#I keep forgetting his name is ant

[casual--art]

go my Tennas

[thebestsetter]

He has never been afraid of dying.

Death doesn't fright him. He sees it as a natural part of the cycle of life. One must be born, live their life, possibly reproduce so their species can keep on existing and then die. All animals, be it a big magnificient whale or a little insignificant ant, have to do this too. This is what they all have in common (and honestly, it's beautiful how all animals have to experience this. It brings humans and animals closer).

Everyone dies, be it the sinner or the saint, the rich or the poor. Death doesn't discriminate people. It just comes and takes everyone (which is kinda funny, since people think that money or looks make them different from the other. They don't. We're all equal. The bullet that kills the powerful is also capable of killing the weak). And frankly, he's okay with that. He knows it'll happen.

Given his work condition, he knows he's more inclined to die than the average person. Everyday, he has to go out there and risk his life, saving hundreds of people he doesn't even know and sometimes not even getting a "thank you" back. It's frustrating, but it's not like he's giving up. Before he dies, he wants to make this world a little bit better. It probably won't be much, but he still wants to feel useful. He wants to feel like he did something good.

"Oh God! You're okay! You're really okay! I was so worried about you!"

He doesn't fear death. Which is why he doesn't understand why he feels like crying when you visit him at the hospital he was staying at after a mission that went wrong. Death doesn't scare him, so he's not quite sure why his hands tremble when they reach to pat your head. He shouldn't react like this. He's never reacted this way before

"Please, don't ever do that again! Never ever!" Your grip in his waist tightens to the point where his lungs are burning for air, but he still doesn't want you to let go.

"You have no idea how scared I was. When the hospital called me saying you were here, I felt like my mind was going a hundred per hour! Please, don't die..."

How can you ask him this? You both know it's impossible. He's going to die one day, it can't be helped. You can't escape death's claws. No one can escape their funeral. You're torturing him. You know he doesn't like to lie to you. He can't just say "I won't die" cause it's simply not true!

"Please don't die" you repeat, and his hands movement comes to a halt "Because I'll be lonely if you die. Don't leave me alone, please."

And suddenly, it all makes sense.

He still isn't afraid of dying. But suddenly, the mention of death leaves an itching feeling at the back of his throat. It makes him sick thinking about you going on with your life, possibly mourning over his death for a long time (he doesn't ever want you to be sad, especially not because of him. Strangely, a sick, twisted part of him wants you to cry when he dies. To be sad. To not move on fastly. He quickly supresses those thoughts though) and then completely forgetting him and starting a new family (this thought makes him sick to the stomach. He feels like a very bad guy when thinking about how he doesn't want you to find another man to replace him. You always said he was irreplaceable after all).

He will forever be someone who was, not someone who is. He'll be lost in time, a name you'll mention once or twice on a conversation while smiling and thinking about the good times you had together.

He'll never hear your laugh and your voice again, will never take you out on extravagant dates and have movie nights watching silly movies and laughing at the special effects. Leaving you alone in this dangerous world feels almost criminal.

Death doesn't make him feel bad. Having you forget him after he dies makes him feel like absolute shit.

And so, even though he can't promise you that he won't die, he can promise one thing. He grabs one of your hands in his, looking at you as serious as he can be.

"You won't ever be alone." He says, and you feel like crying. He then smiles weakly "I promise. I love you. Our love is too strong to be stopped by death." He kisses your hand and then quotes the same sentence he uttered at your wedding day "Remember? 'And if death do us apart, I promise to find you in every other timeline.'"

And just like he did that day, he props up in the hospital bed and kisses you.

MEGUMI FUSHIGURO, ITADORI YUJI, Gojo Satoru, Inumaki Toge (or maybe I'm just a glazer ☹️), Nanami Kento (idk, I just feel like it fits him), TODOROKI SHOTO, Bakugou Katsuki, Kirishima Ejirou, Izuku Midoriya, Aizawa Shota, HAWKS + any character you think fits this!!

~ A/N: this can be read as a sequel of another fic of mine. It also can be read on it's own though (but please, do check the other one if you're interested!!). Also, you can see some Hamilton songs' references here and there (cause I'm a theater kid 😔) AND this was inspired by a line in "Cowboy Beebop"

Masterlist

[dioslesbianwife]

Can I please request the Jojo's with the most wholesome cinnamon roll partner the type of person who cried because she stepped on a bug and now the bug family must miss them.

Their partner making the cutest lunches ever with notes saying how much she loves them 💖

sure this is so cute, i hope you enjoy and thank you for requesting :33

Jonathan Joestar

Jonathan is already the human embodiment of a golden retriever boyfriend, so when he meets someone even softer than him? He’s absolutely smitten.

When you cry because you accidentally stepped on a bug and whisper, “What if he had a little beetle wife and three beetle children…” Jonathan kneels down beside you and holds your hands so gently:

“Let’s say a prayer for him, my dear. May his beetle family find peace.”

He's genuinely touched by your compassion. Your gentleness gives him strength, and he tries to match your level of empathy in everything he does.

The first time you pack his lunch, he’s shocked by how beautiful it is. You cut the fruit into little hearts and arranged tiny sandwiches shaped like flowers. And then he finds the note.

“To my brave and handsome gentleman ♡ ♡ ♡ I’m so proud of you!! Eat lots and don’t forget you’re loved ♡  –Y/N”

He tears up. In front of everyone.

Joseph Joestar 

Joseph acts like a goof, but when he sees how sincere and tender you are, it absolutely melts him.

He teases you when you cry over the squished ant (“Was his name Tony?! Did you kill Tony the ant?!”), but when he sees how genuinely sad you are, he immediately goes full boyfriend mode. “Hey, hey, c’mere- how about we save a worm from the sidewalk next time? Bug karma, right?”

When you start packing his lunches? He brags to EVERYONE.

“Look at this adorable rice ball!! Shaped like me!! She made it with love, Caesar, try to compete with that.”

He reads the notes out loud with a sappy voice and kisses the paper like a drama king.

“To my one and only, the most heroic dork in the world- ♡  GOD she loves me so much- wait, what’s this? A stick figure of me punching a vampire? I’M FRAMING THIS.”

Jotaro Kujo

At first, your overflowing affection and softness confuse him.

You wept for a full 10 minutes because he killed a spider that “wasn’t hurting anyone!!!” and now you’re pacing the kitchen whispering, “What if he was bringing food home to his babies-”

Jotaro: “…You want me to go dig a grave for the spider?”

You: “... Could you?”

He does it.

He acts annoyed by the cutely packed lunches, but he never misses a single one. They always disappear. Every single time.

The first time he finds a note that says, “Don’t forget you’re amazing, Jotaro, Star Platinum isn’t the only one who’s got your back!” he hides it in his wallet and reads it on lonely nights.

Jotaro isn’t good with words, so when you cry over injured pigeons or send him off with “have a heroic day, my angel!” he just blushes and grunts,

“…Yare yare… you're too good for this world.”

Josuke Higashikata

The minute he realizes you have that kind of softness? He vows to protect you with his life.

Josuke is good at matching your emotions too, so when you cry over accidentally stepping on a caterpillar, he’s right there with tissues like,

“He probably had a name… like, uhh… Mr. Squiggles or something. It’s okay, babe. We’ll plant flowers in his memory.”

When you give him a lunch box shaped like a cat’s face and inside is a smiley-face made out of rice and seaweed?? He SCREAMS.

He takes selfies with his lunch every day and sends them to you with captions like:

“Best. Girlfriend. Ever. Look at this masterpiece!!!”

He keeps every love note, even the silly ones like “you’re the king of my heart (and my favorite pompadour ♡)”

Giorno Giovanna

Giorno is so used to cruelty and cold ambition, he doesn’t know what to do when he meets someone genuinely sweet.

You once cried because a bee drowned in your tea. Giorno silently used Gold Experience to make a new one, then handed it back to you like nothing happened.

You whispered, “You’re my hero,” and he literally looked like you just stabbed him with love.

He sees your kindness as revolutionary. He’s so moved that you choose to care so deeply about the smallest lives.

Your bento boxes are art. You include color themes, edible flowers, and once even made a tiny pastry version of his ladybug brooch.

Giorno is silent when he reads your love notes… then folds them carefully and tucks them into a hidden drawer.

They remind him of the world he wants to create: gentle, safe, and full of warmth.

Jolyne Cujoh

Jolyne pretends your wholesome vibes are way too much for her, but secretly? She’s obsessed.

“You’re crying over a bug again? Ugh… c’mere you soft weirdo, let me hold you.”

(She’s rubbing your back while you sob about how “he probably had tiny dreams and little bug hopes-”)

When you start packing her lunches- either from outside the prison or getting to the lunch line early to make the gross cafeteria food at least presentable- She’s shook.

You make every meal look so cute along with a note that says:

“You’re the coolest girl in the world and I love you more than butterflies love sunshine and nectar ♡”

She straight-up flexes that lunch in the prison yard.

“Yeah, I’ve got someone who actually loves me. What about it?”

She’ll act like she doesn’t care, but she reads those notes before bed every single night.

Johnny Joestar

Johnny has a lot of pain in his heart, and when you show him so much softness, he doesn’t know how to receive it at first.

He asks, confused: “Why… do you care so much about everything?”

When you gently explain that the world has enough cruelty, and you want to be something kinder in it, he stares at you in awe.

One day you’re sobbing because you accidentally kicked over an anthill and you’re whispering, “I’ve destroyed their kingdom… the queen is probably weeping,”

And Johnny just strokes your hair and goes, “Damn… I love you.”

You pack him the cutest lunches full of squishy fruit gummies, sandwiches shaped like horses, and smiley cheese cubes.

He reads your notes with trembling fingers and starts believing- really believing- that he deserves love after all.

Josuke Higashikata (Gappy)

Josuke is extremely confused at first. You’re the first person to be so affectionate and pure.

The first time you cry because you stepped on a snail, he thinks he did something wrong. But you just whisper, “Snail heaven better be nice…” and he realizes you’re just like this.

He gets really protective of you. He doesn’t want the world to crush your spirit.

When you give him a lunch with strawberries cut like hearts and a note that says, “No matter what happens, I’m proud of you ♡”-he hides behind a tree to cry.

He keeps the notes in a shoebox under his bed and reads them when he’s anxious. They mean more to him than you’ll ever know.

[lsd-astronaut]

Random headcanons of the fellowship bc I'm bored (mix of modern & canon)

✨Frodo

Scares the shit out of people by staring them directly in the eye without blinking but if you looked inside his mind, it'd be a rotating PNG of a fish, he just dissociates a lot

Would absolutely steal stuff in Claire's. He's really good at it.

Doesn't smoke, yet he is the one who gets asked the most out of the four hobbits for a light.

He strikes me as a stomach problems & back pain girlie.

🌻Sam

He looks like a bread guy for me. I like bread.

Full on conversations with his plants. Mainly gossip about the Shire, and how dashing Mister Frodo was looking today, can you believe it?

The only hobbit with a driving license (Frodo can't bc of depression and dissociation; Merry got pulled over and got his license revoked for having weed in his car; Pippin is a minor).

🍁Merry

You know these videos where a girl (usually) records her partner while they're cuddling and he's so whiny and talking like a princess, and suddenly he sees the phone and forces his voice like three octaves lower? Yeah...

Narrates everything that everyone in the fellowship does during the journey like it's a nature documentary. Stopped pretty quickly after Moria.

The Walter White of Middle Earth if he could get away with it, let's be honest.

🌱Pippin

Had a phase where he ate anything he saw. Mainly stopped after Merry made him cry by teasing him that if he kept eating ants, they would eat him from inside out. He still munches on flowers when he's bored. Aragorn has given up on telling him to be careful in case one is poisonous, but Boromir suffers mini heart attacks daily.

Accidentally mansplains to everyone he knows but that's because he gets very excited with his hyperfixations! He has no idea why he doesn't have any luck in love, and Merry is like "dude shut the fuck up..."

Is like these children who will constantly ask "why" to their parents, and Boromir tries to be nice and genuine for him but he eventually gets tired. "But, why?" "Because I fucking said so!" "Okay... but why?"

