#Over(lord) trauma duo

[iloveacronix]

Overtrauma duo before I go hangout w my friends at the mall. Also I know that I mispelt 'you're' SO LEAVE ME ALONE EBDOWHF

This is my duo. I MADE IT. ME. ME AND ONLY ME. Nyway mmm Lloyd giving Cyrus a sword so he can try to protect himself from threats in case the ninja are too late. Also thank you for 100 followers ik that for some its not a big deal but it is for me, thank you <3

[lavernius]

Locus as a metaphor for colorism/racism

Some people were interested in this take so I'm going to go over it really quick. I am brown, a lot of the experiences I talk about here are lived (and a lot of them I experienced from this fandom, ironically enough). Warnings for discussion of racism and colorism + abuse.

Don't be weird, keep it civil! I'm not telling you what to think I'm just giving my two cents as a person who has experienced all of this.

Note: I don't think RT intentionally did any of this because they couldn't even treat their real life employees of color well so I don’t trust them with a character of color LMAO. “Colorism” is specified here because being brown affects every part of life in a way that's difficult to explain if you haven't experienced it firsthand.

Locus experiences very true aspects of real-world racial profiling: he's a big, dark-skinned, reserved brown man who is heavily demonized—both by the narrative/show AND in-universe. The fact that the “scary” merc of the duo is the one who was confirmed brown in 14 is likely colorism on RT's part, yes, but it doesn't change that Locus is painted as an aggressive monster canonically (a common stereotype of brown men, and a cause for code-switching in many POC). He's a monster, a dog, a weapon, a machine—all words that are used to describe him in the show, some he even uses on himself. Obviously not words you should be applying to a brown person good lord!

Locus’s apathy isn't inherently part of him. Maybe he wasn't always kind or gentle, but he was forced into a violent situation and TRIED to stay empathetic, wanting to spare his enemies at times, before he was forced out of the mindset—something that still bothers him to this day, even if he's repressed it! Brown people commonly have mental health issues and trauma that doesn't get addressed because of cultural expectations and medical racism, to the point where a lot of our cultures normalize very unhealthy behaviors. More of a stretch, maybe, but it reads like racial trauma if I ever saw it (and I have). Specifically because:

Felix sees him starting to lose his empathy, which is VERY BAD for Locus’s mental health, and takes advantage of it to use Locus as something of a “guard dog”. Erm, white people benefiting from racism and colorism? White people forcing stigma on brown people to gain power over them? What a surprise!

On the note of Felix: while Santa’s reveal that Felix is afraid of Locus can have several meanings, a lot of them can still lead down a road of (abusive) racism. He's scared of Locus because he's a “merciless killer”, isn't the same person he used to be? Who caused that, I wonder? Scared because if Locus found out he was being manipulated he’d immediately abandon Felix? Yeah, because he's being manipulated and abused, of course he’d leave… if I found out I was being manipulated by a white man I'd be uncomfortable too! Victim blaming is EXTREMELY common with racist white people because there is POWER in being white and blaming the brown man.

I like to see Locus’s divorce from his given name and visage as a symbol of cultural isolation. POC are so frequently made victims of identity crises because we’re expected to conform to a white world, whether we try to be white people or try to be what white people expect us to be. The latter in Locus’s case—they want a violent brown man, they have one. It keeps him alive at the cost of taking his sense of self away. He's safer as Locus, the armor, than he is as Ortez, the person.

There's not like, canonical evidence I can point to, but Locus feels like a catch-22 of “I want to be angry that people see me as a monster for being brown, but if I’m angry they’ll see me as a monster because I am brown”. It's a cycle that's hard to escape because when you ARE a righteous brown person who wants to be angry because the world has hurt you, it's so easy to paint you as an animal.

Um the fandom is extremely racist to him in ways I don't think they're even aware of. He's got it all! Fandom whitewashing and stereotyping and sexualizing and demonizing, people shipping him with a white person who hurt him (because a brown person cannot be hurt by a white person without SOMEONE wanting to forgive the white perpetrator for it LMFAO, many such cases where it’s done for the sake of shipping too), performative diversity and a lack of actual depth in his culture bar the fact that he speaks Spanish and has a Hispanic name…I don’t even think the guy who MADE him gives a shit that he’s brown (past it giving him brownie points) and how it affects him. Yeah who’s surprised. (EDIT: did not know Miles was mixed, but POC are still capable of colorism, etc. I still think Miles, as a lighter skinned person, doesn't fully comprehend how Locus being dark plays into the dynamic/Locus's character as a whole. Still, entirely my mistake.)

So basically: brown guy gets dehumanized, white guy takes advantage of it, systemic colorism and stigma helps white guy get away with it, brown guy is alienated from himself as a result and thinks he genuinely is a monster because everyone treats him like one. I see myself in him as a brown person who has experienced colorism for having low empathy and not connecting with society. It's awesome.

He is a textbook traumatized brown guy. He's got internalized racism/colorism. He's going to meet other brown people and unlearn it. He’s going to connect with his culture again. He’s going to realize he never owed the white man power over him just because he was convenient to control. He's going to be okay!

No thanks to RT because they couldn’t write a good brown guy if they tried + it falls on us brown people to give coincidences this kind of personal meaning. LOL

Next week (not really) I get into how Lopez is an incredible accidental portrayal of alienated brown people who have pride in themselves and want justice for being mistreated all the time.

[p-taryn-dactyl]

I saw your requests are open for Harry Potter, was wondering if you’d do one with Fred Weasley 🥺👉🏻👈🏻 I’m like super obsessed w him rn

Plot can be whatever you’d like !

a/n: hi!! i love Fred too!! thank you so much for the request, I hope I did alright 😁

prompt: fred didn't die during the war - was only seriously injured. upon waking up at saint mungos, the obvious reaction is to flirt with the cute healer tending to him.

warning(s): it's been a while since i've read the books and I wasn't exactly paying attention to the lore while watching the movies. I made up some spells and plot lmao

word count: 1,073

Confervo

Waking up felt like dying, Fred thought as his eyes lifted open feeling like lead. His joints felt like stone, weighing him down onto the slightly cushioned bed. At first, the red headed twin thought he was in a muggle hospital, with the bright white walls and fluorescent lights disorienting him even more. But then he saw owls fly through the air, delivering messages and potion bottles flying into the hands of healers, standing at beds identical to Fred's. Speaking of...

"Hello there.." Fred attempted his best flirting tone, his consciousness desperate to impress the healer doing magic next to him. But all that came out was a croak akin to one of a dying frog. Mortified, Fred's face went red, wanting to hide under his blanket as you stifled your laugh under your hand, trying to keep the air of professionalism.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Weasley," your voice soothed the headache building behind his eyes, you raised your wand, assessing him as you continued speaking, "you gave everyone quite a scare you know. I'm sorry to tell you this, but you're banned from fighting anymore dark lords and his army."

Fred tried to laugh at your humor tinted words before reality crashed into him. Sitting up quickly, Fred felt pain shoot through his body. You shot forward, your hands steadying him as his eyes went wide with worry.

"Did we- Is my family okay? George? Ron? Ginny? Mum and Da-"

The comforting pressure of your hand on his shoulder cut him off. He looked up at you, his body relaxing at the answer in your eyes. Wincing, he leaned back, still sitting up but now in a more relaxed position. 

“You won. He’s gone.” 

You didn’t need to say the Dark Lord’s name, you didn’t want to. Even thinking of the man sent shivers down your spine, making you aware of every dark corner in the room. Fred watched as you walked over to your station, grabbing a potion bottle and twirling it around until the blue liquid turned clear. When you returned to the bedside, you poured some of the liquid into a spoon. The red head watched as the clear potion levitated above the metal utensil, only spilling down like water at a whispered spell that passed your lips. 

“Confervo.” 

You raised the spoon up to Fred’s lips, who took the potion with slight struggle. It spilled down his throat, tasting slightly of hazelnut. He raised an eyebrow at you, question in his eyes. You winced slightly, setting the spoon down before turning back to face him. 

“The explosion you were caught in caused severe internal damage. The Confervious spell along with the knitting potion will heal whatever injuries our efforts haven’t been able to completely heal,” watching as Fred’s eyes widened, you were quick to console him, “But it’s okay! Because the duo has a 97% success rate and, not to brag, but I happen to be one of the best casters of the spell.” 

Fred chuckled a bit at your attempt, his body starting to realize the trauma it had been through. You sat on the stool next to his bed, fiddling with your wand as you watched a pocket watch in your hand with intensity. Later Fred would find out that watch is how you saw the healing of his internal organs. Fred poked your arm playfully, getting your attention. 

“So, what’s the damage?” 

He wiggled his eyebrows but you just stared at him, waiting for an explanation. He used his eyes to ‘point’ at the area between his legs. 

“Am I all still here?” 

You sighed, folding your hands on your lap.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t save it.” 

Your serious face completely fooled Fred, who for a moment let complete terror take over his features. After a minute or two, you burst into laughter, causing Fred to groan and cover his face with his hands. 

“You should’ve seen your face!” 

You laughed between words, clutching your side. Fred nodded, recognizing he had been played. 

“You got me, you got me. But you must mean this means war.”

You faux gasped, placing your hand on your chest sarcastically. 

“Oh no, a battle with a man stuck in a hospital bed, I’m shaking in my boots.” 

Fred full on laughed at that before groaning in pain and glaring lightly at you. 

“Don’t make me laugh, my insides are still knitting back together!”

You smirked at him, checking the pocket watch to see that the healing was almost complete. You heard a ruckus outside Fred’s room and soon the door burst open, a frazzled fellow Healer sending you an apology with their eyes. 

“The Weasley Family plus Harry Potter and Hermione Granger are here for F. Weasley.” 

Your coworker said with an exhausted tone before pushing through the crowd back to their station. You smiled at the family as they piled in, answering Molly’s frantic questions and Arthur’s insistence his son was getting the best care. Fred’s siblings, plus Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, stood at his bedside, doting on him. You turned away, letting the family have a moment, organizing your tools and putting back the potion and pocket watch. When you turned back around, you saw George look at you and nudge his twin with waggling eyebrows. Fred turned and winked, causing your face to heat up as you held back a smile. 

You joined in the conversation after a few moments, once more answering the questions and consoling the worried thoughts of Fred’s parents. After a few hours, visiting hours were over, and you gently excused the family from the room. You got Fred’s room set up for night, fluffing his pillow and blushing when he craned his neck so his face was close to yours. As you were getting ready to leave, you felt Fred’s finger brush against your wrist, lightly but effectively holding you back. 

