#Callisto Chambers

[callistochambers]

"Oh greetings! I wasn't expecting a visitor. My name is Callisto Chambers, your welcome here don't worry."

A young scientist that lives somewhere around in Gier who wishes to make a robot one day.

She doesn't go outside as musch because she is afraid that someone might break in.

She is waiting for her parents to come back for years now that's why she wanted a robot for assistance to take care of her home, when she is outside searching.

"Oh my age? Well im about to turn 17 for the next 2 months, so im still 16."

"Based on what i like? Well i'd say finding rare crystals perhaps and something cozy."

"And what i dislike is food that tastes bitter it just tastes weird and i don't know how to describe it much."

Can you tell me more about yourself?

"When i was 14 people say i was emotional and moody."

"I don't know if i still am this day."

Main acc: @kasperplaneteclipse

[tournament-of-x]

The Tournament of X

Contestants Index: C

Cable

Caliban

Callisto

Calvin Rankin

Cam Long

Candra

Cannonball

Captain Britain (Betsy Braddock)

Carl Aalston

Carl Valentino

Cassandra Nova

Catseye

Cerebella

Cerebra

Cessily Kincaid

Chamber

Charles Xavier

Charlie Cluster-7

Christian Frost

Christoph Nord

Christopher Colchiss

Cipher

Clarice Ferguson

Cleopatra Nefertiti

Colossus

Corey Flynn

Cosmar

Crule

Cyclops

Cypher

[pdalicedraws]

I don’t actually expect Callisto to show up in Hades II, but I have all these ideas about if she did.

She’s a friendly NPC like Pat/Eurydice/Sisyphus, giving you friendly advice and a choice of items. She appears in an early forest area as Melinoë makes her way towards the underworld.

She’s a little withdrawn at first, but as you get to know her better she opens up a bit and will start to make offhand cryptic remarks about having been a bear, about the capriciousness of the gods, about her far-away son, and about forgiveness.

Having been the target of cruel retribution she didn’t deserve, she’s very skeptical of Melinoë’s developing relationship with Nemesis, but she’s not going to get involved.

(She loves and trusts someone who was incredibly cruel to her, after all. She can’t judge. Everything gets a little complicated when it comes to the gods. And if she’s seen Lady Artemis weep in regret, no one will ever know.)

If you have any Zeus boons, her chamber will not appear at all.

[kuroneko1815]

Monsters and Treasures in Dungeons Deep

This came from my short walk to the bus stop and written while on the bus. Huzzah to the almighty commute boredom.

Deep in a dark, dusty, and damp dungeon was a monster’s nest. Riddled with the bones of treasure seekers and hapless adventurers who thought to try their luck to find the legendary treasure within the very heart of the dungeon.

On most days, the only sounds that could be heard were the growls and grunts of the monsters, but not today. At this very moment a warrior fought off the monsters, panting through the effort.

“This treasure better be worth it.” The warrior muttered angrily. Robes dirty from the near constant fighting.

Finally the warrior made it to the dragon’s chambers and took a moment to prepare. The dragon was said to be fierce and tyrannical. When the warrior entered the chambers, instead of a treasure guarded by a dragon, there was a man.

She approached the sleeping man. And looked around as though she’d missed the treasure. But there was nothing there.

“What the? I fought through six levels of hell in a dungeon to face a dragon and to earn the most magnificent treasure in the world so where is it?!?” She yelled out loud, turquoise eyes blazing with the promise of death. “Where’s the dragon? Where’s the gold and rubies I was promised?!? Damn you Secretary Porter!!!”

And then she brought herself close to the man, too angry to care about his handsome face or his golden hair and bunched up his shirt as she pulled him up, ready to question him. She raised her other hand and slapped him hard, repeatedly, until he stirred.

“What? Who dares slap me?” The man grumbled as he opened his eyes revealing ruby coloured eyes. “Do you know who I am? I am the dragon prince, Callisto Regulus, crown prince of the Empire.” He said grumpily. “Though I must thank you for waking me up from that terrible sleeping curse my step mother put on me. It was supposed to be broken with true love’s kiss.”

“True love’s kiss who? I slapped the ever living fuck out of you. I guess a slap works just as well.” She said bitterly. “I demand a reward of gold and rubies.”

“How about an entire empire as my empress?” He offered.

“Does that come with a lot of money and fine food?” She asked.

“Yes.”

She didn’t even have to consider it. “Then let’s get married today. I’m Penelope by the way. You may as well know the name of the woman you’ll be trapped with for all eternity.”

“All eternity is it?” He asked with an elegant brow as he reached for the sword at his side and hopped off the gilded altar made into a luxurious bed. He looked at it in disgust.

“I went through all this trouble to get here on the promise of treasure. If you’re going to make me the empress and give me the entirety of the imperial treasures, that’s great. But I also intend to make sure that you don’t replace me with another and make me lose the treasure.”

He snorted as the two fought their way back up the six levels. “I think you and I will get along great. Though if you do take a lover, I’ll end him viciously in front of you.”

“Any concubines you have won’t make it past a fortnight, nor would they ever give you any children.” She vowed, magic setting the monsters in front of her ablaze.

They continued to talk to one another as they went through each level at which point she revealed herself to be the youngest child of the Duke of Eckhart, adopted of course. She made sure to specify that part.

“I need at least one child from you.” He told her absently as he pulled her away from the path of the arrows.

“We need to show the picture of marital bliss. No less than three nights in my room, even if we don’t do anything. I won’t have anyone talk that I’ve fallen out of favour with my husband.” She demanded.

“Right to refuse intimacy.” They both said at the same time.

And then they spoke of the wedding. “Three weeks from today. That should give me enough time to deal with my step mother and half brother, his faction, my father, and plan a wedding.”

“Talk to my father as well.”

“Any thoughts on flowers?”

“Something red, no roses though, or at most, just three or four roses in my bouquet but the rest should be some other flowers.”

“Will you have trouble procuring a dress?”

She looked at him with a wry smile. “I’m an Eckhart. Leave the dress to me.”

By the time they had left the dungeon to where Secretary Porter was waiting eagerly to see his liege, they had ironed out everything from the marriage agreement to the wedding, even to the policies they wished to implement within their first five years.

-

-

In the wake of the Imperial Wedding, Captain Leon Markham would lean in close to his friend, Sir Cedric Porter as he watched the newly risen Emperor wed his Empress and get crowned together. The Emperor’s half brother was put on house arrest after being found to be too dishonourable, his mother imprisoned, and his entire faction dissolved. The former Emperor was glad to be rid of both crown and wife and went merrily on his way to retirement.

“Did you really have to choose her?” The Captain asked incredulous. The new Empress’ reputation as an Iron Lady was well known, he worried that the Emperor might not survive the bedding if he did anything wrong.

“I had no choice.” The Emperor’s aide said, as he defended himself, silently lamenting his liege’s new wife who still held a grudge. “Every other woman that would’ve wanted to rescue him and become his wife and empress had died in the dungeons, and the rest were either afraid of him, or afraid of the dungeons itself.”

“I had to trick her into believing there was a magnificent treasure there.” He still flinched at the thought of the woman’s words.

“The Emperor is no treasure, unless you count his looks and title, but his personality leaves much to be desired.” Captain Markham noted. “In that they’re the same. But that being said, will the Emperor be alright with her?”

“He’ll survive.” The Captain said resolutely stubborn in his faith that his liege could survive anything.

True enough, he survived. In fact, he was never in danger from her. He never spent a day away from his wife’s bed and they went on to have no less than seven children. The Duke and the Empress’ brothers never quite got around to liking the Emperor though they doted on their nieces and nephew, her sister however, was their biggest supporter.

The adventurer/sleeping beauty curse in reverse. With Penelope as the money hungry saviour and Callisto as the damsel in distress/princess in need of saving, the treasure, and the dragon itself. Penelope isn’t pleased she’s been conned. But they still got their happily ever after.

[saneijeijei]

[Marriage of convenience​]

[This is a fanfiction collaboration with @ship-ovnik​]

[ 1 / 2 ]

Penelope did not see the Crown Prince until after the wedding ceremony. All discussions about the secret agreement between the head of Eckart and the Crown Prince were conducted by without her. The Duke claimed that she didn't need to watch Marquis Ellen throw tantrums and try to out-argue everyone in the office, she would be the first victim of his anger.

Their first meeting took place at the altar. When Penelope saw him, she was thrilled by his beauty. He was handsome truly a real crown prince and descendant of the golden dragon, but soon, her delight subsided, remembering all the rumors and comments of her father, about the violent temper of a man. She hardly listened to the monotonous speeches of the aristocrats, who came up every now and then to congratulate the newlyweds. In fact, she expected the whole event to be like a day of humiliation for her as a member of the Eckart family with no noble blood. She thought that the Crown Prince would be angry and constantly talk about it, but sitting at the festive table next to him, she did not hear a single evil word in her direction. He was more interested in communicating with members of his faction and guests than constantly saying nasty things to her.

