Here She Comes Again When Shes Dancing Beneath the Starry Sky
Butterfly wings [Worm post GM short snips, mostly]
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Butterfly wings [Worm post GM short snips, mostly]
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The snips I have planned are one with Berserk, Land of the Lustrous and Pale, I'll write more as they come.
Some may become stories at a later date.
[Also spoilers for most of the stories.]
- Statistics (18 threadmarks, 25k words)
- #1
In one world a human died, in another a gem was born.
Light reflected off of the crystal blue of the sea, pale white sand bordering the water which then led onto a grassy field that stretched far to the horizon. Near the edge of the timeless sea was a large unbroken rock that stretched to the heavens stopping short of a cliff's true height. Gemstones each were a bright and shining beacon unique in every way. The machine walked along the beach, long flowing robes drifting through the air floating on each current, not wishing to settle to the earth.
His eyes scanned the area surrounding the rock, waiting for a poor soul to appear in front of him and remind him of his failure. Yet nothing blocked the sun out today and so he let himself relax despite the pain. He stopped at the base of the rock and spotted what he was looking for. Fully formed a mix of a blue and speckled gold which he recognized to be lapis.
Echo's of humanity born from the bones when it split into thirds. No life in any, just forms of what once was. The machine, turned from the echo of his failure at his purpose and started to walk away from it a pang of something he knew not what to call shuddering through his indestructible body.
Then he heard the sounds of glass scraping.
The surface of its perfection, causing scuffing on a once pristine formation. The machine turned and found the form that fell from the cliff moving, struggling to get up the empty sockets where an eye should be staring into the vastness of sky.
"Oh."
We're s- so very small, in the end.
The first bullet hit the monster from behind, where her mask offered no coverage, she slowly toppled. The second hit her before she could fall, before there could be any pain.
Two shots through the head to make certain that the monster was dead and the girl would end with a shred of humanity left in her forsaken soul. She had accepted that her death was an inevitability and so she took pride in that in the end she was not afraid of it. For death was certain, life was not. So as black overtook her vision in that moment of calm she let herself fall to the ground and finally rest.
So why was she still here? Why could she feel sand beneath her rubbing and scraping against her skin? Why could she feel the sun's light upon her? Why god? Why? The monster felt herself take a facsimile of a breath not a true breath for she had no lungs, nor had she a heart to pump the oxygen anywhere. She felt her chest seize up as she struggled for breath for moments, minutes, hours. Her time was spiraling and all she could do was struggle to breath before she felt herself still. Lifted from the ground by something. The darkness faded and her vision cleared and she stared up at a brilliant blue sky. Taylor Ann Hebert was alive and she had found that fact wanting.
The man was unknown to her, the gentleness in the hands that carried her body also belied great strength that was hidden in them. The thoughts pervading her mind had wrapped in knots constantly twirling only making the tangled web tighter. Who, where, why. Going in circles making her wish for sleep more than anything.
She felt the man stop a jolt that sent the girl out of her thoughts to the present. The endless grass gave way to a small building that gave her hope for help for she could still not understand the words the man had spoken to her and now that she was at the mercy of a parahuman in a case 53 body she hoped that his actions were out of kindness and not anything out of malicious intent. But she soon crushed that notion of hope when they entered the shack. It was a small hut that only had a singular bed and various scientific devices on one end table.
The words that fell out his mouth like before were soft as a summer breeze; it did nothing to quell the sickness the woman felt. But at the moment thought was beginning to become harder, the small well of energy had dried up and she could feel herself slipping into darkness and struggled to keep her consciousness. Yet darkness came and she stopped her struggles and let it encompass her.
She awoke to the sound of music filling the air. Sitting on a bench looking outside the window the man was playing a string instrument the girl had never seen before. She removed the covers she found herself in and she slowly moved forward with caution. He hadn't even looked up eyes closed.
Sliding into the comfortable chair she watched the man who had taken her from the beach. Her thoughts slowly came together. She was on another earth evidently. Her mind was fixed and she was in a body made of gemstone. Facts yes she could do facts. Concrete things that didn't make her ask questions she rather had no answer to. So she sat counting the facts of what she knew. She was made of a gem, Lapis Lazuli. She was nowhere near Earth Bet. She would never see her friends again, both for her safety and theirs. Her friends' names were...
She did not know how long she sat there waiting for the man to stop playing. Yet he did not and Taylor was in no rush to disturb him. She felt herself relax and leaned her head against the cushioned chair. Soon her worries and thoughts were whisked away with the gentle tune floating through the air, weaving it's wonders into her mind.
Night had fallen, the man had not stopped and Taylor did not interrupt.
