#* heh. ( aes )

[nvathuw]

Ê mốt chắc t tạo 1 cái collection mà Mondo tương tư Taka từ những tác phẩm của t quá

[prvtocol]

[wellfell]

umm idk some pics from akina's abandoned family mansion that she never visits . but if you wanna , let's write it . she might kiss you in her old room . ☝🏻

[ae-thena]

MONOCHROMATIC

[darkblessed]

what are you patron saint of?

patron saint of martyrs

the patron saint of those who died to be like you. maybe you died to be like them too: but at the end of it, you weren't like them. patron saint of tragedy. saint of saints. it's you who holds the hands of the holy dead, and you who has to answer: what do they do if they regretted it?

[noelbobby]

The Penn Comics

I should probably transfer over my Penn comics to this Tumblr account. Who is Penn? Well, it all started with violent, pistol-wielding thug who said some weird dialogue that came t' me one day.

Then it evolved into an' occasional segment with a more realised violent, pistol-wielding thug who smoked and had delusions of greatness that he certainly didn't have who was part of a larger cast.

There's a fair bit to this story, 25 works total, so hit that 'read more' if y'am interested. Otherwise don't because you'll be scrollin' a while, I'm gonna be writing for a while... bloody Hell, its sinking in.

This is 'A Pack of Pens from the Pound Shop', it was written on the 27th of March, 2022. At this point Penn didn't have a name and I wasn't intending on ever bringing him back.

That changed on the 9th of September that year, when I created the second ever Penn work, called 'This Person Again' (at the time I hadn't decided Penn was a man).

This started a minor interest in Penn from me. So much so I drew the next Penn image on the 12th of that same month and named Penn as 'Penn' in this time. A crossover image between Penn and my at the time ongoing (now on indefinite hiatus) comic Treasure of Microchips character Gecko Onslaughter, called 'Onslaughter and Penn'.

Now, Gecko Onslaughter is a far more competent character than Penn, I won't get into them, but I made it quite clear that Penn was very outmatched (as a sidenote, Gecko Onslaughter could be described as 'non-binary', but its their culture, and all ToM characters cultures, more don't have a gender-binary culturally... no, I didn't know I was non-binary when I started Treasure of Microchips, no I'm not very smart).

2 days later on the 14th I gave Penn his second ever comic 'Penn's Negotiation Tactic'. Which demonstrated the direction I was goin' with the character

That is to say, he's a joke. An overconfident fool who thinks throwing pens at people makes him seem serious and respectable. Becca's last line is the perfect summing up of the absurdity.

Penn drawings continued but for some reason I only uploaded the next 3 images on me DeviantArt on the 9th of December, 2022.

Luckily, I know when my drawings actually were drawn. The next 'un would go back to the location of Penn's second image: Penn's Place and was drawn on the 26th of October.

Notably in this image you can see a pack of cigarettes (and a loose cigarette). This image, literally called 'Penn Smoking' drawn on the 30th of October 2022 would do what it says in the title.

Why did I make Penn a smoker? Well, Penn smoking cigarettes contrasted him nicely with Gecko again, who is also depicted smoking, but they smoke cigars. Also since Penn is always smugly smiling, so I thought it'd be funny to draw him trying to maintain his massive grin while smoking. This was also about when I decided 'Norm' was a name of Penn's. Is his full name Norm Penn? I've never actually decided.

But now things get interesting, on the 9th of December (the same day I uploaded the other 2 images to DeviantArt) I 'ad a funny idea. Penn is an incompetent fool who thinks he's a dangerous and tough mercenary. So, what if he thinks he's a rival of a real dangerous merc? That's when I drew 'Penn's 'Rival''.

Penn's 'Rival', Cox, was designed in contrast to Penn: ae wears a suit rather than casual clothes, ae's bald rather than having a baldspot (and is stated to shave aer head), ae maintains a 5 o'clock shadow while Penn has no facial hair and aer skin is a teal shade in contrast to Penn's red with green hair. However, we'll get into the biggest difference between the two soon enough.

Cox is also, as you may've noticed, an ae/aer user, that's nothing t' do with Penn, and is incidental to the character, really, but I think that adds to Cox's coolness.

I moved back to Penn exclusively for the next joke, Penn at a Shooting Range on the 3rd of January, 2023.

I love to imagine the delivery of the 'Sir?' there... also is it obvious I've never even seen a shootin' range? Probably.

On the 25th I drew a full-body image of Cox creatively called Cox Image. My January self said this in the description of this image

'Penn thinks that he is Cox's biggest enemy, but Cox would say aer biggest enemy is aer desire to always look aer best. The shaved head, meticulously maintained stubble and insistence on businesswear means Cox spends more time in front of a mirror everyday than ae would admit to most. When aer style looks effortless, that's when Cox is satisfied. Still, as eccentricities go Cox's actually ends up making aerself look more serious and competent, unlike Penn's which makes him look a bit weird. Cox would never use a prop in an attempt to convince a client of aer worth. Cox's reputation speaks for Cox.'

See, Cox and Penn are both into presentation. Penn's presentations are more literal, theatrical use of pens in a strange gimmick. While Cox's presentation is appearance-based and ae have skills to back up aer look.

Then on the 8th of March I decided to go into Penn's backstory in the image 'Norm', well, more specifically in Norm's description.

'Norm was an accountant who was arrested as he had defrauded his clients in a very obvious and stupid way. He was put in a low security prison, of course, but Norm started feeling... powerful after his arrest. His feelings of power and his ego grew and grew in prison. By the time he was released Penn had started feeling invincible... and he's been working under that feeling ever since.'

What can I say, I wanted to add some depth to Penn. I certainly didn't add anything new on the 31st of March, 2023. When I drew 'Penn is about to Fire'

I pointed out in the description that Penn wasn't aiming that gun even slightly.

It was only a matter of time before I drew or write a story where Penn actually managed to kill someone. He's funny, but he also is still alive, so of course sometimes he's gotta stumble into victories. A very literal title was created on the 3rd of April, called 'A Written Penn Scene with two Visuals'.

