{ "submission_id": "3051443", "keywords": [ { "keyword_id": "441760", "keyword_name": "deltarune", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "4416" }, { "keyword_id": "123", "keyword_name": "female", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "1104087" }, { "keyword_id": "1440", "keyword_name": "human", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "109995" }, { "keyword_id": "447417", "keyword_name": "kris dreemurr", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "85" }, { "keyword_id": "442613", "keyword_name": "noelle holiday", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "564" }, { "keyword_id": "199599", "keyword_name": "nonbinary", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "8975" }, { "keyword_id": "31219", "keyword_name": "polyamory", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "532" }, { "keyword_id": "4369", "keyword_name": "reindeer", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "5821" }, { "keyword_id": "1637", "keyword_name": "reptile", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "28963" }, { "keyword_id": "443910", "keyword_name": "susie (deltarune)", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "219" } ], "hidden": "f", "scraps": "f", "favorite": "f", "favorites_count": "4", "create_datetime": "2023-07-01 19:45:26.073585+00", "create_datetime_usertime": "01 Jul 2023 21:45 CEST", "last_file_update_datetime": "2023-07-01 19:40:06.885742+00", "last_file_update_datetime_usertime": "01 Jul 2023 21:40 CEST", "username": "kimberlyeab", "user_id": "1078223", "user_icon_file_name": "272726_kimberlyeab_asgsafdsaf.jpg", "user_icon_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/272/272726_kimberlyeab_asgsafdsaf.jpg", "user_icon_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/272/272726_kimberlyeab_asgsafdsaf.jpg", "user_icon_url_small": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/272/272726_kimberlyeab_asgsafdsaf.jpg", "file_name": "4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.doc", "file_url_full": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/full/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.doc", "file_url_screen": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.doc", "file_url_preview": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.doc", "thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.jpg", "thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.jpg", "thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.jpg", "thumb_huge_x": "300", "thumb_huge_y": "300", "thumb_large_x": "200", "thumb_large_y": "200", "thumb_medium_x": "120", "thumb_medium_y": "120", "files": [ { "file_id": "4567241", "file_name": "4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.doc", "file_url_full": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/full/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.doc", "file_url_screen": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.doc", "file_url_preview": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.doc", "mimetype": "application/msword", "submission_id": "3051443", "user_id": "1078223", "submission_file_order": "0", "full_size_x": null, "full_size_y": null, "screen_size_x": null, "screen_size_y": null, "preview_size_x": null, "preview_size_y": null, "initial_file_md5": "f59a93e122d0c3fbe7e674d69d8310c4", "full_file_md5": "f59a93e122d0c3fbe7e674d69d8310c4", "large_file_md5": "", "small_file_md5": "", "thumbnail_md5": "520b046c93ad3fcd80f405a3198a7eb0", "deleted": "f", "create_datetime": "2023-07-01 19:40:06.885742+00", "create_datetime_usertime": "01 Jul 2023 21:40 CEST", "thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.jpg", "thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.jpg", "thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/4567/4567241_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle18complete.jpg", "thumb_huge_x": "300", "thumb_huge_y": "300", "thumb_large_x": "200", "thumb_large_y": "200", "thumb_medium_x": "120", "thumb_medium_y": "120" } ], "pools": [ { "pool_id": "85623", "name": "Doe in the Middle", "description": "Noelle has a secret: she's into BDSM erotica.\n\nHopefully, none of her partners find out...\n\nWait, why is Kris using her Kindle?", "count": "31", "submission_left_submission_id": "3026384", "submission_left_file_name": "4527065_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle17completed.doc", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/4527/4527065_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle17completed.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/4527/4527065_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle17completed.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/4527/4527065_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle17completed.jpg", "submission_left_thumb_huge_x": "300", "submission_left_thumb_huge_y": "300", "submission_left_thumb_large_x": "200", "submission_left_thumb_large_y": "200", "submission_left_thumb_medium_x": "120", "submission_left_thumb_medium_y": "120", "submission_right_submission_id": "3076802", "submission_right_file_name": "4607789_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle19completed.doc", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/4607/4607789_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle19completed.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/4607/4607789_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle19completed.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/4607/4607789_kimberlyeab_doeinthemiddle19completed.jpg", "submission_right_thumb_huge_x": "300", "submission_right_thumb_huge_y": "300", "submission_right_thumb_large_x": "200", "submission_right_thumb_large_y": "200", "submission_right_thumb_medium_x": "120", "submission_right_thumb_medium_y": "120" } ], "description": "Noelle has a secret: she's into BDSM erotica.\n\nHopefully, none of her partners find out...\n\nWait, why is Kris using her Kindle?\n\n----------------------------\n\nCover art by [url=https://twitter.com/Deceased_Bunny]Dead Bunny[/url], so many thanks to him for bringing this fantastic piece to life!\n\nKinks: More Story :P\n\nSo many thanks to [url=https://archiveofourown.org/users/ArdentiArdore/pseuds/ArdentiArdore]ArdentiArdore[/url] and [url=https://archiveofourown.org/users/SubordiSins/pseuds/SubordiSins]SubordiSins[/url] for their help proofing this chapter!\n\n---------------------\n\n[url=https://discord.gg/GddZvgqXgd]Hey, y'all should join my Discord! It's multifandom, kinky, and queer as fuck.[/url]\n\n[url=https://kimberlyeab.carrd.co/]Visit my website to see where else you can find my work, follow my socials, or support me on Patreon![/url]", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Noelle has a secret: she's into BDSM erotica.

Hopefully, none of her partners find out...

Wait, why is Kris using her Kindle?

----------------------------

Cover art by Dead Bunny, so many thanks to him for bringing this fantastic piece to life!

Kinks: More Story :P

So many thanks to ArdentiArdore and SubordiSins for their help proofing this chapter!

---------------------

Hey, y'all should join my Discord! It's multifandom, kinky, and queer as fuck.

