#needed somewhere to runt

[vigilante24ish]

Chat GTP, Reviews & Nowadays Readers (A personal opinion).

I honestly find it sad that nowadays, writers have to turn to AI for some vwork validation. Nowadays, many readers do not comment or react to a chapter/book. Instead, they often settle for a like/vote/kudos. When they choose to comment, it is usually to demand an update (if the story has not been renewed/updated for a while).

This leaves many writers (fanfic and not) questioning if their stories are good, enjoyable and so on. Thus, they find comfort in asking an AI system; that surprisingly does a good job.

I was personally recommended to try it after I was questioning a chapter I posted and I found ChatGTP rather helpful. It gave honest reviews, a summary of the details and an "opinion" in the end. (Mind you, I still am against it with AI art and stealing from artists. But story reviews are surprisingly not so bad.)

It's still sad that many writers have turned to a logarithm for validation when back then, there were enough comments to be motivated, and I know you did a good job. (If you are from those who don't need it and publish it just for you. You are a GOAT and admire that.)

[sreppub]

I wish you would write a fic where Jason thinks he's an intimidating werewolf and everyone else has to convince him he's just a big pupper, and that's okay!!! (You're right; we do sometimes just need a Big Pupper AU!)

Dick refuses to be cowed by some 'roided up runt.

The second armchair from the right is his favourite seat in the family room, and it is unfortunately Jason's favourite as well. He would have thought that, with tonight being the full moon and all, a werewolf would want to be somewhere out on the vast, wooded manor grounds eating baby rabbits or chasing his tail or something, but apparently their resident lycanthrope feels like having a night in. And while Jason had to take precious time to rinse off his dirty paws in the mudroom (lest he soil Alfred's floors), Dick had kicked his shoes into the coat closet with perfect aim and snagged The Seat for himself in preparation for a post-backyard-soccer-game movie night.

Dick is trying to enjoy the cute little dragon movie Damian put on, wrapped up in one of the old throws they keep in the hall closet just outside the den, except his stupid brother has planted himself between Dick and the screen, staring him down like if an evil horse were a fucked up dog. Dick doesn't need to speak wolf to understand what Jason wants from him; he just doesn't care.

"I got here first, Jase," Dick scoffs. "Will you move, please?"

The large, brown wolf does not move, in fact. His gaze is focused and heated like he's trying to spontaneously develop laser vision and kill Dick dead. He's slowly leaning into Dick, razor-sharp teeth inching closer, hackles raising, a low growl rumbling from his massive furry throat. Those finger-sized claws can (and have) tear bigger men than Dick clean into two. His eyes glow in the dim light, rage crackling behind the hard glare.

It's too bad Dick isn't scared at all. A regular person might feel a chill as an unnaturally huge wolf starts snarling and spittling into his face, but Dick has seen this moron with those goofy prepubescent puppy feet and pathetic little "awoo" howls. Jason looks scary and grimlike now, but all Dick can see is the big puppy who likes romance novels and belly rubs. Ignoring the growls that get louder as his hand gets closer, Dick flicks Jason's angry, scrunched up snout without fear. The wolf's eyes seem to burn with indignant rage, and he snaps his huge, killer maw at Dick's outstretched hand a few times.

"Jason," Duke snaps with exasperation from beside them on the corner couch seat. "Shut up."

The wolf turns his pointed gaze at the teen and Dick flicks him again. Suddenly, a nearly three hundred pound wolf pounces straight at him. The chair nearly tips over, even with the reinforced base that Bruce installed in most of the furniture when he got a kid who liked to do flips off of them.

The chair is just not big enough for two large men—much less one large man and a large wolf draped across his lap—but Dick remembers a time when he and a juvenile wolf fit pretty comfortably with fondness, so he'll accept the loss of feeling in his legs for now. Whatever shuts Jason up for the rest of the movie.

(for the record, wolves get up to like, 180 lbs. jason is a big motherfucker.)

[marbearmarigold]

The moment that stuck out most to me this episode was when, during the talk with Extraordinary Lougford, while Blink and WD were trying to explain what was going on and why his plans were a bad idea and problematic with that heightened, slightly goofy energy that matched him and the comedy podcast, Runt said plainly: "This is disgusting"

With that one line the gravity of the situation stripped away that heightened energy, grounding us in reality. And her whole speech afterward, her perspective, and the looming threat of her time limit broke my heart. Because she's a teenager who doesn't have time to entertain Extraordinary Lougford's bullshit, and she doesn't want to anyway. She can't! She knows it's not good for anyone if they don't call him out on it directly, because it needs to be done.

And Troy knows his dad better than anyone else in the room. He knows that while everyone is back to being grounded in reality, his dad is not on the ground with them. He tells us that Extraordinary Lougford is choosing to live somewhere else, and that he's chosen that before, when faced with pain and grief and the responsibility of two grieving children. And my heart broke again.

[reagi-df]

Pests

Prodigy - master post

Please vote for runt - poll ❤️

⚠️ - impaled, implied death

A cough forces its way out of his mouth making his body convulsion as pain radiates across his body. Runt’s glare doesn't waver as the Shredder's red eyes seem to mock him.

Runt bites back a whimper as his body shifts from where he’s impaled. Claws scratching along Shredder's armor all the while blood drips down to the floor, staining the already tainting floor.

The armour.

Mistress needs the armour and Runt needs to give it to her. He claws harder at the armoured arm. His feet are trying to get a footing but all it does is just scrap and slip off the smooth arm, but that’s when he hears a deep chuckle from in front of him.

He looks at those eyes again. “This is the best you can do?” Shredder’s voice is deep and gravelly and it strikes something inside of Runt. Something deeply rooted into his core that chills him to the bone.

You can’t escape my little pest.

Runts hands tighten.

“Karai was protecting worthless things, she died a meaningless death.” Shredder growls and Runt feels himself growl cold as his grip starts to loosen.

“I don’t have time for measly runts like you” his eyes widen and he hears his name being shouted from somewhere behind him but he’s being thrown across the platform before he knows it. His breath leaves him and all he can see when he looks up is specks of orange, red and purple shimmering above him.

His world grows dark but he makes sure to never break eye contact with the colours as they bring him a warmth he didn’t expect. They grow brighter as his world grows colder.

Sparks of blue is the last thing he sees before the abyss takes him.

@tmntseparatedaucompetition

Alt images under

[hermesserpent-stuff]

Some stuck gambit stuff. creed is trying to get his bby.

Creed arrives at the wall around the estate, claws buried deep into the steering wheel. He really should go to bed and plan. Take a moment to calm down and think. 

Yet he cannot. He snarls low and deep as he steps out of the vehicle, teeth barred at the world.

Sabretooth can smell his hated enemy, the filthy cub stealer. He sharply breathes in as his claws flick out. He bends his back and then leaps up the wall. He cannot smell his cub yet, but his little one has to be here. He can smell the filthy runt on the wind and knows that the vile creature is nearby. He leaps forwards and claws his way up the wall. The wind picks up and he follows the scent trails and bolts his claws dig down with each bounnding leap forwards. Dirt flings up behind him as his bloodshot, exhausted eyes rove. 

There is the whine of a gun warming up and firing. He rolls and dodges. The scent of the runt is stronger now and he smells hints of his little cub. An alarm blares as he rips apart a turret and throws it at another firing gun. His mind narrows further, roars cascading from his frame. He needs his cub! 

He needs to get his cub to somewhere safe. Back to the nest tucked under his chest, safe and warm. 

He roars and lashes out at the world around him. Blood blossoms from new wounds as he smashes himself through barriers. 

Remy.

Remy.

Remy!!

He can smell his cub on the wind. He twists as someone slams into his side, claws meeting flesh as he tears and fights. A roar matches his own and the slam into the ground. He throws his body to the side. Blood dribbles from his heaving side. He snarls and he leaps towards the child stealing runt. He howls. And he gets a roar in reply.

As he slashes down with his razor-sharp claws, something starts ripping at his brain. He screeches and falls over, metal blades burying deep into his gut as he flails and screams. Something is in his brain, someone is digging at his mind!! He claws at his head and at the runt, trying to get rid of both sources of pain. He has to get to his cub. Has to be stronger than this. Has to be there for the one good thing he has going for him. He hurls himself forward, smashing into brick as pain and need blind him. Sabretooth yowls and struggles as he is pinned and the pressure and pain in his mind increase. It feels like his brain is going to explode from the concentrated intrusion.

Sabretooth screams

[artiststarme]

Part 1 of a new thing I’m working on. It only gets juicier from here! I hope you guys enjoy it and if you have any name ideas, please send them my way.

