#But still. I think...sometimes he maybe hated the stuff he inherited from other nations besides Rome.

[estbela]

I am having a hard time articulating this, it seems, but I am always thinking about my Romania's place in the 'family' of the romance-language speakers countries. Romania's identity as a descendant of Rome etc.

How, historically, she always tried to fit in with them, to prove himself, to prove he is a child of the Roman Empire too. How all these years she kept calling herself 'roman', how he never really let go of Ancient Rome and clung to his legacy in a way. And Romania's relations with other descendants of Rome as well...especially France and Italy (I think the french and italian influence on romanians is a pretty interesting topic).

And how all this intertwines with the parts of herself and her people that aren't really roman that he struggled with for a long time. I'd talk more but I am tiredddd

[hamphobicbasil]

Could u elaborate about the dsmp story being bad? Not a rabid/brain dead fan, just genuinely curious and I enjoy reading people's rants lolol

oh you dont know the floodgates you just opened

a few things:

1. despite not liking the creators of the dsmp anymore, I don't actually hate most of them. [the ones that are particularly unsavory fall outside of this of course] so all that I'm saying i truly mean in a critical sense towards the story, its also just all purely my opinion as someone who enjoys fictional and fantasy stories and who like criticizing works to see what it does well and what it doesn't do well

2. for clarification I'm going to use the c![name] to indicate when I'm talking about the characters. Don't get me wrong, I think its annoying too but its the only way I'm gonna be able to write this thing without getting something across the wrong way yknow?

3. I stopped watching the streams after November 16th, [save for one Techno one but I closed out after a particularly bad story beat lol] and so all information coming afterward is all second hand from either me seeing people on twt talk abt it or people dming me. All i really know is up to dream's imprisonment and some stuff past that.

4. This is mostly aimed towards the "main" story, so stuff abt the badlands, eggpire, and whatnot are briefly mentioned.

anyways uh, i'll try to be brief but also include enough information to get why i feel the way i do on some stuff across

A. Performances Alright obviously these people are all streamers, so obviously they might not be the best actors, and hell no one is even asking that of them. However, when you're telling a story that's based on the audio with the visuals kinda coming to a second, it's gotta be pretty strong. I will say, some of the best actors in my opinion are Wilbur, Tommy, and Tubbo. I would include Ranboo but I never watched any of his story bits or story streams so I can't say much. Wilbur and Tommy are excellent in selling their character's emotions and feelings, when I watch the stream I don't feel like I'm watching an rp but an actual thought-out story yknow? And one of my favorite Tubbo examples was in the Hog Hunt video whenever Techno attacked him, he sounded genuinely afraid and I believed everything his character was feeling.

However, unfortunately, not everyone is gonna be that good. And I'm gonna say it; Dream and Techno have to be the worst out of the entire cast. I understand Techno's whole character is this monotoned badass, however, when really emotional moments hit I feel like he never lets that fall, and a lot of intense moments just ring hollow. And I'm sorry but Dream's attempts at being intimidating leave me laughing whenever I watch them. It feels like he watched that one scene from The Marriage with Adam Driver and Scarlett Johannson and said "Oh this is what good acting looks like! Just yelling." His whole "I don't give a FUCK about Spirit!" speech isn't as great as people keep making it out to be. And whenever he tries to act coy when being a villain it feels like a guy reading the script for the first time, a bit like he's trying too hard. I have more problems with his character but his portrayal certainly doesn't help.

Everyone else is fine, and I don't feel strongly either way about a lot of them.

B. The "Lore" Okay first off, I can't be the only one who thinks it's silly that people are calling the dsmp's story "lore" when it's not, it's the fucking story. Lore indicates backstory to either the world or the characters, which a lot of the streams don't really pertain to. This is a really petty section but god it's a weird pet peeve of mine.

Other than the misusage of "lore" vs "story", the actual lore and world-building of the world are so lackluster that new elements can be introduced whenever and it often feels cluttered or not well thought out at all. And here's the thing, I feel like if the writers sat down just for a few minutes to establish world rules and general history, a lot of this could be solved! but so much is made up on the spot that it starts to feel like they're grabbing at straws to keep people invested, trying to reach that next high and intense story beat without actually earning it.

C. The Egg / Eggpire This is a pretty minor note since I was only invested in the Egg storyline for a little bit, but god it's so underused that it's almost embarrassing. Bad has provided this super interesting antagonistic force that's infecting the SMP, can control people, and who one of our main character is immune to, and it's just never used or even talked about again? Now I understand if he wanted to keep it to a side storyline only, however, to introduce this borderline eldritch creature and force within the world and then never have it dealt with is so weird.