Visit my website to see where else you can find my work, follow my socials, or support me on Patreon!", "writing": "Noelle stood before a familiar theatre, nervously stroking at the journal that Ralsei had lent her. Again and again, she ran her thumb along the numerous pages, strumming through them like they were strings on a guitar.\n\nThere was something about this which felt more real, like she was that much closer to the fateful little moment of finally disappointing her mother. It had somehow felt so distant until now, suddenly growing scarily real.\n\nWas this the right choice? Or was this a choice that could possibly ruin her entire life?\n\nIt wasn't easy to tell, especially when the repercussions would probably take a decade to really be felt. \n\nSusie draped an arm over her shoulder, pulling her in against her. There was a thin smile upon her lips as she did so.\n\n``Thanks,'' Noelle whispered.\n\nSusie nodded. ``I know when you're getting in your head about things, babe.''\n\n``That obvious?'' Noelle asked, sighing under her breath.\n\n``That obvious,'' Kris added, bumping into her from the other side. ``Plus, I can imagine that your brain is probably a little scrambled from Tasque.''\n\nNoelle winced at the memories. ``Yeah.''\n\nKris paused for a moment. Worry and guilt briefly overcame them and it seemed that they knew something was amiss, frowning at this. \n\nThough they soon returned to a contented smile, if one that was just a smidge strained. ``Everything okay?''\n\n``I...'' Noelle bit her lip. ``I might've bitten off more than I can chew last night.''\n\nSusie sucked in a breath. ``Who do I have to kill?''\n\nThis time the guilt that overcame Kris seemed a bit deeper, much harder to dislodge as they failed to make eye contact. ``I... I had no idea.''\n\n``One of those things that sounded really nice on paper,'' Noelle explained, trying her best to offer a cheery smile while knowing that it was more than a little tense. Though how could it not be when a fresh discomfort was being mixed with her present anxieties. ``Not anyone's fault, just should've known my limits better while doing a scene with her, you know?''\n\n``Nah Kris should've...'' Susie began.\n\nKris flinched.\n\n``Susie,'' Noelle cut in. ``That isn't very helpful.''\n\n``Sorry,'' Susie whispered.\n\nNoelle looked towards the theatre. ``Anyways, let's go see what Spear has planned for us.'' She snorted, drawing away from her girlfriend. ``And let's hope that his interview goes well because I am so fucking nervous.''\n\nKris nodded and took a step towards the grand entrance. ``You know that we're with you every step of the way.''\n\nAs they approached the entrance, Noelle was left in awe by the sheer number of darkners present. There were already so many different kinds of creatures heading through the front doors, being ushered in by employees who exchanged currency for access.\n\nThe crowd included cyber citizens and cowboys, regal creatures and mummies. It honestly seemed like the entire town had shown up to attend such an event. It was honestly a little wild to see the fusion of cultures coming together for this show.\n\n``Spear must be a pretty popular guy,'' Susie said, scoffing. ``Couldn't imagine being into a stuffy play but it?s rare to see so many different darkners in one place.''\n\n``Oh, come on, these plays aren't that bad,'' Noelle said.\n\nSusie shook her head. ``I remember reading a few of them back in high school and they were pretty fucking bad.''\n\n``I mean isn't that the issue?'' Kris teased. ``The fact that we were forced to read them instead of allowed to watch them. Like remember the movie that Alphys put on instead, wasn't that way better?''\n\n``It was until we had to write an essay about it,'' Susie chided.\n\n``Well, I appreciate you giving it a chance for my sake,'' Noelle said, nuzzling into her. ``And it was very nice of Spear Shaker to get us free tickets.''\n\n``Yeah, yeah,'' Susie said as she scratched at the fuzz on her chin.\n\nThey made their way towards the front entrance, merging into the crash of bodies. There were no lines, nothing, just a wave of creatures trying to get in. The staff at the front was in short supply but slowly they took money and gave out tickets, weaving their way through the sea of potential patrons.\n\nInch by inch, Noelle and her group got closer until they were finally in front of an usher.\n\n``VIP seats,'' Kris said, holding up a set of three tickets.\n\nThe employee, a bulldog, smirked. ``Considering who you are, I'm not surprised.'' He then ushered for them to go inside. ``Go immediately to your left and take the stairs. If you need further accommodations, then I'm sure one of the ladies would be more than willing to keep you company.''\n\nSusie cocked a brow and looked at Noelle who shrugged back in response.\n\nKris took the lead and entered the theatre proper, taking a left as instructed and moving towards the stairs.\n\nNoelle noticed that there was a line of finely dressed female employees, from a variety of different darkners. They waved and winked at the trio as they walked on by, trying to garner their attention.\n\nKris decided to stop in front of one who looked like a glass full of beer. Her shape was slender though it was a little strange to see her eyes and mouth floating within this amber ale.\n\n``Hey there,'' Kris said. ``I was wondering if you could uh... help us?''\n\nThe beer monster smiled. ``I'd be honoured to help keep our heroes some company.''\n\n``I was wondering if you could show us where our box is?'' Kris asked, showing her the tickets. ``It says we?re in 3A.''\n\nThe beer monster whistled. ``That's the Prince's Box. Usually, it's only reserved for the most important guests. Though I guess that makes sense considering who you are.''\n\nShe then took the lead without further comment, heading up the stairs as she did so. The three of them followed after her, ascending to a second and then third floor. Once at the third floor, they were confronted by a single door. \n\nThe monster opened it and ushered for them to go inside. An offer which the trio took with her following behind.\n\n``Thank you,'' Kris said, flashing a polite smile. ``Appreciate the help.''\n\nThe beer monster smiled back. ``So which services are you looking for this evening?''\n\nSusie cocked a brow. ``Pardon?''\n\n``You know... like sex?'' the beer monster asked.\n\nNoelle's cheeks warmed. ``Wait what?''\n\n``Wait, were you not...'' The beer monster looked between them. ``You know that us girls down there are courtesans, right?''\n\n``Courtesans?'' Susie asked.\n\nNoelle leaned in and whispered into her ear, trying her best not to squeak. ``Sex workers.''\n\n``What?'' Susie barked. ``The dude at the door said you'd be able to help us.''\n\nKris hummed and reached into a satchel at their side, pulling out a wad of darkner cash. They rifled through the bills and peeled off about five hundred's worth, offering them to the beer glass.\n\n``Sorry for the confusion,'' they said. ``But we're just here to see the show.''\n\nThe darkner looked at the cash, going wide eyed at the sight of it. Still, she took it without further comment.\n\n``Hey, no harm, no foul! This sure makes my night a lot easier,'' she said before inching towards the door. ``Enjoy your show.''\n\nAnd with that, she was gone.\n\n``What just happened?'' Noelle asked.\n\nKris snorted. ``You just got a very interesting look at what theatre culture must've been like wherever Spear Shaker comes from.'' They hummed and looked perplexed for a moment. ``Though now I'm kind of wondering how that would feel.'' They looked at Susie. ``Do you think the carbonation around your dick would hurt or feel good?''\n\nSusie shrugged.\n\n``And do you think you could drink the beer while having?'' Kris asked, pondering this. ``Would that be like a sex thing? Does it count as a bodily fluid at that point?''\n\n``I...'' Susie began.\n\nKris hummed. ``Could you transmit an STI through it?''\n\nNoelle tuned them out as she looked around the box, pleased by what she saw. It was adorned with fine furniture and had a wonderful view of the stage below. There was also a little minibar set up in the corner with an assortment of snacks placed upon it.\n\nSusie made her way over and grabbed a package of some sort of snack mix before plopping down within one of the seats. It was a reclining chair but made from felt and trimmed in gold, inhabiting this strange juxtaposition between modern comfort and regal appearance.\n\n``Nice view at least,'' she commented.\n\nNoelle nodded and took the middle seat, looking down at the theatre as well.\n\nA crowd was already starting to form with there only being standing room left for the regular patron to enjoy. \n\nThough she noticed strange oddities amongst the crowd almost immediately. First, she saw ushers walking through the aisles, hawking food and drinks as if it were a concert or sports event. There were also finely dressed characters who acted like mascots, doing little mini performances to get the crowd hyped for the approaching play.\n\nAnd that wasn't even the strangest thing. No, these paled in comparison as she noticed that other patrons were not as restrained about hiring the services of the courtesans as her trio had been. And from this high up, it was easy enough to spot them as they did little to hide their debauchery.\n\nWere they going to just...\n\nOh Angel...\n\nYeah... yeah, they were. Right in the middle of a crowded theatre...\n\n``Hey babe!'' Noelle quickly yelped, looking towards the minifridge. ``Can you get me something to drink?''\n\nKris nodded and opened the fridge. ``What do you want? They've got Imperial Gin and Tonic, Imperial Beer, Imperial Cola, Imperial Water...''\n\n``I am starting to sense a theme here,'' Susie chided.\n\n``Imperial Lemon Lime Beverage,'' Kris went on. ``Imperial Orange Drink, Imperial...''\n\n``I'll take an Imperial Gin and Tonic,'' Noelle quickly interjected.\n\n``Imperial Beer for me,'' Susie added.\n\n``What do they have to eat?'' Noelle asked.\n\nKris looked at the collection of snacks atop the fridge. ``Uh Imperial...''\n\n``Never mind,'' Noelle quickly added, shaking her head. ``Just a drink is fine.''\n\nKris nodded and grabbed three cans, coming over and plopping down within their seat. They kicked up their feet and leaned back before offering a can to each of their partners.\n\nNoelle cracked hers open and took a sip, happy to have something to help cool down her burning complexion.\n\n``Damn,'' Susie teased, poking a claw through the lid of her beer before taking a generous sip. ``Those darkners are just going at it in public, huh?''\n\nNoelle's complexion warmed once more.\n\nThough thankfully, it seemed that she would be saved from having to think about this as the curtains on the stage promptly fell away, revealing a familiar scroll who strutted forwards with such overwhelming authority. He was met with much fanfare as darkners started to holler and clap as if a rockstar had just been presented to them.\n\nAnd Spear Shaker ate it up, bowing and waving, beaming at the barrage of sheer affection. It seemed to strengthen him and fill him with a vibrant energy.\n\nNoelle wondered if that could be her one day, renowned and loved to such a capacity.\n\n``Fellow Darkners!'' Spear Shaker shouted, extending his arms as if to embrace the sheer wave of love offered to him. ``I am here today to present you with a tale of forbidden love and intense rivalry. A tragedy and romance woven into one compelling journey. With the help of my lovely actors and fruitful assistants, we'll be here to wow and amaze you for our fine evening together.''\n\nThe rumble of the crowd seemed to die away as everyone was transfixed upon the figure of Spear Shaker.\n\nSusie scoffed. ``Lame's lame, let's just get this over with.''