#Rule-based threat detection

[virtualizationhowto]

Suricata vs Snort: Which is the best IDS?

Suricata vs Snort: Which is the best IDS? #homelab #selfhosted #SuricataVsSnortComparison #IntrusionDetectionSystems #NetworkSecurityTools #AnomalyBasedDetection #SnortNetworkAnalysis #SuricataMultiThreadedApproach #IDSandIPSDifferences #CommunitySupport

Security and network professionals have long trusted a couple of tools in network security. Suricata and Snort are popular choices among security professionals for intrusion detection systems IDS and intrusion prevention system IPS solutions. This post will delve into a detailed comparison between Suricata vs Snort security solutions, looking at their architectures, capabilities, community…

[geminiwritten]

desperate measures ; bucky barnes

fandom: marvel

pairing: bucky x reader

summary: based on this song but a little more angsty than i had originally planned (the avengers are struggling to infiltrate an underground crime ring and decide that bucky should go undercover to seduce one of the kingpins' daughters, and you aren't happy about it)

notes: bucky is back, baby!!! but i fear i may have forgotten how to write him? i don't know, i had big plans and then feel like i really struggled toward the end, but i persevered! let me know what you think, please!!!

word count: 6329

The Avengers have protected the entire world against aliens, robots, and superhumans. They’ve defended continents and countries, defeating threats that should have been impossible to beat. So, you would think that taking down one of New York City’s biggest underground crime ring would be a piece of cake, right? Wrong.

It’s been four months since representatives of the Attorney General's office and the FBI’s Deputy Director came knocking, asking Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for help on a matter that would normally be handled by detectives. Steve and Tony were hesitant at first, but Natasha and Clint convinced them that with their espionage backgrounds, this would be an easy assignment for the team. Also, wrong.

Four months of reconnaissance, undercover work, and meeting after meeting with agents from the Bureau but still nothing.  There are suspects, crimes, and witnesses, but the operation is so tightly run that no one on the outside has any information on how the puzzle pieces fit together.

“We need to get inside,” Clint says, resting his palms on the glass tabletop and shifting all of his weight forward. He is standing at the head of the table in front of the interactive display flashing through numerous headshots of mean-looking thugs.

“We know that much,” Steve sighs, sitting beside where Clint is standing. “What we don’t know is how.”

Everyone looks defeated and bored, because you’ve been having the same meeting every week for the last fifteen weeks with almost no new intel to discuss. After the first month, you started tuning out, instead using the two hours to daydream about the brunette super solider sitting across from you.

You’re not sure when you fell in love with Bucky Barnes, all you do know is that you are in love with him, but he doesn’t need to know that. Not that you’re at all subtle with the way your eyes trace his features, cheeks turning pink when he meets your gaze with a little smirk.

If you’re being completely honest, you’ve both been dancing around your feelings for each other for months. You’re constantly with each other, talking and giggling, working out together and finishing mission reports together; practically inseparable, but always being careful. You’re too scared to cross that line, because neither of you want to put that kind of pressure on the team or leave yourselves vulnerable to heartbreak.

Physical pain, you can do, but you’ve let yourself fall so hard and fast for this man, you can’t imagine surviving the impact when you hit the bottom, so you’ll just keep falling.

“I have an idea,” Nat says, standing abruptly and walking quickly around the table toward Clint. She uses her fingertips to enlarge one of the holographic images, the Petrov family portrait. “Sasha Petrov,” she points at the eldest daughter, “she’s a weak link, we can exploit that.”

You scan the stoic faces of the Russian family now on display. The Petrovs are allegedly one of the two ruling families of the crime syndicate, led by their patriarch, Alexander Petrov; a man the FBI would do anything to pin down.

“Holy shit,” Tony smacks both hands against the table, “Romanoff, you’re a genius.”

“Wait,” Steve frowns, “what am I missing?”

“Sources report that twenty-four-year-old Sasha Petrov is outgrowing her family's conservative lifestyle,” Nat reads from the tablet in her hands, “she has been photographed at various nightclubs and house parties, clearly unbothered about keeping a low profile.”

“So?” Steve asks, “What credibility does some tabloid article have?”

“Our sources are reporting the same behaviour,” Tony says. “She’s out almost every night, she’s been seen staying at friends’ houses, and missing events.”

“The Petrovs are one of New York City’s wealthiest families,” Nat explains, “for their eldest daughter to skip society events is a huge statement.”

“She’s rebelling,” Tony states.

Steve nods slowly, “So, she’s a liability, but how to we exploit that?”

Tony’s lips curl into a mischievous smile, “What is the number one act of rebellion that a daughter can do to piss off her father?”

“Date a guy he hates,” you reply before anyone else does.

“Exactly,” Tony turns toward you, “bonus points if you can tell me why daddy hates your new boyfriend.”

“He’s older, has long hair, only wears black, probably has a tattoo, and he rides a motorcycle,” you respond, sitting back in your chair with a proud smirk.

“Exactly!” Tony repeats louder.

It’s almost as if a lightbulb flashes above Steve’s head, but he doesn’t look nearly as pleased as Natasha and Tony. “Bucky,” Steve says, “Bucky is your idea?”

Nat nods, “Barnes is our weapon.”

Clint’s eyes grow wide, “Wait, you want to use Barnes to seduce the mobster heiress?”

Your heart sinks right down into your stomach, your gaze moving back over to the Petrov family portrait. The eldest daughter is tall and gorgeous, with long blonde hair, flawless fair skin, and honey-coloured eyes. Her lips are full and puckered, and all you can think about is those lips on Bucky.

“No,” you speak before you can think, quickly looking toward Steve for backup.

He nods once in agreeance, “Y/N’s right, I’m not sure Bucky can-”

“I can do it,” Bucky interrupts. He doesn’t look shocked or at all blinded-sided the way you know you do. He seems calm, leaning back in his seat with his left ankle resting on his right knee and his hands fidgeting with a pen in his lap.

Bile rises in your throat. He wants to do it? You know you haven’t exactly been forthcoming about your feelings for him, but you had yourself reasonably convinced that he felt the same way.

Sam chuckles, breaking the tension in the room, “You’re going to turn Barnes into a heartthrob?”

Bucky cracks a smile, “Just a bit of minor surgery.”

“Actually,” Nat says, “I think you’re already perfectly ready for this assignment.”

Tony holds up a finger, “Do you have a tattoo, and if not, are you willing to get one?”

“No one is getting any tattoos,” Steve interjects, “but if we are doing this – if we’re sending Bucky in solo – we need to plan it carefully.”

Your eyes dart back to the gorgeous blonde in the family portrait behind Nat, and you feel sick. You completely tune out of the conversation happening around you and sink back in your chair to focus on keeping your lunch down. Your mind races to come up with some brilliant excuse that could stop Bucky from doing this, but the only thing you can think to say is I love you, please don’t.

After barely a minute of listening to them discuss how to get the mobster’s daughter to fall in love with Bucky, you decide you can’t do it. You push your chair back and quickly leave the room, slipping out the door before anyone can protest your departure.

Once in the hallway, you slow your steps and let a couple of tears run down your cheeks. You feel stupid, of course, but you can’t help it. You know you shouldn’t be this emotional, Bucky will only be doing his job, but he’s supposed to be yours. You don’t want anyone else seeing him the way you see him or touching him the way you want to. If the plan works, this woman might genuinely fall for Bucky, and the idea of that makes you want to kick and scream.

“Y/N,” Tony’s voice echoes down the hall, startling you.

You keep your back to him as you hurriedly wipe your cheeks. His footsteps grow louder as he approaches, not saying anything until he’s right behind you. “You alright?” he asks.

You nod, turning to face him with your eyes cast downward, “Yeah, sorry, just-”

“Don’t bother,” he puts a hand on your shoulder, “I’m not stupid, and neither is Barnes. I know you’re worried about whatever is going on between you two, but this is work, and it’s the closest we’ve gotten in four months. It might not be ideal to send one man in alone, but desperate times call for desperate measures.”

You finally look up at him and sniffle, “I know, I just don’t like it.”

He sighs and pulls you against his chest, hugging you tightly for a moment. “If you don’t like it,” he says before stepping back, “then stop crying and do something about it once this is all over.”

Your brow creases and you look up at him curiously, “Do what?”

He shrugs, “You’ll figure it out.”

You watch him walk back down the hallway and return to the meeting room, but you can’t find the will to force yourself to follow. Instead, you turn around and continue on your way back to your room.

Two hours pass before you hear signs of life filtering through the compound once again. You’ve since changed into your comfiest pair of sweatpants and curled up on one of the lounges by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the common area, book in hand.

Sam and Steve are the first to appear, still deep in discussion as they head into the kitchen and begin raiding the fridge. Clint, Nat, and Wanda are next, also seemingly unfinished with their conversation as they take up residence on the lounges in front of the television. Only Nat notices you curled up near the window, offering you a smile that says ‘we’ll talk later’.

You manage to tune out most of their voices and focus on your book, reading quickly to try and get to the part where the main characters finally get together. You’ve been stuck on romance novels lately, craving that which you lack in real life.

“Hey,” Bucky startles you, suddenly appearing beside you.

You smack your hand against your chest, “Jesus.”

“Nope,” he chuckles, “just me.”

You roll your eyes and curl your legs up further to make room on the lounge. He takes the offer and flops down, half of his right leg covering your toes, but you don’t mind. In fact, you like the physical contact, however small.

“What are you reading now?” he asks, snatching the book from your grasp before you can object.

Your cheeks begin burn immediately, heart racing as you watch his eyes scan the pages that you’d just been reading. The smile on his lips slowly fades as his eyebrows rise, blue eyes darting from side to side until he finishes two entire pages.

“So, this is why you’ve always got your nose in a book, hm?” he asks, his own cheeks now a pale shade of pink.

You take the book back and jam your bookmark between the pages where the lead male is jerking off to fantasies of what he wants to do to the lead female. “It’s not all porn,” you defend yourself weakly, deciding not to add that this is one of your more PG-rated novels.

“I’m not judging,” he says, “we’ve all got needs.”

You want to agree wholeheartedly and tell him that you need him, and more importantly, you need him to not agree to this stupid mission with the supermodel Russian heiress, but you can’t. Instead, you simply nod and tuck your book between your thighs.

He clears his throat, “Anyway, I just wanted to check that you’re okay.”

“I’m okay,” you say, “just sick of those meetings.”

He frowns, “Are you sure?”

You open your mouth to lie again but hesitate, noticing the way his eyes dart toward your lips every few seconds. There’s nothing wrong with voicing your concerns about the assignment, right?

“I’m just not sure,” you finally say, “for a first effort, this feels kind of last ditch.”

“First effort?” he repeats with a chuckle. “This is far from our first effort, Doll.”

“I know,” you sigh, struggling to find the right words, “I guess it just feels a little drastic, sending you in alone. Couldn’t the FBI handle this?”

He rests his flesh hand on your knee, “I appreciate the concern, but I think I might be able handle this better than an FBI agent, and I speak Russian.”

The warmth of his touch and the fact that you can smell his coconut-scented shampoo is turning your brain to mush, and you struggle to remember your argument. All you want to do is throw your arms around his neck and beg him not to go.

He leans forward, “What are you really worried about?”

“You,” you reply, “I-I’m worried that you’re going in alone.”

He sighs and leans back, “You don’t need to worry about me, Doll, nothing is going to stop me from coming back to you.” He stands up from the lounge as he says, “I promise.”

You’re too shocked to speak, or even move, until he’s in the kitchen with Steve. You can feel your pulse in your ears, fast and loud as your heart pounds against your ribcage. Was he trying to get you to say something? Does he want you to cross that line?

You spend the rest of the afternoon finishing your book and then starting another. After a quick dinner with Natasha, you decide to have a bath and try to tame your thoughts, but it’s useless. All you can think about is Bucky, in fact, you ‘think about him’ twice while in the bath and end up getting out even more flustered than when you got in.

You lay on your bed in your towel for almost an hour, wondering whether you should go and confess your feelings to Bucky or just wait and let him do this assignment with a clear head. Nat told you at dinner that he will be going undercover for the first time tomorrow night, and that Clint and Tony are working overnight to prepare his fake identity in time.

Eventually, you decide that it’s too late and you shouldn’t bother him, so you put yourself to bed. You stare at the ceiling spiralling through thoughts for twenty minutes before picking your new book up again and by 3AM, you’ve finished it.

The night rolls into dawn, and you’re pretty sure you haven’t had more than thirty minutes of uninterrupted sleep. At 5AM, you decide that it isn’t too early to be making noise, so you change into your gym clothes and make your way downstairs. You work out for two hours before you see anyone else, and by then, you’re exhausted.

“Are you okay?” Natasha asks, standing in front of where you’re sitting on the blue foam floor mats.

You’re supposed to be stretching, but you’re fairly sure you were falling asleep right before she came in. “Yeah,” you mumble, “didn’t sleep much.”

“I can tell.” She sits beside you, “Are you really that worried?”

You sigh, “I don’t know.”

She places her towel and water bottle on the floor beside yours before sitting down opposite you, legs crossed. “You don’t know if you’re worried, or you don’t know what you’re worried about?”

“The second one,” you mutter.