D. The Writing Oh boy this is. kinda a big one. Now I'm not gonna lie, it's pretty obvious I have a bias for the Wilbur writing over the current team [that consisting of Dream, Quackity, and Tommy mostly]. I don't this his writing is perfect by any means, the characters constantly bringing up traitors got obnoxious after a while, and writing Hamilton but in Minecraft really isn't the modern Shakespeare or anything. However, I think his exploration of characters and plot progression was a lot more thought out and well planned, like he actually had two brain cells behind the story yknow? The current team I think fails to be as emotional or even impactful, things happened too fast and my god was everything drowned in angst for so long.

Don't get me wrong, you gotta have your characters face hardships to make them reach their goal believable, but some of the shit they put the characters through just felt like too much. From c!Tubbo's constant comparison to c!Schlatt [who btw, fucking ordered his death and kept him from his friends in a nation he felt trapped in] and on a side note, i kinda really fucking dislike the "c!Schlatt dad!!" au's or the au's where c!Tubbo inherits some of Schlatt's features, it would be like c!Tommy getting a c!Dream mask after his exile, it's feels so weird yet people eat that shit up for some reason.

But god, did c!Tommy get the brunt of it all and in retrospect after his final death, it kinda feels really fucking gross. Now obviously, I'm not trusting any of these people to write decent mental health representation, but c!Tommy's PTSD and how it was explored was just degrading. [Specifically the scene in that one Techno stream where he saw the final control room from the first war, and had a flashback / panic attack where he started calling out for c!Dream. I understand this is an actual thing people with PTSD will experience, but it felt so fucking stereotypical it got on my nerves. I actually had to close out of the stream because it made me feel sick, fiction shouldn't leave you feeling that way.] And don't get me started on how they basically reused the formula from the previous arc. [Problem introduced -> Tensions rise as things start to fall apart -> Big confrontation -> Exile -> Return from Exile -> Blowing up L'Manberg, again.]

And speaking of characters-

E. Character Arcs, or the lack of them In my genuine opinion, some of these characters' arcs are so disappointing. Especially c!Tommy's. I'm not one to believe that he was a "selfish" character or anything, however, his goals were simply set on his discs and maybe c!Tubbo, he didn't have much outside that. However, L'Manberg gave him something to care about, he gave up his discs for it and he fought for it tooth and nail, I think it taught him to open up to others and trust more. It was a great character arc for him to have, seeing him still fight even after his first exile alongside c!Wilbur, to return safely to the nation that he and his found family had built.

But then his second exile happened, and I feel like all of that was undone.

c!Tommy's exile genuinely pisses me off for so many reasons. It's not that characters can't have their low points after reaching a major change or feeling like they've "completed" their arcs or anything, but it's more of the fact that it seems like he's never going to heal that feels like a spit in the face, especially to people who might have had setbacks like that before. Progress isn't linear, sometimes things happen and you get knocked back down, it can take a while to get back up, but I don't think c!Tommy's character is ever going to be allowed to get back up. From c!Dream, who pretty much was a constant abuser in his life, killing him then reviving him, and his still fractured relationship with c!Tubbo, which by the way I have a had time believing they would still be friends after all that happened, it feels like he can never get a win and it's generally kinda a shit way to treat your characters who have been abused. Of course, not all abused characters are going to get happy endings, I'm not trying to dictate that they all should, but c!Tommy deserves one and the fact that it's so obscure feels shitty.

Side note: we still don't have a canon reason to give a shit abt the discs. Like I'm sorry but without some sorta connection to the MacGuffin why should we give a shit about him getting them other than "he wants them lol". Like hell, I would even accept the classic "they were the last gifts from his parents" or something, but we still don't have a reason.

c!Tubbo also lacks a fulfilling arc as well, from someone who started out as a yes man, he has progressed a bit into having his own interests first, but besides that sometimes his character makes me so. depressed. He's easily one of the most pushed around and hated characters within the story, all for being a kid who didn't know what to do and he's in the same vein as c!Tommy; these kids can't get a break. Also, his anti-violence beliefs morphing into the "lets kill c!Techno lol!" bit was so out of place and without proper build-up it was like. what. And now he's building nukes?? god c!Tubbo makes me so sad because he's kicked around constantly and never given a chance to grow.

Another small note, I also don't really enjoy c!Techno at all. Besides the previously stated reasons of lack of emotions when they're really needed, I find his character to be weirdly pretentious. He talks as if he's constantly been betrayed and hurt but I personally, don't see it? Like, I think one of the main examples was the Pogtopia vs. Manberg war, yknow he wanted to end the government but they just reinstated it after they won = c!Techno upset. But this doesn't make sense to me because why did he think otherwise? The entire time c!Tommy had talked about taking back their nation and starting again, so the fact that c!Techno suddenly thought there would be a sudden change is, to put it bluntly, kinda fucking stupid. I don't want to say that he "plays the victim" or anything because that feels a bit harsh, but his character feels so far up his own ass that I can't enjoy him.

I have a major grip with c!Dream as well, but that's getting it's own fucking section.