\n\nNoelle glared at her which only earned her a scoff from Susie who popped a fistful of Imperial Snack Mix into her mouth.\n\n``Without further ado, I'd like to present you with the tale of Romano and Julia!'' Spear Shaker bellowed.\n\nHe then took a step back as the scene started to unfold with assistants helping to bring the set to life.\n\n[hr]\n\nThe crowd was in a frenzy as sabres clattered together on stage. Steel crashed against steel as a bear and wolf fought one another. The audience cheered and yelled, picking favourites as if there wasn't a predestined narrative that was supposed to be followed.\n\nAnd Noelle caught Susie sitting forward a little more, intrigued by this.\n\nBenvitrio, the bear, stumbled back, narrowly avoiding a stab to the gut by the Prince of Hounds himself.\n\nSusie huffed and stood up. ``Get his ass Benvitrio!''\n\nKris snickered.\n\n``Get his fucking ass!'' Susie growled.\n\nThe crowd seemed to be in agreement, not wanting this fight to come to an end any time soon.\n\nAnd just as Benvitrio seemed to be upon the ropes, did he strike back, throwing his overwhelming weight into the Prince of Hounds. The two of them stumbled back and once more engaged each other in the language of swords, clashing their blades together in a debate borne upon cold steel. \n\nThough a new voice soon boomed with a deep staticky rumble. ``CEASE THIS CONFLICT UNDER MY AUTHORITY!''\n\nAnd just like that, a new figure came upon the stage.\n\n[hr]\n\n``Benvitrio, no!'' Susie screamed, nearly lunging out of the box and falling three stories.\n\nHer favoured character lay wounded, likely mortally, as he whimpered within his cousin's grip.\n\n``Romano,'' Benvitrio said, his voice somehow a whisper though projected throughout the entire venue. ``I've been... I've been slain.''\n\n``Don't say such things,'' the lion known as Romano replied. ``We can get you help.''\n\n``There is no more help for me within this mortal plane,'' Benvitrio replied. ``Please, please bring this petty conflict to an end for the sake of myself and our accursed family. Ensure that our future heirs know peace and happiness.''\n\n``Don't say such...'' Romano began.\n\nThough Benvitrio wasn't breathing, lingering as still as a rock.\n\n``No,'' Romano said.\n\n``No!'' Susie cried, smashing her fist into the railing.\n\nNoelle and Kris shared a look, smiling at one another.\n\n[hr]\n\n``Okay, okay, I admit it,'' Susie chided, tilting back her third beer. ``That wasn't half bad.''\n\n``You seemed pretty invested in it for not half bad,'' Kris teased.\n\n``Look I didn't realize how badly Alphys had fucked these up,'' Susie replied, motioning to the stage with her talons. ``That was full of dick jokes and fight scenes. I fucking love dick jokes and fight scenes, dude.'' She huffed. ``And did you see the way that everyone got fucking massacred like halfway through, that was epic.''\n\nKris smirked and Noelle snickered back at them, hiding her amusement behind her hand.\n\nThough before they could continue down this specific conversation, there was a knock at the box's door.\n\n``Miss Noelle?'' a voice called.\n\nNoelle perked up and turned to face it. ``Yes.''\n\nThe door opened and a monster that looked like a fountain pen entered, bowing at the waist and spilling some of his ink upon the floor.\n\n``Master Shaker has requested your company if you would still be interested in an interview,'' he said.\n\nNoelle nodded. ``Of course.'' She got to her feet and headed towards the door, glancing back at her partners before exiting. ``What are you two going to get up to while I'm gone?''\n\n``Well...'' Kris looked at Susie, smirking at her.\n\nSusie looked back at them while smirking as well, letting that smile do the talking for her.\n\n``We'll stay here and keep ourselves busy until you're done,'' Kris teased.\n\nNoelle paused for a moment, trying to figure out what exactly they meant by that. Though she promptly remembered the conversation they'd had during the night they'd spent with Ralsei. The conversation which included what exactly they planned to get up to while Noelle was busy with her interview.\n\n``In here?'' she hissed.\n\nSusie got up and made her way over to the minibar. ``It's comfy enough.''\n\nNoelle glanced back at the fountain pen who merely shrugged at her. ``I'll ensure that the cleaners come by after you're done.''\n\nWhat the fuck was this Dark World's culture even like?\n\nNoelle simply shook her head and made her exit, stepping into the hall and following the darkner's lead. It wasn't a very long journey as it seemed that the man of the hour's office was also on this floor, located a few rooms down.\n\nThe pen knocked upon it. ``Master Shaker?''\n\n``Ah, is the dearest maiden with you?'' Spear Shaker asked.\n\n``Yes, Sir,'' the pen replied.\n\n``Well let her in, I promise that I'm decent enough,'' Spear Shaker chided. ``Still fully dressed and everything.''\n\nThe pen opened the door and gestured for Noelle to go inside. This was an offer which she gladly took, stepping into the office.\n\nThe space was a mix of personalities, a clash of worlds. There was fine furniture, classy paintings, and awards offered in such plentiful numbers. It spoke of a man who enjoyed prestige, of someone who was an expert at their craft and respected for it, rewarded even. \n\nThough on the other hand there was an almost universal mess, a clutter, with papers and books scattered around and left discarded upon every surface imaginable. It seemed that there must've been a dozen projects in the works within this space alone.\n\nThe man of the hour himself was standing by some windows, overlooking his theater. He glanced at Noelle and smiled at her, ushering for her to come over.\n\n``What did you think of my latest performance?'' he asked.\n\nNoelle smiled. ``It was really nice, well paced and full of all the things that an audience likes to see from something like this. Susie was especially intrigued by it.''\n\n``I am extremely happy to hear that,'' Spear Shaker said. Noelle noticed that he had an amber-coloured drink in his hand as he helped himself to a sip. ``I was worried that your lover would not give me a fair shake, considering her coarse personality. Though I could hear her voice loud and clear when I wanted to hear it.''\n\nNoelle pulled out her journal, scribbling away at one of the pages to ensure that her pen worked.\n\n``Anyways, how can a humble wordsmith offer his guidance?'' Spear Shaker asked.\n\nThere were so many questions that lingered upon the tip of Noelle's tongue though it seemed that not one of them could achieve dominance over the others. Where was someone supposed to even start when it came to quizzing a mentor?\n\n``What made you want to be a writer?'' Noelle finally asked, resting her rump upon the edge of his table. This was one of the few surfaces available that wouldn't disturb his ongoing work.\n\nSpear Shaker smiled and glanced at her. ``The same reason that anyone wants to do it. I had a story to tell and I wanted to share it with people. I'm sure you know what that's like.''\n\nNoelle nodded. ``I do.''\n\n``And what is the story that you want to tell?'' Spear Shaker asked.\n\nNoelle bit her lip. ``I... I want to tell the kind of stories that I wish I would've read when I was younger. I want to tell the future sheltered girls of the world that it's okay to love who they love and that it's okay to be who they want to be.''\n\n``That's a rather noble goal,'' Spear Shaker said, shaking his head. ``Personally, I just wanted to tell stories that had awesome fight scenes because I had this like...'' He motioned with his hand before touching it to his temple. ``My brain would play out these really detailed battles that I thought were really cool and I wanted other people to appreciate them as well.''\n\n``Really?'' Noelle asked, cocking a brow.\n\nSpear Shaker nodded. ``But then I ran into the cold reality that people want a little more to their narratives than just a mere melee. So, I began to train my skills in order to justify showing off these really cool fight scenes, and well.... one thing led to another, and now I'm forced to write ninety percent filler for all of these amazing fight scenes that I have planned out.'' He shook his head and sighed rather theatrically. ``Alas, people seem to enjoy said filler, so I guess I can't really complain too much about the matter.''\n\nNoelle snorted and Spear looked at her, giving her a curious look.\n\n``Sorry, just that's such a surreal answer,'' Noelle said.\n\n``I was a child who was raised on stories of knights and watched movies of great eastern warriors who had perfected their craft through generations of training,'' Spear said as he moved away from the window and took a seat within his chair. ``Everyone has their inspirations.'' He motioned towards her. ``What are some of yours, if you don't mind me asking?''\n\nNoelle hummed and pondered it. ``I think a lot about my life when I'm brainstorming ideas. I... I've lived a pretty interesting life so far.''\n\n``You've saved several worlds, been the hero to countless souls, and experienced a fruitful set of relationships that only so few could ever hope to replicate,'' Spear chimed in. ``Hell, your life gives me inspiration. I can't imagine the well of narratives that it must provide for you.''\n\n``What did... what did the people in your life tell you when you told them that you wanted to become a writer?'' Noelle asked.\n\nSpear snorted and looked down at his drink, downing the rest of it in one incredibly potent pull. That did not fill Noelle with the most confidence as she felt an anxious bundle take root at her very core.\n\n``My lover supported me but I knew she thought that I had gone mad. My family, on the other hand, threatened to disown me if I strayed away from the path of being a cobbler,'' Spear stated. ``They nearly did so until they saw the audience that I managed to draw in with my first performance.''\n\n``I was afraid you were going to say something like that,'' Noelle whispered.\n\nSure, there were countless souls who said they supported her but Noelle had a feeling that a lot of that support was through strained smiles. And if those hadn't been entirely faithful, then what hope did she have of getting even a whiff of support from her own mother?\n\nThe mere thought of that conversation made her clench her jaw.\n\n``I take it that you are worried about such a conversation in the future?'' Spear asked.\n\nNoelle looked up and nodded. ``My mother.''\n\nSpear hissed through clenched teeth. ``They are always the most protective and thus the most likely to stop a dove from flying free. My advice in that regard is to evade the truth until you've adequately established yourself.''\n\n``Are you telling me to lie to her?'' Noelle asked, scoffing at the concept.\n\nSpear shook his head. ``No, no, I'm merely stating that you should evade telling her the truth until you've grown successful enough to justify it.''\n\n``That sounds a lot like lying,'' Noelle replied.\n\n``Well, they are of a similar vein,'' Spear answered, chuckling to himself. ``But the difference is that evading the truth is something done for the benefit of both parties instead of just one.''\n\n``So, I'm lying to her then?'' Noelle asked.\n\n``Evading the truth,'' Spear offered quite curtly before motioning towards her. ``Anyways, how about we move onto the next question instead of getting caught up on something as simple as terminology.''\n\nNoelle nodded and tapped her pen against the paper, wondering what would be the best subject to ask about.\n\n``How does someone turn an idea into a story and then turn a story into a job?'' Noelle asked.\n\n``Well, the first one is easy enough,'' Spear replied. ``You merely transcribe your work onto a physical medium and then refine it until it's good enough to share with others. How do you know if it's good?'' He hummed. ``Well personally, I ascribed to the philosophy of mouthfeel but my contemporaries call me insane for that.''