Whenever I See The Stanley Parable Narrator Being Depicted As A Giant Or At Least Having Some Sort Of

Whenever I see the Stanley Parable Narrator being depicted as a giant or at least having some sort of drastic size difference to Stanley it makes my g/t heart so happy istg.

Been experimenting with more lighting stuff, just hope I'm doing it right because this took actual hours. I'm really happy with it so I think it was worth the risks.

Also you get height difference because that makes everything better. :3

I can finally say to expect the first part tomorrow! I have really bad insomnia so I decided to spend my time writing rather than staring at the ceiling and finally editing the first part. I still have 2 paragraphs to edit and then I'm done! But it will definitely be here tomorrow. Well..technically today because its 4 am for me.

What's the best thing to do when stressed about exams? Study? No. Write a g/t story until 4 in the morning? Of course! This one is definitely getting a part two. And possibly three. I dont wanna go starting a new story that I'll never get around to finishing as I already have plenty of stories to work on, but I got inspiration and had to write so enjoy. (Side note I was listening to part of your world from the little mermaid before I wrote this so you'll see connections in one part)

4010 words

Part of that world: part 1

The crew had just about wrapped up their game after a good few hours of play when Theo piped up among the conversation after a sip of his drink

"Oh! I forgot to tell you all! Remember how I said I thought this place was haunted?"

Nearly everyone groaned, much to Theos frustration

"Oh okay, because we sit here every weekend playing a fantasy game but ghosts and spirits are off the table?"

Besides him Thomas rolled his eyes with a smirk

"We never claimed the game was real, Theo. Neither are ghosts."

Maisey perked up at that shaking her head

"Well..I mean I feel like there's a possibility ghosts exist just..not here Theo. I'm sure your beliefs are justified!.. and I suppose I may be bias as I don't live in this building so I wouldn't know..but this building isn't very old- and as far as I'm aware, thankfully nobody's died here...yet."

Before anyone else could make their arguments Theo continued

"Yes yes! Well I'll have you know ouiji boards exist and it wouldn't surprise me if one of the neighbours dabbled in the dark arts before, my bets on Helen from 2B upstairs. Anyways!! What I wanted to say was, I bought cameras, for the kitchen to start with. I might get more but the kitchen seems to have the most evidence of supernatural so"

Thomas laughed from across the table

"Dude. You're crazy. You sure you're not high again?"

Henry who never usually pitched into conversations like this even had something to say, in his usual brooding manner- though he was Theos flatmate so his words were necessary in this matter

"You bought cameras and I'm only being informed now? You do realise rent is due in two weeks? You better not have wasted all your money."

Theo made gestures of neglect with his hands, shoving off the comment.

"Oh relax, you'll get the money man. They were off some dingy website. And I only set them up yesterday so no need to worry about privacy. I haven't even turned them on yet. But tonight. Tonight I get my answers!"

Sadie, adjusted her hair and snorted "yep. He's insane. I think the finals coming up are starting to get to you Theo."

Theo stood with a look of finality, clapping his hands together.

"Say what you will, but tonight we shall see, and you shall weep of embarrassment. Ye of little faith. For now, I belive we can wrap up this campaign for this evening, I do need to get these cameras on after all."

And so the crew packed it up, all wishing their goodbyes Thomas pairing off with Sadie, grabbing a box of takeout from the table with them. Maisey after giving Henry a kiss and Theo a hug made her way to the door only to stop before hand

"Best of luck with the cameras, Theo. Despite everything, I'll be curious to see if you find anything. Night guys!"

When all had left Theo shut the door to face a disgruntled Henry who regarded him with folded arms.

"Aw come on pal, don't gimme that. Listen I know you think I'm crazy but just, trust me on this! Things going missing, noises in the kitchen, voices in the walls?!"

Henry pinched his nose and sighed, pushing up his glasses.

"That isn't a ghost, Theon. It's rats. And as for voices, they're either an effect of marijuana or squeaking. Besides, I've already got it covered. You may have noticed the traps I've set."

Theo grumbled at this, his roommate ever so logical.

"Yeah I've seen 'em. Rich of you to comment on me wasting money when you bought all those!"