“You know, I’m not so fond of being blown up but I am really glad it brought me to meet you. When I get out of here, if you’re available, do you want to catch a movie? It’s a muggle thing my pop has been obsessed with recently, I’m just glad he got past his rubber duck phase becau-”

“Yes.” 

You answered quickly, cutting off Fred’s uncharacteristic nervous rambling. 

The two of you smiled softly at each other before you left the room, mentally compiling a list of quick healing spells.

[kindaasrikal]

(Read the TW tags first, just in case)

Give me mentally unstable and probably classified as insane Morro who sees hallucinations but got so used to all of it after decades of dealing with it that no one suspects a thing.

Except Lloyd. Lloyd kinda wants to throw Morro into a deep pool of both lava and water after making him watch horrifying hallucinations and imagery of everything and everyone.

Worse part, Morro has no idea that he accidentally put the green ninja through that. He was wondering why he would suddenly go silent, but got distracted by the beast moving out the walls with blood tainted teeth.

He went to go poke it.

Edit: i wanted to add on to this with a different version. Morro thought the hallucinations that he saw were just there due to his trauma in the cave and the only reason they got stronger was because of him becoming more mentally aware or mentally damaged over the years in the cursed realm. So when possessing Lloyd, he did nit expect the little twerp to somehow turn his head to a hallucination he was actively trying to avoid looking at, but also exclaim “YOU SEE THOSE THINGS TOO??”

The whole mission had to paused by Morro (which left the other ghosts absolutely baffled) when Morro and Lloyd came to the conclusion that if Morro saw those outside of Lloyd’s body, and Lloyd saw them outside of Morro’s possession, then something is up.

They never got to put it together as a duo, since Morro still wanted to be a jerk and take over the realm and so everything else happened. But then after he asked Wu about these hallucinations he sees (without mentioning Morro). Wu came to the conclusion it must have to do with the Devourers Venom, that unlocked a piece of Lloyd brain to allow him to see the vestiges of when the over lord’s dark magic and evil filled the land. He recalled Garmadon seeing similar things. (The thing it ‘unlocked’ was his oni side for Garmadon)

Lloyd took the time to think about this and why Morro saw it too, before remembering that the cursed realm is also the definition of evil and dark magic. The preeminent was awfully possessive of Morro, so she must of claimed him or something that made him slowly start seeing those weird hallucinations.

Lloyd ended up summoning Morro with a bucket of water right next to him so they could have some sort of a decent conversation. Morro was just mopey the whole time but did contribute. I think.

[mary-games-and-arts]

AvA/M Cast Redesign

Phew, well.. I DID IT I REDESIGNED EVERYONE! Time to present them all again, but this time with some more info, right?

Color Gang

Green (He/him) - 17 y.o. | Let's say he's literally a perfectionist okay? Green is the one of a protective friend but can annoy his brother Red sometimes. His love of his life is Blue

Yellow (She/her) - 16 y.o. | A girl who knows everything about redstone, Minecraft commands and style. Has a twin sister Pinkie (Keep in mind that Pinkie is not a canon character. She's my AvM OC). Also Yellow has a partner Red

The Second Coming/TSC/Second/Orange (He/They) - 17 y.o. | A sleepyhead but somehow understands math and physics(unlike me ;v;). They're really overprotective over their friends and have their own powers but they're not aware of them(let's say AvA VI didn't happen yet). Chosen is Second's sister. Also Sec is in love with Purple

Blue (She/her) - 16 y.o. | Really knows her thing when it comes to brewing potions and gardening. Has bandages cuz AvM Ep. 20 events. Can get worried if anyone of the gang gets sick. Loves Green and his tunes

Red (He/him) - 15 y.o. | Apparently the youngest one of the group. He's a clumsy guy and also a prankster. Got possessed by Herobrine twice. Was in a timeout once cuz messed with Yellow's staff and the lucky block. Yellow is his girlfriend and Green is his brother. Oh and his pets are his friends

The Royal Duo + The Angelic Trio

Purple (She/They) - 16 y.o. | A little shy but very nice girl. Considers MT as her older sister. Still has trust issues but is trying to fix it. Cherishes her dead mother Orchid and doesn't give a damn about her dad RB. Second is her boyfriend

MT/Mango Tango/Queen Orange (She/her) - 20 y.o. | A young adult who was a queen once just to destroy Minecraft cuz it took away her little brother Gold. Tries to move on from Gold's death and now considers Purple as her younger sis. She's on neutral terms with Color Gang. Her husband is actually an Enderman named Jacob (Tulip said that we can have our own Jacob so)

Gold (He/him) - 12 y.o. | A smol kid who is MT's brother and had unfortunately died from Minecraft. Observes his sister and spends his time with Orchid and Victim. Sometimes wishes he could hug MT one last time

Orchid (She/her) - 38 y.o. | A caring woman who is also Purple's mother. Has no empathy for RB cuz he left her and Purple. Unfortunately died from an unknown disease and now observes her child from above

Victim (They/Them) - 25 y.o. | A guy who never experienced life for once. Tries to develop themselves and find their own personality and hobbies. Currently is friends with Orchid and Gold

RB, Alan and The AvA Duo

RB (He/him) - 40 y.o. | A ex-husband of Orchid and ex-dad for Purple. Left cuz he thought his daughter was "pathetic and would never protect herself from any danger"

Alan (He/him) - 35 y.o. | The creator himself of the whole AvA/M community. Considers Chosen and Second as his kids, but also has a real life family

The Dark Lord/TDL/Dark (She/her) - 18 y.o. | The terrorist of the whole Internet herself and Alan is her creator. She was created to defeat Chosen but she teamed up with them and confronted Alan. Somehow survived Second's attack and now is trying to change. Has a girlfriend Chosen

The Chosen One/TCO/Chosen (She/They) - 19 y.o. | The Chosen One herself who just wants to live peacefully with Dark after all the trauma she endured. Saved a kid once and now friends with her. Is currently being wanted by Rocket Corporation. Dark is her girlfriend

The Rocket Corporation

Hazard (He/They) - literally a robot- | A restored robot who can control electricity as his power. He's also a part of the mercenary team

Agent Smith (He/him) - 24 y.o. | The main mercenary of the corporation who can use any Adobe Animate tool. Has a small crush on Vic

Alive!Vic (They/them) - 25 y.o. | The first stick ever created by Alan that somehow came to life to get the revenge they so desperately want. They're a leader of a whole corporation and they hunt for Chosen cuz she knows where Alan is

Ballista (He/him) - 27 y.o. | The shortest mercenary of the team. He can turn his head into a tank and also adores his big pixel sword

Primal (She/her) - 28 y.o. | The tallest mercenary and the only woman in the team. Is good at archery and can get buff if needed

[dramioneasks]

Novel Length Fics (> 200,000 words) (Part 8)

Title: Unsinkable Author: Gingersoup  Rating: T Genre(s): Romance, Drama, Angst Chapters: 38 Word Count: 250,812 Summary: After a fight gone wrong in the Department of Mysteries, sworn enemies Draco and Hermione are thrown into a mysterious pensive-like portal and come out the other side onto the RMS Titanic. In a race against time and without their wands, the unlikely duo will have to fight against the binds of their new identities as well as their animosity toward each other in order to survive.

Title: Anchor and Rose. Author: sixth_senses Rating: E Genre(s): Romance, Drama, Angst Chapters: 38 Word Count: 200,220 Summary: "Is it really a good idea to run away from war with the person you despise the most?"A hotel, A boathouse, Narcissa Malfoy's safe-house, and the world's most powerful wand left behind by Regulus Black. What else could Hermione add to the list to make her absolutely insane?Ah yes, Draco fucking Malfoy.ALSO AVAILABLE ON MY WATTPAD (sixth_senses)

Title: selfxconclusion Author: spicyxpisces Rating: E Genre(s): Romance, Drama, Angst Chapters: 40 Word Count: 424,687 Summary: One year after the death of her husband, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger is trying to navigate her way through her loss. While trying to discover who she is without her husband, her friends move through their own forms of grief within their relationships.

Title: The Stars Above Us Author: embersofapril Rating: M Genre(s): Romance, Fluff, Angst Chapters: 40 Word Count: 200,988 Summary: He remains silent at first, clearly unsure of what to say next. The temperature feels hot, he thinks, especially for the dungeon's standards. He feels as if he can see the air particles between them, perhaps even count how many separate them from one another.It feels odd for him to be alone with Granger in the potions lab after all this time.He catches the faint scent of strawberries and honey, reminding him to order the ingredients for his lesson on Amortentia for his NEWT classes next week.-A slow-burn, flashback-filled dramione fanfiction with a side of wolfstar.

Title: A Game of High Stakes Author: in_dreams Rating: E Genre(s): Romance, Angst Chapters: 51 Word Count: 263,110 Summary: In theory, the task is simple: kill Draco Malfoy. In practice, putting a curse through the Dark Lord's favoured lieutenant will take everything Hermione has―especially since he's trying to kill her, too. Even more so when the lines between them start to blur. Sometimes, the only way out is through.

Title: Who We Are Now Author: LiloLilyAnn Rating: E Genre(s): Romance, Angst Chapters: 60 Word Count: 398,717 Summary: She lived through the war, but did she actually survive it? She didn't recognize the girl who looked back at her in the mirror, sunken eyes and protruding ribs, covered in scars. This wasn’t Hermione Granger. She died alongside Lavender, Fred, Sirius, Remus... Her name wasn’t up on any walls in memoriam, but she felt like a casualty nonetheless.*****When Hermione can't seem to get past the trauma of the war and all that happened to her, she's convinced to get help for her mental health issues. Unfortunately, the Wizarding World has none... yet.

Title: Redemption/Atonement Author: LordoftheManor Rating: E Genre(s): Romance, Angst, Drama Chapters: 75 Word Count: 448,946 Summary: Draco Malfoy has had a crush on Granger for years. When Blaise tells him he's heard Granger has a crush on him--Draco decides to seize the opportunity. The only problem is, Granger wants to keep things quiet. Oh and he's a Death Eater working for Lord Voldemort. Hermione Granger has been secretly pining after Draco for years, telling no one. When he suddenly confronts her after class her world turns upside down. This is a 7th year fic as if Dumbledore hadn’t been killed and Voldemort hadn’t taken over the ministry yet. Draco redemption arc. This will cover books 6 & 7.Really just an excuse to write smut about a curly haired witch and her platinum haired beau. There will be dark themes, I’ll try not to stray too far from the books with that though. Explicit sexual content.

