#I played with the idea of making him look closer to the spirits in ATLA—blue and look-through and classically ghostly.

[demaparbat-hp]

Zuko looked up and locked eyes with his cousin, who was struck speechless. Then, ever so slowly, Lu Ten's lips twitched upwards. And then he smiled. And then he beamed. And then he nodded proudly once, just once, and vanished.

Lu Ten comes back in For the Spirits Chapter VII: Take Me South, only to leave Zuko with more questions than answers. Just how much is he truly aware of? When will he return? What is Zuko going to do now?

(What will the South bring?)

[supacutiepie]

New RWBY Theories and Old Hidden Plotlines

So far, with the new lore and old lore- this is what the general world of remnant looks like in terms of symbols and the maidens and relics and plot.

Right off the bat, I don’t think that Ozma and Salem’s children are the maidens. Simple because they don’t actually match up to the maidens once laid out in these ^^^ terms.

Color wise, they don’t match, age wise, they don’t. Clearly, the oldest daughter is Blue- to the maidens it is Fall (orange). So I think the maidens are in fact the Wizard’s way of grieving and moving on from his daughters loss, and his way of getting back on track with the god of lights task.

With these four women, he can bring the world closer to it’s judgement and hopefully passing it with connected seasons and powers to help bring people together.

I believe, that the girls weren’t just killed in the fight between Os and Salem. I think that there was a lot of rampant magic being thrown about by two careless parents- and that the girls were changed because of the battle. They had magic too, perhaps it was the only way to save themselves or one of the girls tried to protect her sisters (Blue most likely) and therefore, the girls became powerful but uncontrollable beings. Jinn is a VERY powerful being, but she is ultimate trapped due to her form and such.

Which, therefore- the girls became one with the relics.

(for the sake of ease, I’m giving them nicknames based on possible story connections of elements of the relics)

Blue became Jinn, who was combined with the Lamp of Knowledge Relic. And then, to protect her, was safely stowed away in the vault of Haven. But clearly, the reincarnations traveled a lot, and the younger Ozpin must have located the relic, but we can assume that each 100 years the current reincarnation would seek out the lamp. It’s just coincidence it ended up in Haven at the end of the line? Hardly.

I think Ozpin is and has always been a bit sad, and keeps asking the same questions expecting new answers. It’s likely, that he finally had to stop- and then trusted the lamp to lionheart’s academy to be its guard (without outright telling lionheart surely, but this was also something had to learn which I’ll explain in more detail soon)

Gold became Caliburn, a spirit combined with the Sword of Destruction Relic, which we believe is the weapon that the Vacuo King used in the last great war to cut down the thousands of soldiers etc. She was then, put away or is somewhere in the Shade academy. Possibly being used? Or, more likely for story effects, placed in stone like some kind of Caliburn. This could make for a fun narrative of one of our girls (RWBY) trying to pull the sword from the stone (LOOK ITS RWBY YOU KNOW THEY WOULD MAKE ANOTHER MYTHICAL STORY REFERENCE)

Third daughter is Pink, which ironically DOES fit with Atlas’ relic symbol. The Paintbrush or possibly a staff or stave. Look at her, she looks like Rapunzel, who is semi-famous for painting. There are so many instances in which Rapunzel is associated with painting I.E. Creation. She became the relic of creation, and is somewhere in “Atlas”.

Theory 1--- I bet that she is actually with Weiss’ grandfather, who has been hinted at being the main engineer of Atlas’ military concepts and of Atlas as a whole as the genuine patriarch of the Schnee family name. 

((Rapunzel, the girl trapped in her tower by not her mother, but someone who stole from her mother. (It does fit rather well).))

But let us not forget, the biggest clue that Atlas is of creation...

Theory 2 -- Or, that once upon a time, Atlas wasn’t even existing. It was in fact, a barren wasteland And not until Alsius flourished did it exist. When Mantle lost the capitol status, and when Atlas became Atlas as a whole, the relic could have very well been left behind in the old kingdom of mantle, or moved through the war. We won’t know until we get there of course.

Which leaves Laurel. 

The last daughter, the relic of vale. A Crown of Choice.

This one is basically confirmed location wise simply because of what we’ve seen so far. RWBY is a team of self made choices, Pyrrha as the fall maiden to-be MADE HER CHOICE to face off against Cinder. Vale is the home of Ozpin who is now synonymous with “make a choice, make a choice, MAKE A CHOICE” (between the gods, the witch, and everything from rwby s1-3 this is a solid theory)

Laurel was the youngest, most likely the least bit skilled in magic. (This is paired with the Fall Maiden being the oldest). It’s most likely that when she was turned into a being, she was the least put together. Possibly the most fragile, and most necessary to baby over. Oz took personal watch over her relic.

But, there is a chance, that while Oz knows he is connected to the relics, he doesn’t recognize them if they are his lost daughters. Clearly, with each reincarnation, things got fuzzier and more cloudy about past and reality. His body hosts didn’t even recognize themselves in the first few reincarnations.

Who’s to say it even is Ozpin in RWBY V4-6. What if he only thought he was? Clearly, with the newest reincarnations some of the lines have blurred. What if Ozma has been the one in control from the beginning and even Ozpin didn’t know anymore..

Regardless, The relic in beacon is either the most powerful or least controllable, highly volatile perhaps.

Where these relics are is clear, the academies.

But, the hints of these objects locations is the most interesting bit.

We we’re told of Jinn before she even arrived, through the Haven statue.

So the question becomes (and what we should be on the look out for) what are the other clues??

I think, we have one.

Ozpin said that the Beacon Relic was, “A challenge to find”. And what’s more hard to find than whats in plain sight?

I do want you to take note that Blake is narratively connected with THIS statue. Like how Yang is connected with the Haven statue (chasing her mother etc)

But she isn’t the only one.

Both of these characters are inherently, DEEPLY, connected with the idea of Choice. Not just choice, but Vale’s symbol is that of choice between the fist and the open hand of leadership and such. It would make A LOT of sense for either Blake or Jaune to deal with this artifact. But, I think it’s Blake, and you’ll see why...

The statue itself is in the court yard, its the place that Raven choices to speak with Yang in. Which we STILL don’t know what happened in the rest of that dream btw.

Atlas, might be right in our faces. Or, we already know part of the story.