Henry shut his eyes, it was clear Theo was testing his limits- of which wore thin. He exhaled deeply through his nose

"It's a rational assumption Theon. Especially since rat's are real. And you should know I value cleanliness. I won't have some vermin lurking about if I can do something about it."

Theo took a mouthful of noodles from an open box, finishing it off and depositing it in the trash. He swallowed and met Henry's eyes.

"Well, one of us is right. And one is wrong. Let's let the camera decide."

Henry's face fell flat with a tiresome expression. He removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. Part of him praying the tech would show some full proof footage to finally shut his friend up.

"Goodnight, Theo."

In the end. Both boys were wrong. Though a judgemental eye would say Henry's theory was not far off. Pitter patters raced through the walls, from four small sets of feet. One pair slower than the other.

"Daphne! Wait up!"

But the other pair persisted, destination and goal in mind and on path.

The male voice breathed out harshly

"Come on Daph! You know I'm not as fast at you!"

Suddenly the other pair stopped and the small borrower boy came crashing into them -or rather her- with an 'oof'. But the girl didn't say a thing, only looked out in awe

"There it is Riven. The kitchen.."

Riven came to her side.

"You..you say this everytime you know that?..look, I've got a bad feeling about tonight I think it's best we make this quick."

Daphne turned with a raised brow and smirk to her friend

"You're not getting cold feet now, are you?"

Riven shook his head incredulously

"N-no! Of course not. Just, Daph.. I have a bad feeling is all. You seen the traps yesterday, right? And before you say it I know you'd never fall for them! B-but still! It's.. unnerving to picture. I just wanna be careful about this!"

Daphne wasn't phased by this and only smiled brighter

"Crazy right? Humans are so creative with their traps. I'd love to get my hands on one, I'm sure they'd be interesting to dismantle.."

Riven paled

"I..did I just hear you right? Gods Daphne they're deathtraps! Those things can and will kill us!"

Daphne rolled her eyes shrugging him off, ready to hurry off before Riven latched onto her arm.

"Please Daphne..just..just be careful. I wouldn't want anything to ever happen to you. Plus your father would do a lot worse to me than any trap could ever achieve."

Daphnes features softened and she pulled her friend into a hug.

"Alright Riven..I won't be long tonight. Or even 'foolish'" She mocked her fathers voice on that last word and continued

"Besides, Father doesn't even know we come here. He's too busy with the others. I dont even think he knows we come here. We aren't on the borrowing squad after all." She huffed, deadpanning with a mumble "He made sure of that much"

Riven eased

"Good. Though, no offense Daph..but I kinda get his precautions..no matter how good you are. You tend to get carried away.."

Daphne frowned at this, though her casual smirk founds its footing again, grabbing her friends arms and leaving through their secret exit out onto the counter tops.

Moonlight lit the kitchen and a tickling of a clock resounded through the quiet expanse.

The pair exited, one much faster than the other.

Daphne twirled around in glee as Riven was pulled along.

"Come on! Come on!"

Riven stumbled out almost falling forward, he grabbed his friend for support pulling himself up

"Daph! C-calm down!"

She hurried along, practically dancing about, basking in the moonlight. So many possibilities and so little time! Where to start was the question plaguing her most.

It didn't take long to figure out, Daphne was a very distracted girl after all.

She got loose of Rivens hold and her eyes lit up.

"Oh my gosh..Riven look.." She whispered.

Just before her sat the most peculiar thing. It was circular- almost like a button? But metal? An it had jagged sort of edges.

"It almost like a..bowl? Is that what humans call it?"

She knelt down gently and traced her fingers over it in awe, before picking it up and twisting it over. It's red sleek shine reflected in the dim lighting and as another bonus it was surprising light!  On the back there was an intricate design, words?

"C-o-k-e"

She sounded it out coming to the conclusion that it sounded 'coh-keh'

Riven inspected it too tilting his head

"I think it might be off a drink? You know..like a lid thing?"

Daphnes eyes lit up

"It's absolutely beautiful. And it's just.. lying here.."

Riven interupted before she could continue already sensing where her mind was headed.

"Daphne, no."

Daphne pouted

"Oh come on Riv! Clearly it isn't that important. They just left it here after all! And I know just where it will go in the collection."

Riven tried to reason but he knew it was a lost cost, so he resorted to excuses.

