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cabinpres_fic) wrote2012-04-03 07:26 am
cabinpres_fic) wrote2012-04-03 07:26 am
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PROMPT POST PART IV
Please see the most recent MOD NOTE
(updated 6 June)
Welcome everybody. How you got here I have no idea but thank you for coming and welcome again, nonetheless . As you may have gathered this is a Fic Prompting Meme dedicated solely to the hilarious and oh-so-addictive BBC Radio 4 sitcom - Cabin Pressure. I'm aiming for this to be pretty anything goes - but in order for everything to run smoothly, there are a few guidelines. Don't worry - they're not too restrictive.
FILLING GUIDELINES
As you probably all know - our meme now has it's very own database created and maintained by the great Enigel. It both catalogues each and every prompt that we post and provides links to fills. You can find it here: Google Spreadsheet
We also have a Pinboard archive which has been put in place by the lovely
oxfordtweed in the place of our late Delicious Archive. This Archive contains a list of all the prompts this meme has to offer - you can find it here: Pinboard ArchiveThis is a great step forward in making our meme just a little more organised (but not too organised of course. This is Cabin Pressure) which is always a good thing.
So in order to make things easier to archive - Please nest your fills.
This can be done by either posting each part as a reply to that part's immediate predecessor, OR by replying each time to Part I OR - well you get the idea :D
It makes it simpler for Enigel and myself to link fills in a clean and clear manner. Following these guildelines will be very much appreciated guys :D
REPROMPTING
Reprompting is allowed but please include the URL of the original prompt when you do so. It will make it infinitely more easy to Archive which would make both Enigel and I very happy :)
As for everything else
- Be respectful to one another. Disagreements are fine, but not everything disagreeable is trolling. If you suspect someone of trolling, just ignore it. If you cannot respond to a comment without attacking or trolling someone else, keep it to yourself.
- No bashing prompts. It might not be your cup of tea - but obviously someone wants it enough to go to the effort of requesting it. So just scroll past it.
- Prompt away as much as you like guys - seriously, go wild - but please try to fill as well.
- Please no RPF. I'm not trying to oppress you RPF writers and enthusiasts, I would just really like to avoid any legal problems.
- When you post a fill (or post a new part of a WIP) please go over to the Filled Prompts Post (if it is complete) or the WIP Post (if there are still more parts to come) and, following each post's guideline's, post a link to this fill or new part.
NEW - If your fill includes a major element that veers from the original prompt (crossovers, established universes, kinks, et cetera), please take a few moments to check with the OP that such additions are welcome. This has caused problems in the past and it only takes a few moments of your time.
REALLY IMPORTANT ADDENDUM
According to numerous Child Safety laws it is illegal to provide pornographic material to minors. Seeing that the majority of the stuff we have here is rather adult in nature, this Meme is consequently an 18+ zone. Failing to comply to this rule could result in the Meme getting shut down. So if you're here and you're under 18 please back button now.
+ Please do not post anything regarding minors in a sexual situation. It really doesn't matter how tasteful or crass it is, there are laws that classify that sort of thing as child pornography and as such, I'm afraid we're going to have to go with the attitude that safe is better than sorry.
It really is VERY important that these rules are upheld as the consequences are severe.
Other than that - go crazy guys. Any problems please just message me and I'll try my best to work it out.
Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII | Prompt Index
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9/10
(Anonymous) 2012-11-27 07:19 pm (UTC)(link)Martin had no idea where he was. He kept checking and rechecking his homemade map, but nothing about these set of caves were familiar. He had to face it, he was lost.
That's what he gets for going down an unknown corridor. Up till this point he had been rather fastidious about his map, confident of where he was and how to get back. He had to be, he really didn't want Arthur finding him again and treating him like a lost babe in the woods.
Martin supposed the only way was to go forward and hoped he popped out somewhere familiar or maybe run into one of the other dragons who will kindly point his way. He kept walking, resisting the urge to take a detour down another path. If he came across a dead-end up ahead, then at least he could just turn around.
Martin stepped into another set of caves, pausing his trek. This place was familiar. Maybe it was Carl's? It's been a while since Martin interacted with him.
