#fanfic — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #fanfic, aggregated by home.social.
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Just posted Chapter 6: Progress of my #GalaxyRangers #fanfic "Bionics" to the #AO3
At least three more chapters and an epilogue to come.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/89238176/chapters/245201211
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I mean, I would love to read a novel or novella series about Dr. Pulaski and her husbands. One book for each husband. That could be fun. (Big Pulaski fan here.)
#StarTrek #fanFic #fanFiction #StarTrekFanFic -
I was wondering... is there Sybok and Captain Angel fanfic? I would really love to read some stories with them.
(It's my constant demand whenever I have favourite (side) characters that don't have a chance for more on-screen stories: Give me novels!)
#StarTrek #fanFic #fanFiction #StarTrekFanFic -
Titanic Steward: Fragment I
#FanFic #Titanic Voyage @juliebihn
#Wss366 Gin #TimeTravelAuthors 09/3. Bonus Fragment“Hey, Hart. What are you thinking? Are you stupid?” One of the other Titanic stewards asked.
“What do you mean?” Milo Hart took the comment calmly, though he probably would have decked the man back in port. Here, on board the ship, an altercation would get you reprimanded or fired. It was a good job that paid well. It was a darn sight better than being a dirt farmer back home. If he didn’t lose this job, he could marry Sally when the trip was done.
“I saw you out on the first-class promenade. You don’t belong there. And with a guest.”
“She asked me to escort her. She was feeling ill and needed air.” Hart made up an excuse on the fly. He had always been good at that. It might not have been true, but no one would ever know.
“She talks to herself,” and the other steward touched his head. “Be careful, you’ll get into trouble!”
“You trying to #gin up problems? Going to report me if I do a guest a favor?”
“No, I just worry about you. You’ve been odd recently.”
“Don’t fret. I have a sinking feeling it won’t matter for long. I’m usually right when I have these feelings too.”
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Titanic Steward: Fragment I
#FanFic #Titanic Voyage @juliebihn
#Wss366 Gin #TimeTravelAuthors 09/3. Bonus Fragment“Hey, Hart. What are you thinking? Are you stupid?” One of the other Titanic stewards asked.
“What do you mean?” Milo Hart took the comment calmly, though he probably would have decked the man back in port. Here, on board the ship, an altercation would get you reprimanded or fired. It was a good job that paid well. It was a darn sight better than being a dirt farmer back home. If he didn’t lose this job, he could marry Sally when the trip was done.
“I saw you out on the first-class promenade. You don’t belong there. And with a guest.”
“She asked me to escort her. She was feeling ill and needed air.” Hart made up an excuse on the fly. He had always been good at that. It might not have been true, but no one would ever know.
“She talks to herself,” and the other steward touched his head. “Be careful, you’ll get into trouble!”
“You trying to #gin up problems? Going to report me if I do a guest a favor?”
“No, I just worry about you. You’ve been odd recently.”
“Don’t fret. I have a sinking feeling it won’t matter for long. I’m usually right when I have these feelings too.”
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Titanic Steward: Fragment I
#FanFic #Titanic Voyage @juliebihn
#Wss366 Gin #TimeTravelAuthors 09/3. Bonus Fragment“Hey, Hart. What are you thinking? Are you stupid?” One of the other Titanic stewards asked.
“What do you mean?” Milo Hart took the comment calmly, though he probably would have decked the man back in port. Here, on board the ship, an altercation would get you reprimanded or fired. It was a good job that paid well. It was a darn sight better than being a dirt farmer back home. If he didn’t lose this job, he could marry Sally when the trip was done.
“I saw you out on the first-class promenade. You don’t belong there. And with a guest.”
“She asked me to escort her. She was feeling ill and needed air.” Hart made up an excuse on the fly. He had always been good at that. It might not have been true, but no one would ever know.
“She talks to herself,” and the other steward touched his head. “Be careful, you’ll get into trouble!”
“You trying to #gin up problems? Going to report me if I do a guest a favor?”
“No, I just worry about you. You’ve been odd recently.”
“Don’t fret. I have a sinking feeling it won’t matter for long. I’m usually right when I have these feelings too.”
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Titanic Steward: Fragment I
#FanFic #Titanic Voyage @juliebihn
#Wss366 Gin #TimeTravelAuthors 09/3. Bonus Fragment“Hey, Hart. What are you thinking? Are you stupid?” One of the other Titanic stewards asked.
“What do you mean?” Milo Hart took the comment calmly, though he probably would have decked the man back in port. Here, on board the ship, an altercation would get you reprimanded or fired. It was a good job that paid well. It was a darn sight better than being a dirt farmer back home. If he didn’t lose this job, he could marry Sally when the trip was done.
“I saw you out on the first-class promenade. You don’t belong there. And with a guest.”
“She asked me to escort her. She was feeling ill and needed air.” Hart made up an excuse on the fly. He had always been good at that. It might not have been true, but no one would ever know.
“She talks to herself,” and the other steward touched his head. “Be careful, you’ll get into trouble!”
“You trying to #gin up problems? Going to report me if I do a guest a favor?”
“No, I just worry about you. You’ve been odd recently.”
“Don’t fret. I have a sinking feeling it won’t matter for long. I’m usually right when I have these feelings too.”