F. L'Manberg This is a quick note before we get into the, forgive me for this, endgame, of this entire rant, since the next two sections are tied together. But god, L'Manberg makes me upset because it feels like they gave up on it.

Don't get me wrong, I understand that it is supposed to be c!Wilbur's "unfinished symphony", the thing that destroyed a once charismatic and widely loved man, his attempt at power that utterly ruined him. But the fact that it just got blown up in the end after everything and left to rot felt like such a waste of time. From the first war, to Pogtopia, to even c!Tommy's exile, it all felt fucking worthless in the end, and the story is actively closer to how it was when it started now more than ever. I wished it was actually allowed to exist and continue to be a peaceful place in what is a chaotic world, but no it was just snuffed out because why dedicate to this concept of finding others you can band together with and feel safe. fuck that noise apparently?

G. The Villains Now villain-wise, I'm only talking about c!Dream [during the first war], c!Schlatt, and c!Wilbur. And believe it or not, this is actually mostly positive.

Now I'm not gonna lie, c!Dream as a staring antagonist wasn't bad actually, he posed a genuine and threatening opposition to L'Manberg, even if we didn't know his real intentions or motivations as to why he was against it. He's lucky in this sense because he didn't have to be good, he had to be passable. If anything, he felt more like an anti-hero than a tyrant or traditional villain, and my god do I wish he kept this theme going forward.

Now quick disclaimer, I don't like JSchlatt as much as the next guy, he's an adult man who should know better than to joke about some sensitive topics and act the way that he does. But the one thing I'll ever give him is that damn, was he a good actor for his character.

Now here's the thing, c!Schlatt wasn't particularly deep at all. He had no real motivations behind his exile of c!Wilbur and c!Tommy other than getting competition out of the way, had no reason to act the way that he did and yknow? that's fine. The reason why he worked was from his performance alone, he was actually intimidating. When he came onto the stream and was doing his typical bad guy stuff, it was actually intense to see what he would do. Whenever he would almost catch c!Tommy back in Manberg, whenever he would begin to pressure c!Tubbo, it put you on the edge of your seat and it felt like everything would change at the drop of a pen. He's a villain to be a villain, and this works out because he's just charismatic and well put together enough to make it interesting, even without the backstory or motives.

c!Wilbur however, is much more tragic, and the best villain of the story. He essentially was the "mentor turned evil" trope and it felt terrible watching him descend into madness, unable to trust barely anyone except for c!Techno and c!Tommy. Hell, in the end I think he still cared about them both, despite losing everything. Sure, he blew up L'Manberg, but there was still a smidge of the old c!Wilbur in there made everything he did feel melancholic. His death at the hands of his father after achieving his final wish was chilling, and something I still think about.

Until yknow, Ghostbur came back way too soon to let people feel his loss as a character within that world. And then he got revived, pretty much-undoing everything that moment meant for his character lol.

And then there's the worst one:

H. Dream. I'm going to be completely honest, c!Dream is one of the main reasons why I dislike the current dsmp stuff so much. Outside of his actions as a person, the way Dream decided to write his character as this overpowered madman of the dsmp really just. destroyed any intrigue that he could've had. Perhaps this is from my growing dislike towards him, manifesting into a bias towards his character, but god I cannot fathom why people try to insist he's interesting when he has as much depth as a fucking puddle.

And here's the thing, I'm not even entirely against c!Dream being a villain, hell I think he would've been great as an anti-hero if anything. Make him sympathetic but not through c!George to get your precious "DNF" points or anything, but show him actually caring about the people within the dsmp, including c!Tommy and c!Tubbo. This would make his rival status with them just a bit more complicated, sure they're enemies, however, he doesn't want to hurt or kill them, and there's still a level of friendship there that keeps them bonded when things get super bad. This could've been super interesting to see, the first villain of the story receiving a sorta redemption arc then descending into madness as he started to fixate on being a god. This is all how I feel personally, but god do I feel like it would've been better than his current character, and hell would've worked with how he was during the Pogtopia arc, before the war that is. I'm not trying to tell Dream how to write his own character, but there are so many other ways he could've done the madman seeking to become god rather then. whatever the hell we got.

Because instead, we got this power-mad asshole who does things... because he can? And that's one of my major issues: he tries to surround his character in mystery to make him "intriguing" but it's kinda like c!Techno, it comes off as pretentious. Not only that, but you cannot keep waving around this mystery of a backstory without ever actually revealing it. I know the story isn't over, but c!Dream is effectively at his lowest point, now would be the time to reveal his backstory. But no just keep it in the dark and keep everyone guessing, that's totally fun and not at all tiring and annoying. (sarcasm, if anyone needs it)

And back to his performance, he doesn't sell this aloof, cynical and strategic warrior that has perfected the blade or some shit, he comes off as some angry guy yelling on reddit. which i don't need to tell you, isn't intimidating. It feels like he's trying to have c!Schlatt's intimidation combined with c!Wilbur's depth, but instead he's like a little brother who's trying to hard to mimic his older brother and is kinda embarrassing himself.

but other then that i dont feel too strongly abt the dsmp lol

but seriously, these are the main complaints I have abt the story tbh, I could probably talk about more but I wont because man. this is probably gonna get me in trouble if any of the hyper-dsmp fans actually read it.