'Gunter could hardly believe this man standing in front of him. The man had walked into his office and loudly declared a murderous intent, pulling a gun from his trousers "You seriously think you can shoot me in my own office and get away with it? I don't know how you got past security, but you clearly know I am a connected and powerful man. Do you honestly think you can shoot me right now and escape this office alive?" "Yes." "You are the most imbecilic—" Gunther couldn't finish his thought before the man fired and... hit his computer. The man fired again, this time it hit to Gunther's left "Seriously?" Gunther thought in disbelief "This man can't even shoot straight at this range how did he think he can—" the thought was ended by the fourth shot, a bullet to his brain. Penn put his gun back into his holster and turned to leave another job well done. On his way to the stairs he thought "Typical inflated ego. No actual sense of self-preservation to earn it."'

(its still a joke because Penn is saying the last line)

Of course, Penn's compitence can't be too great. Which is why I created Trigger Discipline is Important when Posing on the 9th of May.

Description from the time: 'If Bradley-Anna had opened the door I'm sure they'd have found Penn's pose very cool before Penn shot them. As it is, Penn stood there for at least four hours after this and Bradley-Anna fled the country.' yeah, Bradley-Anna is non-binary. It's a stable of me works because since no binary artists add us, I might as well.

I then got the idea of giving Cox an interesting tattoo on aer back. So on the 11th of May I drew 'Cox's Back'.

This also shows that Cox's name is W. Cox.

On the 16th of July, 2023 I had a hilarious thought: What if Penn met a less competent and more obnoxious person than himself? In a comic that's so big I needa divide it for Tumblr. It's the longest Penn Comic I've ever made so far.

This is called 'Penn meets Unicorn Browne' (and Mx Marko is another fine example of me many non-binary characters in this comic).

Original description also said 'The text that's blurred together reads: Unicorn "The greatest of all time, the new Goddess of mercenary work! Unicoooorn" Penn "I am the most expensive of all pens! You should go back to the pound shop!" And in the text under Marko's shouting Unicorn is going 'Broooooooo'[wne] and Penn is saying 'This pen is you: cheap!'.'

I fuckin' love Unicorn Browne, lemme upload me 19th of July image 'Cox, Penn and Unicorn Browne' an' then explain why.

See, Cox is a contrast to Penn in that Cox is more competent, capable and aer 'gimmick' is that ae wants to look competent and capable. Unicoooorn BROOOOOWNE! (sorry) She dresses a lot like Penn, she smiles like Penn, but she's even more overconfident than Penn. If his ego is Jupiter, he's is the Sun.

Design-wise she's also got the inverse skin and hair to Penn and she also is ever-smiling, but it's an open smile, all the better to yell her own name. Which is her gimmick, an even less fancy, even sillier gimmick than Penn's props. She contrasts Penn, but also Cox in many ways.

On the 30th of July I made this more explicit with these 'Unicorn Browne Drawings'. Showing that she, like Cox, has tattoos, but her's are knuckle tats that read 'UNICOORN BROOOWNE' rather than an elaborate back tattoo with a somewhat cool slogan.

On the 9th of August I had a weird idea called Penn's Invite, another long comic.

Penn's sister. No, I haven't developed this idea further. I maybe one day.

I really like Unicorn Browne, I like them all, but Unicorn Browne is such a strong gimmick I made a Unicorn Browne exclusive on the 12th of September, 2023.

This is called 'That's why she uses a Pool Cue' and the description says 'I think Council's face manages to say it all.' while its not as explicit as Mx Marko, Council is also a non-binary character.

Next few images'll be very quick. I've been writing for over an hour.

This is 'Cox Paint Drawing', drawn on the 13th of September, there's not much to say on it. I wanted t' draw Cox in Paint. Ae looks good no matter the program, I think. Hahahaa.

On the 16th of September I drew a non-Paint Cox drawing called 'Cox's Morning', Showing Cox after ae has finnished aer 5 o'clock shadow maintinence. Look at aer happy face.

Simplistic Penn character drawings on the 3rd of October is another Paint drawing. I wanted t' see if the three looked the part without the colours because I felt a tad self-conscious about me face-design that day.

9th of October, Penn in Pen. The creepiness of Penn's design shines through in pen, I think. He's funny, but since the original image he's meant to have a bit of an edge.

Now on the 20th of October is 'Unicorn Browne Thumbs Up'. Drawn because I wanted to do somethin' with her knuckle tats. I'm not entirely happy with this image. I also considered instead having her flipping you off.

And we am at the latest Penn Comic image. Which, ironically, has neither Penn, Cox or Unicorn Browne. On the 21st of October I drew 'Penn Comic Bosses (so far)': Becca, Mx Marko and Council.

I pointed out in the description that funnily none of these 'Bosses' are confirmed to have ever hired a main character.

-

Gordon Bennett, that was a lot, wasn't it? I'm rather tired after that, but, yeah, that's the 'Penn Comics' universe so far. Hope ya enjoyed it. I'm tired after this compiling, but I enjoyed writing it. At some point there will be more Penn Comics, but, luckily, that time I'll be puttin' 'em 'ere separately.

[frenchoniontf2]

Beans

For context : i have mass attacked many users on twitter (mostly oomfs) with horrifing disgusting beans... a mass bean invasion if you will.. heh... look at them...

The reactions to these ae so funny too lmaoooo i didnt wanna say it was me at first cuz i like the anonymous identity but apprently oomf recognized my artstyle right away

[angeliteeyes]

Hi im the one who asked for the astral express reader x kafka fic xd. Ive come to ask for more its thats fine by you

Imagine like, trying to sneak her up on the express but reader sucks at lying so their just smiling and giggling while trying to make excuses.

But yeah take all the time you need, i really enjoy x reader fics when they put some focus on comedy and i think you really nailed it xd

Thanks in advance if you end up taking this request :D

Hello again, nice to hear from you!!! Aww thank you so much, I tried my best with that one to match the request's vibe lol. Here u go!

Kafka x Astral Express Reader - Sneaking Her Aboard

-> First Kafka x AE Reader fic here

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

"Kafkaaaaa, I haven't seen you in so long! I get that we were busy with all the Xianzhou stuff, but still..." Your voice whined into your phone's microphone, earning a soft chuckle from her. After she disappeared on you last time, your poor heart couldn't help but yearn to see her once again. Her warm voice tore you out of your thoughts.

