’s okay. Let’s figure out...” He paused, frowning as he looked around. They were outside... But he didn’t recognize the area. Well, that wasn’t good... With a flinch, he turned towards the sound of something rushing towards him-- instincts telling him to fight first, ask questions later. He reached for his bow and-- groaned. That’s right. Tim was tinkering around with the weapon for upgrades. In a bit of a panic, he looked around and... Well, better than nothing...

He’s gonna grab his leg and start hopping forward to take a swing at whatever was coming his way.

@theheartmuncher​

[theheartmuncher]

Running. It was always exhilarating. The wind in his fur. The smells of summer in his nose. The dirt between his paws.

And the child locked in his sights. With a bark, he stopped suddenly but let the momentum carry him forward enough to slide at least within viewing distance for the boy.

His nose took another whiff. Something smelled... Minerally. Like there was extra salt or something else.

But he barked again, looking back and making sure someone else was able to find him.

@thundergoodspeed

[theheartmuncher]

ofgalaxiesandstars​:

@theheartmuncher

@thundergoodspeed

Gabriel was a cautious boy, but he wasn’t without mischievous tendencies. And now, he had a companion to get into said mischief with. He and Rune had been practicing with their magic a lot recently– turning invisible, floating, making other objects and persons float (Jocate’s face had been priceless), and trying to unlock the secrets of their element. Even though Rune was much more in tune with the Arcane than Gabe was, both of them were fairly inexperienced still. Despite that, they’d been getting the hang of things pretty well.

The one thing they were still struggling with, was teleportation. The first time they’d teleported, they’d ended up all the way back at camp– Gabe remembered how Breaker had questioned him after Chiron and Piper had called with concerns. A few times he ended up up on the mountain, stuck in a tree, up on the roof– and it was always pretty exhausting. Still, they were never gonna get better at it if they didn’t practice. So, here he was, in the living room, getting ready to try again.

“Alright, Rune, let’s try porting to my brother…”

“Brother… Teleport to brother.”

He felt the spark on the back of his neck, saw the pink and heard the pop, and soon enough a glowing pink bubble was forming and subsequently popping at their destination– with Gabriel falling out of it and onto the ground with a startled yelp.

It was supposed to be a day of play fighting. Running around the woods away from civilians, being as a dog does. Of course that’s what Ruby had hoped, especially since he set up this little visit with the intent to see his great niblets.

It was already night, and his fur felt alight and on edge for a moment. But only for a moment. It faded just as quickly as it arrived but on his nose a new scent lingered. Burning ozone. Sweat. Human? No, too sweet. But it was hard to say.

His paws began to thunder forward. Ruby’s nose was glued to the new scent.

@thundergoodspeed​

[evenstevenh]

Deal with werewolves in two easy steps! :D

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[theheartmuncher]

ofgalaxiesandstars​:

Eren stepped back, and Breaker bit his lip as he activated part of the new armor he’d been gifted. Everything except the helmet. Then he pulled her in tight, hugging her in what he hoped would be a secure, safe embrace.

“I know. I get the feeling somehow, that he’ll be back, though… It’ll be okay.”

Her tears sizzle against his armor, but thankfully she made it particularly well. His shoulder felt a little warm, but Eve’s heat wouldn’t hurt him thankfully. Eventually the room cooled down, regulating her temperature until things were only just a touch warm. It wasn’t as if she wanted to burn the whole place down. She was just...

With a tight hug, here breathing finally returned to normal.

“... There’s a way I can see him. But... that’s why I did all that. Why I brought in someone else, and made that deal. I... I didn’t want to be a danger.”

[theheartmuncher]

ofgalaxiesandstars​:

Eren’s arms moved just a bit, shakily trying to return the hug with a small, “I… Talk to you soon…”

Eren gasped, eyes now his usual bright violet and blue hues. He winced and tried to pull away as he felt the oncoming migrane of his flowers wilting— moreover the much too hot temperature his body couldn’t handle since breaking free from the ice. He felt like he was melting, “H-hot…”

Breaker flinched as he heard Taegan start crying, surging forward to put a hand on Eve’s shoulder, “Eve, there’s nothing we can do right now. Try to take deep breaths.”

Her body was hot, it may have even burned Breaker. She whipped around at his grabbing, then just tried her best to breathe. Right. Eve took heavy breaths and tried to calm herself down. Teagan was crying. Eren could get hurt in contact with her.

“I... I haven’t heard him... in so long...”

[theheartmuncher]

ofgalaxiesandstars​:

They didn’t answer. Neither Xena or Eren. Eren didn’t seem to be fighting for control– in fact if one was able to tell, they’d realize he was fighting to keep Xena connected just a little longer.

Both were trying to keep them connected so fervently that there was… A faint, barely seeable mist in rainbow colors seeping from Eren’s mouth as he exhaled.

Breaker stood, frowning in concern, “Eve, I don’t know anything about bonds! Sora’s the one who can see heartstrings!”