"I-its too big though! It won't fit in your satchel and you'll never be able to get past the guards with that button. They think we are scouting after all. If you come back with a borrow that big your father will know."

Daphne once more didn't seem bother by this, if anything she seemed determined.

"Nonsense. Humans leaves stuff outside all the time. I'll say I brought it home as a reward for my labour. You really think the guards will argue with the daughter of the chief?" She quipped.

"Possibly Daph..they're quite rude. Listen, we've never been here during the day. We don't know the humans, their attitudes or routine. Perhaps this cap is here for a reason. And if not that, then it must be some sort of test. You seen the traps. They think they have rats. Maybe they want to mess with them?"

At this Daphne faltered. Her eyes filled with dismay as she heeded her friends advice. Sure, it was amazing. Sure, she longed to take it home..but..her friend mattered more. It was already dangerous enough dragging him here with her. Leaving the treasure could be a compromise of sorts to make sure he kept coming with her. He was her only friend after all, and she would never want to loose him.

"Okay" She sighed placing it down.

"Gods I wish I was on the borrowing squad. If only I could convince father." She turned to her friend

"You know sometimes, they go during the day! They actually see humans..I mean..could you imagine?"

Riven swallowed, clearly not sharing her interest in seeing such large beings up close.

"Humans are so.."

"Dangerous?" Riven offered, to which Daphne chuckled lightly

"Yes.. I suppose..but gosh..just look at this stuff Riv..it's amazing..it's so creative and wonderful. I just..don't see how world that makes such wonderful things, could be so bad?"

Riven gave a look of pity. He took her hand a guided her to the edge, sitting down to which she obliged.

"It's not the creations that's are bad..it's who makes them..sure, there is cool stuff like that thingy, but then again, there is traps. Poison. All sorts of dangers. But I get it, Daph. It is pretty interesting, just dangerous. But for what it's worth, you'd make a fantastic borrower."

He did truly believe it- only part of him hated the thought. She was agile, quick and fast! But she was far too fascinated with humans, and that would only lead to one thing. He shivered at the thought.

They sat in silence as the listened to the clock tick, but with Daphne quiet never lasted very long.

"Yknow, I hear humans are kinda like borrowers."

Riven couldn't picture that. The height difference was staggering enough, but he was willing to hear her out.

"Apparently, when they need stuff, they leave their homes and return with bags full of supplies! It's like they have some sort of hidden storage facilities that has never ending supplies. Could you imagine?"

Riven cocked his head

"Really? I always pictured they traded stuff. Like.." He was shocked to find his next words leaving his mouth "Like us."

"I wonder what they trade then. One time outside I saw the most fantastic object. It was like that shiny red thing over there, only it was a different colour and completely flat! Kinda silvery? Like metal. Oh and it had a face on it!" At her friends bewildered look she laughed once more

"It's true! Anyways.. part of me reckoned they traded with those. I never seen another, so assumed it was rare. And I couldn't take it home because well..Father. It would've made a fine addition to the collection."

Riven smiled, but then a thought came over him. They'd been here quite a while- and this was meant to be a short visit. He did have a bad feeling in his gut after all.

"H-hey..I dont mean to cut things short. But we should head back now."

Daphne faltered as he stood up, hesitant to do so.

"We've only been here a little while!"

She watched his shoulders fall as he released a withheld breath

"I know but I trust my gut Daph..we should head home. Especially if we wanna be up early tomorrow"

It was Daphnes turn to be confused. Up early? Riven raised a brow as if to prompt her memory, but when he got no avail he solved her inner dilemma.

"We've got scouting at dawn, remember?"

Immediately Daphne rose to her feet in shock. "Right!! Oh gods how could I forget? I'm so foolish- come on then let's get out of here!"

Together the pair hurried off, but before they made it to the exit something caught her eye.

A small box with a blinking light. Riven was already in the wall ahead of her, but she stopped.

And slowly made her way over, with awe and caution.

What was this?

She paused before it, it was a big enough contraption, it went up to her rib area in height. She examined the strange box utterly enchanted. How was she only seeing this now?!

She got down on her knees to see an odd glassy circle in its core.

She tapped it once and skittered away immediately expecting a reaction, but it remained still, it's light persistent in its blinking.