"Darling, if you miss me that much, why don't I come over?"

Your face scrunched a little. "You mean like, come over come over? Not go-on-a-date over, actually getting on the Express?" The idea made your heart feel fuzzy. Sure, you'd been together plenty of times before, but... with the strained relationship between the Stellaron Hunters and the Astral Express, you hadn't dared bring her aboard. At least not until today.

"Sure, as long as you'll help me. You will, won't you?" Even with no visuals, you could still hear her scheming smirk loud and clear; of course, you answered it with one of your own.

"Count me in."

*

Thank the Aeons Pompom was busy cleaning around the opposite end of the vehicle. You'd already managed to bump into an embarrassing amount of corners on your way back into the Express, to the amusement of your stylish stowaway.

"You always this clumsy, dear?" She whispered into your ear from behind, forcing your already rosy cheeks to flush an even deeper hue. Just as you started to shush her, a familiar-sounding set of heels clicking rapidly caught your attention, forcing you to switch gears. Ugh, those have to be Himeko's. Why'd she have to come out now of all times?

"Crap—Kafka, you have to hide. Hurry!" You hissed at her, but... No way. She's laughing. You're about to be strangled to death by Himeko as punishment for sneaking Kafka in, and she's laughing. Wowwwwww.

"You can't be serious right now... Ugh, just go—uh, behind there!" Before she could make any snide comments, you hurriedly shoved her down to the ground behind a booth-style structure. Just in time too, apparently, based on the way Himeko's footsteps grew louder and louder with each passing second. You barely were even given a chance to check whether Kafka was properly hidden or not before heels clicking turned to silence.

"And what exactly are you doing up so late? I already told you that we need to be up and ready to go early tomorrow." As your eyes met Himeko's disapproving glare, a nervous grin swept across your face. In normal circumstances, she wouldn't intimidate you quite this much, but... well, you've seen the way her posture shifts around your partner. Not to mention the bitterness etched into each of their conversations (although, it's nothing compared to the flavor of her infamous coffee).

"Oh uh, heh... sorry about that. I just got um... thirsty?" You rubbed the back of your neck. She continued to stare at you, unamused.

"Right. Which is why your hands are completely empty, even though you're heading back to your room. Care to explain that?" She crossed her arms.

Huh. Maybe you should've sat with that idea a little longer.

"Um... Oh wait, I could've just drank it all back in the kitchen! See, Himeko, you have nothing to worry about." Your grin beamed at her as a surge of pride coursed through you. Good thinking, you.

"Hm, so you're saying you could've. Is that correct?"

Weird question, but you couldn't let your confidence waver now. "Mhm!"

"Which means you didn't actually do that."

A still silence permeated the air as your brain took some time to process the meaning behind her words. Nothing you said seemed wrong to you, but she clearly caught you somehow—

Oh. Oh. Yeah, you messed up for sure. Apparently seeing that your brain had finally caught up to the current situation, Himeko sighed.

"Look, just tell me what you're hiding. It'll make things easier for the both of us." Her eyes seemed to land longingly on a part of the kitchen. If you recall correctly, right where her line of sight is should be her... coffee machine, you think. "Well, what is it?"

Your feet shifted back and forth a little. "It's... Kafka."

"Excuse me?" Himeko turned to you in disbelief, clearly not having been expecting that as your response. Behind you, the sound of fabrics rustling together echoed out, indicating said stowaway's change to a standing position. A wave of tension rushed through the air between them, albeit a rather one-sided version—made clear by Kafka's carefree expression.

"Long time no see, Himeko. Did you miss me?" Her remark earned an eyeroll from the other woman.

"As if." She grimaced while motioning a hand over her forehead, pondering for a few moments. Her gaze moved between the two of you lovebirds back and forth before ultimately settling on you. With a heavy coating of reluctance, she opened her mouth. "I can't believe I'm letting you get away with this. Just... promise me you won't do anything else stupid tonight. And you" — she glared at Kafka — "don't you dare take advantage of this for any of your Stellaron Hunter schemes.

Kafka raised her palms in the air. "You don't have to worry about me. I've already got my hands full with this one right here." She winked at you, as if she hadn't just tried to get you in trouble earlier. Still, you couldn't stay mad for long with how much excitement was fluttering around in your stomach.

The two of you leaned into each other as you watched Himeko saunter off towards the kitchen, leaving you two behind to bask in each other's company. It wasn't long before your body began to sink into her warmth more deeply.

"I'm still annoyed at you for earlier, y'know." She laughed softly, all the while guiding you over to your room with gentle hands.

"Sorry darling, you're just so fun to play around with. I can make it up to you if you want."

You pouted at her. "And how're you planning to do that?"

But you didn't really have to ask. After being together for so long, even without saying a word, it was obvious to both of you what that sentence sparked in your minds. As your hands interlocked, you mused; maybe you could forgive her, just this once.

[jaqobis]

thinking about how egwene had arcs about letting go of rand at this point in both the books and the show

in the books, rand was always a might-have-been. they cared deeply for one another and were motivated by one another; and in another life (in so many other lives) they would have gotten married and settled down together in emond's field.

when egwene has to go through the arches and deny rand in multiple permutations, it's about rejecting that quiet, normal life. it is about letting go of her feelings for him in some ways, but it's more about accepting (heh) that she is a channeler of the white tower now. she is an aes sedai in training. that possible life with the boy next door is over. egwene in the books is not ta'veren. she is choosing her future rather than being pulled around by the pattern. the spark meant she always had to leave and be properly trained, but it didn't strictly mean she had to commit to full aes sedai training and leaving emond's field for good. she chose that for herself, and for the greater good.

in the show, however, rand is her first love. they were together for a long time. he was probably getting ready to propose! marrying rand was a very salient possible future, one she really had to decide she was ready to let go of when nynaeve offered to train her as a wisdom. she had to leave two rivers under duress, however, and lost that future. importantly, she had to live with the uncertainty of being a potential dragon and then going through the trauma of finding out it was the boy she loves. she went through a very long time of grieving him and regretting not being there for him. when he reappeared in her life, it became critically important that she not "fail" in that way again. she needs to PROTECT HIM so she doesn't LOSE HIM again. she's gonna fight ishamael for him, she's gonna go into the aiel waste for him, she's gonna be STRONGER this time!