~*~*~*~

Steve was confused most of the time, everyone knew it. Especially since his run-ins with the Upside Down, he never had any idea what was happening. From not sensing the obvious when everyone else grabbed a flashlight to missing blatant social cues, it wasn’t unusual for something to go over his head. And yet, sitting on the little Byers’ floor of his bedroom while Will paced around in front of him, ranting to the air, was the most befuddled Steve had ever been.

Of all of the kids, Steve was never very close to Will. He was the shyest of all the kids and he didn’t seem to need an older role model like Dustin or Max did. He already had Jonathan and his mom, two people that would risk their lives to save him so he never really needed Steve. Don’t get him wrong, Steve loved the kid. He just didn’t have a bond with him the same way he did with the other kids. Nonetheless, when Will asked him for a quick word as Mrs. Byers spoke to El and Jonathan said his goodbyes to Nancy, Steve followed him to his bare room without complaint. He didn’t know what he expected, maybe some advice about girls or hobbies or maybe just Will asking him to look out for the other kids. Something expected, something mundane. But that’s not what Steve received.

Will stopped stalking back and forth, took a deep breath and said, “I’m gay.”

He cringed as he said the words, immediately losing his confidence and breaking eye contact with Steve. And Steve just blinked.

“Okay… Is that all?”

He didn’t really know how to answer that. It didn’t really matter to him if Will liked other dudes and it certainly didn’t change the way he saw the kid. It was still confusing that Will was choosing to tell HIM of all people, he had no idea what about him made everyone want to come out to him with Will being the second person to do so in as many days. But regardless, there was nothing that the kids could do that would make Steve turn on him.

It may not have been the most tactful way of voicing his acceptance but Will felt a weight lifted despite it. He knelt down to give a thankful hug to Steve who returned his hug awkwardly.

“Thanks Steve, I knew out of everyone that you would understand.” Steve was about to ask why he of all people would understand but Will continued, “No one else knows yet, not even Mike and uh… I really like him, Steve.”

All thoughts left Steve’s mind as he automatically started insulting Will’s taste. “Mike? Mike Wheeler? What the hell, dude. I have no problem with you liking guys but Mike? Jesus Christ, he’s like the worst person you could choose. His attitude sucks, he’s got beady little eyes full of anger, and he’s kind of a douche.”

Will looked stuck somewhere between amused and offended. “But… he’s my best friend? He’s always been there and I, I think I love him a little bit. What do I do?”

Steve sighed and put a heavy hand on his shoulder, his bruised face grimacing in sympathy. “You’re young so you have plenty of time to fall for other guys. Move on. Trust me, you do not want to date a Wheeler. Especially Mike. My god, kid, have a little taste. I can understand Nancy but Mike? No way.”

“But, but you’re sure you’re okay with me… being gay. I like boys, not girls,” Will prodded.

“I know what it means, Byers. It doesn’t change anything. Liking boys doesn’t make you any different and you’re still another one of the runts to me, alright?” He ducked his head to meet Will’s eyes and only when he nodded did he put space between him. “Good. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to me. I’ll always be here if you need me.”

“Can I call you? After we move to California?” Will asked with trepidation.

“Hell yeah, I’ll be around. You can call me, El can call me, hell even Jonathan can call me if he wants.”

That last part got him a weird look in response. “... you want Jonathan to call you?”

“I mean, sure, if he wants to. He probably won’t because I’m no Nancy and we’re not really friends but it would be nice to have people calling,” Steve shrugged and ignored Will’s look of appall.

“I thought you wouldn’t like Jonathan because he stole your girlfriend.”

He frowned, “nah, there were other things wrong between Nance and I long before your brother came around. He’s pretty cool and he’s got an awesome little brother too, what’s not to like?”

Will smiled and they sat in silence for a few moments before Steve cleared his throat, said his last goodbyes, and made his way home. He slunk back to bed to sleep off the oncoming migraine and pain in his beaten face. Steve didn’t think much more about Will’s admission or their emotional conversation. Instead, he focused on the warm feeling in his chest that came with two people trusting him enough to be honest to him, to be themselves without fear around him. Robin and Will were the first people who trusted him with something important beyond reputation or popularity. It made him feel like he was finally doing something right, like he had finally moved past all of the King Steve bullshit and he’d never felt better about it.

[tiredfox64]

I already sent this ask but accidentally sent it before I could fully type it out, I apologize 💀

But I was wondering if you could write a Lin Kuei x reader where she finds a stray kitten outside and takes it in to nurse it back to health. She probably keeps the kitten hidden in her room. Tomas probably finds out about it first and she’s just like “please don’t tell Bi-Han” So the two of them help raise the kitten and try to keep it a secret from Kuai Liang and Bi-Han.

Thank you 🩶💛💙

Calico Critters

Yip notes: No need to apologize! Ah yes, the cat distribution system is working just right. It been working for me for years

Pairings: Lin Kuei Bros x Afab reader

Warnings‼️: I hope you’re not allergic to cats

You’ve always wanted to own a pet of your own. It didn’t matter if it was a shaggy dog or a wimpy tortoise. You wanted to love and care for something when the world could not give it to them. But your family was not big on owning pets. They would tell you they were too much responsibility and cost a lot of money which you understood. You thought you would have a chance to care for an animal when you were an adult but that hope dwindled quickly. Bi-Han would not allow you to be distracted by even a moss ball. Unless that pet was a powerful stallion, you weren't getting anything.

But the universe doesn’t listen to Bi-Han. The universe gives when the time is right and that time is now. It is your destiny and right to own a pet. And what better way to start your loving journey than with the sweet love and attitude of a kitty cat.

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You just finished practicing for the day, the winds pricking your skin even with how hot you were. If you stay outside for any longer you’ll risk getting arthritis in your joints. And boy is that hell in the winter and summertime.

You were stopped by a sound that you thought was the wind at first. A squeaking that was unfamiliar to you. There was nothing in Artika that could make that sound. Not even a seal would make this high-pitched squeaking noise. You followed the direction of the noise, bringing you closer to a fern bush. You moved the leaves out of the way and came across interesting colors. Orange, black, and white with a pair of green eyes. Oh my goodness, it’s a kitten! The poor thing was shivering and being pushed by the wind. It seemed to be alone. There was no mother cat around or even any siblings. This one might have been the runt of the litter.

“Oh, you poor thing.” You said softly as you lightly picked up the kitten in your hands.

It, or more like she since this was clearly a calico, immediately started nuzzling in your hand to gain some warmth. You couldn’t do much since your hands were starting to freeze as well but it was better than the rough ground and thin ferns. You started looking around to see if there was anyone else around. There were luckily none to see what you were about to do. You moved your uniform around to find a spot to stuff the kitten into. The only place that worked was your chest area. You let the kitten snuggle up against your uniform as you started making your way inside.

Your arms were crossed over your chest area as you took quick steps toward your room. It didn’t matter if someone had something to ask you or was asking if you were alright, you had to get this kitten somewhere safe. You had to ignore Bi-Han as well. That was a risky choice, you know how much that man hates when no one listens to him. There were other things on your mind.

Finally, you got back inside your warm room and let the kitten out. She was still shivering but it reduced. You grabbed the softest blanket you had before rolling her up in it. She was like a burrito in the softest tortilla ever. The squeaking sound she produced ceased and she finally opened her eyes fully since there was no snow pelting them.

They were as green as the fern you took her from. Her irises were not slit but like big orbs. There was already a connection made. You are her savior, her new mother. This world is too cruel for such a pure being to live in. You must protect and keep this calico. She needs you. If you try giving her to another family you’ll break her heart.

Have I guilted you enough?

Screw Bi-Han and his rules! You’re keeping her. You just need to keep her hidden. Good luck with that.

══💤══╡°˖✧🦊✧˖°╞══💤══

Your family was right, pets are a big responsibility. You had no issue with getting supplies for your kitty like litter, toys, and food. But goodness that little mouth can be loud.

Meow! Meow! Meow!

She never stops. Her mind is too small and fragile to realize that she is creating sound herself. She speaks but is there truly meaning behind her words? No. Her brain functions but not fully. It will still be a while before she can comprehend that she has control over her mouth. For now, she will scream for the gods to listen to her cries. Or she will just scream at you to feed her more fish.

You tried bottle-feeding her some formula to help calm her down. It works for a little before she screams. She drinks, she enjoys, she screams. What more does she want, she doesn’t even understand trigonometry. Why is she having a crisis?

Meow! Meow! Meow!

Tomas stopped walking in the hallway. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Why did he hear a high-pitched meow coming from your room? What are you doing in there?

He walked closer to the door and placed his ear against it. He heard you speaking to someone, saying that they needed to quiet down and that no one could find out about them. There were more meows after that. He’s not going to wait for the answer to hit him in the face. He’s gonna investigate this for himself.

“What is that noise?” Tomas asked as he opened the door. His eyes widened once he saw something in a blanket and a bottle in your hand.