But the sooner the night came, the more nervous Penelope became. No matter how fictitious this marriage was, the Crown Prince had the right to demand to fulfill his marital duty, which she was afraid of, after everything she heard from Eckart's maids. The palace maids, dressing her, were noticeably nervous and whispered among themselves, but they did not talk to her.

The prince did not come to her chambers that night. As in the next one and through it. After the end of the marriage ceremony, the Crown Prince no longer visited her in the palace.

For the first time in a long time, she felt like this peace? None of the servants offended her or tried to annoy her. All the food was delicious and no one tried to feed her rot. On the contrary, everyone tried to please her (although I wouldn't say that, everyone just behaved like servants, and she attached too much importance to this, so the servants began to try even more to please her) and sometimes helped to brighten up the evening with socializing or stories about life in the palace. When she found out about the imperial library, Penelope began to disappear there for days, reading book after book from history to novels. One day, without noticing a stranger in the library, Penelope met her husband.

Would not say that they had a good relationship – they did not exist at all. They hardly knew each other, except that they had heard about each other from rumors. Therefore, they tried to keep distance from each other. But when Callisto returned back to the palace, he was forced to follow the rules so as not to create even more problems and rumors for his already tired head.

It all started with shared lunches and dinners, Penelope could never get up for breakfast on time, because, due to constant training, Callisto got up at dawn. Therefore, they agreed that they would have dinner and lunch together. Gradually, they began to have conversations. They avoided topics about their families and relatives, but they constantly joked about what the aristocrats were constantly gossiping about. Over time, their communication will begin turning into a more informal form when they could make fun of each other.

"There is a ball very soon and we will need to be there as members of the imperial family." "Yes, it sounds great… but.. I'm not a very good dancer, so please don't ask me to dance. "Wait, you don't know how to dance?"

Penelope lowered her gaze in embarrassment.

"I-I didn't say that I can't, I said that I don't dance well,"

Callisto grinned.

"Then maybe my wife will let me give her some dance lessons?"

If you want, I can write the third part ∠( ᐛ 」∠)＿

[afaimscorner]

Liste der 97 besten X-Comics-Charaktere

Rogue (Anna Marie LeBeau) (1981)

Kitty Pryde (Shadowkat) (1980)

Gambit (Remy LeBeau) (1990)

Laura Kinney (Wolverine) (2004)

Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) (1967)

Dani Moonstar (Mirage) (1982)

Illyana Rasputin (Magik) (1975)

Magneto (Max Eisenhart) (1963)

Alex Summers (Havok) (1969)

Jean Grey (Phoenix) (1963)

Scott Summers (Cylops) (1963)

Rahne Sinclair (Wolfsbane) (1982)

Lorna Dane (Polaris) (1968)

Doug Ramsey (Cypher) (1984)

Storm (Ororo Munroe) (1975)

Nightcrawler (Kurt Wagner) (1975)

Banshee (Sean Cassidy) (1967)

 Siryn (Theresa Rourke) (1981)

Cannonball (Sam Guthrie) (1982)

Sunspot (Roberto DaCosta) (1982)

Rictor (Julio Esteban Richter) (1987)

Northstar (Jean Paul Beaubier) (1979)

Husk (Paige Guthrie) (1986)

Blink (Exiles) (Clarice Ferguson) (1994)

Multiple Man (Jamie Madrox) (1974)

Quicksilver (Pietro Maximoff) (1964)

Rachel Summers (Askani) (1981)

Mimic (Exiles) (Calvin Rankin) (2001)

Hellion (Julian Keller) (2003)

Elixir (Josh Foley) (2003)

Mercury (Cessily Kincaid) (2003)

Warren Worthington III (Archangel) (1963)

Iceman (Bobby Drake) (1963)

Logan (Wolverine, James Howlett) (1974)

Tabby (Tabitha Smith, Boom Boom) (1985)

Karma (Shi’an McCoy) (1980)

M (Monet St. Croix) (1994)

Alison Blair (Dazzler) (1980)

Strong Guy (Guido Carosella) (1985)

Juggernaut (Cain Marko) (1965)

Nocturne (T. J. Wagner) (2001)

Betsy Braddock (Captain Britain) (1976)

Brian Braddock (Captain Avalon) (1976)

Mystique (Raven Darkholm) (1978)

Maddie Pryor (Goblin Queen) (1983)

Madison Jeffries (1983)

Jay Guthrie (Icarus) (1984)

Lila Cheney (1984)

Rusty Collins (1986)

Skids (Sally Belvins) (1986)

Domino (Neena Thurman) (1992)

Nate Grey (X-Man) (1995)

Pete Wisdom (1995)

Dust (Sooraya Qadir)(2002)

Noriko Ashida (Surge) (2004)

Heather Mac Daniel Hudson (Sasquatch) (Exiles) (2002)

Quentin Quire (Kid Omega) (2003)

Laurie Collins (Wallflower) (2003)

Santo Vaccarro (Rockslide) (2003)

Pixie (Meggan Gwyn) (2004)

Amor (Hisako Ichiki) (2004)

Layla Miller (2006)

Gabby Kinney (Scout) ((2015)

Hope Summers (2007)

Magma (Amara Aquilla) (1983)

Warlock (1984)

Mindee Cuckoo (2001)

Longshot (1985)

Chamber (Jonathan Starsmore) (1994)

Destiny (Irene Adler) (1981)

Empath (Manuel Alfonzo Rodrigo de la Rocha)(1984)

Emma Frost (White Queen) (1980)

Cecilia Reyes (1997)

Callisto (1983)

Caliban (1981)

Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff) (1964)

Snowbird (Naya Eason) (1979)

Oya (Idie Okonkwo) 2010)

Vulcan (Gabriel Summer) (2006)

Eva Bell (2012)

Goldballs (Fabio Medina, Egg) (2013)

Christopher Summers (Corsair) (1977)

Hepzibah (1977)

Moira MacTaggert (1975)

Mac (James Hudson, Guardian) (1978)

Heather McDonalds (Nemesis) (1980)

Aurora (Jeanne Marie Beaubier) (1979)

Daken (Akihiro, Fang) (2006)

Eyeboy (Trevor Hawkins) (2012)

Phoebe Cuckoo (2001)

Celeste Cuckoo (2001)

Trance (Hope Abbot) (2005)

Deadpool (Wade Wilson) (1991)

Gabriel Cohuelo (Velocidad) (2010)

Blindfold (Ruth Aldine) (2005)

Sabretooth (AoA) (Viktor Creed) (1994)

Jubilee (Jubilation Lee) (1989)

[madworldmarvel]

TAKE FLIGHT!

MARVELOUS MAD WORLD, an inclusive Marvel Discord Roleplay, is currently seeking the following characters [ & more - don't be afraid to ask us anything!]

A-Wild

Brawn/Totally Awesome Hulk

Miss America

Caliban

Callisto

Stature

Professor X

Talkback/Chasehawk

Prodigy

The Destroyer

The Patriot

Negasonic Warhead

Synch

Blob

Arsenic

Groot

Strong Guy

Iron Patriot

Sam Wilson

Spider-Man

Chamber

Jubilee

Rictor

Ms. Marvel

Lucy in the Sky

Hawkeye

M'Baku

Mantis

Ultimate Spider-Man

Princess Powerful

Cable

The Gloom/Sister Grimm

Rescue

Quicksilver

AND ANYONE ELSE that speaks to your heart or is a character you'd love to highlight -

We encourage you to bring us who YOU'RE passionate about!

A bit about us: Marvelous Mad World is a 21+, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent-friendly server. Opportunity awaits you around every corner in this world that is ours to mold however our imaginations desire. The plot? That's all up to you! (Well, us. Us Modmins want to write too!). Mad World is a bastion of what ifs and why the hell nots. Pull up a chair and join us for one helluva good time. We'll leave the light on for you.

Canon character exclusive

Flexible staff

Friendly writers

A collaborative effort between staff and writers for plots/events

Character/writer driven

Niche/obscure characters welcome

Tupper is life

7 character max

CHARACTER MASTERLIST

TIMELINE

[doodle17]

Ooo, I really adorable your Callisto design! It so creative and fits your style greatly

Also, have you been thinking about your family AU? Any new lore drops?

Aaaaah thank you anon!! He was sooo hard to figure out how to draw, I'm glad the end results were good!

Anyways, OH MY GOD FINALLY IM SO GLAD SOMEBODY ASKED ABOUT THIS AU YES!

*ahem ahem* uh yeah! I've been thinking about it for a while, actually! It's one of my favorite aus hehehehe as for lore drops, might as well drop a HUGE story thing after not talking about this au for a while because I'm silly like that

Anyways, Aquatos are all alive actually haha

I've already talked about this a while ago, but as a recap: I've figured out the plot for act 2 (which is just the au rewrite for pn2) which is basically, Cal is put in the Psycho-isolation chamber so the Psychonauts can keep a close eye on him because he's been accused of stealing Truman's Brain. Raz is absolutely pissed about this, and now the agency he used to admire is one he's starting to resent, because no one believes him when he says his dad is innocent, not even his own friends!