only...she is ta'veren. rand is the dragon. and their paths are not the same. she has her own power, she has her own talents, and she is meant for so much more than protecting her first love. she has to let go of this trauma response and accept that he will be in danger, he may even die, and there is nothing she can do about that. that would not be her fault. after being ripped from two rivers, after her horrifying captivity with the seanchan, she understandably wants more control in her life. rand is feeling exactly the same way, with his pushback against moiraine. but egwene cannot control the pattern so that she never feels helpless or never loses rand again. she can't even control his choices, because no one can really decide what their loved ones do.

being there for him and prioritizing him is not enough. because she does want more. because he is making decisions without her input, some of which she really hates (and for good reason). they're growing apart. and the harm egwene is doing herself by trying to deal with her trauma this way is literalized through lanfear's physical and psychological torture in her dreams. egwene is going to have to forgive herself for not going to the eye of the world — or at the very least, she is going to have to make peace with that. she will have to figure out a way forward with her traumas that is not "trying to prevent a specific scenario from ever happening again."

for egwene in the show, letting go of rand is tantamount to accepting that her current coping mechanisms are not working. it's going to free her to make decisions that are more focused on herself and less focused on not feeling a particular way ever again.

[islandtarochips]

Arthur’s Note: Talofa everybody! I was having some thoughts about my Black Ops OC, named Koa Nikau. Ever since I was done watching the Black Ops 6 Campaign. I was SO hooked up that I wanted to see if I could add Koa in there somewhere. And I also wanted to thank Khushi for helping me to figure it out. Since she also planned for HER OC entering this Universe! (Her Bell OC of course!) And this shows (SPOILER ALERT) after Adler, Sims and Chase had caught and interrogated Gusev. Since they have the lead that the next location is in Vorkuta. So you guys may enjoy reading this! Thank you! Love ya, peles! 😘💖

“Marshall.”

“Woods?”

“I know that you, Sev and Case will handle this mission. To Vorkuta. But I’m having a bad feeling that Jane has something or someone ELSE up from her fucking sleeves.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I…don’t know but I could feel it in my damn guts. I have someone in mind to help you and the others out. Just for backup.”

“Oh yeah? Who?”

“Heh. You’ll see. I just hope that he’ll agree to assist us.”

“...alright, Woods. I’ll accept this extra help.”

“Don’t worry buddy. He’s an old friend of mine. I’m sure he’ll listen to me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Balmoral Military CampTekapo, New Zealand

The sun was rising high above the plains and the mountains. Where the sun had shone down at the plains were soldiers, jogging their way through the fields with big heavy backpacks on their backs. Sweating like crazy under the heat of the sun. Many of them were running together to reach the end of their destination.

And at the end of the line from that destination. Standing two higher officers. A female Lieutenant, named Rui Hehu, standing next to her boss. As she watched the soldiers running. Looking through her sunglasses. “Te ahua nei kua tino pai ta matou tamaiti koura i te arahi i tana kapa. He pai hoki te wa.” She said in their foreign language. Pointing at the man who was leading the group.

Her boss, who is a Commander, had shown a small smile. Commander Koa ‘Hunter’ Nikau. The man who everyone had heard about his mission that he had fought and succeeded. Had also watched them running in through the finish line through his own sunglasses. And saw one man walking towards the team and giving them high five. “Ae ra.” He said softly.

Soon the two walked over to meet up with the soldiers. Before Koa told the Lieutenant to call out their team.

“SOLDIERS! DROP YOUR BAGS AND FALL IN!” She yelled out to them. Making sure that they could hear her.

Seeing the soldiers pile their bags on one side before running up to form a line across. Standing straight as Koa started to walk over with his hands behind his back. Seeing his soldiers lining up and looking straight ahead. 

He passed by them. One by one, watching them from one eye to another. Seeing them not even glancing at him. Which is good. It goes to show him that they RESPECTED him. And that made him proud.

“Alright, listen up.” The Commander said as he continued to walk past them. “For those who are NEW into this camp. I am Commander Koa Nikau. You will address me as Commander Nikau or sir. I am here to train you to become a better soldier. A GOOD soldier.” He kept walking and started to turn his boots around as he stood straight and stared at them. “If you really want to survive through any battles that hit in front of you. You shall listen to me and pay every single detail of what I’m going to train you for. Is that CLEAR?”

“SIR! YES SIR!”

He smiled a bit before he saw one of the soldiers from afar had run up to his Lieutenant. Seeing them whispering something to her. Her expression seemed serious before she nodded and looked at Koa.

He was quiet for a moment when he looked at her eyes. Then he started to look at his soldiers. “Now, go take your bags and get yourself ready for training. In 20 minutes.”

After he dismissed them, he walked up to the Lieutenant before hearing someone calling up to him.

“Commander! Sir!” A young man called out to him.

Koa turned his head before smiling to see him. “Sergeant Haimona Eruera. How may I help you?”

The Sergeant, who is named Haimona, is one of Koa’s BEST soldiers in the team. He had met him after he came back from his mission from the Safe House. His Colonel had introduced this man to him. And he heard his story about joining the army. It was…the same fate that Koa used to be when he was young. And it gave him the heart to have this Sergeant under his wings.

Haimona saluted the Commander before responding. “If I may ask, sir. Do you think I could join you on the next mission?”

His eyebrows went up after hearing that. “Oh…uh…I don’t know, Sergeant. I don’t think you’re-”

“Sir, please.” The Sergeant said as he lowered his arm down. “I have been training for YEARS ever since you brought me under your wings. Which I do appreciate. But I want to prove more and expand my skills.” He respectfully asked his Commander to give him a chance. He heard about his mission from the Safe House and it inspired him so much that he wanted to be trained under him. And even wanted to go on a dangerous mission with him too.