As we can sorta tell, RWBY as a whole will play their parts toward finding and reclaiming the relics. Yang found the Lamp, Blake will find the Crown. Which leaves Weiss and Ruby.

We know the next relic is the paintbrush, and that its in Atlas. As previously stated, I think that maybe old man Schnee will know where it is, or know of it. And that Ironwood will be necessary to accessing it. In regards to the show, and to Weiss- this would pull together some very nice loose ends and create some good character development.

Weiss will not only get to know her grandfather, she will learn her true powers. like how Yang learned her mother was the spring maiden and finally let some of her grief go. I think, that in parallel, Weiss will reclaim the Staff/Paintbrush as well as deal with her family as a whole.

It’s really important though, to know that Atlas was once Mantle. And therefor, we are missing key parts of its founding. The relic may not even be in Atlas, and since our heroes are currently a little lost in the land that was once Mantle, they may just happen to stumble upon its true location.

Or, Maria will be helpful in this case. I think we’ll be finding out soon.

Vacuo is the Sword, and as I stated before, the sword could become a very Caliburn situation simply because its not in use. We know its not because Vacuo isn’t currently waging war with the literal sword of Damocles  in the story right now. Which means most likely, it is either safely hidden or the current leaders of Vacuo have it carefully guarded. We won’t know until the show finally takes us to Vacuo. But I believe this won’t come for a while.

The sword is meant to be the most dangerous weapon. But, it’s also a symbol. Of the king, the knight, of war. And when connected with the Summer Maiden, of Change. Deep and intrinsic change.

When the Summer Maiden came to the Wizard, she changed him. she set him on the path. When the king took up the sword, he changed the face of the great war. It changed things.

Which is why Ruby will claim the sword.

Think of it, Ruby is the main force of change in this show. the Chosen one, our Arthur. It makes total sense that even though the others find the relics, SHE is the one who will use them. She’s the silver eyed warrior, our plot pusher. And the one Ozpin already saw something in.

She is the one the god of light set in motion.

When Ozma was given his task, it was said he wouldn’t have to do it alone.

I believe, that Silver Eyed Warriors are VERY specific to their Oz’s. The two children for the reincarnation before Ozpin were important to that Oz because they taught him something, family and what to fight for. And other before them had their own uses and values.

I think, that Summer Rose was Ozpin’s silver eyed warrior, and that the story of what happened to her will ultimately make a lot of sense in how the current story has developed. Whatever happened to her, whatever sort of mission Oz had for her, it set in motion major events which have led us here...

Like inspiring her daughter to become a huntress, or giving reason for her children to be who they are today. But ultimately, I think that the truth will be far sadder. And that when it comes out, Qrow will be the one to deal with the major fallout. We’ve had many hints and teases that Summer Rose meant a great deal to Qrow, and we know now the Ozpin didn’t tell Qrow the major things, the real truths.

If Summer died at the fault of Ozpin, the blame and regret will have a devastating effect on Qrow.

But Ruby? Ruby isn’t Ozpin’s Silver Eyed Girl.

She’s Oscars.

There is no inherent say to who becomes the next Warrior/Wizard. Simply that, with each reincarnation something must be learned.

Ozma, he learned of the fate of the world. He accepted to task. The first reincarnation learned the hard way that Salem must be defeated. From there, each reincarnation has learned something else that will ultimately come together in time.

The Wizard learned that he could not just sit by and let the world turn. That he had to move forward. He was so OLD. He held onto the reincarnation for centuries. Refusing to die, to put the power out into a new mind. He learned how to change. The maidens taught him that, and when he gave them the powers, it made a new possibility show up- a way to defeat Salem.

Ozpin couldn’t defeat her, because that was not his task.

He was meant to bring the world together. And he was meant to find the forces that CAN defeat his witch.

Which is exactly what Ozpin did.

It’s clear that the final moments of the world are coming. That RWBY began at the end of the world. With all the songs and stories and the show explaining how a peaceful world suddenly became a war zone.

The time for the judgement is coming, Salem knows and is finally acting. And somewhere, deep in the immortal part of Oz that is still Ozma, that is the man brought back by the God of Light, he knew it was coming too.

So now, Oscar is here. the youngest reincarnation, the youngest because this battle may take a while. And, something new to learn.

I’m sure he isn’t the first, clearly not- but Oscar defied Ozma. He not only stopped Ozpin, but outright acted out. He learned how to fight as himself and not as the reincarnation.

And we know that, ultimately, that the Ozma in the reincarnations takes control. Each reincarnation so far has not only taken over the life of a stranger, but changed it. Like possession, and Oz played the roles of his bodies but he was still the one in control.

Even with the man and his family, Oz was the one in control. He just simply playing the part of the father and crafter and huntsman, but still listening to the man who’s family he know protected.

It’s important that this family gets some story. Because they became this Oz’s responsibility. His plans and his greater purpose had to be put the this side in order to do the right thing. (thats what he learned in this form)

But Oscar? Oscar is not only pushing back against the reincarnation possession, but WINNING.

“and it was in that moment, that the wizard knew what should be done”

Oscar is the exact opposite of the Wizard. He is young, he is fighting back, and he is taking control. But, at the same time- he still has help.

From his four maidens, from his silver eyed warrior.

I think, that the show is about to REALLY REALLY REALLY kick off. and not a damn one of us are ready.

Now, I wanna talk about the Faunus.

The god brothers ARE faunus. I don’t see anyone else freaking out about this. A stag and a ram faunus. The God of Light is playing right into old school witch stories about the Horned One and the Old God. While the God of Darkness plays into the more modern idea of the “devil” with the ramhorns. Both were once the same thing, but time and people have made them unique concepts.

Either Salem told every new human about the gods appearance, and also told them about the old history of the world and such- or some people survived who knew what the gods were like.

This is an odd plot point. It gets confusing.

If the god of darkness really did destroy all humans, and the moon- then how do people know anything about the gods at all. Surely, the world would have decayed in the time it took for Humans to grow back out of evolution. And that alone is a weird narrative plot because it implies that Humans just, sprang back up... and ignores that they needed to grow.

So I think, that in fact, we should operate on the idea that Salem DID teach people about the world before. At least she did before she became corrupted..

The World of Remnant.

Before Salem was revealed, the world of remnants were her stories.

Of course, since parts of the show are new concepts- its hard to count each and every one of  world or remnants and other such stories as part of the whole story..but I find that the VERY first story is VERY telling.