Anyways, he meets Frazie! She ran away from home to find Nona after she went missing. While Raz is looking for something to prove his dad innocent, he finds Frazie's bag/Backpack and starts rummaging through it (he grew up rummaging through things to look for treasures OKAY), thinking its abandoned. It's not. She confronts him by... wacking him multiple times with a rolled up newspaper. After their little fight, they end up becoming unlikely partners!

There's a ton of other stuff ima post about later >:) I'm sooooo glad to be talking about this au again

[edgymuses]

META POST MUSE LIST

here is a list of muses on this page, this list maybe subject to change due to various reasons. lost of interest or simply cleaning out the list. Some muse may have hiatus because I might not have consumed newer media my muse in, but one I will remove it from their name once i do so.

some muses maybe listed as primary, secondary, and request only. keep in mind that I may change muses activity depending on how much muse I have for them or if I feel like they either have more traction or less (ex: how much people request them in either asks or threads + how much I push said muse). primary muses are the ones I’ll use the most in sending memes, use in threads, making meta post about, detailed headcanons, and edits. secondary muses will be used in some threads, some meme post, headcanon will be posted at times, may make meta post, and I may make edits for them. request only muses are only used if the user wants to do threads with them or send ask memes for them to my ask box, I’ll occasionally develop them via meta post or headcanon, if I feel like it I will send memes to them, I’ll rarely make edits for them.

another point to note is if my muses’ bios or verse are not up please feel free to message me if you have any questions or concerns if I do write their bios and verse. I’ll be linking their bios and verse page as well. it’ll be next to their active status.

down below is my muse list, I’ll keep it under read more to avoid long post. enjoy your time here and I can’t wait to start threads and friendship with you! thank you so much! 💜

COMICS (with hints of other medias sprinkled in)

MARVEL

rachel grey-summers (prestige) secondary / bio & verse page

talia wagner (nocturne) primary / bio & verse page

callisto primary / bio & verse page

illyana rasputin primary / bio & verse page

danielle moonstar (mirage) secondary / bio & verse page

luna maximoff request only / bio & verse page

jimmy hudson (wolverine) secondary / bio & verse page

anya corazon (arana + spider-girl) primary / bio & verse page

lorna dane (polaris) primary / bio & verse page

frances barrison (shriek) request only / bio & verse page

crystalia amaquelin secondary / bio & verse page

DETECTIVE COMICS (DC)

grace choi secondary / bio & verse page

manchester black secondary / bio & verse page

scandal savage request only / bio & verse page

louise lincoln (killer frost ii) primary / bio & verse page

june moone (enchantress) secondary / bio & verse page

harper row (bluebird) primary / bio & verse page

leslie willis (livewire) primary / bio & verse page

artemis of bana-mighdall (artemis) secondary / bio & verse page

siobhan smythe (silver banshee) secondary / bio & verse page

cassandra cain (batgirl/black bat) primary / bio & verse page

barbara minerva (cheetah) request only / bio & verse page

lian harper request only / bio & verse page

renee montoya (the question) secondary / bio & verse page

IDW COMICS

oroku karai (karai) secondary / bio & verse page

IMAGE COMICS

cassie hack primary / bio & verse page

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

red sonja primary / bio & verse page

vampirella primary / bio & verse page

VIDEO GAMES

METAL GEAR SOLID (MGS)

eli (liquid snake) primary / bio & verse page

emma emmerich (ee) secondary / bio & verse page

MORTAL KOMBAT

sareena request only / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

jade secondary / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

sindel primary / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

RESIDENT EVIL

rebecca chambers primary / bio & verse page

SILENT HILL (SH)

heather mason secondary / bio & verse page

PERSONA

eikichi mishina secondary / bio & verse page

STREET FIGHTER

vega primary / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

poison primary / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

cammy white request only / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

ken masters secondary / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

TEKKEN

lei wulong (super cop) primary / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

julia chang primary / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

jun kazama secondary / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

eliza request only / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

kazumi mishima request only / bio & verse page (on hiatus)

POKEMON

guzma primary / bio & verse page

FILM

LABYRINTH

jareth the goblin king primary / bio & verse page

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

nancy thompson secondary / bio & verse page

TV SHOWS

EXTREME GHOSTBUSTERS

kylie griffin secondary / bio & verse page

MONSTER HIGH

frankie stein secondary / bio & verse page

toralei stripe secondary / bio & verse page

twyla boogeyman secondary / bio & verse page

[chim-aera]

divine rage

gods, it's always the gods, them and their shining helms of sunlight and symphonies, all their glory, all their splendor.

but it's bloody, all of it, marred by echoed screams, by silent pleas for mercy. nails raking down flesh, jaws agape crying torment to the heavens.

why did we ever choose to worship them?

blasphemy? oh I'm good at that.

sometimes I like to pretend my very existence is blasphemous. all gunsmoke mixed with gardenias. something saccharine yet sickening.

but the gods, what am I to even say about it? there's a rot, for someone everlasting, the undying ones have a festering madness.

call me Arachne, let me scream my truth as they drag me under, thrashing and clawing I will tip back my head and laugh like a Fury herself all marred maws and ink stained talons.

there is so much injustice, truly. I could name some.

Daphne, ran on fleet footed legs, swift, and seeking, no, no, no. she fled, past trees, past orchards.

Mother saved her, but was that fate, to eternally be held without movement, bark and branches instead of flesh and bone, is that truly a fate one wishes for?

it's a mercy though, yes. it was kinder then the fate she'd have met at the greedy hands of that glorious, grinning god. but still, why couldn't she have just been free?

Callisto, Io, Ganymede, Europa, Persephone, Leda, Creusa, Danaë. and many, many more. victims. all of them.

I cannot tell their stories, I cannot hear their truths from their very own lips but I can fasten my own from thread and threats, and my own bitter vengeful verbosity.

divine?

what's divine about it?

I feel so much, I am used to nothing, nothing at all.

why am I weeping for beings who may have never existed?

but the gods. oh, the gods, lately I have found far less comfort in them.

It is harder to offer prayer and penance when every story and myth is riddled with grasping, groping hands, and lecherous lustful violence.

what if were to rescind my worships?

would you strike me down where I stand?

I'm so tired but I have this fury, like a mouth full of blood stained bile, I want to bite I want to claw I want to flee.

I want to protect.

I have never been good at self preservation, but I hold empathy in my hand like a wounded, bloody dove, feathers ripped and withered, but still there.

ever persisting.

the humans looked to the heavens in hopes for guidance, for solace, we named the stars and saw patterns within them so we felt less alone. we are lonely, we are searching.

why are we here?

Is it some divine joke?

I fall from the hands of some sick bastard of a god but are my gods any better?

I feel like I'm falling, but not like Icarus, there is no sunlight, no warmth, no golden ichor staining my feathers, the wax burns and I choke on it, I choke on my screams, I choke on my savagery and my pain, and it kills me over and over and over.

oh Echidna, what fate awaits monsters like me?

but then again are we really the monsters when beasts hold thrones and shining goblets.

mortals. that's what we are.

it's cruel, irony really, generally translating to ones who die.

how fitting!

how lovely, how quaint.

oh I believe I must sound so bitter but trust me dear I am.

I am.

even Asceplius son of the golden god, his fate was brutal, met with a swift death for interrupting the order of the ichor-veined ones.

for bringing shades back to life, for saving others.

how horrible a crime.

of course he is fit to die!

humans have no place among your golden chambers!

Elysium is also a lie if it is but a forgotten fate of meandering in meadows with no recollection of who you once were, no love, no memories.

I will shun your asphodel, pitch the blossoms at Charon's feet, I will flee from those meadows you cannot take me.

you cannot touch me.

I will wither and shrink and fold into myself until I have become immortal in my own suffering my madness with make me mythical

no.

I am rambling but I could not care less.

for something that is a god, you can change fate, you can bend rules.

you are immortal, if you have so much power what are you fucking doing with it?

oh I am so, so angry.

for all of them, let me be their rage, their fury

in temples. in fields. in cages. swans with beaks like blades digging into flesh.

a bull's hoof clamped against your chest bruising your ribcage, holding you down.

a lyre and a bow and a god who never tires racing behind you like a hound on the hunt.

gods. kings. men.

It is all the same, the same fucking story, over and over.

a cruel conundrum, an pattern of suffering and greed.

I'm so sick of it!

is there no safety in the ones who are meant to keep us safe?

are there no sanctums, no heroes, no deities, that protect us anymore, did they even ever?

why must I worship, why must I watch my tongue, why must I give respect to beings I cannot even see?

I am here, and breathing, I have lived through every twist and turn, every wound, every arrow life has shot at me!

where is my divinity? where is my justice? Themis, where is my reward? or my judgment?

but call me Atalanta because I will throw back my head as my hands shift to paws, as tawny fur sets in across my pallid skin, I will throw open my jaws, gleaming and sharp toothed and I will bark out a laugh to the heavens.

you cannot judge me.