She nods slowly, allowing a moment of silence before asking, “You don’t really think he’s going to fall in love with this woman, do you?”

You sigh and rub your tired eyes, “No, I don’t think so. I know he’s not stupid.”

“And you know he’s in love with you,” she states.

“Is he?”

She rolls her eyes as she uncrosses her legs, stretching them out either side and leaning forward slightly. “Don’t be dumb, you know he is.”

“Then why hasn’t he done anything about it?”

“It’s Bucky,” she says, as if the answer is obvious.

“So?”

“So, you need to make the move, because he’s being as forward as he knows how, but he hasn’t done this kind of thing in over seventy years.”

You frown at her, not because you’re confused, but because you’re annoyed that she’s right. Maybe you haven’t both been ‘dancing around’ your feelings, maybe Bucky has actually been trying to make a move but you’re the one keeping it friendly.

“But please wait until after we’ve put Petrov and his buddies behind bars,” she adds, “because we need Barnes to be focused.”

You sigh, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in your stomach, “How do we even know that this woman is going to fall for him?”

“Based on her previous relationships and assuming Barnes does everything I tell him to do, we shouldn’t have a problem,” Nat replies as she pushes up from the ground. She offers you a hand, “Now, please go get some sleep so you’re not crying your eyes out when we send him into the lion’s den tonight.”

You take Nat’s hand and collect your things before sluggishly making your way back to your room. After a quick shower, you fall into bed and out of consciousness in less than a minute, dreaming of nothing but that darn brunette super soldier.

Funnily enough, the name of the exclusive nightclub Bucky will be meeting Sasha Petrov in is called the Lion’s Den. It’s just south of Manhattan, somehow hidden from the busy streets and can only be found if you know exactly where to look for the entrance.

The whole team is working tonight. Wanda and Sam will be going into the club with Bucky so he doesn’t look like a complete loner, and as emergency backup in case anything should go wrong. Clint is the eye in the sky and Nat is patrolling the streets, looking out for anything suspicious since crime seems to follow the Petrov family around. That leaves you, Steve, and Tony set up in a nearby office building with all the surveillance technology to watch from afar.

“I just need to send word to the Deputy Director before you go in,” Tony says over the comms.

He has his tech set up at one of the desks closest to the window on the fourth floor of the office building. The FBI had assisted with securing this vantage point, shutting down the whole building for ‘overnight maintenance’ just in case any sad nine-to-fivers decided to sleep in their offices.

“We’ll take a little detour,” Sam says, his voice right in your ear even though you know he’s over a block away.

You’d all separated about two miles away from the club, taking different routes and transports to get to your respective posts. Bucky, Sam, and Wanda had decided to walk, giving the rest of you enough time to set up and be in position for whatever might happen when Bucky enters the club. He has very strict instructions from Natasha on how to approach Sasha. Apparently, they’d be practicing all day while you had been sleeping.

“How long until you’re at the door?” Nat’s voice comes through your comms.

“Eight minutes,” Wanda replies.

“Bucky, you good?” Nat asks.

“I’m good,” he says, the sound of his voice making your chest ache.

You can’t stop wringing your hands as you look out the huge window to the street below. There aren’t many people walking by, but the few that you do spot all seem to be heading in the same direction; the Lion’s Den.

The sound of your pounding heart thrums in your ears, drowning out the conversation between Bucky and Natasha as they recap everything that she’s told him to do. You're not sure you’ve ever felt this nervous in your life, but you’re not entirely sure what for. Nothing bad has happened yet, and Bucky is fully capable of defending himself if something does go wrong.

“Hey,” Steve’s voice breaks through the white noise that your anxious brain was creating, “are you okay?”

You turn to face him, “Yeah, sorry, I-”

“You’re really pale,” he says, pressing his hand to your forehead, “have you eaten today?”

“Not really.”

Steve glances back at Tony, who is worrying at his bottom lip as holds his phone to his ear, no doubt waiting for the Deputy Director to answer.

“I told you to stay behind,” Nat states.

You frown, even though she’s almost half a mile away right now, “I’m fine.”

“Y/N?” Bucky says.

Your heart leaps in your chest, “Yeah?”

“It’s going to be okay,” he pauses, and you try to calm your breathing, “I’m going to be okay.”

Tony snorts and pretends to gag before turning back to his computers and sitting in one of the empty desk chairs, obviously no longer worried.

“I just-” you hesitate, “I can’t let this-” you huff and pull your comm out of your ear, “I can’t let this go.”

You take off running through the open plan office area until you reach the door to the stairwell, shoving it open and leaping down the stairs as many at a time as you can manage. Once you reach the bottom landing, you pull your phone out of your back pocket and hang up on the incoming call from Steve before opening the tracking app that Tony installed on everyone’s phones. It isn’t always active, only during missions.

Bucky’s location pings a quarter mile down the street. You exit the building and turn in his direction before taking off in a sprint, your lungs burning with every breath. It only takes a minute until you can see the three of them up ahead, on the opposite side of the street, and it only takes about ten seconds for them to notice you. They all stop, probably trying to figure out if you’re a threat or not, but after another few seconds, Bucky recognises you.

Your energy wanes and your pace slows to a jog. You look behind you to check the traffic before crossing the road, but when you turn to check the traffic up ahead, Bucky is already right in front of you.

You practically crash into him, but his hands catch your waist and hold you still, “Y/N, what are you doing?”

“I’m sorry,” you pant, struggling to catch your breath, “I can’t let this go.”

He isn’t angry, but you can’t quite place the expression despite how close you are to him, your body pressed against his. “Can’t let what go?”

You take a deep breath to try and appease your burning lungs, “I got you right where I want you, and-” you take another breath, “I’ve been pushing for this for so long.”

His brow furrows, “What are you talking about? Are you okay?”

Your chest finally stops aching, and you look up at him through your lashes, “Kiss me, just once, for luck.”

His frown disappears, and you worry for a moment that you shouldn’t have crossed that line, but then his hands move to cup your jaw and he closes the distance between your lips. Your hands find purchase on the nearest part of him, fisting the hem of his shirt as one of his hands slides down your neck, his thumb tracing your throat. You part your lips and he sighs, pressing his body impossibly closer to yours.

He tastes like spearmint and cold air, and his lips are so soft that you have to wonder if you’re dreaming, but then he startles and pulls back. Panic washes through you as you watch his face, his eyes no longer on you but cast across the street at Sam and Wanda.

“I’m sorry, Doll,” he says, before placing another quick kiss on your lips, “I have to go.”

Without the warmth of his body, the night air is biting. You instinctively wrap your arms around yourself and turn back the way you came, your mind racing. Did you just fuck everything up? Surely not. Bucky is still going in, and it’s not like one little kiss is going to completely derail this mission. Right?

It takes you a lot longer to get back to the office building than it did for you to leave, but thankfully, Bucky is already inside the club and Steve and Tony are too focused to berate you.

You sit in one of the spare desk chairs and watch over Tony’s shoulder, refusing to put your comm back in. You don’t want to hear what’s happening, you want to remain in blissful ignorance instead of listening to the man you’re in love with chat up some mobster’s supermodel daughter. Bucky can be incredibly charming when he needs to be, and according to Steve, he was a major ladies’ man back in the day.

After an hour or so, you slide your chair over to a spare desk and lay your head down. You feel useless and a little stupid, but mostly, just tired. You know the team are annoyed at you and just waiting until tomorrow to reprimand you, but technically, it’s their fault that you did that. They pushed you toward desperate measures.

The next thing you know, someone is gently shaking your shoulder and interrupting your dreams of Bucky. The images of him standing over you while you wait on your knees for him to finish in your mouth quickly fades, and you open your bleary eyes to see Steve.

“Hey,” he whispers, “time to go.”

You sit up slowly, “What happened?”

Something about his expression is off, and you wonder why he’s being so gentle as he wraps an arm around to help you stand. It’s almost as if you’re a child and he’s trying not to wake you for the fear that you might not go back to sleep.

“Steve,” you say, pulling away from him and standing on your own, “what happened?”

He takes a deep breath and steps back, “Bucky did really well, that’s all. Nothing happened.”

“Yet,” Tony adds.

You frown, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You can’t baby her, Steve,” Tony says before turning his attention to you, “Barnes took Sasha home.”

They both watch you carefully, waiting for the explosion, but you know you’ve already given them enough to deal with today, so you muster every ounce of your self-control to stay calm.

You swallow thickly, “Okay. Let’s go.”

You pick up one of the cases by Tony’s feet and continue walking toward the stairwell. As soon as you begin descending the stairs, tears start to fall down your cheeks. You try to focus on your feet through your blurry vision, making sure you don’t trip until you reach the bottom landing.

Natasha pulls up with the car and Clint jumps out to help load the trunk. You climb into the back, buckle your seatbelt, and press your head against the cold window. The car rocks as the others climb in, and normally you would love to make fun of Steve and Tony squished in the back with you, but not tonight.

The drive home is long and awkward. Wanda calls in and Nat answers via the Bluetooth, immediately informing her that you’re in the car so that she doesn’t go into too much detail. However, she does let you all know that it went better than expected and Barnes will report back in the morning. He’s taken Sasha to the apartment that Tony set up as a part of the fake identity.

If you’re being honest, you hadn’t even thought about this part. You knew he would flirt and touch her, and they would probably kiss, but you completely forgot about sex. How? You have no idea, especially considering that every time you close your eyes, you’re picturing him naked.

You feel sick and you know you won’t sleep tonight, but most of all, you feel like an idiot. You almost jeopardised the entire mission just because of your feelings. You want to apologise to the team and tell them you’ll never do it again, but you can’t stop crying and you can’t make that promise right now.

When you finally get home, you start dragging your feet toward your room, but Natasha stops you. “Hey,” she tugs on your hand, “want to watch a movie?”

You frown, “It’s really late.”

She shrugs, “I’m not tired.”

After a quick shower, you change into your pyjamas and meet Nat in the living area. She is already curled up on the couch under a fluffy blanket, flicking through Netflix, so you join her silently and rest your head on her shoulder. She doesn’t ask what you want to watch, she just picks a random comedy from the late 90s and snuggles up beside you.

Your whole body is tired, but your mind won’t stop racing. You can’t stop picturing him with her, wondering what they’re doing right now, and regretting what you did right before he walked into that club. Obviously, it hadn’t meant as much to him as it did to you, because you know you couldn’t possibly have gone off to sleep with someone else after that, but you have to keep telling yourself that it’s a good thing. He’s doing what he needs to do to finish the mission, it doesn’t matter how sick it makes you feel. He’s doing his job.

An hour passes but your nausea doesn’t ease, nor do you feel at all like you might fall asleep. Nat is still awake too, and you know it’s not because she isn’t tired but because she’s worried about you. When the first movie finishes, she stretches her legs out and declares that she’s going to make a coffee, so you too unfold your legs and shuffle into the kitchen with her.

“Is Tony going to be mad?” you ask, your voice thick from crying.

Nat sighs, “I don’t know. I think it depends on what Bucky reports in the morning.”

Your stomach swirls angrily, threatening to eject whatever is left of the small amount of food that you ate almost eight hours ago.

Nat finishes making her coffee and holds it in both hands, watching you with worried eyes as fresh tears streak down your cheeks. She opens her mouth to speak again but the sound of heavy footsteps interrupts her. Both of your heads turn quickly toward the door, and for a second, you think you might be hallucinating.

“Bucky?” Nat says, confirming she can see him too. You’re not that crazy.

He doesn’t look at her, he doesn’t even flinch. His eyes are locked on you, his breaths coming and going quickly as if he ran all the way from the city. The only thing you can feel is your heartbeat, radiating through your whole body like a drum beat, pounding in your ears.

“Okay,” Nat says slowly, “I’m going to go, but- uh,” she looks toward you, “forget what I said before, Tony might be mad.” She puts her half-drunk coffee in the sink and moves quickly out the door.

Silence blankets the room, save for Bucky’s laboured breathing. He still looks gorgeous, despite his dishevelled clothing and flushed skin. His hair is out, though you distinctly remember it being tied back before the club, and there’s a smudge of pink lipstick on his shirt collar.

“What happened?” you ask, though you’re not sure you really want to know.

He doesn’t respond, he simply takes four long strides to reach you and cups your jaw before pressing his lips against yours. You don’t react at first, partly from shock and partly because he doesn’t taste the same, but when his hand slides down your throat the way it had before, you kiss him back.

He takes half a step closer, pressing your bodies together as his tongue slides past your lips. You sigh and lean into him, hooking your fingers in the waistband of his pants to pull him closer. He shivers at your touch, instinctively arching his hips toward you and tilting your head back to deepen the kiss.

When he pulls back for a breath, he murmurs against your mouth, “Couldn’t do it.”

You push up onto your toes to kiss him again, to which he enthusiastically obliges. His hands wrap gently around the base of your neck and his fingers tangle in the hair at your nape, tugging softly as your tongue laps at his.

This time, you break away for air, “What do you mean?”

He sighs and relaxes completely, his body no longer pressed against yours but still close. His hands find yours and gently pull them out of his pants, though it seems to take a lot of self-control for him to do so.

“I thought I could do it,” he says, “because it’s work, and it wouldn’t mean anything.”