\n\n``Mouthfeel?'' Noelle asked, snorting at the strange term.\n\nSpear nodded. ``I verbally read my scripts over and over again, judging how each word, how every stanza feels when spoken upon my lips. Does it flow like a well-established river or is it jagged and sharp and dangerous to navigate? My mouth will let me know if something is of good quality or not and I've learned to trust it fully.''\n\nNoelle nodded. ``And how about making it a job?''\n\n``Well, that's the hard part,'' Spear said, shaking his head. ``You need to learn what your style is and what audience would be attracted to that. Then you must find a way to balance the needs of appeasing them with the desire to expand your craft and do interesting things with it. Oh, and make sure to get a good team together.''\n\n``A good team?'' Noelle asked, cocking a brow.\n\nSpear nodded. ``No adventure is ever done alone. There are those that must read it for mistakes and those who will engage with formatting. And don't even get me started on the need to find a good artist.''\n\n``Well thankfully I know a pretty good artist,'' Noelle teased, flashing a smile.\n\n``Because as much as some of our peers might state `never judge a book by its cover', the consumers will,'' Spear replied. ``And investing in a fine cover will do far more good for you than any grousing over that accursed adage ever will.'' He smirked and swirled around the ice in his drink. ``But in truth, the world of the writer is a daunting one to engage with.''\n\nHe got up and made his way over to a little fridge and opened it, pulling out a bottle of some sort of brown liquor. With grace, he added a couple ounces to his glass before putting it away and sampling another refined sip.\n\n``Unlike artists and musicians, our craft takes effort to consume and that will deter many, right off the bat. On top of that, we are faced with the most people who think that they can replicate our craft with ease,'' Spear went on before sighing. ``And we are also the most at risk of being replaced with machines as the matron of the Cyber District has attempted to show me.''\n\nNoelle frowned. ``That is... not very reassuring.''\n\n``Hard advice rarely is,'' Spear said though he held up a finger. ``Though try not to fall to despair, young Noelle. There are benefits to be had as well. For instance, a fan of a writer is the strongest of fans. Indeed, they are the most loyal and dedicated. They may be fewer in number but they are bolder in spirit.'' He motioned with his hand before clenching it into a fist which he held firmly to his chest. ``The matter you must attend to is discovering your niche and then trying to perfect it. If you cast a wide net, it will not go especially deep. Though cast the right hook and you'll catch your prize with far less trouble.''\n\nNoelle nodded and scribbled that down. ``What if you don't know your niche?''\n\n``Then do your best to discover it. You are still young, and as such, still have plenty of time to discover yourself,'' Spear said. ``There is no harm in dabbling in different genres until you find the one that speaks to you.''\n\n``How long did it take you to start profiting off your writing?'' Noelle asked.\n\nSpear snorted. ``Well into my twenties, that's for sure. It was a little play that was commissioned by the Earl of Tinwe about two female lovers trying to keep their illicit affairs secret from their families. Not my usual content but it was still an interesting experiment that I was proud to have crafted.''\n\nHe glanced at his fridge. ``Would you like anything to drink by the way? I promise that I have more than just Imperial Whiskey in here.''\n\nNoelle shook her head. ``Thank you though.''\n\n``But yes, unfortunately even as a seasoned writer, I can't provide you with some magic bullet to succeed in this industry,'' Spear said, plopping down within a lounging chair. ``The best way to increase your chances of success is to keep at it, find your niche, and surround yourself with talented friends who will be there to help you through the tough times.'' He gestured towards her. ``But in terms of that final umph to get you over the finish line? Well, you'll just need dumb luck, and unfortunately, we are all the bitches of fate in that regard.''\n\nNoelle snorted. ``Bitches of fate?''\n\n``Yes, she is a cruel mistress, very cruel indeed,'' Spear declared, shaking his head. ``Were there any other questions that I could possibly address for you today?''\n\n``Do you pre-plan your stories ahead of time or do you write them on the fly?'' Noelle asked.\n\nSpear smirked and pointed to his desk, to the mountain of papers and documents that were littered across it. ``Does that look like the workspace of a man who has a plan, dear Noelle?''\n\nNoelle chuckled and shook her head. ``Fair enough.''\n\n``My advice is to think of the broad strokes and plot down the most crucial details to the narrative. Then just let the spur of the moment guide you from one of these to the next,'' Spear said, taking another sip of hard liquor. ``It might seem scary but this is the philosophy which has brought me much success in these endeavours.''\n\n``How does someone find patrons as a writer?'' Noelle asked. ``Like I don't even know where to start looking for financial support.''\n\nSpear hummed and briefly looked up towards the ceiling, promptly frowning as result. ``I uh... should not discuss such things here.''\n\nNoelle cocked a brow. ``Why not?''\n\n``I just sense that there is a higher power which would smite me for talking about such things in this current venue,'' Spear whispered, shaking his head. ``Just know that they will come to you if you discover your niche, put your work out there, and ensure the highest quality possible for the final product. They may seem slow at first, but like I said, the fans of a writer are always a dedicated bunch, unwavering in their support.''\n\nNoelle nodded.\n\n``Was there anything else?'' Spear asked.\n\nNoelle frowned. ``I think that was just about everything that I wanted to know.'' She sighed. ``I just wish it wasn't so daunting.''\n\n``I mean sure, it's daunting. Yet, you are Noelle Holiday,'' Spear said, thudding a fist to his puffed-out chest. ``You dethroned tyrants and saved people; you stopped the literal apocalypse and defeated an all-powerful godlike entity in the process. Compared to your existing achievements, making it as a writer will be a cakewalk.''\n\nNoelle snorted and couldn't help but blush. ``It feels a little more challenging than that I'm afraid.''\n\n``Well at the very least your work will always have a home amongst my collections,'' Spear said, gesturing to his bookshelf. ``Your anthologies would be a beautiful addition to put upon them.''\n\n``Thank you, Spear,'' Noelle said.\n\n``And as for your mother...'' Spear sighed. ``Well, I'm afraid my advice is fleeting in that department. Maternal trust can be such a hard thing to garner at the best of times. And going into writing is hardly the best of times.'' He perked up. ``Are you still dependent upon her for money?''\n\n``I am...'' Noelle said, rubbing at her arm.\n\n``Could you not be?'' Spear asked.\n\nNoelle thought about it for a moment, considering her existing support network and job. It was something that would be difficult but still distinctly possible.\n\n``I probably could,'' she finally said. ``It... it wouldn't be easy but I think I could do it.''\n\nSpear nodded. ``Then be frank with her and show her your dedication to this goal. Freedom is something more valuable than any currency could ever hope to buy.''\n\n``You make it sound so easy,'' Noelle teased.\n\nSpear shrugged as he took a sip of his drink. ``It can be when you have hindsight and a lingering resentment on your side.''\n\n``Fair enough,'' Noelle replied, glancing at the door. ``I should probably return to my partners.''\n\n``Oh yes, of course,'' Spear said, motioning to the door. ``Thank you for attending my show, dear, it is always a pleasure to have such an auspicious guest in my company.''\n\nNoelle smirked. ``I bet that you say that to all of the lightners you meet.''\n\n``Only because there are so few of you,'' Spear teased, grinning at her.\n\nNoelle headed for the door, stepping back into the hall once again. Though she paused at the last second.\n\n``Thank you by the way,'' she said, looking back at Spear. ``It was really nice to hear that there is a future in this for me.''\n\n``There is until that cyborg matriarch puts us out of a job,'' Spear jabbed, sounding more than a little resentful all of a sudden. Though he promptly scoffed as his expression softened. ``But knowing her it will be many years before I have to worry about such things.''\n\nNoelle couldn't help but snicker, closing the door behind herself. \n\nShe looked down the hall, seeing that the theatre appeared to have emptied out with not so much as a single attendant lingering behind. So, she made her way back towards her room, knocking upon the door.\n\n``You back?'' Kris asked.\n\nNoelle nodded though promptly realized that such movements would not be projected through a solid door. ``Yeah.''\n\n``You can come in,'' Susie called. ``I promise, we're decent.''\n\nNoelles snorted as she pushed through the door. ``As if that was really a concern that I had.''\n\nShe stepped back into the box, seeing that the two of them were lounging around. Susie's attire looked a little disheveled, wrinkled as if it were quickly thrown on. And Kris wasn't too much better off, with a red scratch upon their cheek and a head of hair that looked like it had come fresh from bed. Their septum was also skewed to the side.\n\n``Did you two have fun?'' Noelle asked.\n\nKris nodded and took a sip of their drink. ``Tons.''\n\nThey held a cold drink against the crotch of their armour.\n\n``Turns out that it's pretty fun to plow this freak's pussy,'' Susie chided, patting them firmly on the shoulder.\n\nNoelle smirked. ``Maybe next time we're down here, I'll try and will myself a dick. Sounds like it'd be a lot of fun to experiment with.'' \n\nShe came over and cuddled up alongside Susie, happy to feel her drape a powerful arm overtop of her shoulders. Though as she drew in a breath through her nose, she could definitely pick up on the scent of sex as it lingered heavy upon her.\n\n``How did your interview go?'' Kris asked.\n\nNoelle looked at her notepad, frowning as she realized how little she had actually jotted down. ``He had some good advice and some pretty cryptic advice as well. I was kind of hoping that he'd have the magic bullet to make this pipedream work but...''\n\n``There really isn't one?'' Kris asked, offering a knowing smile. ``I could've told you that one, hun. I'd imagine artists and writers have that in common.''\n\n``Look, a girl can dream,'' Noelle rebutted.\n\n``Anyways, should we get back to the castle?'' Susie asked.\n\nNoelle nodded. ``I think that I'm just about done here.''\n\n``Just let me...'' Kris turned towards the minifridge. They took a knee next to it and opened it, quickly ferrying as many cans of liquor as they could into their satchel.\n\n``Kris...'' Noelle sighed. ``What are you doing?''\n\n``Free booze, Noelle!'' Kris beamed.\n\nNoelle shook her head. ``But... couldn't Ralsei just...''\n\n``I can't fault their logic,'' Susie cut in, shrugging. ``Free stuff just tastes better, you know?''\n\nNoelle sighed. ``Fair enough.''\n\nStill, she couldn't help but smile.\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Noelle stood before a familiar theatre, nervously stroking at the journal that Ralsei had lent her. Again and again, she ran her thumb along the numerous pages, strumming through them like they were strings on a guitar.