He trotted in further and immediately spotted a woman sitting on a stool. Carl had a princess, too? Relieved to finally found someone, Martin walked over to greet her. "Hello, miss. I'm Martin, may I ask-"
The princess turned around. "Martin?"
Martin froze. "Helena?"
She looked awful. Her hair was a mess, her clothes deshevled, and there was a giant angry bruise cascading across her cheek. "Martin, what are you doing here?" She demanded in a harsh whisper. "You shouldn't be here!"
"Me? What about you? Douglas told me you were rescued over a month ago!"
"I-I was... I..." She swallowed, desperate to keep her composure. "Another dragon took me from my home. He's holding me ransom."
"Ransom? But... you were already rescued! Isn't that against the rules or something?"
"Look, it doesn't matter. You need to leave now. He won't be happy to see you here-"
Martin smelled the smoke before he saw it. Living among dragons, Martin got used to the smell of burnt wood and ashy air. He twisted around, a protest on his lips on Helena's behalf. Why did this dragon kidnap Helena when she was already rescued?
He looked and his question died in his throat.
Gordon blinked wildly at him for a second. He suddenly sneered, baring his teeth dangerously. "What the bloody hell are you doing here?"
Helena was pushing Martin by the shoulders. "Go, now!" She hissed desperately. "I'll be fine! Go! Go!"
Gordon surged forward, his mouth opened wide and ready to chomp down. Martin dove out of the way, tumbled, and leapt back onto his feet, running for his life. From behind, Gordon yelled at his back, "Don't ever return, you little rodent!"
Martin ran through the caves, never once stopping to catch his breath or to check his map. At that moment, his feet knew where to go. By the time he arrived to Douglas' caves, Martin was wheezing dreadfully while clutching a terrible stitch dug on his side.
"Douglas," he breathed. He tried to catch his breath. "Douglas... I saw... Gordon has Helena! She's here!"
Martin expected anger from Douglas. Maybe a growl or even some fire spitting. Instead, Douglas replied, in a very solemn voice, "I know."
Martin felt like he was just slapped. "You know? You know? Well, what are you going to do about it? Go get her!"
"I can't," Douglas said. "You know the rules. A dragon cannot take another dragon's property."
"Rules? Are you kidding me? It's Helena! Forget the rules! Go save her!"
"No, Martin, you don't understand. I literally cannot save her, Gordon is much stronger than I am. If I attempt to take Helena back, Gordon has every right to defend what is his. If I fight him, I will lose and I will die."
Martin was stunned into silence. He always knew some of the dragons had their differences, had the right to take back what was theirs, but he didn't think it involved an actual duel to the death. Douglas was Martin's friend, he didn't want the dragon to die.
"But..." Martin said slowly. "What about Helena? Douglas, we can't leave her there. I don't think Gordon is careful around her. She looks..."
"There is nothing I can do, but should a prince decide to rescue her, Gordon will have to let her leave."
What, Douglas meant Helena's fiancee? He could be days away. "We can't till he gets here! We have to do something now!"
"I agree. That's why a prince-" Douglas jabbed Martin in the shoulder. "-should rescue her. "
Martin clutched at his shoulder, horribly confused. He glanced up at Douglas, wondering what implication he was trying to make.
Then it clicked in Martin's head. His mouth dropped. "M-me? I'm not a prince!"
"No, but you are human, and you automatically create a blind spot in every dragon's defense. You can get in, grab Helena, and get out without Gordon knowing you were there."
"I... where would I go? I can't outrun a dragon."
"Is that your map?" Douglas didn't wait for him to respond, and reached out and plucked Martin's homemade map from his hand. He spread it out on the ground and studied it for a minute. "Here," he finally said, pointing to an area near the top. "There's a small tunnel here. The gnomes carved it out many centuries ago to sneak in. Many forget it ever existed. It leads outside of the mountain. The moment you can get Helena outside, Gordon can't touch her."
A terrifying feeling was settling in Martin's stomach. He knew he would not leave Helena in the claws of Gordon, but if he escaped with her... he was never coming back. Not unless he wanted to face the wrath of a very angry dragon.
Martin blinked up to Douglas and he too, understood the full consequences of their actions. There was no going back from this.