I feel like he cries pretty easily about everything and anything. He is just very sensitive, and feels emotions really strongly.

🗡️Aragorn

Hates parties; when he is forced to attend one, he will sit in one corner and sip on his drink. Gets really drunk and texts Arwen. "How was the party, meleth nín?" "Me, yes."

Hyperfixates on the weirdest things like Pippin, but his autism shows in the most deadpan way possible so he just stands there like "i like swords" and will emotionlessly list you all the characteristics of your weapon of choice. If you looked inside his mind, you'd see he is REALLY excited. He just doesn't know how to show it.

🏹Legolas

For some reason, I feel like he'd know a super random skill? Like ventriloquism. Recreates the "hi my name is snapple" video with Gimli just to fuck with him.

Can actually whistle with a leaf, idk how he does this, but it's the only 'instrument' he can play (apart from his voice if you want to get nitpicky with me) lol this elf does not have a single musical bone.

⛏️Gimli

Crystal girlie. Gives Frodo an encyclopaedia on all the types of healing properties and characteristics of every kind of gem and stone.

Really good medical skills. The rest of the fellowship regularly forget his uncle is Oín, so they're dumbfounded when Gimli gives advice to Aragorn, who is the only one that isn't surprised and actually listens to him when patching up Frodo lmfao

🛡️Boromir

Talks like someone out of a Shakespeare play and is dumbfounded when everyone in the fellowship is like "sup bro"

Keeps a heart locket with a picture of Faramir he likes to show like a proud dad does with his kids' wallet photos. Faramir was horrified when he learned of this and stopped talking to him for a month

Took to the hobbits like a dad who says he doesn't want a dog and then they're inseparable. Says he doesn't have favourites but Merry and Pippin remind him of Faramir and him when they were kids.

[holylulusworld]

Unwanted mate (2) - Steve's version

Summary: Rejected. Humiliated. Left outside alone.

Pairing: Alpha!Steve Rogers x Omega!(fem) Reader

Warnings: angst, a/b/o, rejection, unrequited feelings, hurt reader, attack, violence, blood, angry reader, arguments

A/N: This is Steve’s version of this story Unwanted Mate (Bucky’s version)

Catch up here: Unwanted Mate

After your encounter with Steve, and his promise you had no other choice but to leave your shelter and the pack. Fury promised to protect you at all costs, but you already caused so much trouble that you didn’t want them to fight in your name.

Broken, and scared you left your old life and tried to start a new life, somewhere else. No one knows your name, or where you are from. You work at a coffee shop and try not to draw too much attention to you.

Scent blockers and suppressants get you through the day and hide your true nature. Everyone in your new life believes you are a beta. It’s better this way. Omegas are still rare, and sacred. This doesn’t mean every omega gets treated the way they serve.

Even though, your nights are still the worst. You dream of Steve, and the day he rejected you over and over again.

Sometimes you ask yourself if the last encounter with Steve was a fever dream. It feels unreal that the man rejecting you in front of two packs suddenly changed his mind.

You shake your head and look at the next customer. He’s one of these busy bees, waiting for his caffeine to kick in. You know his face. One of the few you didn’t forget immediately.

“The usual?” you ask, drawing his attention toward you, not the phone in his hands. He quirks a brow and huffs. Of course, he doesn’t remember your face. He’s an ant in a bigger system, and you don’t belong to the system.

“Coffee, black,” he hisses in your direction. You don’t know what you did wrong today. Usually he’s nicer to you, and your colleagues. “Hurry up and stop wasting my time. I must stick to a schedule.”

“Coffee, black,” repeating his order you drop your eyes. “Coming up!” You twirl around to get his order.

He’s just another alpha believing he’s above a beta. If only he knew you’re an omega in disguise. That arrogant bastard would kneel in front of you to get your attention and fulfill your every wish.

Your walk home is short. The small apartment you rented under a fake name isn’t far away from the coffee shop.

On your way, you grabbed your favorite food, and more groceries to make it through the weekend. You don’t like leaving your apartment for more than work and grocery runs. Always afraid someone will discover your true nature or that Steve will find you.

Sighing deeply, you try to ignore the man from earlier standing on the sidewalk, barking at someone on the phone.

You try to pass him by and wrinkle your nose as he snarls in the phone, calling the other person a worthless beta.

“Another worthless one,” you feel a hand on your back, and then someone pushes you. Your groceries drop to the ground, and you follow them. A cry pulls from your throat when your knees hit the cold concrete. “That’s for believing you know how I like my coffee.”

While you struggle to get back up and mourn your lost dinner at the same time, the man laughs at you. He taunts you and kicks your groceries with his polished shoes.

“You will pay for this,” you snarl, and slowly get up from the ground. Your knees bleed, and your left wrist hurts like hell, but this doesn’t keep you from using all the strength that’s left to punch his nose.

He squeaks ungracefully and immediately presses his hand to his bleeding nose. “You broke my fucking nose,” he whines as you grab the bottle of wine you dropped to hit him in the groin.

“Yeah, and no one will punish me for it,” you say as you drop the bottle to the ground. You open your bag and get a wet wipe out to remove your scent blocker.

“You think you’ll get away with hurting an alpha?” He growls. “They will arrest you. No one cares about a stupid beta.”

“Bad news for you,” you step closer to let your scent wash over him. “You just attacked an omega in public. Do you remember the law?”

He blanches and steps away from you. “No…no! I didn’t know!”

“Sir, I must ask you to step away from the woman.” An officer aims his gun at your attacker. “You are arrested for attacking an omega.”

“I told you,” you mouth at the growling man. “Officer,” you fake a sob. “I’m so glad you came. He pushed me and threatened to hurt me. I…I punched his nose to keep him from hurting me even more.”

“Home sweet home,” you sigh as you drop on your couch after another day at the coffee shop. It was a less busy day, and you’re grateful for the silence at your apartment.

After the incident with the aggressive alpha, everyone knows that you are an omega. At least your forged papers protected you from getting found.

“A very nice home you made for yourself.” You freeze and a whimper escapes your lips.

His scent fills the living room, and you stiffen as he steps out of the shadows and switches the light on.

“How did you find me?” You look at Steve, eyes widen in fear. “How did you get inside my home? What do you want here?”

“Doll,” he sighs as you move to the other side of the couch the moment he gets closer to you. “I won’t harm you.” Steve shakes his head. “You caused a lot of trouble when you left. Fury lost his position, and the rest of your pack is looking for you.”

“Fury lost his position?” You ask. “This doesn’t make sense. Why would my pack abandon their leader? I’m no one special.”

“He refused to let me redo the ritual. Fury said that I lost my chance to claim you. I-I lost control of my alpha and threatened to break the peace between our packs.” He drops his gaze, ashamed of his doings. “I didn’t mean it, doll. You have to believe me. But, if you don’t come back, they will ban Fury and your parents.”

“How dare you, Steven Grant Rogers!“ You jump off the couch to jab your index finger into Steve’s chest. “You humiliated me without a reason. I stood in front of you, vulnerable and naked. I never felt so broken before.”

Steve tries to say something, but you shake your head. “No, Rogers. You won’t have a say in this any longer. We have rules for a reason. I was there, ready to become your omega and to submit to you completely. In. Any. Way.”

“Doll,” he tries to calm you, but you won’t have it. You slap his hand away when he reaches out for you to touch your cheek.

“You don’t even remember my name!” You snap at him. “Stop calling me doll! I’m not a pet, or your lover. You’ll never be anything to me but the alpha rejecting me.”

You wipe your wet eyes and take a deep breath. “Get out of my apartment!”

“I cannot leave without you,” he whispers. “If I go, your pack would come for you and force you to come back. I try to protect you.”

“You’ve got to be shitting me,” you snarl and bare your teeth at Steve. “You rejected me and tried to pressure Fury into handing me over to you like a piece of meat. Who do you think you are?”

“I know you hate me now,” he says, “but I’m the only one standing between you and your pack. If the order doesn’t get restored, your pack will lose control sooner rather than later. They need Fury as their leader. So, I’m begging you to come with me.”

“No,” you confidentially say. “If you want to prove that you are here to protect me, and help Fury, you’ll stay here with me.”

“D-Y/N,” he licks his lips. “We can’t…”

“We can and will,” you growl. “And I will call Fury. I don’t trust anyone but him…”

Part 3

[eyesymbolism]

Hi, about the Jonathan Sims Jane Prentiss post. Elaborate.

Omgomgomg someone asking me to talk about the Magnus Archives!! Thank you thank you so much!!

Sorry, this took a while, I knew I wouldn’t be able to get out all of my thoughts on my phone, so I had to look for my laptop :)

While listening to the absolutely incredible MAG 032 – Hive, I felt that there was a strong connection between Jon and Jane’s stories (obligatory mention on how similar their names are because it feels weird in my brain).

One of the main things that really stood out to me was during Jane’s desperate recollection of her memories, Jane tries to figure out when she first heard the song of the hive, she starts with when she saw the webs in the corners of the attics entrance (which she mentions having a “different song to the hive”, I love this detail!!) to as far back as her childhood, being told by her classmate about blackheads, which she says “that image lodged in my mind forever”, she mentions as a child, she used to watch the worms climb to surface after the rain.

I think she was hearing the song then, it was hard to come to that as a definite belief for me due to her muddled her perspective from already going through the process of becoming what we would see her become, as she seems to switching from “Jane” to “The Hive” in the statement. But my belief of it comes from her breakdown over the ant infestation at her job, I want to link this to Jon’s fear of spiders, because well obliviously you don’t get such intense breakdowns over a thing that brings you comfort, so intense she was fired. Both of them gained intense fears from their childhood, Jane must’ve been terrified from that reaction, but I think if Jane experienced something on the same scale as Jon, the Hive, which we already know could dizzy her memories, could suppress that, maybe giving her relief as a manipulation tactic?

Bringing this back to Jon, there is his experience from A Guest for Mr. Spider, which we know gave him a massive fear of spiders (and very not-dooming guilt), his reaction after reading Jane’s statement is.. Well bad. I think that it is because of the similarity from Jane’s damning since childhood to his own is what causes him to admit he KNOWS it’s not natural, he can’t will up the denial that he hides behind, he even needs to lie down after it.

BUT here’s the thing that drives me up the wall about these two! I think it’s not the similarity in their stories that connects them, it is their fates. Imagine if, you are behind five, maybe six, walls of denial and logic, to keep yourself safe from your guilt and your fears, hearing a story so close to what is your own and she turns into a monster.

Mr. Jonathan “I don’t want to a mystery” Sims, who has spent a while hunting down her story to solve her mystery, only to find that.

Jane’s fears from her childhood found her and used her body to kill and terrorise.

Jon must’ve been terrified, we’ve heard about two people dying from the worms Jane spreads and it now becomes clear she has basically become possessed. She literally has that noted as one of what seems to be one of her last true actions, before she is used as a tool. Something I want to point out now because I see so many people forget this, Jon cares about others so much. The most clear example being in Colony, when after getting Martin’s statement, he lets him stay in the archives, even saying he’d asked Elias for extra security, he doesn’t turn away from the truth (that he KNOWS) and scoff at the man he is currently trying to intimidate. No, he helps him because one of the main traits of Jonathan Sims is he really cares, no matter how scared he is. The idea that he could be turned into a monster and used to kill and terrorise people as well to be turned into something he’s not (sorry, that is a hunger games reference.) is horrific, especially as he was currently being attacked by the person who’s story he can so strongly relate to.

And then when he does inevitably turn into a monster, just like him and Jane were always going to, what should be horrifying him (just like Jane’s song and the fact it made her feel loved despite it all) felt so right.

It was always going to end like this for Jon, for Jane, and Carlos Vittery from Arachnophobia but there’s less to say about him (sorry).

In short, I say Jane’s memory haunted Jon for a long time, I think his breakdown in season 2 makes a lot of sense for a lot of reasons, but also because of the fear that he could be turned into a monster just like her, and that chance were going up higher every day, since he was eight.