There is no easy way to explain this. You slowly turned around to show the colorful kitty in your arms. It was a relief to Tomas to see that you weren’t holding a baby but it’s still confusing. He was about to ask you why you have a kitten but you already started begging.

“Please don’t tell Bi-Han. You know he’ll tell me to get rid of her and I just can’t do that. Just look at her.” You held up the kitty burrito in front of Tomas.

“Where did you find a cat? When did you bring it here?” There were a thousand questions running through Tomas’ head but he did take a moment to look at her.

For once she quieted down. Her big, green eyes looked into Tomas’ soul. Those eyes were begging him not to snitch. They beg him to love her, care for her, to be a father to her. You were right, Bi-Han would tell you to get her out. Her small size or pure eyes would not win over his heart as it was doing with Tomas’ at that moment. Her little paws began clawing out of the blanket before stretching them to the sky. Her paws spread out and he could see the light pink toe beans that were so tempting to squish. Ah, it’s just too cute!

“You still need to tell me how you found it.” He reminded you.

You gave him all the details. You told him how you found her, what you did after, when you got all the supplies, and how long you’ve had her. You’ve only had her for a week and she’s beginning to desire more solids. You’ve been taking some of your fish from dinner and bringing it back to your room to feed her. Somehow no one has noticed until this point. You were doing well, she’s just a loudmouth.

“You seem to have your hands full. It’s like you became a mother overnight.” He joked.

She started taking big, wobbly steps on your bed. She climbs over the lumps in your sheets with determination. Her wobbly legs carried her to Tomas who was resting on your bed as you relayed everything to him. She screams and she is heard. Tomas laughs a little before trying to pet her. For some reason, she falls and begins to roll off the bed. He panics, rightfully so, as he tries to catch her in his big hands.

“Nooo, why would she do that?” He asked like he was truly heartbroken. He might have actually been heartbroken.

“She’s dramatic.” You replied.

Now she’s purring in his hands like she didn’t just cause him to have a heart attack. His thumb lightly pet her head and flicks her ears back and forth.

“Wait, did you even name her? You never once mentioned a name?” He pointed out.

“I was more concerned about hiding her than naming her. But I guess now would be a good time to think of a name.”

You two sat there for a good few minute trying to think of a name for this little scoundrel. This rapscallion who lies upon Tomas’ hands and receives pets from him. What to name a unique creature like her?

“How about Ionnah? I think it’s unique just like her.” Tomas suggested.

“Ionnah, huh? That sounds cool! I love that for her. Ionnah it is.”

She was already getting used to the name considering her head perked up once you repeated it. Now this secret lies with you and Tomas. You two are responsible for her. You both must hide her and care for her. Congrats, you have become cat parents.

══💤══╡°˖✧🦊✧˖°╞══💤══

She was easier to manage with the help of Tomas. He brought her more food and since he had more freedom to leave he took the time to get cat food for Ionnah. He even started to teach her to be a hunter like him. And by teaching that means letting her chase a cat toy in the shape of a mouse. Yup, that’s a lethal predator right there. She’ll be taking down some of the clansmen in no time.

But you two could not be more obvious. You do realize Kuai Liang sees all, right? You can’t hide anything from that man he will always get suspicious of something. He’s been seeing you both whisper to each other and giggle about stuff before sneaking into your room. Tomas always shuts the door quickly and locks it. Are you two…dating?!

Oh nah, he needs to know now. Why would his brother hide anything like that from him? He doesn’t like that at all. Kuai Liang kept a close eye on Tomas, almost mad dogging him until he would say something. It didn’t work because you and Tomas weren’t dating. You’re just parenting together which could be like dating if you fancy that.

Ah whatever, Kuai Liang needs to sharpen his kusarigama. And you both need to figure out WHERE THE FUCK YOU LEFT IONNAH!

“I didn’t realize I left the door slightly open. I was so tired after that mission.” You were crying into Tomas’ arms after you couldn’t find Ionnah.

“It’s going to be alright. We’ll find her. She couldn’t have gotten far with those tiny legs of hers.” He tried soothing you before taking your hand to look around the temple.

Ionnah was on a journey of her own. She may be small but she is mighty. She was looking around for some extra food since you and Tomas figured out you were feeding her fish multiple times a day without knowing. She likes her carp. But her green eyes saw something else that she was interested in and her slit pupils became wide.

She saw the rope that was connected to Kuai Liang’s kusarigama. The other end with the kunai on it was hanging off the table, the rope occasionally waving when Kuai Liang would move it to sharpen the other side. Those hunting practices Tomas was giving her kicked in and she bolted toward the rope with her claws out. She pounced on it, sinking her claws into it. She is so light that Kuai Liang didn’t feel anything pulling on his weapon. He only noticed something was wrong when he heard you sniffling near the doorway. Tomas’ eyes were angled down in shock as he was unsure of what to do to not make Kuai Liang look down.  Ah, too late he just did. That was when he noticed the furball made of white, black, and orange gnawing at his rope.

“Huh? How did that get here?” He questioned before leaning down and grabbing her by the back of the neck.

She immediately let go of the rope in response to the grab. Kuai Liang lifted her up to his face to get a better look. She looked perfectly healthy, too healthy to have just strolled into the Lin Kuei temple. Something ain’t connecting. He looked past Ionnah to see Tomas coming towards him with his hands out as if asking to pass her to him.

“Can we have her back please?” Tomas asked softly like that would stop Kuai Liang from asking questions.

“Explain.” He said bluntly.

“Okay.”

You went over what happened again. You added on the fact that you begged Tomas not to say anything and he agreed to help you take care of Ionnah. All the while she continuously purrs in Kuai Liang’s lap as he pets her. She loves how warm he is. He’s like a sentient toasty blanket to her.

“I agree that Bi-Han would have told you to get rid of her. I would have agreed with him but now I see that she has not caused any distractions in your two. You both have been training still and doing missions. She has caused no issues.” Kuai Liang said as he looked down at her.

“So you won’t tell Bi-Han?” You wanted to double-check.

“No, I will not. But you might need extra help seeing that this slip up of yours could have gone wrong if she made her way to Bi-Han. I would like to help out. Plus, she is adorable.” He smiled softly as he smoothed out her fur.

This was awesome! Three parents for this little lady. One who is a 24/7 warm blanket for her, one who is constantly playing with her, and one who is a mother at all hours of the day. She is surrounded by so much love and warmth. Hopefully, no bitter cold will envelop her again.

══💤══╡°˖✧🦊✧˖°╞══💤══

You three have spent a lot of time in your room now. Every day after dinner you all go to your room to spend time with Ionnah. Every time the door opens she gets up from where she is and runs up to you while meowing. Her eyes are like boba every time she looks at you and her tail waves back and forth. She is that boost of serotonin that you all need.

Other than her mouse toy, Kuai Liang has figured out she loves rope. She loves climbing it and gnawing at it. He got her some rope that didn’t have sharp pieces of metal at both ends. She’ll start getting the zoomies when Tomas and Kuai Liang start playing with her. She will switch between the rope and the mouse before doing circles. You’d be there laughing at her cute antics. She’s gotten bigger and stronger since you first found her shivering in the cold. It warms your heart to see her enjoying her life with so much love around her. This is a better life than being stuck outside.

You’re still too suspicious. It’s the same thing except Bi-Han has noticed now. He notices how there are more whispers between you, Tomas, and Kuai Liang. He’s seen you all rush into your room. Though he didn’t come to the same conclusion Kuai Liang did, he was still suspicious. He believed the issue was in your room and he was right. That’s why he made you three go out on a mission so he could snoop around your room.

You were concerned about leaving Ionnah alone since Tomas and Kuai Liang would be with you. But Kuai Liang told you to lock the door and there would be no problems. He or his brother could help unlock the door once you guys get back. You thought that would be reasonable so you accepted the mission from Bi-Han. You did what you were instructed and locked the door. But do you think a lock will stop your grandmaster? Never.

When you guys left he immediately made his way towards your room. Of course, the door was locked but Bi-Han was quick to think of a solution. He made a pick made of hard ice to jam into the doorknob and it worked like a charm. He opened the door and Ionnah thought it was her parents. She leaped off your bed and began running towards the door until she saw Bi-Han. Her ears immediately folded down as she backed up. Her tail went down and she made that whining noise to alert that she did not feel safe. He is not her father.

Bi-Han’s eyebrows furrow in frustration as he watches her give him warning signs. She sure had an attitude.

“A calico…interesting…”

“How could this happen again?” You started crying.

When you three came back and Kuai Liang tried to pick the lock he realized it was already unlocked. You three couldn’t find Ionnah anywhere. Not under the sheets, the bed, in the closet, under the dresser, or even in the drawers. You all ripped your room apart and could not find her anywhere.

“Do you think she could have snuck outside?” Tomas asked Kuai Liang.