Title: A Dangerous Collection Author: Lia_Redrose Rating: E Genre(s): Romance Chapters: 34 Word Count: 208,277 Summary: Eight years after Voldemort's defeat, Draco Malfoy has left England for good. He has become a potioneer and works in a Potion Shop in Florence. He thinks he has done with the past, until one day a famous girl with messy curls and curious eyes storms inside and asks for a cure.The words and the newborn smile died as the woman turned to face him. Her mouth opened and her facial features became confused and astonished. “Malfoy?” There were surely some deities - three at least - that hated him and conjured for that to happen, because there was no other explanation to what was happening to him. It was a catastrophe. A catastrophe Draco couldn’t escape unless he bolted out of the shop to never come back again, which was something he couldn’t do. That’s why he cleared his throat and proceeded to greet his customer with a simple and clear “Granger.”

Title: Redemption Author: gnrkrystle  Rating: M Genre(s): Romance, Drama Chapters: 45 Word Count: 237,960 Summary: As an Unspeakable, Hermione has been tasked with a very complicated case. All the Marked Death Eaters in Azkaban are falling ill - Draco Malfoy and Theo Nott the worst among them. She has to find out why and cure them.

Title: Finding Hermione Author: ebookdragon Rating: M Genre(s): Romance, Drama Chapters: 51 Word Count: 217,753 Summary: Fifteen years after the end of the Second Wizarding War, former Hogwarts' students are sending their own children off to school for the first time. As the train leaves, Hermione makes a startling discovery about her husband and the secret life he's been living. Draco witnesses Hermione's world shatter and comes to her rescue, helping her pick up the pieces and find herself again.

Title: The Education of a Lady Author: thewanderers'wanderingdaughter  Rating: M Genre(s): Drama, Horror Chapters: 34 Word Count: 365,605 Summary: Fourth and final (for real this time) part in the His Little Bird series. The story of survival, betrayal, and tragedy. A monster took everything from her. Now she's expected to be a willing participant in the world he's built for them. They want her to become one of them. She only wants vengeance, and now that she has her power back, she can make that a reality.

Title: Snow Angel Author: SunflowersXx Rating: M Genre(s): Romance, Drama Chapters: 31 Word Count: 353,142 Summary: ‘To burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves’- Federico Garcia Lorca. Hermione hated secrets, she hated the idea that their lives were already decided in the stars; but mostly, she hated that she had to break Draco Malfoy’s heart.Draco didn’t think he would ever know what love felt like, he didn’t think he would find it in the sun, in whiskey and in that one curl. He certainly didn’t think he would loose it just as he had it in his grasp.

Title: The Hardest of Hearts Author: WillowingScribe1709 Rating: M Genre(s): Romance, Humour Chapters: 34 Word Count: 219,508 Summary: Hermione, driven to become Minister of Magic, reluctantly joins a matchmaking agency, only to discover Draco Malfoy as her top match.Initially scoffing at the idea of marrying her old nemesis, Hermione is forced to reconsider when their paths intertwine, unraveling not just their past but also new layers of deceit. Among these Draco's connection to the Seven Devils, a group wrapped in secrecy and rumoured to have been founded by his father, Lucius.What starts out as a simple match of convenience soon blossoms into a profound connection that catches Hermione completely off guard. With a menacing new threat casting a shadow over their future, their growing bond becomes the crux upon which destiny hinges.---------“It’s not that simple,” he said, and his eyes flashed with something dark that curled around her airways and choked the breath out of her. “Even if we never consummate our marriage, I need to know that I can touch you in public without you flinching. That you can touch me in return without looking green in the face.”“Of course I can,” she said with more bravado than she felt.“Is that so?” Malfoy asked, more darkness swirling in his eyes. “Care to demonstrate?”

[guplia]

Hello anon! First of all, thanks for the ask! (asks? idk I received three anon asks at almost the same time, it would be weird if they didn't all come from the same person lol)

fic recommendations? read mine /hj Sure! Just note that while I've enjoyed a lot of wips, I'm only gonna recommend completed fics rn.

Okay! Here's all I can remember rn:

"Clouds" by youngmoInactive (fanfiction.net):

Original summary:

"Even though he's a hero, he's still a human. CONTAINS CHARACTER DEATH. A nice look into Kai's perspective as he watches a close friend slowly lose a fight for his life."

Okay all I've gotta say on this one is that IT MADE ME CRY. OVER AND OVER AGAIN. Obviously I can't speak for everyone who read this fic but I think this will hurt Lloyd lovers. I have re-read it so many times to the point where I have half the fic memorised word-by-word. This is a must-read.

(if you're on the phone it's better to add "m." To the start of the URL)

"a day in the life of a fatherless child" by holographicknife (Archive of Our Own):

Original summary:

"lloyd has a panic attack *confetti* title suggested by my friend lol loosely based on a crack rp between friend and i   Warning for: mentions of suicidal thoughts and medication, explicit descriptions of a panic attack, including tight chest, difficulty breathing, nausea, and headaches. Proceed with caution."

This is a Kai And Lloyd fic, and I love Kai And Lloyd fics! Specifically ones where they address Lloyd's trauma from Morro and where Kai comforts him. So if anyone's into this sort of stuff I'd recommend it!

"A Courageous Escape" by Lilac_Lily234 (Archive of Our Own):

Original summary:

"In the midst of possession Morro hatred flows freely as he seeks to make Lloyd suffer for taking what he believes as his rightful title, but his cruelty know no bounds; Lloyd however refuses to give up but knows that time is running out, and in his desperation will find either salvation, or death.  - I don't own Ninjago, this is an au"

Ahem... once again, Lloyd goes through pain. A season 5 canon-divergent AU, from which my favourite part was... you guessed it! Lloyd having a panic attack and being comforted! But it's still a cool story besides too, season 5 being one of the best seasons imo.

While this fic is finished, the AU is not but I think this one has a good ending on its own.

"Out for revenge" by lloyd_slander (Archive of Our Own):

Original summary:

"Harumi’s plan to resurrect Lord Garmadon failed, during her time in Kryptarium prison she heard about Morro, the master of wind, and guy who had managed to make Lloyd’s life a living hell. Wanting revenge, she doesn’t stop from anything, not even from getting Morro back from the dead. Or The duo we always wanted, but never got. Lloyd is in for a hard time. Head the tags, guys!"

Okay. This one is rated Mature for drug usage and blood (there was nothing sexual though)

So it's a Morro traumatising Lloyd fic again, but this time he's with Harumi! So it's double trouble for Lloyd! (things go VERY BAD for him >:3)

Honestly I can't say much except read the fic, the summary's right there lol.

"Revealed" by Nation_Ustria (Archive of Our Own):

Original summary:

"Lloyd Garmadon is used to being hated. That's just how his life works—if someone knows that he's the son of the warlord who attacks Ninjago City on a weekly basis, they hate his guts. That's why he's made sure that his team—the only people he's ever been happy with—don't know who he is behind the mask, with the small price attached that he doesn't know their identities, either. It's not like they know each other's, anyways, so it's not a big deal. But then they find out. The fact that Lloyd's elemental power makes him an empath doesn't help, either. Basically the premise of the movie pre-reveal with show elements and personalities, and Lloyd's Green Power is him being able to sense and be influenced by the emotions of those around him."

Okay so here's a fic without Morro! (that's cause it's in the movie-verse) Another type of fanfic I like reading is where Lloyd in tlnm keeps his identity secret from the other ninja and it ends up getting revealed (like this one.).

I've seen this fic being recommended more than once and it's one of the fics with the most kudos in the entire fandom on AO3! So 2000 others agree with me on how awesome this fic is!!!

"What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger" by @crystaleclipse10 (CrystalEclipse on Archive of Our Own)

Original summary:

"Lloyd batted Red's hand away. “’m fine.” His head pounded, but at least it was quiet and dark. His hair tickled his nose. “What happened?” “We…didn’t get out in time,” Red whispered. “The missile exploded. We got everyone else out, though.” Lloyd relaxed and slumped forward as pure relief washed over him. They’d done it. They’d beaten Garmadon’s game. They’d freed the civilians and survived. Didn’t feel great, though. ~OR~ Lloyd and Kai get trapped under a building when it collapses, both injured. Angst and bonding ensue."

So it's another tlnm au fic! And this one has Kai And Lloyd bonding specific so I like it!!!

As I was reading this when it was still being updated I was very excited every time a new chapter would come out and my heart hurt for Lloyd each time! It IS worth the read! Just note that while tis fic is completed, the au is not.

"Officer Smith, Do You Copy?" by @hijabiwriter (same username on Archive of Our Own):

Original summary:

"Everyone has their reasons for becoming a police officer. Maybe they were forced. Maybe the profession stood out to them. Maybe they had some experience that prompted the idea of becoming a police officer. But that's only a few reasons. There are others, too. Like for instance, one of these officers is out for revenge."

This fic is entered around Nya, who's a police officer alongside Jay, Cole and Lloyd (for some reason Zane is not in this au/fic). Anyways her dark secrets are explored in every other chapter alongside the progressing story, and of course, an explanation is given to everything in the end.

On a personal note this is the fic where I left my first comment on my Ao3 account lol (the historic moment is on chapter 13!!!)

"Too Late to Say Goodbye" by @greenamethyst16 (same username on Archive of Our Own)

Original summary:

"Kai gets stabbed and Lloyd helps him... :D"

I think length-wise this is the shortest fic on the list but that doesn't make it bad!!! Basically Lloyd downplays his injuries and there are consequences... :D

"All the ways I say "I love you"" by @ninja-knox-ur-sox-off (Leonardo_Charles_BlueWood_21 on Archive of Our Own)

Original summary:

"Cole loves his team. They're his family and he does everything in his power to keep them safe and steady. He does his best to let them know he cares about them in every way but one.  Or  Seven times Cole couldn't quite say "I love you," and the one time he could."

Note: This story can only be read if you're logged in on AO3.

