#Andromeda's chains supports the Ship

[milangakokoros]

Hyoshun week, Day 5: Stars

Este dibujo es la cuspide de mi estilo de dibujo

[legend-collection]

Cetus

In Ancient Greek kētŏs, Latinized as cetus, is any huge sea creature or sea monster. According to the mythology, Perseus slew Cetus to save Andromeda from being sacrificed to it. The term cetacean (for whale) derives from cetus. In Greek art, ceti were depicted as serpentine fish. The name of the mythological figure Ceto is derived from kētos. The name of the constellation Cetus also derives from this word.

The Cetus was variously described as a sea monster or sea serpent. Other versions describe Cetus as a monster with the head of a boar or a greyhound and the body of a whale or dolphin, and a divided, fan-like tail. Cetus was said to be a colossal beast the size of a ship, its skull alone measuring 40 feet (12.2 meters) in length, its spines being a cubit in thickness, and its skeleton taller at the shoulder than an elephant.

There are notable physical and mythological similarities between cetus and drakōn (the dragons in Greek mythology), and, to a lesser extent, other monsters of Greek myth, such as Scylla, Charybdis and Medusa and her Gorgon sisters.

Pic by James Thornhill

Cetus is often depicted fighting Perseus or as the mount of a Nereid.

Queen Cassiopeia boasted that she and her daughter Andromeda were more beautiful than the Nērēides (in most later works called by the Roman form, the Nereids), which invoked the wrath of Poseidon who sent the sea monster k��tŏs (in a far greater number of European works renamed as the Latinised Cetus) to attack Æthiopia. Upon consulting a wise oracle, King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia were told to sacrifice Andromeda to Cetus. They had Andromeda chained to a rock near the ocean so that Cetus could devour her. After finding Andromeda chained to the rock and learning of her plight, Perseus managed to slay Cetus when the creature emerged from the ocean to devour her. According to one version, Perseus drove his sword into Cetus's back, while according to another version, he used Medusa's head to turn the monster into stone.

In a different story, Heracles slew Cetus to save Hesione.

Cetus had also been portrayed to support Ino and Melicertes when they threw themselves into the sea instead of a dolphin to carry Palaemon.

In Etruscan mythology, cetus was regarded as a psychopomp, being depicted frequently on sarcophagi and urns, along with dolphins and hippocamps.

Furthermore, the Etruscan deity Nethuns is sometimes shown wearing a headdress depicting the cetus.

Art historian John Boardman conjectured that images of the kētos in Central Asia influenced depictions of the Chinese Dragon and Indian makara. They suggest that after contact with Silk Road images of the kētos, the Chinese dragon appeared more reptilian and shifted head-shape; the Pig dragon with the head of a boar compared to the reptilian head of modern dragons that of a camel.

Cetus or megakētēs (μεγακήτης) is commonly used as a ship's name or figurehead denoting a ship unafraid of the sea or a ruthless pirate ship to be feared. Ceti were widely viewed as misfortune or bad omen by sailors widely influenced by the Mediterranean traditions such as the bringer of a great storm or general harbinger. Lore and tales associated it with lost cargo and being swept off course, even pirates being allied with such creatures so as to become taboo aboard vessels.

[thebonggirll]

chapter six

< previous: chapter five

At first, nothing happened. Waves crashed against the shore like normal. The harpies sounded like they were right behind the sand dunes. Then, about a hundred yards out to sea, three white lines appeared on the surface. They moved fast toward the shore, like claws ripping through the ocean. As they neared the beach, the surf burst apart and the heads of three white stallions reared out of the waves. The creatures pulled themselves onto the sand - they were only horses in the front; their back halves were silvery fish bodies, with glistening scales and rainbow tail fins - Hippocampi.

Poseidon must've known Tyson was one of the passengers, because one hippocampus was much larger than the other two-just right for carrying a Cyclops.

The harpies cursed at them, wailing for their snacks to come back, but the hippocampi raced over the water at the speed of Jet Skis. The harpies fell behind, and soon the shore of Camp Half-Blood was nothing but a dark smudge. Y/N was already having a lot of regrets. A stupid decision made on a whim just because of a boy could expel her forever. She wondered if she'd ever see the place again. But well, they had other problems for the time being.

The cruise ship was now looming in front of them - their ride toward Florida and the Sea of Monsters. Riding the hippocampus was even easier than riding a pegasus. They zipped along with the wind in their faces, speeding through the waves so smooth and steady.

As they got closer to the cruise ship, they noticed the ship's name was painted just above the bow line in black letters, lit with a spotlight - PRINCESS ANDROMEDA. Y/N remembered the myth about Andromeda and how she had been chained to a rock by her own parents as a sacrifice to a sea monster. Perseus, namesake of Percy, had saved her just in time and turned the sea monster to stone using the head of Medusa.

"How do we get aboard?" Annabeth shouted over the noise of the waves, but the hippocampi seemed to know what they needed. They skimmed along the starboard side of the ship, riding easily through its huge wake, and pulled up next to a service ladder riveted to the side of the hull.

"You first," Percy told Annabeth.

She slung her duffel bag over her shoulder and grabbed the bottom rung. Once she'd hoisted herself onto the ladder, her hippocampus whinnied a farewell and dove underwater. Annabeth began to climb.

"Y/N?" Percy called her.

"Uh yeah," she replied and moved forward slinging her duffel bag over her shoulder like Annabeth. Y/N looked a bit hesitant to climb up. She licked her lips and looked up at her friend who was climbing up like a pro.

"Here," Percy offered for help.

Y/N awkwardly muttered a small 'yes'. She felt him closing near behind her, and waited. It took him longer than she expected, so she looked behind to find him just behind her, his hands near her waist. She cleared her throat and said, "You don't have to touch me. Just hold the bottom rung. I just need to hold you for support for a while, it's dark for fuck's sake."

He did as was told, and soon everyone was up on the deck stacked with yellow lifeboats. There was a set of locked double doors, which Annabeth managed to pry open with her knife and a fair amount of cursing in Ancient Greek.

Y/N blushed at the thought. How was Percy thinking of helping her? By hoisting her up by holding her waist? Clearly he looked uncomfortable by it. Sure, they were friends but they weren't really on the stage where they could casually touch each other. It was kind of okay before, but after their little fight it was definitely awkward. For her though, it was a bit worse since she had a crush on him and any kind of close touch would make her take two steps back on forgetting these feelings she had for him. Harris on the other hand...she was comfortable with him.

Being a kid of Apollo came with it's pros and cons. And right now, it was hell of a disadvantage for Y/N. They'd have to sneak around, being stowaways and all. Yeah, it was also awful to think about how they wanted her to come expecting some help but instead they have to guide her around while looking around the ship.

As soon as Annabeth got the doors opened, Y/N looked at Percy for a moment and then walked towards Annabeth holding her hand.

"You don't mind, do you?" she whispered.

She heard a chuckle coming from her and a reassuring squeeze. Percy watched them talk from a distance and followed them in. He was glad that it was dark or the lights would've exposed his embarrassment. His embarrassment for moving his hand forward to hold Y/N's hand like he did back when they went to visit Hades. Yes, he remembered. But he didn't think that she can actually hold onto Annabeth too. He really forgot how that was an option too. And although he wanted to brush it off thinking it didn't matter, a part of him grew angrier. He was mad after their petty fight and this was just adding oil to the fire.

She just didn't feel like she was before, on his first quest.

After checking a few corridors and peering over a balcony into a huge central promenade lined with closed shops, they realized there was nobody to hide from. Sure it was the middle of the night, but they walked half the length of the boat and met no one. They passed forty or fifty cabin doors and heard no sound behind any of them.

"It's a ghost ship," Percy murmured.

"No," Tyson said, fiddling with the strap of his duffel bag. "Bad smell."

Annabeth frowned. "I don't smell anything."

"Cyclopes are like satyrs," Percy said. "They can smell monsters. Isn't that right, Tyson?"

"I think we should listen to him. Last time it didn't go that well when we ignored Grover," Y/N said.

"Okay," Annabeth said. "So what exactly do you smell?"

"Something bad," Tyson answered.

"Great," Annabeth grumbled. "That clears it up."

They came outside on the swimming pool level. There were rows of empty deck chairs and a bar closed off with a chain curtain. The water in the pool glowed eerily, sloshing back and forth from the motion of the ship.

Above them fore and aft were more levels-a climbing wall, a putt-putt golf course, a revolving restaurant, but no sign of life.

"We need a hiding place," Percy said, "Somewhere safe to sleep."

"Sleep," Annabeth agreed wearily.

They explored a few more corridors until we found an empty suite on the ninth level. The door was open, which was weird. There was a basket of chocolate goodies on the table, an iced-down bottle of sparkling cider on the nightstand, and a mint on the pillow with a handwritten note that said: Enjoy your cruise!