Koa looked Haimona in the eyes. Seeing his eyes fills with determination and he could tell he has no fear to show. That is the kind of soldier that he’s looking for but…there are some missions that Koa went that he doesn’t want this boy to see. Not even wanting him to find out what he was actually doing in the safe house. Some images started to flash into his mind. Remembering some of those old friends of his and some foes as well.

“Haimona…I appreciate your enthusiasm but you’re not ready to go with me. Not yet.”

“But sir-”

“That is final, Sergeant.”

“I know that I’m-”

“SERGEANT.” Rui raised her voice at Haimona while giving him that serious look. “Listen to your Commander. If he said you’re not ready. Then you’re NOT ready. How about you lead the training for him? He has an important phone call with someone.”

Koa turned his gaze at Rui when she mentioned someone calling for him.

Is that what the soldier was telling her? Someone was calling for him? But who?

“Sir, they’re waiting.” The woman said to her boss.

Koa nodded at her before looking back at the Sergeant. “Make sure to go over the stretching routine and start. Alright?” He gently patted his shoulder and left with the Lieutenant and the other soldier.

Haimona watched them leave as he sighed and felt disappointed. But just did as he was ordered to do while being a bit upset.

Koa and Rui were walking side by side with the soldier walking next to the Commander.

“Who are they?” He asked while glancing at the soldier.

“H-He won’t even say his name unless it’s YOU, Commander.”

“He? Sounds suspicious. Don’t you think so?” Rui said as she gave that look of suspicion. Doesn’t even trust this man that the soldier had mentioned. “Do you really want to take this call? I can take over?”

“No. I got this. And I’ll talk with this man, Lieutenant.”

“You’re the boss, sir. I’ll wait out here for a bit while taking a smoke.”

“Thank you. And don’t smoke too much.”

Soon the three had made their way to a small cabin where their communication lines were stored. To contact other bases in New Zealand and in the state. 

The soldier opened the door for Koa and walked right through. While Rui stayed outside and lit up her cigarette. The sound of their boots on the ground had echoed around the hallway and hearing the door closed. He started to follow the trooper up to a machine with the phone handset on the side.

Koa started to sit down and grabbed it before nodding to the soldier to make the contact.

They nodded back at him before pressing some of the buttons. “All set. Contacting him now.”

He waited as he heard the phone start to ring. And once it stopped ringing, someone on the other line answered. So he put the phone against his ear. “Hello?”

“Koa? Is that you?”

The Commander paused for a moment once hearing that familiar voice. He tries to recognize so he continues to interrogate this person. “Who is this? How do you know my name?” Then he started to hear laughter on the other end of the line. A laugh that Koa had remembered from somewhere.

“Hahaha! I thought you might recognize my voice, you old Gorilla!”

That nickname ‘Gorilla’ had gotten his attention as he remembered only ONE person called him that. “Woods?”

“The one and only! And also still breathing!”

Koa started to sigh in relief before laughing a bit. “WOODS! Hahaha! How are you my friend?”

Frank still laughed along with the old friend as he started to clear his throat. “Still living and serving the country, buddy. How about you? How was your end?”

“Things are going good now. Taking care of my own team that I’ve been training with.”

“Oh right. I heard that you’re a COMMANDER now?”

“Yup.”

Frank chuckled softly. “Well, congrats. I should salute you when I see you.” He could hear Koa laughing softly on the other line. Which made him smile a bit. “Hey, Koa? Are you alone?”

Koa looked at the soldier who was standing only inches away from him. He nodded at them to let them know that they were dismissed. They nodded and marched their way out. And once Koa saw the door slowly shut. He went back on talking on the phone. “I am now. What’s wrong?”

Frank sighs softly as he tries to find some words that won’t get on Koa’s nerves. “Listen, I…I know you said to us before you left. To NEVER contact you. But…we really need your help.”

The Commander felt silenced for a moment when Frank had mentioned that. About him telling his ex-team to never contact him before he left that Safe House. He still remembers that anger inside of him when he found out about what Adler had done. Something that he did was UNFORGIVABLE and he would never want to be part of that.

Back at the safe house in 1981. The day after saving the United States from being blown up. That was under the attack of that Soviet Spy named Perseus. It was a winning victory for them since they had found out where Perseus had hid those missiles. And it’s all thanks to that one person who had helped them along the way. The person that Koa had called a close friend or make that…sibling.

But it was already too late as soon as he finally realized what happened to them. Of what Adler had done. It angered him but also saddened. So much trust that person had given to Koa. Has been shattered into millions of pieces.

He couldn’t take this pain and anger much longer. So he quit working at the safe house and came back to the Army. He also told them to NEVER contact him. For he doesn't want to do their dirty work any more.

But here he is. On the phone with an old friend who actually called him for help. 

“......does it have to do with Adler?”

And now it’s Frank’s turn to be silenced when Koa asked him that. The bearded man knows that he and Adler’s relationship wasn’t on good terms ever since that day. So he tried to answer his question CAREFULLY. “Yes. But we’re working together to stop someone before the whole state gets into a fucking WAR or WORSE!”

Koa started to listen to Frank about their mission of trying to stop this group called the Pantheons. For they are going to Vorkuta to collect an object called the Cradler.

“Vorkuta? That’s…pretty far away for me to go to.”

“I know. And that’s why I have to give you an early call. Hoping that you will take an early flight there. The team is setting up and leaving in an hour.”

“Okay. But I don’t get why you forget that I mention NEVER call me when it comes to those CIA bullshits missions. Even with Adler. What’s wrong with your team you have now?”

Frank sighed as he tried to explain. “They might need Manpower for this one in case the mission goes south.”

“What about Sims or Park?”

“Park is busy working with the SAS in Iraq at the moment. She’s not available. Even for Captain Sims who is in Kuwait. In the battle right now.”

“Wait…CAPTAIN Sims? Huh. I thought that he’s going to be more of a tech guy or something.” Koa smiled a bit to hear Frank laughed lightly from the line.

“Nah. He’s actually looking forward to being on the battlefield, Koa. And you may have inspired him to take the step out of the CIA ground. Hehehe.”

“Good for him. But what about Mason? Isn’t he there with you?” Koa then heard a long deep silence from the line. Not even one minute, Frank didn’t respond. Something was wrong. “Woods? Woods you there?”