[syndrossi]

Me preguntaba: ¿Cómo crees que Daemon trataría a Liana? Ignorando el hecho de que Daemon y Caraxes de alguna manera pudieron viajar al futuro, y que Daemon de alguna manera sabe que el Rhaegal de ese mundo es su Rhaegar.

Después de salvar a Elia y Visenya (no sé sobre el niño Aegon, probablemente no ya que es el primero al que atacan) y eliminar a los atacantes Lannister con fuego de dragón.

Tras encargarse de los traidores de la Rebelión y recuperar a Jon (ignoremos que Daemon sabe que Jon es su Jon), ¿por qué no dejaría que Jon fuera un bastardo aunque estuviera muerto? Perdonaría a Eddard porque tenía razones muy válidas para iniciar una Rebelión, y a petición de Lyanna en su lecho de muerte.

Me gusta pensar que Daemon no le negaría a Elia el regreso a Dorne, pero primero le pediría que se quedara para que pudiera ayudarlo con los niños y el desastre que dejó la rebelión.

Pero sobre todo, porque realmente necesita a alguien de confianza para criar a todos los niños, Daenerys y Viserys incluidos (Rhaella había fallecido, no sin antes ver un dragón real surcar los cielos de Rocadragón una vez más).

¿Y cuáles creen que eran las intenciones de Daemon con Elia cuando le hizo esta enorme y dolorosa petición?

You'll have to forgive me, as google translate wasn't as clear for me on this ask. I can't tell if you're describing a scenario where Daemon does know who Jon and Rhaegar are/were or doesn't. I thiiink you're saying that he does?

If he just lands in the middle of Robert's Rebellion, shortly before the sack of King's Landing (after Rhaegar is dead of course), then I have to imagine he's frantically trying to take stock of the situation. Of course he kills Robert. OTOH, if Tywin sees a giant dragon flying over KL, I'm not sure if he carries out his original plan. (Remember, he pretended to be coming to Aerys's aid.)

If it is mid-sack, then I don't know how Daemon finds Elia and the children in time, so I'm going to say it's just slightly before. I can't really conceive of a scenario with timing so tight that Elia and Rhaenys are saved, but Aegon isn't.

Obviously Daemon is going to protect Targaryen babies and children. As far as he can tell, he and Rhaella are the only adults left alive. Assuming she still dies in childbirth, then it's literally just him. So he must have some feels/suspicions about Rhaegar being his Rhaegar and thus dead, meaning his children would be important to him.

Daemon clearly assumes the throne. He may pose it as a regency for Rhaegar's children, or he may adopt them directly, but I suspect he views himself as the rightful king. Either way, he gets the final say on who his heir is. I feel like Daemon is likely to try to marry, since he's missing his own children and strikes me as someone who wants children of his own body.

I could see him making it clear that Elia is welcome to remain in KL to watch over her children. He's not letting those children go to Dorne, of course.

(I'm actually very curious which daughters are presented as possible matches to Daemon. If Tywin pulls the double reverse at the last minute, maybe he tries to push Cersei.)

I forget the absolute timing of Lyanna's death relative to the sack of King's Landing. I imagine Daemon would hear that Rhaegar had taken another wife (or at least a lover) and that she had been kept in the Tower of Joy. He probably chases Ned down for Jon, and upon learning that his name is Jon, of course he's keeping that baby. Since Daemon's king, he can adopt Jon as his own legitimate heir if he wants. No one is saying no to the man with the dragon.

At this point, he's got a convoluted nursery: two children of the former king, two grandchildren of the former king via Elia, and one grandchild (bastard or not; Daemon probably is fine with the concept of multiple wives given his own past) via Lyanna.

It's not unusual for children to be mostly raised by their wetnurse / nurse for their first few years, so honestly, I don't see Daemon going "omg they must have a mother figure." I think he'd expect Elia to raise her own children, and perhaps ask her aid in finding an appropriate nurse for the others. (Given Elia's kind heart, I could see her extending her love to the other children.)

Elia's feelings, as is often the case for highborn women consigned to political marriages, are probably irrelevant re: returning to Dorne. She made it through the "worst" years (aka putting up with Aerys) already, and she's in a position of potential power/influence over Daemon's decisions about his heir. Her family is going to want her to be around to a) keep her children relevant, b) convince Daemon to make Aegon his heir, and c) continue to keep Dorne in the forefront, politically. (If she were capable of having more children without endangering her life, they would 100% have been pushing a match with Daemon.)

We don't know enough to say what her feelings are on everything because of all the mystery shrouding the Rhaegar/Lyanna disaster. I think it's more interesting to consider what the heck she makes of the new "normal" in KL and dealing with Daemon, who is very different to both Aerys and Rhaegar.

And again, assuming that this is a variant of Resonant!Daemon, I expect he misses his own children, so he'll obviously latch onto Jon. Since Aegon is only a little older (a yearish?), maybe he convinces himself that Rhaegar lives on in him.

But also ruling is going to be a lot more of a burden than Daemon probably expects. He's got a divided realm to heal, the return of dragons via him to reckon with, traitors to punish (or spare), and the actual day-to-day of ruling itself. Plus figuring out how to heck to get more dragon eggs. So lots of guilt-ridden Daemon who thinks he should be able to spend more time with "his" children and fears that he'll become his brother.

[bonnieisaway]

Seven and memories, what'd you say about them? Like as a theme

bro i've said a LOT about seven and memories (i assume you mean memories in general: fair warning, i have not watched past s5e4 or so)

Seven has like a really complex relationship with memories. Even just like the concept of them. He values memories A LOT, he keeps pictures up on his wall where he'll look every single day while he's getting dressed so that he won't forget these things (because I fully, 1000%, without a doubt, GENUINELY believe Seven is scared of forgetting everything again randomly. This is canon I don't care if I don't have proof) and these memories are the reason he keeps going.

But on the other hand, Seven thinks these memories define his personality and are why he's the way he is, when that's not true. Seven is a brilliant demonstration of nature vs nurture, because in "both lives" he is inherently compassionate and caring and sympathetic to other people, he just had to repress that in his past, and couldn't let that show. The Girl in White broke down his walls so easily because he always was a compassionate person. He never would've saved her and never would've left Xuanwu if he wasn't. When he came to Chicken Island with his brain having been fucking factory reset to the system default, he was a kind, trusting, compassionate person. Because that's just who he is. His memories don't define him, but they keep him going. They are his purpose.

Seven's memories are also compared to a certain flower in season 3- the epiphyllum. (or- they're referred to as 'tanhua,' they're epiphyllum oxypetalum) (which I always forget the name of, and spend a goddamn hour looking for!) We see a sequence, surrounded by other things representing his memories, of epiphyllum flowers on a windowsill blooming, and then dying. Epiphyllums bloom only for one single night, and we see them die at sunrise on the windowsill. These flowers symbolize how good things don't last - but on the more positive side, are incredibly lucky to have experienced seeing them bloom, and that short period should be highly treasured, even if it ended so soon. Which. I mean it's pretty blatant here the point they're trying to make about Seven's memories, given this is shown to us near the end of season 3- these good times are over, but that's okay, because they're still worthwhile, and they still mean the world to Seven, and they're worth fighting for - and Seven is always going to fight for these, shown by the ant on the windowsill picking up a fallen petal and walking away with it - Seven will always carry these memories with him.

I can't really think of anything else related to Seven and memories off the top of my head but I've probably said more somewhere in my profile. Memories are a big thing in this show.

(The original analysis for Seven and the epiphyllums - and the rest of that sequence - is from here)

[lilacargent]

Here we go again,

Puzzles/ jigsaws would confuse Aliens so much

Set on the serpentine, beginning of the humans tenure

Important crew:

Primoz, captain -Limoyh a four armed species-Krag, second in command (brother of Primoz)

Kit, dokter -avian, bird like, she has feathers like a swallow-

Ortez, ASR (all species resources, human resources in space) -kiltak, insectoid species, think ants but exoskeleton-

Lugea, helmsperson (does the steering) -rock like alien-

Artex, engineer/mechanic 1 -also Kiltak-

And then our humans:

Kamari, navigator -Eritrean woman- (has cat named Sidra)

Markus, weapons expert (knows how to use them and upkeep, also shields) -Swedish man-

Petrus, mechanic/engineer 2 - Italian man-

Lilly, administrator/note keeper (learns languages for fun)-english woman-

~~~~~~~

Puzzles

The serpentine is on route between trading posts, this is currently the furthest route without proper jump point because of the static energy surrounding the dual planets castor and pollux.

Primoz is getting worried. The humans are becoming increasingly more jittery and Kamari looks like she a pinch away from punch someone, Markus has been ‘humming’ a song that annoys her greatly. Honestly the noises the tall man is making don’t seem that bad but every few minutes her eyebrows twitch which Ortez told him is a sign of frustration.

Before the captain can figure out how to keep them from doing something deathworld worthy, Lilly comes in with precariously stacked carton boxes and Petrus carrying a table. Setting the pile down the smallest human straightens out “look what i brought! Old earth puzzles! This one has a deer and this one has the old world wonders” immediately the humming stops and Markus is at the table with Petrus “oh yes Lilly you are the best! I wanna do the deer one, that is gonna be a challenge”

With the table in the corner of the bridge the tension among crew is nearly gone, as all species try to put the cut apart pictures together, Lilly brought 9 puzzles and at a certain point a competition was forming: after one of the human unit had finished a puzzle the other crew try to make it in less time. They have yet to win.

Looking at his relaxed crew Primoz grins at his brother who is trying to use all his four arms to put pieces together without much succes. Turning away from the competition he taps Lilly on her shoulder “how do you guys do it? Also why did you think to take these things with you.” Lilly looks up from her drawing (the crew bent over the table making the puzzle) “well i knew it was going to be a long trip, Kamari thinks Markus will be ‘professional’ but he can’t help himself” her soft smile when she puts air punctuation around professional makes her look much younger than she is “puzzles are something many humans enjoy, not everyone is as good at them as Markus, but he does this thing where he uses the shape of them more than colours. While he isn’t colour blind, he has real trouble with telling differences in shades. No idea why it works this well but it does, Petrus has already won three nights of free drinking on Castor from betting.” All of a sudden looking bashful Lilly ducks her head “ah eh yes sorry forget i said that we don’t bet on this at all!” Primoz just grins “nobody has broken anything this whole trip, im not going to disrupt the flow you and your unit created. Don’t worry.”

At arrival Petrus has won the whole human crew free drinks for the foreseeable future, and the crew in its entirety hooked on puzzles. While not all species see the colours the same way or understand the patterning in the pieces the feeling of putting in the correct pieces makes it such an enjoyable activity that Lilly brings new puzzles after every holiday back home.

~~~~~~~~~

This one was born out of the confusion my family had when we were making puzzles (jigsaws?) the pictures in pieces… this is where it becomes super clear English is not my first language. Anyway, we had two puzzles out and they were so surprised i could differentiate the positions the pieces needed to be in without context. I had to tell them that the pattern otherwise won’t make sense,

I have the same thing as Markus that colours are fine unless you put several of the same colours next to each other and call them different. This is why the deer one is super hard,

The two puzzles that were described:

[dekusleftsock]

Hey, so you said in your tags about how katsuki is a freak in his own way, could you please expand on this idea a little and when it comes to Izuku?

Sure!

I actually made a post about this very concept semi recently but that post also didn’t really have organization lmao

The main reason I’ve always thought Katsuki as “a freak” as I dub him is for the very foundations of his personality. I think the main reason why no one in the western fandom looks at him and sees him for his (kinda) socially inept aspects is because of a combination between cultural differences and the nuances that hero society throws into Japan specifically.

It’s well known that Horikoshi’s story/world is heavily influenced by American super hero comics. Superman, Spider-Man, Harley, Poison Ivy, Bat-man, Captain America, ant man, etc. are all very obvious influences throughout the story, with characters like Allmight often feeling like a combination of Superman and Captain America.

The reason I bring this up is because the very aspects of these super hero comics is kind of in direct contradiction with Japanese society, especially as those heroics within the world affect the society around them.

Heroes are this curve ball thrown into a society that teaches its citizens to be polite, complicit, and quiet. That’s not to say that this is necessarily a “wrong” way to have a society, but I think it’s with this context that Katsuki’s character (and therefore the intentions behind it) become clearer.