- #2
- #3
I love seeing anything about Land of the Lustrous, and I think you captured the atmosphere perfectly!
Thank you for your kind words.
- #4
- #5
Heliodor - Chapter 1 - tamagoyaki - 宝石の国 - 市川春子 | Houseki no Kuni - Ichikawa Haruko [Archive of Our Own]
A wonderful work by tamagoyaki. If I were to continue the story this would be one of the works to look back onto.
[Warning!] This story contains themes of suicide. So if that is not your cup of tea then steer clear of it.
- #6
- #7
Guts was on fire.
It was a dim thought that passed through his adrenaline filled mind. He stabbed upward and let the blood from the cocoons cover him, putting it out quickly as intestines fell over him. He ignored the contents of the cocoons; they were dead the second they were taken. There was no helping them. He didn't have the time. Of course his opponent took exception to that.
"How dare you!"
An elven shape flew fast as an arrow loosed from a bow. He raised his weapon as quickly as if it weighed as much as a normal sword and made a downward cut. Flame parted at the strength of the blow but the attack missed but saved him from losing another eye. His prey glancing off his sword with about as much force as tickle.
The burning of the trees had limited his opponent. She took the moment to reorient herself. Like a charging bull. He could work with that. He crashed through the fire filled branches, flames licking his burned arms poised to end the game quickly so he didn't have to linger. With a downward cut that used all his strength, he should have ended it right then and there. Except. She took off far faster than should have been possible in this blaze. He hissed in frustration and pain as his wounds from the earlier fight with the "guardians" had reopened despite the dust Puck had left behind.
I missed again?
"It's all gone."
"Everything's burned up."
The statement carried through the blaze, pure bloody rage was felt through the air. Good the feeling was fucking mutual.
A shape rose shadowed by the flames. Instead of the flying insect he was fighting previously it finally showed it's true colors. A moth-like body was surrounded the once human girl's face centered in the body. Wings the size of small trees entering his field of vision.
"It can't be stopped now. Before long all of this will burn. My elves, my land...Whatever as long as I have Jill."
It all happened in a blink of an eye so fast Gut could do nothing but block it. The impact blew apart his guard and sent him back body twisting in horrid ways as he slammed into the ground, ears ringing. A crack resounded afterwards so loud that he couldn't hear anything else. Nothing else.
"Eh, that's funny. Maybe I was off target from missing my antenna?" The Moth-like thing soared up above the flames eyes locked on Guts.
"But next time...sting."
Flames grew brighter and hotter as it passed by again. All he could do was defend nothing else. There was no opening. Nothing presented itself as time and time again it blew past his defenses and all he could do was hope that he was quick enough.
She's aiming right for my head every time! What is it? That explosive blast trailing behind her and the thunderous sound afterwards?
Again the monster soared back up into the sky to reorient herself.
"No one is faster than the queen of the elves!"
Again and again no time to think, no time to do anything but move. Every attack threw him around like a ragdoll. He could feel his broken ribs working against him. He was running out of time.
This aint good! Even if I try to attack my timings way off! She just streaks by and nearly obliterates me. I can't even hear after those dam booms.
She circled him again.
Then it happened, a golden light purer than anything he had ever seen in his life lit up the sky. So blindingly bright that it made him stumble. She had taken the chance to use the brightness against him.
Guts recovered quickly.
She slowed down. She thinks I'm still blind!
Just quick enough to place his arms in a block. His metal hand just behind his left. Her antenna punctured straight through his arm but glanced right off the hardened steel. The force took him with her and dragged him through the air past the burning trees and up into the sky.
"Say what? I missed again?"
"Oh well."
She flew even higher words all but lost in Gut's ringing ears. The human face of a girl leaned in to stare at Guts half lidded eye.
"Maybe I'll stare at your bloody face for a while.""
They were past the burning treetops now. She dragged him across the top pain filling his mind pooling into river that seemed never ending.
"Now hold on tight honey pie, It's a date in the starry sky."
The speed increased and she flew higher and higher into the open air leaving the burning forest far below. Guts could feel himself slipping his mind wishing for oblivion but he wouldn't yet never.
He still had to kill that bastard and this small fry wasn't going to end it when he still had so far to go. He wouldn't allow it. They stopped the wind howling mutely in his ears. His arm throbbed, threatening to tear a hole to his shoulder with all his weight on it.
"Falling asleep so soon? Such a shame we have such a beautiful view of the moon. Oh well I will show Jill tomorrow."
The apostle laughed and her eyes grew hard and eyes shone with the burning hatred. A grin plastered on its face.
"Now this is the end! I'll fly at full speed and tear you to shreds."