In the VERY FIRST episode of RWBY, Salem is introducing the story. It’s very important to realize that what she says, with the new information explains SO MUCH. But, its interesting to note that for the majority of it she sounds calm and gentle, kind and sad even. and then angry, and righteous and cynical. As though she goes from someone kind, to someone spiteful. (A young maiden in a tower to a blood thirsty angry and deeply sad immortal)

But then Ozpin speaks. And what he says is kinder and hopefully and while not reprimanding..it does try to smooth over what Salem says.

Its as though, they were telling a story together.And she fell back into a twisted sense of reality..and Ozma corrected her..as though they were telling a bed time story and he was keeping that viciousness in her at bay. (they’re albeit short time together in the first reincarnations life)

The world of remnants are their daughters bedtime stories. And when they were gone, and when all Salem had left was the newborn humans, she kept telling stories.

Taking the WOR into account therefore --

The Moon shattering wasn’t just a coincidence.

In the first story, Salem explains that man is born of Dust. In the telling of WOR Vol 2.- Salem explains that animals are also made of dust.

The God of Darkness intentionally destroyed the moon, used the fragments to rebirth humans, and what was left became our dust shards.

A fascinating fact.

But, in the new world, Faunus existed for the first time.

I think, that with the moon shards (what else do I call them lol??) some of the shards took on the appearance of the gods. As thought the god of darkness had purposefully used his own image to rebirth the humans.

“ According to Qrow Branwen, the Grimm were created by the god of darkness in order to destroy his older brother's creations of life. Eventually, the brothers ended their feud and both created Humanity, however, despite the younger god's involvement in creating Humanity, the Grimm were still left to roam Remnant and prey on them. “ -RWBY Wikia

I think, that as a little minor haha take that, when the god of darkness killed the humans and brought them back, he made them look like himself to spite his brother who had previously created the animals (hence why they look like the animals themselves)

It’s interesting to note that the God of Darkness was kinder to the humans than his brother. Where as the God of Light put priority over their children, the God of Darkness was empathetic, and when he wiped the planet he did so quick and painlessly. Whereas his brother continued to cause pain to Salem, and even went back on what he said to make his own ends meet.

Both are not very good beings. And lack the basic understanding of Love. A common theme in RWBY. Love and Compassion are what create purity and strength. And the brothers of grimm were VERY quick to not only turn on each other but also quick to destroy their “experiment” of a world. To the Gods, the world of RWBY is but a play thing and like a weird ant farm.

But back to it- The humans are both of the gods creations, but the faunus are specifically the god of darkness’ kiddos.

Which somehow...translated over to modern times.

I’m curious to know where along the line this happened. But I think that either Salem’s story about the gods created a distaste for the god of darkness, and therefor his children, Or Salem herself had a hand in it. I think it’d be the former, since she seems to still be considerate of people’s plights and doesn’t outright like suffering. I don’t think she would have started the whole, “Lets destroy the faunus”

Salem is not Cruel. She is corrupted and quick tempered, and yes she is careless in her rage, but she is not a cruel thing. She is even capable of being gentle and kind to a degree, when it suites her but still.

She might have seen Cinder as something like a daughter, something that the dormant mother in herself would connect with. Which may be interesting seeing as once again, due to her actions her child is dead.

Some of this may be off, I’m brushing up on all the world of remnants and back stories. But for the most part, the world of remnants have their own places in the narrative. And if you think it might be a symbol, chances are, IT IS.

Like the fact that Mistral looks like the dragon brothers side by side, or that the lands above vacuo are SUSPICIOUSLY dragon shaped.

Or that the color combos are insanely matchy matchy.

Or that every song ever has been foreshadowing and RIDDLED with spoilers and back story.

Go back and listen to to Salem’s songs, and now you’ll see them in a new light, Like Divide which was then Salem to Ozpin, but now is Salem to Ozma AND the Gods. Infact, a small portion of Divide can be heard when Salem and Ozma reveal themselves to the humans.

Sacrifice, “falls from grace are never elegant, stars will fall and drop out the sky”

“show them gods and deities, blindly keep the people on their knees”

I once thought that Sacrifice was a story between Salem and Ruby, but now its SO MUCH MORE.

The song isn’t about ruby at all, its from Salem TO the GODS.

[twopoppies]

Historical AU Fic Recs

I was asked by @zsolounamanzana to recommend some historical fics (sorry love, I accidentally deleted your ask!). I don’t actually read historical AUs that often, so I will probably end up recommending ones you already know, but here’s a bunch I really liked. I hope there’s some here for you:

Threadbare by kiwikero / @icanhazzalou

Harry Styles was eight years old when Louis Tomlinson kept him from falling into a machine in a Manchester textile mill.

He was 18 years old when nothing, not even the threat of death, could keep Harry from falling in love with Louis.

Howls Like A Beast (You Flower, You Feast) by @indiaalphawhiskey

France, 1754. Château de Versailles.

“You don’t love me,” Louis had said, utterly blasé as he callously fractured the heart of a Harry that was just barely eighteen.

“I do,” Harry had insisted pleadingly, green eyes already watering.

Louis had rolled his eyes, exasperated and flippant in the way only beautiful, young boys could be when faced with the affections of a baby prince. He had run his finger down Harry’s cheek then, had forced him to look into his eyes as he delivered the final blow.

“You’ll change your mind once you’ve seen more of the world,” Louis had teased, pressing a brutally delicate kiss onto Harry’s lovely, pure cheek. “Once you’ve been properly defiled.” He had whispered filthily, delighted by the gasp he heard, the frantic pink blush that had rested high on Harry’s cheeks, the power he had felt at knowing he could make the Crown Prince squirm.

To Honor by Awriterwrites / @a-writerwrites

#46. It's Getting a Little Hard

Ech day me comëth tydinges thre, For wel swithë sore ben he: The on is that Ich shal hennë, That other that Ich not whennë, The thriddë is my mestë carë, That Ich not whider Ich shal farë.

**** Each Very grievous are they One must go hence Do not know when Greatest grief Do not know whither I must go

-Unknown, Medieval English lyrics

Commander Styles leads his men to victory, but at what cost?

And down the long and silent street by whimsicule

The year is 1881 and if you’re alone in this world you might as well be dead, because starving dogs have no mercy.

