It's a busy day in Centropolis
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This weekend has been hectic, finally got a chance to catch up. Definitely take her to Arctic Frost, Grace... though I wouldn't venture too close to the Ice Fields, it's easy to get lost there.
Did everyone get the Chunk of Underground Rock, or was that just me because it was a wl item? Either way, THANK YOU anon!
I also got one, so not just you! ^-^
Anon, thank you so much for all of the effort you've put into this storyline! All the gifts, all the drawings and other art, all the writing especially! Wowww.
And Grace, if it's snow you want, Arctic Frost is the place to go. ;3
OMG, THANK YOU FOR THE CW!
Ah, torn on weather to keep or exchange it!
[Item=Pink Bellflowers]
Oh my gosh, anon. Thank you for the CW! I love it and will keep it. Your generosity is commendable. ;^;
And good job Bella for getting that gun! I'm so sad their romantic moment got spoiled.
HOLY CRAP BELLA HAS A GUN Now that's def not something I would've expected!!! I love her more every chapter lmao. Girl kicks ass and I'm in love
"solid" if that's alright! I so rarely use BGs - "liquid" if there's nothing from my WL though. I hope you reveal yourself by the end of this so that I can thank you personally, Anon!
"The Arctic Frost… is perfect! I forgot that Ytiva is covered in snow all year." Grace's face lights up at your mention of the place. "I'd like you to join us there. Before you tell me that I should enjoy a private moment with Bella, there's always time for that. I sense that it would be better if we had company. We're not taking Wilhelm with us, though."
Ask Grace why he doesn't want Wilhelm to join them.
You ask Grace why he isn't inviting Wilhelm. Could it be that his age makes him less fit for the weather of Ytiva?
"It's a narrow possibility, but with his age, I sense that he could be in danger if he joins us. He's safer here in Shadowglen, where those bigots are sparse in number. If the undesirable still does happen, I will do everything I can to protect Bella."
Tell Grace to bring Wilhelm along.
You convince Grace to bring Wilhelm along. If he insists on bringing company to what should be a private proposal, what could be more appropriate than asking for Bella's hand in marriage in the presence of her adoptive father?
"I can do that when I borrow Bella from him here in Shadowglen. It's too risky for him to travel with us, lest he becomes assaulted by those anti-alien thugs. At least they won't target you, because you're not an alien."
Grace searches his tent for something. Neatly stacking the masks littering the ground into a pile on one corner, he finds a mug stuffed with boxes of throat lozenges, and on-the-go tissue packs. He hands it over to you.
"You'll need this more than we do. Remember to bring a jacket, too! I can get used to the cold, I promise."
You exchange farewells, and agree to meet on the 28th.
It's natural to feel queasy about the Ice Fields. It's easy to get lost in them, much like the Crypts. There's also the possibility of running into a bear, or getting caught in an avalanche. Fortunately for those who wish to indulge in a more placid version of a winter wonderland away from Ytiva's busiest districts, there is a nearby forest covered in snow.
[preview=Sentimental Snow Covered Park Bench]
You take a stroll through one of the paths, and notice that it's a rather secluded area with a few park benches spaced far apart enough from each other. You hear faint murmuring in the distance. The further you walk through the forest, you can make out a more audible conversation.
"I hope you'll forgive me for leaving you like that. I promise I won't do that anymore."
You slow down your pace.
"From now on, nothing can separate us from each other. Not calamity, not hardships, not even death which can be a reality for both of us."
Wait a second. You know this voice.
"Thank you… Bella."
After you've walked a considerable distance, you see two people sitting on a bench. It's Bella and Grace -- the former with her arms wrapped around the latter and her head buried against his chest. He rubs her back, presumably to soothe her. Bella turns her head to the side, and the little you can make out of her face reveals a contented smile.
"Oh!", exclaims Grace. "I think we have company." This prompts Bella to sit back up, and look left and right. She covers her nose and mouth as soon as she takes notice of you, seemingly embarrassed.