I like this fic because it encouraged me to remind my own irl friends how much they mean to me. In this story Cole believes that he's "the rock" of the team, and hence he doesn't show his emotions much. He's never told even one of them that he loves them and thinks that they deserve better than him. So stuff happens after that :D

Okay, I've read a lot more than this but this is all I'm gonna write about now cause I'm tired and I think this post has became too long. But if you wanna read more just check out the profiles of the writers! I haven't read everything myself but most of them have other good Ninjago fics to read!

If I've tagged you or mentioned your fic and you want it removed just let me know! I have no problem with removing it! :D

[headcanonsandmore]

Sergeant Benton with every Doctor (1-13)

1- I get the sense that One's initial dislike of being questioned would soften a little when dealing with Benton's sweet earnestness. Especially if Benton risks his own life to save Susan (because of course he would).

2- On the rare occasions where Two interacted with Benton, they seem to get along perfectly fine. I think that if Benton was around full time, he'd definitely develop a strong friendship with him. And, of course, Benton and Jamie would get along super well.

3- As we all know, Three was the closest to Benton out of the incarnations who met him, but I think Benton being a fully-fledged traveling companion would put an interesting spin on things. I think Benton would have a great time, although he would probably get tons of marriage proposals from the inhabitants of planets they'd travel to (I mean, he is super lovely, after all). And I'm sure Jo Grant would appreciate having her himbo bestie around.

4- Four liked Benton the most out of the UNIT soldiers he interacted with, so no surprises that he'd appreciate having Benton as a traveling companion a lot. I imagine Sarah-Jane would also appreciate a sweet himbo to bounce ideas off (especially since Benton is basically the opposite of Harry Sullivan in every way).

5- Five would get along so well with Benton, it's unreal. Benton is such a calming influence that Five would have him around just to chat over tea with. I also think the most personable of the classic Doctors would appreciate Benton's down-to-earth nature and sense of cheery humour. Also, Benton is the only UNIT man that Tegan and Nyssa would actually like, and we all know those two need at least one himbo third wheel with them at any given moment (Benton tries to sneak date money into Tegan's purse so she can take Nyssa to a cinema, Tegan gets flustered and turns bright red, Nyssa is confused but pleased nonetheless).

6- Benton would not only be able to restrain Six during his initial regeneration mood swings, but he'd also help Peri acclimatise to the situation. Mel would probably remind him a bit of Jo Grant, and he'd naturally fit into being her best friend.

7- Listen, I don't want to split up the duo of Seven and Ace, but -if I had to- Benton would slot in well. He'd be able to see through Seven's manipulations as well as acting like a sweet big brother to Ace. He'd probably get a little worried about all the pyrotechnics, though.

8- Eight would either have a slight crush on Benton, or try manipulating him into a scheme of dubious morality. Either way, Benton would have a hard time dealing with this eldritch figure. He'd probably get along well with Eight's rotating line-up of queer companions, though.

9- God-tier duo. Can you imagine human golden retriever Benton being around Nine? Nine; the incarnation with a boat-load of trauma and guilt who just wants to save people? Well, Benton's making him take a day off at the beach with some ice cream, plus some healthy discussion of emotions and wellbeing. He'd save that time lord's life just by being his friend, and it would be fantastic.

10- To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if Benton got exasperated with Ten at times, especially with how he treated Martha. Also, that whole "Time Lord Victorious" thing? Couldn't happen with Benton there. Doc, I dunno about the nature of time, but you're supposed to help people, not decide who's important and who isn't *upset puppy dog eyes intensify* *Ten immediately reverts back to normal*. Oh, but can you imagine Benton around Donna? That would be amazing.

11- I feel like Benton would probably calm down Eleven's energy a bit, and would also be a nice calming influence on all the TARDIS crew. He'd also probably be a little confused by River Song, just in general. Also, he'd tell tons of embarrassing stories from when he used to babysit Kate Steward.

12- Listen, we know that Twelve has a... difficult situation with U.N.I.T but I think he'd value Benton's presence despite that. I also think Bill especially would like Benton's sweet nature. And -hey- Benton would also be immune to Missy's shenanigans so conflicts would be resolved a good deal easier. Although Benton would definitely be a little alarmed by Clara, and try to help her and Twelve ease their co-dependency.

13- Given the amount of himbos in Thirteen's TARDIS teams, I think Benton would probably fit in quite well. He'd definitely bring an 'older cousin' vibe to a friendship with Yaz, and I imagine he'd also be there for Yaz when Thirteen is being a self-sabotaging jerk. He would also probably have a double-act with Dan. The lovely din-dins man meets the Dan with a plan and a pan. 🤣😂

[cerromoreno]

Ok so I’m absolutely head over heels for canon Starbula, of course. BUT. I was rewatching What If? season one’s “What If T’Challa Became a Star-Lord?” episode and got INSPIRED. 

What if THIS Nebula...

...still connected (and eventually got together) with THIS Peter Quill?

Rewatching this episode, it was so fun to see what Nebula with less cybernetic replacements and trauma would be like. But until now, I’d just recalled that this episode's universe ended in a tragedy, with Ego harnessing Dairy Queen!Peter to destroy the galaxy. (I totally forgot that later in the season, we actually do see T'challa save Peter - oops 😅)

Anyway, after my recent rewatch - and before I remembered that T'challa does save the day in canon - I was like…wait a second. This is the MCU we’re talking about, and these characters have faced certain-apocalypses like this a million times before. And season 2 of What If? just showed Peter breaking free of Ego’s control as a kid, so it could definitely happen here. 

So anyway, I started imagining what might happen in this universe to bring Peter and Nebula together, post-episode, and thought the ensuing headcanon was cute enough to share!

Basically, once Ego starts wreaking havoc on earth with a newly-mind-controlled Peter, our heroes Nebula, T’Challa, etc. are quickly alerted to the disaster and fly over to Missouri from Wakanda. In the ensuing fight, Nebula, T'Challa, and Co. realize that Peter is the key to Ego’s power and current destruction, so they try to get Peter away from him. At some point in the fight, Nebula and Peter are somehow separated from the rest of the Ravagers. Maybe when it’s clear they won’t be able to defeat Ego right now, everyone decides to get in their ships to escape and regroup. Peter's next to Nebula, so she grabs him and runs into her ship with him in tow. T’Challa and the others say they'll distract Ego long enough for Nebula and Peter to escape via a jump point.

This basically happens, but maybe Nebula's ship is damaged by Ego in the space fight/escape. So once Nebula and Peter have gotten safely away from Ego, she realizes she's unable to contact the rest of the Ravagers for some reason. Maybe Ego's attack broke her comm, or the ship is damaged enough that she has to crash land on a nearby planet after leaving the jump point. Basically, she and Peter are stuck together on their own for a while, unable to reconnect with the Ravagers.

Initially, Nebula is pissed at Peter for forcing her to separate from her friends and being the cause of this galaxy-level threat (even though, as she learns later, it’s not actually his fault). Poor Peter is totally overwhelmed and freaked out. He’s just had his world turned upside down, is now in space, and this (beautiful) blue alien is yelling at him about how the galaxy is in danger thanks to him.

Over time, however, as Nebula realizes the only way to stop Ego is to help Peter hone his newly-awakened abilities, she starts to warm up to this strange Terran. Peter is his usual charming, funny, and clever self, so as he learns from Nebula about how to survive and fight in space, tries to help her fix the ship, and practices using his powers, he slowly begins to win her over. Lots of cute bonding ensues, and the two eventually become something like the strong and trusting partnership we see in GOTG3.

At some point, Ego finally finds and captures T’Challa and uses him to lure Nebula and Peter back, so he can re-kidnap Peter. (Maybe Nebula finally fixes her comm, and when she does, she learns that T’Challa has been captured by Ego.) Of course, Ego ends up getting defeated by our dynamic duo, totally caught off guard by how powerful Peter has become with his powers. Hooray the galaxy is saved lol

Once they rescue T’Challa from Ego's captivity, Peter watches Nebula run into his arms, the two of them tightly embracing each other in relief. Peter gets self-conscious, realizing that he doesn’t actually belong here in space with them. He belongs back in Missouri, back at the stupid Dairy Queen, not here. There’s no way that Nebula, who he’d been slowly developing feelings for, would ever want to be with him over perfect actual-prince and Star-Lord, T'Challa.

But surprise! Even though Nebula definitely had *~vibes~* in that What If? episode with T’Challa (side note: I think it’s funny that no matter the universe, Nebula is always deeply connected with that universe’s Star-Lord!), during her solo adventures with Peter, she’s realized that she’s actually falling for this goofy Terran. 

So Nebula basically tells Peter that his true home is in space (with her 🥲), and invites him to joins the Ravagers. Maybe they confess their feelings at this point, or maybe the slow burn continues slow-burning longer. Probably the latter lol. But either way, this universe’s Nebula and Peter continue to be badasses across the galaxy together, just in a different way from the MCU canon!

I just think the idea of this version of Peter, who’s never been to space and generally has no idea what’s going on, still managing to charm this version of Nebula…is the absolute cutest. And the fact that no matter the universe, these two will somehow always find each other 🥹

PS As I said before, I totally forgot that later in What If? season one (episode 9), it actually shows T'Challa saving Peter from Ego lol. But after rewatching that episode too, I was happy to see all of those scenes still fit here, so my headcanon is technically still canon-compliant 😆

[greatideas-badwriter]

SasuSaku: Sacrificed To The Banished Prince Ch. 18

“And you’re sure there will be no side effects?” Sasuke asked Itachi and the investigator he’d brought along with him. 

They’d arrived days earlier than expected, interrupting Sakura’s fitting. He wished he could’ve stayed with her. Ino was ready to defend his fiance with her life, though, so he wasn’t as concerned as he’d be if she were alone with that perverted tailor. Shortly after their arrival, Sasuke was  informed the investigator, an incredibly large and muscular man named Kisame, intended to use magic to search Sakura’s memories and identify the person responsible for her attack. 

‘I’m surprised Madara sent such a high-ranking knight. He must actually care for Sakura’s well-being. I thought it was all an act. Perhaps it is, and he has another reason for sending them here.’ 

Only the best of the best are able to use magic, and even then, it was rare for it to be performed for any reason outside war and directly assisting the crown. Since he’d been banished for so long, Sasuke assumed he wasn’t truly considered part of the royal family anymore. He didn’t allow himself to feel touched by the gesture because he didn’t trust Madara after all he’d done. 