“That is impossible, she hates the cold. She would not willingly go outside even to chase after us. She has to be in the temple still.” He said.

You all scattered around the place trying to find even a hint of her. There was no fur anywhere to hint at her being in a certain area. She did not respond to her name or even pspspsps. No meows or screams from her. You all met up in the middle again and none of you had any good news. But that’s when Tomas noticed something strange. He pointed to the fish pieces on the floor. There was a path of them all leading to…Bi-Han’s office! Oh gosh, he found her!

You three burst into his office expecting him to be holding Ionnah captive. Instead, you saw her lying on his desk while he worked on some paperwork. He sees he has to order more fish for the clan. Ionnah immediately picked her head up and jumped off his desk to run up to you. You picked her up and gave her many kisses, thanking the gods for keeping her safe surprisingly.

“I expect to hear that your mission was completed,” Bi-Han said casually.

You all were shocked. It was like he didn’t notice the kitten that was once on his desk.

“Brother, are you not going to ask-“

“Ask about the cat that you have been hiding away even though I told you that you were not allowed to own any pets,” Bi-Han said with a clear attitude.

You looked down all guiltily even though you have proven to be able to take care of a kitten. Tomas and Kuai Liang were not happy with their brother and his cruel tone. They were still confused about why he even had her in the room. He was ready to answer that though.

“I was wondering where the runt of the litter was. I was surprised to see it was a calico since they are rare. She does not look like her mother but she does have her fluffy coat.”

This confused you more until Bi-Han got up and walked over to a corner of his office. That’s when you notice the sort of fort made from blankets. He lifted one of the corners to show a bunch of kittens and one cat. That’s Ionnah’s family! She really was the runt of the litter!

You all got a closer look and saw that the mother was a Serbian cat with light gray fur. Her babies seemed to be a mix of Serbian and Russian blues. Some had darker fur while others had lighter fur. What they all had in common was the mother’s fluffy fur that was well-kept and her green eyes. Yup, that’s definitely Ionnah’s mother. Bi-Han placed the blanket back over to allow them to rest.

So Bi-Han was the one who took the rest of the family in? Who would have thought! Not even his brothers would have guessed that. What was he supposed to do, leave them out there to freeze to death? He can be evil and cruel but he’s not a monster. If he can manage a clan he can also manage a litter of kittens. There is enough fish to go around even for Ionnah which was the only way he could get her to leave your room. She would not allow his cold hands to pick her up.

“But I thought we weren’t allowed to have pets.”

“You are not allowed to have pets but I am allowed. I’m the grandmaster, it is my choice. Plus, they are useful when it comes to getting rid of mice.” The second point makes sense but the first is bitchy of Bi-Han.

“So…does that mean you are keeping Ionnah for yourself?” You asked in a sad tone, thinking Bi-Han would keep her for himself since he is the only one allowed to have pets around here.

“Why would I keep her when she does not allow me to touch her? There is no point. You can keep her but remember she belongs to the Lin Kuei.” It’s important that he adds in that last part.

You were extremely relieved to hear that and so were Tomas and Kuai Liang. That means Ionnah is still yours and you all get to do whatever with her. She can live with you and have other cats to spend time with if she chooses to. She’ll get all the fish she wants and if there are any mice around that’s an extra treat. Good thing Tomas was already training her. She’ll be the best mice hunter the Lin Kuei has ever had!

Yap notes: Speaking of cats here's my co-writer who sometimes distracts me:

Also I do have calico critters that my bestie gifted me for Christmas which I gifted her a cat set as well:

Also that card in the middle was cause i didn’t wanna put a divider or do a transition cause i got lazy and I just want more of my ice cream cake. Adiós!

[we-stan-the-stans-27]

Axolotl

So we all know about Frilliam, don't we? Ford's pet Axolotl, gifted to him by Fiddleford? In case you don't, here is the journal pages from the website (I think?) to remind you.

Anyway, now that that's out of the way. I was thinking about him today. Specifically about this picture:

I couldn't find the colorized version, but you get the idea. Stanley has a pet Axolotl, but this can't be Frilliam, because Ford released him into the creak!

Well, that's such a shame!

Except this doesn't make any sense. Why would Stanley go out and buy a rather expensive pet for himself? These journal pages are discarded, not part of the journal three.

Now, that doesn't make it impossible for Stanley to have found. Just unlikely.

The missing pages where likely destroyed, considering they returned after Weirdmageddon and the book was made whole. I bet those are the only pages Ford found the strength to burn, his pride and shame winning out over his need to maintain his research. Ever the egotistical man. (We love him)

No, I have a much sadder theory for why Stanley has Frilliam. Because I'm sure that must be the same fish, how could it not be?

My best guess is that, once again, its because of Fiddleford.

What if, hypothetically, Fiddleford found Frilliam back in the creak? Maybe the following spring (we're assuming he survived the winter) Fids was wondering around town, not in a very good state of mind. He didn't really remember Ford, but he got a piece of a memory. And that involved finding this little critter and delivering it...Somewhere.

He can't remember where, but grabs Frilliam in a bucket and just lets his feet lead until he gets to the shack, sets it down, and wanders back off into town, immediately lost again. Very sad.

In comes Stanley, coming outside probably in preparation for another tour or seeing the last one off-

And he finds the bucket, thinks its junk, until he sees the sad and poorly cared for little buddy at the bottom in some shitty water.

It looks so sad, maybe missing its tail, and looks like it might die!

So he brings it inside, because he does still have a tank, and gets him set up. He can't just leave it in a bucket to die, poor little thing. Stan's a little bit of a sucker, but he's also lonely. Sue him.

He can't rationalize having a dog or cat or much of anything. Those cost a lot of money because of the adoption fee, vet bills, and oh my god the food! Way too much if he plans on keeping the lights on and saving Stanford!

But a little lizard? It only costs a few extra cents to run the tank all the time. Barely noticeable. The food isn't much, and the stupid runt is kind of cute, so why not keep some company?

It'll either live, or die from its poor state.

Surprise, surprise. Stanley does such a good job it lives. For. Thirty. Years.

And Stan doesn't ever question how he ended up with an immortal pet that never gets worse despite not getting fed sometimes for weeks at a time. This is Gravity Falls! Weirder things have happened!

Just a theory, and a fun sad little snip-bit. I was just thinking about him today. I love him. So much. We where robbed of the Ford and Frilliam reunion after the portal. Wouldn't that be fun to write a one shot of? Stupid Ford. Realize your brother loves you! He even kept your stupid adorable dumb fish alive for three decades!? They make me mad.

[countlessofvoids]

If you could, what would you change abt Hiccup's adult design?

Firstly, I'd change his height — to probably somewhere around 5'3'. It's to keep him looking like a runt and give contrast in design when comparing him to the antagonists. This would help in making them slightly more intimidating, and continue the theme of everyone underestimating Hiccup because he looks weak. It'd also make his accomplishments even more impressive. "The guy who looks like he'll fly away when someone next to him sneezes, is the 'Dragon Master'? The one who defeated or turned the deadliest of hunters & warlords into his allies?" And I just think we need more short protagonists/characters in general.

For his face, I would have his facial features similiar to his first movie self (but grown-up ofc). And his freckles don't fade. His hair is also like what he had as a teen, but slightly longer. In THW, I like to give him a bit of a stubble (is that what you call it?). Like he's trying to grow a beard, but it won't go beyond the first phase. My intent is to make him look as awkward as possible.

Something I'm bad at in character design is coming up with the clothing, but I think I would use the outfit from his THW concept art. Then add a half of Stoick's fur cape on his right shoulder, or whatever the side that doesn't have his prosthetic leg is. In some scenes I imagine him carrying a book strapped to his belt. As for the dragon armor : not really sure if I want to keep it, at least when it comes to how it works in the movie. It definetly needs a redesign, though. The original is straight up hideous.

[comingyourlugubriousness]

Groovy: Let’s make some memories we’ll never forget! Say Cheese!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YUME AND ME! ⸜(*ˊᗜˋ*)⸝🎉🎂

Here is Yume's groovy birthday card! Fun fact I drew this one first before the basic card one. This is half art/half edit. I wanted to make it look most like a card so I used some twst refences and had a lot of fun with it.

Yume and Leona's dynamic is very fun! I'll post Yume's birthday interview in a few days!

Voice lines and Duo magic under below:

Summon: Ah, I was waiting for you to show up. We can’t start the celebration without you!

Summon 2: *mimicking Idia’s voice* “Fuheehee, here comes the birthday boy～” Ah, sorry just an inside joke, haha.

Groovy: Let’s make some memories we’ll never forget! Say Cheese!

Set Home: Ready for the “surprise!” hehe!

Home Idle: Yuuta and Yuuhi made me a special pizza cake for my birthday! It’s so tasty, you have to try some!