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Titanic Steward: Fragment I
#FanFic #Titanic Voyage @juliebihn
#Wss366 Gin #TimeTravelAuthors 09/3. Bonus Fragment“Hey, Hart. What are you thinking? Are you stupid?” One of the other Titanic stewards asked.
“What do you mean?” Milo Hart took the comment calmly, though he probably would have decked the man back in port. Here, on board the ship, an altercation would get you reprimanded or fired. It was a good job that paid well. It was a darn sight better than being a dirt farmer back home. If he didn’t lose this job, he could marry Sally when the trip was done.
“I saw you out on the first-class promenade. You don’t belong there. And with a guest.”
“She asked me to escort her. She was feeling ill and needed air.” Hart made up an excuse on the fly. He had always been good at that. It might not have been true, but no one would ever know.
“She talks to herself,” and the other steward touched his head. “Be careful, you’ll get into trouble!”
“You trying to #gin up problems? Going to report me if I do a guest a favor?”
“No, I just worry about you. You’ve been odd recently.”
“Don’t fret. I have a sinking feeling it won’t matter for long. I’m usually right when I have these feelings too.”
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DONDE NI EL PECADO NI EL PERDÓN NOS ALCANCEN
"¿Harías lo que te pidiera? ¿Te pondrás de rodillas ante mí?"
⚔️ #songxuexiao, #yicity throuple, fantasy au
⚔️ inspirado en el poema épico de padmavaat
⚔️ long fic, ~45 caps, final feliz
⚔️ arte por @/ladyxagh
#fanfic #mdzs #danmei -
Trying to get into hypno-fanfics outside of the Mesmeric Multiverse, so here's a spicy little #crossover #fanfic on #deviantart and #newgrounds. Links below
#darkstalkers #kingdomhearts #kidicarus #morriganaensland #palutena #hypnoart #hypnoartist #hypnosiskink #hypnokink #art #sora #pit #agedup
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Steele’s Rose Part 4 of 4
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 #Graphite (aka Black Lead) / International #LGBTQ #PrideDay“Give me that,” Mao said as a person entered with a gourd. “Wine. Excellent. I’ll mix some medicine for her. The first thing is to cool the heat.”
She turned her attention to her bodyguard and explained, “This is nüè. It will return every few days, accompanied by chills and fever. There is effective medicine for it, but I don’t have it. Send someone to the apothecary to get sweet wormwood (qīnghāo). Get it fresh, not dried. Pay extra if you have to. If you can’t afford it, offer your sword as security.”
Steele turned to leave, only for Mao to stop her, saying, “Better, does the apothecary read our language?”
Steele nodded.
“Then, fetch me writing materials.”
When they arrived, Mao used the black lead provided to mark a message on a board and handed it to Steele. “Find someone you trust who speaks Li and have them fetch this. If the local apothecary doesn’t have fresh qīnghāo, have them find someone who does.”
The mercenary pushed through the shamen who were now standing by the screen. The beads on their elaborate robes tinkled as she passed. Despite her earlier comments, she went past without jostling or shoving. Head bowed, her muttered comment might have been taken as a respectful apology instead of Li military slang for worthless camp followers.
“Do what you want on the far side of the screen,” Mao addressed the traditional medicine people. “I will do mine here. Do not disturb us!”
Whether they understood the young apothecary or if her hand gestures conveyed her meaning, the two groups of healers respected each other’s boundaries.
Steele was soon back, accompanied by two burly soldiers. To Mao, they looked like shock troops, used to hand-to-hand combat. “They will carry Rose to wherever you choose,” Steele said. “You can’t keep coming here all the time. Besides, she will then be out of the reach of those vultures.”
Mao weighed the risks of moving Rose against the benefits. It was true she couldn’t regularly attend to the patient. However, Sazen and Kokuyou could care for Rose at Verdigris House in her absence. They might object to her staying in the shop, but they would tolerate it. She would also have easy access to her equipment and supplies. That would make preparing the qīnghāo easier.
She nodded and waved to the soldiers. “You will need a litter.”
“It is outside, M’lady.”
Mao sighed. She had come for revenge, yet here she was taking care of Steele’s sweetheart. Well, at least she would be well paid for it.
[FINIS]
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Steele’s Rose Part 3 of 4
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 ink / International #LGBTQ #PrideDaySteele led her back through the building to a screen in the back. Behind it lay a young woman with felt blankets heaped on her. Her flushed face was almost scarlet, and her eyes were vague with a yellow cast. Mystic signs had been #inked upon her face.
The mercenary stooped beside the woman and laid a gentle hand on the blankets. “You must help her,” she said to Mao.
“Mù’er, who have you brought?” the sick woman asked, then fell violently coughing.
“My mistress; she is skilled at medicine. If anyone can help you, she can. Better than those Муусайн уйварчид.”
“Who is she?” Mao interrupted. She bent down and felt the woman’s forehead as she waited for an answer. The patient’s skin burned under her hand.
“My wife, Rose. Fire and ice spirits fight over her. She burns and then freezes. If you save her, I will pledge my life to you.”
“I won’t require that,” Mao said. It was bad enough that Jinshi saddled her with this woman, but there would be no end to her obnoxious presence if she pledged herself as the apothecary’s personal retainer.
“Some musk and a little snow lotus will do,” Mao said. As far as she was concerned, those would be much better than having someone follow her around all the time. Musk was expensive and useful, while snow lotus was rare; she’d never had any.