I judged myself, and at the end of things, I did it well.

but gods.

perhaps I will even cease from saying it.

the word holy sits in my mouth like rancid rot, I am no Demeter, but I will spit it out to the earth, and chase my own silvery sunset.

away.

away from hands that grasp, from arrows, and storms, and crashing tides.

I find no glory in gods.

perhaps I am just getting older, jaded, harsh.

but for once, I see understanding in the mortals, the nymphs, the naiads.

I find a strange sympathy.

I understand. but for now, I'll sit here, seething, simmering in my own fury.

perhaps that makes me a heretic, but something about this feels righteous, perhaps one day, my damnation will be my own divinity. but now, I will hold this divine rage in my palms, and I will protect, I will persist.

I am.

[helios-serpentine]

hoist the colours. / the launch, bloodbath, and a scheme discovered

The sun was just rising behind sleek rooftops, the air warming in a gentle swell on the rooftop. Light wandering, claiming one patch of green after the other. 

In the middle of it all, Helios - barefoot in a patch of grass on the rooftop with his head tilted back. The morning air was still crisp and fresh, the slight breeze soothing over his skin. Quiet reigned during those precious few moments before the city woke up, and from all the way up here, even those sounds already present were nothing but a mere, faint whisper. 

Helios flexed his fingers, stretched his arms to the side and felt the pull on his muscles. Deltoid, pectoralis major, extensor digitorum, sartorius. As the warmth crawled all the way up to his toes, he moved with his eyes closed. Perfectly in sync with all those other mornings he’d woken up before sunrise to make use of the quiet, the serenity of being alone with one’s own body. Joints cracked as he twisted to the side, freeing up tension that sat deeply in his bones. 

He ought to have been frightened, and yet a blanket of calmness lingered over everything. No way to go back now, to change the past or present. Amends made with his own conscience just like the champagne had been shared with Callisto. 

Whether he lived or died - this morning was the beginning of the end. 

–

A low thrum lingered amongst the Tower occupants, the steady buzzing of a beehive starting their day. Stretching had been something akin to a meditation up on that rooftop, but as soon as the sun was all the way up, the pull of reality had become unavoidable. Causing unease if he didn’t join in on the preparations. 

The escort shooed him further down, instead of allowing him to linger on District One’s floor for a few moments. Helios hadn’t quite been prepared for the enthusiastic welcome, the underlying agitation and sorrow that went with it. A tornado of emotions, like it was all being let out now, in case this was the last chance. Fussing as he was scrubbed down one last time before the Arena, as they carefully trimmed fingernails again and transformed his hair into something even more silky smooth than before. This time, there was no makeup team. Merely a light touch of cosmetics, more soothing and healing on his skin. He’d need it for those days in the Arena. Something making him feel nice before the fight for his life would begin. When his stylists sent him off, he swore there were tears, watery eyes patted over exaggeratedly. The Helios before he had ever stepped foot into this Tower would have revelled in it, felt encouraged by all the attention. Now, he practically fled from it. This was neither real nor tangible. Once he had that crown on his head, none of this would matter anymore. 

–

Barely back on his floor, the escort waited for him and Callisto. The hours ticked away, minutes and seconds evaporated into nothing. And still, the calm suppressed anything else from rising to the surface. 

The hovercraft, the trackers, the silent flight. Helios’ gaze flickered around the hovercraft, looking at the other tributes every once in a while. Wondered who would die in the bloodbath, wondered who would last a little longer. They were lead down to the catacombs, quiet, with only the escorts chatter to break the silence. Empty advice, vapid wishes of good luck. He’d need all the luck he could get, but she wasn’t particularly inspiring him. Helios wondered if Calli was soaking it all up. She was nice like that. 

Stepping into their separate chambers, the sliding door closed behind Helios with a soft swish and a click. Cut off from the outside world for good. Preparing to step into another one entirely. 

The uniform was a flowing, white shirt, a layer of ruffles around the collar. Flowing pants and leather boots. At least this was comfortable, even if not entirely what he was used to wearing when he was ready to fight at every turn. 

And then - it was time. The tube closed and all the noises ceased. All that remained was the heartbeat in his ears and the breath shuddering out of his lungs. Smoothly, he began his ascent. The underground tunnels disappeared, and light was visible. Warmth and sunlight, safety and security. Helios closed his eyes and leaned his head back into his neck. Arms spreading out slightly, however much he could, fingers skimming over the surface of the tube. 

He had prepared for this his entire life. This very moment was his destiny. Helios’ chest tightened for a moment in anticipation, and still he kept his eyes closed. 

With a barely noticeable jerk, the platform came to a stop. He heard the ripple of water around him, the distant singing of what sounded like life beyond the tributes. Finally, Helios allowed his eyes to flutter open. He found himself in a cage, dangling above crystal blue waters, surrounding the easily recognizable shape of the cornucopia. Water and sand and jungles and more. 

Yet again, his gaze moved over all the cages, catching glimpses of a wide array of emotions. He stopped, however, when his eyes settled on Slate. His mind recalled the time he had been looking for Mars on Two’s floor, and had found something else entirely. 

"I've been thinking about what you said the other day -- about what comes next, about what's best for the baby." Cress had said, voices muffled but clear enough from around the corner he’d stopped at. "I'm afraid that if they know that Slate is the father, they will. For me, or my baby, or both of us, I'm not sure, but..."

"They won't just come looking. They'll do something horrible. Either now or in twelve years. To Cress or the baby or both." Slates voice. "I've seen them kill children before. Not just in the Games, but on the street. In their homes. They're indiscriminate, and I've committed a crime. The highest crime. Punishing me won't be enough for them, not in this place, where children are punished more than adults. If they know the baby is mine, it's a death sentence."

Miller had asked questions, pointed out inconsistencies in the plan. 

Slate had continued. "There's no one else. None of us like the idea, either, I'm sure you won't.” A pause. “But it's the only option. You're the only person.”

“I'm sorry for asking this of you. I am, truly. I know this isn't what you want." Cress again. "But without your help, we're dead. We're loose ends of Slate's sedition. They won't reap me. I've already won, and I age out this cycle. They'll make a different example out of me instead. Do you understand?"

Helios had left after that, shaky and with a heavy weight nestled in his belly on his search for Mars. Another wrench in his plan that had been so perfect before, so foolproof. Now, there was a rebellious kid from Twelve making a mess of things, and a victor sister who had just wanted to have herself be seen the way she wanted to be seen. And a child. Cress and Slate’s child, shrouded in secrecy and schemes. 

He tore his gaze away from the man as the countdown began. This was something he would concern himself with later. 

For now, Helios had to get out of this cage.

[punkrogue]

Any other X-Men couples you think should break up for good or potential ones that could be a good match for each other? Personally, I'm always happy when Lorna is away from Alex and Jean is dating someone that isn't Scott or Logan.

SO LATE TO REPLY TO THIS i wanted to just take a moment to Brood on it and then it was 80s years later but that's the adhds for ya B)

okay SO

I love scott/jean-- do not like they are back together again. stop that.

i agree that logan/jean is a No and lorna/alex has just run it's natural course. honestly i can't think of too many ships off the top of my head that i'm just like "please let this die" about atm. like the only other ones i can think of are like, kurt/amanda and kitty/piotr but those are both currently dead anyway.also i don't like any betsy ships but also i don't like betsy. or hank. so like idk actually the time they dated is perfect. handcuff them together so they can't ruin anyone else. oh ALSO -- kurt/megan i don't like it stop flirting with this idea stop doing it in aus stop.

as for ships with potential:

namor/jean -- if you've read x-men red you'll get it. quentin/evan (gensis) -- nothing about either of them is straight and their cringe balances well remy/joanna (frenzy) -- it's just hot. that's science remy/bishop -- it's practically canon honestly quentin/hope -- i said what i said. i like the feral edgelord vs homeschooler energy. they'd both think someone falling down the stairs is funny. iara (sharkgirl)/evan (gensis) -- it's just good. namorita/jono (chamber) -- i will not elaborate. amara/alani -- good vibes tho i haven't read a lot for either of them lol idie/broo -- I SAID WHAT I SAID. jean/ororo -- it's practically canon. jean/wanda -- someone i know in the namor server is into this and it's like seeing the face of god it's Very Good. alison/kurt -- they both teach preforming arts at the school and it's upsettingly horny which is objectively hilarious. rogue/pietro -- if i cannot have rogneto i'll take this bc they actually have some really nice vibes and get along well. namora/scott -- i will not elaborate. ororo/callisto -- IT'S BASICALLY CANON rogue/sam -- hillbilly4hillbilly romance iara (sharkgirl)/julian -- julian gives off "i like monster girls with strong personalities" energy and i'm a diehard iara stan so i think she deserves like 80 boyfriends. namorita/victor von doom -- I WILL NOT ELABORATE.

that's what i can think off of the top of my head + a lil scanning of some character lists to remind myself of who's even a Thing. i personally wish i had like, a strong fanon ship for kurt but i just don't. i know there are some out there like kurt/logan and kurt/piotr which have been big for decades but i just -- like there's no potential logan or piotr ships on my "could be good list" here bc i just don't wanna see them with anyone sdgsdfgfd. i also wish i had more options for rogue and namor but kldjfshgfkljsdghsdkjl marvel fucking hates them and so much writing around them and their relationships is Cursed as is so there's not really a lot of material to work with sdfgsdgds.

