In this thing alone

I’m an auditorium with no one in the seats

I’m the speaker on the stage with no one to listen

No one there to hear what i have to say

No one there to care

But then again… why should they

Why should they have to sit in those empty seats

Just to get to know me

Sure i got a crew but that shit don’t matter to you

No one cares what i’m going through

All that matters to them is the scoop

The news, the gossip

I’m in this thing alone like i always have been

But maybe i need some one to chime in and maybe i need someone to step in line and ask me whats going on

Are you ok

Is everything alright

Maybe i need someone to fill in the seats in my empty auditorium maybe I need to know i'm not alone. Maybe I need someone to speak up and help me. Maybe I need someone to understand.

To understand me understand the things i’m going through

I feel like a fish drowning in water

Drowning in sorrow and regret

No one to save me

Or grab me out this miserable sea of tears

I’ll just keep drifting and drifting until i  drift so far away

i completely vanish from existence

But maybe i want to vanish

Maybe its the best thing to do

Like and comment!

Thanks for reading! <3

“As the hours pass and the ashes fall, the storm fades and leaves you now, what remains- an ever mess, that life is gone, forever more.”

A figure drowned in shades of gray pressed forward in the midst of a black abyss, their coat tails streaming behind them with each and every step, darkness pressing outward from within and advancing their state. In the light their figure would illuminate a brilliant white, utterly spotless, with only the blackness engulfing their form present- short their face. Half of their face was visible, the hood and shadow cast by their cloak of gray shrouding the top portion above the nostrils. Only a partial scowl visible protruding on pale skin, a lip curled down protruding an air of disgust in the form of their frown.

Their steps echoed, metallic with each clunk, echoing off of iron walls. A glimmer of brown hair, or perhaps a very dark dirty blond, swaying around and over their cheeks. Lights up above continued to flicker, old and rusted warehouse overhang lights. Bulbs cracked, some dimmer than dim and even a little reddish. It was a hallway they prowled forward through, gliding like a serpent through the corridor in light and dark.

As the figure rounded a turn the fabric of their cloak flapped, a gloved hand raising up and wielding a mask. A mask, blank in expression, and overall relatively dull. The only features of true note- a black and white star upon the forehead, surrounded in a red and magenta painted flame. And then the scar over the right eye, diagonal right across, carved into the mask rather than being painted like the flame.

The mask was placed to their face, the hood pushed back ever so revealing their masked face entirely now. The hair, shown again in the light, now silvery white- a lone sapphire blue right eye somewhat aglow beneath that mask and very much visible. And as the lights went out yet again their form would be mostly obscured, short of part of their wardrobe, and the entirety of that mask which remained visible even in the darkness itself.

The end of the hall neared, evident by the creaking of metal and a door opening, shining a dim light upon the now-masked entity. Their steps changed, no longer thudding echoes, instead clanking as they stepped out upon a catwalk one and then two. The hatch open and to their right. Around them, several identical individuals of white hair, blue eyes the same as the figure’s right, though all of them were cloaked in black robes with red stars etched upon the shoulders, chest, and back.

Rain pounded the metal sheet roof of the outside, cascading echoes sent in. This figure themself bore a white cloak, patterned with a different symbol entirely- almost appearing to be an eye with tendrils. Their head tilted forward and their gaze moved outwards, off of the catwalk. The entire surrounding room was nothing more than a rusted worn down factory. Equipment in disrepair lay all around, broken glass scattered across the floor, ceiling panels dead upon the ground; though that is not what this figure was taking in.

Down on the factory floor before them were several more in black. Unlike the multiple lookalikes standing with the masked figure, those on the floor were all somewhat custom. One man, dressed as a gentleman with a cloak draped around their shoulders, appearing rather elderly with long gray hair. Another, a woman of blood red hair, dressed in a skintight black jumpsuit with a shortcut black jacket over top and black shorts, the former of which held red stars over each of her shoulders. And then in the middle a man in a black long coat decked with silver fur wherever the fabric ended, patterned with the dark red stars.

The last man with a lone left amber-colored eye, stared up at the masked figure. This man’s expression was particularly sour, scowling- his wavy brown hair covering one eye and casting shadow over the other. Behind them, several dozen SWAT-dressed people in nothing but black, the same red star patterned across their chests front and center. The masked figure’s eye narrowed into a fine almost-glaring glare. Water dripped through the broken roof above, streams of it dripping down and pooling as puddles on the factory floor.

“Leon,” they spoke, a relatively hoarse and distorted, deep-pitched masculine voice, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“You know damn well what this is about Cylux- your little alliance with that bastard Arkaza. When did you think it appropriate to tell us, eh?!” Leon spat, his tone full of rage.

“Ah, so you’ve come all of this way just to discuss that,” the masked figure replied.

“Heh, ‘discuss’ he says, yeah we can go with that,” the woman chuckled to herself.

Leon then stepped forward, his right arm shot out, pointer finger pointing straight at Cylux, the look of total and excessive rage looming, “Your use of Arkaza, and the very essence of what you did with Azala, it is sickening. The Hive will no longer require your services as a result of your actions… and… because we can not allow for a loose end to continue lingering, we’re here to ensure that no threats befall us in the near future.”