Heroes are bright, loud, and powerful. But long before Katsuki was a hero he already was these things; how does that affect his social life? How do the people around him treat him in the context that he is both not a hero nor having of a quirk? If heroes are the “exceptions” to the society around them, and Katsuki is not yet an exception, then he is an outcast, right?

It’s this context that I feel most people forget. Katsuki understands the people around him, he’s very observant and nosy, but he also just doesn’t care. He is unabashedly himself at all times. Those jokes Aizawa made about keeping him out of the spotlight showcase this perfectly, Japanese society expects a certain standard for the social context around him—which he actively ignores.

It’s a very ironic aspect to his character given that most people admire and/or envy him. It puts a whole new light on izuku saying that he was the one “actually in his life”, that Izuku may have admired him before his quirk for simply being himself. Not to mention how it makes sense that he would believe izuku was looking down on him for admiring him before his quirk, because Katsuki was bullied! I think that’s an often overlooked detail given that he only became “acceptable” to most kids around him when he gained his quirk. The memory this is showcased in is entirely Izuku’s pov, which is heavily biased in the sense that he admired Katsuki. Getting jumped by kids two years older than you though is so weird, and I can’t help but wonder if the perspective might’ve changed were it in Katsuki’s pov.

To me, the idea that Izuku’s memories of Katsuki being this social god come from blind childlike envy and admiration, especially as the contextual things happening (Katsuki is a REALLY big hero fan, he’s rude, he doesn’t remember people’s names, actively terrible at making friends at UA for a good couple weeks, getting bullied to even a minimal extent) in comparison to the words being told. You are told by Izuku that Katsuki is amazing, brilliant, talented, energetic, crass, and in reality (especially when they enter UA), to most people Katsuki is annoying, loud, mean, a little intimidating, and not nearly as cool as he thinks he is. His friends spend the entirety of the beginning of their first year actively making fun of him for thinking he’s tough shit when he so obviously isn’t.

And I think the biggest most important part to this “Katsuki is a bit of a social outcast” discussion, is that the villains thought he was like them! They thought he would hurt people because he screamed “die” and didn’t like winning when he felt he didn’t earn it.

The only reason Katsuki is not as much of an outcast as, say, Izuku, is simply because he won the lottery. He earned that extra point. He caught that curve ball to Japanese society and honed it into something greater.

And, see, Izuku can’t really know/comprehend that Katsuki would be, I don’t know, unpopular to any extent (shown in the beginning of the series when he’s freaking out on the bus that HES being complimented and Katsuki is being insulted), because to him Katsuki always acted like a hero. And in a way, he does! But it’s in the way that hero society throws that curve ball, contradictory to social norms, and of course it makes sense why they still happened at all; the past was dangerous! It was life changing! Disparity and violence and death, desperation fueled this huge monumental change. And what is izuku “I don’t know how to make people like me” Midoriya going to do when this kid, Bakugou Katsuki, acts like one of the heroes on TV? He’s not gonna call the Geneva convention and ask why the hell this child isn’t acting like a normal citizen—he’ll admire him to such a visceral degree because it’s almost like he was born a hero.

I like the concept that, because heroes and villain are cut from the same cloth, relatively similar in concept and strength and past hurts in their history, that this also affects how they are socially. You are outcasted by society: you want to oppose societal norms to live freely as yourself and others as theirselves, you want to make sure everyone can smile at the end of the day because sometimes you or your parents couldn’t, you want to be the best because someone told you that you couldn’t, you want to be just like the hero on your TV, who inspired the hero in your life.

Also you need to be at least a little bit of a freak to be listening in on people’s business all the time because it involves your childhood friend/rival to literally any degree. Like bro what is wrong with you come HERE BBG LET ME PICK YOUR BRAIN APART PIECE BY PIECE

More side note: idfk where I got the Geneva convention thing. I was just thinking about how mha has genuinely had violations against the Geneva convention

[shiftwithnovalie]

📻 ✨🌼JUNE, 1976— THE PICNIC DAY🌼✨📻

🌼✨

you ever have one of those days where god just kissed the air you breathe? because that’s what today felt like.

we had a little picnic out front — me, elvis, lisa, and the twins. the kind of day that wasn’t planned, it just happened. sunshine, lemonade, soft grass under your thighs, and that man looking at me like i invented the stars.

i had daisies in my hair (he put them there, duh) and that yellow floral dress he loves. you know the one. the one that makes him forget what year it is. 🙄

he was sitting behind me on the quilt like some overgrown golden retriever, kissing my shoulder every ten seconds and reading out loud from the memphis newspaper like it was scripture. except, halfway through, he switched to quoting the Book of Revelation like a preacher on fire and somehow connected it to numerology and the strawberry I was about to eat. 💀

and i let him. because even when he’s being a dramatic, spiritual weirdo, he’s my dramatic, spiritual weirdo. 🥲

lisa kept asking me how old i was when i first kissed her daddy and if she could marry someone with big hair too (i said yes). meanwhile, the twins were trying to feed each other lemonade with their eyes closed, like some kind of toddler trust exercise. 🙃

it was loud. and messy. and sticky with juice and love and sunscreen and grass.

and i’ve never felt more like i belonged.

he called me “his flower,”

and when the sun started to go down,

he picked me up bridal style just because

and whispered in my ear,

“i’m gonna remember this day when i’m 90, honey, and if i forget it, you better remind me in heaven.” 😭😭😭

Lisa picked wildflowers and tucked them behind my ear like I was a garden goddess. Then she told me I smelled like strawberries and honey butter. I almost cried. She doesn’t know it, but her words land like little spells — healing things in me I didn’t even know were still sore.

The twins were a riot. Love tried to feed the ants, Jesse tried to eat a flower. Elvis just looked at me like, “We made these? We made them?”

Yeah, baby. We did.

He couldn’t keep his hands off me all day. Not in a needy way — just gentle touches, little squeezes, kisses on the shoulder, that voice low in my ear going, “You happy, Pearl? You really happy?”

And I was. So much I felt my bones humming.

He called me “his sunshine girl.”

Then made me sit in his lap and fed me pieces of strawberry like I was royalty.

Lisa giggled and whispered something to the twins. Next thing I know, they’re all sneaking behind me with a flower crown, giggling like they’re pulling off a high-level mission.

I let them crown me their picnic queen. Elvis said he was just the lucky fool who got to serve under her reign.

Dramático.

And when I leaned into him, surrounded by the children, their laughter, the smell of fresh-cut grass and lemonade, he pressed a kiss to my shoulder and said,

“You ever leave me, I’ll come find you in every lifetime until you come back.”

I didn’t answer. Just smiled, slow and wide, and laid my hand over his.

He already has me — in this life and every one after.

✨💛🌼🌻

We ended the afternoon lying back, full and warm, Lisa curled up between us, Jesse snoring like a grown man, and Love singing some nonsense song about the sun.

🌙 A Note Before You Go…

This is my DR, my Elvis, and our little chaotic corner of the multiverse. Don’t try to fact-check this insanity, just grab some popcorn and enjoy the madness. #WeAreNotOkayAndWeLoveIt

✧ TAGLIST ✧

@jhoneybees @i-r-i-n-a-a @iloveelvisss

💌 Want to be tagged in every post from my DR series? Just reply, reblog with “✨tag me✨”, or send me an ask/message!

🕯️ If your name isn’t showing up, make sure your Tumblr settings allow mentions.

✘ Anti-shifters, trolls, and bad vibes will be blocked faster than Elvis can throw a guitar at me for messing with his nose.

[lovingmachinee]

Disco Yeti

Ant x black male reader

Set in season 1

Reader is new student

Reader and Ant get it on at that one carnival party thingy

Reader goes on stage to do his sexy thingy while ant watches

(kind of like that one darren and cash scene)

Wine pon you by doja cat in mind for the dance part

[name] pov

“Are you even listening?” I saw fingers being snapped in front of my face and woke up out of my daze. I turn my head to make eye contact with the finger snapper to see Darren with an annoyed expression. 

“Yeah of course I am” I lied through my teeth. 

“really?” Darren asked, I nod keeping up my facade, “Because I know you are busy staring at disco yeti over there” They said pointing towards Ant.

Anthony was a peculiar guy to say the least, very loud and dumb at some times and his friend group was something too. I hate Spider just like everyone else. But sometimes Ant’s antics canceled his stupid friend out. Ant is very nice and very funny, at least that’s the side he showed me ever since I came here, and ever since I gave him tutoring lessons on Spanish.

I always kind of admired Ant in a weird way. And now I of course can’t keep my eyes off him while he’s wearing that light up coat, It’s cool. 

“Well I mean you can’t really avoid looking at a disco yeti” I say looking back at Darren. “Ugh ok just let me finish my story and then you can fawn over him again” They say, getting a disgusted face out of me, at least that’s what I tried to show. 

Darren gave Ant a handy once. I remember from the whole incest map, kind of a weird thing to see on my first day here. “Is he big?” I ask, interrupting Darren’s story. Darren looks offended at me interrupting and decides to not answer my question. “You know what I’m so done with you” They say grabbing their drink from the bar and turning back to me again “Come back when you’re done being fucked dumb by Ant over there”. Darren walked away. I felt sorry for interrupting their story but at the same time kind of happy because they just confirmed that Ant is indeed big.

I stood there alone, I could just go to another person and talk with them but right now I wanted something else. I wanted Ant, not in a lovey dovey way at least I think. 

I looked over at him and accidentally caught him staring at me. He was in the middle of the dance floor standing with Dust? Dusty? Meh forget it this wasn’t about him. I tried to maintain eye contact but Ant kept avoiding it by pretending he’s listening to what Dusty’s saying.

I started walking towards him. Grabbing a drink that was sitting on a tray a server walked with, on my way. This time Ant did make eye contact with me and I was surprised he kept it till I was standing in front of him.

Dusty noticed me “You know what I’m going to check on Harper, bro” he said. “Yea cool” Ant said, still not breaking eye contact. Dusty walked away. Now it was my time.

“Hi” Ant started, the lights from the party and his coat shining on his face. “Hi” I responded, smiling up at him. We stayed silent for a sec, but not an awkward one more of a silence with tension. 

Ant smiled. “Wanna dance?” He proposed to me holding his hand out for me to take. “Why what a gentleman” I responded, taking his hand “I would love to dance with you” I said after. '`Great” He said, leading us to a more crowded space since the people around us started seperating. 

Once we were in the middle crowd we started dancing. I move swiftly to the song playing in the back, moving my hands along my, because of the light on my dark skin, purple glistening body. Ant moves along with me, us both enjoying each other's company.

I turn around with my back against Ant’s chest and roam my hands through his light up twister coat and run them up along his neck. “You know you’re really beautiful” He speaks in my ear, as his hands touch my waist. “Sorry I didn’t mention it earlier” He says after, making me laugh. 

I turn around to face him again. “You’re forgiven, besides I didn’t spend so much time getting ready for you to not notice me” I say putting my arms around his shoulder. His nose is so big… I’m trailing off, maybe I should just focus on what he’s saying.

“So you’re saying you got ready just for me” Ant says, showing a big goofy grin, kind of reminding me of what a child he is outside of this situation. “Well” I said, not really having an answer, he got me there. Ant lets out a loud laugh, making me hit him in the chest. “God you’re such a child” I said.

“Aw did I get you there [name]?” 

I decided to ignore that question and led Ant’s hands back to my waist. “Just shut up or else I’m going to find someone else to dance with” I say making eye contact with him. “O well we wouldn’t want that to happen” He says dancing with me again.

We continue dancing for a while until the announcer steps up on stage with a microphone in her hand. “The ball is officially starting with our first category: NIGHT FOR WINE!”. I started getting excited, Darren already told me about all the categories coming on and this was the exact one I wanted to participate in.

“Sorry Ant but this is my category” I say, letting go of his neck and getting ready to get on stage. “Night for wine? Sounds interesting” Ant says, his hand lingering around my waist. “Do I look good?” I ask him quickly.