With his mouth set in determination, Martin said, "Point out the tunnel again."
Martin wished he could write a letter to Arthur like he did to his siblings, but there wasn't enough time. He didn't want to come to Gordon's caves an hour later only to find poor Helena was eaten. Every second counted.
His heart was beating so hard, he feared he might faint. Martin slipped into the vicinity of Gorodn's caves, taking every precaution he could think of. Douglas must be right about people being dragons' blind spots. Martin was so deep in Gordon's caves, a small part of him was tempted to see if he could steal something.
He eventually found Helena in Gordon's library, trying to sort through books that were way too heavy for her. Martin was glad he didn't wait to get her. A nasty cut across her forehead now joined the bruise on her cheek.
When Helena saw him, he gestured wildly to her to keep quiet.
Martin took one last look around, checking the corners for Gordon. Seeing that they were alone, he trotted over to her and grasped her hand. "C'mon," he whispered. "I'm getting you out of here."
He pulled her behind him and thankfully she didn't resist. He wasn't sure what he'll do if she didn't want to leave.
Helena let Martin guide her, pausing when he paused, never once questioning where he was taking her. Everything was going to plan and for a few minutes, Martin foolishly thought they were going to make it without incident.
"Helena?" Gordon bellowed from far behind them, his voice echoing angrily through the tunnels. "Helena? WHERE ARE YOU?"
Martin gripped her wrist tightly. "Run!"
They sprinted as fast as they could through the caves. Helena unfortunately kept stumbling due to her long dress tangling around her legs. Martin couldn't afford to be gentle with her, hauling her back up by her arm every time she nearly tripped.
"HELENA! HELENA!"
Gordon's voice was getting closer and closer. The caves began to smell heavily of smoke, making it hard to breath.
They finally came upon the area where Douglas said the exit tunnel was located. It was this tiny little opening on the side of the wall, so dark it could easily been mistaken for shadow. Martin momentarily breathed a sigh of relief.
"Watch out!" Helena yelled suddenly, grabbing Martin and pulling him down. He cried out as a giant claw narrowly swished past his shoulder. Had Helena not grabbed him, he would have surely been decapitated.
"You little snot!" Gordon growled intensely. He was so angry, bits of flame were dribbling out of the corners of his mouth. He shot his claw out, violently pushing Helena out of the way, separating them. Helena slammed against the cave wall, and curled in on herself in pain. Martin scurried back on his hands, desperately trying to avoid the burning ciders falling to the ground. "I knew I should have eaten you on that first day!"
Gordon's head lunged downward, jaws wide opened.
The world was filled with violent sound as out of nowhere, Carolyn slammed her head against Gordon's side, throwing him nearly across the cave.
Gordon landed heavily, skidded, his limbs kicking out like an overturned insect.
"This is my human," Carolyn growled, stepping over Martin's body protectively. "So back off!"
Martin suddenly understood why no knight dared cross swords with her. Her lips were pulled back, revealing every single one of her pointed teeth. Even her spiked tail was now poised to strike. As old as she sounded, she was a force not to be reckoned with.
Gordon righted himself, his back arching like an indignant cat. "That human tried to steal my princess! I have every right to defend what's mine!"
"If you want him, come and take him!"
They roared and dove at each other, clashing and twisting their long necks, trying to bite.
Martin surged to his feet and ran to Helena. "Are you okay?"
She nodded despite her eyes clenched in pain. "I'm fine, I'm fine!"
"C'mon," Martin pulled her up and started moving towards the exit tunnel.
It was nearly impossible to do. Gordon and Carolyn were fighting so fiercely, it was like trying to navigate through a field of falling logs. Every single time they got near the exit, a tail or a giant clawed foot would force them to detour just to avoid being trampled.
"Back up, back up!"
Finally, Carolyn jumped on top of Gordon, snapping at him while he tried to push her off. Taking this opportunity, Martin and Helena dashed to the tunnel. It was smaller than it looked. "Helena, go on," Martin said, helping her into the very small, very cramped cave.
She had to bend low and move sideways to fit. "Martin!"