You drop your gaze to the collar of his shirt, the smudge of pink lipstick.

“She was-” he struggles to find the right words, “well, she was really into it, but I couldn’t even kiss her.”

You glance up at him through your lashes, trying not to appear satisfied about the fact that you practically ruined the whole assignment.

“She didn’t seem to care, though,” he adds, “and it wasn’t hard to get her to come home with me.” You drop your gaze again and try to pull your hands out of his grasp, but his grip tightens and he tugs you closer again. “I could barely look at her, let alone touch her.”

He crooks a finger beneath your chin and tilts your head back up, forcing your eyes to meet his. “So, to answer your question,” he says, leaning toward you, “nothing happened.”

He closes the distance and kisses you again. Your mind goes blank, clean of any thoughts or worry, completely consumed by the way his lips feel against yours and the way his hands are moving down your body.

Your heart throbs, threatening to burst as you whisper against his lips, “I love you.”

You can feel his mouth curl into a grin, feeling more teeth than lips against your kisses. His hands brace themselves against your back, one splayed between your shoulder blades and the other on your lower back, holding your body against his.

“I am yours,” he mutters, “my body, my heart, all of it... yours.”

You can’t help but giggle, happiness creeping through your body for the first time in twenty-four hours. You feel high, as if Bucky is a drug and if you ever have to be away from him again, the withdrawals might kill you.

He gives you another quick kiss before taking a step back and shedding his jacket. He dumps it on the counter and looks back at you, “There are a lot of things I want to do with you right now, but I am way too tired to do them properly right now.”

Your stomach does a little anticipatory somersault, but you too are finally feeling the ache of exhaustion and need for sleep. You take one of his hands in yours and drag him toward the lounge where you and Nat had been laying. You pick the blanket up, sit down, pull him down beside you, and throw the blanket over both of you. He quickly kicks his boots off and shuffles around until he is lying beneath you. With your head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, you fall asleep in mere seconds.

The sound of whispered chatter wakes you up, and you blink blearily against the bright morning sun as you try to sit up. Bucky is still asleep, but over the back of the couch you can see your other teammates gossiping in the kitchen.

Natasha notices you first, “Good morning, Sunshine.”

You carefully push yourself up and rub your eyes, mumbling, “Morning.”

"Did you two fuck on my lounge?” Tony asks bluntly, pausing in the middle of the kitchen with the coffee pot in one hand and a mug in the other.

You frown, “No.”

“Good,” he says, beginning to pour the coffee into his mug, “so, all you did was ruin our one shot at real insider intel.”

A pebble of guilt sinks to the bottom of your stomach, weighing it down despite the butterflies still dancing around about the fact that Bucky is finally yours.

“Calm down, Stark,” Bucky grumbles, his voice thick with sleep and his eyes barely open. He sits up slowly and looks up at you, a little smirk lifting the corner of his lips.

“Oh, excellent,” Tony walks halfway toward the living room, “you’re both awake so I can yell at you both for-”

“I took her phone,” Bucky interrupts, gesturing at his jacket on the kitchen counter, “it’s in the pocket. You better be quick though, because she’ll probably realise pretty soon.”

Tony’s eyes grow wide, “What? How did you-”

“She was really drunk,” Bucky shrugs, “I convinced one of the bartenders at the club to come home with us and then I snuck away when the two of them were preoccupied.”

“Oh, my God,” Nat says, a wide grin plastered across her face, “Barnes, you’re a genius.”

“That’s why you were flirting with the bartender,” Sam chuckles, “man, I thought he was more into you than her.”

Tony hurries back to the kitchen bench and plonks his mug down with a slosh before rifling through Bucky’s jacket. He finds the phone quickly and beckons Steve with him as he disappears out the doors. Wanda and Sam begin regaling Nat with stories about last night and Bucky turns his attention back to you.

“Good morning,” he says, offering you his hand and yawning widely.

You can’t help but yawn too, taking his hand and allowing him to pull you onto his lap. You wrap your arms around his neck and rest your head in the crook, enjoying the smell of his cologne mixed with sleep and warmth. He kisses your head, and you move to kiss his neck before spotting the pink lipstick stain and pulling back.

“How about a shower?” you ask. “Then we can burn this shirt.”

He frowns, and you stretch the material out just enough for him to peer down and see the mark. “Oh,” he chuckles, “alright, but it’s only fair if we both take our clothes off.”

You press your lips against his, mumbling, “Deal.”

END.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved on our archive

"If your child has mild symptoms... they can go to school or childcare." We're BEYOND cooked...

By Ben Hurst

Health officials have warned that the number of Covid patients in hospital has increased, with deaths rising by over 25 per cent. Scientists are currently investigating the potential risks associated with the XEC variant.

Doctors have noted a surge in respiratory viral infections such as colds, flu and Covid, as the nation battles with the 'lurgy'. The UK Health Security Agency's latest update revealed that positive testing rates had climbed to 14.6%, up from 13.5% the previous week.

This figure is based on the percentage of people who test positive in hospital settings. Hospitalisations due to COVID-19 saw a slight increase to 4.64 per 100,000, compared to 4.46 per 100,000 the previous week.

This marks a sharp rise from 3.72 per 100,000 just two weeks ago. Cases have risen by 17.8% to 3,496 in the seven days leading up to October 9.

In the most recent week for which figures are available, ending October 4, there were 163 deaths - an increase of 27.3%. The latest figures show 2,622 patients in hospital with Covid, a six per cent increase, with 68 acute respiratory incidents related to Covid reported.

Positive test rates were highest among those aged 85 or older, with a weekly average positivity rate of 23.7%, marking an increase from the previous week. The North East currently has the highest hospital admission rate at 8.91 per 100,000.

Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, remaining stable at 52.65 per 100,000 compared with 51.28 in the previous week.

As autumn's chill takes hold, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging those eligible for vaccination to get their winter boosters. Figures up to the end of week 41 reveal that uptake rates sit at 8.5% for people under 65 years in clinical risk groups and 24.7% for those over 65 years in England.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, a Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, was quoted saying: "If you're eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats – COVID-19, flu and RSV – now is the time to take them up and get winter strong."

He further explained, "We understand people may be concerned about new variants. Our surveillance shows that where covid cases are sequenced, around 1 in 10 are the 'XEC' lineage. Current information doesn't suggest we should be more concerned about this variant but we are monitoring this closely. The most important thing to do is to get your vaccination as soon as possible if you're eligible."

For those experiencing symptoms such as a high temperature, cough, and general malaise potentially indicative of flu or COVID-19, the advice remains cautious: limit contact with others, particularly the susceptible. Although self-isolation rules have been relaxed, NHS guidance recommends staying home and minimizing social interactions for five days post-testing and ten days for contact with those at increased risk following a positive result.

A new COVID-19 variant identified as XEC, initially detected in Germany in June, has made its way into the UK, Denmark, and the United States. According to Monica Gandhi, professor of medicine at the University of California, it presents symptoms very reminiscent of previous variants, including sore throat, cough, body aches, fever, and loss of sense of smell and appetite.

This Omicron subvariant is spreading swiftly across Europe. However, vaccines are expected to provide protection against severe cases in a similar manner to past experiences with other strains.

Gandhi said: "There is no evidence that the symptoms caused by [new variants] differ from the symptoms caused by other Omicron subvariants. The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron."

She goes on to emphasise that there is minimal cause for alarm about XEC, stating: "I am not very concerned about the new variant because COVID-19 is not an eradicable virus (it is found in too many animal reservoirs for one thing, with rapid evolution in animals such as deer) so we will always see new subvariants."

Symptoms Symptoms of XEC are thought to be similar to other strains of Covid and can include:

A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick What to do if you have Covid symptoms Even if you don’t take a Covid test, the NHS has recommended that you try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms and either:

Have a high temperature Or do not feel well enough to go to work, school or do your normal activities. “You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature,” the NHS says on its website. “If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.”

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Tierney Sneed and Tami Luhby at CNN:

The Supreme Court said Friday it will review the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act’s no-cost coverage mandates for certain preventive care services, putting the landmark health care law in front of the justices again just as President-elect Donald Trump – who tried to repeal the law during his first presidency – returns to the White House.

While not an existential threat to Obamacare, the case could imperil access Americans have to cost-free preventive treatments and services, including HIV prevention medications, heart statins and various screenings for cancers and other diseases. The cost of some of these preventive services can be substantial, which would deter some people – particularly those with lower incomes – from accessing the care and slow the early detection of potentially deadly illnesses. The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the mandates in question, based on the recommendations of the US Preventive Services Task Force, violated the Appointments Clause of the Constitution because its members are not appointed by the president with Senate confirmation. The 5th Circuit’s ruling was directed at no-cost coverage requirements implemented after Obamacare’s enactment in March 2010.

The appellate ruling only blocked the mandates as applied to the challengers of the specific case, a Texas business and several individuals. But both the Biden administration and the challengers agreed that the 5th Circuit’s precedent set the stage for another party to sue to block the mandates nationwide, and both sides had asked the Supreme Court to take up the case.

Among the other no-cost coverage mandates that are put at risk by the 5th Circuit ruling are prenatal nutritional supplements, physical therapy for older Americans to prevent falls and lung cancer screenings that, according to the Biden administration, could save the lives of 10,000 to 20,000 Americans a year. A variety of other no-cost preventive services – such as well-baby visits and autism screenings for children, cervical cancer screenings and breastfeeding support programs for women, and flu, measles and chickenpox vaccines – are not at issue in the case.

[...]

‘Protections for millions’

In her petition that the Supreme Court take up the case, US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote that the 5th Circuit ruling “jeopardizes healthcare protections that have been in place for 14 years and that millions of Americans currently enjoy.” “This Court’s review is warranted because the court of appeals has held an Act of Congress unconstitutional and its legal rationale would inflict immense practical harms,” she wrote, later adding that the justices should also take up the case because the appellate “decision threatens to disrupt a key part of the ACA that provides healthcare protections for millions of Americans.” The challengers also urged the Supreme Court to take up the case, even as they argued that the 5th Circuit’s ruling was “well-reasoned and correct.” They pointed to the Supreme Court’s typical practice of granting cases where an act of Congress was deemed unconstitutional by a lower court. The Texas business, Braidwood, sued over the mandates because the company had moral objections to covering the HIV prevention medications – known as PrEP. The company also objected to paying for insurance that covered screenings for sexually transmitted diseases and other treatments related to conduct the employer morally opposed.

The MAGA majority on SCOTUS saw fit to review the Becerra v. Braidwood case, which would review Obamacare (PPACA)’s no-cost of HIV prevention medications, heart statins, and various screenings for cancers and other disease.

[lacunammmm]

the dark deku arc is where he should have failed the most! what’s the point of it if not to show where he went wrong?

The author can't help himself. Deku has to be really cool, even at his lowest point. One of the reasons I like MHA is because when you ask "what if?" it creates some excellent answers. A textbook story beat for when the hero leaves his friends behind to keep them safe is just for the bad guy to target his friends. AFO is notorious for going after people's loved ones. Attacking Deku a lot himself is a good strategy, but doing both is great. Imagine if the final war arc happened mid Dark Deku arc when AFO pulls the trigger on invading UA with the League by having Aoyama sabotage all of the security and the anti League measures they had in place. The heroes get caught entirely with their pants down, not even having seriously entertained the idea of there being a spy in the first place. Deku shows up to find the place is getting wrecked and realizes that "Hey, maybe wandering off from the place that counted on me as its greatest defender wasn't a good idea!" Izuku sees then that the "assassins" were never meant to actually take him down: just distract him from the invasion that would take out his allies and support base which he foolishly abandoned. He only knew this was happening because UA happened to be in the range of his danger sense. Or you could go further. What if it wasn't? What if AFO, like the genius the story pretends he is, watched Deku during the Dark Hero Arc and he plotted? How Far exactly is Danger Sense's range? What does it detect? How likely is Deku to follow it if he's already preoccupied? How sensitive is it? Here's a ham fisted experiment. Say you had some boys kidnap a civilian and tie them up on the ground, then they sit and wait and watch. If Deku shows up, they'll blast on him with guns + their long range quirks. For every 15 minutes Deku doesn't show up, they fire a non lethal attack into the civilian to cause them pain. They'll kill the civilian after an hour and repeat this process with another captured civilian. Can Danger Sense detect the fact that this is a trap? Does the threat of loss of life of the civilian send Deku rushing in to help? AFO doesn't know the rules of Danger Sense like we do, but with tactics like these, he'd learn them. And Deku doesn't exactly have the luxury of NOT showing up to save people. AFO doesn't care about any of the pawns he sends at Deku and each provides an extra data point to figure out how his abilities work. The most basic application of this knowledge? Leading Deku further and further away from UA and into another city where he believes AFO to be hiding.

Imagine a universe where the Dark Deku arc ends with an angry group of UA kids finding him. He tells them to go away and back to safety because he left to keep them safe. He remarks about how there's only 10 of them there, so clearly not everyone was committed to bringing him back. Only for them to explain that actually, everyone else is dead. UA has fallen, turned to dust by Tomura's power. The people here are all that's left of Japan's defenses. The only pro heroes left are people who either quit before or weren't at UA when it got dusted. Izuku is absolutely gutted inside. Funnily enough, Aoyama is also with them. The guy helped destroy UA and he's still working for AFO. He joins the underground guerilla force Deku forms with Gentle Criminal and Nagant and acts as a mole even there. The reveal of Aoyama being the traitor comes when AFO enters their base with his goons and nomu and reveals who his little "Friend" was.