“Hoh?” Cylux replied, unmoved, “So you’ve come all this way just to kill me? So I see; though I would very much implore you to reconsider your position here, Leon Sycamore. Do not forget that this is not yourplaying field, you’ve entered the unknown that is my dwelling.”

At once, all eight of the lookalikes stepped forward, their hair covering their eyes as they stopped at the edge of the catwalk, overlooking the Dharkanians below. The SWATs backed up a touch while the woman and the older man stepped forward, side by side with their leader, the leader of whom was now scanning the lookalikes- “Art of Dancing Shadows eh?”

“Considering your aim moving forward… anything you seek to accomplish here will not be without cost. Are you in a position to proceed with such risk that may compromise your grand plan? I would reconsider this one, old friend.”

“Nrrgh… Cortez, Tori, with me. Our combined might will be more than enough. Look alive!”

Without another word, all three shot high into the air, all with single leaps, all jetting ahead, all aimed right at the bodies and Cylux. And as they closed in the eight did not waiver, nor did Cylux, whose head simply lowered, their narrowed gaze turned into a glare. At once all of the lookalikes dropped low, their right hands touching the walk- and then BAM, out they flew, leaving the masked figure behind who simply gazed out. The three and the eight, launching for one another, not another word spoken in that moment short of the thoughts racing in their heads.

“Conflict in life is inevitable. The fire is fanned by our interactions with the world. From the flames we rise anew. We are grown by it, shaped by it, guided by it. A world of peace will never be an option- for if it were, we as humans would no longer evolve as people. Though when a fire grows out of control and ravages the lands, it falls to the cosmos or individuals to fight back those flames before they consume everything. With the fates holding out, it leaves only the latter, and for someone to move forward to answer the call.”

hey this is my 1st ever blog (but who rlly cares?). my name's Cameron, I write stuff, I'm pansexual. my BFF died last year. I don't have a lot to say. I guess I'm just doing this cos there's not much else to do except stare at the ceiling. tell me, someone, have you ever thought about madness? Like, will I know when I go crazy? I guess that's what this is. I lost all my friends, my family disowned me, I don't have pets anymore. there's no one to talk to, so I'm doing this.I'm finding a way to amuse myself while I wonder how crazy I am.Well, that's a fun thought. I'm serious though.gtg but if you read this, pls comment and...yeah. bye

On the day of the eclipse is the best day for a witch's spell. For those four minutes of total darkness. Magic goes nuts. Well, that’s what Rose knows from what her mother told her. Now Rose is working on her own ritual, she really hopes it will work. On the day of the eclipse Rose sets everything up and starts the spell. But something goes wrong, the spell didn’t work. She went to her mom crying about and her mom explained it has to be when it’s totally eclipsed. Rose’s mom carries Rose back to the ritual room and tries the spell when the sun is covered. This time it works Rose is over the moon that it works. Spell she was working on is a spell where you can see a rainbow at night. She’s so happy it finally worked. Roses mother is very proud of her too. The end.

On a halloween night, just as every year, the five friends went to Richie’s house, the richest guy in town.  He has haunted themed mansions (yes, plural), plushies and full size candy bars for trick or treat, and fantastic, authentic decorations. Akya, Dalla, Wollip, and Emolk love to go to the haunted mansion on  990 Person Ave. , owned by Richie. But this time, like any story ever written, something happened色

They walked inside the dark and mysterious mansion. As I said, maybe you're wondering, there ARE five friends, but Vicky hates scary things, she’s not quite enthusiastic about it. Still, all of them started their journey to each door they meet just as clock strikes 8.

As they meet the very first door, claw marks were scratched on the door along with blood dripping and seeping through the door to the long red carpet on the hallway. Without hesitation though, Dalla opened the door. “Ah!!!” yelled Vicky as a large werewolf model showed its face from the ceiling. Except for her though, everybody just calmly walked inside to explore. “How fake can this year’s decoration be?!” complained Emolk.

For the rest of the night, the five friends went door by door as they proceeded along the red carpets with blood marks, scary eyes, and weird creaking sounds from the floor boards. Finally there was the last door, it was already half past 9. “It looks like it’s just a storage room without anything” said Dalla. Still, Akya opened the door with curiosity. What the door lead to was no storage room, instead, it was a dark black corridor with dim lamp-styled lights on the side. “This feels weird” said Wollip. Even so, the unusualness of this new discovery didn’t scare them away but made them want to explore deeper.

The first door they meet, it was covered with glossy black paint and intricate carvings of ravens, flowers, and other patterns. Emolk opened the door, what he saw was creepy mechanic dolls. He walked inside and the door went SLAM! There was no turning back, the door was locked so Emolk just walked around the room. He felt there was something looking at him, planning something, but when he quickly turned, there was only a mechanical animal, probably from an abandoned park. Gradually though, Emolk realized all the mechanic dolls had a red glow in their eyes in turns. Then, all of a sudden, all of the mechanic dolls started to move. “Mommy! Mommy!” said one of the dolls, but all of their voices became distorted and their eyes glowed with an eerie red. Some exploded with a high pitched sound while others bit on to Emolk, twisting and ripping his flesh piece by piece, until his body was only ashes with the explosion fires. Emolk yelled in pain, but nobody could hear.