[katcadecascade]

Atla fic: Fire Emblem Three Houses AU

Still brainstorming ideas but essentially: 

Fire Nation as Adrestian Empire

Water Tribe as Holy Kingdom of Faerghus

Leicestier Alliance as Earth Kingdom

and a bunch of other stuff in this new idea of mine called The Dragon in the Dawn

Chapter One: Routes of Destiny

“Would you join the Blue Lions?”

“…No.”

Zuko is in his second year in the Officers Academy.

It’s here where the three regions’ to-be-leaders are in one location, the very center of Fodlan. He, among others of noble blood, is sent to Garreg Mach Monastery to be educated and trained by the best professors in the continent.

Aside from nobles there are others who come from other walks of life. Some commoners become students through the means of money or scholarship but that isn’t the case for the young woman before Zuko.

This stoic near-blank faced woman is rumored to only be five years older than Zuko and yet has the position as a teacher.

Yes, Zuko is one the many people who believe that Byleth Eisner is a complete mystery.

Originally a mercenary, under the training of the former captain of the Knights of Serios no less, and later offered the job due to saving the House Leaders from bandits.

Zuko’s House Leader already gave a report of the event, of Byleth’s skill as a fighter and strategist. He hasn’t seen Edelgard this impressed since witnessing Azula’s magical prowl. That had made Zuko extra careful during their mock battle with the other Houses.

Upon that battlefield is where Zuko got to see Professor Byleth in action.

She was precise and calculative, a challenge against Azula who eagerly stormed the field to attack the Blue Lion House much to their leader’s order. Zuko couldn’t catch much of that fight too busy dueling with a swordsman.

He did see his sister get knocked off her feet. That was quite a sight as lightning spells were flung carelessly around.

In the end, Azula’s recklessness and Edelgard’s brute force did not compare to the new professor and her students. It was only a mock fight, who knows what will happen at the event, the Battle of Eagle and Lion.

That is months away. A thing that Zuko looks forwards to like it’s just a little bit more exciting than an exam. In the meanwhile, all Zuko wants to do is continue his sword skills, study for an upcoming history test, avoid Azula and her friends, and be alone.

Because what else is there for Zuko to do here?

The point of this private school is for meet future elites of the other two nations and make nice with the Church. No doubt Azula has taken notes on every student worth her notice. Zuko leaves that obsession with her because she’s the one who actually receives letters back from father.

Duke Ozai sent his heir with one instruction: predict the future of their Adrestian Empire through the children of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus and Leicester Alliance.

Zuko doesn’t want to imagine what is in Azula’s head as they go through their school life. Azula has always been so critical with their own class house that she is overtly judgmental to the Blue Lions and the Golden Deer houses.

As for him, it is well known that every student has their own strengths and weaknesses but nothing particular strikes Zuko with suspicious or foreboding. Maybe he’s not as analytical as his sister but still, Zuko rather not view his classmates as future enemies.

That being said, he has no interest in seeing them as allies.

It’s not out of antisocialism, although it would be a justified answer for Zuko. No, he is just thinking ahead.

After all, in whatever future of Zuko’s it will be insignificant compared to Azula.

She is the father’s heir. Not only is she a prodigy in combat she inherited a Crest.

Fire spells are a signature of their family’s casters but from the moment she was born, her fire blazes blue. Of course that made her worthier than Zuko, the firstborn with no Crest and no perfection and no obedience to keep his mouth shut during important discussions he should have never been a part of.

The scar around his left eye itches as wind forces his hair to brush past it.

His lackluster status should have gotten Zuko kicked out of palace the moment the mages confirmed Azula’s Crest.

Discarding Crestless children is commonplace for the elite but Ozai kept Zuko.

For years Zuko wondered what sort of reason persuaded his father to not banish him. Zuko did his best to train in the art of swords, to study just as much as Azula and be worthy of his place but time after time his father would remind Zuko of one thing.

Do not get in Azula’s way.

It’s a simple task.

Don’t distract her away from her studies, don’t interfere with her training, and don’t stop her from launching fire at animals or people or a thousand other things that make Zuko uncomfortable.

Even to this day, Zuko follows that rule.

So Zuko sticks by the fishing pond, away from the rest of the academy. Azula hates the smell of fish so this is the best place to get out of her way. More importantly, it’s where the ducks waddle in.

As a result of his preferred loneliness, the rest of the Black Eagles leaves him be. If his own house doesn’t bother him, the rest of the student body does the same.

That is until today.