“Just save her, and I will get you that and more. Just be quick before those worthless charlatans come. None that they have doctored have lived.”
Mao had moved on to examining the woman’s eyes. The whites had taken on a yellow cast. “The liver?” No, she’d seen this before, mostly in the spring after the floods, never in cold weather. Without glancing up, she asked, “Have there been others similarly afflicted?”
“Several on the street.”
Pointing to puffy, red mosquito bites on the woman’s neck, Mao asked, “Have they had these? Gone to marshy places?”
“They were gathering yellow flax in the lowlands to use as dye where шавьжнууд bit them.”
“The fever goes away, but returns a few days later?” Mao asked.
Steele nodded as bells and drums sounded in the background. Chanting accompanied the music and drew closer.
“Shamen?” Mao asked.
“залигчид,” Steele swore.
“I need water, or better yet, wine or beer.”
The chanting and noise were louder now, and the smell of steppe herbs burning reached their nostrils.
“дарс,” the mercenary shouted to the people outside the screen. Then, speaking to Mao, she translated her earlier comment. “Yes, shamen, knaves, and swindlers. When the fevers and chills go away, they expect payment, yet take no responsibility when the demons return.”
“They do no harm and perhaps some good. I smell them burning sagewort and juniper. Those are excellent. And there is something bitter, like wormwood. That’s good too, but if they make her cough, it means there is too much.”
[Continued Thursday]
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Steele’s Rose Part 2 of 4
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Queer / International #LGBTQ #PrideDayMedicines packed, Maomao headed out on foot. It would be a long way, but it felt good to be out without either of her “minders,” Chou or Steele. However, it wasn’t long before she regretted her decision. Court life and the indulgences of Jinshi and his retinue had softened her. Still, she reminded herself that not long ago, a carriage or horse would have been an unheard-of luxury.
As she’d predicted, the house was easy to find. It was a shabby building shared by several occupants. The smell of simmering mutton, spices, and onions fried in fat hung over the street. Beneath it all lingered the sour smell of fermented milk, strong enough that she could have found the place blindfolded.
In front of the building, old women with rounded faces and olive cast skin gossiped, their eyes sharp and suspicious as they watched her. Not only their appearance but their dress marked them as from the steppes.
Mao considered what to ask. Not surprisingly, she didn’t remember Steele’s actual name. Even if she had remembered it, the chances that she could pronounce the strange northern syllables were slim.
“Excuse me, I’m the apothecary who was sent for. I am looking for a sick female soldier.”
The women shook their heads and said something unintelligible to Mao.
“Do any of you speak Li?” she asked.
Again, she couldn’t understand the reply.
“Can I help you?” an accented voice asked from her left.
She turned and saw a man whom she presumed was the furrier. His clothing was finer than the women’s, but their foreign cut was the same, as was his dark skin and heavy eyes.
“I am here with medicine for a sick mercenary guard, a woman.”
“No one like that is here,” he said abruptly and turned to go back into the building.
She thought it was #queer. While resentment between this quarter’s residents and the Li was understandable, would he really allow one of his own to die rather than let her treat them?
Once again, a fresh voice interrupted, this time belonging to a familiar woman. “Ааваа, тэр намайг хайж байна.”
Mao turned and found Steele standing in the building’s entry. She looked well, though tired and drawn.
“Come, you’re needed, M’lady,” the mercenary said, switching to the language of Li. Her voice was as tired as her face.
[Continued on Tuesday]
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Steele’s Rose Part 1 of 4
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Queer / International #LGBTQ #PrideDayMao edged away when Tianyu sidled up to her. He caused enough trouble when he spoke plainly, but anything he was trying to hide was nothing she wanted to deal with. Still, she couldn’t avoid hearing what the troublesome surgeon had to say. “Your guard, Steele needs medicine for a fever; it sounds bad.”
At last, Mao thought, “I’ll show that mercenary what it feels like to be ‘taken care of.’ ‘Throw me over your shoulder, will you!’”
She looked around. The busy medical ward had its fair share of soldiers with broken bones, bruises, and dehydration. Some days were much worse, but they didn’t need her currently. Still, there was no good excuse for her to leave now.
Dr. Liu’s sudden voice made them jump. “I’m sure Tianyu can do your work as well as his today. Your guard must be very ill if she didn’t come in person.”
Mao glared at Tianyu. How careless could you be?
The surgeon merely raised his eyebrows and covered his head, expecting further punishment for his transgression.
That was no concern of Mao’s. She was more concerned with the head doctor’s expression. She was reluctant to owe Dr. Liu any more than she already did. When he negligently waved his hand at her while maintaining a stony stare at Tianyu, she decided it was too good an opportunity to pass up. While Dr. Liu wreaked havoc on that irritating surgeon, she could do the same to her equally irritating bodyguard.
“Where is she?” she asked Tianyu.
“In the house next to the fur merchant in the foreign quarter. The one that offers goods from the far north. I’ll show you the way.”
This last comment was too much for Dr. Liu, who grabbed the miscreant by the ear. Mao didn’t need Tianyu guidance anyway. She knew where it was. There was an apothecary nearby that specialized in ingredients from the northern steppes, so finding the furrier would be easy. She had bought dàhuáng, saiga horn, and other northern medicinals there before. Her lips curved into a smile. The shop also carried musk, which she’d never been able to afford.