“There may be some mental distress. She’ll experience the memories as I do, so whatever trauma she’s suffered, it will be as though it’s happening again,” Itachi explained, sharing a look with Kisame. Sasuke pictured the withdrawn and terrified Sakura he’d witnessed for days after her assault and gritted his teeth, ‘I want to avenge her, but is it worth it to force her to repeat what happened?’ 

Itachi picked up on his younger brother’s hesitance, “Why don’t we speak with her first? Maybe she’ll be able to give us details she forgot to mention before since some time has passed and she’s calmed.” 

Sasuke didn’t see much issue with that but eyed the imposing knight. He was unfamiliar with Kisame. Even if Itachi vouched for him, it did little to ease his hesitance. “You don’t do anything unless I’m present. Understood?” The duo shared another look before nodding to the second prince. 

“Shall we visit my soon-to-be little sister, then?” Itachi asked. 

The three men leave Sasuke’s office and trek to the dressing room, only to find it empty. Sasuke stood there with wide eyes, ‘The fitting is over already? Then where-’ “Ah, My Lord! I was just about to serve tea to Lady Haruno and her brother. Would you like to join them?” Ino asked, appearing with a large tray of tea, cups, and cookies. 

‘Her brother is here?’ The prince nodded, gesturing for her to lead the way. Behind him, the two visitors from the capitol remained silent. 

When they arrived at the tea room, Sasuke didn’t bother knocking and entered the door. Sakura’s eyes were wide and watery as they met his. His teeth gritted as he averted his glare to the pest sitting across from her: Hihara. 

‘She’s obviously uncomfortable around him. What terrible things did he say to upset her?’ 

Feeling angry and protective, he crossed the room, sparing his fiance a glance as she rose to stand, obviously nervous. “Does the Haruno family not believe in the courtesy of sending a letter prior to visiting?” 

Hihara’s eyes narrowed, but he bowed and said, “My apologies. Our family was so concerned upon receiving your letter that I couldn’t bear to waste another second without verifying her well-being with my own eyes.” 

Itachi shared a look with Sasuke before interrupting, “It’s an honor to meet you again so soon. You’ll be pleased to hear we’ve arrived to investigate your sister’s attack.” He gestured toward Kisame, who bowed but remained silent, “The king has sent one of our best knights to personally oversee things. We won’t rest until the culprit has been brought to justice.” 

Hihara’s mouth opened as though he would respond, but the entire room became stunned when Sakura suddenly cut in, “Please call off the investigation.” The Uchiha man looked at his fiance in disbelief. She shyly grabbed onto his shirt with a trembling hand, voice unsteady, “I-I just want to put this all behind me.” 

He couldn’t believe it. He was awe-stricken to the point that he could only stare at her. 

‘What in the world…. She doesn’t want the man who hurt her to be punished? It makes no sense!’ 

Sakura’s grip tightened. Her teary eyes searched his, “Please….” 

Sasuke couldn’t do it. He couldn’t tell the traumatized woman no, not when she was all but begging him, not to mention in front of others. He also couldn’t just give up, though, so he nodded. Hesitantly, he rested a hand atop hers, the one clutching the shirt near his hip, “Only for today. We need to speak privately about this.” 

So, he instructed Ino and Sai to entertain the guests while he guided his fiance upstairs to his office. It was silent as he turned to lean against the desk with crossed arms. He looked at the visibly nervous woman avoiding his gaze, unsure of how to proceed. ‘One wrong step and she’ll fall back into that depressive state, but I can’t…. I can’t say the wrong thing. I have to convince her to let me do this.’ 

It was selfish, yes, but he wasn’t even considering giving up on the investigation. No, he had to know who was to blame, or else he’d forever feel this mind-boggling guilt. 

Eventually, he took a long, deep breath before starting the conversation neither of them wanted to have, “Why?” 

Sakura clasped her hands together in front of her, an ashamed look on her pretty features, “I already told you. I want to move on, and I can’t do that if everyone is focused on what happened all the time.” 

‘...She can’t meet my eye,’ he realized, his teeth gritting together as the woman squirmed before him, ‘She’s hiding something, maybe even outright lying to me.’ 

He took his time pondering a response. Absently he looked over to see that the sun was about to begin setting. If he was going to find something resembling a solution today, he had to do it quickly. Urged by the time constraint, he uncrossed his arms, entirely uncomfortable with his own approach, “You needn’t feel ashamed, Sakura. If you’d rather just speak with me, or even your maid, we can do that. The others don’t have to be involved.” Inwardly, he was a little proud of himself for speaking clearly. This entire conversation was something he never thought he’d take part in. 

Alas, the woman didn’t respond as he hoped. She shook her head, her tears finally overflowing. He watched as she shakily wiped at them, sniffling quietly, “I can’t, Sasuke. I really can’t. Please don’t make me.” 

Sasuke’s resolve cracked. Then, it crumbled. A terrible sensation met his chest at the sight of his fiance so broken, especially when it felt it was completely his fault. 

‘When did I become so affected by such things?’ he wondered, biting back a sigh to not upset her further. 

Almost awkwardly, he held out a hand. The woman blinked, still sniffling, upon noticing. She accepted it after a moment, her smaller hand nearly akin to a child's in his. Then, it was as though his body naturally knew what to do. Sasuke gently pulled her closer. Either she was humoring him or genuinely felt comforted by the gesture because her arms wrapped around his middle, and she whispered words of thanks into his shirt while attempting to calm herself. 

He wrapped one arm around her, the other hand coming to the back of her head so she’d stay where she was. 

Sasuke rested his chin atop her head, finally allowing the sigh to pass his lips. Soon, Sakura was calmed enough to return to her room, where the maid Ino was ready to distract her from the guests. The prince, on the other hand, entered the tea room to see Hihara, Itachi, and Kisame silently sipping tea, Sai standing near the door to keep an eye on things. The butler gave his boss a particular look that said it’d been quiet the entire time he was gone. 

“How is she?” Itachi asked as Sasuke took a seat beside Hihara, the only one available at the table. 

He curtly nodded, sparing the redheaded Haruno man a brief glare, “Upset. She’s resting.” 

“Were you able to convince her to continue the investigation?” Hihara asked. The other three turned their gazes onto him, and he straightened his spine while defending himself, “She’s my sister. I have a right to know about her well-being.” 

Clearing his throat, Sasuke shook his head, “She’s adamant that she wants to put this behind her. I couldn’t talk her out of it.” 

Hihara laughed, earning irritated glances from the others, “Sakura’s being stubborn? I’ve never witnessed such a thing in my life.” 

The pinkette’s fiancee opened his mouth to bark a retort at the annoying man, only for Kisame to suddenly speak, “Experiencing severe trauma has the ability to alter people’s sense of self. She must be too afraid at the moment to confront it.” 

The room became quiet as they pondered the poor woman. A sharp pain shot up Sasuke’s neck from the curse’s tattoo, and he naturally brought a hand to it with a wince. 

Understanding met Itachi’s face, and he gestured for Sai, “Show Lord Haruno to a room for the evening, please.” The butler nodded, bowing politely before guiding the confused redhead from the tearoom. 

Once the door was shut, Kisame rose to lock it, and the first Uchiha prince moved to stand against the wall with crossed arms, watching his little brother struggle to remain silent amidst the shift. 

“...Thank….you…” Sasuke managed. 

“Should we restrain The Curse?” Kisame asked. 

“Our agreement still stands,” he forced out, a hand clutching his chest as though he couldn’t breathe, “He won’t cause too much trouble so long as he can see Sakura.” 

Itachi and the knight shared a surprised look, the former asking, “He wasn’t the one who-” “No!” Sasuke interrupted, feeling the demon’s rage explode inside him in response to the accusation. 

Then. it was Akuma standing there and no longer the prince. Catching his breath, he held the first prince’s gaze with a frown. ‘They’re here to identify my prey.’ 

Slow and deliberate, his glowing gaze turned onto the large knight by the door, his teeth curling back to reveal his sharpened canines, “You’ll lend me your mana so I can do the memory spell.” Kisame’s eyes widened before turning to Itachi and gauging his response. “Don’t look at your master, Dog! You answer to me until I say otherwise!” 

Itachi’s arms uncrossed, a serious glint in his dark eyes, “She said to cancel the investigation.” Akuma was before him in a flash with a handful of his shirt in his fist as he all but spat in his face, “And I said to aid me anyway!” 

He’d had enough of waiting around and watching his sacrifice struggle to deal with everyday life. He wanted back who she was before. If he couldn’t have that, the next best thing was to torture and destroy the person responsible for ruining his fun. The demon was no longer interested in playing nice. 

To his surprise, the Uchiha man curtly nodded, admitting quietly, “If it’s you, then she won’t blame Sasuke for breaking a promise.” He turned to Kisame and said, “Do as he says. I’ll take responsibility when the king finds out.” 

So, the trio sat down so Kisame could explain some details of the process. “It will be as though you are personally experiencing what occurred. You’ll feel, taste, hear, see, and smell everything.” 

“Spare me the warnings. I’m familiar with spells similar to this one.” 

Half an hour later, the trio ascended the stairs to the second floor. It was nighttime, but Sakura wasn’t asleep. Ino opened the door, took one look at each of the men’s faces, and nodded before excusing herself with a quiet apology toward her pink-haired friend. 

Sakura rose from the bed with a suspicious face, “What’s going on…?” She asked. 

Akuma spoke as calmly as possible in his enraged state, “Sit.” 

She obeyed but also seemed to be piecing together the situation. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Itachi and Kisame before meeting the demon’s gaze again and whispering, “Please don’t do this.” 

“Come near us, and I’ll behead you both,” Akuma warned the two capital men. 

Kisame performed the spell necessary to lend him his mana, and when he felt the power flood his veins, he knelt before the pinkette. She was positively trembling from head to toe. A tiny bit of guilt met his chest as he cautiously pressed his torso between her legs as she sat on the edge of the bed, ‘I don’t care how much she hates me after this. I have to know who did it.’ 

In an effort to bring her even the tiniest bit of comfort, he interlaced their fingers on both hands, speaking firmly so she wouldn’t dare try to run, “Don’t disobey me.” Before Sakura could respond, he did it. He cast the spell while pressing his forehead to hers. 

Instantly, Akuma felt something he’d only ever felt in the presence of the leader of Hell: complete and utter terror. His vision was too blurry because of the tears to make out anything solid, but he didn’t need to see to know what was happening. He could feel it: the confusion, the fear, the pain. 