Zuko stops tossing food crumble to the ducks to properly stand up to the professor. She’s actually shorter than him but that does not make him forget that this is the girl who fought Azula and won. She looks like one of Azula’s dolls, expressionless and pretty. There is too much gossip about her compassion and her lack of emotional reactions.

Still though, she’s a teacher and she’s trying to recruit Zuko of all people.

The best Zuko can gauge right now is the small tilt of her head, meeting his eyes.

“Oh,” she said and Zuko would assume she was disappointed if not for her usual blank expression, “Is there any way to convince you?”

“No.”

He’s aware that sometimes a requested student would have requirements or guidelines if a professor believes a transfer is in order. Yet for him there is no debate. Zuko sees no benefits of leaving the Black Eagles, the designated house for children of the Empire.

But if Zuko allows himself to be honest, there is a curiosity of getting leaving Azula’s shadow. That and his oldest friend had transferred to the Blue Lions a while ago. He misses her.

Still, that isn’t enough to convince him.  

“Why would I ever leave the Black Eagles?”

The professor merely blinks, “Why do you stay?”

The answer is that his sister’s will overrules his own. Even though Zuko avoids her as much as possible, he always returns to her side. They fight well together and he knows Azula better than her best friends, Mai and Ty Lee, do. Combine that with Azula’s conflicting feelings about Edelgard von Hresvelg, Princess of the Arestian Empire, Zuko knows he’s the one preventing Azula from committing crimes against the crown.

Because that would be a disaster.

“It’s my duty to my people,” Zuko said.

“I see,” Byleth nods. Maybe she is extremely careful with her emotions, lets no one slip through her guard. Zuko is convinced of that until her lips prose into a frown. “If you change your mind,” she offers before leaving.

The strange part is that Zuko almost succumbs to a pang of regret, of picking the wrong choice between two paths. This indecision is something he is familiar with.  

Uncle Iroh would call this a crossroad where Zuko is beginning to realize he is lost. Out of habit, Zuko touches the edge of his eye scar. Its dead skin is years old and is a testament that Zuko still has much to learn.

He thought he wasn’t lost, didn’t dare question the path he is on because there is no point to. Father only acted because Zuko misbehaved and showed weakness. Zuko cannot give anyone another reason to suggest Zuko is questioning his loyalties.

If he is lucky, if Zuko proves his worth, no one would see Zuko for his failings or inadequacy. People would view him in equal standing with Azula and maybe even Edelgard.  

“What were you doing talking to that professor?”

Yeah, Zuko is not lucky.

Just as he was leaving the fishing pond, sticking to the least crowed path to the training grounds, someone ventures out of the shadows.

“Mind your own business Hubert,” he demands, still stomping away.

Hubert von Vestra is probably the last person Zuko wants to be near. Azula teases they have an apparent rivalry of who broods more or styles dark hair more gothic. It irks Zuko how he mildly compares his unkempt hair to Hubert’s neat cut.

“Your loyalties do need to be observed,” Hubert persists, daring to walk beside Zuko.

“Really?” He snaps, “Your perspective on loyalty is vastly skewed to extremes since you are practically Edelgard’s shadow.”

From day one Hubert is very insufferable about his commitment to be the Princess’ retainer, going as far as to interrogate the other Black Eagles. He skipped Zuko and Azula at least but still, Zuko had to talk Mai out of stabbing the lunatic.

“I give Lady Edelgard my complete will. Something you should consider doing for your ward.”

Zuko stops, “Excuse me?”

“Lady Azula needs checks and balances, you’re aware of that I’m sure.”

“She isn’t my responsibility,” he deflects, finally reaching the doors to the training grounds.

Just as Zuko timed it, it is empty. He wouldn’t know what he would do if those two eager swordsmen were here. Yet Zuko has to suffer with Hubert’s annoying presence.

“Liar,” Hubert continues to invade in Zuko’s time. He’s smart enough to keep is distance once Zuko is at the weapons rack. “As a person with your status and position, Lady Azula needs someone to sate her needs.”

“I’m her brother,” Zuko scowls, “not her pet.”

“Many see otherwise.”

Oh that’s it.

The broadsword is heavy in his hands, its weight strong as Zuko lunges at the constant pain in the neck. Instantly, Hubert’s hands catch darkness and Zuko narrowly avoids the miasma spell as another hits his shoulder. He bares through the pain to swing the flat of the blade against Hubert’s side.

“You go on and on about my status yet you’re forgetting my family name,” Zuko grunts, trying to force Hubert to eat his own words. Another feint attack pushes Hubert off balance.

Trying to regain his footing, Hubert backs off with tried breath, angrily stating, “I hold no disillusion to my servitude. You on the other hand do.”

“I’m nothing like you, Hubert.”

“On the contrary, I believe it is you who is nothing compared to me. You bare no crest, your younger sister is tactical genius, and most importantly, she can get away with rising ire from others.” Hubert stands straighter while Zuko cannot hide the way his grip is shaking. The magic in the mage’s hands dies out. “You, well, I’m sure I don’t have to remind you of your mistakes.”