A small smile played on his lips. He lifted his fake arm pointing it at the thing's torso and pulled the string in his teeth.
His fake hand flipped down revealing a cannon barrel and fired.
He fell through the trees and hit the ground hard. Hands splayed out in front of him there was a loud crack as his real hand broke.
I fucking missed!
Guts scrambled to his feet and grabbed at his sword lying next to him on the ground. The forest was so hot that he could barely see anything he could feel his own flesh cooking being near the flames.
"Where are you!" The voice was filled with pure unadulterated rage. She flew around searching. It took a moment for him to realize just how utterly fucked he was.
I've blown three chances to off the bitch.
He quickly tied cloth around his broken hand to keep it attached to his sword.
Damit what a mess.
Guts all but scrambled to get out of the way as a burning tree almost fell right on him.
I'm about to dig my own grave!
The cannon ball hit her but my aim was off!
He turned around and kept his back to a charred tree. He could here the
Is her appearance really throwing me off? Or is it Jill's story?
Am I really such a dam softy?
He turned to see the girl Jill who had once been the monster's friend before she sacrificed to the God Hand to become some monstrous warped version of an elf. She was surrounded by flames.
That fool! She's still wandering around!
The apostle broke through the trees and flew towards the girl. Guts' expression darkened. A tree was burning above Jill ready to fall and the monster caught it.
"Don't worry, I'll carry you somewhere safe." The monster made a grab for the girl.
Guts moved through the flames, the burning fire searing his skin but he had only one more chance. Through the flames he lunged from behind he did not miss this time. His sword pierced through her body, entrails drooped down and Jill was thrown into the fire only to be saved by her friends blood putting it out before she caught aflame.
With a piercing cry she took to the sky once again. Dragging him further and faster than before he clung to his sword, the only thing keeping him from being thrown off and falling to his death.
"Who are you! Why are you so..." The question was finally asked and he answered.
"Every last human you snacked on while playing your games. You wouldn't remember a human."
"A HUMAN MUST NEVER HARM AN ELF!"
She shrieked an ear piercing sound that blew out his damn ears. With force she threw him sword cutting through and out. Guts was falling. The moth turned and flew forward and she was going to skewer him. He couldn't do shit.
"I WON'T HAVE IT! HUMANS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE THE LIVES OF ELVES. YOU CAN JUST GO AWAY FOREVER!"
She moved and he turned his head, her antenna skewed right through his mouth horizontally passing through teeth and mussel to open air outside. He clenched down, turned using the momentum to lift his sword and Split her halfway in two.
Guts fell to the earth like a comet falling from the sky.
Falling
Falling ever faster he hit the water.
With the last of his strength he pulled himself out dragging the dragon slayer behind him his opponent was in front of. Fallen from the sky like him. Still alive.
That could not be. He would not let her live.
Guts limped to his vulnerable prey on the ground and with a grunt he raised his sword once more.
"Stop!"
He felt a pull at his cloak and he ignored it.
"Why do you hate her so much!"
Guts swung down. Only to stop short, the girl had laid herself to protect her. She was protecting the Apostle? The human girl! Rage so hot it threatened to burn him from the inside out encompassed him. Then pain all but encompassed him and an arrow stuck out off his leg he stumbled. More arrows pinged off of his armor. He gave one last look to Jill and fled into the night Puck trailing after.
Taylor was falling
A fact that did nothing but confuse her.
Why was she falling?
Why was she alive? Did Contessa miss?
That was off topic and ludicrous she knew but it was a thought that prevailed in her jumbled mind.
Wind blew past her and she had a brief moment of realization that maybe she was still dying and she was falling into hell. Would make sense in some aspects. The colors flying past her was nothing if impossible like sinking deeper into an ocean that had no bottom.
Then she hit the shallow water of the lake that should have killed her on impact. But it didn't. It was strange, a feeling of weightlessness passed through her as if helped by millions of tiny hands she floated to the top. She could see little creatures flowing on the wind clinging to her body and lifting her up moving her to dry land. A burned forest met her and all she could do was lay there staring up at the brilliant blue sky.
She lay there for what felt like eternity. Her only company was the spirits which filled the sky and the water dancing before her through lidded eyes. She could just faintly make out salamanders crawling over charred wood but they fading away on the wind.
Insects surrounded her crawling over her not because of her power the blood dripping from her forehead had seen to that. But it seemed she was comforting them. Which was strange.
"Hmmm. Strange, you are not from this physical plane of existence are you?"
The words were disembodied like it came from thin air not vocal cords. She struggled to turn the wind spirits all but obliged her action and turned her in a circle lifting her up. Taylor did know what she expected to see but a skeleton dressed extravagant armor perched upon a pitch black horse was not the first thing that came to her mind. It seems she was dead. The walking grim reaper was right in front of her.