There was something about this which felt more real, like she was that much closer to the fateful little moment of finally disappointing her mother. It had somehow felt so distant until now, suddenly growing scarily real.

Was this the right choice? Or was this a choice that could possibly ruin her entire life?

It wasn't easy to tell, especially when the repercussions would probably take a decade to really be felt.

Susie draped an arm over her shoulder, pulling her in against her. There was a thin smile upon her lips as she did so.

``Thanks,'' Noelle whispered.

Susie nodded. ``I know when you're getting in your head about things, babe.''

``That obvious?'' Noelle asked, sighing under her breath.

``That obvious,'' Kris added, bumping into her from the other side. ``Plus, I can imagine that your brain is probably a little scrambled from Tasque.''

Noelle winced at the memories. ``Yeah.''

Kris paused for a moment. Worry and guilt briefly overcame them and it seemed that they knew something was amiss, frowning at this.

Though they soon returned to a contented smile, if one that was just a smidge strained. ``Everything okay?''

``I...'' Noelle bit her lip. ``I might've bitten off more than I can chew last night.''

Susie sucked in a breath. ``Who do I have to kill?''

This time the guilt that overcame Kris seemed a bit deeper, much harder to dislodge as they failed to make eye contact. ``I... I had no idea.''

``One of those things that sounded really nice on paper,'' Noelle explained, trying her best to offer a cheery smile while knowing that it was more than a little tense. Though how could it not be when a fresh discomfort was being mixed with her present anxieties. ``Not anyone's fault, just should've known my limits better while doing a scene with her, you know?''

``Nah Kris should've...'' Susie began.

Kris flinched.

``Susie,'' Noelle cut in. ``That isn't very helpful.''

``Sorry,'' Susie whispered.

Noelle looked towards the theatre. ``Anyways, let's go see what Spear has planned for us.'' She snorted, drawing away from her girlfriend. ``And let's hope that his interview goes well because I am so fucking nervous.''

Kris nodded and took a step towards the grand entrance. ``You know that we're with you every step of the way.''

As they approached the entrance, Noelle was left in awe by the sheer number of darkners present. There were already so many different kinds of creatures heading through the front doors, being ushered in by employees who exchanged currency for access.

The crowd included cyber citizens and cowboys, regal creatures and mummies. It honestly seemed like the entire town had shown up to attend such an event. It was honestly a little wild to see the fusion of cultures coming together for this show.

``Spear must be a pretty popular guy,'' Susie said, scoffing. ``Couldn't imagine being into a stuffy play but it?s rare to see so many different darkners in one place.''

``Oh, come on, these plays aren't that bad,'' Noelle said.

Susie shook her head. ``I remember reading a few of them back in high school and they were pretty fucking bad.''

``I mean isn't that the issue?'' Kris teased. ``The fact that we were forced to read them instead of allowed to watch them. Like remember the movie that Alphys put on instead, wasn't that way better?''

``It was until we had to write an essay about it,'' Susie chided.

``Well, I appreciate you giving it a chance for my sake,'' Noelle said, nuzzling into her. ``And it was very nice of Spear Shaker to get us free tickets.''

``Yeah, yeah,'' Susie said as she scratched at the fuzz on her chin.

They made their way towards the front entrance, merging into the crash of bodies. There were no lines, nothing, just a wave of creatures trying to get in. The staff at the front was in short supply but slowly they took money and gave out tickets, weaving their way through the sea of potential patrons.

Inch by inch, Noelle and her group got closer until they were finally in front of an usher.

``VIP seats,'' Kris said, holding up a set of three tickets.

The employee, a bulldog, smirked. ``Considering who you are, I'm not surprised.'' He then ushered for them to go inside. ``Go immediately to your left and take the stairs. If you need further accommodations, then I'm sure one of the ladies would be more than willing to keep you company.''

Susie cocked a brow and looked at Noelle who shrugged back in response.

Kris took the lead and entered the theatre proper, taking a left as instructed and moving towards the stairs.

Noelle noticed that there was a line of finely dressed female employees, from a variety of different darkners. They waved and winked at the trio as they walked on by, trying to garner their attention.

Kris decided to stop in front of one who looked like a glass full of beer. Her shape was slender though it was a little strange to see her eyes and mouth floating within this amber ale.

``Hey there,'' Kris said. ``I was wondering if you could uh... help us?''

The beer monster smiled. ``I'd be honoured to help keep our heroes some company.''

``I was wondering if you could show us where our box is?'' Kris asked, showing her the tickets. ``It says we?re in 3A.''