That was it, gone.

TO BE CONTINUED……

The Ivoree Gates Autumnal Social.

Tawny never fared well with dances, Sadie Hawkins-style or otherwise. Back at her old school she'd usually go with her best friend Ally, and together they would play wallflower for the entire event.

Tawny scrutinized herself in the mirror as she brushed her teeth in the communal bathroom. The only boy she ever talked to at Ivoree Gates was Dylan, and he was already taken by Evil Elaine.

Not that she'd ever want to go with the arrogant rich boy! Still...

Maddie had mentioned that the teachers were usually present as chaperones. Professor McCurdy was one of the usual subjects.

I wonder if he would make an appearance, mused Tawny. I bet he'd look so good in semi-formal wear...

Tawny spit into the bathroom sink and resumed her evening bedtime routine.

When Tawny returned to her room, Maddie was in bed, reading a novel.

Tawny was about to get into her own bed when a stroke of genius consumed her. "I'll do it."

"Do what?" Maddie said, still engrossed in her book.

"I'll go with you to the Ivoree Gates Autumnal Social."

Maddie put the book down, staring straight ahead, but saying nothing.

"What?" said Tawny. "Say something. That's allowed, right?"

"I don't know," said Maddie, looking over and suppressing a grin. "I've never been asked by another girl before.

"I don't think it would be a big deal," mused Tawny. "You've never had a plus-one, and I'm practically enemy number one at this school. I just figured if we both had each other's back on this, we could at least have a good time."

Maddie nodded slowly for a few seconds, then slapped her fist into her palm.

"You know what? When you're right, you're right."

"Eh, what can I say," said Tawny. "I'm just full of good ideas."

"It's settled then - you'll be my date for the Autumnal Social. That means we have to spend tomorrow shopping for dresses. I hope you're up for it?"

"Sure," said Tawny. I'm ready for anything."

---

What Tawny wasn't prepared for, however, was a literal day of hopping from expensive boutique to expensive boutique.

While she and Maddie were friends, it totally slipped her mind that Maddie, while not as popular as some of the kids from Ivoree Gates, was still just as loaded as her peers.

Which was why Tawny was shocked when a high-class luxury SUV pulled up in front of their dormitory and dropped them off in front of the first luxury boutique.

Tawny had heard of "white glove service", but she had never experienced it first-hand. The second they walked into the store, they were greeted by an impeccably dressed woman in high heels who offered them tea and coffee.

They were then ushered into the fitting room section as the staff brought them an assortment of gorgeous gowns. To Tawny, it almost felt like she was picking out her wedding dress with a friend.

Hope I don't turn into a bridezilla...she mused to herself.

When they couldn't find what they were looking for at the first boutique, they hopped to the next, and then the next. One of the boutiques even offered them a glass of champagne, not realizing their age.

Tawny was surprised to see Maddie down her flute in one swift gulp. She tried to do the same with her own drink, but the first bubbly sip burned her throat and she would have no more.

They started their excursion by morning; by evening Tawny and Maddie were laughing as they ascended the steps back to their dormitory, expensive bags in tow.

Both girls practically collapsed on their beds when they arrived in their room.

"I guess that's what they mean by shop till you drop," said Tawny.

"I don't always indulge in the retail therapy thing, but I think we both kinda needed it," said Maddie. "Thanks for giving me an excuse."

"Thanks for footing the bill," said Tawny. Her first instinct was that of immediate horror when she first glanced at the price tags on one of the gowns - she swore she saw one dress that was the price of a down payment on the house.

But when Maddie said those magical 3 words, "It's on me", all her apprehension about the day flew out the window.

The good feelings carried over into the next school day. Tawny and Maddie had a bit more pep in their step as they descended the halls, knowing that they were going to disrupt the Autumn Social in style, together.

You know, I think I'm finally finding my way, thought Tawny, as she went to her locker to retrieve her books. There's nothing this school can throw my way that I can't handle.

A-hem.

Tawny turned around; standing behind her were the Evil 3 - Elaine, Elizabeth, and Violet.

Elaine was smiling her usual haughty grin.

"What is it?" asked Tawny.

"Oh nothing..." said Elaine. "I was just wondering if McCurdy would agree."

"Agree with what?" asked Tawny, who was confused, until Elaine materialized a crumpled piece of paper in her hand.

"That he's so damn fine?"

OH. MY. GOD.