They opened our duffel bags for the first time and found that Hermes really had thought of everything-extra clothes, toiletries, camp rations, a Ziploc bag full of cash, a leather pouch full of golden drachmas. He'd even managed to pack Tyson's oilcloth with his tools and metal bits, and Annabeth's cap of invisibility, and Y/N's special bow and arrow which made them feel a lot better.

"I'll be next door," Annabeth said. "You guys don't drink or eat anything. Come on Y/N."

"Well, I am still holding your hand. You can just take me where you want," she said yawning.

"You think this place is enchanted?" Percy asked.

She frowned. "I don't know. Something isn't right. Just...be careful."

"I know there's a story behind this ship but it's kind of weird for all the food to be still good and...I don't know. It feels like a trap," Y/N said.

They nodded their heads in agreement and went in their respective rooms and locked their doors.

There was a strange silence lingering in the atmosphere. It was weird because the girls didn't have any kind of fight but there was still something that felt heavy. Y/N sighed and lied on her bed, too tired to think of a conversation.

"What happened between the both of you?"

Y/N sighed and looked at Annabeth lying across her on another bed. "He didn't tell you?" she asked.

".....No," Annabeth answered, trying to keep her confident voice on.

Y/N chuckled and asked, "What happened between the both of you?"

Annabeth quietly looked at her for a moment and said, "I don't understand. Is this a joke to you?"

"No, I just think Percy's an ass. He's the root cause for both of our problems, isn't he?"

"Look it's a common thing between us. Everyone knows we fight but..." Annabeth said, "you guys? It's weird."

"Why is it weird that we fight? You know how he can be total shit at times. A few times I can ignore it but I can't just overlook it every time Annabeth."

"No, you're right ofcourse. It's just that it's weird because...both of you clicked. I mean, somehow you shared something that felt like you won't fight because your thought process is a bit similar. I didn't think it would be serious and that...you guys don't share the similarity."

Y/N blushed at the comment and said, "It is serious when you're taking a decision for me instead of asking me for my opinion. You guys planned all of this and didn't once think of how I was gonna react? Why? Is it because you think I can't give you good ideas for your plan?"

Annabeth stayed quiet for a while and said, "Are you mad at me too?"

"I don't know?! I'm too confused to think about it."

"I'm sorry Y/N. I hope Percy and you set things straight. I mean, you aren't really close if you don't ever get angry at them. I just...didn't think you would disagree to the plan. It's partly my fault."

"God, atleast you're owning up to your mistakes. Why did you think I'll agree? I mean sure we are friends but did you think I wouldn't think of going when I can put both of you in danger by breaking the 'trios are better for quests' rule?"

"No we didn't think that much. I just thought you would support us."

"I would help you out in any way I can, but still ask me before next time."

"I thought that..." Annabeth's voice faded and then after a while she muttered 'goodnight'. Y/N took it as a sign that she was definitely tired and both of them needed some sleep. But Annabeth. She was awake for a while. It was better to let her roommate for the night know about it later.

About how she knew about the feelings for Percy that Y/N has been hiding.

next: chapter seven >

book two: the sea of monsters

percy jackson x reader series

MASTERLIST

Tags: @the-natureofme @sly-prince @kookiedesi @instabull @jumpingtrainsandflyingskies @idk-bye-no @your-typical-giggle

[scope-dogg]

Long post about Mass Effect below

I noticed that there’s a big mass effect trilogy remaster coming out and it just made me think back on how badly the ball was dropped with that series. When the first game came out it immediately became perhaps my favourite game of all time, it was the kind of game where I was tearing up at the ending and then immediately started up a new playthrough the instant the credits got done rolling. The game was extremely jank and rough around the edges and it ran like total shit on the 360, but I loved it anyway because I fell in love with the lore of the universe, the characters and the story. It was one of those games where I’d play it in the most obsessively completionist manner possible, doing every singe sidequest possible, talking to every character on the ship after every mission, browsing the ingame codex for hours on end and dosing up on lore. When it was confirmed that Mass Effect 2 was in development I had such high hopes, of course I wanted to see the gameplay tightened up and the technical side of things improved, but more than that I just wanted to see more of the universe, get more of the universe to explore and learn more about it, and I was especially excited at the possibility that the choices I’d made, especially the massive ones in regards to the council at the end of ME1, would carry forward and really shake up the way the fate of the universe would pan out in the long term.

When the game finally came out, I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t really what I was hoping for. While the combat was much improved over ME1, I couldn’t help but feel like everything else was pared back too much - like, levelling and loot in ME1 weren’t all that well done but I was still really disappointed to see how they were all but stripped out in the sequel. I especially hated how crap sidequests on uncharted worlds were, they were basically just short combat sections with almost nothing in the way of meaningful dialogue or choices to make. Like, don’t get me wrong, uncharted worlds in ME1 felt like the maps were procedurally generated and the Mako had wacky controls, but they still managed to pull off the right atmosphere of going to these dangerous and remote places on alien worlds, and there was some legitimately intriguing stuff going on in some of those sidequests, and it was honestly a little infuriating to see all that basically get the axe entirely instead of getting some polish. I also just felt like the additions to the lore and story were disappointing. I was excited to find out about how society in the Terminus systems was different from Citadel space and meet some new alien races, but that didn’t really happen - I guess they tried with Omega, but that just felt like a mildly edgier version of the Citadel. The only new alien race aside from the Collectors they introduced were the Vorcha and I guess the Batarians if you didn’t play the DLC for ME1, but neither ended up being all that interesting. People remember ME2′s story fondly because of the characters, and I agree that the characters are great, Legion and Mordin especially stand out though all of your squadmates and major supporting characters on the ship are great (except maybe Jacob I guess) as are each of their accompanying stories that get resolved through their loyalty missions, but I think that the actual core plot of ME2 isn’t good at all. The whole thing about you dying and coming back to life seems like it was done just to have the excuse of having a timeskip happen, and I never felt particularly compelled by the Illusive Man or Cerberus as a faction - they were in a sidequest chain in ME1 technically but I still felt like they kind of came out of nowhere and never really fit into the grand scheme of things properly - there’s nothing that they really enable Shepard to do differently that wouldn’t have already been justified by you being a Spectre. The revelations about the Collectors and ultimately what they were doing with the colonists they were kidnapping felt really stupid and pointless apart from giving you an excuse to have a really cheesy and out-of-place final boss. The final mission was only exciting because of the tension of potentially losing one or more of your squadmates than because of what the actual consquences of failure for the galaxy were if you failed. There was no compelling antagonist to square off against like Saren in ME1, and ultimately the whole thing felt kind of pointless - it wasn’t until later after the trilogy was done that I realised that you could take ME2 out of the equation entirely and it wouldn’t make that much difference, but even in those moments as the credits were rolling after I beat the game for the first time, I was struggling to make up my mind about whether I’d actually enjoyed the game or not. I mean, it wasn’t like the game was bad or anything but I was thinking more about the opportunities that they missed rather than the good things they added. I was really missing that sense of discovery and exploring an alien galaxy that the first game had and got left by the wayside for the second. I did start up a new playthrough after that like I did with ME1 but IIRC I didn’t bother finishing that playthrough.

Then along came ME3. Everything about that game is depressing. The whole path of the plot and just the unrelenting apocalyptic tone of the game in general feels like it’s actively punishing you if you actually like the setting, characters, lore and so on and so forth. I know a lot of people like the Citadel DLC that they released because it lightened the tone a bit, but even with that I find it hard to set aside the fact that the universe is literally ending while you’re trying to take a break from it all with how hard the rest of the game beats you over the head with it. How bad the endings were even with the “fix” DLC that got added is a horse that’s been thoroughly beaten to death by now, but it’s not just the endings either. I already didn’t like the Illusive Man or Cerberus and had a hard time buying them as an organisation with the kind of reach and pull they had as portrayed in ME2, but seeing them turn into the Hellghast in ME3 not only betrays that portrayal of them as an org that works through subterfuge but also stretches my disbelief beyond breaking point, plus it brings you into contact with Kai Leng who has to be up there as one of the most obnoxious rival characters in any videogame ever. Otherwise, it did a few things that ME2 did slightly better and some things slightly worse, and didn’t really do anything to recapture the stuff that made ME1 so memorable to me that ME2 skipped out on. And then there was the way that Javik, the game’s most interesting new squadmate by far, was preorder DLC, and then there was the multiplayer that you were kinda forced into playing if you wanted the best ending in the singleplayer (for all the difference that made) and was riddled with lootbox microtransactions (the first major implementation of that in a AAA game IIRC.) The coup de grace for me was when dipshit vidya journalists circled the wagons around Bioware and were taking a dump on angry and disappointed fans who were demanding a change to the ending. Like, looking back I think there was a lot of histrionics involved with that from the fanbase, and let’s just say that the Bioware fanbase has earned a reputation for being particularly turbulent, but even so I really couldn’t stand the attitude that they were taking and it made me hate the game itself by proxy that much more. (I honestly think that entire saga set the stage for Gamergate two years later.)