Idle 2: Ruggie keeps bugging me to let him do chores for me today, but I don’t have anything I need done. All he needs to do is be there after all; that’s a friend's only real job on your birthday!

Idle 3: Deuce gave me a charm for my keys; it’s a matching set; look how cute it is!

Idle Groovy: Like my jacket? I designed it myself! It’s not completely Ignihyde, but not fully Ramshackle either. It belongs somewhere in the middle… like me! Hehe! *smiles*

Home Login: Wow this is a bigger party then I thought…hey, will you stay close to me for a bit…Thanks!

Tap: Phew~ Jamil just barely stopped Kalim from running a whole parade through here. Please Kalim, the introverted Ignihyde students would perish instantly!

Tap 2: Grim drew me a picture of the two of us together for my birthday. It’s getting the highest honors; right on the fridge!

Tap 3: Riddle gifted me an assortment of teas; we drank them together! They were way sweeter than I imagined.

Tap 4: Hm? Idia’s gift? Oh, we celebrated my birthday early last night, just the two of us!...HEY! Not like that! Don’t make that face! o///o 

Tap 5: *talking to self*...the origin of the idea came from ancient mages who used their powers to manifest their desires by using the power of the cosmos…” Hm…didn’t I read this before?…Huh! Oh! Sorry, I was just reading the book Leona gave me! It’s really interesting!

Tap Groovy: Instead of just fixing my glasses like a normal mage; Leona had Ruggie make me an eye glasses appointment to get a new prescription…I mean…I guess it's kinda nice? But still, I’ll have Trey or Idia fix my original pair.

Duo Magic

Yume: Here comes a big play; you ready, old man?

Leona: Heh, don’t fall behind, runt!

[frankiejay03]

KONOHA IS NOT A SMALL VILLAGE

Someone else touched up on this but I don’t tag my reblogs so I’ll never find it but like it befuddles me that we cycle through the same ten characters and ten side characters when Konoha is a huge village like just looking at the number of shapeless Shinobi in the war arc like that population has to come from somewhere right?

Like you’re absolutely joking me if absolute max of 50 of this horde of Shinobi are from Konoha (because at the end of the day, there aren’t that many named Konoha Shinobi alive at any given time, not when compared to this picture I mean for real each block here is probably fucking 100 people wide by idk 500 people long)

(The issue here is not the “lack” of named characters cause there are certainly MANY but rather the lack of unnamed characters or the lack of space in canon for unnamed characters you know what I mean? No way Kakashi and co are the only jounins in village. No way Kakashi only had like two teammates in ANBU when really there should be an abundance of people to run missions with and ANBU isn’t genin teams, so long as the job gets done it doesn’t matter if the team members have met before or even know of each other)

And yeah part of what makes KakaObi (and SasuNaru) so devastating is their shared history but imagine KakaObi rivalry as ADULTS, whatever the opposite of meet-cute is, as Shinobi of the same village who haven’t met each other before because do you really know every single person your age in your hometown? A village THAT big, a NINJA village, does not have only one (1) ninja school (imagine living in the bottom left corner of this image, the walk to school must be so long! Idc if you ninja run, what child has the mental capacity to hop over rooftops at 7am??? Certainly not Ino-Shika-Cho!) ((clearly Kishimoto never played simulation games like Cities Skylines or Oxygen Not Included because come on! The population does not meet canon requirements and for it to do so it has to outgrow having only one school for its children!! Also it just needs more children!!!))

The math just doesn’t math

So

Someone please give me bratty genius Kakashi, unchallenged until he meets “genius of hard work” Obito all the way up as a jounin or ANBU, years his senior and determined to maintain his reign of superiority and probably failing spectacularly with added affliction of gay UST to boot

Gay propaganda aside, just imagine the world-building implications. Isolated Uchiha clan further isolated by a school being built near their clan compound, act of malice or not, their kids aren’t welcome around the others anymore. Poor Shinobi children/orphans who live in the same district going to the same school versus rich clan kids going to a different school together. Remember in your hometown when you “graduated” to middle school, kids who didn’t go to your elementary school were icky or annoying or weird or lame? (The correct term here is new or maybe different but children aren’t usually so kind at that age) But ninja elementary school! No canon middle school or higher education of any kind unfortunately but what if they pair kids from different schools into genin teams? Maybe that’s how Kakashi’s team 7 comes to be (Uchiha massacre or not, doesn’t make a difference if the Uchiha have been super isolated what with the police force and their own academy), maybe Neji is somehow worse cause he’s never actually interacted with a non-Hyuga/non-clan kid before. This can apply to Minato’s team 7 as well, prodigy clan heir from fancy clan academy Kakashi paired with the runt of the Uchiha from insular Uchiha academy and idk Rin from whichever school is closest to her civilian house. Like Konoha doesn’t have cars or buses or trains (at this time and I’ve never seen/read boruto no thank you) and there’s not much room for beasts of burden so these children are WALKING EVERYWHERE thank you very much.

Idk rant over, there was someone who explained this conundrum much better than I did but I cannot find their post :P

[daddybucky]

oh wait wait wait hang on one more

temple attendant steve, dressed in wispy white tunics, quietly cleaning and caring for the temple and the supplicants by day, always so sweet and tender for the people coming to beg the god for children or whatever other things they are praying for

and by night getting thoroughly railed by his hungry god

I wrote like 1500 words to this and my computer decided it did not want to work properly anymore. I managed to rewrite what I’d lost and then get to this point before my computer decided to stop working completely. I had to wait to post this at work XD

So. Like. I meant to change the way it ends or at least write more but I don’t know when I’ll get the home computer situation fixed so I figured I’d just throw it up here for your enjoyment.

It is weirdly angsty, Bucky is hardly in it, and it's minor character focused for something that was supposed to be a porn prompt. But I still like it.

Warnings for a famine situation and all that goes with it and mentions of fertility issues.

Also, if anyone can’t tell, I’ve been scouring my inbox all week for goodies. This one’s from 2022 based on this post and then this story.

Alpha Fertility God Bucky, Take #2

–

Steve was born an Omega runt and we’re not going to enlighten this ‘verse, either, so that’s bad. His birth pack gives him to the temple as a babe and that’s where he grows up.

He could grow up bitter and angry, but he doesn’t. Somehow, he turns out kind.

Each morning, he is the first to greet his Alpha Lord in the temple. The sun’s rays have barely peeked over the horizon when he slips through the columns of the great hall, heading toward a smaller back chamber.

In his teens, the birth rate in the village rose for several years. During that time, the temple saw a boom. The priests received enough money to enlarge the temple and build a new statue of their god, one seated on a huge dais, glittering gold and taking up most of the wall.

Steve does not approach this statue, though he takes the time to pause and bow to it as he walks.

No, the statue he greets every morning is the one that had been there when he’d been given to the temple. It’s in a small chamber now facing the eastern horizon.

Some of the younger attendants call it the morning god for the way its bathed in light each sunrise. 

Steve carries with him a tray, which he sets at the statue’s feet.

The first step in his morning ritual is to kiss the statue on each cheek.

“Good morning, my Lord Alpha,” he murmurs, bending to light the incense. “Did you sleep well?”

Statues do not sleep, of course, but Steve always asks. He hopes that perhaps, somewhere in the great universe, his lord hears a whisper on the wind and knows that someone cares.

The incense burning, Steve picks up a small, decorative bowl filled with perfumed water. Dipping two fingers into it, Steve sets about spread the perfume upon the statue.

When he was a child, he watched the High Priests perform this ceremony to this very statue each morning. Now, they do it to the new statue, but they wait until the doors are open and the village people can witness their dedication.

It is a show performed for the peace of mind of the villagers. This is not a show. It is worship.

“The drought continues,” he says as he works. “Three weeks since the last rain. The farmers worry too much of the food will rot in the fields and we won’t have enough for winter.”

The statue perfumed, he sets down the bowl and opens the last item on the tray: a small cloth tied into a knot. Inside is a small chunk of bread and cheese, the two of items together no bigger than his fist.

“We’re asked to reduce our offerings,” he continues. “I understand. Babes need food and I think you would rather see them eat. But I cannot let you go hungry, so I brought you this. It’s from my breakfast, so no one will will suffer.”

With everything set out, Steve kneels once more, closing his eyes as he leans his cheek against the statue’s knee. He stays there, allowing himself this peace, until the sun warms his back and he hears others in the great hall. Only then does he begin his day.

He began temple life as a cleaner. It is the easiest job for children and the attendants were always good about keeping them away from the statues when they were too young to comprehend. 

He did that job well, but the problem with cleaning is it is a mindless task. It was so easy to listen in on what was being said around him and through that, he heard the pain of the people in the village. What was he to do but offer comfort?

Too many times being caught by the priests and finally, they made it his job. He now helped the villagers with their offerings, listened to their stories, offered whatever comfort he could. 