Zuko recklessly takes the bait and dashes forward, his anger and pride ruining his composure. He should be suspicious of Hubert’s unguarded stance but it’s too late. Once Zuko was a foot away, his sword held high for an arc, there is fire and heat ignited right before his eyes.

He flinches backwards, stumbling ungracefully to avoid the fire and falls onto his back. The sand and dust cloud around Zuko as the fire in Hubert’s hands flicker away.

“So disappointing,” the dark mage tuts, “I thought you’d be over this fear of yours.”

If Zuko was in his right mind, he’d agree. His mind is far too shaken to think, his heart is frantic with fear, and his left eye is reliving the burning. Zuko absolutely hates how weak he is before Hubert, for cowering at the fire spell, and so he forces himself to stand up.

“You’ll regret doing that,” Zuko promises with gritted teeth.

“It’s merely training,” Hubert chides mockingly, “You’ll face against other spell casters no doubt.” He narrows his eyes, “Best make sure you’re prepared.”

The mage walks off and Zuko has half the mind to strike his back but that will takes away the little honor Zuko has left. What makes this even more humiliating is that there is someone by the entranceway.

On his way out, Hubert warns the newcomer, “I wouldn’t challenge him right now. He’s far too temperamental.”

Sokka of the Fraldarius house gives Hubert a disgusted look before walking to Zuko, “Hey, you okay?”

“I’m fine, Hubert was just being Hubert,” he scowls and faces away from Sokka. He can’t bare looking at the other boy’s concerned face.

“What he said was really harsh.”

“I’m used to it.”

He almost expects Sokka to say something reassuring, a sentiment Zuko will automatically accuse as pity, but instead he hears the telltale clinks of metal. Looking over his shoulder, Zuko sees Sokka pick up a sword from the rack, testing its weight.

Sokka sends over a lopsided smile, “You wanna spar?”

Zuko allows himself a small smile and gets into ready position.

Now if Zuko is forced to count how many friends he has, he would be hesitant to include Sokka Mallik Fraldarius on that short list.

They’re acquaintances from different class houses so it’s sort of expected for them to cross paths on the training field. Azula has found her spellcasting adversaries and Zuko sparred with the many students proficient in the ways of the sword.

Don’t tell Sokka but Zuko believes the other Fraldarius swordsman is better. Still, sparring against Sokka feels almost cathartic as Zuko sweats off the residual anger inside him.

“Where’s your dual blades?” Sokka teases between quick slashes, all of which Zuko blocks.

“Still need repairs.” Zuko ducks under another slash and hooks an arm around Sokka’s wrist. The action catches Sokka off guard and jostles his grip. Zuko easily steals the sword and crosses the blades for a satisfying spark of metal. “But thanks for the second sword.”

“Boo!” Despite the goading call, Sokka is grinning.

Zuko hands back the stolen sword, “You’ve gotten a little better since last time.”

“I’m close to beating Felix, I’m sure of it,” Sokka said, examining his blade, “I think I can use Sylvain’s cheering as a distraction.” He lets it sink into the ground, casually leaning on it and there is that worrying and concerned expression again, “So what was that earlier? I thought Hubert leaves you alone.”

“Usually,” he shrugs, “but he saw your professor talking to me.”

Sokka freezes and then tilts sideways too far and almost falls off balanced. Zuko just raises an eyebrow as he gets back up. Ignoring the clatter of his falling sword, Sokka regards Zuko with awe, “Wait, are you joining the Blue Lions?” Before Zuko could speak, Sokka is grinning madly, “That’s amazing! We can go on missions together and we have more time for sword practice and-“

“I declined.”

“…Oh.”

Zuko forces himself to watch the crestfallen gloom surround Sokka. His signature brightness vastly dimmed because Zuko is really is nothing more than an obedient pet.

He is doing everything he can think of to prove his loyalty and worth to his father. The only way to do that is by staying at Azula’s side. Yet he knows Azula doesn’t need him. Goddess above, Azula doesn’t even want his company unless it’s to amuse her.

“I just think,” he struggles to think of an excuse. It was easier against the professor, a person who eludes emotions as if hidden in a dark sea. With Sokka, it’s all on the surface and so genuine. “I’m better off with the Eagles.”

“You sure? Cause Hubert was the most talkative I’ve ever seen of that guy.”

“Hey,” Zuko snaps, “if that’s his reactions then imagine how my sister would think.”

They both shiver at the thought of Azula.

Sokka agrees, “Yeah, she’ll go a little bonkers or whatever but Zuko,” he gets closer to lay a hand on Zuko’s shoulder and presents the most sincere smile ever, “A little change wouldn’t be so bad, right?”

Leave it to Sokka to think the simple and direct advice that could actually persuade Zuko.

Everything about Zuko’s life is linear and solid.