Eventually when ME Andromeda ended up being a stillborn flop, it didn’t even really move the needle for me that much because ME3 had already set the bar so low. Worse though is that the first game was retrospectively ruined for me. Like I said earlier, I was a hyperfan for that game when it came out, but now I can’t go back to it without thinking about the disappointments that followed it, and its flaws stand out extra hard now. After I beat it for the first time it was my number 1, now I’m not sure it’s in the top 10. There’s probably the added factor that I played it to death and know it almost off by heart which takes the shine away, but that’s also the case for some of my other all-time favourites like Metroid Prime 1 and 2, Ace Combat 2, or Command and Conquer Red Alert 2, but those never really dropped in my estimation the way Mass Effect did. Honestly to this day I’m still waiting for someone to do another star-hopping sci-fi RPG in the same vein as Mass Effect and to pull it off well, because at this point I’m all but certain that it’s not going to be Bioware that does it, not with the new one they’ve got coming in the works or the trilogy remaster.

[officialleehadan]

Menkent Ripple

“Ursa.”

Senator Stal Ursa was not accustomed to his name being spoken, quietly and without formality. The surprise of it immediately took his attention form the reports he was studying, and when he looked up, he froze.

Everyone knew of the Edge girl from Asteroid Base 42. How could they not, when she had fallen into orbit with Cygnus Volans as if she was made to be there. How could Ursa fail to take note of the woman whose disappearance, presumed death, turned his most powerful psion into a near-mindless weapon. And who, upon her return, somehow got more powerful. Somehow, during her imprisonment, she discovered a way to destroy the ships that were tearing apart their own attempts at defense. The tie was turning. Slowly, but surely. Because of her.

So yes, Ursa knew about Andromeda Oct. He knew where she came from, and that she was an orphan, with no family, and nothing interesting in her future until she came mind-to-mind with Cygnus.

He also knew that she was still fragile. That her talents, apparently as varied and powerful as Cygnus’ own, were unstable at the best of times.

She could probably hear every thought that passed his mind.

He hated working with psionics.

“Come in,” he said, and nodded a dismissal to his aid as Andra walked in with Cygnus’ arm over her shoulders. He was ashy and looked ill, and Ursa wondered what kind of trouble they possibly could have found in the few short hours since he saw them at the last briefing. “What can I do for you?”

Andra shared a long look with Cygnus, no doubt sharing thoughts, before she nodded once.

“Cyg had a vision,” she said without preamble, and didn’t blink when Ursa muttered a curse. Precognition. It was so unreliable that he tried not to rely on it, but when it came, it could make a difference. “About the war. The ships we’re facing are scout ships. The real force hasn’t even made it here yet, but they’re coming.”

That warranted a stronger curse, and Ursa dropped into his chair as fear threatened to steal his reason.

“We’ve been fighting the vanguard?” he rasped through a throat that suddenly felt dry as desert sand. His head swam at the very thought. How could they possibly face a force greater than the one that already threatened to ruin them? What hope was there, if the great, sleek destroyers that were ripping apart whole planets were nothing but the frontrunners? “This whole time?”

(Not even that.) Ursa jumped, but there was no doubt of the ‘voice’ in his mind. Cygnus shrugged faintly, a little shamefaced behind his mop of dark curls. (Sorry. My voice is too shot for vocal speech. Can we show you what we saw? You should… you should know what we’re up against.)

There was very little that Ursa wanted less, but he nodded anyway. He had never been one to shy away from the unpleasant duties of his station, and that now included trying to save his race from obliteration. If this vision would help, he could do nothing more than try to use it to the fullest.

Of course, he also remembered the last two visions he saw Cygnus have, realized why the psion was speaking telepathically, and profoundly hoped that he would not scream himself raw.

“You won’t,” Andra said softly, and tried to offer a smile. It came out as more of a grimace, but Ursa appreciated the effort. “We’ll buffer you from the… the worst of it. You’ll ‘see’ the vision, but you won’t experience it like Cyg does.”

That did help, although Ursa still didn’t like the idea any.

Oh well.

“Once more into the breech,” he said with a half-shrug. “We need information. Will you be able to share this vision with the rest of our command?”

(If they’re willing. I won’t force it on anyone,) Cygnus assured him. He reached out, and Ursa noted with alarm that Cygnus’ fingers trembled slightly, barely noticeable, but distinctly there. (Take a deep breath in, and release it slowly.)

Before Ursa could do more than breathe, blackness, the dark of open space, engulphed him like falling backwards into shadowy water filled with stars.

(You’re safe.)

That was Andra. Ursa scrambled for his sense of self amid the whirling stars, disoriented and struggling, until bright, brassy-green glimmers appeared out of the darkness and wrapped around him. A moment later, they were followed by more, this time haloed in orange-yellow that somehow felt like amusement.

(Take a minute to get yourself together,) Cygnus, the orange-yellow glimmers, told him calmly. (We’re not going to let you ‘drown’. You’re in my mind. Specifically, on the leading edge of the vision-memory.)

(We didn’t realize how disorienting this would be for you,) Andra agreed, her green glimmers fading to apologetic blue. (It’s easy to forget that what we do isn’t normal for most people.)

(How do you function like this?!) Ursa said incredulously, and didn’t realize he had responded telepathically until the words came out as vivid orange alarm, shot through with pink ribbons of curiosity. (No, don’t explain it. I don’t want to know.)

He took a breath, now vaguely aware of his own body responding, somewhere far away, and braced himself. (I’m ready. Show me.)

(Remember, this is a memory of a vision,) Andra told him when the stars rippled, like the reflection of a night sky on glassy water, disturbed by a single jumping fish. (Nothing here can hurt you.)

Ursa wanted to ask what she meant, and then his eyes fell on the ships.

Thousands of them. Immense, towering vessels. The kind that were specially designed for deep space travel, but much, much bigger. Immense beyond understanding, until he realized that they were asteroids, and moons, and farther back, so far that it was almost lost in the black of space, a ship carved of what could only be a planet.

It wasn’t until his mind shuddered, and he looked closer, that he realized what he thought were little one-man fighters, hovering in swarms around the bigger ships, were actually the same titanic destroyers that were shredding apert his fleet without the slightest effort.

And there were millions of them.

Before he could do anything more than take a single, panicked breath, the stars rippled again and were gone all at once.

He made it to his waste basket just in time to lose everything in his stomach. Icy terror stole the strength from his legs and left him heaving into the little plastic container until he could barely breath and black spots danced around the edges of his vision.

Small hands steadied him and helped him sit back, supported by the wall. Andra offered him a tiny smile even as Cygnus poured a glass of water and knelt to press it into his hand.

(Now you see,) Cygnus told him as he drank, panicked again, and discovered more of the brassy-green glimmers in his mind, soothing away the terror. Andra gave him a tiny, comforting nod, and Ursa couldn’t find it in himself to be anything except grateful for her intervention. (I don’t know how much time we have, but some is more than none. We need to call all our forces together. Because they’re coming, and when they get here, we have to be ready.)

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Guiding Stars:

Andra was a mechanic and a pilot with nothing but an old, battered ship to call her own. Cygnus Volans is the most powerful psion to ever live. They were on opposite sides of a messy revolution, until a shared vision of the future brings their two warring sides together against a much greater threat.

Procyon Moon

Altair Chariot

Vega Dignity

Cappella Besieged

Canopus Emergent

Nihal Collision

Spica Interlude

Polaris Eclipsed

Sirius Empowered

Mizar Orbit (Free on Patreon)

Dabih Risen

Ankaa Igniting (Free on Patreon!)

Leporis Crush (Subscriber Only!)

Porrima Chain

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MORE STORIES!

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[vermiculus-incipiens]

OOC INFORMATION:

What’s your name? Kay!

Preferred pronouns: she/her

Timezone: Arizona/MST/GMT -7

IC INFORMATION:

Character Name: Andromeda Eirene Black Tonks - She has always felt that her name was particularly fitting for herself. Andromeda, the chained maiden; she always felt trapped in her family, even if she couldn’t identify the feeling until she was older. Trapped by her family, by their reputation, by the weight of expectations. Eirene - meaning peace, a trait she has always attempted to embody. Even at home, as much as she tried to be unseen by the rest of her family, she equally tried to bring peace when there was conflict. She has left behind her maiden name, choosing to shed her Black identity as easily as she shed the expensive gowns that she left behind. Instead, she revels in being Andromeda Tonks. Ted has and always will embody all the good that she sees in the world and she wants nothing more than to attempt to imitate him to the best of her ability.