“U-Uh- Sorry. I um…kinda lost track there.”

After hearing Franks’ unsteady response. Koa knew something was up when he brought up Mason. “Frank? What happened to Mason?”

Another full on silenced from the old tired soldier. Koa can hear him sighed as he could tell that he was rubbing his face on the other side.

“Mason and Hudson…they’re…they’re both KIA.”

This news had suddenly given the Commander a shocking expression. His eyes went wide as he could feel the world around him paused. “W-What? How, Frank?”

Woods had sadly started to explain the mission that he went to. Along with Mason and Hudson. To stop the man named Raul Menendez from pulling up a war that will destroy the world. They were supposed to take him ALIVE but because of Frank’s selfish act. It had causes Menendenz’s anger fueled more after of what he had done to the sister.

Koa kept listening and nodding at every sentence that his poor friend had gone through. It even made him feel pity towards Woods when he explained further.

He started to tell Koa that last mission he went with Mason to kill Menendez once and for all. Had backfired them. One of the men who was Menendez arm’s dealer had tricked Frank. Instead of shooting their main target dead. He shot Mason instead. Koa could feel Frank’s anger and sadness. He could also feel the guilt was rising up from the other line.

“Woods?”

“I should’ve known that the two-time face son of a bitch would trick us!”

“But you didn’t know.”

“Well I should HAVE! Mason was DEAD because of me! Not only that, he also captured his SON with him! And Hudson was there! And you know what happened to HIM?”

“Woods-”

“He got fucking SHOT! Right in front of my fucking FACE! And Dave…the kid…he just saw his dead dad laying there…”

Koa kept being silenced as he waited for Frank to calm down. But then he could hear a sniffle from the line. Is he…CRYING?

“The kid…he shouldn't have seen his own father dead laying there…he was too young to see all of that…”

Those sentences that Frank had said. Had gotten him by surprise. He never knew that Mason had a son. And after hearing that from Frank about the young boy seeing his own father laying dead on the ground. Reminded him of the memories that he used to experience. But it was the opposite. “...how old was that kid? When…When Mason passed?”

“...he was only 7.”

Koa took a deep breath through his nose as he closed his eyes. Feeling that small sharp pain in his chest as he felt so hurt. As a father himself. He couldn’t imagine if his own children would experience that kind of tragedy at that kind of age. Mason’s son was a young boy at that age. Witnessing his own father’s death that is right in front of him. It must’ve traumatized him.

“He’s in a safe place though. Hopefully Menendez won't get to him again.”

“That’s good.” Koa said as he slowly opened his eyes. Just staring at the machines that were working on the phone that he was on.

Soon the two were silenced. For it feels like an eternity between them. But Frank had finally broken that silence as he started to speak.

“Listen, Koa. I’m not telling you this to change your mind. And I know it won’t if it involves Adler. But…we really need your help. I need your help. You are the only person that I know who has the guts and strength to take these motherfuckers DOWN.”

Koa was still in his silenced area as he thought about it. Before he took something out of his pocket. And it shows it was a photo. A photo of a teenage girl with that brightest smile that he could ever see.

His daughter.

He kept looking at the photo while rubbing his thumb over it while Frank was still talking.

“So please. Koa. Can you help us?”

The Commander kept looking at the photo as if in his heart. He knows what to do. “I’ll bring my team to assist me to deal with these Pantheons.”

“Okay okay. Listen, I- Wait what? Really?” Frank was caught off guard after hearing Koa’s answer. “Are you fucking with me right now? Like, you’re actually agreeing to do this? No jokes or serious lectures about that?”

The Commander made a smirk on his lips when he heard Frank’s reaction. “No. I’m not fucking with you, Frank. I’m MARRIED.” He felt pretty pleased to hear him laughing at his humor.

“Hahaha! I KNOW you’re married, you sick bastard! You know what I’m talking about!”

“Yes yes. I know what you are talking about. And yes, I am serious about agreeing to this mission Frank. I’ll be getting my men right away.”

“Hehehe…thank you, Koa. I owe you one.”

Koa softly smiled after hearing that. “No need, Woods. I’m doing this for Mason’s sake. And Hudson. Even though I hate that bald headed bastard as well.”

Frank laughed again but a bit more loudly. “Ha! Yeah, I understand that. And uh…Koa?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m sure your dad is really proud of you. And your kid too.”

Those words had suddenly touched his heart as he chuckled softly. “Thank you, Frank. Now, I’ll go and get my boys. And we’ll be there in 22 hours. Will that be a problem?”

“Nope! Not at all! It’ll take a few hours for us to get there. So we’ll see you soon.”

“Alright then, see you there.” As soon as Koa hung up, he took a good look at the photo and smiled softly. “Ka hoki pai au ki te kainga, e tama.” He said in a soft voice before standing up and leaving the room. He opened the door and stepped outside before seeing his Lieutenant just finished smoking her cigarette as she flicked the leftover down to the ground.

“So, who was it?” Rui asked as she stepped on the butt of the cigarette. And looked at her boss while crossing her arms.

“An old friend. He’s asking for help so I accepted. Get our team ready. We’re heading to Vorkuta.” Koa said before starting to walk off. “I’m gonna get our ride.”

Rui’s eyebrows rose when she heard that. Quickly following Koa. She started to feel uneasy about that area. “Vorkuta? As in VORKUTA in RUSSIA?”

“Yes.”

“Sir. I didn’t mean to sound rude or anything about your friend’s request. But isn’t it a bit dangerous for our comrades to participate in this mission? To THAT place?”

“The new recruits will stay. But the one who I trained for. I know they are ready.”

“Even Sergeant Eruera?”

That had made Koa stop as he just remembered about that Sergeant.

Rui could see him hesitated as she sighed. “Sergeant Eruera came in the SAME time and day as the rest of those recruits. Ever since you’ve created this team, sir. And if you say that he’s not ready, then the team is not ready.” She stood firm as she continued reasoning with the Commander. “I’m not saying that they CAN’T do it. All I’m saying is that they are still learning how to defeat the toughest enemies. And THESE enemies that you are sending are much tougher AND stronger than the one that we have faced before.”