“You never do not look good” He grinned. I let out a little giggle before walking away, but before I do I look back “By the way you might wanna see this so get frontrow” I say before finally walking away. 

I stand by the stairs with Darren waiting for the announcer to start the music. “Are you ready cunt” They say, looking at me and holding my shoulders tight. “I do not wish anything good for Ant but you better give your best show” Darren says after trying to hide their disgusted face.

“And now let the ball begin, first category: Night for wine, which means y'all better have some sturdy knees” The announcer says, making the crowd “ooooo”. “Hit it” the announcer says after as a hint for the DJ to start the music.

Darren went up first having known no such thing as no nerves. The crowd already goes hype over Darren’s moves and it woke me up to get on the stage.

I walked on stage moving my hips just like I practiced. I start wining and spreading my legs, going under them seeing the crowd through my legs. Through my legs I can see Ant staring at me in awe, Darren was right this would work on him. 

I start walking around more on the stage, having a face-off with Darren for who can be the most sensual while the music was still playing in the back. I did all my tricks one leg up in the air, grinding down on the floor, swinging my hands in the air and letting them roam all over my body.

I look over towards Ant again and see him smirking.

Now it was time. I move forward and crouch with my knees spread. I get on my hands and knees and lay my chest down on the stage while lifting up my rear with my legs spread, all while keeping eye contact with Ant. The crowd started cheering more.

I slowly start letting my rear go down both legs going the other way resulting in a split mustering the best fuck-me-eyes towards Ant. The announcer came back on stage “Alright alright we got a winner” she said. I started to roll and lifted my leg in the air while sitting still putting up my show even though it was already done.

I stood up, got my prize and left the stage already walking over towards Ant, who had gotten two drinks for the both of us.

“That was hot” Ant says, smirking, giving me a drink. “Thanks”, I accept the drink, there are not many words I can say after being so … open on stage

“Say, do you have something to do after this whole party thingy?” Ant asks. I take a sip of my drink, “Well I was probably going to go somewhere with Amerie and the rest, but I can skip it because it sounds like you want to propose something” I say turning my head sideways.

Ant chuckles, “Well I do have some Spanish words I need to learn, so if you want to come over to tutor me” he says. “Got any movies we can watch?” I ask. 

“Does Spider-Man sound good?” Ant says, giving me his hand just like he did when he asked me to dance. I take his hand “It would be a pleasure to tutor you” I say. 

He drags me away from the crowd, out the club.

He’s such a dork.

this sounds so cornyyy PLEASSEE. hopefully the dance moves translated as how I envisioned them.

[headfullof-ideas]

Some headcanons of the Nektons family that I’ve been meaning to finish up, and finally got around to! I posted them to Ao3 as well, if anyone’s there as well. I usually post headcanons of a certain character by themself, but i couldn’t think of enough for a whole set, so there’s some of the whole family here, and some of the characters individually.

- After everything with the Monumentials is dealt with, Ant gets a tuxedo cat he affectionately names Buttons. Buttons is mostly black, with two little white ‘buttons’ and ‘gloves’, and she’s the sweetest cat ever. Ant insists that Buttons formal occupation as an ESA is entirely coincidental

- Kaiko played Dungeons and Dragons a bit as a kid and in college, but never found a group who wanted to play seriously. She still has all her old books, character sheets, and dice in a box in her and Will’s closet

- When Kaiko and Will were introducing each other to their parents, Kaiko’s parents were initially on the fence about Will. Meanwhile, Kathryn and Jacques immediately fell in love with Kaiko

- Kaiko had about a dozen different ‘pets’ growing up, some that were animals that her family were taking care of before they were released back to the wild. She was also the owner of a number of failed fosters

- Ant and Fontaine were both child leash toddlers. Fontaine grew out of needing it, but Ant would find new ways to slip out of his leash without either parent noticing

- Ant keeps forgetting that his name is actually ‘Antaeus’ because of how long he’s been going by ‘Ant’. When he does occasionally remember or get called Antaeus casually, he sits in silence for a few minutes having an existential crisis over it

- Ant and Kaiko both brush off minor illnesses like they’re nothing more than minor inconveniences. They do the same with injuries. When it becomes too much though, they both get super clingy and needy

- Will was an Egyptology kid, with the shiny gold book and all. He was also a magpie as a kid, attracted to all the shiny doo-dads and bobbles he’d find

- Ant wanted to be a Marine Biologist as a kid because of his mom and how much he loved the ocean, but as he got older he started leaning in a different direction with other animals as well. Eventually he landed on being an Animal Behaviorist

- Fontaine does NOT like snakes. At all. They gross her out so much

- Hide and seek is banned on the Aronnax, because the game takes way too long with how many hiding places there are on the submarine. Repeated incidents involving pingers as cheating, with all family members guilty of it, is another reason

- The World Oceans Authorities never stopped trying to rehire Kaiko after she left. When Ant grows up and starts looking for a job, they make it their mission to hire him. Ant makes a point to say no in the most elaborate way possible each time. Pyrosome cries herself to sleep about it sometimes

- After at least half of their late night missions, the family don’t even make it to their own bedrooms to sleep. Crashing in the Moon Pool happens often enough they store blankets and pillows in a closet

- There’s a board of ‘how many missions so and so has gone without needlessly risking their life’ in the lab. Ant has never made it to the double digits. Kaiko and Will are only slightly better. Fontaine is the only one who has made it relatively close to triple digits, and she feels ashamed every time she has to restart her clock

- Kaiko keeps a wall of shame and fame for all the animals she treats as a Marine Biologist, with their crimes listed beneath their photo. If she’s really annoyed with one of her family members, their photo makes it to the wall until they stop annoying her

- Kaiko and Will put child locks on Wills study when Ant and Fontaine were toddlers, and Kaiko has multiple videos of Will struggling to open his own safes and shelves during that time frame. Sometimes if she feels he’s spending too much time in the study, she’ll put them back on

- Ant and Fontaine had bells put on them when they first started being mobile as babies, as both would crawl off when their parents backs were turned for one second, and Kaiko and Will would have to madly dash through the Aronnax, listening for the jingling of a bell to find their baby

- Ant tried out Speech and Debate in high school, and was surprisingly really good at it. Kaiko was really proud

- Fontaine seems to make new friends almost everywhere the family goes, and she’s really good at remembering the names of all the people she meets

- Fontaine is really good at remembering specific dates, and here calendar is packed full of all sorts of important dates and events

[giovanni-fiore]

The café in Milan was small and unassuming, tucked into a quiet side street away from the bustling city center. Giovanni sat at a table near the window, his son Ant Bosco cradled in his arms with his tiny fingers gripping Giovanni’s shirt. The child was fast asleep, his soft breathing a comforting rhythm against Giovanni’s chest.

Across from him sat Luca Rinaldi, a private investigator with sharp eyes and a demeanor that radiated discretion. Luca had been recommended by a friend — a man who knew how to keep secrets in a country where everyone seemed to know everyone else’s business.

Giovanni’s heart pounded as he stared at the manila folder sitting on the table between them. He’d spent weeks wrestling with the decision to hire Luca, knowing Nicola would feel betrayed if she found out. But this wasn’t something he could leave to her father, no matter how much Antonio pretended to have changed. The man might dote on his grandchildren and smile through family dinners, but Giovanni could never forget the years he’d spent looking over his shoulder, haunted by Antonio’s threats.

“I have the information you asked for,” Luca said, breaking the tense silence. His voice was low and measured, his eyes flickering briefly to the sleeping baby before returning to Giovanni. “It’s going to be hard to hear.”

Giovanni felt his stomach drop while his arm tightened protectively around Ant‘s tiny body. “Just tell me,” he said, his voice hoarse.

Luca opened the folder and slid a photograph across the table. It was grainy, clearly taken with a telephoto lens, but there was no mistaking the boy in the picture. He was tall for his age, maybe six or seven, with dark hair and striking eyes that mirrored Giovanni’s own.

“He’s alive?” Giovanni’s voice was barely a whisper.

Luca nodded grimly. “He is. But his life has been far from ordinary.”

“What happened to him?” Giovanni asked, his free hand clenching into a fist on the table.

Luca sighed, leaning forward. “Your son was the victim of a mob kidnapping. Years ago, Antonio Zanetta — the man you named your second son after — was involved in a bitter feud with The Scuderis family. To settle the score, they retaliated by taking something irreplaceable. Your son.”

Giovanni’s breath caught. “But… Nicola was told he was dead. They held a memorial service.”

“It was a cover,” Luca explained. “They wanted power, not blood. A dead baby wouldn’t have achieved anything. But raising him? Turning him into one of theirs? That was a move Antonio would never recover from.”

“Where is he now?” Giovanni asked, his voice steady despite the chaos inside of him.

Luca hesitated. “Still with them. The family that took him has kept him as leverage, though the feud died down years ago. He’s been raised as one of their own, unaware of who he really is.”

The words hit Giovanni like a punch to the gut. His son… his firstborn… had been living with strangers all these years, believing their lies.

“Does Nicola’s father know about this?” Giovanni asked, his voice darkening.

“I believe so,” Luca admitted. “Antonio might have agreed to the cover story to protect his own reputation and to keep Nicola safe.”

Giovanni felt sick. He thought of Nicola, of the years she’d spent mourning a child she believed was gone. Of Antonio, sitting at their dining table, smiling at Ant Bosco without a hint of remorse for the lies he’d told.

“What happens now?” Giovanni asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“That’s up to you,” Luca said. “If you confront the Scuderis, it’ll reignite the feud. And your father-in-law? He’ll know you went behind his back. This won’t end quietly, Giovanni.”

Giovanni looked down at Ant, the baby stirring slightly in his arms. He thought of his family — the life they were building, the future he wanted to protect. But how could he protect them knowing his son, his first son, was out there, trapped in a world of violence and manipulation?

“I’ll pay whatever it takes,” Giovanni said finally, his voice steady despite the storm inside him. “Find him. Find a way to bring him home.”

Luca nodded, closing the folder and tucking it back into his bag. “I’ll do what I can. But you need to be ready, Giovanni. This won’t be easy.”

Giovanni watched as Luca stood and left the café, leaving him alone with his sleeping son and the crushing weight of the truth. He had to take this  chance to make things right. Nothing… not fear, not the past, not even the Italian mafia… would stop him from bringing his family back together.

[mangooes]

Chapter 3 - Ready for another dance, Shadow Monarch?

Chapter 1 - All will eventually fall upon the earth

Chapter 2 - I weep for the departed

Chapter 4 - Interwined for now, perhaps forever?

(TW!! Slight Yandere tendencies- i believe Jinwoo went insane)

As the black armored man stands keeping distance from the girl, the said girl turns around now facing her opponent with red eyes that seems to hold nothing. Within seconds, a gust of wind with a sword just inches away from the man aiming for the man’s neck was seen as the girl swung her sword without hesitation. 

The man blocks the sword with ease just as equal with his fast reaction, laughing in the process as a nostalgic look was seen across his face. “You haven’t changed, the acheron I know of would never hesitate on striking her sword.” As the man jumps back avoiding another attack that was sent by the girl. 

“Have we met before…. shadow monarch? I don't recall ever telling you my name.” Acheron said her eyes never moved from the armored figure as she sent another attack towards the person. 

“The last time we met, you told me I would forget about everything, about a mere dream where you were apart of it.” The man chuckled as he summoned his dagger. “Here I am to prove you wrong, perhaps you may have forgotten me, but I'll be glad to do introductions once again.” The man paused before dashing towards the girl with his dagger in hand, “It’s nice to meet you again Acheron, My name is Sung Jinwoo. I hope you won't ever forget that name again. “

Acheron hums in acknowledgement as she jumps, avoiding the attack sent by the man as red electricity sparks towards the man, “It seems our paths cross once more…ready for another dance, Monarch?” 

The man grins as he summons black tendrils towards the girl, eye glowing a terrifying purple. “The pleasure is mine, Eminator of Nihility.” 

As the man and the girl exchange what seems like attacks after another it all comes to a tie when the man and the girl stand facing each other with a distance. The now surrounding area is on the brink of destruction with everything falling apart as the result of their little “dance”.