What’s a hobby or pastime that your character enjoys? Andie began learning to cook after she married Ted; before, she never needed to cook. So with Ted, she learned to cook the Muggle way and discovered that she loves working with her hands in that way. She cooks herself as much as possible, and loves any type of cooking. Her favorite thing is to bake cookies with Dora but whenever she’s worried, she’ll disappear into the kitchen to cook and alleviate her stress that way. (A controlled outcome, something she can predict and determine, is very important to Andie. Relinquishing control is very hard for her, and there is very little that she can control anymore.)

Do you have any preferred ships or anti-ships? I am and always will be a Tedromeda shipper. I think they have the most beautiful love story and I always have enjoyed the chance to write it. The changes she goes through in order to be with him are so fascinating and compelling to me. (Sorry, this has deviated a little from the actual question but long story short: there is no other ship that I can see for Andromeda.)

What do you think your character’s Boggart would be? If their greatest fear isn’t something that could easily take a solid form, what is it? Why? Andie is most afraid of her sister Bellatrix. She doesn’t want to see her other family members (well … Narcissa, maybe, because the only guilt Andie has ever held for her choice to be with Ted is the fact that she had to abandon her younger sister to be happy) but there’s far more fear of her older sister than anyone else. She has no doubt that Bellatrix could and would hurt her if given the chance, and Andie will do everything in her power to protect herself - and more importantly, her new family. So her boggart takes the form of her oldest sister, attacking Andie’s family.

What’s your character’s biggest pet peeve? Sloppiness - whether that’s the form of an actually dirty house or room, or just someone looking ill-kempt or slovenly. It is not unusual for her to be found moving around the room when there’s an Order meeting at the Tonks home, tidying up after their guests even while they are in the middle of the meeting. She doesn’t go so far as to make them remove their shoes (although it’s thought that has been given a lot of consideration) but she’ll pick up glasses and set coasters under them, or run a rag over a sticky spot on the table during the meeting (not even a glare from Moody himself is enough to stop her; he’s not that intimidating, not compared to Cygnus or Bellatrix Black. She will stop at a look or comment from Dumbledore, of course).

What would you consider to be an eccentricity of your character? Andie is very particular about the aspects of Muggle culture that she takes into her life. For example: cleaning and cooking the Muggle way is acceptable and enjoyable; Muggle travel is totally out of the question, except when it’s absolutely necessary. She finds Muggle money absurd, and has little wish to be in Muggle cities, but she loves Muggle fashion and prefers it to anything she wore as a Black. The wireless is fascinating, and the cinema (she loves watching films), and the television, but she doesn’t like or understand the need for a telephone. And don’t get her started on pens or pencils; quills are highly preferable and she consistently refuses to use any of Ted’s writing utensils except in extreme circumstances.

What is/was your character’s favorite subject in school? Why? Andromeda always liked potions. It was a controlled form of magic, something where she could predict the outcome. Follow the steps, make the potion. She also got along fairly well with Slughorn and enjoyed that aspect; not all the professors were as easy to befriend and while she never disliked a class because of a professor, liking her professor helped a lot.

What time of day is your character’s favorite? What time of year? The best time of day, in Andie’s opinion, can be divided into two specific moments of the day. First, the very early morning when she and Ted are up together, making breakfast or just sitting and enjoying their tea, before Dora joins them. It’s important to Andie that she and Ted have moments to themselves, to remember their relationship apart from their daughter. But she also loves the early evenings, when she comes home with Dora and together they start making dinner. She loves to hear everything Dora has to say about her day and what she’s done. Her favorite time of year is summer, when she and Ted and Dora have longer hours to do things in the evenings after dinner. She doesn’t particularly like being bundled up for the cold and revels in the chance to wear shorts or dresses without added layers.

What’s your character’s Patronus? If they can’t conjure one, what would it be if they could? Why? Andie’s Patronus takes the form of a tiger. She conjures it with the memory of the first time Ted told her that he loved her. (The tiger symbolizes an independent person who doesn’t like to show weakness to others and is a bit cynical due to their past, all of which Andie embodies. Information found here.)

What is your character’s biggest vice (bad habit or immoral craving)? Andie is arrogant. It’s a bad habit, and one she has tried to break, and also one that only affects certain things (for example, she doesn’t view any group of people as better than others; she isn’t the sort to think she’s better than Muggleborns, for example) but it’s certainly there. She grew up being told that her family was the best and that’s a hard lesson to shake off, no matter how false she knew it to be. So even though she knows she isn’t better than anyone else, she’s still shaking off that arrogance that seems to be born into the Blacks.

Is your character an introvert or extrovert? How well do they handle social situations? Andie is an introvert. She prefers to be at home with her family rather than out with other people. She learned how to handle herself in social settings though - she didn’t like all the attempts to teach her how to be a pureblood lady, but she learned them very well. Now, it’s extremely rare for her to let on how badly she wants to be alone when she’s surrounded by people. If they’re at her house, she wants them to leave, and if she’s out, she wants to go home. She can circulate and make small talk with the best of people though, so no one would know her inner turmoil.

What is your character’s diet like? What’s his or her favorite food? Andie has worked very hard to learn how cook healthy meals for her family (and encourage Dora to eat and enjoy them, although she settles for just seeing Dora eat the food at this stage in life). Their meals are almost always homemade, as Andie turns her nose up at most restaurant meals (with the exception of a few places, or the times Ted really works to sweet-talk her into a family night out.). Meals are also quite varied, as she likes a challenge in the kitchen and is always looking for something that her daughter will enjoy. She’s never really sat to think about her favorite foods though. However, Andie loves popcorn and often pops some for her and Dora and Ted to enjoy after dinner.

How do you think your character’s psychological issues have manifested and changed your character up to this point? Andie is becoming more and more brittle as the war progresses. She is, at heart, a soft person, the kind with seemingly endless optimism and hope for the future, who can forgive and love and welcome people into her life with open arms. However, much of that was ruthlessly squelched under her family’s influence, and now is fading even more as the war progresses. Andie values her poise above almost everything else; she sees a lot of self-worth in how well she can handle a crisis without falling to pieces and the thought of actually cracking under the pressure she feels is unbearable. Where she was once more cheerful and hopeful, she has become more fearful and pessimistic. She hides it as much as she can, and her spectacular poise means it’s hard to see past the polite expressions to the true turmoil underneath. Perhaps the hardest part is the distance she feels from Ted now; at Hogwarts, she felt like they were inseparable, that nothing could ever come between them, that she could go to him with anything and that he felt the same way. But she’s seen his struggles and though she’s waited for him to come to her, he withdraws instead. Andie has never handled rejection very well, and seeing his withdrawal only makes her withdraw as well. She wants to turn to him and be supported and offer support, but she doesn’t know anymore how to bring it up. It’s starting to wear on her, and Dora is starting to realize something is different at home. She’s empathetic but it means that she has taken a very heavy burden during the war (one of the reasons she couldn’t work at St. Mungo’s was because the weight of working with all those people would be too much for her; it’s easier to work privately, offering aid as she can to a select group of people).

Give us a headcanon for your character. Anything is acceptable. Andie is a clean freak. She has always kept her things tidy, and when she left her family and joined Ted, she learned that cleaning the Muggle way (much like cooking the Muggle way) is very rewarding. She has a strict schedule for cleaning their house (it isn’t very big, but Dora generates a lot of chaos and mess) and rarely deviates from the schedule. When she’s especially stressed, she can often be found scrubbing the baseboards or beating a rug, something that requires more exertion from her. It is not unusual these days for her to wake in the middle of the night and turn to cleaning when she can’t fall back asleep.

[talesofmetalandmagic]

For the BadThingsHappenBingo: “Forced to Kneel/Bow”, with Gwynevere, Queen of Lothric and Oceiros the Consumed King. 

Proposed by: @reaper-apologist-andromeda Set in: author’s verse. Characters: Gwynevere, Queen of Lothric, Oceiros the Consumed King, Gertrude the Heavenly Daughter. Ship: Gwyneiros TW: humiliation, body horror, blood, spit, excrements, unsettling scenario Notes: crossbreed!Oceiros

Synopsis: Gertrude and her Winged Knights have won the civil war, and this time it’s the king and queen that have to share the cage. But this is just the beginning of what the Heavenly Daughter and her army have in mind for them.