Yes, that would make suitable compensation to extract from Steele.
It didn’t take Mao long to get ready. There were no sweeteners to add, nothing to make the medicine easier to take, or to counteract unpleasant side effects.
“Let that woman learn what it feels like to be treated like a sack of flour,” she said to herself.
Not that she skimped on the most effective medicine. Luomen had drilled into her the importance of never endangering a patient without cause. “A lesson is one thing,” Mao thought. “Harm is another.”
[Continued in next post]
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Rain of Fish: Part 4 of 4
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Map / #ScribesAndMakers Tell us a fish story“Wait, we wouldn’t want to inconvenience the Grand Commandant,” an unfamiliar voice said. “We were just surprised the Moon Prince trusted you so much. Forgive us.” There was the rustle of robes, signaling that the three men were bowing.
“Perhaps you should give them another chance,” Chou said. To Mao, her voice sounded too sweet.
She turned and found the town leaders bowed as far as they could go. Inwardly, she sighed. What a farce. But if this is what it took to earn that mandrake, she could put up with it.
“Very well. Rise,” she said.
“It is cold, so let me be brief,” Mao said. “The day Ao Guang sent his people among you, there was a storm?” Mao asked.
“Yes,” the guild master said. He may have thought it a stupid question, but the threat of Kan Lakan’s presence still weighed on him. He could picture the whole town in flames.
“And it came from the north so that it beat against the cliffs?”
“Yes, your ladyship. It was so strong that Ao Guang sucked several ships down to his palace.”
“You say, ‘sucked,’ not ‘sank?’ Were there whirlpools?”
“Yes, and spouts as well.”
“Let me consult the oracle I brought,” Mao said and gestured to Chou to join her in the carriage.
When they emerged, Mao bowed. “I’ve spoken with the Dragon of the East Sea. He is upset with your greed. There are too many ships that take his people. Who will serve him if you pull them all from the sea? He’s also displeased with the people’s disloyalty. He wonders how they could listen to a moon-addled Frank who rails against the Son of the Heavens, the Sun Prince. If you take this warning and are satisfied with the gifts Ao Guang offers, he will become generous again in time. Take too much, and next time the sea itself will rise up and take you to serve in his court.”
The three men bowed again. Mao couldn’t tell if she had convinced them, but she didn’t really care. It was cold, and she was eager to load up the presents they had brought. Chou’s earlier descriptions of the seafood the town produced made her eager to sample them.
The town delegation was more than happy to oblige, and Mao and her two companions were soon on their way.
“So what really happened?” Chou asked as she happily chewed on some dried squid.
“Water spouts. The wind and currents get trapped against the cliff. Now pass me those pickled sardines.”
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Rain of Fish: Part 3 of 4
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Map / #ScribesAndMakers Tell us a fish storyBy the time Mao’s coach reached the overlook to the town, she was thoroughly tired of Chou's conversation about the salted fish and dried squid she had eaten from there. Seafood appeared to be a popular export. At least Steele was quiet, she privately thought.
The three alighted from the carriage and looked out over the town, laid out like a #map. Narrow streets wandered like the muddy, frayed edge of a gray sheet, for that is what the bay looked like. Light filtered through scudding clouds, and blowing mist had turned the harbor water a dull iron. On its surface, a vast fleet of fishing vessels crowded under tall cliffs to the south. The mist swirled against these crags, blown by the wind.
Mao turned to the men who had come to receive them: the magistrate, the harbor master, and the head of the fishermen’s guild. None looked happy to be out on such a blustery day, but the Moon Prince's summons couldn’t be ignored.
“You’re the prince’s envoy?” the magistrate said after Mao introduced herself. His dismissive tone was one she was used to. How dare he be called out to meet a mere woman?
“It seemed better than sending the Grand Commandant Kan, but I can see that was an error,” she replied.
She turned toward the coach, moving to leave. As she did so, she noted her companions’ faces. Chou had a wide grin, while a smile tugged at Steele’s lips. “Might as well take advantage of the Old Bastard,” Mao thought.
[Continued in next post]
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Rain of Fish: Part 2 of 3
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 South / #ScribesAndMakers Tell us a fish storyWhen Mao and Steele arrived at Jinshi’s office, he beckoned Mao to sample the tangerines, rice crackers, and wine Suiren had laid out. It was an offer that Mao immediately took up.
“Are you still having headaches?” The prince asked as Mao settled.
She sipped her wine and considered. Would admitting to the headaches get her out of whatever Jinshi had in mind, or would it lead to more interference in her life?
Chou, who had stood in the corner unobserved, took the choice from her. “She winces frequently and often uses herbs.”
The prince made a wry face and said, “I wouldn’t bother you then, except I have a problem that you can solve. It’s just the kind of thing you are good at: unraveling mysteries that look supernatural from the outside. If there were anyone else, I wouldn’t ask you. You will, of course, receive an appropriate reward for your efforts. I have a mandrake that I am told is exceptionally powerful.”
Mao’s eyes lit up. It was a fine specimen, so lifelike it almost looked as if someone had carved it. She, of course, wouldn’t use it to curse someone, but medicine made from it would fetch a premium price.
Jinshi knew the apothecary was hooked when Mao reached for it. “After you finish the job,” he said, moving it out of her reach.
“I just want to touch it,” she protested.
Behind her, Chue giggled, while Jinshi shook his head.