The beer monster whistled. ``That's the Prince's Box. Usually, it's only reserved for the most important guests. Though I guess that makes sense considering who you are.''

She then took the lead without further comment, heading up the stairs as she did so. The three of them followed after her, ascending to a second and then third floor. Once at the third floor, they were confronted by a single door.  

The monster opened it and ushered for them to go inside. An offer which the trio took with her following behind.

``Thank you,'' Kris said, flashing a polite smile. ``Appreciate the help.''

The beer monster smiled back. ``So which services are you looking for this evening?''

Susie cocked a brow. ``Pardon?''

``You know... like sex?'' the beer monster asked.

Noelle's cheeks warmed. ``Wait what?''

``Wait, were you not...'' The beer monster looked between them. ``You know that us girls down there are courtesans, right?''

``Courtesans?'' Susie asked.

Noelle leaned in and whispered into her ear, trying her best not to squeak. ``Sex workers.''

``What?'' Susie barked. ``The dude at the door said you'd be able to help us.''

Kris hummed and reached into a satchel at their side, pulling out a wad of darkner cash. They rifled through the bills and peeled off about five hundred's worth, offering them to the beer glass.

``Sorry for the confusion,'' they said. ``But we're just here to see the show.''

The darkner looked at the cash, going wide eyed at the sight of it. Still, she took it without further comment.

``Hey, no harm, no foul! This sure makes my night a lot easier,'' she said before inching towards the door. ``Enjoy your show.''

And with that, she was gone.

``What just happened?'' Noelle asked.

Kris snorted. ``You just got a very interesting look at what theatre culture must've been like wherever Spear Shaker comes from.'' They hummed and looked perplexed for a moment. ``Though now I'm kind of wondering how that would feel.'' They looked at Susie. ``Do you think the carbonation around your dick would hurt or feel good?''

Susie shrugged.

``And do you think you could drink the beer while having?'' Kris asked, pondering this. ``Would that be like a sex thing? Does it count as a bodily fluid at that point?''

``I...'' Susie began.

Kris hummed. ``Could you transmit an STI through it?''

Noelle tuned them out as she looked around the box, pleased by what she saw. It was adorned with fine furniture and had a wonderful view of the stage below. There was also a little minibar set up in the corner with an assortment of snacks placed upon it.

Susie made her way over and grabbed a package of some sort of snack mix before plopping down within one of the seats. It was a reclining chair but made from felt and trimmed in gold, inhabiting this strange juxtaposition between modern comfort and regal appearance.

``Nice view at least,'' she commented.

Noelle nodded and took the middle seat, looking down at the theatre as well.

A crowd was already starting to form with there only being standing room left for the regular patron to enjoy.

Though she noticed strange oddities amongst the crowd almost immediately. First, she saw ushers walking through the aisles, hawking food and drinks as if it were a concert or sports event. There were also finely dressed characters who acted like mascots, doing little mini performances to get the crowd hyped for the approaching play.

And that wasn't even the strangest thing. No, these paled in comparison as she noticed that other patrons were not as restrained about hiring the services of the courtesans as her trio had been. And from this high up, it was easy enough to spot them as they did little to hide their debauchery.

Were they going to just...

Oh Angel...

Yeah... yeah, they were. Right in the middle of a crowded theatre...

``Hey babe!'' Noelle quickly yelped, looking towards the minifridge. ``Can you get me something to drink?''

Kris nodded and opened the fridge. ``What do you want? They've got Imperial Gin and Tonic, Imperial Beer, Imperial Cola, Imperial Water...''

``I am starting to sense a theme here,'' Susie chided.

``Imperial Lemon Lime Beverage,'' Kris went on. ``Imperial Orange Drink, Imperial...''

``I'll take an Imperial Gin and Tonic,'' Noelle quickly interjected.

``Imperial Beer for me,'' Susie added.

``What do they have to eat?'' Noelle asked.

Kris looked at the collection of snacks atop the fridge. ``Uh Imperial...''

``Never mind,'' Noelle quickly added, shaking her head. ``Just a drink is fine.''

Kris nodded and grabbed three cans, coming over and plopping down within their seat. They kicked up their feet and leaned back before offering a can to each of their partners.

Noelle cracked hers open and took a sip, happy to have something to help cool down her burning complexion.

``Damn,'' Susie teased, poking a claw through the lid of her beer before taking a generous sip. ``Those darkners are just going at it in public, huh?''

Noelle's complexion warmed once more.

Though thankfully, it seemed that she would be saved from having to think about this as the curtains on the stage promptly fell away, revealing a familiar scroll who strutted forwards with such overwhelming authority. He was met with much fanfare as darkners started to holler and clap as if a rockstar had just been presented to them.

And Spear Shaker ate it up, bowing and waving, beaming at the barrage of sheer affection. It seemed to strengthen him and fill him with a vibrant energy.

Noelle wondered if that could be her one day, renowned and loved to such a capacity.

``Fellow Darkners!'' Spear Shaker shouted, extending his arms as if to embrace the sheer wave of love offered to him. ``I am here today to present you with a tale of forbidden love and intense rivalry. A tragedy and romance woven into one compelling journey. With the help of my lovely actors and fruitful assistants, we'll be here to wow and amaze you for our fine evening together.''

The rumble of the crowd seemed to die away as everyone was transfixed upon the figure of Spear Shaker.

Susie scoffed. ``Lame's lame, let's just get this over with.''

Noelle glared at her which only earned her a scoff from Susie who popped a fistful of Imperial Snack Mix into her mouth.

``Without further ado, I'd like to present you with the tale of Romano and Julia!'' Spear Shaker bellowed.

He then took a step back as the scene started to unfold with assistants helping to bring the set to life.

[hr]

The crowd was in a frenzy as sabres clattered together on stage. Steel crashed against steel as a bear and wolf fought one another. The audience cheered and yelled, picking favourites as if there wasn't a predestined narrative that was supposed to be followed.

And Noelle caught Susie sitting forward a little more, intrigued by this.

Benvitrio, the bear, stumbled back, narrowly avoiding a stab to the gut by the Prince of Hounds himself.

Susie huffed and stood up. ``Get his ass Benvitrio!''

Kris snickered.

``Get his fucking ass!'' Susie growled.

The crowd seemed to be in agreement, not wanting this fight to come to an end any time soon.

And just as Benvitrio seemed to be upon the ropes, did he strike back, throwing his overwhelming weight into the Prince of Hounds. The two of them stumbled back and once more engaged each other in the language of swords, clashing their blades together in a debate borne upon cold steel.

Though a new voice soon boomed with a deep staticky rumble. ``CEASE THIS CONFLICT UNDER MY AUTHORITY!''

And just like that, a new figure came upon the stage.

[hr]

``Benvitrio, no!'' Susie screamed, nearly lunging out of the box and falling three stories.

Her favoured character lay wounded, likely mortally, as he whimpered within his cousin's grip.

``Romano,'' Benvitrio said, his voice somehow a whisper though projected throughout the entire venue. ``I've been... I've been slain.''

``Don't say such things,'' the lion known as Romano replied. ``We can get you help.''

``There is no more help for me within this mortal plane,'' Benvitrio replied. ``Please, please bring this petty conflict to an end for the sake of myself and our accursed family. Ensure that our future heirs know peace and happiness.''

``Don't say such...'' Romano began.

Though Benvitrio wasn't breathing, lingering as still as a rock.

``No,'' Romano said.

``No!'' Susie cried, smashing her fist into the railing.

Noelle and Kris shared a look, smiling at one another.

[hr]

``Okay, okay, I admit it,'' Susie chided, tilting back her third beer. ``That wasn't half bad.''

``You seemed pretty invested in it for not half bad,'' Kris teased.

``Look I didn't realize how badly Alphys had fucked these up,'' Susie replied, motioning to the stage with her talons. ``That was full of dick jokes and fight scenes. I fucking love dick jokes and fight scenes, dude.'' She huffed. ``And did you see the way that everyone got fucking massacred like halfway through, that was epic.''

Kris smirked and Noelle snickered back at them, hiding her amusement behind her hand.

Though before they could continue down this specific conversation, there was a knock at the box's door.

``Miss Noelle?'' a voice called.

Noelle perked up and turned to face it. ``Yes.''

The door opened and a monster that looked like a fountain pen entered, bowing at the waist and spilling some of his ink upon the floor.

``Master Shaker has requested your company if you would still be interested in an interview,'' he said.