His eyes are so wide and wet, the bars of the cage seem to reflect into the blue irises. -My love?- Gwynevere tries, huddling closer into her blanket. The following silence is only broken by Oceiros’ panting and groaning. But no words. -Osi?- she tries again. His fingers grab onto the bars, shaking like reeds in the storm. Even his tail – a motionless lump of cartilage the length of his arm – is still, and the short wings he hides beneath his penal tunic are so folded they can barely stick out from under the fabric. He’s lost, as if another cage was shut around his mind, shielding away every noise and thought. His eyes are open, but they aren’t looking at anything. Not at her, not at the ceiling, not at his own shaking hands, long nails lacquered in blue – the right index is cracked, and a trail of blood runs to his elbow. He doesn’t seem to mind. Nor does he raise his gaze to the door, when a Winged Knight opens the door and raises his halberd at them. -The time has come. Do not make this more difficult for yourself.-

The white silk feels like frost on Gwynevere’s shuddering skin. The bell-shaped sleeves of her dress widen at the stroke of wind. Another Winged Knight, at least six axes dangling from his belt, wraps a belt of gold around her waist, pulling at it with arms as big as logs. Gwynevere whines in pain as the buckle is cinched. -Too tight…- she attempts, but it’s like talking to a statue. Her skin burns as if the belt was made of thorns. But even if she could speak, she remains in silence as her hair are roughly pulled back. Tears escape her eyes, but she clenches her lips just enough to keep her wail inside her throat. They wrap a chain of gold around her wrists and pull at it as if it was mere rope. She has worn that thing at the twins’ last name day, she remembers as she’s pulled upwards. Her skin tenses, erupting in goosebumps under the paper-thin silk. Her bare feet, cuffed to one another with a second necklace of hers, are even colder. And a golden collar holds onto her neck – like a hand trying to choke her – keeping her chin high enough to no longer see herself anymore. But them: they are all over the place. She conjoins her hands as if she was praying.

Every Winged Knight looks the same to her – still, she searches upon her faces as if Lothric and Lorian could be hiding in their muscular bodies. She shuts her eyes out of instinct as the tip of a halberd is pushed against her back. When she opens them again, Oceiros is by her side – and a stain of blood seeps from his side, from under his own belt, staining in purple his blue silk tunic. His hair are tied in a ponytail, so that he cannot hide the aquamarine scales that dot his face. The biggest, at the bottom of his cheekbones, are the size of his thumbnail; but most of them, from afar, could pass for common moles. Except they’re blue, and they glow like glass. His horns, as long as the blade of a Throwing Knife, look even sharper without the stray hair to hide them. -Hey.- she attempts. She almost jumps as he actually answers. -I can’t…- He sounds hushed, and this is enough to startle her yet again. It must be the too-tight belt – it must be. Oceiros doesn’t whisper. Oceiros doesn’t hide himself. He blinks frantically, avoiding her gaze. Only then does Gwynevere notice his tunic is backless, and his short and crooked wings, the color of rotten fish, are bare for the world to see. -It’s alright, my dearest. I’m here. Breathe.- -I must look down. I can’t. I can’t go there.- Gwynevere gulps, shifting to his side. -You are strong. We are strong.- -I am the king.-. The closest thing to a growl in a time that feels endless. It’s as if Oceiros is another man entirely, hiding within the trembling wreck she sees, clawing and pushing to get out. -I am the king. I can’t do this. I can’t. She’s ruining me.- -Only if you let her.- The tips of her fingers stroke the side of his. Oceiros doesn’t hold her, though. A tear runs down his cheek and shatters on his chest, next to the bloodstain. Before she can say anything, the gates are opened, and the collective screaming of the crowd reaches them like a tidal wave. And she can feel Oceiros sink.

-…corruption, deceit, and heresy.- The speaker’s voice seems to come from another plane entirely. Gwynevere keep her head high – and what else can she bloody do, with those accursed necklaces keeping their chins from lowering – and intakes the cruel words as they come, in religious silence. -Bring them out!-. A voice she doesn’t recognize, but with the wrath of an entire army of new enemies. -Push them down!-. -All hail the Divine Light!- And the light is there, the morning sun turning her gown into blinding white, and the door is opened, and she and Oceiros are walking through the courtyard towards where Gertrude is. With two waves of townsfolk screaming at them as if they were the lowest of scum. -Shame!-. A voice shrieks. -Heretics! Heathens! Sinners!- -Destroy the sinners! End them!- -May the Flame fade!- -I hope a lightning strikes you, king reptile!- -Not so great now, are you?- -All hail the king and queen!- A man in a red cape leans his face towards Oceiros and screams “hail to the king” into his ear, so loud even Gwynevere winces at the sound. Two people, their faces covered by Thrall Hoods, stomp and jump on Oceiros’ tail, and cackle as he groans and pants in pain. Another tries to grab his buttocks, but the Winged Knight spears him from one side to the other. -We mustn’t soil ourselves with sin, remember this much. These two are impure.- Soon enough, a fifth man’s hand grabs her arm, and the swift throw of an axe takes off his whole head. The blood sprays on her white dress like against the snow. And her skirt becomes as heavy as a whole set of armor – heavier and heavier for every new throw of Dung Pie, every new pull at her hair and his, and every new drop of spit that reaches her cheeks and eyes. -End them!-, they repeat. -Burn the heretics!- -Draconic scum! Freak!- -Atone to the First Sin! Shame on the Great Lord and his brethren.- If my father saw what you are doing to me, Gwynevere thinks, all of your faces would melt against the flame of his sword. Some of them bow at their passage, grinning, clapping. It feels wrong. Like a dream, from which not her nor him can wake up. Gertrude wears her hair in two ponytails, and her white eyes are cold. She can’t see, nor speak, but her face says all they need to know. -Gwynevere, spawn and follower of Lord Gwyn.- a Winged Knight at their side proclaims. Gwynevere keeps her gaze high, breathing lightly, her ears still ringing from the screams into her ear. -Supporter and preacher of the First Sin, corruptor of Their Highnesses King Lothric and Prince Lorian.- So we’re truly erased. Gwynevere can’t turn her head, but her eyes catch just enough of a glimpse of Oceiros to see that he’s one step away from fainting. If there’s some sheer willpower in her favorite, proud man, he’s using it no doubt to keep himself awake. There’ll be consequences, if he misses his atonement. His world is upside down, and not even she can lead him through. -Oceiros, heretic and heathen, faithful of the wretched Path of the Dragon. Abomination, crossbreed and blasphemer. Corruptor of Their Highnesses King Lothric and Prince Lorian.- -No, no, no, no, no…- -Quiet.- she hisses at him before any of them can. The winged girl conjoins her hand, as the Winged Knight that was speaking proceeds. -Your reign is over, and so are the sins your lies are spreading. For your opposition to the Angelic Faith, and having spread the falsehood of the Linking of Fire, you are declared guilty. The endless mercy of your sons keeps you alive, sinful woman. And you…- the Winged Knight stops, staring at Oceiros as if his scales, horns, wings and tail were also made of Dung pie. -…you… crossbreed thing. Thank the kindness and grace of the great Pontiff Sulyvahn that you’re not resting in a grave of Gold Pine Resin.- Lust can take many forms: it can even disguise itself as kindness and grace, if so it wishes for. Gwynevere’s heart pounds inside her chest. That cage is too big for two already: if she loses him as well, she will drown in it before she even knows. -Your atonement is complete. Soon enough, your sins will be mended. You will live the rest of your lives in seclusion, atoning and reflecting upon your copious mistakes.- Gwynevere licks her dry lips, her neck stinging as if jaws were clasping themselves around it. -Now the time has come to renounce your throne and declare submission to the Angelic Faith. Kneel, and this will all be over.- She’s too rigid to even open her mouth. A moment of cold silence follows the order, while she repeats it into her mouth as if it was spoken in a language different from her own and she was trying to figure out what it meant. She glimpses at Oceiros, holding one hand into another, fingers so pale it seems as if the skin is no longer, and it’s the naked bone that glistens at the blinding light. As well as the scales. -I don’t recall…- she finally chokes out. -Kneel.- the voice repeats. -Your pride is over. Faithless nobles will no longer force their desires upon the smallfolk. Refuse the light, and you won’t deserve to see above yourself ever again.- If Oceiros is still shedding tears, she can only tell from the quaking of his shoulders, for his face is so damp in spit it looks as if he had just been washing himself. -Come on.- Gwynevere says, to whom she can’t tell. Her knees push against the skirt as she falls to the ground, sniffing. Soon it will be over, she reminds herself. The cage is no pleasant bed, but it’s secluded, and quiet, and warm enough, and Oceiros is there… Oceiros. His blue hair glitter like water itself as he shakes his head. -No.- he mutters. -No. I can’t. I’m the King of Lothric. I don’t kneel to ANYONE!- Is he talking to them, or to himself? And he’s screaming: because he’s a fool, and religious people bring out his worst. Gwynevere opens her mouth to call for him, but the Winged Knight’s hand comes first. And the sound of the slap is loud enough to ring through the square. Oceiros sinks next to her, not even a scream as his long hair fall upon his face. Two hands, covered in golden gauntlets, hold him in place. But as he is now, he probably doesn’t feel them. Face buried between his bound palms, back arched and shuddering, her beloved sobs like a child, the blood from his tight belt running to the white tiles like a stream. Gertrude doesn’t seem to notice he exists anymore. And when she calls the names of Lothric and Lorian, where they are, how they are, she realizes she too, no longer, is seen.