She heard Riven coming back as he hopped back through

"Daphne! There you are! You scared me for a sec, I was talking to myself in there and I- what are you doing?"

He approached her before he too came to a halt.

"Um..Daph..what is that?"

Daphne who was starstruck only whispered

"No idea Riv..but its incredible."

Riven glared down at it. Something about the red light felt like warning signal.

"L-lets go Daph..this feels wrong."

She was instant to defend her newest find when Riven assured her they could return to see it again. She hesitantly agreed, as Riven pulled her away from it and guided her back to the wall. The whole way there, she didn't let it leave her sights once.

How peculiar..

Theo awoke the next morning. Ah, Sunday. Such a blasted day. A much appreciated break (if one didn't have to study), but a reminder that college resumed the next day. He lay back in his bed as the morning sun drifted in and bird song whistled about. Now..what was on today's agenda?

The d&d campaign didn't resume until next week when everyone was free again, so his efforts as dungeon master could take a break. He had no assignments. Odd. He was sure there was something about today that was incredibly important to him.

He turned on his phone and a video he fell asleep watching resumed.

'Buzzfeed Unsolved: The Demonic Possession of the Conjuring House

Seemed about right. He was pretty restless last night after his conversation with Henry-

Wait.

He sprung up immediately, his sheets billowing on the floor.

"The cameras!!"

He skidded out into the hall, almost slipping over his pyjamas as he hurried down to the kitchens to his cameras.

He was so excited. Proving people wrong was fun but proving Henry wrong? Now that was a celebration to behold.

This is not the way a normal person should act to their home being haunted- but if anything Theo wanted to witness the wandering spirits more than anything.

He slammed open the kitchen door and instantly scooped up camera one, the view of the dining area. He uploaded its content to his phone and pressed play, watching with bated breath.

Only to falter..in the corner on fast play it read the time. It got all the way to the current hour and absolutely nothing happened.

Ok..not great.

But there was still hope!!

Betting on the second camera he held his phone inches from his face watching for signs of something, anything!!

But there was absolutely nothing. Just the endless image of the cooker.

He felt his shoulders droop as he picked up camera three, questioning if it was even worth it. He sighed sitting back as he played the recording, anxiousness building in his stomach at the thoughts of his friends laughing at him. He usually didn't mind it, his theories were extreme after all. But this time he really hoped to be correct.

And somehow his prayers were answered.

And not in anyway he ever expected.

His eyes widened, his jaw slacked and he stood immediately, knocking the chair to the ground.

"Holy fuck!"

Two tiny figures stepped out onto the counter at two a.m. His heart was positively pounding, the phone fell from his hands, which he scrambled to catch, falling to the floor.

He sprung up almost leaping as he crashed into the cupboards.

"HENRY! HENRY!!! GET IN HERE!"

Henry was tired. In general and of his roommate's shit. He cared for him dearly, but some days he longed to move in permanently with Maisey. Anything to escape his madness- anything to escape mornings like this.

Of course he knew what he was being so urgently summoned for. Theon believed his blasted little cameras saw a ghost. If he were in better moods he wouldve played along to make it easier. But he was rather dull this morning. He longed for caffeine more than anything. Though there was no getting near the delicacy without Theon getting in the way.

He snatched his glasses, a sour expression painted his face. Better get it over and done with then.

He marched out into the kitchen, to find his roommate clutching his head as he stared down to his phone in shock.

"Theon, I swear, you're getting on my last nerve. You didn't see a bloody ghost."

But his friend simply shook his head- in agreement, not taking his eyes off the screen for a second.

"You're right. I didn't."

Henry hitched at this, Theon admiting he was wrong? That wasn't something that happened everyday. He decided to entertain his nonsense.

"Alright. You got my attention. What is it?"

Theon looked up from his phone

"Something much better. Call everyone get them here now. No time to loose. Go quickly!!"

Henry was taken a back, and frustrated to say the least but while Theon usually pulled stunts like this, this one seemed awfully genuine. He grabbed his phone.

