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I've had a hell of a couple of weeks, but I went through and finished up that chapter. I didn't have it all the way done, so it got a little longer on its own, which turned out fine. A tiny detail came to me for later and, well, let's just say the Council leaders are not the most powerful Seekers. Some just want to tend to plants. Zilfiris will have some explaining to do.... And Draen will find some powerful friends he's never met.
***
Chewing her lip as she fought with her jumble of emotions, she gave him a half-hearted smile. “I, um, I ate earlier, but I guess I have room for some more.”
“You are new,” he stated matter-of-fact as he led the way. “All who are new arrive to us hungry.”
***
I wonder who that could be?
Well, the way this chapter ended was not how I thought it would so the next chapter has to be adjusted. Oh well. Turns out, it's all kind of weaving this beautiful web that I hadn't planned on. The characters are building their world as they want and I'm just following along. The dysfunctional couple's most defining connection is going to be revealed in the next few chapters, so if you're wondering where things are going with these two, your wait is not that far off. But to get to the truth, we're waiting until the showdown with Maelic. I mean, unless you are good at catching foreshadowing....
Late chapter is better than no chapter, yeah? So, I was almost done with this longer chapter for The Rat and the Dragon, and I was just thinking... then I will have another long chapter, and these are taking forever to write. So, instead, I'm going back to single scene chapters. That way, I have a buffer now, and if I can get a couple more by splitting up another longer chapter, then I can give some more time to Mongrels and Music... especially because I have to change some things because I decided to save these explosions that run through my head for the sequel. With the help of an unbiased sounding board, I was able to realize that the original ending was perfect for this story and that the big fancy crumbling of a whole mafia empire is best saved for the next story. Yes, I asked AI to help me decide a direction. I do believe in assistive AI, not replacing people and talents with AI. It was immensely useful for organizing my next 5 chapters for Rat and Dragon and deciding where to go with Mongrels because I was STUCK!
But wait! What about Roscrow? That asshole... is off on interdimensional shenanigans with a bisexual vampire in a love/hate relationship with a werewolf from some other faction. The vampire is doing everything he can to stop Roscrow from turning the werewolf into a rug. How did we get here? Well, Roscrow claimed to be a god one too many times out loud and another god wannabe decided to answer the boast in a co-lab with a writer on Inkitt. They are both entirely convinced of their godliness and neither one is even close. What's Roscrow got besides his size? Fuckin' MONEY! That man makes it rain diamonds if he feels like. A god of luxury, wealth, and decadence. In a world with few magic users and even fewer species that naturally rival the Q'Hu, he's quite sure he's the hottest shit to exist. Also, one thing the Q'Hu have going for them is their... density. I don't know how else to explain it. If you try to use magic on them, it doesn't work the way you're hoping. A thunderbolt drawn down by magic will tickle. You can forget magical telekinesis altogether. The Q'Hu are like a stone standing fast against a tide; magic just goes around them. The Q'Hu have no magic of their own, but some learn how to manipulate the magic around them. Their inherent resistance isn't like most. As I said, they are... magically dense? Well, it helps repel magically inclined vampires and gives Marco a run for his money... I mean credit card. Meanwhile, Slenderman is wandering around Central Park chasing werewolves and the vampire is starting to think this may have been a bad idea to snag this alien walking corpse from another dimension.... Once that's run itself to an ending, we'll work on making "Roscrow and Marco's Not So Godly Adventure" pretty to be seen by others. XD
I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! It's sweet. Zeffel is adorable. I wonder where they are going? Oh wait, that's right, I'm writing this adventure! Where do you think they are going?
I updated the first chapter of The Rat and the Dragon with a disclaimer. There is a warning about the non-con and other triggers. I also put the AI images at the start. Other fixes include chapter 7 with an update to the conversation Draen and Cylthan have. I admit, it was very dry, and I've made it a little more familiar and informal. My idea had been that Draen talks a bit like Data from Star Trek: TNG. No contractions, and very cold and logical. He does, however, see Cylthan as his cub since he's been her adopted father since he was 13 (thus I also fixed his age). This sets her up for being accustomed to a pet name like 'kitten' and- if it isn't obvious already- going to lead straight to her totally loving the idea of 'Daddy Roan.' ("Have mercy on me, Daddy!") I also updated chapter 19 to remove the images from there, and fixed up a couple of spots in Cylthan and Roan's conversation in the cafeteria.
My friend is fighting so hard to get this story changed out of non-con land. Mostly, her gripe is "romanticizing toxic relationships." Thus, I added a small disclaimer for people to not take the story as a guide for a relationship. Seriously, if anyone treats you like Roan treats Cylthan, RUN THE FUCK AWAY. Roan has a redemption arc, and so does Bern (if you think Roan is an ass, we haven't yet seen Bern in any great detail... oof). Roan also ends up with Shidu and Jorsam breathing down his neck over everything he does with Cylthan. It's all fantasy. Most abusers do not change. Don't wait around for it. It won't happen in real life the way it happens in stories. Rape fantasies are okay so long as they stay fantasies. Don't put yourself in that position, it's not as much fun in real life as on paper, I promise you. So, enjoy the fantasy! Roan will repent, and he will explain every thought he was having in those first few chapters before Cylthan will allow herself to fall for him.
Here's a bit of character info. Roan is 6'3" and Cylthan is 6'4". Shidu is 6'6" and can stretch her neck as long as an arm. Jorsam is also 6'4". Meanwhile, Bern is 12' tall. For those who needed the exact measurements.
I truly apologize for the long wait on this. This chapter did not like me and it was very difficult to write. I have to remember Roan isn't supposed to be entirely likeable just yet. Don't worry, his temper will be back. I'm still not done with day one. T.T So much can happen in a single day and all these moments are building their relationship. But, that temper of his and the shit he put her through at the start will cause some friction to push things along. And Shidu may or may not help....
I gotta stop with these long chapters. Seriously, it's hurting my groove. XD
Coming up, Chapter 21 will be some insight into Silver Eye's world, and reveal a couple of those "changes" Zeffel went through by touching the Mana Source. And in the following chapter, one particularly fat rat's cold shoulder will end up leading Cylthan down a dark path.
I hope you enjoy!
This was not a planned hiatus. Voices got loud, then so did life. Last week before school and there is plenty to do. But next week begins my 6 hours of freedom 5 days a week! I'm close to done with Chapter 20 from The Rat and the Dragon, I just got stuck on the bathhouse scene. So, when I have that open time again, you better believe I'll be writing. Until then, here's a snippet of what's to come in The Dragon Tamers. I've had most of this chapter done for awhile, just waiting to get there. I can't wait to share the songs!
***
The music changed, the lights gyrating to the beat. Jasper growled and dropped down off the balcony. Rolling expertly to his feet in a move he had practiced many times leaping off Randel's back, he took a fighting stance, initiating his challenge.
The slack-jawed, wide-eyed expression on Roscrow's face would have made Jasper laugh at any other moment. “Saipaki...!”
“Don't 'saipaki' me! You knew this moment was coming.”
The astonishment faded from his face and the hunter stalked towards his prey, dark gaze unwavering. His path was made clear in an instant. Jasper's nervous gulp seeing only himself in those frigid voids was not lost to the Q’Hu. With a measured breath as if to calm himself, he leaned forward to speak only to Jasper.
“You are not going to win.”
“I've whooped your ass once before.”
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