"May I ask your name?"
Taylors voice was but a raspy croak.
"T...a..y..l..o.r."
The glowing orbs of the skeleton bore into her own as if seeing her soul laid bare. It had started to rain there as if to make the pathetic scene more so.
"You are injured. Your mind is barely holding together."
It was a statement, that was why he hadn't taken her yet she was still breathing for the moment. It was amazing what the mind could show before death. Maybe it was a hallucination.
"I will help. Best not let them get to you."
The man? Skelton? Death? Whatever it was, it dismounted from his horse. And stooped down to pick her up. The wind spirits that once were so helpful scurried away at his touch and her weight fell on him. With gentle movements he carried her to his horse lifting her onto his saddle.
"W..here a...re w..e g..oing?" Her tongue was a slow and shaky language, a concept just shoved back into her mind. How was she even understanding? How could she speak. It hurt to think about all her thoughts twisting into knots.
"To see a friend."
Just like that no words were given after that. He slowly traced her body with dust from a pouch and then they were off. They rode on through the night and for many days after the fact. They passed through many forests and open plains that stretched so far that the horizon seemed like a distant dream. Streams and rivers were crossed, battlefields full of the dead were trampled upon and all she could get from her savior, captor was a few words here and there.
The horse never tired; they only stopped for her to rest. As the days passed by, single words became sentences and soon her mind was beginning to wrap itself together with hobbled pieces of who Taylor Hebert once was. It was on the 10th day of travel that she was able to walk and move her atrophied muscles once more. All the skeleton did was watch. Though he did catch her before she fell and injured herself more. More days passed and Taylor finally asked the question that had plagued her mind since he had found her on that bank.
"Why are you helping me?"
The skeleton did not glance back and his answer was immediate.
"Do I need a reason?'"
Taylor's response was just as immediate.
"Yes. There always is. Acts of kindness are always followed up with a price."
A sigh, something she hadn't heard come out of him yet. Good he knew she spoke the truth, he was always talking in riddles but bluntness suited her any day.
"It was a selfish choice." The skeleton responded with a hint of guilt lining his voice.
Taylor raised an eyebrow. She tried to remember the state she was in all those weeks ago. Right after Contessa had shot her falling through worlds beyond imagination. He had saved her from death. How was it selfish?
"You are a unique constant. Things flow around you yet you are not affected by causality. Fate if you will. A valuable thing to have in this world. Spirits flock to your presence like you were a newborn with eyes that haven't seen the world yet. I saved you from death because this world has too few new things left. All the things in it are too close and ugly or too far and beautiful."
The answer made as much sense as her starting to fly because spirits wanted to play with the dying out of worlder. Still it was an honest answer and her head hurt too much to ask what the hell he was talking about.
So she let silence fall over them once again.
They passed through a village, moonlight keeping their path clear and soon they were in the forest again. But it felt...different, the air was more thick with wind and earth spirits that it felt like she was going to choke on them.
"We are almost there."
"Good I don't think I can take another day of riding." Taylors everywhere hurt like a son of a bitch and it was all she could do to keep herself from just walking.
They passed a few trees into a clearing that gave way to a sight so beautiful that Taylor at first thought she was seeing a mirage.
A plain open clearing surrounded by the forest trees with one structure in the middle. A cottage large two stories and made as it was grown out multiple trees. Windows not made through cuts but through bends in the wood, a thatch roof with tree tops sticking out. If Taylor had to imagine a witch's hut this would be it.
They dismounted and were greeted with two figures, one standing and one sitting in a wheelchair made of thatch. The first was a young girl no older than 12 at most, she had striking green hair and was about tall enough to reach Taylor's waist. The girl wore what she saw as a typical witch outfit. A purple old witch hat with robes and curled shoes and of course a carved wooden staff. Stereotypical to the point except for the age of course. Tolkien eat your heart out.
The other figure that sat in the chair was an old woman whose age Taylor couldn't begin to guess. She looked to be in her 80's but with what she heard and saw about magic from Skeletor she wouldn't be surprised if the woman was hundreds of years old. She wore a faded yellow undershirt with a brown shawl and an oval hat. All in all normal wear for an old woman. Still something about her made Taylor's skin itch.
"My old friend, what a surprise you've come to visit. Were the nights too lonely?"
Ok maybe they were a bit more than friends.
Skeletor ignored the comment and spoke with the same monotone voice that grated on her. Having to hear it for weeks was not pleasant. It's like his voice was only made to sound mysterious.
"No, those days are long over. I have found something new…"
The old woman's eyes narrowed at the phrasing.