It was not much in the grand scheme of things, but it mattered. It was a job he could be proud of.

When the great doors opened, the first thing Steve hears is the familiar sound of a wooden cane striking hard earth.

Old Man Erskine is the oldest Omega in the village. Every morning, he makes the trek from his little hut to the temple and leaves a modest offering of dried fruit seeds. They are never for himself; always, he offers in the same of someone he thinks can use an extra prayer.

For the past decade, he’s had trouble with his hip. The walk hurts him but he refused the notion of giving it up or asking another to make the offering in his stead. His only concession seems to be allowing Steve to help him from the great doors to the altar across the room.

“Who is it for today?” Steve asks as they make the trek.

“My granddaughter,” Erskine says, his breathing hard and labored with the effort. “The eldest one. Her sisters have all born children, but she and her mate are still without. She’s a good girl and I know she’d make a good mother. She deserves this.”

Steve smiles, squeezing Erskine’s hand. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a trio of seeds.

“To add to your offering,” he murmurs, tipping the seeds into the Omega’s open palm. “It isn’t much, just from yesterday’s snack. Perhaps with these, my lord will hear your prayer and grant her a blessing.”

Erskine’s own offering is meager, a scant few seeds, but it must be. They are all struggling in these times.

His eyes shine as he lifts his gaze to Steve. With his free hand, he touches his palm to Steve’s cheek.

“Bless you, boy,” he says. “What a joy you are.”

He bends his head, kissing the seeds and whispering a prayer before he flings them at the statue’s feet. As they fly through the air, Steve closes his eyes and adds his own prayer.

When the old man leaves, another takes his place and then another, and another. 

At some point in the morning–and he doesn’t know when–Steve becomes aware of a lurking presence in the shadows of the great hall.

He’s a tall, broad Alpha male dressed all in black, a sword at his hip and his hood pulled low. There is an air of power and confidence surrounding him that Steve has never seen before–not even in the richest of men.

The scent trail he leaves behind is intoxicating, heavy and dominating. It holds an undercurrent of arousal, as if the Alpha is on the cusp of his rut. It might explain why he’s in the temple at all, though he never goes to the altar.

Steve means to talk to him–to ask if he can offer guidance–but he is waylaid at every turn. 

First a new mother coming to thank the god for her easy birth and then a string of new brides hoping to be blessed on their wedding night.

The latest is a young boy, perhaps only eight. He’s too young to present yet, but Steve sees the Alpha in him already. The poor boy worries too much for his family, a weight of responsibility on him that should not be on one so young. The boy’s mother is set to give birth within the month and someone’s filled his head with the horrors of labor. 

Steve doesn’t ask who; he’s afraid that if he knew, he would hunt them down for hurting this innocent.

He kneels with the boy at the statue's feet, stroking his hair.

“I don’t have anything to give,” the boy whispers, watching others lay down their offerings. He turns to Steve, staring up at him with big brown eyes. “I didn’t…I didn’t know I needed anything.”

Steve smiles and kisses his forehead, reaching into his robes to pull out a silver coin.

“Here,” he says. “Give him this and tell him your fears.”

He would’ve used the coin to buy material for a new tunic. Some would call it a sacrifice, giving the coin away, but Steve doesn't see it that way. Alleviating this boy's fears is far more important. 

“It will be a wasted blessing, though, I think,” he muses. “The mother of a boy so strong and good could not fall to the labors of bringing his sister into the world. I’m sure of it.”

“Sister?” The boy looks up at him in surprise. “Do you think?”

Steve hums, carding fingers through his curls.

“Yes,” he says decisively. “Only the most worthy big brothers are given little sisters, and I can’t think of a big brother more worthy than you. In a month, your mother will be fine and you’ll have a sister to look after. You’ll bring them to the temple so I can meet them, won’t you?”

The boy beams. “Yes,” he vows.

Throughout it all, the stranger in black is an ever lingering presence in his periphery. The Alpha walks the edge of the room, a silent, intimidating presence. Watching.

It’s curious that no one has asked him to leave yet, given the fact that he has offered no prayer or trinket or even supplication to the god. This is a sacred space, it isn’t for gawkers. 

Steve has only just decided that if no one else will do it, he will ask the stranger to leave, when he sees the woman.

She’s another of the villagers, though not one that he ever remembers seeing. Her clothes are threadbare and worn, dark bags under her eyes and her hair neglected and unkempt. She’s far too thin, especially for someone with a growing babe in her arms and two small children trailing behind.

It takes such energy to care for the young, but this woman looks like she has nothing left to give. She’s exhausted, on the verge of tears, defeat showing in every line of her body.

Steve, the stranger in black forgotten, approaches her with open hands and an encouraging, sweet smile.

“What blessings do you ask for today?” He asks by way of greeting.

The woman hesitates, looking from the child in her arms to the two hiding behind her skirts. She looks back up at Steve, a little lost.

He understands. Whatever she’s here for, she doesn’t want the children to hear. He beckons another attendant over, bidding them to watch the children while he takes the mother across the room.

They kneel together at the altar, the mother staring at her lap unseeing. Her eyes brim with tears, her knuckles bloodless where she clutches her dress.

“It’s not right,” she murmurs, her voice coarse. “It’s not right to ask what I’ve got to ask.”

Steve touches her hand. “That’s not for us to decide. Go on. He will understand.”

She takes in a ragged breath, shaking her head just once as a tear slips down her cheek. She sighs the sigh of someone too burdened.

“The little one,” she says, “he’s six months next week. His Daddy’s already talking of another. He comes from a big family, you see, and he wants one of his own. I wanted to give him that, once upon a time. I did. But it’s too many mouths, my lord. The field’s aren’t yieldin’ what we need. One of us’ll be dead before winter’s through if we keep going like this.”

She closes her eyes, rocking against her hands.

“It’ll be me,” she whispers. “It’ll be me, ‘cause I won’t see my children starve. I won’t. But if I’m gone, who’ll care for them?”

Steve’s stomach drops. Suddenly, her thin frame makes too much sense.

“When’s the last time you’ve eaten?” He asks softly.

“Doesn’t matter,” she says, cutting him a hard look. “I won’t see my children starve.”

The fire in her dies as quickly as it came. She reaches into her skirts with shaking hands and brings out a tattered cloth. When she unfolds it, it holds only a single slice of apple.

“It’s all I have to give,” she murmurs. She looks to Steve again, but this time, she’s uncertain. “I’ve never offered before. Never needed to–the babes came quickly, one after another. What do I do? Just leave it here?”

Steve swallows roughly.

“What is it, exactly, that you ask for?”

She trembles, her fingers spasming around the cloth. She has the look of a woman who knows that if she speaks the words out loud, she can never take them back. But she knows she has to.

“Make me barren,” she whispers. “I’ve had three, let me have no more. I don’t care if it makes him hate me, I can’t watch them waste away.”

She hesitates, her breathing ragged, before breathing out, “And I don’t want to die.”

Steve gathers her to his chest, squeezing as tightly as he can.

“You won’t,” he whispers. “You won’t, I won’t let you. Wait here, I’ll help.”

He lets go, thrusting himself to his feet and taking off toward the back rooms of the temple. Underneath the main chamber, the kitchens are situated. He runs through the halls until he reaches them, taking up a basket and filling it with anything he can find.

There must be something in his expression because none of the kitchen workers try to stop him, though many give him hard looks that say they will be telling the high priests. He doesn’t care. He will take whatever punishment they dole out, but he will not let a mother or her children starve. 

They have plenty, what is it for if not to help those that serve his lord?

He comes to a halt when he enters the great hall again. The woman still kneels at the altar, but the stranger in black is with her now. He squats in front of her, smoothing down her unkempt hair as she drinks from his waterskin.

Her burden is gone. Life had weighed her down only minutes before, but it’s seemingly disappeared. She stares at the stranger with a dazed expression.

The stranger stands, helping her to her feet. He kisses her knuckles and then her forehead before bidding her back toward her children. 

A shaft of light catches her face and to Steve’s utter bafflement, she no longer looks haggard and worn. Her once sallow skin glows with health, the bruises gone from her eyes and with it, her palpable exhaustion.

Steve starts to go after her, but the stranger intercepts.

“What have you done to her?” He demands, trying and failing to look over the stranger’s shoulder. “Move at once! She needs food before she keels over.”

“Be still, little one,” the stranger soothes, taking Steve by the shoulders. “She is well. She will not starve, I give you my word. I have seen to it.”

Steve looks up at him, confused and a little dazed himself. The stranger’s hood has been removed, the lines of a strikingly handsome face revealed. His scent is overwhelming, crackling like the atmosphere before a lightning strike.

“What did you do to her?” Steve asks again, softer this time.

“I did nothing but take her burden,” the stranger promises, touching his cheek. “She will have nothing more to fear.”