It was thirty minutes later when the others arrived much to Theons dismay. They sure did take their time. But in that half an hour he hadn't moved. He simply kept rewinding- annoying the daylights out of his roommate who was getting more impatient about his outstanding discovery by the second. They were so small, so fragile..so very impossible. But it would appear more so, improbable. He dissected each frame harbouring any detail he could. Unfortunately for him the recording was black and white- part of night vision filter he guessed- he couldn't exactly make out their appearances but the were so human. There eyes both glowed from the recording so judging their actual eye colour was near impossible. It was almost the same with skin colour though the boy seemed quite tan, the girl pale. The boys messy hair was definitely dark brown, the girls looked to be a blonde? Or red? He couldn't distinguish it, but it was tied back in a ponytail that swished around around her excitement. Their clothes were also a point of interest, looking like sew scrap fabric. He couldn't imagine having to make his own clothing, albeit he was crafty but not that crafty.

He didn't want to spoil the surprise to his roommate so he kept the volume off, waiting to hear what these two had to say in the company of his crew. If they could even say anything that is.. he really hoped they could. It was eating him inside, if they could speak what language was it? An entirely new one? English? What did they sound like? They seemed to be a different species all together. His patience was at a loose end, he kept asking Henry every five minutes if their friends had arrived yet, which led to no avail.. and almost resulted in Henry shattering his coffee mug in fury.

But then the knock came and Theo sprung up whipping it open and ordering them to follow without any other explanation.

Once he had them all gathered he sat them down in their living room and shut them all up before they could start ranting about time or bombarding him with questions.

"Alright alright. Now I'm sure you're wondering why you're all here at eight a.m on a Sunday morning."

"Yeah, I'd love to know pal!" Thomas quipped sarcastically only for Sadie to continue "This is insane Theo. It's too early for this."

Theo almost faltered but he knew what they were about to see would shut their traps. Maisey yawned from beside Henry

"Please, Theo, it's quite early. I understand you're excited but..just..yeah"

Theo smiled at her, appreciating her acknowledgement only to clap and almost jump with a start.

"Right then. As you may remember for last night I believed there to be ghosts in this apartment. Specifically the kitchen."

"Oh jesus, this?! Man, this better be good" Thomas groveled.

"Well, I didn't find any ghosts, but I found something much better."

He screen mirrored his phone to the TV and pressed play.

Two a.m hit and he slowed it down.

Everyone was silent, and Thomas was about to break said silence when his eyes widened.

He sat up instantly. Henry spat out his coffee. Maisey squeaked. Sadie's jaw was on the floor.

Theos grin went from ear to ear as he finally grabbed the remote and turned up the volume. The big reveal. Please. Please

'Come on! Come on!' 'Daph! C-calm down!' 'Oh my gosh..Riven look'

The group sat in shocked silence, nobody dared interupt the little beings as the girl discovered a lid from a coke bottle. Theo, Sadie and Thomas all found a smile playing at their lips at her pronouncement of the word, the other two looked as if they'd lost all their brain cells- which was terrible as they were the smartest of the bunch. The mini duo marveled at the trash, the conversation moving on to her taking it to her collection. Then to her father- so there was more of them!

Theo couldn't help but catch how the boy spoke of 'humans' with such uncertainty. But absolutely adored how the girls eyes sparkled at the mere idea of them..of people like him. She..she reminded him of himself.

Henry despite his shock admired the boys intelligence for watching out for possible dangers, and could feel pity knowing exactly how it felt to have an over-the-top friend himself. Surely the square cube law outruled any possibility of tiny people yet here they were..

Sadie who too was floored, found the girl amusing, she was a proper Disney princess with how she was acting..all she needed was an animal sidekick. She was so curious about everything and it made her wonder the girls age. She looked old enough but younger than her. Same for the boy.

Maisey was in awe, as was everyone but this was something she couldn't describe..that's science couldn't even describe. She couldn't quite comprehend it all but she was trying her best. A whole society of tiny people.

Thomas was gonna explode. He was like a ticking bomb. This was absolutely insane. Guilt fell over him for his doubts in Theo but knowing how his friend usually was he felt he was justified. He'd been that way since they were kids. This was one of the rare times he'd been right.. not about ghosts..but of something supernatural being in his home. Thomas felt a smile pull on his face as he watched the antics of the duo, reminding him of his own friends. He'd very much like to meet them..