"Ah I see why you have taken her here."
She met Taylors eyes with ease and the itch was even stronger. It was as if she was sizing up her soul. The old woman's eyes turned sad.
Well, introductions are in order, I am Flora and this is my apprentice Schierke, welcome to my home.
- #8
Or not, maybe my interpretation of her actual character post-GM is a bit different. The epilogue for Worm was a bit wonky tbh.
- #9
The girl did not know how long she had been running. All she knew was she had to keep moving. Like a jackrabbit through the trees she fled, escape was her only salvation from the forest. Trees with gnarled bark that seemed more dead than alive the color of pitch, stones sharp and jagged stabbing upward to injure and maim.
Branches whipped at the girl's body and rocks stabbed at her feet. Thorn Bushes sprang from nothing, wrapping themselves around her ankles, but she tore through them. The howls of wolves surrounded her yet she outpaced them even as they nipped at her heels. The forest wanted the girl's head yet she escaped it's grasp just by a hair. Though it wore on her, taking chunks out of skin and muscle. But the clearing was in sight, the wisps of sunlight shining through the dark. Hope so close that she could taste it in the sour air.
So close and yet, the doubt had set in, clawing at her heart. For every step she took the branches scored deep into her body. Rocks stabbed hard at her bleeding feet. In the back of her mind she knew she wouldn't make it. Yet she pushed onwards ignoring it all. Her companions were gone, she had to leave them behind or they would meet the same fate as her. Only she could find the path out of the forest. She would come back. She had to.
A roar split the air. The sunlight, all but gone at the roars of the beast. It burst through the forest, trees were knocked down, wolves a bloody mess on the floor, it's eyes were on her. The massive thing for there was no words to describe it. For it was so much more than she could ever be yet. So much less. Blood matted it's writhing form and it moved like liquid. It charged and the girl ran faster. It caught her by the arm in it's maw yet she pulled harder, muscle, bone and sinew broke and then she was tumbling down a hill of thorns ripping her apart.
An inferno burst from the thorns gouges turned to burns. She could feel her skin crackle and cook as fire licked up her arms. Burning away skin to reveal muscle and bone . Stark white skeleton turning black as it burned yet she would not die could not die. The girl was screaming for it to end tumbling down further and further until she hit the ground hard. The beast had quieted, and all the burned girl could hear was the soft waves. Moonlight shone down upon the crumpled form of the girl.
Slowly she dragged herself across the rough sand. Her burns, horrid in every waking moment. But she continued onward with a stalwart desperation to be free. To finally rest. The beast followed after floating to the sandy beach. As it reached her, it morphed. With sickening crunches, bones that protruded everywhere slimmed, clothes formed a black flowing dress draping across the form of the monster a veil hiding its face, lowering itself to have the girl stare into the pitch fabric. With skeletal hands it removed the garment.
The monster saw herself staring at a reflection, and screamed.
In an instant she drew her bedside pistol and fired.
Click
"Fuck."
Panting, Taylor threw off the suffocating blankets that confined her to her bed. Sitting at the edge took a moment to calm down from the adrenaline that had all at once flooded her body. Jesus she was shaking. She slowly put down the empty smith and Wesson model 3 on her dresser. She glanced at the clock.
2 AM in the morning. Great, just great, she was working tomorrow...today.
Can't even sleep for three hours, This is getting ridiculous! I was good for a month, why now!?
It had been three days since her last dreamless sleep. Three days of fucking torture. All she could do was wait for it all to come crashing down and to be let off so she could try and somehow get some goddamn rest.
At least I keep the loaded one in the car.
Taylor sighed, anger and despair all receding into a cold numbness. She stood and walked on shaking legs to the kitchen. She owned a normal home that one would find anywhere in Kennett. It was large enough that the emptiness of the damn thing felt more like a prison than anything else. It didn't help that she was isolated a little further out of town nearest to the forest. Isolation was both a comfort and curse. Now it was all she could do to not scream.
It was also a blessing that she lived alone, she doubted any partner no matter how intimate liked having no sleep....another tragedy to add to her long list. Twenty three and single, she probably would be for her entire life if this kept up.
She looked at the liquor cabinet with a longing gaze.
If Lisa could see me now she'd kill me. No alcohol today Taylor just put on some tea.
Opening a different cabinet, she took out a pot with some tea packets. A few minutes of almost dropping it with only one hand usable in the moonlit kitchen only made her mood worse. Going to the sink she started to fill up the pot. A flash of movement caught her attention.