Behind, Gordon finally shoved Carolyn off. He twisted his head, faced Martin and dropped his jaw. From the back of his throat, light erupted.
Martin shoved Helena back. "GO!"
And that was the last thing he said before he was engulfed in flames.
Re: 9/10
God, I adore Arthur as a dragon... Especially with a plush-toy otter!
And
I want to beI'd adore Martin to be Douglas' princess. :-DRe: 9/10
(Anonymous) 2012-12-07 09:41 am (UTC)(link)10/11
(Anonymous) 2012-12-24 04:39 am (UTC)(link)Martin thought there would a great deal of pain. After hearing the unfortunate fates of some of the princesses, Martin's imagination was filled with morbid thoughts of burning to death. He wondered what it was like, how it would feel. Was it a slow and agonizing death, or did it happen so fast, you would be ash before you know it?
Orange flame twirled around him, crackling loudly. If he wasn't so busy dying, he would have thought the colours beautiful. It was actually quite a peaceful way to die.
The flame around him suddenly ceased and Martin thought, Well, this is it. It's time to meet my Maker. He blinked, expecting to see the Holy Land laid out before him.
Instead, it was Gordon's shocked face that greeted him. Smoke bellowed out from his nostrils as he gaped, "What the hell?"
Martin stared down at his hands. No burned skin, no singed clothing, he didn't even feel hot. Slowly, he raised his hands to his hair and his eyes widened as he felt it on fire. There was no pain, not on his scalp or his palms. Curious, he ran his fingers through his hair, extinguishing the fire, leaving nothing but non-burnt red curls.
"Impossible," Gordon murmured. "Impossible."
He was so stunned, he didn't see Carolyn twisting behind him. She swung her tail with deadly force and slammed it into the side of his head. Gordon fell to the ground, and with a soft grunt, slumped into unconsciousness.
Carolyn inspected the fallen dragon for a second, sniffed and huffed. She stepped over him. "Well, Martin," she said cooly. "You certainly surprised all of us."
"I-" Martin didn't know what just happened. How was he still alive? "I-"
A hand grasped his, tugging it. Helena poked her head out of the small tunnel, her eyes pleading. "Martin," she said. "Let's go."
Martin let himself be led, still too stunned to think. He slipped into the small tunnel, ducking his head. He paused briefly and looked back.
Carolyn made no movement to stop him, voiced no protest. If anything, she looked rather proud.
Helena tugged at his hand again and Martin turned back to follow her. Half of him wanted to stay, wanted to thank Carolyn for everything she's done, but something told him he wasn't done with these dragons just yet.
The moment both he and Helena climbed out of the tunnel, she threw her arms around him, hugging him close. "Thank you, Martin," she sobbed. "Thank you so much."
"You're welcome," Martin grunted at the unexpected hug.
Helena pulled away. "How? How did you survive? I saw you go up in flames!"
"I-I don't know. Magic, maybe?"
"You're a wizard?"
"No, but it had to be magic, right? Maybe someone put a spell on me?"
Helena was unconvinced. "Martin, do you have any idea how powerful dragon fire is? How do you think the tunnels were built? Douglas told me they literally melted the rock away. A common anti-burn spell wouldn't be able withstand that!"
Martin had no answer to give. However, now wasn't the time to discuss this. It was best to get Helena away from this mountain before another dragon decided it would like to have a princess.
"Let's get you home," Martin said.
()
Helena offered him a place in her royal court. Her advisors argued against it, saying Martin was not a noble nor has he ever been trained to be in court. Helena told them to stuff it and if they want to argue against the man who faced against multiple dragons, they were welcomed to it.
Unfortunately, Martin agreed with the advisors. He was not a politician and had no plans pursuing such a career. He gently turned down the offer.
It also didn't help Helena's husband, the Prince, cared very little for the young man whom his wife befriended. He thanked Martin, but kept a respectable distance from him.
"Is there anything I can do?" Helena asked. She was oblivious to the deep frown her husband was displaying. "Lands, a title? You saved a princess, Martin, you have every right to be rewarded."
Martin thought back to the large bag of coins Carolyn gave him so long ago. He didn't know it at the time, but money had never been a priority for him. It was nice to have it, though that was not why he followed the otter's advice.