In the midst of it, the man getting distracted from the view of the girl in front of him as he fails to notice the girl striking him forward, sending him to the ground as the man falls on his back with the girl holding her sword towards his neck pinning him to the ground.

”Distracted much?..” acheron said before noticing the thousands, no millions of shadow soldiers behind her standing pointing their weapons to defend their king as the ominous feeling grows stronger around her.  “Is this all of them..? Can’t fight me on your own?” The girl said as she looked down at the man that was below her.

The man laughs, a deep chuckle settled from his throat as nostalgic feelings surface up once more. 

”My liege your orders?” A certain knight of shadows asked like a loyal knight. Next to the knight is a giant ant that also awaits for his master’s response. 

“Stand down, she won't hurt me. You all know who she is, no?” The man said as he stared at the girl above him. The girl stared back, before removing her sword from the man’s neck, sheathing it back. “Death does not await you, Sung Jinwoo. For that I will not strike you down.” The girl said as she stood up offering a hand towards the man. 

The millions of shadow soldiers seem to react to her response as the tense atmosphere disappears little by little. The man laughs as he takes her hand, standing up now facing her from eye to eye as he says, “So you do remember me Acheron?” The girl turned away avoiding the look on his face as she said, “I tend to have a poor memory of myself, I remembered you but it’s vivid. It’s not clear…” the girl sighed as she looked down.. “If there is nothing else, then I will take my leave...” 

Before the girl could take another step away, the man tightly grips the girl’s arm as millions of soldiers stand in her way blocking her from escaping. “What is the meaning of this?” Acheron turned towards the man with a pointed look. 

“Do you think I'll let you go the second time? Just how hard it is to track your presence in this damn world…. after all you’ve always been good at hide and seek.” Jinwoo chuckles darkly as he holds the girl’s chin gently. “I’m not letting you leave me again, Acheron, Mei, never in a million years.” As the man kissed the girl’s knuckles with a possessive glint in his eyes.

Hey guys!! i'm not that satisfied with this chapter (?) so i'll rewrite this later aksdjajs anyways uh good news, other than the robin fic, i've come up with 6 other different ideas of a new fanfic so i'll be writing those later when i have the courage to do so :((

[geniemillies]

Yearning For Spring | Ch. 3 | Tamlin x Oc

◇— Chapter 3 - The Lady of The Mountain

<<Ch. 1 <<Ch.2 ||◇|| Ch.4>>

✧ masterlist

Ch. Warnings: Amarantha as a warning by herself 😐.

The Middle reeked of gore and blood and death all around as if whatever Amarantha's been doing Under the Mountain managed to claw its essence to the surface. I sigh, rolling my head back to look at the dim sky blocked by a canopy of dead leaves. Great. I was told Prythian was a beautiful place but now she has tainted it with the dreadfulness that is Hybern with her. I really do wonder how she did it. Her reputation exceeds her, many commend her for her cunning mind always scheming ways to have people wrap around her little finger but personally, I have never seen the appeal.

While her sister tolerated me, liked me even, the same couldn't be said for her. Amarantha has always been a possessive female, she likes keeping those she thinks belong to her close and throws a tantrum when she loses them. She's never liked me even when I was a child with no position in court. She'd trip me over with her foot and throw hateful glares at me. I never knew the reason so I concluded that she was just born a bitch. Children who served in the palace have fallen to her hands once or twice but never again. I will never forget how she urged the King to punish fae, young and older, for things that were not of their control. I will never forget how she looked at me when she whispered that idea to him. Turn them into the Attor, my King.

Loathe cannot even begin to describe what I feel for her. And I do not loathe easily.

Speaking of the horrid devil, the Attor welcomes me into the ant hive it calls Her Majesty's Castle and I fight the urge not to roll my eyes as it guides me. My bones seethe beneath my skin. This particular abomination smells odd. Familiar. No doubt she brought it to me specifically.

“Little Dove…”

Her voice echoes throughout the massive cave that is the throne room and a shiver crawls down my spine, not out of fear. No. Never of her. But of the burning hatred that I held in my heart, reserved only for her. Yet I am composed and calm as I stand before her.

“Welcome! To my lovely palace, dearest princess.”

I look around for a moment before meeting her gaze up the steps, her face just as I remember, stuck with bitterness and eternal rage. But something is different, atop her scarlet head sits a crown of thorns.

Fitting, as she is a thorn in the sides of many.

“Curious.. choice of furniture, Amarantha.”

She scoffs, a smirk forever marked on her face as she leans back, comfortable on her makeshift throne of ashened stone. How tasteless. At least the King had some.. panache. This place is just a sore to the eyes. And beside her, another throne is placed. It is empty.

Smaller and insignificant. I pity whoever willingly sits beside her.

“I would choose my words more carefully if I were you, little princess. After all, you stand before the High Queen of Prythian. Do you not see it fit to bow?”

“I do not bow to pretenders.” I catch a sneer from her. “I bow only to my King.”

She clicks her teeth. “Has he sent you to fetch me, little dove? And as always, like his faithful little dog, you bark when he tells you to. Does it not get tiring? Would you rather be free from his command?” She extended a hand, flashing her wrist void of any golden cuffs. And I must have felt my heart skip a beat at the sight.

She no longer has them..

“I have an opening in my court. You'll be a lovely cupbearer by my side.”

I would rather fling myself off Hybern cliffs. “Tempting.”

“Or you could be the court jester seeing as you think my reign is such a joke, Niamh.” She says my name with such disdain, flicking her tongue like it's some curse she never wants to say.

I tipped my chin upwards, my face unimpressed. “I am still your superior. You will address me as such. The King sent me to discuss just that. But as your guest, do you not find it rude I am not offered a seat? Refreshments even? I came all this way..” I tilt my head and smile sweetly.

A line forms at the edge of her brows. “You are in my domain now. I will address you as I see fit.” Her voice echoes throughout the room, lifting her body up her chair slightly to scold me. Yet she's the one acting like a child.

She sinks back to her seat, her face softening to an eerie expression of calm. “But you are right. I have been rude. Come, and stand beside me and I shall show you just how much control I have over these poor fools.”

“Bring them in.” She clapped and the door to the room flung open and I slowly got out of the way to her side. As I stand beside her I notice a glimpse of the eye inside her ring, how it twitches as the orb snapped to look up at me. Jurian looks at me. As if he's pleading, desperate to get out of that tight cage.

I can only ignore him.

Several fae enter the room, escorted by veiled servants. All children. My blood seethes under my skin. I hate it. I hate how she's turned this place into the spitting image of Father's Court. And there she sits on her throne, imitating his mannerisms, his cold stare, his smug smirk, and his cruel punishments. Like a sorry display of royalty.

I look around and see no one else enter. No High Lords in sight, not a single one. Just children shivering in the cold, their skin riddled with dirt and bruises.

And yet... I feel the presence of a thousand souls trapped all around me.

“Is this what your Court consists of? Tiny children?” I ask and she lets out a hearty laugh.

“Do not be ridiculous. Of course not.”

I place a hand on my hip. “Where are.. these High Lords?”

“Out and about. Further down the Mountain. I do not care much for them right now~ What I do care for is how these... unruly children.. stole from me.” She leans back on her chair. “Several pieces of food have gone missing from the banquet hall and I know it's one of you brats. I strictly forbade entrance and yet. And yet. I am disobeyed again.” She breathed in, clasping her hands in a weak show of patience. “We shall change that. Instill discipline once more so we can all live more happily in my little palace.”

My breathing slowed and I could hear the echoes of breath inside the mask I wore. One. Two. Three. Four– Ten children. Ten children. I memorize their faces in silence.

How many more are trapped down under? Her reign could go on for decades more and these children could never see the sun again. Will children be born underground, straight into a life of servitude?

I feel my heart race at the thought. She spreads the King's ways like a disease. A blight in the lands.

“Well? Does anyone want to speak up? Who did it? Step forward now and no one gets hurt.” She orders but no one speaks up, not until a meek child dressed in tattered silks steps up, kneeling until her head touches the dirty ground before her.

“It was I, your Majesty. I stole the pie. Please. Forgive me. I was just so hungry.” Her voice trembled as she spoke. And despite her weak voice it still echoed throughout the room. All the children seemed to tense up, something that didn't go amiss.

“Sweet child. I do not tolerate liars in my court.” She sneers, delighting in their predicament.

“I.. do not lie, My Queen. It was I. Punish me, please.” She keeps her head lowered to the ground, too afraid to meet Amarantha's blackened gaze as if she might turn her to stone if she did.

Amarantha only hums before snapping her fingers and suddenly, curtains open above the walls, revealing the balconies where the rest of her Court stood. All of them. Divided into groups of– One. Two. Three. Four— Six.

Six.

Six..?

Seven Courts. Seven High Lords. And yet..

“What do you think, My Lords?” She extends an arm to the audience only to scowl when there is no answer.

“Insolent cowards. Kallias! This brat hails from your dirt. Do you claim that your people are liars!?”

Kallias stands in front of a group of silver-haired fae, his face pallid and eyes sunken and tired. “No. My Queen.” He speaks as if he held back words of bile, his pale eyes swirling with great fear that overshadowed hatred.

“So she is guilty. What punishment is deserving for unruly thieves, hm? Shall we hang—?”

“I-It was me!” Another child shouts, standing and running up beside the crying girl before the dais, her head still on the floor. “It was me. I stole the food! Not her!” The boy exclaimed.

“No!” A female voice came from the balconies. A wail, a cry of a mother no doubt.

“Silence! I will not tolerate lies in my court. Who tells lies?! Who speaks the truth? I will have you all fed to the Wyrm if I do not get a truthful answer.” Her voice booms throughout the room.

Then she calms again, her voice trembling from suppressed rage. “We cannot have this. No, we cannot.” She looks up to the balconies to a raven-haired male, black orbs meet violet ones. For a moment she was about to call him to the dais but she hesitated.

Instead, she turns to me.

“I've been rude, your Highness. Reprimanding my subjects in front of my guest.” She smirks as links her arms with mine, as if we share a relationship above our mutual hatred for each other. She brings me to the centre of the dais then down the steps just before the kneeling children.

“May I introduce her royal wickedness, Princess Niamh. High Commander of Hybern. The Silver Raven. My.. best friend. We do not often have guests, do we?? We shall let her do the honors..~” I feel her fingers stroking my braid on my back and I fight the urge to cringe and push her away.

“Search the children. Break them if you have to but I want the culprit.”

I scoff, tugging my arm away from hers and I see her eye twitch. “I do not participate in parlor tricks. The boy tells the truth. He is the culprit.”

Amarantha hums. “And pray tell, my Princess, what is the punishment for thieves in Hybern..?”

I breathe in the wretched air. “Death.”

“Hm.. Death.” She nods.

“Kill him.”

I felt my hand twitch. “No.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What.” She muttered under gritted teeth, daring me to defy her again in front of her subjects.

“I will do no such a thing. Not in front of our Prythian Lords.” I say before I circle the children before us, they tremble at my presence, flinching at each click of my sharpened heels. I kneel before the first child, her skin soft as snow and cold as ice. My gloves disappear into scarlet embers at the sight of her silver eyes, glassy with tears. I turn her head left and right as if expecting her, feeling the cold breaths of those in the Winter Court cease.

I do not see the child before me anymore. I see only the terrors she lived ever since the beginning of Amarantha's reign as I absorb her memories as if they were my own. They disappear in a heartbeat, replaced by the sight of her trembling face.

“Hm, yes. They'll do nicely. I'll accept a gift from you now, Amarantha. A courtesy for your guest.”

Amarantha doesn't say anything. She observes me, trying to figure out my intentions.

“I'll be returning home with the little creatures. There is to be a feast at the Lighthouse. They'll do nicely as food on my plate.” I declare and chaos began in the balconies, not just those in the Winter Court.

All these children seem to belong.. everywhere.