It was small and she almost dismissed it as a figment of her imagination if it weren't for the ear piercing howl that followed after it. An all encompassing sorrow filled her and it left her gasping for breath. Tears welled up in her eyes and the pot fell from numb fingers crashing hard against the stainless steel sink. She tried to brush them out of her eyes only to have her hand come back stained with blood.
"The hell?"
A searing pain crept up her arm and her nerves were on fire. It was as if her dream became reality. Everything was on fire and burning. Another howl nothing she had heard before. Not a dog or a wolf, something more. She staggered to keep herself upright as the wrongness of the sound made every bone in her body scream at it's defilement. It was soon replaced with a numbness creeping filling her. Taylor stood once again and let out a hiss.
What was that?
She stared out through the window searching for the source of howl. The wrongness had lingered and she knew it could not have been any creature she knew. A surety that scared her. For if it could not be normal what could be? There were no powers here, She had lived four years in peace. Hell Gold Morning had not touched this world. She had searched for reports of it. Obsessed over it for two years before her dad had put an end to it.
Then she saw it.
It wasn't hard to spot, not hard at all, in fact she was amazed the military hadn't been called yet. It hurt to look at but she could not tear her gaze away. It seemed impossible so wrong that it couldn't have been anything but that. Why now? Why does she now see a gigantic crimson furred beast under a bleeding moon? Now when she finally let it all go, moved on now it comes back. Normal life comes back.
The beast was large, belly brushing against treetops and fur a crimson red so dark it all but blended together with the night sky. The moon hung right above it, bleeding itself dry. A trickle that stabbed down into the earth.
Maybe once it would have stood tall as an Endbringer it almost made her heart stop at the size. It would be an ironic joke if this is how she died. A casualty to a new horror upon the world. But it's shoulders were hunched and its movements were slow and labored. It was injured. No, it was dying.
Despite her mind's warnings she moved without hesitation. In moments she had her coat on and boots covering her old clothes that she hadn't bothered to take off yesterday. With smooth movements she opened the door to the cold snowy air and walked outside.
It was close, closer than she would have expected. It was moving slowly through the town a few miles away. Moving somewhere with a purpose set in mind. It was magnificent, yet it made her heart thump in her throat as she tried to swallow her excitement. A torturous part of her, a part that she would rather drown in a lake then be forced to confront.
Taylor rushed to her car to follow it.
She didn't need to.
It was coming to her.
It was a small spark of thought, as the giant beast that would have made Rachels dogs amped up look like chihuahuas turned it's massive head towards her. Another howl and she collapsed to her knees. Blood poured out of her ears and nose. Tears of blood flowed in a stream down her eyes. When it stopped she was laying on the ground.
Fucking hell.
It was almost to the house now the world was tinted red she saw shadows previously unseen creep into the red moonlight.
I could have sworn it was farther away.
"Why is she going to the human?"
"Shut up you idiot."
One voice was thick with venom and disgust as it asked the question, almost spitting the words. Another scolding but just a vile.
Scrambling to her feet she put her back to the car adopting a crouch. There was nothing but the dark woods in front of her shapes shrouded shadows moved as if alive.
"Come out where I can see you." Her left hand wrapped around the door handle and threw the door open. She threw open the glove department A pistol, M9 military issue tucked inside of the glove department. Aiming it outside she was greeted with nothing yet again. A stark silence greeted her.
I know what I heard.
But she didn't have time for reformations, another howl split the all too brief silence.
Right in her ear another round of pain slightly lessened in intensity rocked through her. All she could think about was the sheer electric power coursing through the air.
It was 30 feet from her, she had to crane her neck up and up and up. An ant to a boot. Seeing it up close only made her first observation of it being as tall as an Endbringer become all the more real.
Oh fuck me that's just my luck.
Dimly she knew she should be freaking out. But even four years after her...leave from bet she didn't think anything could shock anymore. The instinctive fear was normal though all it would take was one bite dying or not and she would be torn asunder.
It stopped before her giant steps impossibly soft on the path that led to her house. Framed by the bleeding moon all she could do was wait, pistol hanging limply in her hand.
It lowered it's head then motioned with it's head towards a direction.
Does it want me to follow it?
And so it stood there, wounds invisible to her eyes but very much there and sapping the creature's strength. By all rights Taylor should do the self preservation thing and just wait till it wanders off.
But...
There was something there. A thread so thin that it might not even exist. But she could feel it even then. A kinship is something that made her heart ache. This creature, whatever it was, did not have anyone else.
Oh well, when had she ever had that in mind.
It turned around, as if a switch was flipped and headed back down out of the small forest, soon they were next door near the ice rink.
No one was out except for the never ending busy traffic that plagued Kennet and probably would until the day Taylor left or died.