“What do you need me to do?” Mao asked.
“There has been some trouble in the #south. Ao Guang has been less generous to the fishermen, and one of The Mad Frank’s acolytes took advantage of that, preaching that it was due to the Emperor’s lack of faith in the Frankish god. We seized him, of course, and that should have been the end of it.”
“But?” Mao asked, reaching for some dry, salted plums.
“What I have been told is that a week ago the dragon king rode among the clouds, drinking from the ocean, and sowing his servants in displeasure upon the townspeople. There is no stopping the common folk now from repeating the Frankish prophet’s words.”
“You mean fish rained from the heavens?”
Jinshi nodded unhappily.
“And you wish me to determine what really happened and to quell these rumors?”
Jinshi nodded again.
[Continued Tomorrow]
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Rain of Fish: Part 1 of 3
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Dungeon (referenced) / #ScribesAndMakers Tell us a fish storyMao clicked her tongue when Steele, “her” mercenary guard, arrived at the medical office. The apothecary could tell at a glance that Steele was not there for medical attention, which could only mean another summons. Ugh, what if that pervert, Lakan, wanted something for the morning-after-demon? Least Kan Lakan be Forgotten:
The rush of burn victims had slackened, and the business at hand was cleaning up and restocking supplies. Dr. Liu hardly looked up before he waved Mao to go. He had already borrowed En’en and Yao from their normal duties, and they were more than adequate for the routine work of boiling and rolling bandages.
Mao’s fellow physician’s assistants knew better than to pay attention to her leaving. Who would want to earn her or Dr. Liu’s ire? Except for one person, and even he kept his voice low to avoid the doctor’s attention. As she passed through the door, Tianyu said, “Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could call a personal attendant after a night of debauchery?” Word spread fast when someone bested Kan Kakan.
“Kill him,” she said to Steele.
“As you wish, M’Lady.”
The mercenary’s hand went to her sword, an unusually fine one, a gift from the Moon Prince for her part in rescuing Mao from The Mad Frank’s minions. The Mad Frank’s Dreams:
“Niang Niang!” Tianya responded, eyes wide.
“Don’t bother,” Mao told Steele. “I’ll do it myself later.”
Steele relaxed. “Come, the Prince wants you, something to do with a prisoner and a fish story.”
[Continued tomorrow]
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"Oh... so she's loyal! Good!"
https://piefed.social/c/grimdank/p/2148915/oh-so-she-s-loyal-good
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The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 14 Kan Lakan’s Dream
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 relegateThe carriage stopped outside the building. From the outside, it appeared abandoned. It was the kind of place where people who were down on their luck might shelter for the night. Only it wasn’t, and the locals knew it.
Kan Lakan looked out impassively and wiped a dew of fruit juice and rice cracker crumbs from his lips. His fingers drummed as he waited until a man emerged from the shadows, ran over, and bowed, keeping his eyes downcast, as was appropriate for a ruffian like him.
To Lakan, the man was just another faceless piece, so it made little difference. All he wanted was the man’s report. “Well?” he asked.
“Soldiers came last night and broke in, milord,” came a rough, apologetic reply.
“The woman? Was she all right?”
The man quaked at Lakan’s tone and burning eyes.
“They carried her out. Alive, I think.”
The lord relaxed. He should have been the one to rescue his daughter. She would surely have looked more favorably on him if he had.
Upon hearing that his daughter was safe, the fire in his eyes died, replaced by a look of contemplation. Unforeseen events were always part of a game. He was confident that he would win in the long run. Yes, he thought. His birthday was coming up, which would provide an opening.
“The Frank escape, milord. Your orders?”
Lakan made no reply. The ruffian has ceased to exist in his world.
As for The Mad Frank, he was a piece #relegated to the backboard until he was useful again. But as I said, that is a story for another day.
[FINIS]
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The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 13 Auntie Chue’s Head Part 2
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 ResignThe Moon Prince laid down his quill with a sigh. “You’re not looking good, Maomao.”
"You should talk, Milord. You're the one who called me here. When I arrived, I found you had disregarded my advice and were working. Please inform your attendants that I am not to blame if you die.”
Oh well, it was hard to respect someone, no matter their rank or beauty, if they refused to take care of themselves.
A wan smile appeared on his face. “I did indeed call you here. Your sage words are badly needed.” He glanced at his attendants as if to say, “See? Let me rest.”
His attention returned to Mao just long enough to offer the excuse, “I had to see for myself that you had survived,” before turning to Chue.
He touched a paper with a finger, saying, “I read your report. Anything new to add?”
Chue bowed, pressing her forehead against the floor. “Mighty lord, Miss Chue is sorry. She failed to guard the gem of your eye and offers her head in payment.”
A frown touched Mao’s usually stoic face, and she prepared to plead for Chue’s life. “She’s a pain, but better than ‘Steel.’” She looked sideways at the mercenary who had rescued her. To Mao’s disappointment, she looked as healthy as ever.
The Moon Prince waved his hand in negation. “You did what you could. We would hate to lose such a valuable servant. Besides, We wouldn’t want to deny Maomao a dear friend.”
Mao’s frown grew wider. She might be a little fond of Miss Chue, like a bothersome auntie, but calling her a friend was taking things too far.
“Any fresh news?” Jinshi pressed.