Adrian was on business trip after whatever happened and how he behaved with her he just felt that he could use this opportunity to go on a business trip but inner information was that he was just embarrassed to face her when he was traveling around he met a person  with brown hair, clean shaved fair skin brown eyes and oval face he was really handsome who could attract as many girls he wanted to, he  soon became a really good friend of Adrian his name was Zen Mallick"So you do business investment ""Ya because I like to explore world and I am currently looking in NYC for an business investment do recommend me if you have some in your mind""Of course I can infact why Don't you invest in Rains Corporation its my company it will be win win situation for both of us""OK, I think I can use this opportunity"He smiled at him"Sia get things prepare in NYC Mr. Mallick will invest on our company""OK sir" she replied"So now I m already investing on your business tell me about yourself like how many girlfriend you have in NYC "Those word's from Zens mouth gave a wave of flashback in his mind which he was trying to avoid from a very long time"I don't have any girlfriend's in NYC but yaa I am getting married to a girl I don't like at all , you know she always smiles even if you are taunting her or saying things in a sarcastic way and she pretended to be ugly before me just because she didn't wanted any problem do I create problem, no I don't know why she did that and whenever I try to ask her , it's my personal life Mr. Rains that's what she says , I really just can't tolerate her and recently I got to know that she frequently have dinner with my best friend what does that mean she is my fiance she should have some etiquette and for God sake my name is connected with her she have to understand but she said , it's my personal life Mr. Rains I am just tired of her""Ohh Ohh hold on my friend you are describing her like that I have a feeling that you are deeply in love with her and its nice btw that ugly pretended part were you serious like how a girl can do that it's insane and by listening to you I want to meet her like rn"

" She is not your type""I will decide that after meeting her, and stop getting jealous you nerd I won't interfere in your so called hateful relationship" he giggled by saying"I didn't say that, it's just so annoying to me and I hate her with my whole heart""Whatever"

On the other hand Lisa got called from Sia that she need to prepare all the documents because someone is investing on there company, though she didn't know who was investing name will be filled on the spot so she need to wait for 2 hours

***

Adrian and zen reached NYC Jessa went airport to pick them up when she saw Adrian she ran and hugged him, Adrian jerked"What are you doing?""Just hugging you baby, I missed you so much"Zen coughed so both of them turned to him"So she is the fiance you mentioned adrian""Fiance??" Jessa looked at Adrian with questioning face"......." Adrian didn't said anything"I am not his fiance but will become later, I am his girlfriend Jessa Williams""It's seems I had heard your name before Ms Willams""Yaa I am CEO of tiara, you must have heard it, its an cosmetics startup now its quiet famous""Ohh! Nice to meet you, Iam Zen Mallick I invest in companies and also the founder of ZM ""Nice to meet you to Mr. Mallick""I am going to company you may leave now" said Adrian"I will go company with you darling""BTW when you guys are getting married, Adrian mentioned you as his fiance if you guys tell me then I can longer my stay at NYC"Adrian gave no look"I am glad he mentioned me as his fiance, but when he will officially propose me I will immediately will get married to him" she said happily"OK! Now we may leave its getting late" said AdrianZen noddedTwo of them reached company  forcing tantrum Adrian convinced Jessa to leave when they reached sia took them to meeting room where Lisa was arranging everything when the door of Meeting room opened , Lisa saw the investor Aswell Zen saw Lisa they both ran to each other and hugged each other tightly when Adrian saw that he was shocked as well as an unknown inner anger was developing inside him, after a while Lisa and Zen splitter"You look so so beautiful, ig my company and contact help you a lot these years " Zen commented by smiling"Ohh just shut up you pervert, I am just changing and I like the fact that you came back let's have dinner together today Riana will be mad after seeing you this handsome and successful""Ya let's go together"Adrian coughed" I didn't know Mr. Mallick you knew my secretary from before""Ohh she is my best friend and if I knew beforehand I should have invested long ago to spend time with my bff"He said by seeing her" what ever , let's head to work, Ms. Johnson you may leave now Sia will take over the meeting""But Mr. Rains sia told me that I was the one handling this meeting""So what I am saying sia will volunteer and that is my final decision, you may leave now thankyou""Okay Mr. Rains"She was leaving when zen stopped her"Let's meet for dinner""Ahh Ms. Johnson I forgot to tell you, you are working overtime tonight"She glanced at Adrian"Sure sir" with smile on her face Lisa saidWhen both Adrian and Zen done with the meeting"So how you know her""She is my childhood best friend, why did you asked btw why your girlfriend doesn't know that she is your fiance and tbh her personality is completely different from what you described""It's different because she is not my fiance""What do you mean?, please elaborate""Actually she is my ex girlfriend who still not moved on so she still behave like my girlfriend but as because she is good Nature girl I don't want to hurt her,I will  tell her about my fiance""So who is your Fiance?""Your best friend and my rival Ms. Lisa Johnson ""Are you serious, I have to talk to Lisa its not done" saying this he left Adrian was still confused Zen directly entered Lisa's cabin and said"Are you getting married to Adrian?"She was shocked but she admitted the fate and told him everything they were still on the cabin he was seated before him"If you don't like him you should not marry him""It's not in My hand father has no other option and I am really worried about his health""Are you agreeing to do marriage""There is no choice ""There is still one option left ""What?""A contractual marriage, if you do a contractual marriage of 1 year it will be easier for both of you and I can still have chance on you" he said by winking his eye"It seems reasonable for me let me think about it""Do it women, its a brilliant idea now I may leave either your boss will kill me for wasting his secretary's time""Okay bff thanks for your great idea"He leftLisa thought deeply about the things Zen told