Or: Wherein Louis and Harry are on the opposite ends of the social ladder, but their paths still cross on the filthy streets Louis calls his home. The odds are staked against them from the beginning, and even more when Louis' past finally catches up with him.

Atlas At Last by @louisandthealien

He doesn’t know what he had been expecting out of the road trip itself besides burping contests and too much shitty gas station food with Oli and Stan, but in the brief moment before Harry ambles up his driveway, Louis idly wonders if this is about to become some sort of Gay Coming of Age story.

Maine to California in ten days. In which Zayn’s an open-shirt hippie they meet somewhere in Ohio, Liam’s the pastor’s son running away from home, and Niall’s the number they call on the bathroom wall.

It’s 1978. Harry and Louis are just trying to get to San Fran in time for the Queen concert.

No One Like You by myownspark / @myownsparknow

Dear Niall,

I was glad to have the chance to talk with you again at the AHA conference. Your idea that the Musee D’Orsay Tomlinson painting is in fact not a self-portrait is an intriguing one, and I may have discovered something that will have a bearing on that theory.

Some background: as you may remember, I’ve been researching for a book I’m writing about Harry Styles. I’ve been in communication with Styles’ last living descendant, who is in possession of a trunk that her family believed to have belonged to Styles himself. It held some personal items she presumes to be his, including two unmounted paintings and a small collection of letters.

Upon spending the last few days in Provins studying these items, I believe there to be a connection between Tomlinson and Styles, and I would very much like your opinion.

Are you up for a trip to France?

Sincerely, Liam Payne

Where Liam and Niall are art historians discovering the truth about two nineteenth century painters on opposite sides of an artistic divide.

The Man Who Saw The Devil by @metal-eye

"The Devil was staring at him.

"Louis shifted slightly in his seat and scratched the back of his neck, picking up his program and reading the title of the play again: L’homme qui a vu le Diable.

"He was wearing a satin red suit, one that certainly stood out amongst the usual greys and blacks of other Paris theatres, and instead of merely appearing the two times that the main character summoned him, this Devil followed the other men around on stage as they spoke and played cards. He kept looking over their shoulders and mocking their awkward movements, jerks and twitches compared to his own lithe prowl. The theatre audience, most readily impressed by gruesome effects and sensationalism, couldn’t take their eyes off him.

"Neither could Louis."

Paris, 1912. Louis is a frequent patron of the Theatre du Grand Guignol. Harry is a performer. Tonight he's playing the Devil.

The Case Of The (Definitely Not Haunted) Styles Mansion by Anonymous

“So there’s a sense of humor buried beneath all that condescension, huh?” Louis said when he’d stopped laughing.

“It’s not condescension, it’s intelligence. I understand you might not be able to recognize it yourself,” Marcel said, then slapped a hand over his mouth. “Oh god, I’m sorry.”

Louis stepped closer, his eyes on Marcel’s face. “For being an asshat?”

“For being rude,” Marcel said, from beneath his palm.

Louis shifted a half-step closer until he was at the very edge of Marcel’s personal space. It felt like he was nudging at it, asking to be let in. Marcel flushed hot for no reason.

“Lucky for you it takes quite a lot to actually insult me,” Louis said taking one step closer. Too close. Too close.

Marcel met Louis’ eyes. Those blue eyes that reminded Marcel of poetry instead of science, lyrics instead of formulas. They were so pretty he wanted to drown in them.

---

Or the Nancy Drew AU where Marcel is a man of logic, Louis is a private detective who believes in ghosts, and the Styles Mansion is definitely, absolutely, positively *not* haunted.

Through Eerie Chaos by MediaWhore / @mediawhorefics

For as long as anyone can remember, Old Hillsbridge Manor has always been believed to be haunted. Everyone in the village agrees and keeps a respectful, fearful, distance. New in town after a bad breakup and an internship that led to disappointment rather than a permanent job, Harry Styles figures taking pictures of the decrepit building could be a great new creative project. Or at least a much-needed distraction while he searches for a job and crashes at his parents’ new house. No one warned him about the apparitions though; about the music, the laughter, the people who flicker and vanish when you call after them, the echoes of a past that should be long gone… Harry has never believed in spirits but even he can admit that there’s something weird going on. What starts as mere curiosity evolves into a full-blown investigation and soon enough, Harry finds himself making friends with an aristocrat from the 1920s and struggling with finding the best way to tell him that he’s dead.

The Ghost Hunter AU where Niall lives to prove ghosts are real, Zayn is a skeptical librarian and Harry gets caught up in a century-old mystery and catches feeling in the process.

We’re What’s Right In This World by BriaMaria / @briannamarguerite

“Why did you talk like that in Brighton? If you weren’t planning on ever telling me?” Louis asked. “Is it because you think you’re going to die?”

“It’s war, Lou,” Harry said finally.

The words were a knife slipped between his ribs. Everything hurt and he was bleeding. He shifted up, his palms cradling Harry’s jaw, his lips against his boy’s. Not kissing, just resting there, so Louis could feel him. “Promise you’ll come back to me.”

Harry’s hands smoothed down the sides of Louis’ body. “You know I can’t do that. I’ll never lie to you.”

“Promise me. We’re going to have our cottage. And our dogs. And our breakfast in the garden where nothing grows because of the wind from the sea. Promise me.”

“I won’t.” Stubborn as always, his boy. “I’ll promise you, I’ll love you all my life. I’ll promise you, you’ll never leave my thoughts. I’ll promise you, you’re my forever and my always. But promising you something I can’t cheapens the things I can.” ---- Or the World War II AU where Harry goes off to fight and all Louis wants to do is be the boy who brings him home.

Paint The Sky With Stars by kiwikero / @icanhazzalou

On 10 April 1912, Harry Styles boards the finest ship the world has ever seen. Still grieving the death of their mother, he and his sister are being sent to America to live with a callous uncle who cares more about his business connections than family. Harry prepares himself for a long, disappointing voyage alone in his stateroom.

Louis Tomlinson has borrowed and saved, and finally has enough to purchase a Third Class ticket to America. With all of his belongings in a single ruck sack, he boards the Titanic filled with hope for a brighter future. Never one to sit still, he can’t resist exploring the massive ship, and soon goes sneaking into First Class in a stolen steward’s uniform.