[tournament-of-x]

The Hole

Announcement!

Round 5 will begin in two days on Saturday, November 4th, at 8AM EST! Round 5 will consist of 16 matches posted over the course of one day, and each match will be open to voting for one week.

The lineup for Round 5 is as follows:

Match 1: Boom-Boom vs. Husk

Match 2: Wolfsbane vs. Molly Hayes

Match 3: Mercury vs. Beast

Match 4: Surge vs. Thunderbird

Match 5: Cannonball vs. Kwannon

Match 6: Blink vs. Warpath

Match 7: Khora of the Burning Heart vs. Chamber

Match 8: Leech vs. Frenzy

Match 9: Cypher vs. Glob Herman

Match 10: Sunfire vs. Callisto

Match 11: Akihiro vs. Siryn

Match 12: Hope Summers vs. Wolverine

Match 13: Gabby Kinney vs. Bling!

Match 14: Rachel Summers vs. Shatterstar

Match 15: Warlock vs. Madelyne Pryor

Match 16: Catseye vs. Dust

Remember, this tournament is a contest of popularity, not a contest of abilities. As always, asks and propaganda are both welcomed and encouraged.

Contestants Index

[kuroneko1815]

Imperial Domesticity: Provocation and Conciliation

Many a woman had thrown themselves at the Emperor Callisto Regulus but none got under the skin of the Imperial family, or of the Empire as a whole so much as the nuisance of Nausica. The Nausica debacle as told from the eyes of the Crown Prince of Nausica and the perpetrator’s elder brother.

It took some time before Nausica truly felt the hit of the sanctions the Empire imposed on them. It started slowly, like a trickle, a small hole in a dam that gradually ate away at the integrity of the structure. But it all built up to the point where they were beginning to feel the squeeze.

The advisors all begged the King to send some kind of appeasement, an apology, for their Princess’ actions but he was resolute in it. The Queen felt her daughter had done nothing wrong while the Princess herself felt unrepentant and in fact felt slighted and wronged.

Both of the Princes had spoken against their father’s inaction because as much as they loved their sister, they knew that the Emperor’s actions were justified. The Emperor who, as they’d seen when they’d represented their small kingdom at the wedding all those years ago, was wholly and completely in love with his wife. No, it wasn’t just that. The Emperor, war mad and brutal as he was, was obsessed with the Empress.

The very same Empress who’d just given the Emperor two more daughters to the monarch’s delight. It was said that he’d had all the bells rung throughout the Capital and thrown a great celebration when the Empress had recovered. It was also said that the Emperor stayed by her bedside, leaving only for the most pressing meetings, or to entertain their daughters.

If that wasn’t an indication about how devoted a husband the Emperor was, they didn’t know what would prove it. The man spent every night in the Empress’ chambers, sought her at all hours of the day, and given how frequent they had children, there was no doubt that they were particularly amorous. And also… as pretty as their sister was, both Princes agreed that she was no match for the Empress’ ethereal beauty.

All of this should have meant that they’d tread carefully, common sense told them not to incur the wrath of the very Emperor who had crushed armies and levelled entire cities, tearing down kingdoms as the war changed from the retaliation of the smaller kingdoms’ attacks to a war of conquest and expansion.

Prince Julius still remembered the day their army was defeated. When his father had been forced to kneel in front of the then Crown Prince, who, at the age of seventeen had torn through the walls that protected their city and marched in to the palace.

The golden hair was dirtied with grime, flecks of blood on his face, red eyes cold and dark. He shivered at the thought. He’d been a child then. His younger brother, Vincent had only been four at the time, and mother had been pregnant with Bianchi.

When he’d seen the Emperor next, he was harsher, and quite proud of his triumph as he marched his army back to the Imperial Capital as a war hero. His brutal reputation had begun then. And then tales of his lover being the Mad Dog of the Eckhart had made it’s round, the way he reacted when she’d been poisoned, even almost forsaking his place as the heir to the throne so as not to leave her side. And then… then his coronation, his eyes were alive, warm and soft, eyes staring into the crowd. At the beautiful magenta haired woman who was apparently the Saviour of the Empire, Lady Penelope Eckhart.

After that, it was the Imperial Wedding. Five years after the coronation. The Emperor’s face was one of utter love struck devotion as she walked down the aisle. A look of jubilant love on the lady’s face as she practically glided through the halls, resplendent in her clothing, radiant in love, enhancing her already exquisite beauty transforming it into something so divine, he’d fallen in love (as did his little brother).

He remembered the grin on the Emperor’s face, his body leaning towards the Lady at all times, body touching her at all times even if it was a mere brush of skin. The way their eyes never left one another throughout the festivities, as they danced around the halls and never left one another’s side. The Duke was weeping throughout the night at his ‘baby’s’ wedding.

Both Eckhart lords were frowning, clear disapproval for the match. Disapproval for the Emperor that was apparently shared by the Duke who believed no man was good enough for his daughter. They wanted the Lady to be the Empress without an Emperor, or rather, be the Emperor herself.

All told, it was very clear that there was one thing that should never, ever, be harmed. The Empress and her children. The Emperor seemed not to care for others perception of him, but the Empress was not something to be slandered. And his little sister did just that. She’d offered herself up as a replacement Empress over the one she’d seen as ‘defective’ for her womb’s inability to produce a son.

In one letter, she’d done the remarkable thing of managing to insult directly and indirectly, the entire imperial family. And it had nearly come to war. A war that he knew they’d have no chance of winning. Peter Cook, their ambassador, had made that clear. It was only averted because of the Empress’ intervention.

Still, Father refused to punish Bianchi, refused to send an apology, even if it was merely lip service. His pride was large. And now, months down the line, their people were now suffering the effects as the supplies began to dwindle, as the economy itself began to fall without the exports and imports of certain goods.

People were beginning to grow anxious and dissatisfied. What were they going to do?

“Why don’t you send me, Father.” Bianchi suggested. “I’ll apologize in person.”

Julius watched her wearily, his eyes meeting Vincent’s. When their father approved. He felt some dread pooling in him.

“Let Vincent and I go along as well to act as her escorts.” He added, hands trembling at the thought that his sister was planning something. Thankfully, his father had agreed to it as well.

-

-

Now here he was. The Imperial palace drew closer and closer. Bianchi fixed her hair then began to fuss over her clothing. She spoke about seeing the Emperor, gushing about him and his achievements throughout the entire month long journey.

“Don’t get any notions.” He’d warned. “You’re here to apologize and nothing more.”

“Oh, of course, brother.” She said with a wave of her hand. “Besides, what kind of notions would I get?”

He remained quiet. It was clear that she was angling for a compliment and he didn’t bother to entertain such foolishness. The longevity, no not even that, immediate future of their Kingdom depended on this going well. “Be on your best behaviour.”

Perhaps he should have gone and ridden on the guard with Vincent. But it was too late now. And they were already at the Palace’s gates. When the carriage drew to a stop and they’d stepped out, he could see the visible disappointment in his sister’s face when it was the Emperor’s chief aide that came to greet them and to lead them to throne room. It wasn’t out of the norm. They may be the highest in their kingdom, but this was the Empire and they were little more than ants before the mighty war machine that was the Imperial Army.

As they walked through the grand and tastefully decorated halls of the Sun Palace, his sister looked around with covetous eyes. He had an inkling of what was going to happen and prayed that he was wrong. Surely his sister wasn’t so… so foolish as to try and flirt with the Emperor in front of the Empress while the man himself was still burning in fury. And yes, he knew the Emperor’s make, the man was the type to hold grudges.

When they were announced in, there was a slew of nobles gathered around the throne room. Whispers abounded. This wasn’t atypical per se, but there was a clear and heavy expectation. The golden Emperor sat on the throne with his beautiful Empress at his side, the customary gap in their thrones was absent, it was pressed up together and they held hands.

They bowed before the thrones as they said their greetings.

“Rise.” The Emperor commanded, voice strong and unyielding. His eyes took in their party.

Lord Peter Cook coughed nervously and indicated to the Bianchi with his eyes. His sister was staring at the Emperor hungrily while he stared back with barely hidden contempt. Brow raised as he tapped a finger on his throne. It was silent within the room, the only sound was constant and impatient tapping from the Emperor.

Vincent subtly elbowed Bianchi.

“Your Majesties,” Bianchi said, voice holding the slightest simper, “I apologize for the insult I gave towards the Empress and the Imperial Princesses through that letter I meant in jest. Please, forgive this foolish one, and spare my people your benevolent mercy.”

The Emperor looked unsatisfied and for a moment, Julius feared that he would decline it and order them all killed. Thankfully, the Empress turned to the Emperor, raising the hand that was entwined with hers and she kissed it, his face and eyes softened immediately as he turned to the Empress before he sighed.