Do you remember when Ojiro asked Aoyama what he'd have done if he wasn't discovered, but Aoyama wasn't forced to answer that? The answer in this universe, is continue to spy and put his life and his family's life first.

The hero victory in the final war arc was a miracle that entirely hinged on Aoyama getting all the villains into one spot, Shinso being able to fool AFO and Monoma having Kurogiri's power. Remove one of those elements and it all collapses. It's fun to think about, MHA universes where the heroes don't get as much plot armor.

[bones4thecats]

Their S/O Being Based on 2021! Carnage

Characters: Fused Zamasu, Cell, and Frieza Inspired By: Me remembering how much I love the Venom movies A/N: I love this so much, I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you Dragon Ball fans/simps enjoy!! ⚠️ Spoilers/Trigger Warnings for: Mentions of death, murder, fighting, threats of being lobotomized, and blood ⚠️

Disclaimer: The Symbiote! Reader (Carnage) has their own form

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ King Cold ══════════════════════════════╝

🌨️ As a very potent weapon used by the Cold Force, you never knew much outside of fighting and torment. So it surprised you when King Cold began to speak to you more kindly, and honestly, you thought he was doubting your abilities at first

🌨️ He, for some reason, enjoyed your presence. You may be known for your sadism and beyond-murderous personality while fighting and really around anyone else, but you proved to be at least a bit intelligent

🌨️ King Cold adores to fight alongside you, or watch you do it yourself. Just seeing you fight was enough to satisfy his desire of you. He could sit on his thrown and watch you annihilate opponents left and right with your shapeshifting-abilities

🌨️ When he asked you to rule by his side, you were beyond shocked. You always thought he would only see you as a tool for battle, but as you felt his hand gently clasp your own clawed-one, your weapons protruding from your back disappearing as you looked at his face for any detection of a lie

🌨️ As you looked into his eyes, King Cold just smiled chivalrously. His royal-mannerisms showing through as he lightly laid his forehead on yours whilst you relaxed and wrapped yourself around the royal warrior. Neither of you had to say anything to know what you both meant; You loved one another just as much as the other

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ Cell ═════════════════════════════════╝

🔬 Cell always called himself the 'Perfect' one out of your duo. You just would roll your milky-white eyes at his words, mentally calling him 'stupid' and 'egotistical'. Honestly, sometimes you could be a bit hypocritical... not that you'd admit it

🔬 Underneath that bravado he always put up, he did see you as something worthy of his attention. Your fighting skills were not weak, you could get him slipping with your extra appendages that you would mold into many different weapons to attack with

🔬 It was when he was was facing off against two of the final warriors nearby that he saw just how amazing in battles you were

🔬 You had jumped into the air, smashed into the ground before launching five tentacles at the fighter, making him get distracted enough for you to kick him into the nearby building. This causing it to fall on him, crushing him to death as you turned around and just stabbed the other fighter with your arm being shaped like a spear-head

🔬 Cell had widened eyes as you walked up to his form and patted his shoulder, telling him better luck next time. Why you...

🔬 You were perfect... how did he overlook that quality of yours for so long. You were ruthless, cunning, and beyond everything else, amazing while showing off these traits

🔬 But, in true Cell fashion, he couldn't just admit these feelings so plainly. He needed a plan to make sure you said yes to his advances. So, for now, he would just scoff and begin a long and vigorous insult-session between the two of you... between two, for now, allies

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ Frieza ════════════════════════════════╝

🏔️ This guy was shocked when you came up in the ranks of the Frieza Force so quickly. I mean, you were just recruited what- five weeks ago?! And now you were stronger than the entire Ginyu Force combined... hopefully you weren't a danger to him

🏔️ The galactic tyrant was not amused when you were brought into a meeting with him and his father, with the taller alien praising you on defeating an entire army on another planet without any assistance

🏔️ The way you sat there without any interest in your eyes and how you just scoffed and began messing with one of your newly-grown appendages, just annoyed this guy so much. How could you be so ungrateful for such powerful beings praising you?!

"But, I believe that with your power, you have defeated the Ginyu Force, correct?" King Cold asked.

"Yeah, why?" You replied, a hint of animosity in your tone.

"I think that you would be the perfect right-hand to my young boy, Frieza! Wouldn't it be nice to see tiny yous running around? By what I remember, your kind produces asexually, am I correct?"

"Father!" He yelled, a small amount of fuchsia blush appearing on the tyrant's nose and cheeks.

🏔️ Your eyes widened as your eyebrows furrowed in agitation, you hated any kind of mention related to the concept of family. It reminded you of that bastard of a father you had. Saving those pathetic humans and stopping you from being the strongest Symbiote on that forsaken mud-ball of a planet!

🏔️ A tentacle reached out and wrapped around his wrist, pulling him closer to you as you looked in his eyes, a solid glare entering his system. And honestly? This was one of the only moments in life where King Cold was scared and Frieza was frozen in shock

"Mention that again, and I'll lobotomize you... understand, your highness?"

"Yep!"

🏔️ Letting him go, and therefore sending the royal back into his chair with force, you scoffed and walked away, your old scanner crushed on the table with remnants of dried blood -obviously not from you- on it

🏔️ Perhaps you were more interesting than Frieza first thought. He was going to have to get to know you better for this power of yours to come to use...

[smilesatdawnmain]

Eternal LMK Au (Part 17) Interactive Story

Chang'e arrives~

The rules are simple.: I will give the written passage, and then at the bottom there will be a vote on how the characters act next!

Story; Eternal Au

Ship; ShadowPeach

Wukong's battle-ready stance immediately dissolved into pure delight. His eyes widened, sparkling with childlike wonder as the robotic bunny approached. "OH MY GOODNESS!" he squealed, bouncing on his toes. "LOOK HOW CUTE YOU ARE!"

---------

If he could see Mihou... he had a feeling he would be smacking his forehead right now.

The robotic bunny, clearly designed for surveillance and defense, seemed momentarily confused by Wukong's enthusiastic response. Its mechanical ears twitched, sensors scanning the unexpected visitor. It had come out here with the intention of tracking the unwanted visitor. Typically to scare them off… not get fawned over.

Wukong was practically vibrating with excitement, his previous tension completely forgotten. "Aren't you just the most adorable little thing?!" he cooed, taking a step forward with outstretched hands.

The robotic bunny's metallic ears pivoted, tracking Wukong's movement. Its glowing eyes flickered between scanning modes, assessing whether this strange monkey was a potential threat.

A synthesized voice emerged, crisp and precise. "Unidentified entity detected. State your purpose." as it scanned it, it reached into his memory to recall why this man seemed familiar. As Wukong swayed a little, it was quick to realize.

Target identified as: Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Threat level: RED.

The robotic bunny's demeanor shifted instantly. Where moments ago it had been a cute, potentially friendly surveillance unit, now it transformed into a defensive mechanism. Its metallic ears hardened like blades, and its cute exterior seemed to ripple and reshape, revealing intricate defense systems.

"Threat detected," the synthesized voice announced, now cold and clinical. "Sun Wukong: Known disruptor. Initiating defensive protocols. Commencing capture."

Wukong, who had been mid-squeal about how adorable the bunny was, suddenly froze. His excited expression morphed into a bewilderment. “Oh-” He blinked rapidly, gagging a moment later when the Robot pounced on him, "WHOA-!" Wukong yelped as the robotic bunny launched itself at him with surprising agility. Its metallic limbs unfolded, revealing an array of restraining mechanisms and defensive weaponry. "Hey now, let's talk about this-!"

The robot's synthesized voice remained emotionless. "Capture protocol activated. Subject: neutralization required."

With it’s arm around Wukong, a sudden controlled shock, similar to a high voltage razor, sprung from it’s fingertips. Wukong yelped as his fur puffed, vision going fuzzy for a moment. He had been hit by far worse, but it certainly caught him off guard.

The shock jolted through Wukong's body, causing his fur to stand on end and his muscles to seize momentarily. "Okay, that's not cute anymore!" Wukong shouted, eyes like swirls. If he could hear Mihou right now, he probably would have been screaming that he was an idiot. Probably had been warning him to take this all serious for a while now, actually.

Wukong's initial shock quickly transformed into irritation. These robotic contraptions were always so dramatic. He twisted in the bunny's grip, "Listen, little bunny," he attempted to reason, "You are super cute, but I don’t appreciate being shocked. I'm not here to cause trouble.”

The robotic bunny's sensors flashed red. "Threat level increasing. Initiating full restraint protocol."

Binding rings of light seemed to form from the bunny’s hands, wrapping around Wukong’s torso to pin his arms to his side. Wukong struggled against the robotic bunny's restraints, his initial delight transforming into mild annoyance. "Hey! This is NOT how you treat guests!" he shouted, writhing against the light-based bindings.

The robotic bunny remained impassive, its mechanical voice cutting through the lunar silence. "Sun Wukong: Recognized threat. Containment mandatory." grasping the back of his shirt, it turned, dragging him back the way it came.

“Heyyy~!” Wukong kicked and pouted. Clearly captured…

Though, if he was honest, it wasn’t exactly like he was trying to escape or avoid this. Could easily change shape to get out of this- or brute force it open. But, breaking Chang’e’ things was the last thing he needed going for him right now. After all, his goal was to convince her to listen to him, so best to come in by playing by her terms.

Either way, it got him back towards the little Moon town, which is where he was going anyway. He just wished he didn’t have to deal with the judging sensation in the air.

Mihou definitely wasn’t happy…

He laughed nervously, “T-This is one way to make an entrance,” he joked to the open air. He half expected a cricket to sound back in return.

Dragged into the little domain, he was tossed into the open court yard, his face smacking into the dirt. He grumbled, peeling his face off the cement to look up.

The courtyard was immaculate, perfectly manicured gardens surrounding pristine white marble pathways. Elegant lunar architecture rose around him, with delicate archways and crystalline structures that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light - Chang'e's celestial residence. All at full alarm.

Seemed the bunny had notified the entire domain and put everything into lock down. Expected, he understood, but a tad loud.

"Wonderful," he muttered, spitting out a bit of dust. "Just wonderful."

The robotic bunny stood guard, its mechanical ears twitching as it monitored his movements. Wukong slowly picked himself up, shacking off his fur and trying to maintain some semblance of dignity as he sat on his knees.

A series of soft, melodic footsteps approached, and Wukong looked up to see a figure emerging from the pristine archways. Chang'e herself, resplendent in flowing lunar robes that seemed woven from moonlight itself, stepped forward. Her expression was a complex mixture of curiosity, wariness, and a hint of something deeper - perhaps pain-hurt… fear.

"Sun Wukong," she said, her voice cool and measured, clear she was keeping her distance, "I did not expect to see you here." normally she was so peppy and upbeat. Her expression solemn, very aware that bring across Wukong's chest was not something that would hold the person before her. "Why are you here?"

Wukong hesitated at the sight of her lingering a distance. Beyond her, he could sense more of her robots on guard. As well as another presence. Powerful, familiar- and seething...

It seems Princess Iron Fan had arrived just in time for him to be dragged in too. She wasn't revealing herself yet, perhaps waiting to see what he would do?

This was the first time he had seen either since what happened with Mihou. As the only person who could communicate with them on his mate’s behalf, and desperately needing their help, he felt he needed to consider his first words carefully. He would turn on his gold vision to ask for help from Mihou, if doing so wouldn’t put everyone on more edge than they already were.

So that left himself to figure this out until he could explain.

Previous

next

[suspensefulpen]

A Deal

TW: Restrains, Choking, Death Threats, Whumpee turned Whumper, Whumper turned Whumpee

Whumpee paced the room, doing everything they could to keep their hands to themself. But they were itching to do something. Itching to hurt the chained up Whumper several feet away. The urge only seemed to grow stronger the longer Whumper stared at them.

Before they could stop themself, Whumpee launched themself at Whumper, wrapping their hand around his neck. “It only takes sixty seconds. Remember when you said that to me?” Whumpee growled as their captor struggled to breathe and break free of his restraints. “I can use those same sixty seconds for you. To end your life.”

“Whumpee! Stop!” Caretaker rushed over and pulled Whumpee away. “Enough! I know you want to hurt him the same way he hurt you but right now is not the time, okay?”

“Right now is the perfect time! No one’s around! No one would hear him scream! We’re in the middle of nowhere! They wouldn’t even find his body!”

Both Caretaker and Whumper were taken aback by those words. Whumper more so than Caretaker. Whumpee really just said that in front of a cop. They were that desparate for revenge that they didn’t care who was around.

Caretaker looked over at Whumper. She had no clue what this whole situation was but based on the pure emotion in Whumpee’s voice, there was a long history between the two.

Whumpee lunged at Whumper again but was quickly stopped by Caretaker who dragged them out of the room. Whumper only watched in silence. He could hear Whumpee crying, even as the door was shut behind the two. He heard Caretaker attempting to comfort them before she came back into the room, shutting the door once again. She kneeled down next to him, being sure to keep a little distance.