By a twist of fate, Louis finds himself in Harry’s stateroom, entranced by the most attractive man he’s ever laid eyes on. He keeps returning day after day, even if he doesn’t understand what it is about Harry that continues pulling him in. That’s all right; Louis has a week to figure it out, and Harry is plenty willing to help.

Except they don’t have a week. They have four days. Because on 15 April, their entire world will be turned upside down.

Or, the historically accurate Titanic AU with a happy ending.

Say Hallelujah, Say Goodnight  by @alivingfire

Louis is an angel who is just a little too bad to be good, Harry is a demon who is just a little too good to be bad, and they're both a little too in love to be impartial when angels and demons go to war.

Louis has been alive since life was a mere concept; he watched the summoning of Man into existence, he was there when Eve took the apple. He’s seen seas break the world into separate pieces, he’s watched empires crumble into dust. He’s seen wildfire consume cities, he’s seen the world painted white with snow. He has known the most beautiful humans to walk the planet, he has watched the most powerful mortals gather their riches and influence around them and then die just like the poorest, weakest humans do. He’s met humans whose motives defy explanation, people who use their lives as battering rams, as tools, as weapons, as chess pieces.

None of that stopped Louis in his tracks.

But Harry did.

If you haven’t read Butterfly Gun and you can find someone who has it downloaded (it’s been deleted), read that...it’s set in the 1940′s if I recall correctly and it’s beautifully written. 

I haven’t read this one yet, but it was highly recommended to me. It’s a WIP, but the writing is apparently is finished: 

Victorian Boy by DonnaHaywardsHead

Victorian AU. Harry the virgin Duke of Somerset knows little of love, while Louis the sly Duke of Warwick knows too much. When the two dukes come together for the Bilsdale fox hunt in York, Harry finds himself drawn into Louis' bed. But when secrets from Louis' dark past come to light, Harry fears that the fox isn't the only one being hunted.

This is another I haven’t had a chance to read but friends told me is wonderful:

Back To You And Tennesee by rippedgloves 

Louis Tomlinson rises to rock and roll fame at age twenty three and is thrown into a life of luxury and excess, but being on stage isn’t easy for a boy who has always stuck to the side-lines, and Louis struggles to deal with his new fame as he joins the Grand Ole Opry and is sent out on tour with names like Liam Payne and Elvis Presley. His life takes a turn, however, when his childhood role model, Harry Styles, joins them on tour, and the two become closer than two men in the spotlight are allowed to be.

-

OR, the one where Louis is Johnny Cash and Harry is June Carter

[sasuhinasno1fan]

Bloodbender

So @terezees I’m your gifter for the @vldhalloween. Most of my stories are usually Lance focused so I hope like hell I do a good job of making Keith good in this. I also don’t really do a lot of platonic Klance stories either, but most of those are one shots so again hoping this doesn’t lean too much into the realm of coupleish. Most of the stuff you asked for I’ve never really done so I was like, what something that can work and then ATLA and Jet came to mind. So hope you enjoy your trick and happy Halloween.

“I’m sorry, you want me to what?” Lance had been happily studying away for his Myths within Astrology class when Keith sprung a question on him.

“I want you to use bloodbending on me.”

“Are you insane? No way? Why in La’s name would I even think about doing that?”

“Lance, remember what Pidge said? Lotor’s ‘generals’, one of them is a waterbender and you know he could care less about the laws. I wouldn’t be surprised if they knew bloodbending.”

“Ok just because Prince Lotor and his father took over Ba Sing Se and are practically running it into the ground, doesn’t mean I should do bloodbending on you. Besides, we’re avoiding Lotor anyway. We just steal stuff from the Upper Ring and heal those in the Lower Ring. Once Allura feels like its safe to get us out of here, we’ll join the resistance and then you’ll get to fight him. Until then, I plan on staying far away from Lotor.”

“That’s the thing. What if he catches us? What if I’m forced against this waterbender? I need to know how to defend myself.”

“Here’s how you defend yourself, run like hell and hope they don’t catch you. Keith, the only reason I know how to bloodbend is because my tribe believed it could be used for healing purposes but even then it’s only in serious situations. It affects the user’s mind and using it like that is horrible.”

Keith knew Lance didn’t talk about his home much, so he knew this wasn’t something he wanted to talk about. Keith knew it was a stretch anyway, but Lance was right. While they pretended to be just simple travellers trying to live in the Middle Ring of Ba Sing Se while Lance attended the University there even under the rule of Emperor Zarkon, the two were the famed thieves, Blue Spirit and the Painted Lady. They’d steal items from the Upper Ring, giving it to those in need and Lance would heal any sick people who were unfortunately too poor to afford anything to help them. They’d keep up with it to piss off Lotor and help the people until Allura, the leader of the Voltron Rebellion felt it was safe to pull them out so they could finally bring Zarkon down.

“Alright, fine. I’m sorry I asked.” He could see Lance relax now that he wasn’t being hounded but could still see that Lance’s mind was on bad memories. He grabbed the book from Lance’s hand, ignoring the sound of annoyance Lance made, “do they have anything about us in here?”

“Us?”                                                                                            

“Yeah, the Blue Spirit and the Painted Lady, or did they even have a male version?”

“Excuse you, just because I don’t mind being called a girl doesn’t allow you to give me crap about it. The Painted Lady is a distinguished woman whose power were amazing. I am lucky and honoured to be able to be called her.” Keith would constantly tease him about his choice in being the Painted Lady, but Lance didn’t care. He felt that the Painted Lady was someone worth being and he made no effort to change it from Lady to Man. Plus, Keith knew it was a way to get Lance to change his mind quickly, taking it off of their previous conversation.

When he first met Lance, Keith didn’t think they’d end up being the best bending team. They could argue for ages and could be unbelievably petty at times, but as time went on, Lance became someone he could rely on, his impulse control. He had no problem calling Keith out and Keith tried his best to help keep Lance’s spirits up. They were a good team, maybe why Allura thought it best they stay at Ba Sing Se with Pidge. The plantbender didn’t join them during their excursions but was very good at getting information to and from the rebel group. There were times that they’d have to steal information to help the rebel groups but mostly they saw Pidge around the city blending in just like they were. Keith hoped that they’d be out of here soon, because according to Pidge, Lotor and his generals were moving much more than usually did.

“A retrieval mission?” Keith asked, sitting across from Pidge at the local tea house.