He could hear Sakura’s muffled sobs as though they were leaving his own mouth. He could taste the cotton of the cloth in her mouth as she tried and failed to spit it out and scream. 

The demon was scared. He was scared of what he was feeling, but more than anything, he was afraid Sakura would never recover from something this awful. He’d underestimated how horrible such a thing could be. He was disgusted with himself for the times in the past he’d done this to the helpless souls in purgatory. He was also angry that he felt that way because he was supposed to be a demon and not care about trivial things like human emotions. 

Suddenly a voice met his ears. It was familiar. “This is the body of a dancer’s daughter? I understand why Father couldn’t help himself, now.” 

‘Is that…?’ 

It couldn’t be who he suspected. No, because Sakura would’ve said something immediately, right? But she blinked in the memory, temporarily clearing her vision enough to make out dark green eyes, blood-red hair, and a disgusting, amused expression on Hihara Haruno’s face as he stole his sister’s innocence and relished in the act. 

Sakura managed to empty her mouth of whatever gagged her and begged, “P-Please, stop! It hurts!” And it did hurt. Every centimeter he moved felt like her core was being torn to shreds. 

Akuma was too engrossed to pull himself from the memory, too stunned by the truth. He felt the poor Haruno woman struggle the entire time, experienced the gut-wrenching sensation of self-disgust when Hihara told her she was a whore and that she’d ruin everyone’s name if she told a soul about what happened. 

As Akuma watched the redheaded man dress and leave the broken woman alone, his rage began to mix in with Sakura’s angst. His vision became coated in red as he looked down at her bloodied body and bedsheets. 

‘How dare he…! I’ll tear every vein from his body, one by one!’ 

There were muffled voices meeting his comprehension, but he couldn’t focus on them as Sakura struggled off the bed only to fall into a heap on the floor because the pain between her legs was too severe. 

‘She’s hurt. She’s bleeding. I have to help her. I have to get her out of there!’ Those weren’t his thoughts, just then, but Sasuke’s. 

‘The magic must be affecting him, too.’ It was enough to snap the demon from his uncontrollable state, and he deactivated the spell.

Suddenly, Akuma was back to his own body, his own consciousness. His eyes shot open to see blank green ones filled with tears. Sakura didn’t blink as she sat in a daze as though hypnotized. She was only taking in short, quick breaths. Her hands were clutching his as tightly as she was probably capable. He felt hot, wet tears force themself from his own eyes, though they were made of blood since he was a demon, remnants of what he’d felt in her mind, and a growl rumbled low in his chest. 

“Did you see who it was?” Itachi asked, snapping the demon from his stupor. 

His head jerked to the side to fix the prince with a menacing glare, “Watch over her,” he barked, slipping away from the traumatized, frozen woman. 

Kisame called after him, “Who was it!” 

He ignored it. 

The swine responsible was so close, under the same roof. Akuma searched room after room, slamming each door open as he hunted Hihara Haruno, only to encounter a few maids in the final room of the manor. 

“Where is the man with red hair?!” He bellowed, barely containing his murderous energy. 

A brunette one that sometimes tended to Sakura pointed toward the stairs to the first floor as she cowered with the others, “H-He left by horse while you were with Lady Haruno. He said something urgent had come up.”  

The demon didn’t stop to put on a coat before sprinting from the manor. He used what little mana remained from that knight to quicken his steps as he tried to track down the swine responsible for hurting Sakura. He ran and ran for hours until the first signs of sunrise met the horizon. 

The exercise hadn’t dulled his rage. No, he roared with all the might of a beast, ripping through half-dead trees with bloodied claws. Akuma yelled to no one, “I’ll rip out his throat! I’ll drink every ounce of his blood!” 

He didn’t stop his outburst until the sun rose and he had no choice because Sasuke shifted into control and wasn’t capable of the same level of devastation. Panting heavily from all the activity, the Uchiha prince let himself fall onto his back on the snow, his dark eyes wide on the cloudy sky as he attempted to comprehend all that’d happened through the night. For a long time, nothing happened, and his thoughts were hardly structured. 

Eventually, he snapped out of it and spoke in a raspy, eerily calm voice, “I will kill him.” 

[be-gay-find-cryptids]

(Part 1) Underrated Recommendations for Film & TV

1. Wolfwalkers (Film, 2020)

Wolfwalkers follows the story of Robyn Goodfellowe, a young apprentice hunter who arrives in Ireland with her father during a time of superstition and magic to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to turn into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh's missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the Wolfwalkers and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.

2. Reservation Dogs (TV, 2021)

Reservation Dogs follows the exploits of four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma who steal, rob, and save in order to get to the exotic, mysterious, and faraway land of California. To succeed, they will have to save enough money, outmaneuver the methheads at the junkyard on the edge of town, and survive a turf war against a much tougher rival gang.

3. The Breadwinner (Film, 2017)

Parvana is an 11-year-old girl who lives under Taliban rule in Afghanistan in 2001. After the wrongful arrest of her father, Parvana cuts off her hair and dresses like a boy to support her family. Working alongside a friend, she soon discovers a new world of freedom and danger. Drawing strength from the fantastical stories she invents, Parvana embarks on an epic quest to find her father and reunite her family.

4. Carol & the End of the World (TV, 2023)

With a mysterious planet hurtling towards Earth, extinction is imminent for the people of the world. While most feel liberated to pursue their wildest dreams, one quiet and awkward woman, Carol, stands alone—lost among the hedonistic masses.

5. Infinity Train (TV, 2019)

The series is set on a gigantic, mysterious and seemingly endless train traveling through a barren landscape, whose cars contain a variety of bizarre, fantastical, and impossible environments. Passengers on the train proceed from car to car by completing challenges which help them resolve their psychological trauma and emotional issues. Every season of Infinity Train (referred to as a "Book", each with its own separate subtitle) follows its own storyline and set of characters, although some characters appear across multiple seasons.

6. Moral Orel (TV, 2005)

The series follows the titular Orel Puppington, a young, happy-go-lucky and naïve Protestant who showcases his commitment to God, while dealing with the cynicism of his abusive and alcoholic father, his lethargic mother, and the devoutly Protestant town of Moralton in which he resides.

7. Bee and PuppyCat (TV, 2013)

The series revolves around Bee, an unemployed woman in her early twenties, who encounters a mysterious creature named PuppyCat. She adopts this apparent cat-dog hybrid, and together, they go on a series of temporary jobs to pay off her monthly rent. These bizarre jobs take the duo across strange worlds out in space.

8. Tuca & Bertie (TV, 2019)

This animated comedy series explores the friendship between two 30-year-old bird women who live in the same apartment building. The buddy comedy features cocky, carefree toucan Tuca and anxious, daydreaming songbird Bertie as they live their lives in the metropolis of Bird Town.

9. Wander Over Yonder (TV, 2013)

The series follows Wander, a nomadic, helpful, and overly-optimistic intergalactic traveler and his best friend and steed, Sylvia the Zbornak, as they travel from planet to planet helping people to have fun, play, and live free, despite the continuing encroachment of Lord Hater, one of the most powerful villains in the galaxy, and his army of Watchdogs.

10. The Midnight Gospel (TV, 2020)

The Midnight Gospel revolves around a spacecaster named Clancy Gilroy, who lives on the Chromatic Ribbon, a membranous, tape-like planet situated in the middle of a colorful void where simulation farmers use powerful bio-organic computers to simulate a variety of universes from which they harvest natural resources and new technology. Each episode revolves around Clancy's travels through planets within the simulator, with the beings inhabiting these worlds as the guests he interviews for his spacecast. These interviews are based on actual interviews, with real audio sampled from Trussell's podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour.

[themattress]

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Continued from my last post.

I cleared Chapter 3 and recruited the Ashen Wolves from Abyss on all three save files.

- More interesting character insights! On the Black Eagles file, I am again reminded what a precious bundle of nerves and neurosis Bernadetta is, and I enjoy the emotional conflicts between Hubert and Ferdinand over how to best service Edelgard and between Caspar and Petra over the former's father killing the latter's. On the Blue Lions file, I am amused by Annette's clumsy antics and fascinated by the conflict between Dimitri and Felix plus the related conflict between Dedue and Felix. And on the Golden Deer file, the relationships Claude, Hilda, Lorenz and Marianne all have with one another are great, as is the emotional conflict between Ignatz and Raphael over (again) the former's parents causing the death of the latter's. And of course, the Ashen Wolves are all fantastic, being unique representatives of all four factions (Church, Empire, Kingdom and Alliance) while also being their own faction.

- Because Lord Lonato is Ashe's adoptive father, I was sadistic and brought Ashe in as my mission assist character on both the Black Eagles and Golden Deer files, meaning he had to help kill his father on all three playthroughs! But that brings me to an interesting point: since the Black Eagles version of White Clouds was written first, they thus established Lonato as a character first and then created Ashe as his adopted son afterward; they would do the same in connecting Annette, Mercedes, Sylvain and Felix to Gilbert, Jeritza, Miklan and Rodrigue respectfully. But Ashe is a unique case in that....there's really not much purpose to him after this event. When you consider that the rest of the Blue Lions are the tightly-knit group of Dimitri, Dedue, Felix, Sylvain and Ingird plus the bestie duo of Annette and Mercedes, Ashe feels glaringly out of place. I don't mind the kid, but he's kind of a throwaway character.

- Speaking of Lonato, I'm not entirely sure how sympathetic I find him. His gripes with Rhea, Catherine and the Church of Seiros are absolutely valid, and while some other characters give him grief for involving the commoners he reigns over they are clearly following him of their own free will so I can't share their view. But on the other hand, he will flat-out try to kill his own adopted son when he's only trying to talk him down and reason with him, and in the Golden Deer version Claude says he and his insurgency would have ravaged all the small villages of innocent people on their march to sack Garreg Mach. Perhaps he was being manipulated by the Western Church, but Lonato ultimately seemed to let his grief over his eldest son blind him to everything else and make him go about things the worst possible way.