Noelle nodded. ``Of course.'' She got to her feet and headed towards the door, glancing back at her partners before exiting. ``What are you two going to get up to while I'm gone?''

``Well...'' Kris looked at Susie, smirking at her.

Susie looked back at them while smirking as well, letting that smile do the talking for her.

``We'll stay here and keep ourselves busy until you're done,'' Kris teased.

Noelle paused for a moment, trying to figure out what exactly they meant by that. Though she promptly remembered the conversation they'd had during the night they'd spent with Ralsei. The conversation which included what exactly they planned to get up to while Noelle was busy with her interview.

``In here?'' she hissed.

Susie got up and made her way over to the minibar. ``It's comfy enough.''

Noelle glanced back at the fountain pen who merely shrugged at her. ``I'll ensure that the cleaners come by after you're done.''

What the fuck was this Dark World's culture even like?

Noelle simply shook her head and made her exit, stepping into the hall and following the darkner's lead. It wasn't a very long journey as it seemed that the man of the hour's office was also on this floor, located a few rooms down.

The pen knocked upon it. ``Master Shaker?''

``Ah, is the dearest maiden with you?'' Spear Shaker asked.

``Yes, Sir,'' the pen replied.

``Well let her in, I promise that I'm decent enough,'' Spear Shaker chided. ``Still fully dressed and everything.''

The pen opened the door and gestured for Noelle to go inside. This was an offer which she gladly took, stepping into the office.

The space was a mix of personalities, a clash of worlds. There was fine furniture, classy paintings, and awards offered in such plentiful numbers. It spoke of a man who enjoyed prestige, of someone who was an expert at their craft and respected for it, rewarded even.

Though on the other hand there was an almost universal mess, a clutter, with papers and books scattered around and left discarded upon every surface imaginable. It seemed that there must've been a dozen projects in the works within this space alone.

The man of the hour himself was standing by some windows, overlooking his theater. He glanced at Noelle and smiled at her, ushering for her to come over.

``What did you think of my latest performance?'' he asked.

Noelle smiled. ``It was really nice, well paced and full of all the things that an audience likes to see from something like this. Susie was especially intrigued by it.''

``I am extremely happy to hear that,'' Spear Shaker said. Noelle noticed that he had an amber-coloured drink in his hand as he helped himself to a sip. ``I was worried that your lover would not give me a fair shake, considering her coarse personality. Though I could hear her voice loud and clear when I wanted to hear it.''

Noelle pulled out her journal, scribbling away at one of the pages to ensure that her pen worked.

``Anyways, how can a humble wordsmith offer his guidance?'' Spear Shaker asked.

There were so many questions that lingered upon the tip of Noelle's tongue though it seemed that not one of them could achieve dominance over the others. Where was someone supposed to even start when it came to quizzing a mentor?

``What made you want to be a writer?'' Noelle finally asked, resting her rump upon the edge of his table. This was one of the few surfaces available that wouldn't disturb his ongoing work.

Spear Shaker smiled and glanced at her. ``The same reason that anyone wants to do it. I had a story to tell and I wanted to share it with people. I'm sure you know what that's like.''

Noelle nodded. ``I do.''

``And what is the story that you want to tell?'' Spear Shaker asked.

Noelle bit her lip. ``I... I want to tell the kind of stories that I wish I would've read when I was younger. I want to tell the future sheltered girls of the world that it's okay to love who they love and that it's okay to be who they want to be.''

``That's a rather noble goal,'' Spear Shaker said, shaking his head. ``Personally, I just wanted to tell stories that had awesome fight scenes because I had this like...'' He motioned with his hand before touching it to his temple. ``My brain would play out these really detailed battles that I thought were really cool and I wanted other people to appreciate them as well.''

``Really?'' Noelle asked, cocking a brow.

Spear Shaker nodded. ``But then I ran into the cold reality that people want a little more to their narratives than just a mere melee. So, I began to train my skills in order to justify showing off these really cool fight scenes, and well.... one thing led to another, and now I'm forced to write ninety percent filler for all of these amazing fight scenes that I have planned out.'' He shook his head and sighed rather theatrically. ``Alas, people seem to enjoy said filler, so I guess I can't really complain too much about the matter.''

Noelle snorted and Spear looked at her, giving her a curious look.

``Sorry, just that's such a surreal answer,'' Noelle said.

``I was a child who was raised on stories of knights and watched movies of great eastern warriors who had perfected their craft through generations of training,'' Spear said as he moved away from the window and took a seat within his chair. ``Everyone has their inspirations.'' He motioned towards her. ``What are some of yours, if you don't mind me asking?''

Noelle hummed and pondered it. ``I think a lot about my life when I'm brainstorming ideas. I... I've lived a pretty interesting life so far.''

``You've saved several worlds, been the hero to countless souls, and experienced a fruitful set of relationships that only so few could ever hope to replicate,'' Spear chimed in. ``Hell, your life gives me inspiration. I can't imagine the well of narratives that it must provide for you.''

``What did... what did the people in your life tell you when you told them that you wanted to become a writer?'' Noelle asked.

Spear snorted and looked down at his drink, downing the rest of it in one incredibly potent pull. That did not fill Noelle with the most confidence as she felt an anxious bundle take root at her very core.

``My lover supported me but I knew she thought that I had gone mad. My family, on the other hand, threatened to disown me if I strayed away from the path of being a cobbler,'' Spear stated. ``They nearly did so until they saw the audience that I managed to draw in with my first performance.''

``I was afraid you were going to say something like that,'' Noelle whispered.

Sure, there were countless souls who said they supported her but Noelle had a feeling that a lot of that support was through strained smiles. And if those hadn't been entirely faithful, then what hope did she have of getting even a whiff of support from her own mother?

The mere thought of that conversation made her clench her jaw.

``I take it that you are worried about such a conversation in the future?'' Spear asked.

Noelle looked up and nodded. ``My mother.''

Spear hissed through clenched teeth. ``They are always the most protective and thus the most likely to stop a dove from flying free. My advice in that regard is to evade the truth until you've adequately established yourself.''

``Are you telling me to lie to her?'' Noelle asked, scoffing at the concept.

Spear shook his head. ``No, no, I'm merely stating that you should evade telling her the truth until you've grown successful enough to justify it.''

``That sounds a lot like lying,'' Noelle replied.

``Well, they are of a similar vein,'' Spear answered, chuckling to himself. ``But the difference is that evading the truth is something done for the benefit of both parties instead of just one.''

``So, I'm lying to her then?'' Noelle asked.

``Evading the truth,'' Spear offered quite curtly before motioning towards her. ``Anyways, how about we move onto the next question instead of getting caught up on something as simple as terminology.''

Noelle nodded and tapped her pen against the paper, wondering what would be the best subject to ask about.

``How does someone turn an idea into a story and then turn a story into a job?'' Noelle asked.

``Well, the first one is easy enough,'' Spear replied. ``You merely transcribe your work onto a physical medium and then refine it until it's good enough to share with others. How do you know if it's good?'' He hummed. ``Well personally, I ascribed to the philosophy of mouthfeel but my contemporaries call me insane for that.''

``Mouthfeel?'' Noelle asked, snorting at the strange term.

Spear nodded. ``I verbally read my scripts over and over again, judging how each word, how every stanza feels when spoken upon my lips. Does it flow like a well-established river or is it jagged and sharp and dangerous to navigate? My mouth will let me know if something is of good quality or not and I've learned to trust it fully.''

Noelle nodded. ``And how about making it a job?''

``Well, that's the hard part,'' Spear said, shaking his head. ``You need to learn what your style is and what audience would be attracted to that. Then you must find a way to balance the needs of appeasing them with the desire to expand your craft and do interesting things with it. Oh, and make sure to get a good team together.''

``A good team?'' Noelle asked, cocking a brow.

Spear nodded. ``No adventure is ever done alone. There are those that must read it for mistakes and those who will engage with formatting. And don't even get me started on the need to find a good artist.''

``Well thankfully I know a pretty good artist,'' Noelle teased, flashing a smile.

``Because as much as some of our peers might state `never judge a book by its cover', the consumers will,'' Spear replied. ``And investing in a fine cover will do far more good for you than any grousing over that accursed adage ever will.'' He smirked and swirled around the ice in his drink. ``But in truth, the world of the writer is a daunting one to engage with.''

He got up and made his way over to a little fridge and opened it, pulling out a bottle of some sort of brown liquor. With grace, he added a couple ounces to his glass before putting it away and sampling another refined sip.