It stopped, turned, then lay down in a heap on the cool ice. Blood seeping into every single thing and painting the world red. Tentatively she followed it onto the ice. The ice was solid enough even if winter was starting to end. Best to be careful.
Reaching the downed beast she was once again hit with nostalgia. But to her emerging despair she couldn't quite place it. Keeping her distance she watched the beast take its last breath until Taylor's eyes locked with its...hers.
Come
The command rocked her, almost sending her stumbling back. Then as if mastered, she reached out with her hand out and she brushed her hand against the soaked fur. Blood surged from the fur onto her hand slithering up it like a snake.
The universe danced in her mind's eye and soon the void consumed her.
- #10
- #11
I know effectively nothing of Pact/Pale so I have no idea what's happening at the end there, but it's still very interesting.
I highly recommend pale. Pact is the first story that Wildbow wrote after Worm and while I do enjoy it...it can be a bit much. Pale is probobly a better entry point into the otherverse.
- #12
- #13
I've got a couple!So I need some ideas for some crossovers you guys want to see. So give me some places and situations you want to see Taylor in and I'll try my best to create a snip that's good.
Worm/Undertale, in which Taylor is part of a secret society in Mt. Ebott dedicated to preparing for the emergence of monsters from the Underground.
Worm/Full Metal Alchemist, in which Taylor is officially adopted by Maes Hughes as a second daughter and subordinate.
Worm/Pokemon, in which Taylor, with not much better to do, gives the Gym Challenge thing a shot.
Worm/Percy Jackson and the Olympians, in which Taylor ends up as Annabeth's roommate in a San Francisco college and they get along like a house on fire.
Worm/Taylor Varga, in which Taylor is dropped into the aforementioned fanfic and is both confused and outraged by the sheer power her alternate counterpart has.
Worm/Homestuck, in which Taylor is shot, killed, and dropped into a dreambubble, forced to relive a variety of her own memories until a certain meteor passes through it.
Worm/Gravity Falls, in which, due to her very high weirdness rating, Taylor moves out to Gravity Falls on a whim.
Worm/Kingdom Hearts, in which post-GM Taylor's Heartless becomes a major issue for the denizens of Earth Gimel, and it's up to Sora, Donald, and Goofy to take care of it while sealing the world's keyhole. (Things get a lot more complex once her Nobody shows up as well.)
If you'd like help brainstorming, coming up with more/different prompts, or whatever else related to post-GM Taylorfic, feel free to let me know! I'd love to help, and probably have notes hanging around somewhere.
- #14
- #15
The melody faded into nothingness as his fingers stilled across the strings. With grace and inhuman gentleness he placed the strange instrument away.
Taylor tore her gaze away and let out a sigh; staring out past him through the window.
Morning light streamed in through the small windows, the dew glowing brightly on the blades of grass.
The world had finally gone quiet, the music being replaced with the gentle breeze and the hum of insects.
She found this a sign for her to finally start moving again, find her purpose here. For why would she be alive if not for a goal?
Something arbitrary, unseen but necessary for her to be there or maybe Contessa wanted her to simply live? Yes that was a nice thought, it did bring with it a calm that she hadn't felt in a long time.
Just to be human.
To simply live out her days till she died with friends surrounding her instead of enemies. To do things right...but did she want to live?
She saved humanity but in return doomed herself. Even now the prices that once were Taylor Hebert seemed far away.
Enough that she wasn't that "THING" but not enough to become that girl again.
Somewhere along the way she shed pieces of herself for a goal. Taylor just hadn't known it at the time.
Even the name Taylor just felt wrong on her tongue.
Her emotions were a swirl of anger and a despair that, if she wasn't careful, would make her as immovable as the rock she now represented.
Taylor slowly stood, testing her balance before trying to walk to the door. With a single step and a sudden motion she fell on the slippery quartz floor.
A sound of glass clinking together rang as her legs crashed against themselves.
Her momentum was abruptly interrupted with hands wrapping around her shoulders.
Fast
Her brain helpfully supplied as she once again fell into his arms. It was getting ridiculous at this point. Her muddled brain had finally gotten some clarity, but even energized like she was with the sun shining upon her, coordination was still a curse in this new body.
"Careful."
The deep resounding voice shocked her to her core. The shock of being able to understand must have been clear on her face, apparently it moved enough to facilitate human emotions. A fact that seemed all but impossible.
With slow and deliberate movements Taylor finally was able to stay standing by herself without tripping like a newborn deer. Though she did not take her eyes off him.
If she could understand then maybe….?
"Hello."
Her voice was melodic like windchimes. How she made noise at all without vocal cords was a mystery in itself. If the man was surprised at her voice he did not show it. Impassive as he had been since he picked her up, It was a little unsettling.