“The Shaoh and Mad Frank have disappeared, somewhere to the north,” Chue said. “The Shaoh were seen crossing the border, but The Frank wasn't with them, so I believe he's still in hiding. When Miss Maomao is well again, I would like her to search the hideout for clues.” All trace of humility from her earlier confession of guilt had vanished.
“Take Böktemür,” the prince said, looking at the guard Mao had nicknamed Steel. “I don’t want her kidnapped again. The mercenary has proven herself to be a competent soldier and guard. And she's one of the few people who can keep Mao in line.”
Mao rolled her eyes. Now she needed to deal with both “Auntie Chue” and Steel.
But that is another story.
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The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 13 Auntie Chue’s Head Part 1
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 ResignMao had #resigned herself to being carried to the palace on a litter, less so that Steel and Miss Chue stood guard on either side of the procession. She wondered why things couldn't be handled more discreetly.
At least the litter was smoother than a coach would have been. Her headaches still came and went. Ginger and radish leaf tea, along with persimmon cakes, helped with the nausea. A coach would have been pure torture.
It was a relief when they arrived at the palace and were ushered into Jinshi’s office.
Mao sighed. Inspecting the prince confirmed her fears. “Pale. Low yang. He’s been working despite what I told him. Recovering from being poisoned isn't simple.”
The paperwork in question was stacked in front of the Moon Prince. It was way too much for a healthy man, and Jinshi was hardly that. “Just let someone else deal with that paperwork,” she thought.
If she had been alone, she would have just said it, but with witnesses present, she needed to present a veneer of respect.
The events of the last few months had been trying for both of them. First, Jinshi survived an assassination attempt by a hair’s breadth, and now Mao was recovering from a head injury.
Her assumption that she had been called to the palace to care for his wound was dispelled when he didn’t send the attendants away. Perhaps they had captured The Mad Frank. But if that were the case, why not just send a message?
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The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 12 Blood, Wine, and Steel
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 BreadChue watched as Mao entered a room with a low table containing the remains of a meal and scattered flasks. There were no screens, curtains, or furniture in the room large enough to hide behind. Besides the table and a few cushions, the only outstanding feature was a painting in the style of the crucifixion depicted in their cell. This one was of a chalice brimming with light. Over it, the artist had written in sanguine letters, “As #bread and wine, share my flesh.”
“More like ‘blood and wine,’” Chue muttered eyeing the crimson runes.
With the sound of fighting so close, Chue decided they didn’t have time to find a better hiding spot. She moved into the shadows just inside the room’s door, where she could ambush anyone trying to enter.
“Pile the cushions in the corner. Hide in them,” she said, glancing at Mao, who was staring at the table.
Chue returned her focus to the passageway only to have it snap back to the apothecary when she heard Mao say to herself, “You’re a fool, but this is what I have to do.”
Mao bent, picked up a knife from the table, and turned toward the door. Her face was flushed with fever, but the look of grim determination stopped Chue from clicking her tongue.
“Don’t waste your time. I’ve decided,” Mao told her. The resolve in her voice matched her expression.
“Then stand behind me and keep your fangs sharp. I’ll be the bear and you the serpent. Strike fast, sly, and deadly.”
The two fell silent as the sound of fighting died and running footsteps approached.
First, The Mad Frank sped past, a look of terror on his face, then a shadow of a man wielding a sword appeared, creeping along the hallway. The bearer paused, then sprang into the room, weapon raised. Chue barely had time to raise her club to block the blow. The shock of the sword meeting the parry ran through her arm. The blade sliced through the wood, leaving only a stump in her hand.
“Steel!” Mao gasped seeing her mercenary guard about to decapitate Chue.
“Chue, Mao,” the skirmisher responded, her sword stopping barely in time.
“How…” Mao began. Then, overcome by fever, she slumped to the floor.
“Followed The Mad Frank,” Steel replied. She smiled, winked, and picked Mao up like a sack of rice.
Chue smiled back, thinking, “If only the prince were so bold.”
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The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 11 Steel on Steel
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 PaceChue picked a random direction and set off, listening all the while for signs of danger. Hampered by Mao’s condition, the #pace was slow. Things didn’t improve when Mao gathered herself together and said, “I can walk on my own,” pushing Chue away.
Mao received a dubious look, but her rescuer stepped away. This freed her hand to wield the cudgel if necessary. Against a well-armed foe, it would be useless, but it was all she had.
After only a few steps, Chue halted. “Listen!”
At first, the sound of clashing metal was faint but grew louder as they listened. A scream sounded, followed by the sound of running feet that stopped moments later with another crash of steel on steel.
“Hide!” Chue said, pointing to a side room. “I’ll hold them off.”
Mao hesitated.
“The prince needs you, and the emperor needs the prince. Chue is nothing but a one-handed clown. Go!”
….
“Go! Don’t let Chue’s death be in vain!”
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The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 10 How the Bones Fell
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 litterSoon after, the last of the light disappeared, leaving the cell in darkness. Mao lay down to sleep, only to toss and turn with fever.
“I hear something,” Chue said after a while, and Mao roused herself with difficulty.
Chue moved to where she could ambush anyone entering the room, and Mao readied the blanket.
When the door opened, the two brothers stepped in, one carrying a torch. Chue had her cord around Cudgel’s neck before he knew what was happening. Mao was slower. She stumbled toward the second man and missed his head with the blanket. Instead, the torchlight vanished as the blanket enveloped it.