"I can't recognise them from this distance, but I'm pretty sure I invited them. Love is something to share, not something you keep a secret, after all!" A gleeful expression spreads through his face. There is a different glow to him today. Bella, on the other hand, starts to frown. She seems anxious about something, slowly raising one arm to point at you, while tugging at Grace's jacket with the other.
Bella mouths something out. In her desperation, she kneels on the snow in front of her, and traces "Look behind you" with her finger.
continued in next post
he/him / 31 / EST |  | My best friend is |
Bella's got a gun, bad guys on the run cuz Bella's got a gun /shot
But for real oh man a lot went down, that was a joy to read anon also thank you so so much for the items as always and woahhhh that custom wearable was totally unexpected. It's really pretty though, definitely going to keep mine! <3
Proud Gamer | My best friend is
continued from previous post
"Remember me?" The man with olive skin walks closer to you, giving you a menacing smile.
"Sorry to interrupt you lovebirds, but it's time for payback." The blonde-haired man lunges at Grace and takes him by the neck. Grace shoves him to the ground, prompting the man to clench his fists.
"I'm Wayne, by the way, and this guy with me is Brandon" says the man wearing a red jacket. He extends his arm as though you are about to shake hands. His expression turns sardonic. "We met over some whiny alien scum who suckered us into helping her."
"What did you just say about Bella? You take that back this instant!" Grace turns to face Wayne. "I gave you the benefit of the doubt even if you were critical of us behind our backs, because you want to help people. I can see that. But what is this about making exceptions to the people you wish to help?"
Just then, the man named Brandon stands up and thrusts one of his arms upward, his fist landing on Grace's chin.
"YOU. TALK. TOO. MUCH!"
As Bella crouches down to aid Grace, Wayne seizes her by her wrists, immobilising her. She tries to wriggle her way out of his tight grasp, when Grace stands back up and tries to punch Brandon in return. He dodges easily, owing to Grace's poor eyesight. After a while of the two dodging each other's attacks, Brandon pulls out a gun, and points it to Grace's forehead. Just then, Bella releases herself from Wayne and grabs the gun, pointing it back at Brandon.
[[If for any reason, you do not want the CW, I can swap it for a random CW on your wishlist (if I have one,) or 500 CSC (if I don't have any of your wishlist CWs!) I will give you more detailed instructions on how to do this at the end of the plot, but so that I can keep track for now, post "solid" on the thread if you want a WL CW instead, or "liquid" if you want the 500 CSC in its place.]]
HOLY MOLY!!!! Did this anon sender just create a cw for this story and give it away to us?! That is 100% the coolest and most amazing generous thing ever. I'm totally keeping this souvenir ;~; thank you so much for letting me be a recipient of this story. also omg Bella with a gun, she looks totally badass...
he/him / 31 / EST | | My best friend is |
I legit said "oh no!" out loud. Bella, you're a badass.
Omg, I was going to say I'd exchange the cw because as lovely as it is (and it really is lovely), I already have 40949484 snowy backgrounds that I never use... BUT if you (or someone) created it just for this plot I'd definitely keep it because that's 10000000000000% amazing and awesome and generous.
Aaaah did you really just send me a message to answer my questions?! Thank you! ^_^
Grace's eyes widen.
"Huh? I guess Bella really did say something about our planet, then. Brace yourself, because this might be a bit lengthy."
"The Chronicler has complete dominion over the perception of time in our planet. He froze what we refer to "mortal time" so that we could rebuild the conditions of the old planet in the new one, without causing much of a disruption to the lives of mortals. Memories they had of those whose existences were wiped, as "collateral damage" we could not avoid. A new map of the world was implanted in their consciousness. All they know of is a Vast Purge that they were fortunate to survive."
"Between 15 years in the new planet, and the destruction of the old planet was hundreds of thousands of years."