“I shall accept that completely unsatisfactory apology and extend mercy upon the people of Nausica.” He declared. “Only because my beloved, darling Empress wished for it.”

He sighed, thankful to the Empress. His heart calmed in one way but was enflamed in another. The beautiful, kind, Empress was a woman of an ideal standard that was hard to find. Oh if only his sister had half of her sense then they wouldn’t be in this state.

-

-

His sister ranted when she’d been let into their apartment. “It was surely that the Empress had forbidden the Emperor from greeting me at the steps!” She declared angrily.

“And why?” His brother asked.

“Because she’s threatened by me.”

Vincent burst into peals of laughter. “What would she have to be threatened by?”

“Because I’m younger and prettier, my blood is pure and noble, unlike hers. And, I’m not a witch like she is.”

Vincent stared at her in disbelief. “Younger? Oh yes, you’re practically a child in comparison to the Emperor and Empress, but prettier? That’s debatable. And as for her blood… she is the last of the Ancient Mages, who, now that the Laila is gone, has been verified as the protectors of the Empire, and touted, traditionally as higher than the nobles, as per the tenets of the Empire’s founding. In short, she is higher in blood than any of us, save for the Emperor.”

Bianchi glared at them venomously. “I still maintain that she’s using magic to keep in her thrall.”

“Doubtful.” Julius said. “The Emperor spent days away from the Empress while she studied and got her degree, not to mention while she dedicated herself to research. Such magics can’t be sustained through such a long period of time and through such distance. Furthermore, the Emperor had been mad for her even when she was on the brink of death from the Laila’s poisoning.” He reasoned.

But she remained resolutely firm in her convictions.

-

-

There were many, many close calls after that. His sister was prone to vitriol and as the second highest ranking woman in the Kingdom, who would dare censor her for it? Certainly not their mother or father. But, as he’d pointed out time and again, this was not the kingdom.

He saw the way the Emperor’s nose flared, his hands going to his side and clenching nothing but air as his sword was nowhere to be found. In those moments, one of two things would happen. Either the Empress would appear or…

“Servant Emperor!” The almost eleven year old Crown Princess called out, flying through the air. His face immediately softened, the dark and dangerous look in his eyes nowhere to be found as a look of utter adoration crossed his face and he raised his arms to catch the child.

They were a tangle of gold as they hugged. Golden wings glinting in the light. No one reacted to the humiliating nickname the Crown Princess had used, that the other children had also used for their father. The Emperor seemed to have forgotten everything that had angered him, or rather, he’d forgotten the rest of the world as he walked away from the humiliating display that his sister had put on, and focused only on speaking with his daughter who chattered about the most mundane things, of bunnies found and bugs caught.

-

-

Other incidents happened, and other children came forth, distracting the Emperor. One time, it was the crying of his new born daughters that had the Emperor rushing away before his sister could even reach him. He carried both bundles in his arms as he shushed them.

“And why are my little stars crying?” He said in a gentle and soft voice. “This Papa will destroy anything that upsets you.”

It wasn’t meaningless and empty words. Those were words of a promise.

“And Papa will subjugate any that dares to cross you and your sisters. I’ll erase any unsightly thing you may encounter.”

He shivered at the dark promises.

“You really don’t hold yourself back on anything, do you? You should take care of what you say around the children.” The Empress’ voice rang out.

They turned around to see the Empress walking gracefully through the path almost as though she were floating on air, it was sheer elegance and poise. The Emperor immediately went to her side, pressing a kiss to her hair.

“My love,” He said, breathless. She took one babe into her arms while the Emperor remained holding the other, pulling her in close and escorting her away from them.

They were used to such things. The Emperor could often be found with the Empress, embracing her, touching her, clinging to her, practically attached to her.

(He didn’t know that at the end of the day, and sometimes even in between, the Empress would ‘reward’ the Emperor for another day without spilling the blood of the nuisance of Nausica. The Emperor, eternally hungry for his wife, complied with great difficulty.)

-

-

They were turned away from negotiations once more. Lord Cook had told him that Bianchi’s behaviour was putting the nobles off from any sort of agreements. And tensions were rising as his sister continued to toe the line between offence and decency.

“I love our sister.” Vincent said. “But…”

“But her behaviour has become so outlandish beyond any shred of politeness.” He finished.

“Yes, and we have to figure out a way to extract her from the palace before any truly lasting damage can be done.”

“Maybe sending her away for awhile, or… marriage to some lord.” He said thought it sat bitter in his tongue, he loathed the thought of marrying her off but the kingdom needed to come first. And he could find her an advantageous match.

As they passed through a corridor, they found the Emperor, he was walking quietly, almost as though he were creeping. They froze. And watched on as he approached the clueless Empress who was taking her tea while reading a book, all five of their daughters were scattered around her, sleeping on the picnic blanket. The Emperor immediately dropped behind her, a hand snaking around her stomach and the other going to cover her eyes as he dipped his head and pulled her back slightly until they kissed.

They were too far away to hear what was being said but the gentle smile on their faces said all that they needed to know. They turned and walked away quietly.

-

-

During the Imperial functions, the Emperor never left the Empress’ side. They danced together as many times as the Empress could take before retiring to their thrones. When they socialized with the other nobles, they were never too far away from one another. The nobles looked on with fond amusement.

“They truly are such a sweet couple.” One of the ladies said, gushing. “The Emperor’s love for the Empress had won her over eventually.”

“Oh, you mean the love triangle between Marquis Verdandi, Lady Penelope, and the Crown Prince.” Another had said.

“Yes, the Marquis’ reputation was so different from the Crown Prince’s but it seemed that he lost that race.”

He could see his sister perk up at the gossip. She listened on closer.

“The Crown Prince had been rumoured to stalk the Lady for awhile after their breakup, but eventually they got back together. Especially after her coming of age when the Laila poisoned her.”

One of the matrons reminded them. Adding to the gossip. “I remember that. It was such a beautiful ceremony until she began to cough up blood. And then the Emperor was by her side in a second, pulling her into his arms and begging her to stay with him. He’d also pushed Lord Derrick Eckhart from the Dias because he was in the way, staring on frozen.”

“Were it not for the horror of it all, it would’ve been romantic.”

“But it was a testament to his love for the Lady. He refused to eat or sleep while he remained at her bedside. And it was said that he’d even returned to wearing his sword so that he may follow after her in death should she never have awakened.”

That was… it was a horrifying thing to think of. To be so consumed by someone they would willingly take their life just to be with them again. Especially from someone like the Emperor who’d torn down entire kingdoms who refused to bend the knee.

They switched to different topics until it finally landed on Bianchi.

“How shameless the Princess is.” They said with conspiratorial voices.

Bianchi’s face became blank.

“To throw herself at a married man who is a devoted and loving husband and doting father. She really must be desperate.”

“A true embarrassment.”

Her face became red with anger. She stormed off.

When they caught up to her in the gardens, she was throwing things around. “How dare those… those lowly women say such things about me?” She spat out. “They’re nothing but nobles, I’m a princess.”

And then she went into a tirade about the women, the Empress, and the Empire at large, citing everything she would change once she was the Empress. Julius physically dragged her to their apartments, a hand over her mouth.

“Be quiet.” He hissed. “And don’t say such things out in the open.” He chastised her. “This isn’t the kingdom. Everything has ears here.”

-

-

The tea party that Bianchi attended was no better. The Crown Princess attended with her mother and aunts. Both from the maternal family, and her father’s cousin’s wife, Lady Alice.

The ladies were all having a good time, ignoring the pointed words of Bianchi who sat with Lady Cook and the other wives of the dignitaries when it happened.

Perhaps frustrated by the fact that she wasn’t the focal point of the tea party but the little princess was, she lashed out.

“Well, at least I’d never birth an abomination like her.” She said. The whole table fell into an eerie silence. The Emperor had been walking by with them when this happened. The Crown Princess looked as though she’d been struck, she shook beside her mother. “Those unsightly, demonic wings of her and that unnaturalness born from her magic. She’s a cursed child.”

Given their rankings, her other side was taken up by the Empress who stood she poured the warm tea on her, dousing her from head to toe before she dropped the tea pot, letting it shatter on the ground by Bianchi’s feet. She then reached her hand back and slapped his sister hard enough that her head turned sharply, the sound reverberated around.

“How dare you!” The Empress said, voice filled with venom. “How dare you say that about my child! You churlish, ill mannered, shameless hussy.”

She pulled Bianchi to her feet by the fabric of her dress, and despite being shorter than Bianchi, she seemed to tower over her in spirit.

“I’ve tried to be courteous and accommodating because the people of your kingdom are innocent of your actions, turned the other cheek when you disparage me, distract and temper my husband’s anger at your blatant disrespect of me. But you go to far with insulting my daughter.”