Martin didn't want to be rewarded. He wanted to go home.
How do you ask for something like that? He couldn't go back to Fitton- he didn't want to go back to Fitton. There was no way he could go back to Carolyn, unless he wanted to face the wrath of Gordon. There was nothing for him here. Even with Helena's friendship, the princess was way too busy with her job as royal monarch to spend time with him.
Martin didn't know what to do. He thought back to the otter, and wondered what she would say right now.
The doors to the great hall burst opened, making them all jump at the noise. Helena's advisor ran in like the devil was on his heels, looking so flustered he could barely speak. He kept pointing uselessly behind him. "Your highnesses- I- wheeze- I- hmm... I- uh..."
"Calm yourself," the Prince commanded. "Then speak."
The advisor took several deep breaths, none of which were helping. Finally, he was able to sputter out, "Dragon! Huh-huh-huh-huh- A d-dragon in the courtyard!"
Martin and Helena shared a look. Before the Prince even got a chance to speak, they both took off running for the courtyard. They ignored all the shocked gasps they got along the way, the yells of how a princess should not be seen with a commoner. They didn't stop running until they got to front doors, flinging them open to get outside.
Out in the courtyard, surrounded by forty armed guards was Douglas. "Your highness," he said, bowing. He gave little heed to the guards around him who were too scared to get close.
Martin has never been so happy to see him. Though it had only been three weeks since he and Helena left the caves, it was long enough to make the whole experience feel like a dream. He kept expecting to wake up back at Fitton, back at his old life where nothing was extraordinary or magical.
Martin wanted to say something but held his tongue. For all he knew, Douglas was only here for Helena.
"Dragon," Helena said back, curtseying. "To what do I owe the honour of your presence?"
"I'm here for a kidnapping."
Martin gaped at him. He just saved Helena and Douglas was going to ruin that?
Helena scoffed. "A kidnapping? Douglas, you know the rules. You lost me once, you cannot have me again."
"I agree princess. But who said I was here for you?"
His large purple eyes then drifted from Helena... to Martin.
Martin quickly looked behind him. Seeing no one, he looked back, wanting confirmation.
Douglas rolled his eyes, shaking his massive head. "I know," Helena sympathized. "Would you like to do this properly?"
"If you would, please."
"Right." Helena raised her voice to the guards, and pointing a finger at Douglas, boomed out, "Guards! Kill the dragon!"
"Wait, what?" Martin protested.
The guards suddenly marched forward, their spears at the ready. Douglas went on his hind legs and gave out a magnificent roar, vibrating the very earth they stood on. The spears were throw and Douglas knocked most of them away with a fling of his wing. The ones that struck his body bounced off, too weak to pierce his hide.
Douglas surged forward, running towards Martin and Helena at top speed. Martin couldn't believe it, after everything they did, Douglas was still going to take Helena?
Not going to happen. Martin stepped in front of the princess, holding up his hands to Douglas. "Douglas, stop! You have no right-"
His protest was replaced with a high pitched squeal as Douglas swooped his claw down, snatching Martin up from the ground. "Aughhhhh?"
Helena waved at him. "Goodbye, Martin. Do write when you're settled in."
Martin wasn't given time to understand. Douglas bowed his head one last time to her and with a giant flap of his wings, pushed off the ground. Helena was still waving as Douglas flew over the confused guards, over the castle grounds, slowly gaining elevation with each flap. From his spot in Douglas' claw, Martin could see the surrounding villagers staring up at him, pointing in fear- some in fascination. They passed the great wall of the kingdom and soared higher and higher until they broke through the clouds.
They didn't fly far. Douglas decended a mere ten minutes later. He landed next to a large lake, dropping Martin near the water's edge.
Martin opened his mouth, determined to get answers. Instead, Douglas' opened his mouth and breathed fire upon him.
Martin instinctively threw up his hands to protect himself. Like Gordon, the fire swirled around him, touching his skin and hair and not burning a thing. The fire ceased and Douglas pulled back, looking smug. "Ah, I knew it."
"Knew it?" Martin squealed, putting down his hands. "Knew it? As in, you didn't know before? You just breathed fire on me unsure if I can withstand it?"