The girl being the daughter of a chief, her awe of human creation, the boys fear of it.. her longing to be on the borrowing squad. And the boys comfort that she'd make an excellent borrower..

Theos eyes lit up as a whole new wave of possibilities and excitement fell down upon him.

Namely when and how he would meet his new little borrower friends.

For Roleplays!

I'm pretty much down for everything except these categories so these are my 'don'ts'

🚫I don't do:

-Giantess roleplays (sometimes I like giantess stuff but never in roleplays idk why 😭)

-Furry and nekos- (HOWEVER any other things like harpys or borrowers with tails are OK, just as long as they don't have paws or over the top ears if you get me and don't make animal noises. Mermaid, half shark, anything like that is perfectly fine too its just full on Furrys and nekos.)

-Nsfw

-Vore

-Any fetish stuff

-Child giants (giants under 18- 17 is okay but anything below then two is a no)

-fandoms. I do original characters only

-lastly I don't usually play giants. I suck at it 😭

Also just another I want to point out. If YOU ask me to roleplay and then never respond I will block you. If you don't want to do it anymore or are busy just say so I won't be mad. Now if you leave me on open accidentally and forget to respond I can understand as I've done this, but if I see you are active and outright ignoring me that's when I have an issue. Don't ask if you aren't actually up for it.

✅I am a sucker for darker themes, angst and fearplay! I do love fluff too.

As for tropes, I LOVE found family, enemies to lovers, the angsty shit, there's no trope I'm really against but if I do not like one please just have respect that it's not something I'm willing to do (but I doubt that will happen)

When I tell you I CANNOT WAIT it is an UNDERSTATEMENT. Only a few more hours now. My patience is going to break very soon.

進撃の巨人 The Final Season Pt. 2 Preview

9th January 2022

I'm still working on Of Sinners and saints and will be making another part/ more parts for it. But I had an idea for a story and it got me in the mood for writing.

Trigger warnings!: c*tting, violence, child abuse, cursing.

The story will tone down alot more as it is found family trope a few parts I post here and there will be dark but I will always specify which ones <3

The winner takes it all

It was a kill or be killed world.

Or at last it had been.

The only way to make it in society now was to be chosen. And the only way to be chosen to outperform everyone else.

The rest of humanity seemed to live in poverty, amongst the slimes and slums of the Decker. Famine spewed and violence cried. Murders, thievery, kidnapping, and the rest all the same. The very dregs of society. Looked down on with disdain from the wealthy upper class.

Or as everyone else knew them from down in the Decker, the Giants.

But amongst the dark civilisation of the underground world lay a small spark to any family that had been fortunate enough to bare a child.

A ticket to glory. A ticket to freedom.

A ticket to a new life.

Any child of the age 13 was eligible to compete.

Children of any age or gender all put to the test in a deep carefully carved and extreme competition.

Most died. Those that didn’t however stood a chance at being ‘selected’

These trials showed off each and every child, as Giants watched on with keen interest.

If a Giant selected a child, not only would they be brought into a new life of luxury but their families too.

That chosen child would then be trained by the Giant and pushed into as many competitions as said Giant saw fit.

The brutal competition didn’t have to much rules to it, but out of the few that it obtained one stood out amongst the rest.

A child could only enter once. Should they fail, there is no second chance.

Yes many died. But not just at the peril of the competition, no, the losers where what brought a large death toll, as they would most likely be killed at the hands of their own parents.

Some out of anger. Most without a choice. It cost a good sum to live under a roof in the Decker, disgrace as it was, and with poverty growing most could barely afford a house for themselves, never mind a child.

Children did not know happiness in this world. They were merely tickets to a new one.

A ticket or not, Eleanor Tarabel would give everything to win.

That she was sure of.

—

The bell tower of the undercity chimed it’s song a painful six times. And from her perch in her small window, Eleanor watched the Decker slowly wake up.

Daylight lamps replaced those of the ‘Night’ fabricating a sun cycle for the dwelling underground.

Windows opened, people left their houses, merchants barked from their stalls proclaiming their valuables. Lines for rations began to brew.

Beggars curled amongst the streets arose, cup in hand prepared for another day. Noise grew, chatter, splashes of water being throw from windows down to the drainage basins, liquids of all kinds sank down the most common and notable color being a washed crimson red.