Later Lisa walked towards Adrian's office she knocked"Come in "She entered"Mr. Rains these are the documents you have to sign "He took the files"Mr. Rains there is something I want to discuss with you""Go ahead, bubu"Ignoring him she continued"Let's do a contractual marriage of 1 year, this will fulfill our parents wish and our company will make profit too"He got up from his seat walked towards her grabbed her by her waist and pulled her to his torso "how you cameup with this idea, it's not bad at all  and I won't die in this one year hope so let's talk to our parents""You agreed to me Mr. Rains" she asked by making a questioning face"Yes I agreed to you bubu , let's marry early so that we can divorce early"She nodded

My head feels foggy, and my body aches as my eyes flicker open to the bright lighting of the room. I half expect to hear beeping or bustle coming from outside the room, but alas, nothing but silence meets my ears. Pausing for a moment as I look around, I can't help but wonder where I am. I try to remember, but I'm met with a pounding ache in my head. I'm in no hospital room; it appears like a normal bedroom. Among the walls are pictures littered with memories of people I don't know; a desk sits centered with the bed I lay upon; it too has memories; and a laptop sits idle. I half attempt to get out of bed, taking note of the bed set that matches everything from the sheets to the pillows. Eventually, I stumble my way around the messy house filled with strangers memories and find the bathroom. I splash cold water on my face again and again until I sink to the floor and cry. The memories come flooding back—the screaming, the fighting, the breakup, and then the drinking. This is no strangers house; it was mine and theirs. A love once rooted so deep has now left me with an empty chest. As I let out a scream one thought bounced inside my pounding head.

I wish the hangover amnesia had lasted just a bit longer.

--Written for a contest--

Chapter 1: "The Call of Duty"

The city never slept, and neither did they. Alex and Maya, partners in both crime scene cleanup and forensic investigation, stood outside the imposing warehouse, its shadow casting a foreboding presence on the dimly lit street. The flickering lights of emergency vehicles painted the scene in hues of red and blue, a stark contrast to the darkness that enveloped the night. "We've got a 10-55, Alex. Multiple casualties," Maya said, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. Alex nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Let's suit up and get in there. We can't afford to waste any time." With practiced efficiency, they donned their protective gear, masks obscuring their faces as they prepared to enter the scene of yet another tragedy. The air was heavy with anticipation, the weight of the unknown pressing down upon them like a suffocating blanket. Inside, the scene was chaotic. Flashing lights illuminated the grim tableau of violence, blood staining the floor in a macabre mosaic. The stench of death hung thick in the air, a nauseating reminder of the horrors that had unfolded within these walls. Their task was twofold: clean up the aftermath of the carnage and ensure that no unauthorized individuals contaminated the evidence. With gloved hands and meticulous attention to detail, they set to work, each movement deliberate and purposeful. As they worked, meticulously collecting samples and cataloging evidence, a disturbance at the perimeter caught their attention. A group of shadowy figures attempted to breach the police cordon, their intentions clear. Without hesitation, Alex and Maya sprang into action, intercepting the intruders before they could compromise the integrity of the crime scene. "Back off! This is an active investigation," Alex commanded, his voice brooking no argument. The intruders faltered, confronted by the steely resolve in Alex's gaze and the unwavering determination of Maya at his side. Reluctantly, they retreated into the night, their plans thwarted by the vigilant guardians of justice. As the first light of dawn broke over the city, Alex and Maya surveyed the scene one final time. Amidst the chaos, they discovered the victims—a tragic tableau of lives cut short by violence. The body of a young woman lay sprawled on the ground, her lifeless eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. Beside her, a man slumped against a wall, a single gunshot wound to the chest marking the abrupt end of his existence. "It's senseless, Alex. Every time we come to these scenes, it's just senseless," Maya said, her voice heavy with sorrow. "I know, Maya. But this is why we do what we do. To bring closure to the families, to seek justice for the victims," Alex replied, his tone equally solemn. Maya sighed, her shoulders sagging beneath the weight of their shared burden. "I just wish there was more we could do. More we could change." "We can't change what's already happened," Alex said, his voice firm. "But we can make sure those responsible are held accountable. And maybe, just maybe, we can prevent it from happening again." After looking at the crime scene, Maya and Alex start to clean up and put their belongings inside a box. As they closed the boxes, Maya asked Alex " Hey, Alex. What were their names again?"   " I think it was Mark and Annie?"  Alex replied. Maya, after Alex gave her their names, started to write on the box, Alex notices what Maya was doing and asked her what she was doing, Maya replied "Well, I was thinking that we should write their names on the box of their belongings, just for the remembrance for their family, give em one last gift, y'know?"  Alex nods and begins to write the couple's names on the box and cleaned up the mess inside the apartment and left. They brought the small boxes and placed in on the shelf as they drove to the funeral home. As they arrived, they open the back of the van and get the boxes from the shelves. After they take out the boxes, they open the door of the funeral home and greet the grieving families, they pay their respects to the fallen and gave the families the boxes of belongings from their children. As they hear the sorrows from both families, the two cleaners couldn't help but feel bad about the situation they're in. They enter the van then drive to their house. As they were driving, Maya was sitting in the passenger seat, feeling all down because of what happened earlier. Alex then tries to comfort her and focuses on driving, but then, something bad happened, the tires of their van were punctured! Alex and Maya were confused and proceeds to get out of the vehicle, as they exit the van, they see a group of shadowy figures, as they squint their eyes, they saw the people from the crime scene earlier! Both of them were filled with anger, because of what they did to the couple and what they did to their vehicle. Alex confronts them and says " Just couldn't go quiet huh?"  The criminals laugh at them and said "Why would we? We got caught by you people, we know that you're gonna report to the police, but I think you already know that we're not gonna let you go."  Alex, getting filled with more anger, said " Try us, you already did enough damage, you bastards."  As the criminals hear what he said, they continue laughing, but as they were making fun of the two cleaners, Maya grabs a gun from her pocket and shot one of the criminals, the criminals stop laughing and opens the back of their vehicle, grabbing guns. The two ran and entered their van, opening up a compartment from underneath the shelves of their equipment and continues to grab a shotgun and a single sticky grenade. As they went outside, Maya threw a sticky grenade from under their car and slid it under the engine of the vehicle of the criminals. Some of their henchmen get affected by the explosion and lays down on the street, losing a couple of limbs. The criminals continue to shoot at Maya but they forgot about one person, Alex, who grabbed the shotgun, began to shoot numerous criminal henchmen and runs to them and pulls out a sticky grenade and begins to stick 4 of them all at once, Alex laughs and presses a button that would detonate all of the grenades. They kill every single one of them and calls the police. The two of them proceeds to give a report to the officers before arriving at their home. The two cleaners rest up and prepares for another day of crime scene cleaning.