“You gonna choke me next, Detective?”

“No. I’m gonna ask you what’s going on.”

“Well from what you know an innocent civilian just got threatened.”

“While that is a possibility, I also know raw emotions when I see them.” Caretaker said. “So whatever this is, whatever is going on, you did something to hurt them. I don’t know what it is, I don’t know how you did it. All I know is that if Whumpee’s faking that, they’re a damn good actor. So tell me what’s going on.”

“You saw what was going on. An innocent civilian’s life was just threatened.”

“That’s not the full story. And you know that.”

“That is the full story.” Whumper nodded.

Caretaker leaned forward, a frown appearing on her face. “You know the full story and you’re gonna tell us what it is once I get you to the precinct. I don’t know who you two are to each other but once you get in that room, I want you to tell us everything.”

“Why wait? Let’s get this over with and do it now.”

“Because I can’t force you to say anything. That’s your right.”

“Come on Caretaker, we both know you’re not as sweet as you look. You don’t follow all the rules, do you?”

She was taken aback as she paused to process what Whumper said. She cleared her throat and frowned, turning her gaze elsewhere. “Why is that any of your concern?”

“Because I’m offering you a deal.”

[brokenhardies]

FOOLSUKE WIP

to make up for me dropping bitbo/foolsuke;

so basically the story starts the same as the canon persona 5 - instead of akiren being arrested its yusuke

yusuke moves to shibuya in with a family friend (ohya) and goes to shujin academy where he meets his teacher takuto maruki and principal shido

first day of school ends up meeting popular streamer futaba isshiki and burnout goro akechi - ends up in shido’s palace inspired by the roman empire and awakens to his persona nezumi (or goemon depending on the draft)

they meet magician sumire (who’s a bunny rabbit) in the dungeons and free her in exchange for her helping them find an exit - her persona is giselle from the ballet of the same name

once they get back to the real world yusuke discovers that his record has been leaked - later when meeting goro on the roof goro confirms its because shido leaked it due to him viewing yusuke as a threat to his perfect school

shido’s basically a control freak who wants shujin to be perfect and rules the school with an iron fist - he brings students for ‘private study sessions’ that mostly consist of berating and occasionally physically abusing them - his sin is wrath instead of lust for that reason

so they end up in the palace a second time thanks to goro wanting to get more information on shido’s victims so he can officially report him to the police

instead what happens is that yusuke finds out that goro is shido’s bastard son with goro trying desperately to punish him for leaving him (and failing miserably) - goro awakens to his persona black bart

two days pass and yusuke finds out that futaba was the one who leaked his record, with her doing it so shido would stop harassing her friend kana - kana attempts suicide the next day and yusuke, goro and hifumi (who replaces mishima) are threatened with expulsion by shido

futaba wants to join yusuke and goro in the palace and they reluctantly let her come along - she gets captured by shido and awakens to her persona charlotte

that’s basically the first half of the story down so ill give the next palace rulers;

we have envy kaneshiro who takes the role of madarame with emperor akira and ren as his students - akira is the one who ends up in the palace and awakens to shūang bian (based on huyan zhuo from water margin)

then greed okumura who tbh is basically just the same but he’s a mafia don and is trying to make haru take over his position - priestess haru awakens to la pucelle (joan of arc’s nickname) in his palace

hermit ryuji who’s palace is a shipwreck slowly overflowing with water, who’s an amputee who blames himself for his mother’s death and his father’s abuse and his father is the boss of his palace in the form of a giant sea monster that attacks the ship - his persona is orwell

empress ann who’s mother basically is selling her models into sex slavery - her palace takes the form of a ochaya and ann joins the team in order to save her friend shiho - her persona is adler

after ann’s mom dies, detective princess makoto joins wanting to change the heart of her sister sae - november 11th happens and we discover that makoto is the traitor after she attempts to murder yusuke

palace 8 is madarame - who is actually yusuke’s biological dad and the man who got yusuke arrested that fateful night - his palace takes the form of a train with the engine room fight instead happening in the coal room - makoto’s true persona is alecto

they defeat madarame but oops! god of control! i dont have much of a plot for this but yusuke’s second tier is mephistopheles bc that’s fun

then the third semester features antag councillor takemi and her ‘guinea pig’ satoru yoshizawa - actually masaru yoshizawa aka morgana - his persona is don quixote

and that’s it! i also had a plan for strikers with the jail monarch’s switching and zenkichi & akane switching places with ichinose & sophia as well as a brief tactica concept with eri and yoshiro switching places but that’s basically it lol

i also altered the plot at some point having emperor makoto, empress morgana and faith akiren but that was before i dropped it lol

[bardic-tales]

As part of my delve into the magic system for Fantasy Worlds Collide, I explored magic-users questions based on the Celestial Realm. This is a look of the rules and logic behind the magic system.

Does practicing magic have any detrimental effect on the magic user (such as becoming addictive, fomenting insanity, or shortening life-span)? If so, is there any way to prevent these effects? Are the effects inevitable to all magic users, or do they affect only those with some sort of predisposition? Do they progress at the same rate in everyone? Are they universal in all species, or are some races immune to these detrimental effects?

Practicing magic within the Mortal Realm takes a profound toll on humans due to their mortal limitations. Unlike celestials, human bodies and minds are not designed to channel vast amounts of magical energy, leading to inevitable consequences. For Prophets, these effects include physical decay, fragmented memories, and mental exhaustion from their divine visions. Clerics suffer from energy depletion if they do not engage in frequent meditation or rituals, while Knights face physical and emotional strain from prolonged combat and exposure to demonic corruption. Over time, the strain of wielding magic can shorten lifespans, with its progression dependent on the intensity and frequency of use. While some individuals may demonstrate a higher resistance, no human is entirely immune to these effects.

The progression of these consequences varies among magic users, influenced by their predisposition, training, and connection to celestial beings. For example, a Prophet's burden of foreknowledge can lead to madness more rapidly than a Knight's physical strain. However, the effects are universal for all magic users, reflecting the inherent danger of wielding powers beyond mortal comprehension. Preventing these effects requires strict adherence to rituals, divine guidance, and spiritual discipline. Rogue magic users, who lack the Order's support and celestial favor, are especially vulnerable, succumbing to corruption or madness at an accelerated pace.

What is the price magic users must pay in order to be magic users — years of study, permanent celibacy, using up bits of their life or memory with each spell, etc.? Does anyone ever try to get around the price of magic?

The price of practicing magic in the Mortal Realm is steep, as it demands unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and discipline. Members of the Templar Order endure years of rigorous training, beginning as early as age five. This preparation includes physical conditioning, spiritual education, and eventually, mastery of divine magic. Such training requires the complete devotion of their lives to the Order's cause, leaving little room for personal relationships or ambitions. For Prophets, the price is even higher, as their connection to the Celestial Realm gradually consumes their physical and spiritual essence, leading to a shortened lifespan and profound isolation.

Rogue magic users often seek shortcuts to circumvent these costs, attempting to harness magic without divine guidance or proper training. However, this recklessness often backfires, resulting in swift corruption, demonic possession, or catastrophic failure. The Order considers such individuals a grave threat and intervenes when their existence is detected. For those within the Order, the price of magic is accepted as a necessary burden in service of their divine mission, ensuring their powers remain a force for good rather than chaos.

How do various religions,if any, view magic? Do any forbid it? Why or why not? Do any require priests/priestesses to be magic users? Do any forbid magic users from holding some or all religious offices?

Religions within the Mortal Realm view magic with a mixture of reverence, caution, and fear. The Templar Order considers magic a sacred gift bestowed by celestial beings and uses it exclusively for combating demonic threats and fulfilling divine will. Their strict guidelines and training ensure magic remains a controlled and purposeful force. Outside the Order, however, the general perception of magic skews toward suspicion and fear, largely due to its association with the supernatural and the potential for misuse. Many human religious institutions forbid magic, labeling it as heretical or dangerous, a perception fueled by the secrecy and isolation of the Templar Order.

No religious institution outside the Order requires priests or priestesses to be magic users, and many actively forbid them from holding religious offices. This prohibition stems from a belief that magic compromises spiritual purity or invites corruption. The Order's secrecy compounds this distrust, as outsiders perceive their members as fanatics or even a cult. Consequently, the public often views magic as both a divine mystery and a perilous force best left to those uniquely chosen to wield it.

How long does it take to learn magic?

Learning magic is a lifelong commitment within the Templar Order, with training spanning decades. Initiates begin basic training at age five, focusing on physical conditioning and spiritual education. By their teenage years, they progress to weapon mastery and the rudiments of divine magic, such as creating protective wards or crafting holy items. Advanced training, occurring in their late teens and early twenties, involves mastering celestial artifacts and high-level strategies for combating demonic threats. The final stage of training, known as the Specialization Test, determines whether an initiate becomes a Knight or a Cleric, marking their official induction into the Order.

The time required to learn magic reflects not only the complexity of divine techniques but also the spiritual resilience needed to wield such powers safely. For Prophets, their abilities manifest suddenly and require no formal training, as they are innate gifts from the Celestial Realm. However, even Prophets must learn to manage the toll of their powers, often relying on guidance from senior members of the Order. Outside the Order, rogue magic users lack structured training, leading to reckless experimentation and accelerated consequences. This stark contrast underscores the Order's commitment to discipline and divine oversight in mastering magic.

Is magic a profession, an art, or just a job? What is the status accorded to magic users in this society? Are they the equivalent of shyster lawyers, politicians, and used car salesmen, or are they considered average working stiffs, or are they looked up to and admired?

In the Mortal Realm, magic is not a profession or art accessible to the general populace. It is exclusively a divine gift bestowed upon members of the Templar Order. This restricted access elevates magic beyond a mere job or craft—it is regarded as a sacred vocation. Magic within the Order is tightly interwoven with religious duty, emphasizing its divine origin and purpose. Those gifted with magic are revered for their spiritual connection to the Creator, perceived as instruments of divine will rather than independent practitioners. Outside the Order, however, magic users are a mystery. Commoners who encounter them often view them with a mix of awe and suspicion, as the Templar Order is secretive and its members seldom engage with the broader world.

Despite their revered status within the Order, magic users face skepticism or fear among outsiders. The clandestine nature of the Templar Order fosters rumors, casting them as an enigmatic or even cult-like group. While villagers like those in Divvik might recognize the Order's protective role against supernatural threats, the lack of transparency means magic users are sometimes regarded with wariness. This dichotomy—reverence within the Order and apprehension outside it—defines their societal standing.

Are magic users organized? How? What hierarchy, if any, do they recognize? What happens if the person/people at the top get killed? Who takes over? How soon?

Magic users within the Mortal Realm are highly organized, operating under the Templar Order’s strict hierarchy. At the apex is the Knight-Commander, such as Alexander (Archangel Michael), who oversees the Order’s divine mission. Beneath him are Knights, Clerics, and Prophets, each with specialized roles that ensure the efficient functioning of the organization. Knights protect and fight against demonic threats, Clerics focus on spiritual support and healing, and Prophets guide through divine insight. This hierarchy ensures every member’s role is aligned with their abilities and the Order’s objectives.

If the leadership is compromised—such as the Knight-Commander being killed—the Order has protocols in place for immediate succession. Leadership falls to the most senior and capable member, typically chosen through divine revelation or established lineage within the Order’s ranks. For example, the death of the Knight-Commander might prompt the ascension of a seasoned Knight-Captain or a trusted Prophet who can communicate divine will. The Order prioritizes stability and continuity, ensuring swift transitions to maintain their mission. However, the loss of a Prophet or Knight-Commander can leave a spiritual void, often requiring divine intervention to fully restore equilibrium.

Can anyone become a magic user, or does one need to be born with some special talent or gift?

Not everyone can become a magic user in the Mortal Realm. The ability to wield magic is strictly granted by divine intervention, marking it as a privilege rather than an innate talent. Members of the Templar Order are either born with a latent connection to the divine or chosen through celestial decree. Prophets, for instance, are identified from birth or early childhood due to their unique spiritual sensitivity, while Knights and Clerics are often selected based on their potential for devotion, discipline, and strength. Training amplifies their divine connection but cannot instill magical abilities in those who lack the initial spark.

The exclusivity of magic ensures it remains deeply tied to faith and service. This divine selection process reinforces the Templar Order’s belief in the sanctity of their mission, as only those deemed worthy by the Creator are entrusted with such power. The rarity of magic users among humanity further isolates them, emphasizing their role as intermediaries between mortals and the divine. For those outside the Order, the concept of learning magic is inconceivable, as it defies the Creator’s will.

Can you make a living practicing magic, or do you have to have independent means? If you can make a living, what are you doing — making magic swords, or making it rain for local farmers? What’s a magic user’s job market like? What’s a magic user’s average income, relative to the rest of society?

Magic users within the Templar Order do not practice magic for personal gain or livelihood. Their powers are viewed as sacred tools to fulfill divine mandates, not commodities for economic exchange. As such, members of the Order are provided for by communal resources within their ranks, receiving food, shelter, and equipment necessary for their mission. This system ensures that their focus remains on spiritual duty rather than material wealth. Income, as understood by the general populace, is irrelevant to magic users, as they operate entirely within the framework of their religious order.