Steve frowns, looking down at the basket in his hands. He tries to peek around the stranger again, but he cannot find the woman.

“Truly, she will be alright?” He asks, scanning the crowds. “She will not starve?”

When he looks back to the stranger, it’s to see a sweet smile spreading across his full lips.

“You care very much, don’t you, little one?” The stranger asks gently.

“Of course,” Steve says, affronted. “These people trust me. They trust my Alpha Lord. What would I be if I took that so lightly?”

“Unremarkable,” the stranger answers, as if the question were not rhetorical. “And unfortunately common. Not many take their service to the gods so seriously.”

Yes, Steve thinks sourly. He knows too well.

He has seen it too often in his short lifetime, not just from other attendants but from the priests as well. His fingers tighten around the basket.

He will need to return it to the kitchens if the mother will not need it, but he can’t seem to find it in him to do it now.

“What brings you to the temple?” He asks instead. “You have been here a long time, but have made no offering. Do you have nothing to give?”

The stranger smiles at him again, strong fingers brushing along Steve’s jaw.

“If I said that I did not,” he murmurs, “would you give to me the way you have given to all the others?”

Oh. Steve blushes, the heat rising in his cheeks quickly.

The stranger has been watching him.

“Yes,” he answers truthfully. “If you tell me what you’d ask of my lord, and if it is not blasphemy, I would help in whatever way I can."

The stranger leans forward, his lips brushing the shell of Steve’s ear.

“That's good,” he murmurs, “because what I desire, little one, is a mate."

[tophat-69]

"us perishable creatures"

The birth of a new nation and the rebirth of an old relationship. Following the successful revolution of Zaun, Vander and Silco are trapped somewhere between allies and rivals, partners and political counterparts, old friends and bitter enemies. Young lovers turned broken old men, a shared memory and a ghost keeping them at an eternal impasse. Neither of them knows how to fix this. But a mad scientist and a group of overly invested children shoving a certain letter into the mix may be the catalyst for change that they need.

Read it on AO3

Length: 12.1k words (complete)

Rating: Explicit

Relationships: Silco/Vander, background Jayce/Viktor

Tags: Reconciliation, Relationship Study, Independent Zaun, Angst with a Happy Ending

Warnings: Past Violence. Sexually Explicit Content exclusive to Chapter 3. Some profanity, because Vi didn't pick it up from a stranger.

Author's Note: This is a stand-alone addition to my Jayce/Viktor fanfiction "it's the good, defining itself." While reading that story may make the first chapter more enjoyable, it is not necessary. What you need to know is that this is an "everyone lives" AU caused by Viktor and Jayce being thrown back to the start in an alternate universe. Zaun's revolution has happened, and now Viktor has decided to meddle because he feels guilty over what he did to Vander in his past life and knows how he feels about Silco.

Takes place roughly in the Season 1 timeskip. For those coming from "it's the good, defining itself" it takes place almost immediately after Chapter 21, at the start of the time skip.

Excerpt:

Head propped on his hand, Silco’s frowning down at a notebook and scratching away at thoughts for Zaun. Vander can’t see the scars from where he stands as he restocks the speed rail, so for just that moment Silco looks like the same firebrand runt he’d met as teenagers, caught in the golden light of the bar like a mosquito in amber, preserved for eternity. Then he growls in frustration, rips his mostly written page out, crumbles it up, and flings it to the back corner of the bar. Where the trashcan used to be. 

The paper ball rustles as it hits a stack of crates, falls to the floor, and rolls.

Silco scowls at the crates as if they’re at fault for being in the wrong place, and abruptly the vision of him as he was is gone, replaced by a changed man who carries the years in every gaunt line of his face.

They’ve both been doing things like that, recently. Old habits revive a hell of a lot faster and smoother than old relationships, apparently, and this place seems to bring it out of the both of them. 

They call bars like The Last Drop an old haunt because the walls themselves hold memories. Floors echo to unseen feet, half-forgotten faces live in the flickers of light, and a song or a laugh can trigger a cascade of emotions dragged back from the grave. 

The saddest of shadows to live in a haunted house are always of the people within it, as they once were and never can be again. 

[freakbabyy]

Deception Prologue

A/N: Hello friends! Here's a snippet of the book I'm writing! It'll be an Eris x Reader book. Heavily inspired by Mulan. Basically you make Eris question his sexuality. LMAO. Let me know if you'd like to be tagged!

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“Winifred Eleanor Ambrose!” Vidia had yelled, “You have five seconds to get inside this house or mother help me-”

“Cauldon, boil me.” I mumbled, strolling towards the house with vigor now, knowing an upset Vidia had meant trouble. Crossing the doorway I finally asked her the million copper question. “What’s happened?”

“You. You’re what’s happened!” She pulled a bag from the floor, slamming it and its contents onto the shabby counter which trembled at the force. “Do you want to tell me why you’re packing? Why you have Finn’s letter in your bag?”

“If you’re asking me, I gather you’ve already figured out why.” I jammed my belongings back into my rucksack, grabbing a few other things I needed from the counter; a couple rolls of fresh bread, and stuffed them into the rucksack as well.

“Whatever idiotic idea you have, it’s not going to work, so drop it.” Vidia sneered, looking back into the other room as mother stirred in her sleep, before dropping her voice. “You’ll get yourself killed, or worse, the entire family crucified as you watch.”

“I don’t have a choice, Vid. Either we do it your way and somehow figure out how to winnow to Finn, who's currently somewhere North right now, and get him back before morning, or we do it my way.” 

“Your way,” She swiped at her eyes angrily, “Is idiotic. It’s a good idea for how to get yourself killed.”

“What choice do we have? I’m the only one who can do this.” Sighing, I dropped the rucksack to the floor, and ran my hands over my face. ��I’m Finn’s identical twin, no one’ll know the difference. Tell the neighbors I went to join Finn, or you, on your search for a cure. You know it’s our best shot.”

“I know it’s the best option, but it doesn’t mean I have to like or approve of it. It’s my job as your big sister to look out for you, not the other way around.” She surged forward, wrapping her thin arms around me, burying her head in my shoulder.

“I’ll be okay.” I whispered a promise, as she pulled back, handing me my rucksack from near her feet.

“I’ll write to you.” She promised in return, as I took one last look around the run-down cottage, kissing my little sister's cheek on the way out, and closed the door behind me.

I didn’t let myself cry until I was on my horse, a tan mixed breed who we got at a discount at the market. She was the runt, and wasn’t looking too good until my mother had healed her, using her magic. My mother, Claribelle, was a healer known for her healing properties in animals. We had people travel from different courts with their animals, just so she could heal them. She enjoyed doing it, too, and didn't even charge anything. Though afterwards they usually sent a sort of gift, whether it be the healthiest milk from the cow she healed, a fresh blanket from thick wool of a sheep she had taken off of its deathbed, or sometimes, an offspring from said animals.

Acorn, my horse, was the first of many animals saved by my mother. My mother, who currently couldn’t sit up in bed. My mother, who became sick so quickly, and so fast, that no healer, nor her own magic, could figure out what was wrong. She had fevers at first, muscle aches, symptoms of the common cold; until she had started coughing blood. Now, she can barely move without our help.

There were seven of us, five of us had inherited my mothers healing ability, and two had inherited my fathers water-manipulation, ironically the two were my brothers. Vidia was the oldest, she’s been scouring the continent for tomes that may point to what could be ailing my mother. My twin brother Finnigan and I were born next; Finnigan was checking the solar courts, and I was supposed to be staying with my youngest sister, until the letter arrived. Dorian and Florian were the next twins born, Dorian was looking into Winter and Summer, and Florian was looking into the mortal realm in Prythian and Spring. Finally, my youngest sister, Iris, is tasked with staying with my mother, her being the strongest healer we have. 

I was to help her, do odd jobs in town to get some coin, but that idea was squashed like a bug as a group of men arrived at our door. They were clad in full armor, and held a stack of letters who were addressed to young men around the court. We had known the conscript was coming, every year after the autumnal equinox the high lords soldiers come, bearing letters conscripting the young men into the royal army. We had expected it to come one day, but the timing was impeccable.

Finn had just left the week prior, and we had no way to contact him. Vidia had tried telling the soldiers just that, yet we were told to either produce Finnigan, or face the consequences of High Lord Beron. That was when I had come up with the plan. Take Finn’s place in the army, serve my time, and then return home to mother, fully healed once my siblings and I continue looking for a cure, not worrying about if Beron would show up to punish us, or worse, send one of his sons.

“Woah, girl! Easy, easy,” I slowed Acorn to a stop, and tied her up outside the inn with the other horses that were there. “I’ll see you in the morning, rest up Acorn.”

Stepping into the threshold of the cozy inn, I ignored the stale alcohol smell and strode up to the counter.