Mao’s opponent swung blindly, landing a glancing blow to her shoulder. Mao spun, fell, and dropped the blanket on the floor, where it lay smoking amid a #litter of dishes.
With one savage kick at Mao, her opponent turned to help his brother, who was desperately pulling at the tightly wound cord around his neck.
Mao grabbed at her attacker’s ankles only to be kicked aside again. She landed, face pressed against the blanket. She coughed, inhaling the smoke from the smoldering wool. The embers burned her cheek. Half-rising, she grabbed the torch and swung at her opponent.
The embers flared as they whistled through the air, and flames licked up through holes in the cloth.
The blow landed just below the man’s knee, and he staggered.
“Jese, bitch,” the man swore, kicking at her once more.
Behind him, his brother slumped soundlessly to the floor. Chue scooped up his cudgel. There was a sharp crack, and the second man toppled, joining his brother on the ground.
“Chue thinks we should go before someone else comes,” and with those words, she helped Mao to her feet.
Mao staggered, then reluctantly allowed Chue to help her move out into the hall.
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The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 9 Of Garrotes and Battle Plans
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Hinge #MastoPrompt MendMao eyed the garrote in Chue’s hand, then the cell, and finally Chue herself. Mao waited for her companion to explain.
“I’ll strangle the one with a cudgel while you throw the blanket over the other. Hold on to him and don’t let go. Everything #hinges on whether you can keep him busy until I've dealt with the first one. Can you do it?”
Instead of answering, Mao nodded and asked, “How long until they come back, and what if there are more than two?”
“Who knows how the bones will fall, but the moon hasn't turned its face from us yet.”
Mao clicked her tongue at the courtly language but said no more.
With the plan settled, the two waited. Mao held the blanket in her lap while Chue pretended to entertain her with the flags or to #mend the pennants. Each of them listened and watched the door, waiting.
The hours crawled by, and the light that crept through the boarded window dimmed. Mao had slumped, and her face had turned a sick green. Another one of Chue’s candies helped, but Mao’s hands still shook, and her eyes were dull. When Chue felt her forehead, it was hot, and her hair was damp with sweat.
“You should sleep,” Chue said.
Mao shook her head. “If they come, I need to be ready.”
“As you will, but only until there is no light. Then, go to sleep. I'll wake you if I hear anything.”
Mao nodded again. As much as she hated to admit it, sleep was the only reliable remedy for a head injury like hers. She would just have to hope there was no internal bleeding.
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The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 8 The Robe of Wonder
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 SpatMao scanned the small room, taking in the boarded window, the heavy door, and the image of the Crucifixion on the wall. Her gaze lingered on the latter for a moment, then she refocused on Chue.
“What do they want?” she asked.
“The Shaoh wish to make trouble, while The Mad Frank dreams he can use you to bring down fire and destruction upon Li.”
Mao lay back down, muttering. Chue couldn’t make out most of what she said, but picked out “wind in his head,” “apocalypse,” and “mushroom princess.” Then, with a sigh, Mao began breathing evenly, asleep.
When she awoke, she looked at Chue and said, “I’m glad you’re here. What are we going to do?” Her voice was uncharacteristically feeble, and Chue reproached herself once again for failing to protect the Prince’s favorite.
“First, eat and drink. You’ll need energy,” she said.
Mao looked at the cold, congealed millet and turned green. She pushed the bowl away but took a swig from the gourd, #spat, and then took another swallow. “Maybe I could eat something salty.” Nodding at the congee she said, “That would just make me sick.”
Reaching into her robes, Chue pulled out a golden crystal. "Honey candy. I was saving it for you." Her eyes fixed hungrily on it, but she handed it to Mao.
Mao put it in her mouth and then, speaking around it, said, “What else do you have?”
"They took most of my things, but they missed this." She pulled out her flags with a flourish, grabbed the far end of the braided silk cord, and snapped it as if wrapping it around something. It was a remarkable feat done with only one hand.
“Miss Chue has been practicing.”
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The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 7 Mao Dreams No More
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Boring #MastoPrompt VisitorBy the time Chue stirred, the simple millet congee prepared with ample, if common, vegetables had grown cold. It wasn’t prison slop. They evidently were going to treat their prisoners humanely.
She attempted to rouse Mao, who only groaned in response. To Chue’s relief, Mao’s eyes now reacted normally to light, and she drank a trickle of water poured into her mouth.
Having done everything she could to help the woman, Chue sat down and inventoried the items hidden in her robes: her flags, some candy, and a few coins. She unfurled the string of pennants and began playing with them to keep herself entertained, while thinking about how to use what she had found the next time she had #visitors.
When that grew #boring, she took a nap.
A groan from the bed woke her, and she was at Mao’s bedside in an instant.
Mao stared up in a daze, then asked, “What happened?”
“Chue thinks The Mad Frank kidnapped us. He’s been seen with Shaoh agents. The Shining Prince thought I should keep an eye on you. Chue has failed.”
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Least Kan Lakan be Forgotten: April Fools Edition 3 of 3
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Fool / #AprilFools #MastoPrompt Cruel #WordWeavers April Fools.Mao took a sip under Lakan's watchful gaze.
“What’s that?” he asked.
Clack!
“Is it good?”
Mao shot En'en a piercing look. “Come on, woman,” she thought. “Tell him.”