``Unlike artists and musicians, our craft takes effort to consume and that will deter many, right off the bat. On top of that, we are faced with the most people who think that they can replicate our craft with ease,'' Spear went on before sighing. ``And we are also the most at risk of being replaced with machines as the matron of the Cyber District has attempted to show me.''

Noelle frowned. ``That is... not very reassuring.''

``Hard advice rarely is,'' Spear said though he held up a finger. ``Though try not to fall to despair, young Noelle. There are benefits to be had as well. For instance, a fan of a writer is the strongest of fans. Indeed, they are the most loyal and dedicated. They may be fewer in number but they are bolder in spirit.'' He motioned with his hand before clenching it into a fist which he held firmly to his chest. ``The matter you must attend to is discovering your niche and then trying to perfect it. If you cast a wide net, it will not go especially deep. Though cast the right hook and you'll catch your prize with far less trouble.''

Noelle nodded and scribbled that down. ``What if you don't know your niche?''

``Then do your best to discover it. You are still young, and as such, still have plenty of time to discover yourself,'' Spear said. ``There is no harm in dabbling in different genres until you find the one that speaks to you.''

``How long did it take you to start profiting off your writing?'' Noelle asked.

Spear snorted. ``Well into my twenties, that's for sure. It was a little play that was commissioned by the Earl of Tinwe about two female lovers trying to keep their illicit affairs secret from their families. Not my usual content but it was still an interesting experiment that I was proud to have crafted.''

He glanced at his fridge. ``Would you like anything to drink by the way? I promise that I have more than just Imperial Whiskey in here.''

Noelle shook her head. ``Thank you though.''

``But yes, unfortunately even as a seasoned writer, I can't provide you with some magic bullet to succeed in this industry,'' Spear said, plopping down within a lounging chair. ``The best way to increase your chances of success is to keep at it, find your niche, and surround yourself with talented friends who will be there to help you through the tough times.'' He gestured towards her. ``But in terms of that final umph to get you over the finish line? Well, you'll just need dumb luck, and unfortunately, we are all the bitches of fate in that regard.''

Noelle snorted. ``Bitches of fate?''

``Yes, she is a cruel mistress, very cruel indeed,'' Spear declared, shaking his head. ``Were there any other questions that I could possibly address for you today?''

``Do you pre-plan your stories ahead of time or do you write them on the fly?'' Noelle asked.

Spear smirked and pointed to his desk, to the mountain of papers and documents that were littered across it. ``Does that look like the workspace of a man who has a plan, dear Noelle?''

Noelle chuckled and shook her head. ``Fair enough.''

``My advice is to think of the broad strokes and plot down the most crucial details to the narrative. Then just let the spur of the moment guide you from one of these to the next,'' Spear said, taking another sip of hard liquor. ``It might seem scary but this is the philosophy which has brought me much success in these endeavours.''

``How does someone find patrons as a writer?'' Noelle asked. ``Like I don't even know where to start looking for financial support.''

Spear hummed and briefly looked up towards the ceiling, promptly frowning as result. ``I uh... should not discuss such things here.''

Noelle cocked a brow. ``Why not?''

``I just sense that there is a higher power which would smite me for talking about such things in this current venue,'' Spear whispered, shaking his head. ``Just know that they will come to you if you discover your niche, put your work out there, and ensure the highest quality possible for the final product. They may seem slow at first, but like I said, the fans of a writer are always a dedicated bunch, unwavering in their support.''

Noelle nodded.

``Was there anything else?'' Spear asked.

Noelle frowned. ``I think that was just about everything that I wanted to know.'' She sighed. ``I just wish it wasn't so daunting.''

``I mean sure, it's daunting. Yet, you are Noelle Holiday,'' Spear said, thudding a fist to his puffed-out chest. ``You dethroned tyrants and saved people; you stopped the literal apocalypse and defeated an all-powerful godlike entity in the process. Compared to your existing achievements, making it as a writer will be a cakewalk.''

Noelle snorted and couldn't help but blush. ``It feels a little more challenging than that I'm afraid.''

``Well at the very least your work will always have a home amongst my collections,'' Spear said, gesturing to his bookshelf. ``Your anthologies would be a beautiful addition to put upon them.''

``Thank you, Spear,'' Noelle said.

``And as for your mother...'' Spear sighed. ``Well, I'm afraid my advice is fleeting in that department. Maternal trust can be such a hard thing to garner at the best of times. And going into writing is hardly the best of times.'' He perked up. ``Are you still dependent upon her for money?''

``I am...'' Noelle said, rubbing at her arm.

``Could you not be?'' Spear asked.

Noelle thought about it for a moment, considering her existing support network and job. It was something that would be difficult but still distinctly possible.

``I probably could,'' she finally said. ``It... it wouldn't be easy but I think I could do it.''

Spear nodded. ``Then be frank with her and show her your dedication to this goal. Freedom is something more valuable than any currency could ever hope to buy.''

``You make it sound so easy,'' Noelle teased.

Spear shrugged as he took a sip of his drink. ``It can be when you have hindsight and a lingering resentment on your side.''

``Fair enough,'' Noelle replied, glancing at the door. ``I should probably return to my partners.''

``Oh yes, of course,'' Spear said, motioning to the door. ``Thank you for attending my show, dear, it is always a pleasure to have such an auspicious guest in my company.''

Noelle smirked. ``I bet that you say that to all of the lightners you meet.''

``Only because there are so few of you,'' Spear teased, grinning at her.

Noelle headed for the door, stepping back into the hall once again. Though she paused at the last second.

``Thank you by the way,'' she said, looking back at Spear. ``It was really nice to hear that there is a future in this for me.''

``There is until that cyborg matriarch puts us out of a job,'' Spear jabbed, sounding more than a little resentful all of a sudden. Though he promptly scoffed as his expression softened. ``But knowing her it will be many years before I have to worry about such things.''

Noelle couldn't help but snicker, closing the door behind herself.

She looked down the hall, seeing that the theatre appeared to have emptied out with not so much as a single attendant lingering behind. So, she made her way back towards her room, knocking upon the door.

``You back?'' Kris asked.

Noelle nodded though promptly realized that such movements would not be projected through a solid door. ``Yeah.''

``You can come in,'' Susie called. ``I promise, we're decent.''

Noelles snorted as she pushed through the door. ``As if that was really a concern that I had.''

She stepped back into the box, seeing that the two of them were lounging around. Susie's attire looked a little disheveled, wrinkled as if it were quickly thrown on. And Kris wasn't too much better off, with a red scratch upon their cheek and a head of hair that looked like it had come fresh from bed. Their septum was also skewed to the side.

``Did you two have fun?'' Noelle asked.

Kris nodded and took a sip of their drink. ``Tons.''

They held a cold drink against the crotch of their armour.

``Turns out that it's pretty fun to plow this freak's pussy,'' Susie chided, patting them firmly on the shoulder.

Noelle smirked. ``Maybe next time we're down here, I'll try and will myself a dick. Sounds like it'd be a lot of fun to experiment with.''

She came over and cuddled up alongside Susie, happy to feel her drape a powerful arm overtop of her shoulders. Though as she drew in a breath through her nose, she could definitely pick up on the scent of sex as it lingered heavy upon her.

``How did your interview go?'' Kris asked.

Noelle looked at her notepad, frowning as she realized how little she had actually jotted down. ``He had some good advice and some pretty cryptic advice as well. I was kind of hoping that he'd have the magic bullet to make this pipedream work but...''

``There really isn't one?'' Kris asked, offering a knowing smile. ``I could've told you that one, hun. I'd imagine artists and writers have that in common.''

``Look, a girl can dream,'' Noelle rebutted.

``Anyways, should we get back to the castle?'' Susie asked.

Noelle nodded. ``I think that I'm just about done here.''

``Just let me...'' Kris turned towards the minifridge. They took a knee next to it and opened it, quickly ferrying as many cans of liquor as they could into their satchel.

``Kris...'' Noelle sighed. ``What are you doing?''

``Free booze, Noelle!'' Kris beamed.

Noelle shook her head. ``But... couldn't Ralsei just...''

``I can't fault their logic,'' Susie cut in, shrugging. ``Free stuff just tastes better, you know?''

Noelle sighed. ``Fair enough.''

Still, she couldn't help but smile.

", "pools_count": 1, "title": "Doe in the Middle - Chapter Eighteen", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "2", "rating_name": "Adult", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "4", "name": "Sexual Themes", "description": "Erotic imagery, sexual activity or arousal", "rating_id": "2" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "f", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "0", "views": "149" }