A royal family, disadvantaged with no godly crest, grieved with fallen cousins, a father who strives for bloodshed in this era of peace, a mother who stayed silent when her son burns, and a little sister who wants to be at the top by any means necessary.

Then there is Zuko, pliant to the hierarchy and rules of nobility and crests and expectations. His life, in entirely, is only valuable in title as second rate to heir-apparent Azula.

In the end, would transferring to the Blue Lions affect his future so much?

Uncle Iroh once wrote to Zuko’s cousin, asking ‘Who are you and what do you want?’

“You make a good point Sokka.”

-

In the courtyard, there are many alcoves. It’s the perfect place for a person to be hidden and watch the exchange between the professor and the newest Blue Lion.

A yawn breaks the silence and then a soft voice, “Must we meet in the shadows?”

“Shush,” Coldness snapped back, “He’s transferring out of the Eagles. That won’t be a problem will it?”

“Of course not,” the softer voice assured almost bored, “All I need is time and more observations.”

“Good. You will keep me posted.”

“Oh and why is that?” It’s as if a dagger slides under that cotton blanket of a cadence, “It is rather bold of you to think I need your permission to do my research.”

“It’s not boldness, it is caution.” The coldness corrects, “If your theory holds truth then there will be a mess in our future.”

Another yawn, mockingly nonchalant, “You’re paranoid. Zuko is simply an enigma, not a threat.”

“But his sister is.”

There is no reply.

The coldness continues, “Ah so you finally wiped the sleep from your eyes and understand.”

“I was under the impression you disliked Zuko.”

“I do but I will always eliminate potential threats against Lady Edelgard.”

 “…I do prefer Edelgard over Azula.”

“Then it is in our best interest that Zuko’s destiny does not start a fire.”

Thanks for reading! 

[surveyjunkie]

0120

1. Have you had an argument with anyone recently? If so, do you still have issues with that person?

I got into a very bad argument with my stepdad yesterday that resulted in me deciding to move out. I’ve always had issues with him and always will. 

2. Are you talking to anyone while filling this in? How about texting / chatting on Facebook?

Nope. I’m just doing my own thing.

3. Have you done something recently that helped someone else, in any way?

Well, yeah. My job is to help my boss with all of her paperwork and projects so there’s that. And then I gave my boyfriend rides this weekend because his car is still in the shop. 

4. What kind of mood are you in atm? Is someone else responsible for that mood?

I’m in kind of a downer mood. My mom and stepdad are both equally responsible. 

5. Has someone of the opposite sex been getting on your nerves lately?

Yep, my stepdad. And getting on my nerves is putting it lightly. 

6. Who was the last person that asked to hang out with you? Tell me the story of how you met that person, everything you remember.

My friend Katy. We met at a bar in Covington over a year ago and have been hanging out ever since. 

7. If you knew that one of your friends was considering suicide, what would you say to them?

I have been in that situation with a friend. I made sure to listen to him and hear him out and just basically let him know I cared. I also talked with him about my personal experiences with feeling suicidal and depressed. Eventually, I told his best friend about it because it was getting scary, he seems to be doing much better now. 

8. Have you ever felt so depressed that you were struggling to carry on? If so, what would you say to someone else who was in that situation?

I feel that way a lot. I’d tell them that many people, including me, have felt that way at some point to let them know they’re not alone. I’d also tell them it’s okay to take a break and just do nothing and let your brain and heart heal when they’re feeling overwhelmed. One thing I’ll never forget it is how my mom would aggressively force me to get up and do stuff when I was severely depressed and it actually made me feel x100 worse. I’d let the person know that it’s okay to sleep in and watch TV if that’s the only thing making them feel better at the moment. Sometimes we just need a minute to become productive again. 

9. Have you ever worn coloured mascara? If not, would you ever think about trying it? And if you have, what is / was your favourite colour to wear?

No. I just like to wear black mascara.

10. What do you remember about your first day of secondary school? Were you more nervous or excited about it?

I was really excited to start high school. Being with all the older kids, having homecomings and proms and football games, all of that really excited me for whatever reason. I'll never forget my first day walking into the halls with my red hair and people being like “woah, you’ve changed since middle school”. I also remember how much nicer and new the high school building was compared to the middle school building, so that was really cool. I loved being a freshman. 

11. Who was the last person to pay you a compliment?

Bosho wosho

12. Tell me about the shirt you’re wearing. Is it one of your favourites?

No...it’s just a beige and black striped shirt that I bought specifically for work. It is comfy though. 

13. Is there anything that’s happened in the past month, that you wish you could go back in time and change?

No

14. What color is your purse / wallet?

My purse is a light brown color, and my wallet is black and white with native print. 

15. What’s the closest item to you that’s black?

My computer

16. Do you think guys see your mother as a ‘yummy mummy’?

Ugh probably. 

17. Is there a certain name that you think seems to have become really popular, and you know lots of people with that same name?