The little girl turned from her place, hopping down into the contrasting quiet of her room.

She knew what day it was. She knew it’s importance.

She slipped into her bland day clothing and exited her room, passing a calendar of sorts marking the days according to the sun and moon's cycle.

Tuesday 24th

‘13’

Entering the corridor she collided with an unknown man, a client to be sure.

He sneered down at her

“Keep your child on a short leash, Mags.” He said, pushing past the small girl sending her into the wall.

Her mother, Margaret Tarabel, came out to sulk by her bedroom door, sending creaks and moans through the cracked wall, hair in tangles with her usual cigarette in hand, draped in a robe of sorts.

In a husky voice and a drag, she puffed smoke out into the child’s face the smell of nicotine protruding the air, she spoke in a slow chastising tone

“Honey,” she coughed violently, small specks of blood dribbled at her lip “what did I say about irritating clients?”

Eleanor dipped her head and posture

“forgive me sir”

The man didn’t dignify her with a response, simply huffing and tying his shoes, grabbing his coat and reaching for the handle

Her mother livened up, if you could even call it that, her dark eyes laden with coat over coat of seeping makeup creeped to life.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Leaving Mags. I have a job, more honorable than your shameful business”

Margaret did take kindly to his reply and in a hoarse snap she replied storming over, grabbing him by the shoulders

“Not without my money”

With a snort “for that service? That’s the worst I’ve had by far. But hey, you’ll only need to pay for one person under your roof pretty soon, ain’t that right cupcake?”

He gave an ugly wink in Eleanors direction

“Fuck you, you slimy rodent! Out of my house now.”

The man was pushed out into the streets as he spat and walked away.

“Rich coming from you, slut.”

Throwing her cigarette which only fell sadly to the floor dissipating in the drain she slammed the door and turned to her daughter.

“Don’t you mind him. Soon we’ll be comfortable out of this city. Isn’t that right my sweet?”

Eleanor was not in any means a stupid girl. It was clear to her that the only reason her mother truly cared- if you could call this caring- was for her own skin.

But if Eleanor won, she would never have to see her mother or any of her rotten clients again, never have to bare the butt of another cigarette, or random outburst or pour another pissy excuse for whiskey.

She hated her life. But she hated her mother more.

“Excuse me mother. I need to get to the arena.”

Her mother sighed and moved out of her way “maybe those Giants can teach you a little respect too.”

—

Sliding through the alleys, she made her way through the training grounds, careful to blend in, if she was quick enough she would avoid-

With a sharp kick Eleanor collided with the cobblestone, her rags soaking up the drainages contents leaving an unpleasant smell.

“Going somewhere El?”

She gagged at the smell turning to the voice.

Rodney Sterling. Katherina Vice. Desmond Fitzgerald. Lavender Maxwell.

Lavender stood over her with a snide smirk. As Katherine and Rodney pulled her up.

Lavender pulled out something brown from her pocket.

With a flick a blade came out.

Eleanors eyes widened. Lavender sensed this

“real silver would you believe it? Daddy had it made for me for next Saturday. But I figured, with that being so to long of a wait I’d test it out on my favourite little rodent.”

Eleanor gasped springing to life with immediate struggle, stepping harshly on Rodneys new shoes and punching Katherine earning an outcry from the two, racing past as quick as she could only for Lavender to grab her by the jacket sending a swift punch to her nose.

She giggled, twisting her blade, slicing her blade across Eleanors left arm.

Maxwell admired her work and Margaret’s scabbing circles that burned into her skin. “I see Mommy’s latest addiction is suiting you well, or was this from one of her fuck buddies?”

Rodney and Katherine gave a slithery snicker,

“See you at the Training grounds, if you even make it that far”

Lavender turned away, her clique in tow. Desmond drifted behind, eyes offering a speck of sympathy, turning back to his group and hurrying after them.

Eleanor sniffled, and gripped her arm closely. The dirty sewage had had seeped into her wound and she cried softly holding it close.

Drying her eyes she caught sight of the crowds forming by a nearby banner

‘NAMES AND REGISTRATION- THE SELECTING TRIALS. SATURDAY 5th’

She could do this. She had to