- As much as I love the Golden Deer route, I'll admit that it has the weakest scene following the battle. In the Black Eagles route, Edelgard reveals more of her character and how self-aware she is about the paradoxical nature of her philosophy: no hesitation or backing down from those with unreasonable views of justice that causes them to do terrible things "for the greater good" while also acknowledging that she isn't really any better since this requires her to risk the lives of others and take morally dubious actions in the name of what she considers "the greater good". Dimitri in the Blue Lions route, meanwhile, anguishes over this very philosophy and desperately wishes to believe there is another way, one which avoids bloodshed. Him noting that the insurgents killed were "fathers and sons" particularly highlights his own personal trauma from the Tragedy of Duscur, while him being against slaughter in the name of an alleged just cause hints at the shame he feels over what his kingdom did to the Duscur people. Claude, meanwhile, just loredumps, and it's information that you could find out elsewhere (ex: the first Support between Claude and Lorenz already discusses Claude's heritage and situation in the Alliance). Hilda at least brightens the scene up when she comes in, showing that she's more shrewd and perceptive than she lets on.

- Ummm....

So yeah, with this horrifying theocratical insight, Rhea's getting even more interesting.

[idkaguyorsomething]

Sailor Earth and the Crystal Senshi and Firelord Katara both sound interesting, could you tell me a little about them?

¡Absolutely!

Fire Lord Katara is a slight AU fic where, after the Agni Kai in the finale, Zuko ends up in a coma for a hot minute, leaving something of a succession crisis as to who will take the throne. As it turns out, Katara. Katara takes the throne and becomes Fire Lord because technically she’s the one who defeated Azula in an Agni Kai. What follows is her trying to navigate the royal court, dismantle the bender’s prisons, and pay reparations to other nations without getting overthrown, at least until Zuko’s recovered enough to take back the throne. Iroh, Ty Lee, Mai, Suki, Hama, and maybe Azula are all involved. There’s not actually much romance, mostly just Katara trying to make the best of a tough situation while being her awesome self. A story of politics, trauma, unexpected friendships, Katara badassery, dismantling the prison system, and tea. Technically more of an outline than anything else at the moment.

Sailor Earth and the Crystal Senshi is a Sailor Moon roleswap between the Inner Senshi and Heavenly Kings with a bit of mystery. Mamoru rescues a talking cat one day who discovers that for some reason he is the guardian of the moon, even though by all accounts this shouldn’t be possible. Even more mysteriously, four other teens manifest the power of the other planets despite being boys, and there’s a weird blonde vigilante that keeps shooting top hats at people, plus reports of four young women going missing whose descriptions match up with the generals they’re battling… it takes more inspiration from the old anime than the new one, but it’s not a beat-for-beat retread, and there’s a lot of exploration of gender roles and identity going on in between everyone trying to figure out why all these people have the wrong powers. A story of transgenderism, dysphoria, questioning one's assigned roles, confusing feelings, fabulous crossdressing, mystery, and THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP Also I changed the ages to make it a bit less squicky. Here’s an excerpt:

Masato set his drink down and looked at the binder again. The picture stared up at him, that stoic face inscrutable. He’d reread all the information over and over again, and all he’d gotten out of it was a headache.

“Heeeey!” a shout made him look up. Usagi stood across the street, waving at Masato. Behind her stood Jirou, both of them carrying several brightly colored shopping bags.

“What’s going on?” before long, the duo was seated across from him, setting their bags down in the cafe floor, and Jirou was asking him questions. “Weren’t you supposed to be paying off that shrine today?”

“That’s already done,” Masato waved him off. “Something more important’s come up. Where's Mamoru?”

"He was called in to work today," Jirou shrugged. "Some flash-in-the-pan diva idol showed up at the studio and they needed all hands on deck to record a music video."

"I wanted to come along, but he said no," sighed Usagi. She looked up with a dreamy expression on her face. "Could you imagine being an idol and having all those adoring fans?"

"I don't need to," Jirou grinned haughtily. A bit of his model's grace found its way into his pose. "It's good of you to keep imagining, though. Everyone should have at least a few impossible fantasies."

Usagi smacked him with one of her shopping bags. She turned her attention towards the spread of paper that Masato had laid out over the table. "What's all this?"

"Paperwork for the shrine," answered Masato. "I was reviewing how many people worked there to see how many people to compensate."

"How interesting," said Jirou, rolling his eyes. "I don't suppose you have any of that huge allowance of yours left over to compensate the brave heroes who saved the shrine?"

Masato ignored him and kept talking. "However, I learned that one of the workers there had disappeared a few months ago. The granddaughter of the owner, a young lady who was by all accounts very hard working and dedicated to her job. What's more, she disappeared only a few weeks before the youma attacks began, according to Luna."

Both Usagi and Jirou's expressions grew more serious.

"Hey, what're you implying here?" asked Jirou.

Masato laid down the photo on the table and Usagi immediately snatched it up. Both she and Jirou's eyes widened when they saw who it depicted.

"General Mars?" she gasped. Masato nodded solemnly.

"Wait, but- no, the youma transform their victims all the time, so their leaders-" Jirou curled his hands into fists and let out a cry of frustration. "This is a joke, right?"

"Do you think I'd joke about something like this?" Masato snapped. "We may have been responsible for the death of an innocent girl brainwashed by the Dark Kingdom."

Usagi, looking down, clutched the photo to her chest and asked softly "What do we tell Mamoru?"

"I don't know," he rubbed his fingers against his temples.

"We tell him the truth, obviously," Jirou glared at Masato. "And we ask that stupid cat if she knew about any of this, and if there's a way to turn people back from being generals."

"Yeah, maybe Luna can help!" Usagi said with a sense of renewed hope.

"Maybe," Masato let out a sigh. "But let's just give Mamoru some time before telling him anything, alright? It would be counterproductive to not tell him, but with his work and this new 'General Venus', he already has a lot on his mind. Let's just not put everything on him at once, alright?"

The others agreed that it was already a busy weekend, perhaps they should wait until the end of it to lay this revelation on Mamoru. The stresses of leading a double life were known to all of them. Just focusing on one or the other instead of trying to juggle both was practically a break at this point. A little bit of tedium might have been what all of them needed right now, especially Mamoru.

Elsewhere, Mamoru was being chased by a giant record label youma hurling exploding vinyls at him.

[amoebaforce]

hi all! i am working on a slow burn fantasy romance story over on Wattpad!

it’s called The Devil’s Bind by Eliza Mares (me!).

the set-up:

Irene Bridges is a mid-century American secretary trying to live a quiet, unassuming life. Arlothamot is an ancient Demon Lord content to oversee his fifth of Hell as the demonic patron of war and violence. When a bloody ritual goes wrong, the two are bound by an eternal contract neither can afford to break. Irene is thrust into a terrifying new world, where dark magic lurks and demons trade in favors and blood. The only thing keeping her safe is her connection to Arlothamot, but even that comes with complications. The Demon Lord is moody, stubborn, and arrogant. And don't even get Irene started on his co-workers.

Together, this unlikely duo must maneuver their way through demonic politics and nefarious schemes, all while hiding one Hell of a secret. Join Irene and Arlothamot for a steamy, slow-burn romance that will leave you praying for more.

All chapters 18+, Chapters Seven, Eleven, Twelve, and Fourteen are NSFW.

TWs for blood, violence, strong language, some mentions of past abuse, and general demonic activities

if you like monster boyfriends, magic, found family, hell-politics, and religious trauma, you’ll like this! if you enjoy, don’t forget to leave a vote or comment :)

current word count: ~175k

last updated: 08/25/24

read it here!!!

[ultimateissuessimp]

Lost and Found

Chapter 8 FINALE - What needed to be done

Word count: 2,469

Warnings: descriptions of gore (will be marked with = at the moment it starts and = when it ends), mentioned death of a character, trauma, bad writing

Genre: Angst, fluff, hurt/comfort

Notes: All dividers that I use are made by me (If you see art that I have used, but not credited - please notify me), you might notice that even though it says "featuring Team Free Will" there's not a lot of them there as one would think. In fact they are not even mentioned by their names which was intentional ince the sotry does not focus on them but the reader and Morpheus, they're the ones that matter the most after all.

FINALE. Thank you for surviving through while reading this and for the love this story had received!

Y/N landed with a loud grunt on the hard concrete in front of the motel. He tried to get up and look around, assess where he was and how to get out of the shitty situation, but was stopped by a foot landing on his back, pushing him back down onto the concrete and making him let out a pained groan.

Then he heard voices, two voices that were getting closer and closer. He turned his head to the side, seeing the familiar to him duo and groaned out again, this time of annoyance.

-I'd recommend leaving right now, boys. Unless you'd like to go through something worse than Hell - he said, his voice strained over how tightly he was being pressed to the ground.

-Who do you think you are to tell us what to do? - the blonde shouted out in a gruff voice that clearly spoke of how pissed off the man was, his brother next to him had a focused, serious expression on his face as he observed the situation, weapons drawn and pointed at the nightmare.

-I'm trying to save your fucking lives, you ungrateful prick! - he shouted back, struggling against the hold on his body before finally reaching his dagger that he hid at his hip while Valgrat was busy snarling and growling at the hunters.

He swung his arm out, with precision cutting the nightmare's leg, making it screech and jump back from him. Y/N quickly stood up to face Valgrat, dagger at the ready while he looked around for anything that he could use as a distraction so he could easily capture the being.

He knew it wouldn't be easy, especially with the nightmare's unsteady and chaotic nature. He had to think and he had to do it fast. Otherwise he would end up with two dead hunters and probably serious injuries on himself. He saw Valgrat charging at him and he jumped to the side, having to do a roll because of the force he put into it. After all, Valgrat was not a small, puny being.

-Hey, listen to me! I have no fucking idea why you chose to throw a hissy fit and run from the Dreaming, but you have to go back and maybe, MAYBE Lord Morpheus will let not disintegrate you! - Y/N yelled towards the nightmare which seemed to only piss him off and try to charge at him again. He heard shots being fired right at Valgrat, which made him freeze and whip his head to the hunters.

-Stop! Just fucking leave! You're going to make everything worse! Plus, you're only going to aggravate him more! Your stupid guns won't do anything to him! - he shouted angrily, pointing with his outstretched hand towards the nightmare before turning towards his target once again and taking out his necklace from underneath his shirt. Before he got the chance to do an incantation that would slow Valgrat down, he got blown away with one powerful strike before landing five meters away in the arms of the being's creator.

-Stop this childish nonsense at once, Valgrat. You've killed many humans, broke the most important of rules that I made and now you're hurting the person that stuck up for you so many times. It's pathetic - Morpheus said, quite calmly while his facial expression spoke of danger. That's why he never wanted to land on the wrong side of the Dream Lord. He was intimidating when he wasn't even trying to be, but right now? The coldness to his voice? The deep disappointment mixed anger at being crossed by one of his own creations? It was bone chilling. Terrifying. If he was anyone else, he would try to run the moment he saw him in this state, but he wasn't just anyone and he definitely would not run.