For the average human, the idea of a magic user earning a living is alien, as the Order operates independently of worldly economics. Outsiders might view the Templar Order’s self-sufficiency as another layer of mystique, feeding into the perception that magic users live apart from mundane concerns. While the Order does not engage in trade or services, their divine purpose is compensation enough for its members, aligning their lives with the spiritual rewards promised by the Creator. This disconnect from economic systems underscores their otherworldly nature and reinforces their separation from the societies they protect.

Are magic users a force in politics, or are they above it? Are there national politics that revolve around magic/magic users (i.e., trying to outlaw, protect, or promote certain kinds of magic, trying to draft magic users into a ruler’s army, licensing of magic users, etc.)? Do magic users have a lobby? Do they need one?

In the Mortal Realm, magic users are largely disconnected from politics due to their strict affiliation with the Templar Order, which operates as an isolated religious institution. Unlike typical power structures that might leverage magic for political gain, the Templar Order is entirely separate from national governments and maintains no influence over worldly affairs. Their focus is spiritual and martial, devoted to protecting humanity from demonic threats rather than engaging in governance or policy-making. This detachment ensures that magic remains a sacred and divinely guided force rather than a tool for political maneuvering.

National politics do not revolve around magic because the only magic users—those within the Templar Order—remain secretive and insular. Magic is not a resource to be outlawed, regulated, or exploited by rulers, as its use is exclusive to a small, hidden subset of humanity. Outside the Order, the existence of magic is shrouded in myth and superstition, with most people either dismissing it or fearing its association with divine retribution. This absence of magic in the public sphere prevents the formation of lobbies or advocacy groups for magic users, as there is no broader magical community to represent or regulate.

Does it require a license to be a magic user? If so, is it more like a driver’s license (something nearly everyone in our culture gets upon coming of age) or like a doctor’s license (something only a small percentage of the population will ever get)? Who certifies magic users: government, magic user’s guild/AMA, local priests?

Becoming a magic user in the Mortal Realm does not involve any governmental licensing, as magic is solely tied to the Templar Order and considered a divine gift. The Order itself oversees the training and regulation of its members, ensuring that magic remains under strict control. This process is far more rigorous than licensing and involves years of spiritual devotion, combat training, and divine attunement. Only those who demonstrate unwavering faith and meet the Order's stringent criteria are granted the ability to wield magic.

Certification within the Templar Order is akin to a holy rite rather than a bureaucratic process. Prospective knights, clerics, and prophets undergo decades of training and spiritual testing, culminating in their official induction. This sacred ceremony, led by high-ranking members such as Alexander, affirms the individual's connection to the divine and their readiness to serve. Outside the Order, rogue magic users are exceptionally rare, as their abilities are believed to be traceable by celestial beings like Alexander. Such individuals would be seen as an anomaly and would likely face persecution or attempts at reabsorption into the Order.

How do local people view magic users? Are they good guys, bad guys, Clint Eastwood (call in only to get rid of dragons), regular working stiffs, ivory-tower academics, nuisances who make it rain when you’re plowing, dangerous folks to stay away from?

To the common people, magic users are enigmatic and often feared figures. Most villagers regard the Templar Order with a mix of suspicion and awe, viewing its members as distant and otherworldly. Their secretive nature and association with divine power create an aura of mystery that many interpret as cult-like. While the Order's role in protecting humanity from demonic forces is respected, their presence in local communities can inspire unease, particularly in towns like Divvik, where their activities occasionally surface but are never fully explained.

For most, magic is seen as both a blessing and a curse—capable of miraculous acts but carrying dire consequences if misused. Stories of Templar knights slaying demons or clerics healing the gravely wounded evoke reverence, but whispers about the cost of such power, including physical decay and shortened lifespans, sow fear. Ordinary people often avoid direct interaction with magic users, treating them as necessary guardians who should be left to their divine mission without interference.

How do you get to be a magic user/magic user? Does it require inborn talent, study and hard work, practice, or all of the above?

Becoming a magic user requires divine selection and intensive training within the Templar Order. Unlike skills that can be cultivated through study or practice alone, magic in the Mortal Realm is a gift bestowed by celestial beings upon those deemed worthy. Prospective members are identified at a young age, often through signs of spiritual attunement or prophetic visions, and are then taken into the Order for lifelong service. Inborn talent plays a role, but without the Order's rigorous training, individuals cannot fully access or control their abilities.

In the Templar Order, children chosen for training are taken from their families at a young age, typically around five years old, and are never permitted to contact their families again. This practice is steeped in both tradition and necessity, as the Order believes that severing familial ties shields loved ones from demonic corruption and reprisal. The presence of such bonds is seen as a vulnerability, a thread demons could exploit to weaken the resolve of the child or infiltrate their lives. Families are told that their child's selection is a divine honor, a calling to serve a higher purpose in the eternal struggle against darkness. While the decision is often met with grief, the weight of religious devotion and fear of damnation compels families to comply. Within the Order, the children are taught to see the brotherhood and sisterhood of the Templars as their new family, binding them tightly to their sacred mission and fostering an unwavering loyalty to the divine cause.

The path to becoming a knight, cleric, or prophet is arduous and begins in childhood. Recruits endure years of physical, mental, and spiritual preparation, honing their skills under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Divine favor, rigorous discipline, and unwavering faith are all prerequisites for wielding magic. This exclusivity ensures that magic remains a sacred and rare phenomenon, accessible only to those who dedicate their lives to the Creator's will and the Order's mission.

Are magic users barred from certain kinds of government jobs or offices? Do some government jobs require that their holder be a magic user?

Magic users in the Mortal Realm, specifically those belonging to the Templar Order, are not part of public society and thus do not hold government jobs. The Order operates as an isolated religious organization, with its members living apart from the broader human population. Because magic is seen as a divine gift tied to the Creator and wielded only by Templar clerics, knights, and prophets, there is no overlap between magic users and government positions. Their divine mandate is to protect humanity from demonic threats, a mission that supersedes any political or secular obligations. As a result, government officials and society at large view the Templar Order with a mix of reverence and suspicion, often perceiving them as an enigmatic, cult-like presence.

Given their insular nature, magic users are neither barred from government jobs nor required for them. The political sphere in the Mortal Realm functions independently of divine magic. In fact, many governments lack awareness of the Order's existence or underestimate their influence, as the Templars work to ensure their secrecy. Their divine mission is not political, and their focus on combating supernatural threats leaves little room for engagement with the mundane workings of human governance. If magic requires study, where do you go to learn about it? How do people fund their training? Is there an apprenticeship system, or are there magic user schools, or is it one-on-one tutoring/mentoring? Is an untrained magic user dangerous, or just an ordinary person?

Magic within the Mortal Realm is strictly regulated by the Templar Order, and only those chosen and taken into the Order as children are granted access to its knowledge. Training begins at the age of five within the Order’s secluded compound, where initiates undergo rigorous education in divine teachings, combat, and the controlled use of magic. The Order funds this training entirely, viewing it as a sacred duty to prepare its members for the battle against demonic forces. There are no external schools, apprenticeships, or private mentors; all instruction is centralized within the Templar Order to maintain secrecy and prevent corruption.

Untrained magic users are virtually nonexistent, as divine magic is only granted through the Creator's blessing, administered and overseen by the Order. If a rogue individual were to awaken latent abilities outside the Order's control, they would be seen as a grave threat. Such a person would be hunted and either brought into the fold or eliminated, as their uncontrolled power could attract demonic attention or lead to catastrophic misuse. Within the Templar Order, strict training ensures that magic users are disciplined and equipped to wield their gifts responsibly.

Do magic users have a special language that is used for magic? If so, where do they learn it? Is it safe to chat in this language, or is everything said in it automatically a spell? If so, how can it safely be taught to new students?

The Templar Order employs a sacred language known as the Divine Tongue for all magic and rituals. This ancient language is believed to be the language of the Celestial Realm and gifted to humanity by the Creator. Learning the Divine Tongue is an essential part of an initiate's training and taught through rigorous lessons by senior clerics in a classroom setting. Due to its sacred nature, speaking the Divine Tongue is treated with utmost reverence, and casual use is forbidden. Each utterance carries weight, and while not every word is inherently a spell, speaking it improperly can result in unintended consequences, such as invoking celestial energies or drawing demonic attention.

To safely teach the Divine Tongue, students begin with written forms and basic prayers under strict supervision. They progress to spoken practice only in consecrated spaces, where their attempts can be monitored and controlled. Advanced training focuses on the precise phrasing required for spells and rituals, ensuring that magic users understand the gravity of their words. Outside these lessons, the Divine Tongue is reserved for formal rituals and battle, safeguarding its sanctity and power.

Is magic considered a science, or are scientists and magic users enemies or rivals? Are magic and science compatible? To what degree does the presence of magic, magical objects, and magic users replace technology (for example, a chest that is enchanted to keep its contents cold could replace the refrigerator)? Duplicate technology? Supplement technology?

In the Mortal Realm, magic is considered a divine gift rather than a science. The Templar Order views it as an extension of faith and devotion to the Creator, completely separate from secular knowledge or technological advancement. Scientists and magic users are not inherently enemies, but they rarely intersect, as the Order remains secretive and insular. The Order regards science as a human endeavor, while magic is seen as a celestial force that cannot be replicated or understood through empirical means. This separation fosters an implicit divide, with magic users holding a more spiritual perspective and scientists adhering to logic and reason.

Magic in the Templar Order does not replace or duplicate technology; instead, it serves a singular purpose: combating demonic forces. The Order's reliance on divine artifacts, holy wards, and consecrated weapons contrasts sharply with technological advancements in the outside world. While technology evolves to address human needs, the Templar Order remains steadfast in its reliance on divine power, using magic only to fulfill their sacred mission. This division underscores the mystical and otherworldly nature of the Order, further isolating them from the secular progress of human society.

Are magic users above or below the law — I.e., do they have full rights as citizens, no rights, or can they do as they like without regard to anyone else’s rights?

In the Mortal Realm, magic users within the Templar Order are neither above nor entirely below the law. As a secretive and insular religious group, their actions rarely intersect with mundane laws governing everyday human life. The Templar Order operates under a strict internal code dictated by divine principles, and its members are held to a higher standard of moral and ethical behavior than the average citizen. However, since their existence and practices are largely unknown or regarded as cult-like by outsiders, they are not bound by or answerable to secular authorities. This separation allows them to function autonomously without the interference of human governments, but it also isolates them, limiting their influence on broader societal structures.

To outsiders, such as the residents of towns like Divvik, magic users are viewed with suspicion and often feared due to their perceived otherworldly connection. The Templar Order’s self-imposed secrecy only amplifies this mistrust, ensuring that its members are neither revered nor welcomed in ordinary human society. In cases where a magic user’s actions inadvertently draw attention or cause harm outside the Order, local authorities would likely respond with hostility or punitive measures, as magic is not understood or accepted in wider society. Consequently, the Templar Order enforces strict discipline among its members to avoid such situations, ensuring their divine gifts are never misused in ways that might provoke the ire of mundane law or expose their existence.

Is the relative power of a country or ruler usually measured by the size of the army, the number and ability of his magic users, or the amount of money at his disposal?

In the Mortal Realm, a country's power is primarily measured by the size and discipline of its military and the wealth at its disposal, as magic is not a widespread resource. The rarity and isolation of the Templar Order mean that magic users play no significant role in the balance of political or military power. Instead, rulers focus on more tangible assets such as the strength of their armies, access to natural resources, and control over trade routes. These factors determine a nation’s ability to defend itself, expand its influence, and sustain its populace.

Although the Templar Order possesses divine magic, it exists outside the sphere of political power, operating in secrecy to avoid entanglements with secular rulers. This deliberate separation ensures that magic remains a purely spiritual force rather than a tool for conquest or governance. Consequently, rulers may hear whispers of divine intervention or strange occurrences attributed to the Order, but such rumors are dismissed as folklore or exaggerations. The pragmatic world of politics and warfare remains focused on more practical measures of power, leaving the Templar Order as an enigmatic and unquantified presence, operating silently in the shadows of history.

Can two or more magic users combine their power to cast a stronger spell, or is magic done only by individuals? What makes a powerful magic user? (add paragraph: The only exception for this is the barriers over their headquarters, like in Divvik. To keep them hidden from the town, Clerics work together to channel their magic to fuel a barrier that keeps the keep / stronghold secret)

Within the Templar Order, magic is a deeply personal and individual gift, bestowed directly by the Creator through divine favor. While multiple members of the Order may participate in coordinated rituals or prayers to invoke blessings, the magic itself is not "combined" in a conventional sense. Each individual channels their own spiritual energy in alignment with their unique role and abilities, such as the healing power of a Cleric or the combat wards of a Knight. Collaboration enhances the overall effectiveness of their mission but does not amplify the raw potency of a single spell.