"Calm down, Martin."
"NO! What the hell is going on, Douglas! Why are you here? Why was I kidnapped? Why am I not dead?"
"I'm here to kidnap you. I kidnapped you because I wanted you. You're not dead because you're a fire witch."
Martin's brain couldn't comprehend any of that. "What?"
Douglas sighed heavily, drooping his head and shaking it woefully. He glanced up at the boy. "Have you ever heard of a fire witch?"
"No."
"I didn't expect you would. They've been extinct for nearly five hundred years now. Killed off, they were, in the Great War. They're elementals, fire breathers. They have the unique ability to be immune to dragon fire."
Martin gaped at him. "Wha... no... I've been burnt by fire before. I worked at my father's forge, I know what being burned feels like!"
Doulgas shrugged. "You're not a pure blood, I'm sure. I guess being surrounded by dragon magic 'woke' some of your latent abilities. I've always suspected you might be one, fire witches are known for their red hair, but I had little hope for that."
His red hair, Martin thought slowly, as he ran his hand through his locks. He thought back to his village and how he was the only red haired person there. He thought back to Otterly St. Mary and how the bishop threw him out of the cathedral, telling him 'his kind' was not welcomed there.
Fire witch. Literally born to interact with dragons. Suddenly everything made so much sense.
Martin cupped his mouth in awe.
"Carolyn told me what happened," Douglas said.
"Carolyn!" Martin gasped, breaking out of his shock. "Oh my gosh, is she okay? Did Gordon-?"
"She's fine, Martin. Estatic, really. After she defeated Gordon, according to the rules, he had to grant her a boon."
"A boon?"
Douglas said smugly, "Half of his treasure and library now belongs to her."
Martin nearly choked. According to Arthur, Gordon was the richest amongst the dragons. Martin could not imagine the amount of gold he had to give up to Carolyn
"Of course, you ran away and now Carolyn can't touch you. Such a shame. Having a fire witch would have really made her popular. That's why I chose to take you before any other dragon decided to."
Martin blinked up at him. Happiness was bubbling in his heart. "O-oh?"
"Yes. And you'll organize my library, my treasure room-"
"And be my friend?"
Douglas paused. Slowly, he smiled gently at him. No teeth. "Yes, of course."
Still with that kind look on his face, Douglas got on his feet and swooped his shoulder down in a familair way. Martin scrambled up to his back, positioning himself comfortably.
Without another word, Douglas spread his wings wide.
They flew.
Re: 10/11
Only one more part? But I want it to go on forever. D: But, I will love it all the same with only the one more part. :) ❤❤❤
Eplogue
(Anonymous) 2012-12-25 09:56 pm (UTC)(link)Martin paused and looked around, trying to see if there were more. A few times Douglas had dropped off animals for Martin to butcher, chickens and sheep and once a goat, but nothing as exotic as an otter pup. Arthur would be devestated if he learned Martin served that as dinner.
"Hello," the otter pup suddenly said. "Still alive, I see."
"Uh yes... may I ask what you're doing here, little one?"
"My mother sent me. She wanted to know if you got eaten or not."
"Your...?" It had been nearly seven months since that faithful day. It took Martin a second to understand. "Oh! Yes! I'm fine, I'm very happy! Please tell your mother I said, 'Thank you.'"
"I will," said the pup. He twisted around and started trotting down the tunnel.
"Wait," Martin cried out. "What is your name?"
The pup was already gone from sight but Martin still heard his echoing reply.
"Ginger!"
A few months ago Martin would have moaned at that. Today, he giggled in appreciation. Still grinning, he turned back into the caves to finish off what he started.
Re: Eplogue
(Anonymous) 2012-12-26 06:21 am (UTC)(link)A!A
(Anonymous) 2012-12-27 02:13 am (UTC)(link)Re: A!A
(Anonymous) 2012-12-27 10:12 am (UTC)(link)Re: Eplogue
Re: Eplogue
(Anonymous) 2012-12-27 10:06 pm (UTC)(link)http://archiveofourown.org/users/Tashilover/pseuds/Tashilover
Re: Eplogue