Their screams of protest only fueled Amarantha's sadism as she grinned at my demand. She knows nothing of what goes on at the Lighthouse. Ever since it became mine, the King and I made a deal that he nor any other step foot inside my territory. What I do there is but my business and we shook on it, cursing ourselves as if the pact were between ancient gods and not father and daughter. Though it seems Amarantha has caught flight of my dealings, not by a lot. She knows I take children from Court and from Hybern streets. What I do with them, she nor any other in Hybern knows. Everyone just assumes I eat them. A ridiculous rumor that is widespread in Hybern. And by the looks of her emerging grin, I think she believes so as well.

And no, despite popular belief, I do not eat children.

“Very well~ Who am I to keep you hungry, Commander? They are.. all yours~”

“You are all dismissed..” The chaos continues, echoing throughout cave walls.

“YOU ARE ALL DISMISSED.”

Then.. silence.

“You may collect them once you leave. For now.. walk with me, Commander.” We disappear into another part of the mountain.

Above it apparently as there are huge holes carved asymmetrically along the walls, revealing the grey skies outside. A servant girl arrives with a tray of tea and snacks that she sets on a table. She bows before she leaves quietly, allowing us both to take our seats, Amarantha taking her place on a long sofa while I, on a normal chair.

“Very well. You've indulged my entertainments, tell me what His Highness wants to discuss so badly. If he's so mad why has he not taken upon himself to smite me for my disobedience?”

“His Highness is merciful.”

She slightly rolls her head back as she lets out a huff of laughter. “Not even you believe that.”

“He wishes to see how you'd go about this little.. game of yours. He thinks of you as an experiment.”

There was a pause, a scowl on her face was present. “I am no one's little lab rat. Tell your King I am not returning. I will not return. I. Will. Not.” she growls in discontent as she flares at me. But behind pride and scorn, there is a hint of desperation in her voice. A twinge.. of fear.

“You of all people should understand why I would run here and never come back. If it were you, you would've done the same.”

“I do not concern myself with petty vengeance or blowing steam on people who are blameless.”

“THEY FOUGHT FOR THE MORTALS." She snapped at me, but I did not flinch. "They helped their armies, fought by their side, they are complicit in her death!” Her voice echoes throughout the empty cavern.

“You were her friend. Though I do not understand why she'd favour the likes of you, she held affection for you. And you sit here questioning my methods of enacting revenge in her name.”

“You had your revenge. Jurian is dead. Is that not enough?”

She shook her head, her dark gaze fixed on me. She's shaking. “No. It's not. It's not enough. It will never be enough. Have you forgotten how she was maimed and butchered? How could you? It was not you who had to find bits and pieces of her."

How could I indeed..? I was a toddler when the War began.

"She was my sister. My blood. She was mine!" Her voice echoed before it all dulled down into whispers. "And they took her from me.. Have you any idea what it's like? To have the last of your blood family be taken from you? To see her beautiful face unrecognizable.. To be denied vengeance even when I clutched pieces of her to my chest, pleading to the King.."

"You are young. You think you've suffered? You haven't suffered yet, princess."

"And I hope one day you'll get to experience such torment.. Then you'll remember me. You'll think of me. You'll think of Clythia." There is grief in her eyes. A grief that paved way to madness, no doubt. Her lips twisted into a smile.

"I will never return to Hybern, Niamh. No matter what you tell me. Not like it matters. The King and I's hearts are one and the same. I still seek for the destruction of the mortal lands.”

“So why are you delaying?”

“Because~" She breathed deeply as she composed herself. "I'm having fun here. Can a female not have any fun now?” She grins as she tilts her head.

I look away, “The seven Courts. They all slave away here now?”

She hums, the topic of Clythia and vengeance dying as quickly as a candle's flame. “All but one pesky Lordling.” My eye twitched as I snapped to look at her, the tea cup frozen against my lips. “You remember him, do you not? The handsome young male from the parties the King throws every once in a while~”

I feel my wrist itch, the handkerchief still somewhere inside my armor.

“I do not.”

“Pity. He's rather unforgettable. Even now I still want him all for myself. He's grown into such a fine High Lord. Adorable how he delays the inevitable, like a mouse in an endless maze.” She lets out a cruel laugh.

My eyes narrow. “What have you done?”

She looks at me innocently. “Nothing.. Yet. The wretched little Lord rejected my proposal and thus he escaped the.. unification of the seven Under the Mountain.”

The mask hides my face. But I try my hardest to keep my voice from trembling. “I see. Where is he now?”

“In his Court. Hiding. Idling away. Looking for a way to stop me perhaps. He won't. He will fail. He will either bend the knee to me or I will break him and everyone in his wretched flowery court.”

My face contorted into a glare I couldn't control. “What do you plan to do?”

“He rejected me. And so I will burn his Court to the ground." She shrugs, "Leaving only him last. And when I finish the killing blow maybe I'll take his eye and incase it in another ring. Would be fashionable, no? Romantic even. That way we will forever be together..”

I struggled to keep my heart's steady pace as I listened to her ramble on. She'll kill him. She'll kill Spring's High Lord. She'll kill Tamlin. She'll kill… my mate.

My gaze still elsewhere, unable to look at her, unable to quench the blood seething in my bones.

“When?”

“As soon as I'm able. I'm still getting used to Autumn's fiery fire. I will set the Court ablaze myself.”

I spiral. I spiral into thoughts of his screams, his blood splattered across blades of grass. And when the light fades in his eyes, will I feel the bond die as well? I gripped the hands of my chair too hard that I might've cracked it. And while I spiral in the dread that swirls around my stomach I manage to let out a small laugh.

A mocking laugh.

Amarantha's burning glare could be felt even at this distance, even when I wasn't looking at her..

“He was right about you.” I breathe out. “He knew you wouldn't be able to handle it. I owe him quite a number of gold.”

“What.”

I blink innocently at her. “Oh. Father and I bet on whether or not you could truly rule Prythian without it being cinders by the time you're done. I gave you some benefits and I claimed that with your cunning you might be able to keep it together for a few decades.” I laugh again. There was not bet. “But this? Not even a year through your reign and you're already killing people because, what? You cannot bring them to heel?” My laugh only grows with each insult I throw at her hoping desperately that she takes the bait.

“Father laughed at my bet. Saying that it wouldn't take you even three months to lose control and throw a temper tantrum. He believes you are too incompetent to handle the burdens of a monarch. Guess he was right about you. As always.”

She seethes and jolts out of her seat and I see Jurian twitch in my direction. “How dare you.”

I scoff. “How dare I? Did I speak any untruths? You're so pathetic not even males want to bed you anymore. How long have you been lusting for that boy only for him to reject you? Time and time again. You're Queen and he still doesn't want you. It must sting, doesn't it? To not get what you want? Have you fallen so far from grace that you can't get a single male to want you back? Father's Court laughs at your incompetence, you’re already disgraced in their eyes. The disappointment of a Commander. The pretender Queen—”

“ENOUGH. Get. OUT!!” She hurls magic at me, a blade of ice that almost grazed my cheek had I not winnowed to another corner of the room.

But the ice did get me, it struck the sides of my iron mask, willing it to fall to the floor as I moved out of the way, revealing my face.

She seems to fume even more at the sight of me uncovered, baring her teeth, her eyes a murderous show of jealousy. She's always been jealous. From the moment she was knocked out of her place as Father's second in command in favour of me. Someone more capable, stronger, younger. She cannot bear it and in her eyes, I stole the King's favour just as I stole Clythia's affections like it's my fault I can win people over just as easily as she does.

If she finds out the male she's been lusting over for years was mated to me she might actually tear all her hair out and bite my head off right here, right now.

I show her a smirk, tilting my head. “You prove us right. Every single time. And you cannot handle the truth.”

She points at me. “I will show you just how capable I am of getting what I want. Sooner or later, Tamlin will get on his knees and beg for my forgiveness, my hand, my love.” As if anyone wants any of those from her. I shouldn't be this angry, shouldn't have prodded her to the point that she almost landed a hit on me. But I couldn't help it. She speaks of him in a way that makes me want to strangle her and feed her body to the fire.

He's my mate. He is mine…

She calms down for a moment, pacing around the room as her gaze falls to the floor to my fallen mask. She grabs it and inspects it, how the intricate details of Hybern patterns are carved to its surface. Her eyes narrowed as she bore her gaze into the slits of eyes on the mask before turning to me with her usual, wicked smile.

“You are right. I must handle unruly citizens without resulting in immediate bloodshed. Ever the wise advisor you are, Commander.” She hands me my mask back. “In fact, to say how deeply sorry I am for my actions towards the Spring Court and their Lord, I think I will throw.. a party. One that they will never forget..”

Dread swirls around my stomach at her words. She wouldn't. Shit. She would. There's nothing she wouldn't do to get the slightest bit of satisfaction from others’ suffering. And I think I just gave her an idea..

Fuck.

I cannot speak my mind. So I remain silent.

“You must return to Hybern. Inform His Majesty that I am well and I'm having fun. He'll get his war. And before then... I will remain here and enjoy myself.” She looks down at my gloved hands.

“Really, I do not understand why you coil into his service when he remains doing these horrors to you.” She ran her calloused hands along the fabric of the glove, eyeing me as if she were my friend who cared.

“Or has he broken you completely that you answer only to him, now? Just like Brannagh and Dagdan?” She prods, showing her pearly white teeth as she grins at me, reminding me of what happened to my cousins. She was there as was I.

I shook my head and looked away. “You're right. I should return to Hybern. At once.”

“Yes. Back to your cage now, little dove.” I feel her hand on my wrist, right above the golden cuffs. The same ones she had yet she has managed to break with all the power she stole.

“Back to the shackles you've grown to love.”

I want to strangle her...

“Hybern is my home. I am happy there.”

She smiles knowingly. “Of course you are.”

There was a knock on the door, interrupting us as a scowl returned to her face. She snaps at the door, willing it to open.

A tall male appears. Raven hair and violet eyes. Lord of Night. He is alive.

“Rhysand. What did I tell you about interrupting me while I have a guest?” Amarantha says sweetly, behind her words is boiling bile. I reckon once I leave she'll hurl that bile at him.

I put my mask back on before his eyes could turn to me. “He's not interrupting. See to it what he wants and we'll continue this conversation.” I order and she seems to stab me with her glare, her ego hurt because I just gave her a command in front of someone else.

No wonder why there was no audience when I arrived. She didn't want anyone to see me insult her to her face while she could do nothing about it.

“There are reports of a group of fae leaving through the tunnels, my Queen.” He informed, keeping up a cordial front of loyalty. The poor thing.

“It is of no consequence, tell the Attor to sniff them out. Tonight we will have a show.” She turns to me. “Shall my princess stay to watch?”

“I have other matters to attend to. But do enjoy yourself.”

“Pity.” She shrugs. “That will be all. Leave us, Rhysand.”

“Wait.” I say before he can even turn around. I look at Amarantha. “Are your subjects so ill-mannered they don't know how to greet their royal guests?”

She narrows her eyes at me before turning to the Night Lord. “Rhysand. Bow to the Princess.” She orders through her teeth as if she didn't want to.

“Of course.” His face softens, a perfectly crafted expression of a charmer. And as he approaches me I extend an arm, feigning being charmed by his very beauty. My right glove turns into cinders before he takes my hand and kisses the back of it.

At the contact of his skin on mine, I fight the urge not to flinch and pull away as his memories flow into my head like a wind blowing through doors with no warning. Visions of his servitude to Amarantha, how he offered himself, his body, in exchange she left the Night Court alone. I could throw up at the visions where he lay in bed in the aftermath of a passionless night. I closed my eyes and willed my power to stop. But it didn't. And so I tore my hand away and the glove reemerged from existence, returning to wrap themselves around my skin.

“Princess..” His touch lingers as he looks up at me. “Is your beauty so blinding that you are to don a mask?” He flirts and if I could I would've snorted.

Just like his sister..

I look at Amarantha. “At least this one is a flatterer. Can't say the same for that damned Attor.” I feel her jealous glare boring at my face. I was about to dismiss him but stopped myself, knowing that if I did her jealousy might flare up and the poor male would suffer for it.

“Dismiss him, Amarantha. I have no use for empty compliments.” I turn away, putting up a tone of disinterest.

“Rhysand. Leave us.”

He leaves and we are once again alone. “I too shall take my leave. Where are the children I am promised?”