“Yeah, I got this message that a man is willing to give information about Lotor and his movements. It seems almost too good to be true, but I don’t want to risk it.”

“Should we? If it’s a trap, we could be playing right into Lotor’s hands. You couldn’t find who sent the message?”

“No.” Pidge looked put out. “All my messengers came back with nothing. All we know about this guy is where he lives, which is a summer house for someone. There’s no name on the lease and I can’t get anything, which is so frustrating. I don’t want to risk you guys but this is either a trap, or this guy is really good and hiding his tracks.”

Keith thought. Getting information on Lotor would be a big help but if it was a trap, then they were screwed. The Blue Spirit getting caught would not be good, especially if Lotor found out he was connected to the Voltron Rebellion.

“Maybe I can check the place out? I might be able to get a better idea if I go check myself.”

“I don’t know, I mean if my messengers couldn’t find out a lot, I don’t know what you could do. I think we should take the chance. Just if your gut is telling you something’s wrong, then get the hell out of dodge, ok?”

“Right. Should I bring Lance with me?”

“It would be suggested. I would try and take care of the lower Ring earlier, cause this guy wants to meet tonight.”

Keith sighed, t'was the life of a thief. “Alright. Lance should be back from his classes. I’ll talk to him and we’ll make a plan.”

“Good luck and be careful ok? Can’t have our best retrieval experts getting caught.”

Keith was quick to finish his tea and head back to the house. He was assuming Lance would be there, but the place was empty. All there was, was a note on the table.

My anthropology class had a felid trip. I’ll be back before sundown.

Great, that meant he would have to come up with a plan all by himself. Lance hated not being in the know when it came to stuff like this but what choice did he have? There was a small part of him that didn’t like this, the whole situation, but he was sure it was because of what they were heading into. He really hoped he wasn’t wrong.

The sun started sinking as Keith came up with a plan and half of a backup. All of them depended on Lance, but he wasn’t even there yet.

“Come on Lance, where are you?” Keith muttered looking as the sun set beneath the wall. The time he wanted to head out was getting closer and Lance wasn’t back yet. Keith went into Lance’s room, hoping there would be something that hinted to where he could be when he noticed something. The chest with the fake side that held his Painted Lady stuff was halfway open. Lance would leave it like that in case anyone broke in and found it. Most people would close the door if they went through it, not half open. And his things weren’t there. “Could he be down at the Lower Ring already?”

Keith changed into his clothes, hooking his Dao swords to his back as that feeling from before grew. Keith usually listened to his gut and this feeling was telling him something was wrong. And that something had to do with Lance. He wasn’t one to abandon a mission but the whole thing felt too unsteady to do by himself. He’d find Lance first and then decide from there.

Keith landed on top of another rooftop. He had checked the building that housed the sick people but Lance wasn’t there. Lance wasn’t anywhere in the Lower Ring and there weren’t that many places to look. The feeling in his stomach was growing even more. He did not like this.

He might have been focused on looking for Lance but he did sense someone behind him. He turned only to be blasted off the roof with an airblast. He barely managed to somersault back onto his feet, where he saw five figures approach the edge of the roof he had been on. The one in the middle looked familiar but before he could even try and see if he was right, the largest figure jumped off the roof and landed on the ground, shaking the ground. Earthbender.

“The Blue Spirit, you’re under arrest for crimes against the Empire. You can come quietly or I can pound you into the floor. Please say I can pound you into the floor.” A woman, much taller and muscular than him growled, almost salivating at the thought of wanting to fight him.

Keith didn’t answer as he unsheathed his swords. Three other figures jumped down, leaving that familiar shape on the roof. He knew that figure, that shape, but it didn’t make any sense.

“Zethrid, let’s let his friend take care of him. It was amazing how easy it was to catch him, tricking his class to come to Lake Laogai.” One of the other figures spoke. Another woman, her hair tied in a bun with bits of hair in front of her face.

Oh Angi, he had hoped he was wrong. He watched the last figure jump down. It was Lance, dressed in his Painted Lady attire. But his eyes were vacant, like he wasn’t himself.

“Either surrender or your friend here will do it for you. I hear waterbenders can control people. I wonder if your friend can do the same.”

Keith was stuck on what to do. It didn’t feel right attacking Lance, something was wrong with him. But Lance didn’t seem to care as a waterwhip came darting towards him. Keith darted back to dodge and decided to run. If he could get Lance away from those women, he might have a chance of trying to talk to him without revealing who they were, unless they knew already.

“Hey, he’s getting away!” a new voice yelled.

“He won’t get far.”

Keith dodged another attack from the waterwhip, turning to face Lance. He had water covering his arms like tentacles.

“Lance, what are you doing?” Lance didn’t answer, attacking again. Keith kicked his leg up, fire escaping the sole evaporating the water. He stood ready as the steam clouded his vision and was granted with arrows of ice shooting at him. A swift punch melted them. “Lance, snap out of it. What are you doing?”

That’s when he felt it, like someone was grabbing his insides and pulling him as his knees were forced to the ground and his arms bending behind his back. His entire body moved like it was jerking.

“Yay, he did it!” the same voice as before cheered as the four women came strolling up to them. “Wow, bloodbenders are really scary. Narti, you really need to learn this.”

Bloodbending. Lance was using bloodbending on him. No wonder he didn’t want to, this was horrible. He could barely see the look on Lance’s face but he was still staring back at Keith with that blank expression on his face. This wasn’t Lance. The Lance he knew flinched at the idea of using bloodbending, even in situations of healing.

“I didn’t think the brainwashing would work this well. Very good, now bring him to his feet and we can hand you both over to Lotor. He’ll be very pleased.”

Lotor. He couldn’t allow it, if they got captured, the rebellion wouldn’t be able to happen, Lance wouldn’t be able to see his family again and he would never be able to see Shiro again either and the whole world would dissolve into chaos. He couldn’t and wouldn’t let that happen. He felt his blood starting to boil and could just feel his leg starting to lose that jerky feeling. He took his chance, swinging it around to send a wave of fire around Lance, separating them from the women. He guessed with Lance’s minor use of bloodbending he got distracted, but he’d take it. The minute he felt use of his body again, he darted forward and slammed his fist into Lance’s solar plexus. Once he felt Lance slump down on him, he moved like the entire Empire’s army was after him. He could hear the taller woman cursing and orders for them to split up and find them. Avoid and hide from them and then head to Pidge’s apartment. He hoped the plantbender knew a bit about healing.