End of Chapter 1.

The crack in the wall caught Milo’s attention as he felt the cold, rough pattern against his hand. It was early in the morning, the only sound that could be heard was his light breathing as he took in his environment yet again. Despite growing up within his enclosed room – he has never felt so safe before. The rooting wood floor that creaked with each step soon became his favorite pastime. Milo knew he needed to make a dent in the wall if he genuinely wanted to live, but the young man found comfort in his own space. Soon, time passed by – as it always does. People kept moving about in their daily lives, making friends, meeting their loved ones – time passed by for them. Yet for Milo, who sat in his room all day, time meant nothing. It got harder and harder for the teen to figure out what was reality and what was fiction – his mind playing games with him as he stared up at the ceiling, enjoying the soft fabric that his bed provided for him. The walls seemed to close in, however Milo found more comfort in this. Despite his mind screaming at him to get up, he lies in bed as more time passed. Seconds become minutes, minutes became hours, hours turned into days, and days, – turned into months. Milo resembled that of a rotting corpse, his dirty skin sticking into the bed like a parasite would to its host. The walls seemed to have gotten closer, so close that Milo could feel the pressure of the four frames against his bed. Yet the young male still didn’t have a desire to move. All the motivation, the desires that his classmates have – Milo never got. So, he stayed in his room during that past year, his body making a permanent dent into his mattress as the teenager couldn’t be at more peace with himself. As he closed his eyes one last time and felt the walls enclosed on his frail body.

Black engulfed her vision. Not the pure void accompanied by sleep or a starless night sky. Something more akin to that of soot having a subtle undertone to it. A comforting softness.

The regular moan of wood was drowned by a much sharper version of the sound.

She lifted her snout, tongue swiping over lips and dangerously sharp, serrated teeth. Storm gray sought out the tiny flecks of startling yellow in the sea of darkness. Thanks to her size, the female slithered closer to that color in no time. A pair with vast differences, one a shark resembling skaelka and the other a cat resembling catteel, but both humanoid enough to be called ‘women’.

The smaller, soot-skinned, catteel gave a full body stretch as she openly declared to the cargo-hold, “Sweet Kalica! That was just what I needed!”

The first maintained a tight little frown despite feeling perfectly content and supplying a velvety, “Always my pleasure.” The words were met with the low rumble of a purr from her partner before she added snark. “The men could stand to care about your end more.”

“O~h, I could make them… but… I like the way you do it best.” Dainty fingers walked up the barely blue-tinted gray of rough skin. “We have that little… something extra, don’tcha think? My precious Scarra?” A fuzzy tail flicked the end of stubby snout then she was being flashed teeth near as sharp as her own in a self-humored grin.

‘Scarra’ sighed, “I’m still not sure how I feel about that nickname…” It made her think of the word scary or scarred.

“I could call you Letty instead?” That was definitively worse.

The larger nearly crushed the smaller to her chest to growl in a pointed ear, “Only if you want me to start calling you my little Nee-nee.”

“Eeeeew! Don’t call me thaaaat!” It came out especially squeaky and unfazed by the show of bravado. “Knees have to be the least sexy part of the body!”

“That’s not what I meant.” The more wholly named Scarlett Skell brought a hand to her own unkempt mess of dark gray hair, never knowing what to do with this woman. Other than what they just did.

“But that’s what it makes me think of!”

The shark finally cracked a smile at her perky petite partner, but it faded quickly, “Tawny… I’ve wanted to ask you for a while, do you want to keep going on like this? Or if you had the option, would you choose another life?”

A ‘mrrrow’ of feline amusement rose as Tawny flopped them to straddle Scarlett’s abdomen. Her figured swayed with the lurch of the waves, “I’m a whore, hon. Adamn good one.I don’t even know how to doanything else, and I don’t need to because money, honey. Bein’ so close to the top ain’t too shabby either.” Her abnormal position as the ship’s courtesan commanded an unexpectedly intense level of respect.