She snaps her fingers and we are winnowed back into the throne room where the Attor guarded the trembling children still shackled and cold on the ground.

“All yours.” Amarantha smiles as she flashes her cruel eyes on the High Lords perched again at the balconies.

The only way for the Ravens of Hybern to leave the land is with the King's permission, which he grants as a jewel that temporarily dulls the magic of their shackles. Once they have completed their journey and returned to Hybern, the magic of the jewel would cease, and they would be caged once again.

I twist the ring on my middle finger and a shadow-rimmed whip emerges from the air, landing in my hands. I crack the whip in my hands as I approach the children.

As the eldest child looked up at me with pleading silver eyes, I didn't falter and looked back down at her with a face colder than the lands she hails from.

A sharp slash of the whip echoes throughout the courtroom. And the children vanished, taken by dark flames.

As did I.

— —

The scarlet glow of the gem on the ring I was given dulled once I stepped foot in Hybern lands once more, expending the permission of leave.

And once again, I am back in my cage.

The children huddled together at the entrance of the foyer, their limbs still bound by shackles. I called to Manann, one of the elder children of the Lighthouse and he ran to me, his face horrified by the sight before him.

“Mother..”

“Manann. Have someone open the empty room at the west hall. We have new guests. Even more so than my usual additions. And tell Dreas to let everyone know. I have to make haste to the palace. Please do make them feel welcome.” I hurriedly instructed before I walked past the children in the foyer and to the door.

“Are they from the northern territories?” Manann asked.

“No. They're from Prythian.” Mannan turned pale and before I opened the door I snapped my fingers and the children's silver shackles shattered into light.

“I will attend to them once I return. I apologize for asking this of you.”

“I do not mind, Mother.” He smiles sweetly, tilting his head. "I'm always happy to see new faces.."

I nodded and opened the door. “Clothe them, feed them first and foremost. Tend to their wounds. And if I am back early I will do them myself. If they'd let me. But you know how he is..”

Mannan nods. “I will handle it. We'll make them feel at home, don't worry.”

With one look back at the trembling children on the floor I sigh before turning away. Then I left for the palace where Father's waiting for my report.

— —

When I returned to the Lighthouse hours later the halls were quiet. When I snuck a peak at the west hall I heard children's chatter, all of them trying to help with the Prythian children. It's a good thing. I'm probably the last person they want to see right now. I'll give them space and in time, when they warm up to the place I will give them the explanations they wish for.

Instead of seeing them, paperwork found me and drowned me in my private study. The King likes to keep me busy most of the time. Matters like controlling his Court and handling his armies are burdens dropped upon my shoulders while he sulks about in his dark libraries accompanied by potions and spellbooks and whatever schemes he brews in his tower.

People of Hybern like to praise him for being their most formidable King while he warms his chair and has me do all the tedious work behind the curtains. I cannot complain. Not for a second. Not after I realized that it is a beneficial thing to be in charge of Hybern's affairs. To know the ins and outs and be in the reins of it all. He trusts me explicitly and yet distrusts me all the same. I control his lands, his military, his Court proceedings. But I know not how his mind works most of the time I spend doing his bidding.

And I think he revels in the fact that I am trying..

I do find it suspicious how much trust and power he's willing to give me so I do not let it get to my head. I'm wary of the authority I instill, suspicious that there is a great chance that he is.. observing me even when he isn't.

“Mother? The children you rescued from Prythian don't want to leave their rooms.” Manann appears between the crack of the door to my study, disrupting my thoughts.

“I understand. If they do not wish to come out we will not force them to. The horrors they faced in that cave are horrible enough. We'll give them time. Tell the other children to leave the door.” I look up at him, the adolescent fae with tanned skin and curly dark locks. Mannan was a child I picked off from the streets of Hybern, just like all the children in the Lighthouse. His parents were dissenters and begged me to spare his life.

And I did. I spared theirs as well.

“Are they changed from their clothes at least?”

Mannan nods. “There are clothes in the room. Giving them some food and water was the one thing they let us do before pushing us out and locking the room.”

“I see.”

“Is it.. that bad? The eldest, I think, the one with white hair.. is the voice of reason. But I understand, she is smart to not trust us.”

“Yes. To put it simply. Amarantha is as cruel as you remember. Still revels at the sight of children suffering.” I feel my eye twitch as her name leaves my mouth.

“Has Velaria returned from her endeavors?”

“No. She sent word that she will be returning, though.” Manann enters the room and sets a plate of desserts beside my papers. “I will prepare you wakingdew elixir if you want.” He stares at the scrolls and papers on my desk and my shoulders soften.

I smile, “I would love that. Thank you, dearest.”

— —

I stir the elixir in my teacup as I stare out the window to the courtyard below where the children ran and played about amongst themselves. The sun above is but a light pink glow from all the fog and dark clouds. If I could pierce through the skies to reveal the blue heavens and golden rays I would. For them. I would.

I stopped stirring as I felt a presence sneaking behind the large doors to the dining hall. The eldest winter child, now free from her shackles. Our eyes met and she coiled her head and hid from me.

I look away and sip my elixir as if I did not see her. Silence followed for a few minutes and the child didn't leave yet she stayed hidden.

“Why?” I hear her say from that distance.

I set the cup down. “Why what?” I tipped my chin upwards.

“Why didn't you kill us?” She asked meekly, her brows furrowed into a forced glare as she hid from me still.

“I had no reason to,” I said simply. “Come. Are you hungry?” She comes alone, I sensed.

“No..”

“Of course you are. Come.” I flick two fingers forward and open the door completely with my magic, revealing her frail body now clothed properly before summoning a plate beside my table. “Eat.” I grabbed a piece of bread from a basket on the table, a silver cart rolling towards me before I took the butter from it and set it beside the bread.

The child reluctantly walked towards me, her eyes up and her head down as she did. She sat down but only stared at the bread.

“Apologies for the lack of variety. It is not yet supper so I have not cooked yet.” I tilt my head as I observe her eyeing the food with suspicious eyes.

“It is not poisoned. I am not so cruel that I'd kill you after bringing you out of that.. cave prison.”

I see her shoulders slump down at the mere mention of that place. “Amarantha would be so cruel..” She said, her voice weak and broken.

“I am not Amarantha. This is not Under the Mountain.”

“Where are we?”

“Hybern. The Lighthouse. My home.”

“Why..?”

“It is the safest place to bring you and the others.”

She continues to frown, not believing my words. “But why?”

I tilt my head, confused. “Why what?”

“Why save us at all?”

“I saw an opportunity to put you out of your misery and I took it.”

“Why?”

“Because it's not right. What she does to you. To all those people. If I had left you and the other children I would have regretted it all my life.”

“She said you were a princess. A commander. They say you eat children.”

“My reputation is exaggerated. And even more if such rumors come from Amarantha of all fae.” I roll my eyes. “I will not hurt you, child. You're safe here. And when the time comes, when it's safe to return you, all of you to Prythian, I will. I just want you to live. And you will not live for long if you do not.. eat.”

I push the plate further closer to her. “Eat.”

And eat she does. She dug into that bread until it was nothing in mere seconds, immediately grabbing another from the basket and digging into it like she hadn't eaten in months. The poor thing.

“What's your name?”

She gulps down her food, panting. “Marilla.”

“Marilla.” I smile. I propped an elbow on the table and leaned my head against my head. “My name is Niamh.”

“Your.. Highness.”

“Just Niamh.”

She gulps her food, almost panting for air. “The boy from before called you mother. Is he your son? Actually, everyone around here calls you that.”

“Not by blood. Perhaps I am their mother in a way.. They live under my roof, I provide for them and play with them when I can. I suppose.. that is somewhat of a definition for a mother.” It didn't used to be like this until one child started calling me mother and everyone joined in. It stuck. And I had no particular problems with the name.

It is.. endearing.

“You do not need to call me mother if that's what you're asking. You may call me whatever you like least it's anything formal. I have no need for formalities. Not here. Not in my home.”

“Okay.. Niamh..”

“Eat up. Eat all the bread if you like. We have plenty. And when you return to your room, tell the other children to eat as well. We need meat back in your bones.”

She was silent for a while as she chewed. “You cannot imagine what goes on in that place..”

I pause. “Yes, I can. We have a similar predicament around here. But instead of a Queen ruling over us, it is a King. And he is worse. Far.. worse.”

“King of Hybern..”

“Hm. But do not worry. The Lighthouse is the one thing he cannot touch. You're safe.”

“You're a princess but you do not live in his palace.”

My nose flared. “I do not want to be anywhere near him in such an extended period of time.”

“Are you his daughter?”

“Unfortunately.”

“You do not get along with your father?”

I look away. “Is there any daughter that does?”

“Some.. Though, maybe not a lot.” Marilla mutters.

Before we could utter another word, footsteps made their way to the dining hall, stomping of heavy boots echoing throughout the walls.

“How is he?! Is he alive!?" She demanded immediately, making her way to me in a flash making Marilla flinch in her seat.

Her large wings outstretched behind her, a veil of darkness in her wake, following her every step. When I looked up, violet eyes met mine, brimming with emotion. Concern and fury etched on her features.

“He is alive,” I responded. “Though if your question is how he is fairing I'm afraid, not well. He serves as Amarantha's close command in exchange for her to leave the Night Court alone.”

“Velaris..”

“Yes, remains untouched at the cost of your brother's servitude to her.”

Lines form at the corners of her brows as she shakes her head. “What does she make him do?”

I grimace. “I cannot tell you. I'm not sure he'd want you to know. Just know that it's horrible.”

“That bitch..”

“I'm sorry, Velaria. The King lets her do as she pleases. The experiment continues.”

She remained silent as she paced the room, the mist that surrounded her threatening to swallow the space whole. But she controls herself. Just as I taught her.

She turns to me. And the child sat beside me. "Another one?" She raised a brow. "From which territory this time?"

"None. She's from Prythian." I answered and Velaria's jaw fell.

"Niamh." She looked at me in disbelief. "How many?"

"Ten."

"Niamh.."

"They are safer here than there. They're given to me as 'gifts'."

Velaria sighed as she sat down in front of Marilla, observing her features as her own softened. She nods. "Good.. That's good."

Her worried face was slowly replaced and she offered Marilla a kind smile, her dark wings folding behind her. "I'm sorry about my outburst.. My name is Velaria. Prythian is also my home."

She extends her hand. "Welcome to the Lighthouse.."

"Marilla.." She answers meekly as she hesitantly shakes her hand.

"Marilla. Of Winter I presume?" She asks and the child nods, her shoulders relaxing.

"You're Illyrian.." Marilla comments.

"That I am." Velaria smiles, tilting her head.

"Are you one of her children, too?"

Velaria snorted as she glanced at me. "Gods, no. We're closer in age." She shrugs. "I'm just here. Using her rooms, eating her food. Do not let her nonchalance fool you. The High Commander is a softie."

I sigh. "Velaria.." I turn to Marilla. "You may take the whole basket to your rooms. Share amongst the other kids, I'm sure they're hungry. I need to speak with Velaria. Alone."

Marilla looked at me and then at Velaria before getting out of her seat, taking the whole basket of bread with her, and leaving us alone.

Velaria turns to me.

"When do you plan to return them?" She asked.

"When I am able. Or when Amarantha's reign is over, I'm not sure." I let out a breath. "I acted too quickly.. I just.. I only thought of what might happen if I left them there."

I felt her hand in mine. "You did good. And as for returning them.. we will see."

My heart warmed at her reassurance. "We will see.." I nod. It's unknown when I could be given permission to leave again. He doesn't like me leaving Hybern. And with all the High Lords trapped in that mountain, I doubt the state of their Courts is any better than their prison. Their remaining people outside the Mountain lives in constant instability, fear, and hunger most likely.

“And what of your endeavors to the south?” I ask her.

She lets out a heavy sigh as she lets go of my hand, running her fingers through her silken strands of black hair, and leaning back against her chair.

She smiles at me.

"A success. The dissenters are captured. Taken underground. And the rebellion is ever growing in number.”

I finish my elixir, feeling awake to the full.

“Good.”