“You will become the Painted Lady like you do at nights and find us your partner. When you find him, if he does not come quietly, you will attack. Use bloodbending to subdue. You will use bloodbending on him.”

Lance moaned as his senses came back to him, his head pounding. That memory? Dream? Whatever it was, kept sounding off on his head. He felt like he had been underwater with no way of creating an air bubble for himself, drowning and he was finally awake.

“Lance?” that voice was…Keith? Keith, his best friend and partner. The Blue Spirit to his Painted Lady. Why did he sound so worried? What happened to make him sound like that?

He opened his eyes and they took a while to adjust before seeing Keith leaning over him looking worried. He noticed they were in Pidge’s place, judging from all the plants he could spot behind Keith. Keith was in his Blue Spirit attire and he could feel the flowy cloth of his Painted Lady outfit. What happened?

“How do you feel?” Keith asked.

“I’ve got a really bad headache. Keith, what happened? Did we get attacked during our healing trip?” though Lance didn’t really remember ever leaving for it. He remembered going to Lake Laogai with his classmates but after that…nothing. “We didn’t go on our healing trip, what happened?”

“So apparently,” Pidge’s voice came into the room as they got into Lance’s view, “Lake Laogai is known as a hiding place for an old brainwashing facility or something? Technically it was denounced as the previous vacation spot by the old Earth King. You got caught; at least that’s what Keith told me.”

“By Lotor’s generals. They knew who you were and captured you. I don’t know how but they did. They brainwashed you into attacking when you found me.” Keith explained.

Brainwashed? So that voice he heard was the suggested implant they put? “What happened? Did I hurt you?”

“No, the fight ended pretty quickly but I think maybe because of something they suggested so you were more focused on that.”

“You’ll be happy to know that my first big healing session was trying to help your brain remove the suggestions. I sent a message to Allura to try and get us out of here since they know us now, so if I missed something, at least there will be other healers to help you.” Pidge said.

“Thanks Pidgey. Shame I couldn’t see you in action. As your waterbending teacher, I’m proud. That’s a big thing to do for someone learning. I’m sorry I blew our cover.”

“I don’t think it was your fault. You’re careful and those women still caught you. I think Lotor has known about us for a while.” Keith said. It was weird hearing him brush Lance’s apologies off. He thought Keith would have been telling him he should have been more careful, shouldn’t have brought his Painted Lady stuff, should have tried to get away.

“Did something happen? You’re being really nice, I mean more than usual.”

Keith gave him a weak glare. There it was. “You-you used bloodbending on me. I think it might have been suggested and they knew somehow.”

“Use bloodbending to subdue.” That’s what the voice said.

“Did I-?”

“I wasn’t hurt that badly. You just subdued me and I broke out of it I guess? I was able to distract them and knocked you out. After we got away from them I brought you here.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Lance, it’s not your fault. I get why your village is so scared of bloodbending, even with its healing options. If anything, I’m sorry I even suggested the fact you try it out on me. I guess the only good thing that came out of that confrontation is that you don’t remember.”

“Bad thing, our covers are blown, well you two, and we need to get out of here fast. I guess this goes to show just how hard it’ll be to defeat Lotor.” Pidge pointed out.

While Lance was glad about the small upside, Pidge was right. Lotor’s generals outright kidnapped him and messed with his head. He hoped they could get out with any problems because this whole war just became so much more real.

[zoesmcsmstuff]