The cage is silent, but the soft wind above the rooftop seems to sing a soothing melody to Gwynevere’s tired ears. -My love?- -It’s over. I’m done for.- Oceiros is a stain of white and blue in the furthest corner of the cage. Gwynevere breathes lightly, every new intake of air a stab wound to her already mangled side. Her palms and knees are sore against the bars underneath, and every new crawling motion seems to take an entire Age. At least the bloody belts are gone, as well as the collars. Their old penance clothes are as coarse as Lothric’s own tunic – and Gwynevere wouldn’t be surprised if they were actually made from the same material – but at least they are straightforward in their hatred for the two of them. -Oceiros.- Her words are cut short by a sudden shot of pain. -It’s alright. We’re alone. It’s over.- He’s at but an arm from her, but there’s no room for any Gwynevere in the world where he’s locked into now. -I’m here, Osi.- she tries again, but his deep voice is muttering only to himself. -The lineage is ruined. Disgraced. Humiliated. The king, having to kneel…- Gwynevere curls up by his side, wrapping her arm around his thin side. But it’s like embracing a statue, as he doesn’t even raise his gaze. Only his wings, covered by the coarse fabric, seem to recognize her, shaken by a sudden flutter like a last drawn breath. -My ancestors will be ashamed. I am ruined. The annals…- A king of Lothric is proud, and so are scholars and dragons. Oceiros is all three. And the higher one places themself, the lower they fall. And that poor thing that she’s now wrapping her arm around is sinking further and further into himself, like her old friend Artorias into the Abyss that tore him away from his beloved. The mere thought makes her feel like she’s sinking too. The night sky looms over them, like a whole new crowd with a new set of clean eyes. That glitter just as much as those of the man she loves. -You can gaze at the stars with me.- she whispers. -I believe you know the names of each one.- -I’m done for. Disgraced. The legacy is ruined.- He winces as she removes strands of blue hair, stained in so much sweat they look like strings of metal, from his pale and tense face. -Don’t.- he begs. -I’m ruined. Childless. Unworthy.- -So am I.- Her tone is firm, the closest thing to queenlike she had experienced in recent times. Oceiros’ eyes shed two more tears, and a spark of clarity seems to surface from beneath the wide pupils. -My dearest.- she says. -Don’t cry.-   She pulls him close and cradles him, his face hidden into her chest – so that for a while at least, he can forget about where, who and why he is. She falls asleep at the sound of his sobs, her hands tangled into his hair, and his tail wrapped around her legs like a second blanket.  

[princesandromeda]

So, yesterday, @andperseo pointed out something really important with the Phoenix Shun/Andromeda Ikki AU: WE’D HAVE IKKI/JUNE. So I’m going to post a few snippets for these two dorks and also more Nachi/Shun because I’m trash. (and tagging @nita-ss while I’m at it)

Arriving at Andromeda Island

Tatsumi had told him, one last thing to spite him for trying to outwit him while they had been drawing lots, that even if Ikki had gotten his way and gone to Death Queen Island, Shun would have suffered a different inferno on Andromeda Island anyways. Dead-hot temperatures during the day, below-cero degrees, frostbite-inducing temperatures during the night. The boy had a rotten luck, he had said, and yet, Ikki was gritting his teeth when the ship finally reached shore.

“Welcome to Andromeda Island,” a man with dark hair and tough features had announced to the newcomers in broken Japanese, “I’m Cepheus Daidalos, Silver Saint in charge of the apprentices in here.” He gave them all an appraising look, and with a no-nonsense kind of attitude, strenghtened his face. “We are currently in Ethiopia, and most of the people here are natives, which means you’ll need to learn Amharic and quick, because I have neither the drive nor the patiente to play translator. Am I understood?”

The kids replied with a bored “understood.”

Ikki kept his mouth shut tightly, and his muscles tensed when he saw Daidalos focus his gaze on him, considering him. He raised an eyebrow before going back to poker face. Ikki relaxed just a little.

Adapting is important

Despite having a rough idea of what the place would be like, it still wasn’t worth shit when he had sweat trailing down his face, his eyes unfocused from dehydration and his muscles burning under his training clothing.

“Ikki, dodge,” June, a fellow apprentice, remarked with a mix of worry and annoyance. Today was a day to practice defensive movements, and he even got to practice a little with chains similar to the ones Andromeda’s Cloth had. But it was too hot, and they weren’t allowed many breaks, and just... “Ikki!”

He cursed his weak, mortal body as his mind hit darkness.

June was still there when he woke up, and if his feeling wasn’t off, pressing damp cloths to his forehead. He idly realized he was shaking, and the room was too cold. Abnormally cold.

“I can’t believe you’ve been here for a total of three years and you just came down with a cold,” she said, almost frustrated as she wiped the sweat on his cheeks, “you Japanese really do have a shit immunological system, huh?”

“Not- not words for a lady...” he teased between tremors, knowing how much June hated to be reminded to ‘act like a lady’. As he expected, June scoffed, and even dared to pinch him, covalescent as he was.

“Who cares about being a lady, I earned my place here by being strong, not by being a lady,” she dipped the cloth again and wringed it, placing it again on Ikki’s forehead. “You need to overcome this if you really want to become the Andromeda Saint and meet again with your brother, if what you said about doing anything for him is true, beating a little cold in these conditions should be nothing compared to what you have already endured.

Ikki continued to tremble, not really listening to her because of his fever haze. June sighed and continued to tend to him.

For years to come, Ikki still thanked the support his only friend showed him. If it hadn’t been for her, he probably would have given up on this whole Saint bussiness a while ago.

“Rest.”

Stargazing is fun with friends

On nights when he felt specially lonely, Ikki would get out of his cabin, not minding the biting cold nor the night sounds.

“I used to sit on the roof with Shun, and show him pictures of the universe from atlas books I stole from the old man’s library,” he told June when he felt her presence, a couple of steps behind him. “He was always awed, and so very hopeful. He used to look at the Earth and say: look, from here you can’t see the boundaries between countries, I want to fight so future children don’t become orphans like us.” June sat down, and laid her hear on his shoulder, listening attentive at him pointing out constellations from both emispheres.

This nebula is actually a galaxy

June wouldn’t admit it, but the day Ikki received his cloth she was incredibly nervous. After five or so years of intense training, Ikki not only had become proficient, but also experienced. His training having been guided by Daidalos, Ikki’s fighthing style had become very no-nonsense. His main tactic was turning his opponents offensive against them, and when that failed, use attacks that weren’t too energy-consuming but effective. His fighting wasn’t what worried June.

The sacrifice trial was.

Even if she had little to no doubt that Ikki had enough of Andromeda’s self-sacrifice spirit, there was still a big chance that he would drown when the waves because too savage, or that he would be suffocated against the rocks, or that the cloth could not accept him. After all, even if the lengths he was willing to go for his brother were admirable, there was also some fighter in him, something that refused to be tamed.

So when Ikki had passed the test after a whole day and a whole night of being tied to a huge boulder, June felt light-headed with relief to see him still standing, and proud to be called a Saint.

With a spirit just as strong as his guardian galaxy.

“Excited to see your brother?” Ikki had the certainty that Shun would also get his cloth, and if Ikki had, what was to stop his brother from doing so too?

Ikki smirked, gripping his Pandora box to balance it better on his back. “More excited to show you the shrines in Tokio, don’t think I haven’t seen the pictures in your room.” June slapped him in indignation, but Ikki knew she was glad he had made it out alive, and was finally going to reunite with his brother.

Life is just a mean to a death

Shun had known cruelty since his very early, and very tender infancy. Being an orphan came with its set of harships, and add that to the fact that Ikki always seemed to on edge, it made for living on the streets, running from orphanages like the plague. Until they had been picked off the streets by some men who worked for one Mitsumasa Kido. Ikki had also tried running away, which resulted in near-deat by electrification.

And even through all of this, Shun had had hope for people. Even when he was taunted for being sensitive, even when his brother had been scolding him for not being strong enough. He could count on the fact that the children were like that because they didn’t know better, and adults were burdened with troubles that his childish mind had yet to understand.

“Niisan...”

So Shun had had hope, even on Death Queen Island. Even on that barren piece of hell in Earth.

But his hope had shattered that day, like a fragile flower being stepped on.

Esmeralda had been his best friend, the only hope that he would get out of this godforsaken place and meet his brother again, his almost-twin (not only because of their physical similarities, but because of their similar mild temper and pacifism). She was a slave. Sold by her family for three sacks of rice. And yet she was the gentlest person he could remember meeting.

And now she was gone, just like that.

Shun had known cruelty since early in his life, and just as he had learned to be kind in the face of unjustness, he learned to be angry, hateful. The world had never been kind to him, why should he? (”Do you think you could take me with you once you obtain the Cloth?”)