Scarlett watched as the short mane of black hair was done up to fan out behind her lover’s tufted cat ears, “I think you have more skills than you realize. My intention isn’t to pressure you, this is… fine. I like it, but… being here is holding us back. Holding me back.” The skaelka were of the ‘demon’ species variety rather than ‘normal’. A divide that, as far as she understood, was based on a war no one remembered. One that meant on a crew like theirs, “I’ll always be at the bottom and I want more from my life. I need to start over.” Fingers caressed the other woman’s face. “I’d like it if I could start over with you.”

“Don’t wanna pressure me, huh?” Tawny rolled head about her shoulders, for once dropping her vibrant smile, “…I couldn’t do that to Sammy.”

A much heavier, finned tail slapped the floor of the ship beside them, “The captain lives for his crew. He’d want you to be happy.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. It’s not that simple, though, ‘kay? I owe ‘im my life and he really depends on me.” The tiny woman officially crawled off her and from under their skimpy sheet to find her underwear.

Scarlett’s long, downward pointed ears wiggled with interest, “Your life? You’ve never told me that.”

“I’d stowed away. Surprise, I got caught and thrown overboard. Luckily, Sammy had been targetin’ the ship so here I am instead of a water-logged corpse. I got to where I was goin’ and well… once I got good at whorin’, I found ‘im again to be the ship’s whore. I don’t talk about it ‘cause I don’t want the others to think I’m like in love,” she said the phrase in a mocking tone, “with Sammy or somethin’. I mean, sure, I lovehim, but he’s… more of an older brother. Lookin’ out for me.”

A mass of gray and off-white underbelly sat up to slant her brow, “Who fucks you?”

That had her flailing splayed dagger-tipped digits, “We’re obviously not actually-!” It was awfully cute seeing her huff still mostly naked. “Scarra, you just… you really know how to rub my fur the wrong way! Bein’ in charge puts lotsa stress on ‘im! And even whores have a line!”

“I’m willing to concede on that. I don’t like my job, but I wouldn’t want his thanks to Patrick alone…” The shark gave a shrug before standing to dress. “And it’s because I can rile you up that you’re the only one I like to tease.”

“You’re gonna get us caught if you keep makin’ me scream.”

Those jagged teeth were displayed again by a curl of the lips as she hooked her pet in with one arm about the waist, “I’ll never stop making you scream.”

Even with her near pitch-black skin in the dark of the hold, this close it was clear Tawny was blushing. A deep kiss was begrudgingly accepted.

Predator released prey, stating, “Even so, you’re still always right. They’ll get all kinds of ideas if they know about us. Disgusting heteroideas.”

Tawny giggled as she tightened the stays down the front of her appropriately short dress, “It’s not that bad, big baby. Since when did ya even start hatin’ dick so much?”

Scarlett was briefly hidden as a loose fitting cream shirt was pulled on that left some of her abdomen exposed with how low her trousers sat, “You know as well as I do these particular dicks are the type to insert themselves between us without invitation. Our relationship isn’t something that exists for them to fetishize. And these days... I’m only interested in having you for dinner anyway.” The towering woman gave the other a flat faced wink before turning her back. “Don’t go forgetting before the next meal… I love you, Tawny.”

“Love ya moooore~.”

Her boots were heavy, not just from their literal weight, but she still navigated from behind the ship’s stores in the dark with ease. One of the benefits of their non-human lineage was both possessed excellent night sight that was a massive help in keeping their adventures under wraps. It wasn’t only none of the crew’s business, but could cause some trouble that Tawny was screwing anyone for free. Especially if that someone was the lowest rung on the ladder.

Scarlett was soon lined on either side by snoring men. She rolled into her hammock. Eyes closed.

Tawny owed the captain her life…

***

“Have fun out there, cleanin’ boy!”

“Hilarious.” Her tone was muted, finding all humor beat from the long running joke of not altering her title to match her gender. Stripped to her skivvies, Scarlett stood upon the side railing facing away from the water. One last clean breath of the salted air.

The woman fell. Her body crashed to the sea with the density of a boulder. She sunk beneath the waves. A hand latched onto the hull of their anchored vessel before she drifted into the unknown.

The role she played really was awful, but this part was always the worst.

She breathed. The water flooded her lungs. Choking and drowning until it burned. Until she might black out. Only then would her body see fit to open dormant gills.

Her reward for partially drowning? The tedious monotony of scraping off every creature that saw fit to attach itself to the hull. If she wasn’t here they’d have to beach the entire ship for cleaning far more often. A potentially dangerous process that ran the risk of them being trapped on a remote island with the law at their throats. Yet, her aid in securing their safety didn’t net her a shred of respect.

Hours. Several of them passed until she scaled the ladder dangling at the stern. Which she did quickly under the panic of suffocation. When Scarlett’s hands and knees hit the deck again, she promptly ‘puked’ up the sea water. She squeezed her neck, pressing on her gills, praying for the moment her body took the signal to transition.