That makes a lot more sense now, thank you! C: So much time and effort went into trying to protect and preserve the mortals. You're all heroes! xD
2nd message: AAAH YOU MADE US A CW JUST FOR THIS PLOT DIDN'T YOU It's gorgeous and I will treasure it always. <3 Thank you so, so much! Thank you very much for the (very fitting!) WL gift too. ^_^
It seems a bit unlikely that the bad guys wouldn't target non-aliens just for associating with aliens... many fanatics seem keen on that sort of behaviour. Not that I'd let that stop me from going. c:
Woah, crazy bad guys get violent quickly! Why don't I seem to be able to help at all? D: /charges at the baddies Bella is definitely a badass! :D cheers
I just used two types of punctuation to mean the same thing... I'm going to go now.
<3
🔭🐢
First of all, wow what a story. Go Bella - but I'm sorry they have to put up with this. Second, I definitely do have Janie's Got a Gun stuck in my head now :P (with Bella's name of course) & third, OMG that CW is beautiful! I can't wait to try and make an avatar with it!
Anon, I can't even say how blown away I am with the thought, planning, and creativity you've put into this entire story/journey. Speechless is not something that I'm used to!
so behind on all of this! only got on subeta this past week to kiss/participate in contests, so i finally caught up just now (right before a midterm, but shh). Haha I was not expecting the abrupt reveal that the trio are "aliens". Sucks that there is a discriminatory group against them, too. I hope that the conflict gets settled without more people getting hurt, though.
As Brandon tries to get his gun back from her…
You hope that nobody gets seriously hurt.
Bella moves her arm so that her gun is pointing at the ground from an angle, firing a warning shot.
"Ha, you can't even shoot!", Brandon gloats. Bella then strikes his head with a swing of her elbow, pushing him onto the ground. He immediately stands back up and runs to Grace, but Bella yanks his scarftail and tackles him down, stepping on his back to prevent him from standing back up.
Just then, someone appears from behind one bench to seize Wayne. One of them is wearing something… very inappropriate for the weather. Wayne manages to escape to the depths of the forest without wrestling himself away from the person grasping him, as though phasing out.
No, you realise it's the person who is fading away. Bella releases her foot from Brandon, his face buried in the snow.
You hope that Bella has a good aim.
Bella fires, landing a hit on Brandon's left shoulder. He falls to his knees, clutching his deltoid.
Grace asks you to help him clear one of the benches of snow. He then requests for you to assist him in lifting Brandon to the bench and setting him down. Bella runs to Brandon's side and begins to fashion a makeshift bandage out of her handkerchiefs. She applies it on the area she injured.
"You call yourself a surgeon. If you were going to fire, why… didn't you just kill me right now?"
Just then, two people appear from behind one bench to seize Brandon and Wayne. One of them takes Brandon from the bench to shove him to the ground, burying his face in the snow. The other is wearing something… very inappropriate for the weather. Wayne manages to escape to the depths of the forest without wrestling himself away from the person grasping him, as though phasing out.
"That's because it's called self-defense, you dillpick," yells the stranger in purple.
Is that person… fading away?
"The only thing you scum are good for is deception! Why don't you show your true, ugly selves to us?" Brandon points at the figure in clad in purple. "I knew you were an alien too, but you told me you'd help me destroy them."
"Pithy mortal, you should have known better than to trust a deceiver such as I. You, of such pitiful hubris to even dare to see our true formes! If you would even survive such a sight, you will be sightless and voiceless for the rest of your days. Truly, you are fortunate that the only deception you receive is of a benign nature." Their skin becoming more translucent, they let out a cackle. "It is not I that time stands still for. My demise is fast approaching. My dying wish is to atone to those I've hurt so much… Orama… and my dearest Storge…"
A dazzling light emanates from the mysterious stranger and floods their immediate surroundings. You look away before you blind yourself.
Grace covers his mouth with his hand, and the cataracts obscuring his sight fade to reveal his dark brown eyes.