The barriers protecting the Templar headquarters, such as the stronghold in Divvik, are a unique exception to the Order's otherwise solitary approach to magic use. Clerics collaborate to channel their divine magic, pooling their spiritual energy to sustain an intricate and enduring protective barrier. This barrier is designed to conceal the keep from the surrounding town, shielding the Order's activities from prying eyes and potential threats. The collaborative effort requires periodic rituals of renewal, where Clerics gather in sacred chambers to bolster the barrier's strength. Though taxing, this collective act exemplifies their unwavering devotion to their mission and the divine will, ensuring the Order remains hidden and undisturbed as they fulfill their sacred duties.

A powerful magic user within the Order is defined by their unwavering faith, disciplined training, and spiritual connection to the Creator. Strength is not determined solely by the magnitude of their abilities but also by their mastery of divine will and their capacity to endure the physical and spiritual toll of wielding celestial power. For instance, a Prophet may be considered powerful not because they can summon visions at will but because they interpret divine truths with clarity and guide their comrades with unwavering conviction. Similarly, a Knight’s effectiveness lies in their ability to channel divine blessings into precise, disciplined combat, making them formidable protectors against demonic forces.

What do you need to do to cast a spell — design an elaborate ritual, recite poetry, mix the right ingredients in a pot? Are there things like a staff, a wand, a familiar, a crystal ball, that are necessary to have before casting spells? If so, where and how do new magic users get these things? Do they make them, buy them from craftsmen, inherit them from their teachers, or order them from magic userry Supplies, Inc.?

Casting a spell within the Templar Order is a sacred act that requires devotion, preparation, and alignment with divine will. Spells are not cast frivolously but through prayer, meditation, or the recitation of ancient hymns imbued with celestial power. The process varies depending on the type of magic being invoked. For example, Clerics performing healing rituals may use consecrated poultices, holy water, or anointing oils, while Knights rely on blessed weapons and symbols of faith, such as crosses or sigils, to channel protective wards or strike down demonic adversaries.

No external tools like wands, staffs, or familiars are required, as all magic stems from the divine connection between the user and the Creator. However, sacred artifacts and relics—such as a Prophet’s scrying bowl or a Knight’s consecrated blade—serve as conduits to focus and enhance their abilities. These items are typically crafted within the Order using holy materials, blessed through elaborate rituals. New magic users do not purchase these items but earn them through rigorous training and spiritual dedication, often receiving them as part of their final induction into the Order. This sacred process ensures that each artifact is a unique and deeply personal extension of its bearer’s divine mission.

Where does magic power come from: the gods, the “mana” of the world, the personal willpower of the magic user? Is magic an exhaustible resource? If a magic user must feed his spells with his own willpower, life-force, or sanity, what long-term effects will this have on the health and/or stability of the magic user? Do different races/species have different sources for their magic, or does everybody use the same one?

In the Mortal Realm, magic power is a divine gift bestowed solely by the Creator and channeled through these special humans. Only members of the Templar Order, particularly Knights, Clerics, and Prophets, are granted the ability to wield magic. This power is sacred, reflecting a covenant with the divine, and cannot be drawn from personal willpower or worldly forces like mana. Instead, it relies on spiritual purity and devotion to the Creator’s will. Magic is treated as an exhaustible resource, with users required to replenish their spiritual reserves through prayer, meditation, and other religious rituals. Prolonged or excessive use of magic leads to physical and mental exhaustion, and in some cases, premature death.

The exclusive nature of magic underscores its sanctity. Unlike other fictional worlds where magic may stem from various sources, here it is a singular, divine force accessible only to those chosen by celestial beings and the Creator. Human magic users cannot tap into their power autonomously—they act as conduits for celestial energy, making them uniquely vulnerable. Their dependency on the Creator ensures that magic remains both a blessing and a burden, reinforcing the importance of humility and reverence within the Templar Order.

How does a magic user tap his/her magic power? Does becoming a magic user require some rite of passage (investing one’s power in an object, being chosen by the gods, constructing or being given a permanent link to the source of power) or does it just happen naturally as part of growing up, like puberty?

Tapping into magical power requires divine initiation and sustained spiritual discipline. Potential Templar recruits undergo rigorous evaluation, often beginning in childhood, to ensure they are worthy of receiving the Creator’s gift. This process culminates in sacred rites performed by senior Clerics, the Knight-Commanders, or Prophets, during which the initiates are consecrated and imbued with their spiritual connection. These rites are symbolic of their commitment to the Order and the divine mission. Without such consecration, humans cannot access magic, ensuring its exclusivity to Templar members.

Beyond the initial rite of passage, magic users must maintain their spiritual link through continuous acts of devotion. Regular prayer, fasting, and meditation are essential to sustain their connection to the Creator. For Clerics, this often involves crafting holy items and performing rituals, while Knights rely on their combat training and blessings upon their weapons. The spiritual discipline required prevents magic from being treated as a mundane tool, reinforcing its role as a sacred responsibility rather than a privilege.

Does a magic user’s magical ability or power change over time — e.g., growing stronger or weaker during puberty, or with increasing age? Can a magic user “use up” all of his/her magic, thus ceasing to be a magic user? If this happens, what does the ex-magic user do — die, retire, take up teaching, go into a second career, start a freelance consulting business?

A magic user’s power evolves as they mature, reflecting their growing spiritual strength and experience. During the early stages of their training, young Templars develop only limited abilities that are honed through years of rigorous physical and spiritual conditioning. As they age and deepen their connection to the divine, their magic grows stronger, but this increase is not limitless. Overuse or reckless application can deplete their spiritual reserves, potentially severing their bond with the Creator permanently. Such individuals become "fallen" and are often retired from the Order, their lives shortened by the toll of their past magic use.

This fragile balance ensures that no Templar becomes overly reliant on their magic. Even the strongest Prophets and Knights recognize the finite nature of their abilities, fostering a culture of restraint and discipline. Those who lose their magical connection typically remain within the Order in non-magical roles, offering guidance, clerical work, or teaching new recruits. This structured approach maintains the sanctity of magic while ensuring the Order's survival through successive generations.

Is a magic user’s lifetime normally longer or shorter than average? Why? Does this vary for different races/species? Are there races/species all of whose members are magic users?

Magic significantly impacts a user’s lifespan, often shortening it due to the immense strain placed on mortal bodies. Clerics and Prophets, in particular, face accelerated aging and physical deterioration as a result of their intense spiritual practices. Prophets are especially vulnerable, as their divine visions and interactions with celestial beings drain their vitality at an alarming rate. On the other hand, Knights tend to live longer than their non-magic-using counterparts, as their rigorous training and divine blessings enhance their physical resilience.

Despite these effects, Templar magic users embrace their roles with solemnity, viewing their sacrifices as necessary for the greater good. Their lives are imbued with purpose, and their deaths are seen as noble contributions to the divine mission. Unlike other races or species, humans are the only beings in the Mortal Realm capable of wielding this specific form of magic, emphasizing their unique role in the Creator's plan. This exclusivity further cements the Templar Order's reverence for magic as a sacred and fleeting gift.

Are there fashions/fads in magic — are herbal spells “in” this year and ritual spells “out,” or vice versa?

Among humans in the Mortal Realm, magical practices are exclusive to the Templar Order, and their approach to magic does not follow trends or fads. Their magic is seen as a sacred gift from the Creator, inherently divine and timeless. Because the Templar Order treats magic as an extension of their religious duties, its use is rooted in tradition and governed by strict doctrines rather than evolving preferences. Rituals, prayers, and ceremonies are meticulously preserved across generations to maintain the sanctity and efficacy of their divine magic. For example, clerics consistently use holy crafting and exorcism rites, while knights rely on consecrated weaponry and combat wards, with little variation over time.

Outside the Templar Order, the majority of humanity lacks exposure to or understanding of magic. To the general public, the rituals of the Templar Order may seem mysterious or archaic, but these practices remain steadfastly immune to societal whims. Even rumors about the Order’s activities in towns like Divvik perpetuate a sense of otherworldliness, reinforcing the perception that their magic is separate from the mundane. Thus, within this world, the idea of magical “fashions” or “fads” is alien, as divine magic is revered as immutable and unchanging.

Are certain spells (as opposed to magic generally) illegal? Why — because of the effect of the spell, or because of the ingredients or procedures needed to cast it, or what? If so, how would a criminal magic user be detected? Apprehended? Punished? Is catching and punishing illegal magic users the responsibility of the magic user’s guild, or do the ordinary courts have to handle it?

In the Mortal Realm, there are no universally recognized laws governing magic outside the Templar Order, as magic is rare and inaccessible to the general population. However, within the Templar Order, the misuse of divine magic is considered a grave offense. Spells that violate divine principles—such as those performed out of selfishness, greed, or cruelty—are forbidden. For instance, using healing magic to harm or corrupt, or invoking divine power for personal gain, would be considered heretical and could lead to severe consequences within the Order. This prohibition is less about the spells themselves and more about the intent and morality of the practitioner.

Rogue magic users outside the Order are exceedingly rare, but when they arise, they pose a unique challenge. Alexander, as the Archangel Michael, can sense their awakening and often intervenes personally to address the threat. The Templar Order would act swiftly to apprehend such individuals, considering them potential conduits for demonic corruption. Punishment for misuse or unauthorized practice of magic is handled internally, often through spiritual cleansing, exile, or execution, depending on the severity of the offense. Since magic is seen as a divine gift, its abuse is treated as both a crime and a sin, requiring both earthly and spiritual restitution.

[writer-komaru]

₊˚✩｡+･ Queen of Hearts ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭*⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆

✧Rating: Smut + Exhibitionism

✧Characters: Nikolai

✧Word Count: 3.2k

✧Summary: While participating in a very important annual agency meeting every member is forced to attend, you find yourself in a very stressful situation. You’re completely at the mercy of a very aroused and sadistic clown, one who’s ready to make your life as hard as possible. As sudden, familiar hands appear out of nowhere and start groping you from under your clothes, you soon find out just how hard he can make you~

The dreaded time was finally here. Once the clock struck 2:30, you watched as Kenji, Dazai, Kunikida, and Atsushi flooded into the meeting room. You closed your laptop and sighed to yourself. This would be your first real meeting as a new member of the esteemed armed detective agency and you were both excited and terrified. Being in a room full of some of the strongest gifted in all of Japan was more nerve racking than getting pulled over in the middle of nowhere! Nonetheless, you knew you were ready for this. You took a seat next to Junichiro and Kyoka, looking up at the white board in the center of the room pinned with at least 20 photos and newspaper clippings. Kunikida stood next to it with a long ruler in his hand, giving everyone an authoritative stare, like a teacher ready to scold a group of misbehaving students.

“For today’s annual group meeting, I’ll be starting it by addressing our most recent case!” His glasses flashed with determination as he cracked the ruler against the white board, using it to point at one of the pictures. Atsushi jumped at the noise, Dazai rolled his eyes, and Yosano rested her head against her left hand.

“The case deals with a large-scale human trafficking scandal being sponsored by the port mafia. We’ve managed to collect a few pictures, physical evidence, witness testimony, and a few newspaper clippings detailing some of the people involved. It’s our duty to locate the victims and ensure they return to their families safely and arrest the perpetrators. The first suspect is- Ranpo are you SLEEPING!!?!” Kunikida bears his teeth and slaps the ruler against the table to wake him up.

“I’d much rather be asleep than attending this boring meeting,” he raised his head and yawned, clearly unbothered by the threat of human trafficking. Does he not care about the people in danger or does he not see it as a big deal? Wasn’t he the detective prodigy the agency was built around?

“Maybe I’ll let you take a nap if you help us locate their base of operations,” Kunikida crossed his arms and huffed.

While you watched with confusion as Ranpo revealed a long explanation of the case, you felt your phone buzz in your pocket. Good thing you put it on silent; if all the attention was suddenly on you, you might just curl up in a ball and return to the soil. You took your phone out of your pocket and sneakily hid it under the table. You were getting a call from…. Your eyes widened in fear. Why now, if all times?!

“U-uh, can I use the bathroom real quick? It’s an emergency,” your trembling hand rose to ask the question, causing your fear of being in the spotlight to come true.

“I’m sorry but you should have gone before the meeting started. Rules are no one can leave until the meeting is over,” Kunikida’s wrath snapped to Dazai, “Including you too!!”

“Hey I haven't even done anything yet!” He held his hands up defensively.

“Yeah yeah, emphasis on YET!” He growled back.

Your worried eyes looked back to your phone, finger hovering between the accept and decline buttons. The caller ID pfp was almost taunting you. If you didn’t take this call, you knew damn well you’d be punished somehow, but if you took it, the private info being discussed could be leaked. You just couldn’t risk your relationship with the ADA so soon. With a heavy heart you hit the decline button, praying to your lucky stars he would shed even a sliver of mercy on you this time. Just before you could put your phone back into your pocket, an ominous text was sent to your phone; It was from him.

‘Playing hard to get, my darling dove? You know what happens when you try to ignore me~ come on, let’s have some fun together!~ Fwahahah!~♦️ See you soon! Your love, Nikolai~’

Well shit, now you’re definitely fucked. That’s what you get for testing the will of a deviant like him. You shifted nervously in your seat, anticipating the tricks he might try to experiment on you. Suddenly, you felt a light hand tap on your shoulder.