She pushed her to the ground, away from the shattered pot. Stepping on it purposefully and grounding it to dust. “I pity your citizens to have such a narrow minded, wanton, immoral, and immodest woman as a princess. An insipid woman who thinks herself clever and better than others by virtue of blood, when truly, you’re nothing more than a plain faced, foolish, dull witted child who wasn’t raised right. My daughters are far younger than you and yet they behave kinder and more modest despite their obviously superior bloodline and status.”

She leaned down, grabbing her face and making her look her in the eye. “I suppose I shouldn’t have expected anything more from you, ‘twas really my mistake that I had even any expectations that you weren’t as self absorbed and shallow as the rumours made you out to be. But it turns out you were nothing more than a vapid brat clinging to your daddy’s skirts and title, with an over inflated sense of self importance and a half baked idea that you were someone anyone here would look up to or welcome. After all, who’d want a woman so blatantly throwing themselves at another woman’s husband as their Empress? You with your so called superior blood who’s never worked a day in her life, never understood the real world, nor had any so called accomplishments will never be even a third of the woman my Judith will grow up to be.”

And then she let her go, walking towards where the little princess was crying in her father’s arms, as her aunts and the other ladies converged on her.

“Callisto.” The Empress said, using his name rather than his title.

“My beloved?” He asked as he stood up with Princess Judith in his arms.

“Tighten the noose. I want a full embargo on Nausica.” She said coldly. “I’m done playing nice. Let their people suffer for all I care. And if they try anything… crush them.”

“With great pleasure, Love.” And then he turned to them, face set in a black fury.

“Prince Julius, you have an hour to pack your things. Three to get out of the capital, and three weeks to make it to your kingdom. I want that filthy thing out of my Empire.” He said as he looked at where Bianchi was laying on the floor, her cheek red and slightly bleeding from a cut made by the Empress’ wedding ring.

The Empress spoke up again. “Lady Cook, owing to our acquaintanceship, you and the rest of our ladies may tell your husbands that you’ve two weeks to set your affairs in order.”

And then they walked off. The Emperor stopped briefly when he passed Bianchi. “You’re the type of woman I despise the most. Uppity, ignorant, brainless, shrill, egotistical, and useless. You are so much more, and none of them are good. Nor are you even half as attractive as my wife.”

And then they were gone. Every single one of the ladies clearly giving her the cut.

-

-

Judith was ensconced in her parents arms as she cried. Mama was running soothing circles on her back, caressing her wings, and humming gently.

“I’m a-an abomination.” She said through her snuffles.

“You aren’t.” Servant said fiercely. “You’re our perfect little girl. That filth was the abomination.”

“Bu…but…”

“My little baby.” Mama said softly, reassuring. “You are a perfect little dragonling, a special existence not seen in thousands of years. A child whose existence was so precious and important, I dreamt of you even before you were born, I dreamt of your beloved self even before I’d truly grasped and confirmed what it was. And I’ve loved you from the moment I found out about you.”

“I did too. From the moment your mother told me she was pregnant with you, you became another focal point in my life. My little stars and planets that orbit my beloved moon.” Servant told her. “My little girl who made me a father and taught me so many things about love that I’d only begun to learn from your mother. You showed me an entirely new side of myself I didn’t even know existed.”

“And what if… what if I don’t want to be some special dragon who’s supposed to achieve the great success?” She asked hesitantly through another wave of tears as her mind spun around those awful words.

“Then you won’t and you can become whatever you want.” Servant reassured her.

“Your father and I will do anything for you to be able to live the life you wish, to chase whatever passion and dream you and your sisters have.” Mama swore.

The door banged open and they all startled. Uncle Reynold came in with the rest of the family.

“Have you truly been raised in a barn? You should knock first.” Servant said dryly.

“I don’t care for that right now, I was told that the bi…tter witch insulted Judy!” He declared.

Judith nodded. “She said I was an abomination because of my wings and my magic.”

“An abomination?!? You aren’t an abomination! You’ve been perfect from the moment you were born. Just like your sisters. Which is surprising given your parents.” Uncle Reynold said passionately as he swooped in and gave her a bear hug that Roxanne and Diana joined in on.

“Your uncle is right. If anything, that woman is the freak of nature to be so spiteful.” Grandpa said. “While you are a perfect, sweet, and beloved little girl.”

And then she was engulfed in another hug filled with aunts and uncles, and parents, and sisters, and even grandpa. Gradually, her heart began to feel better, even if those words still remained trapped in her mind. (It would be for years, some self doubt coming back from time to time but pushed away by her family’s love.)

-

-

Bianchi snapped to her senses when he and Vincent had roughly thrown her into the carriage.

“Why didn’t you speak up?” She demanded, nursing her cheek. “How dare you let them disrespect me thusly? You saw that she clearly assaulted me!”

“ENOUGH!!!” He roared, his patience had run out. She flinched, shrinking back. “Have you any idea what you’ve just done?”

“What I’ve just done? I’ve done nothing wrong. We should send word to father to ready the troops and…”

“And get laughed at by everyone. The generals will all commit mutiny if father even so much as hints at attacking the Empire. Especially after what you’ve just done to our people.” And then he wrenched back the curtains and showed her the rest of the entourage. The Eckhart Dukedom had joined the Imperial Soldiers in escorting them out of the Empire, setting a brutal pace for them.

“The Eckhart Dukedom alone has twice if not more than that in terms of soldiers. We’d be crushed by them alone. If we even manage to survive the coming winter without enough food and medicines, hell, without enough winter clothes and other such supplies coming in from the Empire.” And then Julius hardened himself to the tears that were about to leak from her eyes.

“I expect you to be silent and repent for your actions for the duration of our trip. And I will speak to father personally about what shall be done with you.”

-

-

The embargo was in full effect by the time they had arrived. Their trade was effectively shut off, and for a kingdom locked within the land and surrounded not by harbours but by other smaller protectorate kingdoms of the Empire, they found themselves unwelcome by all of its neighbours.

Father had received a scathing letter from the Emperor before they had even reached the castle and he’d been incensed. It was truly the first time he’d yelled at Bianchi, the first time she’d ever been punished, and all of her demands met. Mother had begged and pleaded, trying to cajole father into letting up on her confinement within her room, but he wouldn’t budge.

But there was nothing to be done as the days began to turn, growing colder and shorter. Fall had arrived and winter would be here soon after. They needed the Empire’s goods if they wished to survive, and they needed to offload their own goods.

It led to the necessities rising far beyond what their people could afford, a famine truly beginning to seep in, and their own goods flooded their market squares going for cheaper than they were being produced. Their land was largely unsuited to farming, only small pockets had soil fertile enough to produce a small amount of crops.

The people’s dissatisfaction grew by the day, the streets poised to riot at the smallest spark. A council was called daily but no clear resolution was given, at least none that father was satisfied with.

“There is no appeasing the Emperor now that the Empress herself has declared that she was done with us. The Empress is thick skinned but as a mother, she clearly drew the line on who such words could be directed to.” Lord Cook said from where he sat. He had the most insight to the Imperial family.

“Then what would you have me do? Banish my daughter? Strip her of her own title?” Father asked sharply.

“Yes.” Lord Cook said firmly. “She caused this, and, short of execution, that may be the only way to appease them. Marry her off to a noble man of low rank, a baron at the most, or an untitled gentleman, one who’s loyal enough to take care of her, and with at least some modicum of means that she won’t starve. But they need to be someone who’s firm enough to take her in hand and curtail her behaviour.”

“You.. do you even know what you’re saying?”

“I do.” The man said, not even flinching. “I’ve seen the Empress, met her. I know she hates the thought of bloodshed, but if it were for her children’s sake, she’d gladly permit the Emperor to wage war.”

“You speak as though the Emperor was beneath her.” Lord Garth said shrewdly.

“Not beneath her.” Lord Cook corrected. “But her words are the only ones the Emperor needs to make a decision, his love and respect for his wife supersedes anything.”

Father sighed. “She’s my little girl.”

“She’s a liability whose behaviour was never corrected.” Lord Sheen said.

“Your majesty, it’s either this or the gallows. And this way she’ll live. This way, we can avert the revolt that seems to be brewing on the streets. Our very survival depends on this.” Lord Marshall said as he gave Father a piece of paper. “We can’t even muster any troops. It seems that the Eckhart army and the Imperial army have begun to station men around our borders in case we get any ideas. This may end up far worse than what happened with the Delman’s revolt.”

Father swallowed thickly. “Have you a groom in mind?”

“Baron Tavin.”

He winced, the old general was kind and spirited despite his injury. He was a war hero and one who had a small and profitable land. But he was almost twice his sister’s age, with a scarred face. He was gruff and brusque, tough but fair, and not likely to take any of his sister’s tantrums.

“Very well.”

-

-

Mother had shrieked and begged and pleaded that Bianchi would be spared such a fate but Father had stood his ground. Even when Bianchi wailed about the unfairness of it all, he didn’t falter.

“This is a consequence of your own doing.” He told her coldly, his tone that of a king about to pass judgement. “You will come with me for a quick trip to the Empire where you will apologize, and then we will leave within the hour. You would then be brought in to wed the day after we arrive and leave for your new home the day after.”