"Eros… is this really…" You're certain you saw Bella's mouth move.
"I have committed the most deplorable of deeds. I will not be surprised if justice calls for you never to forgive me. My hands have destroyed entire worlds." The stranger walks closer to Bella. "Agape… I feel her energy. I think she's still out there, somewhere. Will you forgive Eros for being so reckless?
Bella tries to give the figure, who you assume to be named Eros, a hug. Her arms go through what should be his torso.
"That's right! I feel the radiance and the warmth of forgiveness… because you've become Agape! Continue to spread love into this new world… that is all I ask."
Just then, the figure completely fades into thin air, leaving behind some articles of clothing, right before your very eyes.
continued in next post
he/him / 31 / EST | | My best friend is |
What do I think Grace? There has been so so much to take in haha, but I do agree with you!
SPOILER (click to toggle)
Also oh my gosh I am so so very glad that Bella got her speech back and Grace is able to see again, that is wonderful for those two! ;w;
Proud Gamer | My best friend is
continued from previous post
"Eish… awr ewe ahll dahn?" Brandon's speech is muffled by the snow stuffing his mouth. You consider stepping on his back so that he couldn't stand up, but he pushes himself off the cold ground. "This sappiness is sickening! I abhor Survival for this very reason. So much smooching and biting under the pretense of 'love'."
Grace and Bella lock each other into an embrace.
"I missed seeing your beautiful face and hearing your angelic voice, Bella." He releases Bella from his embrace, taking her hands in his.
"It must have been difficult to communicate with me all this time..." She turns to you as she says, "I'm really sorry for inconveniencing you."
Just then, Grace cups both of her cheeks in his hands, turning her head so that she's facing him, before abruptly giving her a kiss on the lips. Seeing this, Brandon is seething in rage. He storms off and walks the same way Wayne escaped to.
Bella hides her face as soon as he withdraws from her, later revealing a dumbfounded look.
"Was that really… Eros right there? How is that even possible?" "Yes, Bella." "I wonder what made him change like that. Why would he ask for forgiveness in his last moments? It doesn't seem like him at all." "That's one of the other things I wanted to tell you." "What, that Eros was here, and you knew about it?" "That's not all." "Then, what is it?"
There is a sparkle in Grace's eyes.
"Agape's essence is in you. I never thought it would have been possible while my visions were clouded, but I see it now. Agape and Eros chose us to continue their legacy.."
"I can understand why he chose you; he always wanted to turn you into his apprentice, all these years. But why me? The fulfillment of my duties as Storge have not even borne any fruit…"
"That's because you've embodied love -- for never harboring hatred for Eros, even after his desires consumed him and turned him into Ghysar. Like your sister, you given so much of yourself for the sake of love. It didn't matter whether they deserved it or not." He gives her a heartfelt smile. "You deserve the love you keep trying to give everyone else."
Bella yells, suddenly falling into panic. "That's right! Wilhelm kept telling me of this mission, that we had to bring love to others." She anxiously tugs on Grace's jacket with both of her hands. "What are we going to do now? Won't Survival be over soon?"
"It doesn't have to be Survival for us to share love with others. Love has no season, it's something you breathe and live." Grace turns to you. "What do you think?"
That's right, Grace.
this is the coolest story ever :o
he/him / 31 / EST | | My best friend is |
ngl all this mention of eros and agape makes me think of yuri on ice lmao. somehow i hope they find a place to ice skate together or something bc they're in the arctic frost anyway hahahah
reply to anon
hey!!! it's totally okay, you don't need to send me anything really, Luck has done a great job of updating your work as it comes. i'm mostly here to enjoy the story. so, errr. "gas"? :P
Lmao it made me think of Yuri too, and I didn't even watch it XD
Kindest Anon
you're far too sweet for my heart, it's gunna give out lmao.
In descending order, I'd like
I wonder who found you out and how! I feel like that's a mystery subplot hahaha