We’re all insignificants in the big scheme of things, a Monkey King dancing in Budha’s palm

He stared, dispassionately as Jango was lost to the nightmarish visions in his head, his mind broken.

He felt the power in his cloth bristling, along with all the things his master had said before he died.

At least fifty of us, Mitsumasa’s kids, and the bastard sent us to hell anyway...

Unfortunately the old man had died five years ago, so his only choice was to step on his legacy.

“Niisan...” You are his blood too.

“I was sent to take care of the Black Saints because they were becoming a nuisance, but I see you already did that.”

Surprise flashed through his green eyes, a small feel of dread at the thought that someone so powerful had gone completely under his radar. Then he narrowed his eyes, anger flaring out and ready to attack this pretentious man.

“And who are you? Also want to take me on? Phoenix Genma Ken!” Cold sweat dripped down his back when the stranger stopped his technique, the one he had used on some of the Black Saints and Jango, with his bare hands. And then being returned tenfold.

The man gloated, saying how him thinking he was invincible was like the Monkey King who was dancing on Budha’s palm the whole time. Then, when he was at his mercy, Shun asked, “are you going to deliver the final blow?”

If he was to die, he wanted it to be now. It would be an honorable death, defeated by a worthy opponend. A Gold Saint, he had said.

“No,” Shaka had replied. “If I had seen darkness-true darkness-within your heart, I would have no doubt killed you like I had intended the Black Saints. But underneath your hatred, unexpectedly, lays dormant a gentleness and a capacity for forgiveness I have only seen once in all my lifetime.” He seemed to consider something. “No, I won’t kill you. Instead, I’ll wipe any memories you have of me. If we meet again, you’ll remember this encounter.”

What it takes to come alive is purpose

“I want to become a doctor,” Shun said out of the blue. They were chilling in the roof of the Kido mansion, the soft spring air running through his green locks. His face was devoid of emotions, as usual, but there was a unique shining in his eyes that meant, Nachi hoped, a renewed spark of his spirit.

“Yeah?” He asked dumbly. It had been months since Shun was starting to become closer to him. A lot of walking on eggshells, and then wondering is stargazing with him like Shun had told him he used to do with his brother when they were kids was ok, and then wondering if Shun would be completely comfortable with him.

(”It’s okay, stargazing with someone reminds me of better times. Ever since June came to Japan Niisan has become virtually a no-show, so you can come.”)

“I want to help people, and even after my time on Death Queen, I still feel like violence is not the way,” Nachi doesn’t mention that it was this pureness that led him to become Hades’ chosen body, because he envies it. The power he has to forgive, even if not forget. “I also can’t do it here.”

Nachi frowns. “Why not?”

“I already told you the other day at the orphanage,” Shun answered, now facing Nachi. “I need to solve some stuff, get over past shit. Move on.” His gaze was back on the horizon, and Nachi hummed non-comitically before doing the same.

It was Shun’s voice again that broke the silence.

“Seiya told me how you felt.” Nachi’s head snapped to him.

“He-?!”

“Well, hinted it, more like.” Shun shrugged, “I- I need to figure that out, too. I have been too occupied fighting, I never gave thought to that. I haven’t given thought to that with a guy. I need to figure out what it means to me.”

Nachi hummed again, remembering his own epiphany and all the support he had gotten from his friends.

“I also don’t know if you might be my brother.”

A frown settled itself on Nachi’s face. “What? I thought Ikki was your brother...”

“As is Seiya, and Hyoga, and Shiryu... half-brothers, really. Mitsumasa had lots of them kids, and reunited them plus some random orphans to train them into becoming Saints.” “How did you-?”

“Before he died, Guilty told me. To ‘solidify my hate’ or some such thing.” Shun turned to Nachi again, an almost hopeful shine to his eyes. “Will you wait until I figure it out?”

“I- I, yeah.”

Shun smiled. “Thanks.”

They remained in silence, watching the Geminids seemingly fall from the sky.

[aceholmes]

the uncharted (11/?)

here it is on ao3!

It was hard to get access to these files, and I wasn’t allowed to release it all. I hope you’ll find Kahn’s work on artifical wormholes useful, and I’m sending you all my good wishes and support.

Until we meet again, Ezri Dax

Yar skims through the material, and nods her head. She uploads it to the ship’s database, making a mental note to tell the head of the science department to get started on the research once they have manpower to spare from the Teloi I project.

Much thanks, Ezri. Hope everything goes smoothly.

Regards, Tasha

She sends out the message before rising to get herself another coffee. She sits in silence.

“It’s too quiet,” she says out loud, basking in the silence. She shifts uncomfortably in her seat, glancing from corner to corner of her ready room. The world’s far too wide without Deanna, and far too cold.

But still, work has to be done. She turns back to the paperwork on her table, relieved for the routine it brings.

Night has fallen. Nervously, Troi glances over the console, reading the temperature and humidity outside.

“Would you think it’s possible that we could consume the water in the stream over there, Doctor?” Troi raises her concern.

Ke’lth shrugs. “With the right treatment, Commander.”

“That’s for just in case we run out of water rations before being rescued.”

“Commander, if I may speak up?”

“Yes, Doctor?” Troi asks.

“I hate to be pessimistic,” Ke’lth says, “but I think it’ll be unlikely that we’ll survive until Starfleet rescues us. After all, we’ve been stuck in this pocket of undiscovered space for weeks.”

Troi nods. “Right.” She glances at Lieutenant Swift, who is calmly sleeping on the floor of the shuttle. She looks calm enough, but the pale grey tint of her skin indicates otherwise. “How is Lieutenant Swift?”

“Thankfully, her condition doesn’t seem to be getting any worse.” Ke’lth heaves a sigh. “That doesn’t mean that she’s getting any better, however.”

“Understood.” Troi’s voice drops to a whisper.

“But there’s got to be some way to contact our crew. Wherever they might be.” Troi suggests. “I could try the telepathic link again, but my telepathic abilities are rather, limited.”

“Other methods of communication.” Ke’lth leans back in his chair, and crosses his arms in his usual manner.

“I wonder how Tasha are getting along without us.” Troi ponders. “She not only has her usual duties to go about, she’ll also be concerned in finding a solution to this problem. For us, our main duty at this instant is to continue staying alive until we manage to find a solution to this problem.”

“And the people who have stepped up to replace us.” Ke’lth points out. “Especially the new Chief of Security.”

“What about them?” Troi raises an eyebrow. “After Lieutenant Swift, the next officer in the chain of command is,” she stops to think, “Lieutenant Alan Peters, I think.”

“The ex-Borg.” Ke’lth brings up. “Commander, I didn’t mean that in-“

“He was liberated six months ago. He was in the collective for several days, a week at least.” Troi recalls.

“Exactly five days.” Ke’lth corrects her. “I handled his case myself.”

Troi suddenly sits forward in her chair. “Does Peters still have his implants in?”

“Only one of the cranial implants we couldn’t remove. It’s been deactivated, but there’s no telling if some Borg tampering might bring it back to life.” Ke’lth explains.

“If we could send a message to Lieutenant Peters through the implant, we could use him as a relay to Tasha.” Troi says, out loud.

“However,” she adds, “sending a message across two different timelines might be more challenging. What do you know about Peters’ implant?”

“I remember the frequency it receives incoming messages on.” Ke’lth recalls. “To send a message across a different timeline, I believe we’ll need to create a wormhole first. However, I do not have the necessary technical knowledge on wormholes to create one.”

“That’s a start, though.” says Troi.

“A wormhole?” Geordi exclaims, raising his eyebrows. “Wow.”

“And that’s how you react?” Tasha returns, tipping back her drink. “Just that?”

“There are a lot of possibilities.” Geordi swirls his drink around his glass. The ambient, dim light of Tasha’s quarters casts a soft glow on his amber drink. “I remember that time when Ro and I were presumed dead. Turns out it was just a phasing.”

“We haven’t tried that. Remind me to sweep the ship for traces of chronitons.” Tasha nods, but her expression turns sour quick. “But they’ve been gone for a few weeks. Without food. Without water.” Her gaze is suddenly far away. “Oh, god.” Her heart drops in her chest, and the alcohol isn’t helping. She downs the last of Lwaxana’s best Betazed ale.

“I’m sorry.” Geordi whispers, sitting opposite her. Tasha gets up from her chair, and goes to the replicator. “You’re not getting another synthehol, are you?” Geordi chides.

“Glass of water.” Tasha instructs the replicator. A glass shimmers into view. Taking the glass, she returns to the table and sits on the couch, next to Geordi. Closing her eyes, she leans into him, and doesn’t remove his arm from her shoulder when he places it around her.

“You’ve been through a lot, Tasha. You’re the bravest person I know.” Geordi assures.

Tasha laughs, tiredly, and shakes her head. “Deanna’s far braver than I am, she’s out there. I don’t even know if she has help on her side or anything.”