He knew it was hard for father to do so, but it couldn’t be helped.

When Mother had collapsed on the ground, Father looked at her with some remorse. “I made a choice, and that was to make sure the kingdom would be around for Julius to inherit.”

Before all of this, his sister could have married a prince or king of one of the protectorates, but now, her prospects were gone, her future sealed into one unalterable path.

“It was this or death.”

-

-

He went with Father and Bianchi as they returned to the Empire, finding nothing but cold disdain from the people once they discovered that his sister was with them. Already, the sordid tales of her unsavoury and wanton behaviour had spread far and wide. The way she’d thrown herself so immodestly at the Emperor, the way she insulted the Empress, and the way she had disparaged and slandered their innocent and beloved golden dragon who was said to be the one fated to lead them into another era of peace and prosperity.

When they arrived at the Palace, there was a stony silence as the nobles began to turn away, one by one as Bianchi passed. She stood behind them as they walked, and though her face turned red, she remained silent.

The Emperor and Empress’ eyes were filled with icy venom.

He and Father immediately knelt, the two of them dragging Bianchi down within them when she remained standing.

“Please, please, have mercy on my people. Please forgive my daughter’s words and any injury done by her words and deeds.”

“…”

Neither of the Imperial couple spoke.

Father continued. “We’ve already decided on a punishment for her.”

Still, they were silent.

“She’ll be wed to a Baron twice her age, one who’s firm and won’t bend to her whims. She’ll be sent off to the mountainous region of our kingdom, and she’ll lose her title.”

“Has she nothing to say?” The Empress asked, voice soft but powerful.

He dug his nails into his sister’s arm when she huffed. She hissed, glaring at him.

“I apologize for what I’ve said about the Princess, it wasn’t fair or kind to her.” She said. Refusing to add anything more to it.

The Empress’ eyes narrowed. “I think, to add to the punishment… Miss Bianchi shall not only lose her title, but her claim to the throne. No descendant of hers shall ever inherit the throne. Nor should she receive any money from the Royal family. Any money given to the Baron would be for the Baron and his lands, not for her.”

“And…” The Emperor said as he braced his chin on the palm of his hand. “As her behaviour isn’t fit for anyone who’s been considered ‘out’ yet, she’ll be confined to her husband’s lands for a period of three years, and unable to leave the region, save for an emergency, for a period of no less than ten years. The only other time she’ll be able to enter the capital in those ten years will be if she were to attend a funeral of a close kin, and that’s it.”

There was a stunned silence at the severity added to her punishment, and while he felt bad for his sister, he was thankful they weren’t forced to pay monetarily as well or by sacrificing their already limited fertile lands to the Empire as reparations.

“You may take your leave.” The Emperor said as he stood, helping his wife up to her feet as well. “Lord Therocy will act as a witness to the wedding and to make sure that the marriage was properly consummated the next day. You may return here, Prince Julius, along with the dignitaries sent away earlier to begin the negotiations to lift the embargo and return to trade.”

“Yes, your majesty.” At least they’d gotten what they came here for.

As they passed by, the doors were opened and the telltale sounds of children’s laughter could be heard. He saw the Crown Princess running down the halls with a smile on her face, chased after by her nannies.

Honestly though, I had intended this to be Callisto’s pov originally, but I guess I wanted to show the way the princess’ behaviour had impacted an entire nation instead. And as for Bianchi and getting away with everything… she was your, I don’t know, typical spoiled brat who got away with everything. I mean, OG Penny suffered from abuse inside and outside of the Duchy and was punished quite often, even if her behaviour was frequently swept under the rug by the Duke bribing everyone. But Bianchi was a true princess, they couldn’t even say anything against her, and… she was the golden child.

[maytheoddshq]

Callisto Meadowforge. District One. Score: NINE.

Nothing was expected of her. Everything was expected of her. All her years had been spent in this in-between, the murky middle where most people thought her less than the rest of her family yet still demanded her to be everything a Meadowforge should be. She had yet to figure out where she placed in the eyes of others. Perhaps volunteering was supposed to be the beginning of her journey, the overture that would lead to a fulfilling self-discovery.

Under the watchful eyes of the gamemakers, Calli didn't feel like she was about to discover anything anytime soon.

Fortunately, she was used to putting on a performance, under pressure or otherwise, regardless of how confident she felt. This one had to begin with a smile. "Callisto Meadowforge." Her best foot forward. Her dimples on display. "District One."

The simulation chamber looked daunting no matter from which angle. She had practiced, though, Cyrene had more than put her through the wringer, so she wasn't going to cower. Besides, this wasn't going to be anything risky; 4 minutes, medium difficulty, ranged weapon. Done fiddling with the control panel, she grabbed a bow and slung a quiver of arrows around her shoulder.

She managed to get all of them--well, almost all of them. The bird flying overhead and the squirrel scurrying across the floor were targets too quick and too small. She could probably depend on the sponsors for food anyway, right? At least the humanoid holograms were all defeated. Whether it was the one coming at her with an axe, the one stalking her as if from a tree, or the one running away from her, they all disintegrated after her arrows lodged onto their their chests and guts.

If Cyrene had been there to see, Calli would've received at least a nod of approval. Yet she had to think to herself; what about Cress? Would she have been proud? Was that good enough for a victor?

The simulation completed, Calli traded the bow and arrows for throwing stars strapped securely to her hips. Then, she made her way to the obstacle course.

This came more naturally to her than throwing weapons and trading blows ever could. Not just that, it was even fun. She glided through the course--not without effort, but certainly with grace. Her dance lessons helped as much as her academy training did. Her body moved lithely as she ran, leapt, and rolled, and for showmanship, she managed a couple handsprings on the balance beam.

The final climb was no walk in the park. Her lungs laboured by the time she got to the top of a metal pole, her legs wrapped securely around it, but that was anticipated as she neared the end of her performance. Perched nearly 20 feet above ground, she hurled the stars at target dummies positioned down below along the sides of the obstacle course. One was struck on the waist, one on the shoulder, and two square on the chest.

The gamemakers were still watching, their faces still unreadable. Calli spiralled down the beam back onto the floor. "Thank you! It was a pleasure." Her coda completed, she flashed another warm smile, dimples on display. For now, she would have to be content with this; that her place in the world would be determined by whatever number they decided to hand her.

[taruntravell]

The Hidden Treasures Of Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city steeped in history, art, and culture. It's no surprise that it's often referred to as an open-air museum due to the wealth of hidden treasures it holds. While many tourists flock to iconic sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Vatican, there are numerous lesser-known gems that deserve exploration. Here are some hidden treasures of Rome:

Basilica of San Clemente: This church is a historical layer cake. On the surface, it appears as a beautiful medieval church, but beneath it, there are earlier Christian and even ancient Roman structures. Descend through the layers to explore Rome's history.

Galleria Sciarra: Tucked away in a small alley near the Trevi Fountain, this Art Nouveau gallery features stunning frescoes and intricate decorations that are often overlooked by tourists.

Aventine Keyhole: On top of the Aventine Hill, you'll find the Priory of the Knights of Malta. Peering through the keyhole in its imposing door reveals a perfectly framed view of St. Peter's Basilica.

Villa Doria Pamphilj: This vast park is Rome's largest public park and is often overlooked by tourists. It's a peaceful place to escape the city's hustle and bustle, with walking paths, fountains, and hidden statues.

Catacombs of Priscilla: While the Catacombs of Callixtus and San Sebastiano are more famous, the Catacombs of Priscilla are equally fascinating and less crowded. They contain early Christian frescoes and burial chambers.

Capuchin Crypt: Beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, you'll find a macabre but artistically arranged display of the bones of Capuchin monks. It's a unique and eerie experience.

Villa Farnesina: This Renaissance villa is a masterpiece of Italian art and architecture. It's home to beautiful frescoes by Raphael and other renowned artists but is often overshadowed by the Vatican museums.

Monti Neighborhood: Located between the Colosseum and Termini Station, Monti is a charming, bohemian neighborhood filled with artisan shops, cozy cafes, and narrow cobblestone streets.

Appian Way: Explore the ancient Appian Way, one of the most important Roman roads. It's lined with ancient tombs, ruins, and peaceful countryside. The Catacombs of San Callisto and the Church of Domine Quo Vadis are notable stops along the way.

Villa Torlonia: Once the residence of Mussolini, this villa now serves as a public park with neoclassical buildings, beautiful gardens, and a museum dedicated to the villa's history.

Palazzo Spada: This 16th-century palace is home to an optical illusion by Borromini. The palace's courtyard seems much longer than it is due to a cleverly designed perspective gallery.

Ponte Fabricio: Known as the oldest Roman bridge in Rome, it connects Tiber Island to the Trastevere district and provides beautiful views of the Tiber River.

These hidden treasures of Rome offer a glimpse into the city's rich history, art, and culture beyond the well-known tourist attractions. Exploring these lesser-known sites can provide a more intimate and authentic experience of the Eternal City.