Rachel and Katie are extremely popular names around here, and Kennedy is a popular baby girl’s name this year

18. What’s the most expensive item in your make-up bag?

I really don’t know, probably one of my lipsticks

19. Think about what you looked like 5 years ago. How did you look different, compared to the way you look now?

Well, 5 years ago I was a lot skinnier. I had my natural hair color, my nose was still pierced, and I always wore eyeliner. Now, I’m slightly fatter, my hair is maroon, my nose is no longer pierced, and I never wear make up. Ohhh adulthood. 

20. Who was the last person of the opposite sex to text you? Do you think that person is attracted to you?

Josh, and I hope so. 

21. Before Facebook became popular, did you use any other social networking site, like Bebo or Myspace?

I used MySpace. Funny how that was like the thing back in the day, and then it just literally died. <<

22. Has anyone ever asked you out, and you turned them down? If so, did you feel guilty about it? Why do you think you said no?

Yes, and I always felt really guilty about it because I hate getting rejected. I usually said no because I wasn’t attracted to them or they just weren’t my type. 

23. Name the last three people of the opposite sex that you talked to. What did you talk about?

My boyfriend...we talked about a jacket I was

24. Who is your most recent text message from? Has that person ever told you that they love you?

My boyfriend, and yes he has. 

25. Have you ever asked anyone “Do you love me?” If so, did you get the response you wanted? Do you think when someone says “I love you”, you feel obliged to say it back?

Sometimes I’ll ask my friends or my boyfriend, “How much do you love me?” as a joke to get them to do me a favor. When it comes to my boyfriend I don’t always feel obligated to say “I love you” back because I’m still in the phase where I feel awkward saying it in person. It’s really weird. I do truly love him a lot but it just feels weird to say that to somebody in person without feeling vulnerable. It’s just...a new thing for me.

26. I know it’s a depressing thought, but have you ever actually tried to imagine what the end of the world might be like?

I think we’re experiencing the first stages of it now. I know everybody jokes about it, but America is about to be destroyed from the inside out and we are the most powerful, (or maybe 2nd most powerful, I forget) nation in the world. 

27. Which Disney princess do you think is the most beautiful? Why?

I’ll go with Ariel because hair goals. 

28. Someone tells you that you’re wasting your time with the person you like. What do you say?

I’d ask them why they felt that way

29. Has anything happened in the last 7 days that you’d like to forget?

Yeah

30. Has someone of the opposite sex ever sang to you? If so, how did you respond to it?

Yes. It was sweet.

31. When did you last hug someone of the opposite sex?

Monday

32. Have you ever seen the film “Casablanca”? Did you like it?

I think I’ve seen bits of it. 

33. If you’ve had a bad experience in a past relationship, did you find that you were scared to get into another relationship, in case the same thing happened again?

Yep. I still get scared about it from time to time. I know that Josh is so different from all the other guys I’ve dated in the past but it’s still a fear I have just because of experience. 

34. Are you friends with the last person you hugged, or something more?

She’s my mother

35. Do you ever post song lyrics as your Facebook status?

Every now and then. I used to do it a lot but then kind of stopped because people would be like “what’s your status about” or “are you okay???” not realizing it was a song lyric I posted. 

36. How many girls do you know with the name ‘Georgina?’

Lol none

38. Do you drink alcohol on a regular basis, or do you prefer to save it for special occasions?

I drink a glass of wine every other day

39. Do you have a relative whose name begins with ‘L’? Tell me about him / her.

Oh god, Laura. She’s my aunt on my dad’s side. I won’t go into too much detail, but she’s basically been shunned from the rest of the family ever since my grandma died. It has to do with inheritance and all that and it’s just a very ugly and sad situation. 

40. Did you play with Barbies when you were a kid, or did you prefer something else?

I was obsessed with Barbies. I’m sure there were tons of other toys I played with as a child, but Barbies are the ones that stand out the most. 

41. Are you a secretive person?

I keep to myself a lot in “real” life, but online I share a lot.<<

42. When did you last eat?

A couple hours ago.

43. If you were going to buy a present for the person you love / like, what would you generally choose?

He needs a proper winter hat, so I would get him that. 

44. Do you plan on kissing the last person you kissed, again?

Yes

45. If I’m going to buy you a box of chocolates, which kind should I definitely NOT get?

Please no dark chocolate 

46. If you met the celebrity that you most admire, what would be the first thing you’d say to him/her?

Oh man. I’d be such a nervous wreck I probably couldn’t come up with something coherent. <<

47. Has anyone ever told you that you are special? If so, do you think that person meant it?

Yes, but I don’t think they meant it. Besides my family history, there’s nothing really special about me. 

48. Is there something you generally always ask for help with?

I can’t think of one particular thing. I guess carrying heavy stuff. 

49. If you had to give up your phone or your computer, which would it be?

My phone. I spend all my time on my laptop.<<

50. Has anyone called you gorgeous / beautiful today?

Nope