Koa slowly looked down to the ground as he listened to the Lieutenant’s words.

She was right. The men that he had trained only knew a few ways of fighting the enemies. And this mission that he’s going to. Is MUCH bigger than what they have experienced. He closed his eyes as he started to think for a few minutes.

“Sir?”

Koa opened his eyes again before glancing at the Lieutenant. Who was showing a concerning look.

“Listen, I never doubted your decisions when it comes to battle. But I also don’t want you to come back with regrets.” Rui said as she kept looking at her boss. Hoping he understands what's going to happen over there. “You have sacrificed SO much ever since you’ve come back from that mission in the state. It really hurts me to see you like that, Koa.”

The Commander sighed as he hated to feel like someone else was right. “I know, Rui. I know the consequences if we ever step into that area. But my friend was asking for help. And I want to help him. And I will make sure that our men will come back in ONE piece. I promise you that.”

Rui shook her head a bit after hearing that answer but smiled a bit. “You truly are a stubborn one, Nikau. And I admired that.”

Koa smiled back at her as he nodded. “Thank you, Hehu.”

“Alright then, I’ll get the boys and explain everything to them but I’m coming as well. Don’t you dare think that I want to miss these fun activities.”

Koa smiled to hear the Lieutenant wanting to join in the fun. “No doubt. I’ll meet you and the others at the plane area in 10 minutes.”

She saluted him and nodded. “Sir yes sir!” Then started to walk off to get their recruits.

While Koa went in the opposite direction, heading towards the building where the planes were at. As he started to think about his decisions.

Will they make it out alive or will they die in that area just to help a friend?

Tagging List: Opt In/Out

@alexa-mwll @ctxinari @fw-priyanshu @raresvtm

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[vanillahina]

Extraterrestrial Satellite Communication | Oriel

"It's dangerous to trailblaze without any preps! Here, I've got Pom Bonk, leftovers, paper planes...Eh? You say that I'm over prepared? Heh! We never know what lies before us, so I'm ready for everything!"

Meet Oriel, a curious young man who joined the AE crew and became a Nameless to find that *something* lacking in his life. He loves to learn, and he's always seen in Dan Heng's room or with Pom-Pom.

[yourdarlingness]

✦ Honkai Star Rail (Aeons) ~ themed　NPT

╰　DAY 6 of @rumblepumm ' s event !

NAMES ︙　 orbit . orbiette . orbiteine . galaxiette . galaxine . cosmo . cosmoette . cosmiene . cosmie . erudiette . erudiae . destruette . destruenne . destrucke . destriae . hunter . huntriene . huntriette . hunteria . harmony . harmonia . harmea . harmonette . harmoelle . healia . abunie . abundiae . abundiette . presiven . presiette . presirvae . presivelle . lan . xipe . nous . ix

PRNS ︙　wa / warp . ice . fi / fire . li / light(ning) . py / phys / physical . ima / imaginary . qua / quantum . wi / wind . star . hu / hunt . e / er / erudit . ae / abun . hae / harm / harmony . pre / serv / preserve . de / des / destruct

TITLES ︙　the nameless one / [x] . the space conductor . prn who travels through space . prns cosmic journey . the trailblazer . prn who trailblaze . prn who crossed paths with (aeon) . the healing one / [x] . the destructive one / [x] . the erudite one / [x] . the one / [x] who gives chase . the harmonious one / [x] . the meaningless one / [x] . the preserved one / [x] . prn who is harmonious . prn who hunts/chase . prn who cause destructions/catastrophe . prn who is full of wits . prn who shows kindness . the kind-hearted one / [x] . the (most) affluent one of all . the astute intellect

tried to make gaming ~ themed npt but had troubles :') so hopefully this ones alright heh

[asha-mage]

AU: Nynaeve bonds Mat while trying to Heal him in EOTW

[Send me a potential AU and I'll answer with five things from that story!]

Heh. Now this is interesting-

It takes a while for everyone to realize what has happened- Nynaeve and Mat especially. Their already fraught relationship is made....more complex by this addition.

Definitely a lot more maternal and sibling like in their bond then other Mat-as-Warders I could picture. Mat would I think, approach being Nynaeve's warder in both a conspiratorial way (100+ down to keep it hidden from the Aes Sedai both as a poke in the eye out of simple self interest).

Nynaeve would not necessarily be thrilled with the idea at first, but I think the idea that it's helping protect him from the dagger would keep her from pushing to release it at first, and then the simple practicality of having someone to depend on that she doesn't have to worry about staying loyal would keep her from pushing to hard to release him afterwards.

A lot of the conflict between Nynaeve and Mat is born of a lack of understanding and empathy for each other, even though their quite similar people. I think the bond would help them overcome that and see where the other person is coming from more effectively- which would make them a surprisingly terrifying pair especially in the later half of the series.

I don't think Nynaeve would keep Mat's bond long term though, especially after she reunites with Lan in ACOS. I do think she would offer earlier to release him and Mat would stubbornly refuse until Lan is there to 'take over'- something that would have offended her before if not for the fact that she could understand it was born of genuine concern and worry, not the contempt she would have assumed before. Mat would feel oddly listless after being 'released', and I think that would also color his ensuing courtship with Tuon. Being under someone else's thumb for so long and....not hating it actually, might make him more amenable to the idea of Tuon's thumb as well. (Conversely I think his experience with Tylin would be completely different, if Tylin even would pursue a Warder, something not she would, one taste of Mats genuine fear and panic would have Nynaeve ready to split skulls without hesitation).

[gojoest]

i think satoru needs some help taking off his briefs. we should help him with that heh... also, the black and white theme is so classy and fitting for the prettiest satoru <3

i agree, we should give him a helping hand! with such a busy schedule he probably doesn’t have even the slightest bit of strength left to do that alone — or so he claims AHAHAH

thank you dear ae, i am happy that you like it 🥹🤍 i hope your week has been going well !! 🫶

[enchi-elm]

Location FAQ: The Lighthouse

[for ambience: listen to a soundscape of a coastal shore here]

What is the Lighthouse?

Apfelessig (AE): So it’s the title of our story but it is also a physical location, as well as a metaphorical concept, within the Frontier.