Clack!
Onsou leaned down and whispered, “It’s a scholar’s elixir.”
The relief Mao felt didn’t reach her face. Her ally had failed her, but the enemy had come to her rescue.
Lakan watched as she took another drink. “Can I try some?” he asked.
Mao hesitated, then pushed the juice toward her father, and finally beckoned to En’en.
When En’en leaned down, Mao said in a stage whisper, "Tell him he shouldn't drink that."
“That should placate Grams,” she thought. “I tried to warn him, as if the Freak would ever listen.”
En’en repeated, “She says not to drink that.”
“Anything my daughter can drink, I can,” Lakan said, taking a swallow. “Ahg! What’s in there?”
“Sweet flag, polygala, and ginseng,” Onsou said.
Lord Kan took another sip and made a sour face. “One more,” he said, taking a gulp, then stuffed a large handful of sugared walnuts into his mouth.
Clack… Clack… Clack…
“Lord?” Onsou said, frowning at his lord’s last move.
Clack!. Mao captured Lakan’s pieces, breaking his formation.
Lord Kan blinked, picked up a piece, and then set it down again. “I need to take a nap,” he said, his head sinking to the table.
“Then I am no longer needed,” Mao announced, rising.
Once they were out of the room, Yoa asked, “What happened?”
Mao smiled. “Onsou forgot to mention the alcohol from the ginseng tincture.”
#MicroFiction #TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #SliceOfLife #FathersDay
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Least Kan Lakan be Forgotten: April Fools Edition 2 of 3
#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Fool / #AprilFools #MastoPrompt Cruel #WordWeavers April Fools.The room looked much as it had in her recent dream. Courtesans lounged on pillows while Joka played the erhu, looking bored. The air was thick with the scent of high-quality incense. While not as expensive as the frankincense and myrrh in her dream, it was still too costly to waste on this guest. He probably didn't even notice it. There was no wine present either. At Verdigris House, it was well known that Lord Kan was allergic to alcohol; the slightest amount would render him comatose.
Mao wordlessly sat down at the Go board across from Lord Kan. Her father had already placed nine black stones on the board. Mao studied them as if they would reveal her opponent’s strategy rather than merely representing the handicap he had given her.
“Evening, daughter. I'm pleased you joined me,” Kan began.
.…
"As you can see, I have given you a full handicap. If you want more, you can rearrange them.”
With a sharp clack, Mao placed a black stone on the board.
Kan nibbled on a lotus seed cake, crumbs dropping onto the Go board. He silently placed a white piece on the board.
"The cakes are excellent. Would you like one?" Lakan offered.
Clack!
“Or some sugared walnuts?”
Clack!
This went on for minutes on end, with Lakan placing his stones and chattering at Mao. The only response he received was the irritable sound of Mao placing her pieces.
This went on until the lord captured his first group of Mao’s pieces.
“This won’t do,” Mao muttered. She looked at En’en. “My drink.”
#MicroFiction #TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #SliceOfLife #FathersDay
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ok hopefully i’m doing this right… #introduction i’m arkady. it’s true i am. i like to babble incessantly about:
✞ #anime (currently watching #naruto ) (fuck i love #deidara ) (also love #demonslayer #hxh #blackbutler and more!!)
✞ #music ( #industrial #ebm #powerelectronics #goth #emo )
✞ #reading
✞ #writing
✞ #vampires
✞ #fanfic
✞ #gaming (currently playing sensuki, also love #danganronpa #yttd #hundredline #yakuza )
✞ #animefigures
✞ #horrorthat’s it i think. can we please be friends
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After 3 years, I am FINALLY RETURNING TO CROSSING SWORDS with a bit of a short chapter. I am committed to working on it again!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/28333968/chapters/182851556
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fandom and fanfiction themed stickers I made some time ago (I even added a yuri fish since taking these photos).
but tell me: what's your favourite red x blue ship? ❤️💙 👀#fandom #fedifandom #fanfiction #fanfic #fanfictrope #fanart #shipping #bl #artistsonmastodon #mastoart #sticker #passtheyaoi
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⚪ The White Beyond ⚪
it's winter at the South Pole and Xue Yang is not the scariest thing in this research station
written for the 2024 #SongXueXiaoExchange
rated E, 13k words, read the tags
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100 ships challenge, prompt 25, thistle:
good sir, that IS a demon
https://archiveofourown.org/works/61256824
Lan Jingyi & Little Apple
"When Hanguang-jun takes off with the crazy man, the juniors are left with dealing with the consequences. As in the demon. No, it’s not a donkey, no matter what Sizhui says."
#100ShipsChallenge #fanfic #cql #TheUntamed #LanJingyi #LittleApple
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CW: Fanfic recs, Leverage
The Knit One Purl One Job https://archiveofourown.org/works/22152193
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CW: Fanfic recs, Stargate atlantis, SGA
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CW: Fanfic recs, Stargate atlantis, SGA
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CW: Fanfic recs, Stargate atlantis, SGA
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CW: Fanfic recs, Stargate atlantis, SGA, Highly recommended!
Raccoon-verse
The pictures are adorable, and the fic that goes with them (last part) is beyond fluffy. https://archiveofourown.org/series/380884
#sga #fluff #stargateAtlantis #ficrecs #HighlyRecommended #fanfiction #ao3 #fanfic