-Can we end the yapping? There's a monster that needs to be taken care of! - the blonde male shouted again, never even for a second lowering his gun away from the nightmare. His brother though started to look a bit more understanding of the situation and tried to get the older man to calm down before he makes the situation worse, but still somewhat trying to be supportive by keeping his gun on the nightmare as well.

This only brought Valgrat's attention back to them and made him attack. Y/N quickly got out of the Dream Lord's hold and ran towards them, getting in between and started to spell out an incantation before Valgrat got right up in his face and looked deeply into his eyes with his own voids, making the breath he was intaking catch in his throat. His eyes turned milky white as he stood there, multiple horrendous images from his life flashing right in front of him like a PowerPoint presentation.

He started sweating, breathing got heavy as he looked around, panicking when a specific memory stopped right before him. The one he dreaded the most. The reason why his relationship with Morpheus was so strained. He stared right in front of himself at the small girl standing there, looking back at him with her void eyes. A sign of it actually being Valgrat and not his niece. Yet that didn't make him feel any better about the whole thing.

-Why don't you tell him? Why don't you tell him how much of a coward you are? That you were a pathetic excuse of a nightmare hunter that could barely save his niece? I wonder how you even thought that would happen? You came to the manor, created chaos, tried to get to the basement where you knew they kept him, yet were stopped by a young boy… A young boy who wanted to be appreciated by his father, holding your niece at gun point. What did you do? Did you fight? Did you try and save both of them? - a voice of a little girl with the echo of a deep, growly one was able to be heard through the void. His fake niece stared at his with disgust before disappearing and showing a scene it previously described.

Y/N could only stare in shock, completely frozen in place with guilt, shame and fear. It felt like being back there all over again and he hated it. He hated it with every fiber in his body. He observed as the fake him looked in shock at the boy threatening to shoot his niece, while the old man grinned in the most vile way possible at the situation that was unfolding before him, taking in joy out of it.

-Whatever you think you're doing, it's not worth it, kid, believe me. Please, just… Let her go, she didn't do anything, she doesn't have to be a part of this! - the fake him pleaded, trying to get to the boy with his words, one hand outstretched towards them while taking a step closer. The boy only tightened his hold on the pistol and pressed it even more to her head, making her cry out in fear and cower, trying to get away from harm's way. Y/N stopped in his tracks, his stomach almost in his throat as he looked at the boy, silently pleading him to stop.

-I think it's too late for that now, Nightmare Hunter. She has been a part of this the moment my dear friend told me about you and how you would try to destroy my plans. I know everything about you and her. Now you're going to leave and never try to save that devil in the glass cage again or your sweet little niece will lose her life - the man said from behind him, taking a few steps towards the little six year old girl, taking a lock of her hair and twirling it in between his fingers. - Said friend also told me how to extract one's soul. Not only that though, no. Extracting is a child's play. He told me how to destroy it. You have no idea how easy is that. You don't want to see what will happen to her soul if you don't leave and stop trying to come here - he added, showing the girl's said soul in a little see through container, glowing brightly like a star in the night, which filled Y/N with dread.

-Fine! I'll leave! - he shouted, both hands in front himself as he tried to diffuse the situation. He thought about it, figured out that Dream was strong, he knew he would withstand whatever was brought onto him and his niece not. It pained him to choose, but he had to and he promised his best friend that he would take care of her daughter. She would kill him right now for even getting her into a situation like this one. He had to save her.- Just please… Don't hurt her… - he said more quietly, a pleading look on his face as his eyes kept going from his terrified niece to the smug old man.

-Oh you can take her with you for all I care. All you have to do is leave and never come back, but that shiny little thing? No, that is staying with me. Not only is it my leverage over you so you don't pull some shit on me, but it also makes a fine addition to my collection - Burgess said with a smirk, waving the container around before hiding it again.

-You'll fucking pay for this, Roderick Burgess… - Y/N hissed out, his eyes filled with anger as he stared at him with the biggest amount of hate he had ever felt in his life. Not only was he unable to save his lover, he was unable to save his niece too. He felt useless, unworthy of his titles, unworthy of his lover and his niece.

Suddenly everything disappeared in front of the real Y/N's eyes that were filled with angry and guilty unshed tears, shame coursing through his veins more than the blood his heart was pumping. Just like that, he was brought back to reality where he was being shaken by the taller hunter while the older one was looking at him with wide eyes before staring to the side at the Dream Lord who began dealing with the nightmare. What felt like eternity in his personal hell, was actually just a couple of seconds in the real world.

-Did you know he could hear you? Sadly only the part where you declared that you will leave… It almost sounded like you… Gave up on him. So unlucky… - the nightmare said to Y/N, his deep, growly voice with that echo reverberating through everyone's chests while he was getting disintegrated.

Y/N only fell forward onto the concrete, his hands outstretched against it, holding him up, shakily, yet strong enough for the time being. Tears of sorrow flowed down his cheeks as he tried to calm himself down from hyperventilating. He saw a pair of black boots before himself and he didn't dare look up, terrified of the thought of what he could see on the face of the man his heart ached for. Yet then he felt arms wrap around him and pull him into a secure embrace. His breath caught in his throat as he closed his eyes tightly and wrapped his arms around Morpheus tightly.

-You do not have to explain anything. I have seen what you had to do… I'm sorry you ever had to choose between me and your family. It was unfair to you - Morpheus said quietly, his voice hush and deep as he tried to soothe the man in his arms. - I forgive you - he added, pressing his forehead against the top of Y/N's head, making the man sob quietly, his hold tightening of Morpheus, afraid it was just another trick coming from Valgrat.

The two hunters couldn't help, but stare at the situation before them before the taller man placed his hand on the older one's shoulder and made him walk away a bit to give the two men some privacy during their moment. They could ask the questions later and they had many. Suddenly the angel, ready to fight if needed, yet very much late, appeared next to them, scaring the living shit out of both of them, the blonde pushing him away, irritated at being spooked.

-Stop doing that! - the blonde hissed out, looking at the angel with annoyance before turning around and walking away a few meters to sit down in the bench not too far away from the motel. The two men followed him, one having much more questions than the other since he was absent during what was happening there.

-Y/N… I want you to look at me. I'll find your niece's soul, I promise that to you - the Dream Lord said, looking at the man in his arms with sincerity and affection that comfortably started to seep out once again, just like in the old times.

-I don't know how to thank you. Not only did I fail as a lover, I also failed as a guardian of my niece. I don't deserve your forgiveness and neither do I deserve her's - he sobbed out, his eyes red from all the tears that only kept on streaming down his face. He couldn't stop them at this point.

-Don't you dare say that again. You did what you had to do. You chose an option that you deemed as the best one and I can't blame you for that. I realised that I unrightuflly blamed you for over a century and let you suffer through all of that - Morpheus said, running his hand through the man's hair before placing the gentlest of kisses on his forehead, then slowly helping him stand up. - Now let us depart. We have work to do, my love - he added with the slightest of smiles as he looked at Y/N that spoke of the utmost love he held for him while their pinkies were joined together.

The three males that were still waiting on the bench not so far away saw, that the two beings began to slip away from them and immediately took off to catch them while they could, yelling after the two that they demanded some answers on what the fuck occurred there, what they were, what that thing they fought was. Basically anything that would grant them knew knowledge about the supernatural. They only got an amused look from Morpheus and a wave of his fingers with a slight chuckle from Y/N before they disappeared in a whirl of sand and with them all of their things from their room, leaving the three alone near the motel.

-Son of a bitch! - yelled the blonde.

[icy-watch]

Good lord, Icy. What have you been drinking and where can I get some?? I mean, when you start analyzing the wood?? Hello??? And you mention the Underworld??? 😭 Okay those meanings are kind of insane, maybe hold onto them. Interpretive freedom and all. Is it too late to convince you this has nothing to do with Wukong (as if all of LMK hasn't already had to do with him) and is just a reference to the opening theme lyrics Familiar Tales, New Adventures? XD I referenced it before because I knew it was sneaky enough heh. Last episode, Mac dragged in the Not-Mayor like your street cat bringing dead things into the house, this episode he is the house cat caught 10 seconds before disaster tied up in a ball of yarn. Kidding kidding, but true as well. Remember the "tied up in his own shadows and chains?" Yeah, weird. So apparently (and keep in mind, sometimes flashbacks can be biased!) that bit really did happen and Wukong was there to see it. It's not just everyone they've fought against, it seems to be...a memory almost, wouldn't you say, Icy? Macaque tied up like that, the tear/blood drop I promised you? The especially evident "Monkey, no violence!" you hear after? Tripitaka and the fillet??? Also Wukong's face when seeing his friend <3 <3 <3 and his instinctive yell when hearing Tripitaka OOOH 👀 omg. I'm all over that. Does it still bother him? I mean with how often the headband dug into his head, how much it hurt, oh he's got lasting issues. Rip </3 your turn to get trauma triggered. Oh yeah, also the translation. Mac here says, "You're nothing!" Like, I think I said it reflected what he told MK in The Winning Side. As a theory for what he told Wukong. "Your staff's gone, your power and freedom's gone. You're not the Monkey King, you're nothing!" if he found him with the pilgrims. But his line and Nezha's are taken from previous episodes, so are they meant to be parallels of the further/not recent past or, just chosen from there? We're pretty split on how Mac reacted tbh, and the Chinese dub has him say "You abandoned me!" which changes the meaning entirely. And falls in line with Shadow Play. The new characters' lines are pretty solidly from the past so eh. Maybe both. I talk a lot about the monkeys (and I'll probably refer to them as shadowpeach for convenience's sake when speaking of their scenes together despite it being a ship name, their duo name is eclipse/sundial duo but we're all just too used to the former.) anyways, this is meant to say that this season, for the sake of a certain someone in your note's favorite antagonist, I will be rewatching s4 to sort them out :P I think its worth the effort, what with fandom repeatedly being extra weird with your fav, I get it, so may as well explain what the heck might be going on.

Little teenage Icy went thru a witch phase to try and curse people. I learned about different woods and stuff. My tarot knowledge came out of this time in my life too.

Miiiiiiight be a little too late lol.

Oh, that's interesting. Memories. Hmmmm...