ASheepsLife (SL): In many ways I suppose it is the heart of the story--its centre, in terms of both its concept and its conception. From the inspirational impact of Halsey’s song, to the Lighthouse’s absent presence throughout the story, to the way it fought us truly understanding it up until the very end, I suppose. [laughs]

How would you describe the Lighthouse? Without giving anything away?

AE: I think... Well, I've always been drawn to lighthouses. There's something hopeful but oddly fatalistic about them. That's how I feel about maritime things in general, actually. There is something about wild water that follows its own rhythm and its own reason. And the image of a lighthouse feels so solitary--there's something beautiful about a lone lighthouse keeping watch and providing silent support to people a long way away who are at the mercy of something fierce and terrible.

You're not answering the question.

AE: [laughs] I am not! I could wax poetic about lighthouses forever. But of course, you're talking about the Lighthouse in the story. It’s the centre of our mystery. I think what's special about the Lighthouse is that it's a very utilitarian thing that has a lot of myth associated with it. Lighthouses have been part of the gothic maritime imagination for centuries. We make up stories about them, the people who keep them, and the people who see them from the water. We care about lighthouses, we use them as markers to guide us home--not just in real life, but in stories too. And I think the version of the Lighthouse that we've made speaks to that, too. It's like the archetype of a Lighthouse. Although I feel a lot less confident throwing around a word like "archetype" than I expect you are, Sheep. I'm never sure of its exact definition.

SL: Maybe it is, in some ways. I think we’re certainly playing on the archetype of a lighthouse as a focal point of (cultural) imagination. I can’t really go into detail to avoid running afoul of the “without giving anything away” part, but the story does throw light (heh) on the ways we construct our rigidly gendered world - particularly in a (historical) western, US-American context - in a way one might not immediately expect from a story around a mythological lighthouse. [laughs] I think part of the draw, for me at least, also comes from the notion of using light as a signal, a means of communication. Elizabeth DeLoughrey writes that “light is profoundly relational. In fact, light can only be apprehended in relation to the objects it illuminates” [1]. As Apfel says, there is something inherently lonely about a lighthouse; the message it’s sending is a warning to keep away. It harbours this contradiction between the connecting and the isolating which I find fascinating.

[1] “Radiation Ecologies and the Wars of Light.” MFS Modern Fiction Studies 55 (3), 2009: 470.

Why is the story called The Lighthouse?

AE: For most of its life--basically until two weeks before publication--this thing has been "The Lighthouse AU", since so much of the idea came from Halsey's song "The Lighthouse". That song was the main inspiration. Both of us listening to it–I knew it first, then sent it to Sheep–was like the start of a firework display of ideas. The lighthouse keeper’s role came directly from the tone and feel of the song. It just felt wrong to call it anything else, after that. Although I found one mention of Sheep calling it the TSU, the Turn Supernatural Universe, in our early days.

SL: I wouldn’t want to change it. But I do like the TSU, because it implies a whole unexplored world peopled by characters that haven’t found their way into The Lighthouse. (Is this the place to teaser a possible phoenix!Sarah Livingston?  I’m going to spare everyone a rant, but if you ask me, she is one of the instances where a character really was done dirty by the show. So possibly watch this space for harpy!Sarah.)

____________________________________________

Read the story on AO3 here. // Read the DVD Commentary on AO3 here.

____________________________________________

Search the tag #The Lighthouse AU on @enchi-elm’s and @meretriciouslyloquacious’s blogs for the complete experience as it goes on.

Stay up to date on Apfel’s Blog // Stay up to date on Sheep’s Blog

[cherrybombfangirlwrites]

OC Interview (Tag Game)

tagged by: the lovely @kaylinalexanderbooks thank you!

tagging: Open Tag and soft tagging @ceph-the-ghost-writer | @mk-writes-stuff | @lawful-evil-novelist | and @rose-bookblood

I'll do Prince Kaye from FSF for this, since I'm trying to flesh his character out more and get to know him better.

Prince Kaye

1. Are you named after anyone?

No, I but my name is dirived from the Eltyan word "Kahn" which means warrior... I don't like to think about it :|

2. When was the last time you cried?

A few days ago, I think, when mother was voicing her disappointment in me and praising my siblings

3. Do you have kids?

No, I'm too young for that. Maybe one day though, if I can be better than my parents. I'm honestly too scared to really consider the possibility, however.

4. Do you use sarcasm?

No, I'm not much of a sarcasm person

5. What's the first thing you notice about people?

How they smile and what makes them smile, it says a lot about the kind of person they are

6. What's your eye color?

Dark brown, I get them from my mother

7. Scary movies stories or happy endings?

No scary stories, ever please. I would like just happy stories please and thank you.

8. Any special talents?

I…I'm not…I'm not special. I'm pretty decent at reading and drawing, but I mostly just keep to myself. Not a lot for a scary non violent person to do in a kingdom that's built around being a military

9. Where were you born?

In the castle

10. What are your hobbies?

I like to read, and I like my books, i like being out in nature if it's safe, i like drawing but I'm not very good.

11. Do you have any pets?

No, but I would really like to have a cat

12. What sports do you play/have played?

... I don't really... do sports or that sort of thing...

13. How tall are you?

I'm 5'4''... I'm kind of small, especially for my family. I was kind of the runt of the group, heh...

14. Favorite subject in school?

Probably history, but not about Dinvirty, there's too much violence there for my liking. I also like studying the ancients and the gods and their stories as well

15. Dream job?

I'd like to do something that helps people, keeps them safe. No violence or dangerous stuff involved for me though...

blanks under the cut:

Are you named after anyone?

When was the last time you cried?

Do you have kids?

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

What’s your eye colour?

Scary movies or happy endings?

Any special talents?

Where were you born?

Do you have any pets?

What sort of sports do you play?

How tall are you?

What was your favourite subject in school?

What is your dream job?

~

FSF Taglist: @rose-bookblood @chalcid @evethenovicewriter @writing-is-a-martial-art 

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@surroundedbypearls @serenanymph (send me a message to be +/- from the taglist <3)

General Taglist: @enchanted-lightning-aes @thatprolificauthor @wip-nook @writeblrsupport 

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