"May I ask what species you are?"
The question again tore her from spiraling thoughts and all she could do was respond simply.
"Human, or...I once was." She gestured to her new form, almost detached.
"May I ask your name?"
His expression had not changed from his monotone voice. She was seriously starting to wonder if he was a very well built machine.
"T...Taylor, I-think and yours?"
Being pragmatic and polite was probably the best idea at the moment she was alone and isolated and she had no doubt that if things became violent she would not come out on top. It was certainty that scared her. Fear, a clawing sensation that she had long since been able to put out of her mind, seemed to be finally coming back to her. Maybe the fact that in all tense and purposes she was dead.
"I do not have one."
Taylor started, no name and looking after her what a horrid coincidence.
"Why...why did you take me from that beach?"
"Because I wanted to, I was curious."
Her hands clenched into fists and debated the words. A question formed in her mind that may break her small dream. She almost didn't want to ask it.
"Are there others? Humans or sentient life?"
"Yes, but they are not on earth anymore."
The word hit like a bullet, tearing through her and leaving a channel of trickling emotions she knew not what to call.
"Why would they leave the earth?"
Her voice was shaky even as she tried to steady it. It was at this question she spotted it, a micro expression of concern. He sat back on his bench and gestured for her to do the same. Hesitantly Taylor sat back on the high comfortable chair that had been her resting place prior.
"The earth was hit by a series of meteors. Most of the earth is water now, It may very well be that this is one of the few remaining land masses."
"Oh."
The information that she was well and truly the last human on the planet was what finally broke down the fragile house of cards she built up. The man was too inhuman to anything other than some creation of a parhuman. For the first time in forever Taylor Hebert finally let herself feel and oh did it hurt.
She curled in on herself and finally cried. Except she couldn't. No tears wet her face, nothing all she could do was shudder and shake. Gemstone crashed hard against itself.
The whole world no longer meant anything; her life no longer meant anything. Why couldn't Contessa have just killed her? Her story was done, told and it was nothing but a tragedy but at the very least she could have found peace in the oblivion. Now all she had was herself and a caretaker to make sure she didn't come back. Which seemed a bit redundant.
Then she felt something envelop her in warmth. She looked up to see the man...thing wrapping her in a hug. When was the last time she had been hugged? Not at the end, when coming close to her was a death sentence.
She let herself melt into the embrace.
- #16
- #17
- #18
On one hand, the path Phos takes in life seems very Taylor. On the other hand I can't see post GM Taylor getting into the position to make them. Also it looks like she is then first gem to come to life of I'm reading this right.I'm currently experiencing mounting dread that Taylor might be the one to take Phos' role in the story.
- #19
On one hand, the path Phos takes in life seems very Taylor. On the other hand I can't see post GM Taylor getting into the position to make them. Also it looks like she is then first gem to come to life of I'm reading this right.
Yep
- #20
On one hand, the path Phos takes in life seems very Taylor. On the other hand I can't see post GM Taylor getting into the position to make them. Also it looks like she is then first gem to come to life of I'm reading this right.
Yeah... But then again, this is Taylor. I'm sure she'll find more than enough reason to take Phos' unfortunate position in the (presumably) thousands of years between this and when Phos.. succeeds Sensei.
- #21
- #22
Ye, although I feel it prudent to mention 'Slouching towards Nirvana' is also the name of a My Hero Acadamia/ Worm cross fic.I have another fic that's a full story. I don't know if I should be trying to do 2 fics at the same time but would you guys want this to be a full story someday?
- #23
Ye, although I feel it prudent to mention 'Slouching towards Nirvana' is also the name of a My Hero Acadamia/ Worm cross fic.
Oh for the love of, I picked that name because of the buddist nerviana and stuff like that thinking I'm clever uhh. Well need to think of a new name.
- #24
Well it definitely fits yours better, but how about something involving the story where Buddha lowers the spider string into hell? I'm thinking something like "Climbing The Spiders Thread" but you might be able to come up with something more appropriate.Oh for the love of, I picked that name because of the buddist nerviana and stuff like that thinking I'm clever uhh. Well need to think of a new name.
- #25
Worm/Cowboy bebop: Spike , Faye or jet meet in a bar the bartender is left handed. Take with that what you will.
Worm/Percy Jackson: Taylor Hebert and Annabeth Chase are roommates. Enough said.
Worm/Fallout: A half dead human is found by Ulysses during his journey through the big empty.
Or of course another chapter of land of the lustrous. Pick your poison.
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Source: https://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/butterfly-wings-worm-post-gm-short-snips-mostly.970633/
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