“Good evening, Ma’am.” She smiled as I greeted her, returning the greeting. I had to raise my voice over the crowd in order for me to hear me properly.

“Room for one? Or a hot meal?”

“Just a room please.” I pulled out my coin pouch, and paid her the thirty silver coins. The room hadn’t been as run down as I was expecting, nor did it reek of alcohol or vomit, which I welcomed gladly.

Another room was connected on the right wall, and with a quick study I had realized it was the bathroom. It held a round tub, a toilet, sink, and even a mirror. Most taverns didn’t have adjoining bathrooms, so this was a luxury. I took the extra second to look at myself in the mirror.

I looked the same as I always did. Freckles splattering my face in mismatch constellations, red hair a tad knotted from the horse ride, but otherwise cascading in its normal waves. My eyes, a dark almost black brown, reminiscent of chocolate truffles I had loved. Paper white skin, which came from my mothers side; winter court. Too bad none of us had gotten winter powers. My eyebrows, matching my hair, and just as bushy. I used to despise them, how thick they were; but I suppose it’ll help sell the man disguise now.

Speaking of the man disguise, I suppose I had to change a few things; starting with my hair. Sure, men had long hair, too, the high lord sporting it even, but Finn’s hair fell just below his ears. The same eyes, bushy eyebrows, paper skin, even the same nose as I. The differences between us started there; his hair shorter, his cheekbones higher than mine, and he had a long scar across his nose from when we were children.

Grasping ahold of my hair, I grabbed the flimsy dagger strapped to my waist, and stared at my reflection, debating how to do this. Should I cut it in layers? All at once? Do I cut it at all? Was this a stupid idea? Was this entire operation stupid? Would it end in disaster, my head on a pike?

“Fuck it,” I swore, swiping above my fist holding my ginger locks, opening my eyes once I felt the hair flitter down towards the sink. I repeated the process, yanking a piece of my hair forward, cutting above where my fingers held it, and checking to make sure it was symmetrical in the mirror. “Not bad for an amateur.”

Hair grew back, faster than a blink usually; it didn’t faze me. The next part, likely would. The scar. Starting just below his left eye, stretching across the bridge of our identical noses, and stopping just shy of the end of his right eyebrow. 

“In,” I took a breath in, using some alcohol I found on the bedside table to douse the knife in the sink, hoping it did a good enough job of disinfecting. “Out,” I sighed.

“In,” I yanked off my glasses, not letting myself think too much. I angled the dagger, practicing the motion. One chance to get this right. “Out,”

“In,” I screwed my eyes shut, clenching my teeth together in anticipation before opening my eyes once more and solidifying my grip on the now sweaty handle. “Out!”

My knuckles were turning white from the grip I had on the handle, and my face stung even more than I had anticipated - bled more too. I didn’t let myself hesitate, knowing it wouldn’t scar that way if I did.

“You’re doing this to save Finn, you’re doing this to safe your family, you’re doing this to save your mother,” I repeated the mantra to myself as I cleaned the wound with a wet rag from the sink, using a bit of healing magic to make it stop bleeding, but not enough magic to make it disappear. “Good enough.” I murmured, turning swiftly and stalking towards the bed.

Sitting on the surprisingly soft bed, I dug through my bag looking for a set of night clothes. A simple tunic and loose pants would do for now. Both items of clothing were slightly baggy, useful for hiding my figure. Finn was thin, not very muscular, and rectangular compared to my wide hips and round breasts. In my bag was a roll of cloth from our cottage. A note fell from it.

Use to wrap around your breasts everyday when you wake. Do not sleep with it on. Wrap snugly and put your clothes on over. It’ll help. Good luck. I love you. -V

A stinging began in my eyes, and it wasn’t from the recent cut on my face. I put it back into my bag before climbing into bed, not knowing what the future held for me, or rather, for Finn.

[dgdraws]

A Water-mew, featuring all my brother's cats past and present

Adapting this classic into "cats playing poker" was a fun challenge! Process pics, details and original reference under the cut :)

Did you know there is actually a series of those dogs playing poker paintings? They were commissioned around 1900 to sell cigars. After picking one to reference based on the number of cats I needed to include, I photobashed myself a reference using pictures of my models:

Made a rough base from that and resized to a canvas big enough to print in good quality

Then I painted the cats, thinking I was nearly done, but of course setting myself up for two solid weeks of background and props and refinement. Also the two at either edge needed to be mirrored since I flipped the photo to make the ref! Reaaally glad I caught that early on.

Here's a side by side of the original A Waterloo and my version:

Now, you may be wondering why my expressive cat is not seated where the expressive dog is. The explanation lies in two factors, the story of the painting and the dispositions of these cats. [content warning for animal/pet death]

If you know about poker, you can interpret this scene. If you're like ma and you have no idea how poker works, you need someone to explain, so here goes:

based on the cards laying first in the middle, from right to left the dogs have in front of them a good hand, a nothing hand, a decent hand, an amazing hand and the last one has no cards before them, just chips.

That chips only dog won the round, and you can see their cards in the middle on top of the others, a pair of twos, which is an absolute dogshit hand (if you will pardon the pun).

Paired with the title of the piece, A Waterloo, we gather the leftmost dog just bluffed their way into a big win, and the expressive dog next to them just folded a stellar hand that should have won easily.

Part two, the cat's dispositions.

Left to right we have Bubbles, Sophie, Winston, Tater and Kali.

When I ask myself, which of these cats would take advantage of the rest? a clear winner emerges,

Bubbles, the bird boned runt who ate her siblings to survive before she was rescued from the trailer they'd been abandoned in. She is tiny, she weighs all of three pounds and she has the attitude of a cat 30x her size. She would 100% do this poker move and then she'd rub it in all their faces.

And poor Sophie ended up being sat in the chair with the best hand bc Kali is a weird beast like rightmost dog and Tater is that border collie in all but form and Winston is literally the doofy patriarch of this little clan

so, Sophie goes between him and Bubbles the Bluffer. And well, Sophie simply would not go 😱. She was the most tranquil cat. She just wanted to lay somewhere comfy and occasionally get pet.

In every single picture I have of her from 8 years of holiday visits she is making that same vacant stare as depicted. That is just who she was, so if she got tricked into folding an amazing hand in poker, at most she would do her weird grunt meow or squeak indignantly before waddling off to lay somewhere more comfy.

RIP Sophie, you were a real one.

RIP Winston, too, for that matter.

They were siblings and our family's first cats. It was really nice to spend some time with them this holiday season, just like the old days :)

I can't end this without pointing out my favorite detail:

I created different suits especially for a world where cats are the dominant species. For black we have fish and pawprint and red has cat heads and yarn balls. It was incredibly tedious getting all these on the cards, making sure they still had the right hands because that's actually important to the story, and creating two face card designs (😭) but it was worth it!!!

[popironrye]

Little Birdie

So animals aren't really something I draw much, can you tell? XD

This is Arlo! He's a derpy little runt of a pigeon, but since he's Marko's baby, he feeds him to much so he's very fat.

I really wanted to draw this little guy and of course I had to include Marko as well. Arlo is one of Marko's pigeons, but he's not like the rest.

I like to think at one point in time, Marko thought it'd be cool to give raising hatchlings a try after finding out the domesticated female pigeons were leaving their eggs up in the crevices of the cave walls. This didn't last long for a couple of reasons.

1. Since pigeons are monogamous and are always around their babies 24/7, even the most domesticated ones are very good at taking care of their babies all by themselves. And

2. Raising babies of any animal species suck, given how much responsibility is required to feed, clean up after, and protect them, not to mention the boys would need to take in a nocturnal animal as they were completely unable to do anything during the day. Marko was more than happy just letting the pigeons raise their own.

As the bird grew, Marko noticed he stayed pretty small compared to the other pigeons, guess he was always gonna be a runt.

This all changes when he's floating in the hotel bored, just watching the few previous baby pigeons left before they fly out to live on their own as adults, Marko notices in one of the crevices he knew had an egg before still had something in it. It was a baby pigeon, without a parent anyway close, which Marko knew was odd. The baby was like any other baby pigeon he saw. Very ugly. Bright pink fleshy thing with very little feathers to cover it yet. Since it was by itself, Marko knew something must had been wrong with him and the parents just abandoned him. Marko kept good care and record of his pigeons and the boys respected his wishes not to kill and eat any of them.

Marko pulled the baby from the hole and just held it, examining him very closely. When the boys found out about the abandoned baby, they figured Marko would leave it somewhere to starve or just eat himself, but Marko didn't have the heart to do that. Instead he kept the bird around, calling him Arlo, just to see how long he'd live.

Arlo is a very sweet little bird. He loves getting pets. He can fly, but he's not the strongest flyer, so he's mostly on the ground. Marko tied two bells around his ankle so he'd know where he was at all time.