“Right.” Geordi says. “You and Deanna.”

“I love her, and I’m scared.” Tasha yawns.

“Everyone’s scared.” Geordi agrees. Tasha nudges him in the neck with her head, and he moves to make space for her legs, which she swings up under her. She shifts slightly, and then goes still after a short while, sound asleep.

The door opens, and Jamin enters, heading for Tasha’s study. As she passes the duo, seeing her captain passed out on Geordi’s shoulder, she can’t help but widen her eyes just a bit.

Geordi glances at the sleeping Tasha, and decides that he doesn’t dare to move her. “I think I’m staying for the night,” he says softly, and Jamin nods.

Swift’s eyes flutter open, weakly. “Deanna.” She croaks. “No, Commander.”

“Michelle.” Troi leans over her, running a hand over Swift’s forehead. “You’re conscious.”

“I feel,” Swift pauses, grimacing, “terrible.”

“It’s okay to feel terrible.” Troi assures. She clears her throat, and turns to Ke’lth. “Doctor, how is she?”

Ke’lth runs the scanner over Swift’s torso. “The fever hasn’t gone down, but there’s been a change in her bodily systems.”

“Excuse me?” Swift spits out. “Sorry, I think I was out of line-“

“No,” Ke’lth shakes his head. “You do have the right to know what is going on. The nanoprobes have seemed to latch onto your blood cells. There is evidence that increased artificial activity has started to take place in your brain, which suggests that new implants are being synthesised to help with higher brain functions.”

“I’m not going to turn into a Borg, am I?” Swift says, her voice slightly quivering.

“They’re not exactly Borg nanoprobes, but a similar evolved form.” Ke’lth offers. “The nanoprobes may not even be harmful to your system.”

Swift takes a deep breath, and then shuts her eyes tight. “Woah. Are the stars always so beautiful out there?”

“Michelle?” Troi puts a hand on Swift’s shoulder.

“Moving forward.” Swift gives a breathy whisper. “Satellite 89270.”

“Doctor?” Troi asks, raising her eyebrows.

“There’s been increased telepathic activity.” Ke’lth explains. “I don’t think there’s much we can do to stop it.”

The console gives a loud beep, rudely interrupting their conversation.

Satellite 89270 Drone Andromeda activated

“Drone Andromeda?” Ke’lth says out loud.

Swift’s eyes open, and she blinks once before speaking. “I’m still your Michelle, with a few new features.”

[lovehaswonangelnumbers]

Full Moon 24 October 2018 – Unexpected Love

Full Moon 24 October 2018 – Unexpected Love,

                Full Moon 24 October 2018 – Unexpected Love

By Astrology King 

The full moon on Wednesday October 24, 2018 at 1° Taurus joins the planet Uranus. Therefore the Full Moon October 2018 astrology is about change, excitement and uncertainty, especially in relationships. Venus opposite Uranus focuses the change and uncertainty on love relationships but also your finances.

The October 2018 full moon makes a more helpful aspect to Saturn which moderates the erratic and impulsive nature of Uranus. It turns unexpected changes into opportunities and relationship uncertainty into reassurance and commitment.

The fixed stars joining the October 24 full moon also bring a mix of problems and solutions. So Uranus with full moon October 2018 may bring unexpected love but will also show the vulnerabilities in your love life and finances. Saturn brings practical solutions that lead to greater security and stability.

Full Moon Meaning

A full moon occurs when the Sun is opposite the Moon. This highlights opposing forces or polarities in your life such as your work versus home, or what you need versus what you want. Inner tension and external pressures can lead to personal conflict and crises that drain your energy. Your home, family and intimate relationships comes into sharper focus following a full moon.

The lunar qualities of emotions and instincts reach their peak at a full moon. Use you increased emotional strength and intuition to overcome any relationship challenges. Subconscious awareness allows for an impartial and balanced look at your personal relationships. You will clearly see any relationship dynamics or negative feelings causing disharmony.`

A full moon has a relationship to the previous new moon. Your October 8 new moon goals can now be fine-tuned or completed, it is harvest time. You can make emotional adjustments in response to those new goals. Full moon October 2018 lasts for two weeks up to the November 7 new moon.

Full Moon October 2018 Astrology

The October 24 full moon at 01°13′ Taurus is conjunct Uranus. At less than one degree orb, this conjunction is the main astrological influence on the full moon. This means an uneasy mix of change, excitement and uncertainty for the two weeks of this moon phase. The full moon aspect of Sun opposite Moon means the change and uncertainty applies to you relationships. While Venus opposite Uranus focuses the change and uncertainty on love relationships but also your finances.

The full moon October 2018 astrology chart below shows Saturn connected to the full moon axis by harmonious blue aspect lines. Saturn bridges the polarizing oppositions to bring more stability and makes the changes less disruptive. It means the unexpected events associated with love and money can be turned to into opportunities with practical, enduring results.

The fixed stars next to the October 2018 full moon mirror the dichotomy of the positive and challenging planetary aspects. These stars pose problems for relationships but also offer solutions through patience, love and forgiveness.

Challenging Aspects

Venus opposite Uranus signals change or tension in your love life. If single, a new romance would be exciting, surprising, unusual or kinky. But it could also be risky, unstable and brief. Internet dating suits this aspect and you could find someone from a very different background or culture than your own. If you have a partner, an unexpected event, flirting, an affair or sexual experimentation may lead to drama or separation.

Whatever your situation, if love is not an option then change and excitement can manifest in another area of life. Financial windfalls are possible but you should be extra careful with money. Avoid a tendency to gamble or invest in get rich quick schemes. Find stimulation some other way through entertainment, especially on the internet.

Moon conjunct Uranus brings impulsive reactions. Sudden events may result in relationship upsets, family disputes, or a major change in an intimate relationship. Some eccentric or weird actions may not turn out so well, but one or two may prove extremely valuable. At times you may feel isolated or detached from your loved ones.

Moon opposite Venus increases your need for love and affection regardless of the consequences. If single, loneliness could cause you to lower your standards just to be with someone. If you have a partner, different moods or needs may expose simmering tensions. Whatever your relationship status, if your emotional needs are not fulfilled through human contact, you may be tempted to substitute with sugar, drugs, alcohol or shopping.

Helpful Aspects

Venus sextile Saturn increases your need for companionship. If single, it increases the likelihood of finding true love with someone who is also interested in long-term commitment. A teacher-student type relationship is possible, or there may be a marked age difference. If you have a partner, any unexpected change or kinkiness in the bedroom is now less likely to cause tension or separation.

Being dutiful about making your lover happy and content will bring reassurance and commitment. A practical and common sense approach will help fix any recent difficulties. There should be a mutual understanding and acknowledgement if a relationship has run its course. This aspect helps you save money and be more conservative with investments. It favors long-term investments in blue chip stocks, real estate or works of art.

Moon trine Saturn gives the patience and emotional strength to handle sensitive or difficult relationship issues. Others may come to you for advice on a personal issue or just for a shoulder to cry on. Traditional values and old habits can bring solutions to new problems. You can rely on strong instincts and common sense to make important decisions about your home, family and relationships.

Full Moon October 2018 Fixed Stars

00  31 – Uranus

00  40 – Mirach

01  13 – Full Moon

01  47 – Mira

Fixed Star Mirach is on the side of the Chained Woman, Andromeda Constellation. Robson said it gives love, beauty, brilliance, devotion, forgiveness, kindness, renown, love of home and good fortune in marriage. [1]Ebertin adds cheerfulness, happiness, love of company, many interests, altruism, and a tendency to inspiration and medium-ship as a base for artistic creation. [2] But according to Robson, the Moon and Uranus do not go so well with this star:

Moon conjunct Mirach: Trouble with opposite sex owing to indiscretions, bad for domestic affairs, honor through martial matters.

Uranus conjunct Mirach: Unbalanced mind, may commit crime in insanity, occult interests, continual disappointments, bad for domestic affairs, peculiar or violent death. (Charles Manson 0°51′)

Fixed Star Mira is in the Tail of the Whale, Cetus Constellation. Ebertin said that if connected well and with a well-placed Saturn, and otherwise well aligned, it means prudence, perseverance, versatility, progressive spirit and endurance in solving difficult problems. But with unhelpful connections will bring as results failures, fiascos and enmity. When linked with the Moon, melancholy will then appear. [2]

If the Full Moon October 2018 astrology chart directly impacts your horoscope decan you can read about it in your monthly horoscope. For more detail about how it affects your natal chart see full moon transits.

Previous Moon Phase: New Moon 8 October 2018 Next Moon Phase: New Moon 7 November 2018

Full Moon October 2018 Times and Dates

Los Angeles – 24 October, 9:45 am

New York – 24 October, 12:45 pm

London – 24 October, 5:45 pm

Delhi – 24 October, 10:15 pm

Sydney – 24 October, 3:45 am

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