Whatever happened next, she needed her life to be entirely above or below the water. She needed her deciding factor to have the autonomy to decide.

With a wobble, she found her feet enough to drag herself to where she left her pants. Except they weren’t there. The woman stared at the spot for a full minute, already having an idea of where they went. He was a perfectly nice guy and the bane of her existence.

“Where are my things?”

The otter-like man known as Patrick answered, “They were a tripping hazard. I moved them to your hammock.” That settled it. The otten was always inconveniencing her without even realizing he was doing it. Now she would get to stagger her dripping body to where she had to sleep tonight. Things were already always damp at sea.

On the return, she made sure to pass by close to Patrick, crashing a shoulder against his. His species was small compared to hers and it nearly sent the male to the floor. He glared up anger and she peered down nothing. Her hand slid to her back. The woman wondered if he’d even notice why she felt the need to apologize.

It was flat, but genuine, “Sorry.” He had no further demands. Step one was done. Step two…

Scarlett positioned herself dead center on the deck. A deep inhale.

“Captain Samuel Hume!” It rang out to the entirety of the ship. Heads turned. There were plenty of other men present besides the captain or Patrick. A couple more appeared on the stairs of the cabin, wondering what the hell she was doing. Other than that, no one moved.

It made it obvious when boot steps sounded from the quarterdeck. The short-haired blonde, sea-side tanned and salted, human male was soon gazing at her. They didn’t have a fancy hat to go with his title. Only a long, thick, black overcoat that it was far too hot to be wearing normally so it was merely hanging on his bare shoulders.

A bottle was in his hand, having been enjoying a drink with their boatswain, ‘doctor’, and… Tawny. He didn’t speak or have expression of anything other than curiosity as he stopped at the railing.

“…Captain Samuel Hume… I hereby challenge you to a duel.”

The general air was soon a slurry of different, evolving reactions. Stunned silence. Shocked whispers. Muted laughter. Claims of insanity. Questions of why. Declarations of interest.

Sammy set his bottle on the railing with a smile.

Her favoriteotten helpfully pointed out, “You don’t even have your own gun!”

A heavy sigh, “Patrick, you seriously haven’t notice?” The woman pulled a flintlock pistol from the back of her trousers where she’d momentarily stashed it.

His face furrowed then he quite suddenly gripped the holster at his side. He simply stared incredulously from there.

“…you made it rather easy.” But she didn’t do this to play with him. Scarlett still had her slitted eyes fixated upon their captain. Whom casually glided down the stairs. His coat was thrown across a barrel. He stopped with back to one of the masts. Nothing between the two of them. Funny even their esteemed leader was short compared to her.

“You’re reallychallenging for captain!? What makes you think we’d want you?” Such things were usually decided by vote and there had been no discontent among the men. Captains were chosen for combat capability and Samuel regularly touted his.

Nothing could have stopped the high volume scoff from spilling out of Scarlett, “I don’t think that. I wouldn’t challenge anyone for something as trivial as a title. This… This is for the life of one Tawny Hart. If I win, her debt to you is paid.”

The feline’s alarm spiked and she tackled the railing of the quarterdeck, “S-Scarra!” It spiked to the point she sputtered the nickname she never dared to use in front of their comrades. “Please, hon!” She was hurriedly scampering nearer. Nearly falling down stairs. “You don’t hafta to do this! I’m fine here, honest!”

“You’re still not free to choose! I have to do this. Even if you can never forgive me for it.” The gun was raised, pointed at her leader. She pulled back the hammer, “So. What’s your answer, captain?”

“Sammy, please!” Tawny knew her well enough to know there was no point arguing with her further. So she clung to her friend instead as she came to the main deck, “Don’t accept! You’ve cared for me more than my own kin.” The whore desperately pulled at his arm, “I can’t lose you and-. And I-.” Tears wove down her face, “I love her! I love her more than anything! Please don’t hurt her, Sammy!” Further begging was too choked to understand. And yet.

“Step aside, my lovely.” A pat fell between her ears and Tawny fell still. Her touch sloughed from the man.

“Patrick, your holster. If you don’t mind.”

The seaman delivered the item to the cleaner. Scarlett gladly accepted the belt, replacing the hammer to holster the weapon, and strapping the entire thing to her waist catty-corner to her own belt. Her irritation was already rising with the rest of their company focusing on the revelation of the ship’s whore and bottom rung, the only two women aboard, being lovers. Rather than the fact someone, if not both, were about to be shot. They briefly assessed their posture and positions. The distance between them. She tied her hair back to ensure its cooperation. Everything was set appropriately. It was time to conclude this chapter of her life one way or the other.

While Scarlett didn’t bother to so much as cant her head, she was well aware of Tawny’s presence. Where she stood in line with the others with face buried into her hands. Crying. Completely incapable of baring witness to the only family she had hurting each other. Scarlett grit her teeth, wishing for forgiveness. However, no matter the pain it caused, this was the way their world worked.

Sammy flipped a coin and their audience held its breath.

Her arm went limp. The fingers holding the gun did the same. The hunk of metal thudded against the deck as the shock set in. A much heavier one followed. Samuel having grasped his gut, blood seeping through fingers, right before collapsing.

How in the twelve hells… did he miss?