absence part 2

“Atlas, take us to the Great Library.” Harper’s voice echoed throughout the hall as she spoke the words to the book, before opening the cover to release a stream of runes through the air towards one of the portals. “The Great Library?” Ivor asked, curiously as she began to lead him down the hallway. “The Great Library is a strange world where a copy of each book that’s ever existed is held.” Harper explained, tucking the Atlas under her arm. “We wrote a guide to using the Portal Atlas, and if we could find that book, we could find out how to track Soren, or why we can’t track him.” Ivor wondered what this library could contain before pausing for a moment in his tracks, realising something. “Did… did you somehow know Soren before I knew him? But, he had just spawned in my world…” Ivor suddenly thought out loud. “I’m pretty sure he didn’t spawn, Ivor, I think he had just fallen out of the portal network and didn’t want to sound crazy…” Harper laughed. -- The portal to this Great Library was of course bookshelves with a swirling white distortion in it. “Here we are…” Harper walked inside, Ivor following after her. It was short but disorientating, but they shortly dropped onto a stair landing platform with a red rug. The air was silent. Ivor got up, wincing at his knees before looking down to see a dark wooden staircase, leading down to a seemingly endless labyrinth of books that stretched as far as the eye could see. The furthest he could see just faded into darkness. The roof was carved with beautiful endlessly stretching patterns. “I have a question?” Ivor asked, looking at Harper beside him who was getting to her feet. “How are we supposed to find one particular book in this place?!” “Just… Trust me.” Harper walked down the staircase into the labyrinth of books, lit by warm oil lamps. Ivor reluctantly followed her. The endless books and warmth were oddly comforting. It would be nice to just get lost in here, assuming he knew the exit… Harper wandered a bit with Ivor following until they reached a small lounge with some lamps, comforting old couches, and flowerpots on small tables. Stacks of books were on the ground… “Excuse me…” Harper cleared her throat as she entered. “I need help looking for a certain book, please?” The blue image of a person sitting on one of the couches faded into view, sipping some tea with a book in hand. She looked up at Harper and smiled, putting it aside as she got up. “Harper! Hello!” She had a welcoming smile. Ivor couldn't help but notice she seemed to be drifting in midair… “Ivor, this is one of my old writer friends Susan.” Harper introduced as the woman floated closer. Her hair was tied into a bun, and she was wearing a cardigan and a knee length skirt of sorts. “It's nice to meet you!” Susan smiled down at Ivor, due to floating she was a bit taller than him. “Um… Are you a spirit of sorts?” Ivor asked, a teensy bit confused. “...no offense.” “I am…” Susan nodded. “No offense taken.” “Could you take us to where the Portal Atlas guide is?” Harper asked the ghost woman. “Of course! We need to catch up, too, I haven't seen you in ages…” Susan made friendly conversation as she began to lead them down one bookcase hallway. “You see, Ivor, this place is protected by the spirits of authors with a true passion for their work. They spend their days here reading and guiding visitors to the books they want.” Harper explained to a rather puzzled Ivor. “Ah… that makes a bit more sense.” Ivor thought this place was rather fascinating… “There's a Command Block somewhere in this world, encased in bedrock that tracks every book to have ever existed and copies the contents into books here. That way, every book, journal, and short story can be collected here.” Harper was kind of in awe of it herself. Susan lead them to a certain bookshelf and carefully pulled out one book, handing it to Harper. “Here you go!” “Thank you…” Harper took it, and with a short wave, Susan drifted down into the floor. Ivor was still a little confused about it. Harper carefully leafed through the pages, searching for anything useful in this situation. “Aha! Here it is…” Harper beamed, satisfied. “The Portal Atlas cannot track non-human entities.” “That doesn't explain why it couldn't track Soren, though! He's human!” Ivor groaned and stomped his foot in frustration. “...oh.” Harper could only say after a few seconds. “There must be a different reason!” Ivor insisted, looking incredibly frustrated. “Ivor…” Harper wasn't sure how to break the important news. “Soren wasn't exactly human…” “What do you mean by that? He was perfectly human!” “Let me explain.” -- “You found a SIREN?” Harper stared at the half human creature doing endless circles in a small tank, looking somewhat anxious. He had ginger hair and beard, and a beautiful white and orange tail with black flecks. Harper couldn't help but feel bad for him. “We need someone to spread the word far and wide about our games, don't we?” Cassie patted her back with a smile. “I thought we could use a siren and transmit its voice throughout the portal network to hopefully attract anyone who wants to play!” Mevia seemed quite happy with herself as she approached the tank. Hadrian was just carefully dragging the Command Block up to the tank. “We need to use this, though, if we want to transmit its voice that far…” “Where did you find him…?” Harper asked, concerned for the poor thing’s safety. “We just found a world where sirens exist and decided to take one!” Cassie explained. “Think it's a good time to power this thing's voice up, Mevia…?” Hadrian asked as he set the Command Block down where they stood. “We're not waiting on anything, so, let's go ahead.” Mevia nodded with a smile. The four placed their hands on the command block at once, immediately feeling a searing pain throughout their minds. It became a bit more tame with four of them all touching it, but the power to alter reality was in their grasp, and their bodies couldn't cope very well. They needed multiple people to properly get it going. Their minds all focused on the siren and his voice. Harper could feel the poor man's pain and fear as they did so, although the others didn't seem to feel it, despite their emotions and thoughts beginning to swirl around endlessly together. They put their thoughts into the siren who began to howl in a hauntingly beautiful voice. It would ripple through the portal network. They struggled through the pain for a few more seconds before Harper felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and pain and had to whip her hand off. The other three quickly did so as well to avoid the pain crashing down. The siren lay limp in the water as if recovering what they'd just done to him. “That would have been so much easier if Otto actually agreed to help…” Cassie mumbled. Harper was more concerned about the well being of the poor siren who was just recovering, holding his head and tapping the class towards her. “What are you going to do with this poor man now?” Harper grumbled at the other builders who were just recovering still from using the block. “I don't think we had a plan what to do with him after this.” Mevia spoke outright. “Do you think sirens are good builders? Or janitors?” Hadrian stared at him behind the glass. “Ooh, ooh!” Cassie seemed to have an idea. “What if we gave him legs?” The siren seemed very opposed to this idea, suddenly beginning to thrash in the tank in panic. Harper tried to talk sense into the other builders who were going to the command block to try this. The three others placed their hands on the block and seemed to be thinking deeply while the siren was suddenly seized, frozen in the water, before in the blink of an eye, his beautiful long tail was replaced by two legs. He began to kick and panic helplessly in the water. Harper on instinct jumped up the stepladder to the side of the tank, grabbing the poor human and trying her best to pull him out, wincing. The poor man was shortly on the ground, curled up, looking at everyone absolutely terrified. “Mevia, Hadrian, Cassie. This isn't right what you just did.” Harper tried to help the poor confused man up, wide eyed and confused. “Come on, Harper, he'll make a good janitor…” Hadrian replied, leaning on one leg and putting his hands in his pockets. Harper proceeded to pull the nameless ginger man away from them to a place where he wasn't surrounded by madpeople. -- The man was now clothed, sitting on a couch in silence, awkwardly poking at his legs with a melancholy look on his face. “I am so, so sorry.” Harper apologised in a soft voice, carrying tea into the room for him. “Do… do you speak the human language?” “...I do…” the ginger haired man replied softly. “Do you have a name?” The man just opened his mouth and made some strange windchime noises. Harper listened with curiosity. “Is that your name…?” “It is…” The man confirmed. “How about I give you a name that's more… Pronounceable for humans.” Harper offered. “That would be helpful…” The man reached forward to the teacup on the table in front of him and took a deep sip. “How about… Soren? Siren, Soren.” Harper smiled a little. “I like the sound of that…” Soren nodded and sipped the tea. “Soren…” He repeated. -- Soren opened his eyes a few years later one stormy night. He was groggy and unsure what was happening, but Harper was leaning over his bunk bed in the tiny cramped room. “Soren. Soren, please, wake up…” Harper whispered and repeatedly nudged him. Soren looked her in the eye, rather confused and too tired to talk. “Take the Command Block here and run. The portal network is open, I don't know where your home is, but any place is better than this.” Harper whispered, sitting him up and trying to make him get up. Soren reluctantly got up before Harper put the block in his hands, an urgency in her eyes. “Follow me, okay?” The two crept outside in the moonlight towards the door leading to a staircase to the portal network, hopefully. When Harper reached the door. She sighed and pushed it open. “Just run. Pick a portal and jump in. Find someone to help you turn back into a siren.” She explained before patting his back. “Thank you for all the time we've spent.” “Thank you to you too…” Soren nodded a thankful goodbye and began to head down the staircase, the doors shutting behind him. He heard fast footsteps in the distance behind the door and immediately broke into a sprint down the stairs. Any portal in the hallway. Jump in. Soren thought as he glanced around the hall, feeling adrenaline in his veins. He could hear footsteps and Hadrian yelling from the staircase behind. He bolted to one direction before spotting a portal with a wooden tree frame. That's… That's probably where he wanted to go. As the footsteps grew louder, Soren made the quick decision to run in.