The mist was barely acknowledged. Eve’s eyes were giving red warm tears. The entire room was starting to feel stuffy from how heated she was getting.

“Please... no no I can’t lose you again.”

It was too late regardless. She tightly hugged Eren, though his clovers would start to wilt in the heat. She wasn’t completely safe either and needed to get out.

[theheartmuncher]

ofgalaxiesandstars​:

“… Who I am and who I was aren’t two separate people, Eve… Nothing anyone says can change that. The only thing I can do is try to cut that power away.”

He pulled his sleeve back down, staring at his arm again. He had a way to lock his power again, but that would mean locking Moonbow and Voidgear away too… He needed to find another way.

“Breaker, it isn’t–” Xena stepped forward, though before he could continue his sentence he faltered, stumbling as his eyes flickered from the blood red to Eren’s usual violet hues. Something was interrupting their connection.

“Then what about me? When I was-- Xena?”

Before that tangent can even begin, Eve rushes to her friend and tries to shake him.

“Xena? Xena!? Please, stay with me!”

Where was the connection? What was it? She didn’t know. She couldn’t possibly know.

“Breaker please, can you do something?! You keyblade people are all about bonds right?!”

That isn’t how this works.

[theheartmuncher]

ofgalaxiesandstars​:

Breaker clenched his fists, scowling as he tore his gaze away to look to the side.

“… You forget that those actions were once my own. Eve… I killed Strelitzia. And I did it willingly.”

It was an odd thing to admit out of the blue, but he felt that if anyone would understand it would be Eve and her friend. Xena’s eyes closed, and they glanced away. He already knew that truth. After all…

“The things I did aren’t something that can be swept under the rug so easily. I gave myself willingly to become Darkness. I’m responsible for the consequences of that.” He sighed slightly, “I’m trying, but I just… I don’t know if I’m strong enough right now…”

In Eve’s mind it didn’t matter. What he did as Darkness isn’t something Breaker did. Darkness worked together, no single finger is responsible for the hand as a whole.

“You are strong enough. If anyone is, it would be you.”

She let go of his arm, pulling back and just checking if it was marked with the same darkness anyway.

“Strelitzia was an unfortunate loss. One that Darkness decided to do. Not Breaker.”

[theheartmuncher]

ofgalaxiesandstars​:

“… Eve, even if it isn’t my fault… It still stems from me…” Breaker shrunk a bit in his seat, gripping the wrist of his gloved hand, “I’m dangerous…”

Xena bit their lip, taking a hesitant step forward. He wanted to argue against that statement, but… They didn’t know where Breaker’s Story was heading. There wasn’t much he could do to help him right now– anything to reassure him. 

They looked to the medical pod, watching the tiny baby within. He’d hoped that her arrival would bring some modicum of hope and happiness to the poor guy, but… It seemed to be causing an anxiety that was going to explode sooner or later.

After a long silent moment, Eve’s body heaves a sigh and grabs at his gloved hand. Pulling up the sleeve she specifically grabs the darkened area.

“You are not dangerous. You are not responsible for the actions of a thousands year old hive that can’t get it through their thick skulls that they don’t own you.”

Her eyes are fixed on his, and while yes that would be uncomfortable with the bright red gears ticking away in her iris’, she needed to make that point known not just to Breaker.

[ofgalaxiesandstars]

theheartmuncher​:

“…. I…”

Oh. Her body went a bit rigid realizing the mistakes she made. But she didn’t even mess with his head or anything so she assumed it was safer.

“…. I… I don’t know what to do then. I can’t fight Darkness.”

Xena frowned in sympathy this time, chancing another glance at Breaker, who had horror written into his expression– the realization that he was a massive danger to everyone in this household.

A danger to his daughter.

“… I… I don’t know either, Eve. I don’t know where things are going from here. Best I can do is try to nudge things towards the best outcome… Darkness technically falls under one of mine, but the only thing I can do with them is… Watch.” They looked down, rubbing their arms, “… I’m sorry.”

[theheartmuncher]

Eve followed his gaze, before realizing the mistakes both made.

She got up, briskly walking towards Breaker and about to put her hands on him before she thankfully stopped.

"This isn't your fault. I need you to remember that this isn't your fault."

She knew he'd blame himself. She had been in his head, of course he'd blame himself.

[ofgalaxiesandstars]

theheartmuncher​:

Didn’t leave by…. That was something she must have done. Perhaps.

But it didn’t matter.

“… I could make you a body to move back into this plane. But Fushi is fine! And his maker isn’t even any type of threat. He just returned to his world without a fight.”

He looked to the side, a somber expression on his face, “… I don’t know how well that would work. There is no escape from where I am. Not for someone that doesn’t have the strength, like me. I don’t even know how long I can keep talking like this.”

They paused again, glancing at Breaker, “… Eve. If they get ahold of him, it could be bad.”

[theheartmuncher]

".... I..."

Oh. Her body went a bit rigid realizing the mistakes she made. But she didn't even mess with his head or anything so she assumed it was safer.

".... I... I don't know what to do then. I can't fight Darkness."