“Ah?!” You gasp, only to see it was Kyoka. She didn’t respond, only giving you a look that read, ‘Are you alright?’ It wasn’t a look she gave very many people, you’ve found out. You smiled and shared a nod, making her nod back. As your eyes returned to Kunikida as he continued his rant, a faint golden glow from under the table made your blood run cold. The glow expanded into a glittering swirl of sparkles, like a whirlpool of liquid sunshine. It was almost hypnotic. Out from the circle appeared a frighteningly familiar gloved hand, holding a singular playing card. What pentrified you was not the random floating hand coming out of what appeared to be a portal, but the details of the card. It meant two things. One, Nikolai was ready to play his sadistic little game with you. Two, you were both lucky and deeply misfortunate.

Nikolai was a very sly and cheeky character when it comes to you. He treats you both like a sweet pet he loves to pamper and play with, and like a little ragdoll he uses for when he gets bored. That’s just the price you have to pay for making a deal with the devil. And the word devil is no exaggeration. His little games he plays with you vary in extremes; he can go from playing fluffy games like tag (but he always cheats and uses his teleportation), tickle fights, riddles, hide and seek (which he also cheats on too), magic tricks, and dress up. To more explicit games like lewd cat and mouse, stamina tests, edging, exhibitionism, mind break, and seduction. To more dangerous games he uses as punishment, like knife play, gun play, public humiliation, choking, bondage, psychological abuse, somnophilia, and even roping his fellow angels of decay into torturing you. The memories make you shudder. He ties these levels of debauchery with a specific type of playing card. (I know all of this sounds unnecessary and extreme but that’s just his forte. He gets off on the chaos.) Diamonds mean he’s too busy to play an actual game but still wants to share his love with you. Spades mean he’s about to play a friendly game. Hearts mean he’s about to play an explicit game. And clubs means he’s about to play a dangerous game. Their numbers and houses signal the exact game and severity he’ll put you through, but there’s just no way you can memorize all 52 of them. Sometimes you think he comes up with them on the spot and pretends like he’s planned out the games from the start.

Nevertheless, the card held up proudly in between two fingers was a frightening Queen of hearts. You felt your thighs immediately rub together as a blanket of heat fell over your body. Oh, you were really in for it now. The card and the hand holding it vanished just as randomly as it appeared, triggering the calm before the storm. You wanted to run out of the room and hide, lock yourself in a bathroom stall and brace yourself for the torment he has planned for you. But not only was it likely someone would follow you, but you would probably get in deep trouble.

Shit shit shit…

Suddenly, the portal reappeared underneath your right leg and two fingers began to stroke your inner thigh, painting your skin in goosebumps. It was light and delicate, but calculated enough to send shockwaves straight to your heated core. You shivered as they inched closer to your bulge; making you embarrassingly cover the inappropriate sight with the hem of your loose tee. Trying to keep a poker face and ignore it was the only option you had at this point. But you know the clown has his ways to make you break.

“If we can station Kenji at the entrance of their base, we can distract the guards long enough to let the rest of us sneak in. Kyoka and Atsushi will search the halls and take out the rest of the guards, me and Junichiro will sneak into the bunker and look for the victims, Dazai and Y/N will secure the perimeter in case they call in backup. Any objections?” Kunikida ordered, slapping the ruler against his hand.

“Sounds great to me, but are you sure that’s alright with Y/N? He’s pretty neeewww~” Dazai glances over to you with a smirk. Oh how desperately you wanted to smack him for bringing the attention yet again back to you at literally the worst time possible.

“I believe Y/N is more than capable of handling their task. You on the other hand is a different story,” he grunted and crossed his arms again.

“Aw come on; I’m a trustworthy guy, Kunikida, you know that~” Dazai stuck out his tongue playfully.

“Settle down you two. Let Y/N speak,” Fukuzawa’s voice was like a growling lion, freezing the two men in place like icicles.

“Y-yes sir!” Kunikida exclaimed, bowing dramatically.

Dazai chuckled behind his hand, sending the blonde man a teasing smirk. Kunikida ignored him, focusing his eyes on your twitching form. He raised an eyebrow, “Are you alright, Y/N? You look like you caught a fever.”

“If it’s a fever… I can treat that easily~” Yosano chimed in, sharing an eerie grin.

You cleared your throat as both his hands began to stroke up and down your thighs, his fingertips ghosting over your plush skin in just the way to make your spine quiver, “I-I’m alright, just a bit nervous is all.”

“You don’t need to be nervous, I know you’ll do great, Y/N,” Atsushi smiles.

“And Dazai may seem like a lazy idiot, but as much as I hate to admit it, he’s a dependable ally,” Kunikida pushes up his glasses.

“You’ll…. Do okay,” Kyoka tries to comfort, but instead sounds a bit cold.

“Trust in your abilities and do your very best,” Junichiro uplifts.

“We have your back just like you have ours. We can do this together,” Kenji pumps a fist into the air.

Fukuzawa stays silent, but gives you a reassuring nod.

“T-thank you all. I feel a lot better n-ngh-“ your voice catches in your throat as the sinful fingers of Nikolai trace over your clothed sex, pressing small strokes from your twitching head. That bastard; you hated how he had arousing you down to an art form. Even from behind the portal, he could sense every hitch of your breath, tense of your thighs, and drop of sweat on your brow.

As the rest of the members continued to discuss the case, you let out a sigh of relief. At least they weren’t staring directly into your soul anymore. But the feeling was short lived as a pair of curious eyes stayed on you. The eyes of the master detective. You shivered in your seat; could he tell what was going on between your legs? The likelihood was alarmingly high. The only thing you could do was try to play it off as Nikolai pulled down your fly along with your boxers, letting your length spring free. It felt humiliating, how hard and wet you felt already, fighting back the urge to buck into anything that could give you some sort of stimulation.

“Ehehehhe~ what a naughty pet, being so deliciously horny during an important meeting~ I wonder how easy I bet it would be to coax out a little whimper from you~” a sadistic whisper echoed from the portal as two fingers squeezed and rubbed your head around between them. Before you could bite your lip, a groan escaped your lips. God damn it. You looked around fearfully if anyone heard that, mentally cursing at yourself for letting him get to you so easily. Thankfully, no one seemed to hear it.

“Oh ho ho!~ how delightful~” Nikolai chuckled through the portal, wrapping his hand around your dick and pumping it slowly, making your eyes screw shut. He made sure to give your head a few rubs with his thumb every so often just to stimulate you a little more. If things couldn’t get worse, you felt two fingers pressing right against your taint. Your legs trembled more and more, the temptation to buck into his hand becoming more of a guarantee than a fantasy. Was he really going to make you cum in front of the whole agency?!

Your hips lurched forward, ever so slightly fucking your aching dick into the tight grip of his hand, playing into the perverse little game he was putting you through. Suddenly, to your relief and dismay, his hands retreated back into the portals and disappeared.

“Y/N, are you sure you’re okay?” Junichiro asked with a concerned expression.

“Uh… it’s complicated,” you chuckled, scratching the back of your neck.

As Junichiro tried to push you for answers, the faint golden glow out of the corner of your eye told you Nikolai was clearly not willing to give up yet.

“Don’t worry, if it’s something serious, I’ll make sure to tell you- H-huh?!“ To your horror, your throbbing length is enveloped in a warm, wet, velvety feeling. You peeked under the table to find yourself face to face with Nikolai himself, fully taking your sex into the hot expanse of his mouth and bobbing his head up and down. The playful smirk he gave you made your blood boil with anger and arousal.

“Are you sure you’re alright…?” Jumichiro tilted his head curiously and tried to catch a glance of what you were looking at under the table. You quickly pushed Nikolai’s head off your dick and covered yourself with your shirt.

“Yeah, absolutely great. Perfect, even,” you hissed through your teeth. Junichiro gave you a shrug and turned back to the white board, leaving you to deal with the ruthless incubus under the table.

“Come on, let me get an actual taste this time~ you can’t avoid me forever~” his eyes narrowed as he smirked up at you.

“H-hey, w-wait- Ahh!~” a moan slips from your lips as his mouth slides back up and down your dick, making your whole body tremble.

“Please please, not here, please, not here,” you begged weakly, gripping his hair. You wanted to push his mouth off you again but to your surprise and his delight, you shoved your dick into the back of his throat, groaning as his tongue lapped at the bulging vein under your cock. There’s just no use trying to fight it anymore; you lost the very second you saw that dreadful queen of hearts.

“Good little dove… just give in; let them catch us, it’ll be more fun that way~” he cooed to you as your sex slid even further into his lewd mouth. It just felt so good, so wrong yet so right. The needy pulses of your cockhead against the back of his throat made your mind go blank. More, more, more; you just couldn’t stop craving more. Nikolai’s minaical chuckles grew louder and louder as you urgently humped against his mouth. As his free hand tucked back into his magic cloak, you felt a familiar firm rub against your taint. At that moment, you could care less if the room was empty or filled with 100 people. The only thought in your mind was to cum, to paint his mouth white with your built up seed. More more more, all you wanted was more.

“That’s right… Go wild… show your agency freinds how much fun we have together~” His words sounded like choking against the thrusting of your dick, transforming into a cackle as your head flew back to release a needy moan. Your dick throbbed wildly in his mouth and the knot in your stomach began to tighten, the humiliation sending tears pouring from your eyes. Everything was going exactly to Nikolai’s plan.

“Damn it… damn it damn it da-ahhh~ Aghhh!!~” One final convulsion of your head sent hot cum squirting directly down his throat, the leftover mess filling his mouth and dripping from his smirking lips. You let out a whine as come cum even splattered on his cheek. He licked it off with an evil smirk, just like the cock hungry whore he is.

“What a beautiful performance~ you did so well, my doll~” he crawled out from under the table and to your horror sat right on your lap.

“W-W-WAIT, they will see u-ughhh~” your eyes rolled back as he rubbed himself against your abused cock, giving out a series of strained whines.

“Look around, silly dove~ what do you see?”

He leaned down and whispered in your ear, licking a long stripe up your neck. When your blurry eyes adjusted to your surroundings, you realized the room was different. Instead of being greeted with the disgusted faces of your coworkers, you instead found the room totally empty. But how can that be? Did he use his portal on them? No, he would need to use his cape for that, but the whole time it was neatly resting on his shoulders.

“Stumped?~ I’d love to tease you more, but because you were so good in letting me torture you a little, I’ll reveal the secret~ it was all thanks to Junichiro and Ranpo!~” he exclaimed cheerfully, sending you a wink, “While you were too busy helping yourself to my warm mouth, Ranpo immediately knew what was happening. He passed Junichiro a note to use an illusion on the room to make it seem like everyone was still talking while they all left so we could have some free time together~”

Even though the news wasn’t exactly surprising, your cheeks still burned with embarrassment. You knew Ranpo would find out but god did it still suck.

You groaned and hid your face in your hands, “Why did you have to do that? I’ll never be able to look any of them in the eyes anymore…”

“Awww, dove, don’t be like that~ You were having so much fun weren’t you?~ Why not we… have a round two?~” he chuckles sinfully as he slides his striped pants down and lines himself over your oozing dick. He licks his lips as he slams himself down on you, panting and laughing as he rides the life out of you.

“N-no no no, ughhh n-nooo we’re gunna to get f-found aghhhh-a-again~” you whine as he uses your dick like a dildo. It felt really fucking good but dreadfully shameful. He slaps a hand over your drooling mouth and stares directly into your eyes.

“One more word out of you and I’ll edge you for two months,” he threatens, making your skin crawl. You knew damn well he meant it. All you can do is lay beneath him as he uses you for his pleasure, proving to you just how helpless you are when it comes to him. As a second orgasm builds in your lower stomach, you once again pray to whatever god there is out there everyone in the agency won’t hear you two thrusting against each other like animals in rut.

Curse that queen of hearts. ♥️

Reblog + Comment + Like if you’d like to see more Bungo Stray Dogs or Nikolai specific content! [And it just really helps me out :’)]

(I know this post is a few days before my supposed posting time buuuuut I’ve been having you guys wait long enough, so here’s early access!!~ Enjoy!!!)

[salparadiselost]

Batman: Dark Patterns #1

All spoilers for Batman: Dark Patterns #1 so I'd read it before this.

This was the only thing I pulled this week and god I'm glad I did it. My comics guy actually took it out of someone else's file because he likes me and I'm eternally grateful for it.

I'll admit I came into this with some hype. Dan Watters is a newer writer for me, but I love horror and I'm liking what he's doing with his Nightwing run so far. Plus, as I was just telling the GC, I was missing Bruce doing Bruce Things. As you can guess, I read mostly Bats and the Bat stuff that I'm currently reading is really just Bruce adjacent. I'm pulling Nightwing, Batgirl, B&R: Year One, Absolute Batman, which are all solid books, but it's not Bruce doing Bruce things and I miss my fucked-up man.

This is definitely see a return to detective Bruce here and it's very in the vein of Reeve's "The Batman". Battinson and Dark Patterns Batman could basically be the same person with the amount of monologuing they do about the dark nature of Gotham and the unchangeability of crime and the "yadadada I'm the night" stuff. This is also a new Batman (three years into the Bat) so that fits with his early Emo nature. Don't get me wrong, I love this shit, even if I'm sighing at the thought of *another* brand new Batman comic. It does frustrate me a bit that more modern comics tend to put a definitive line to how dark and scary Batman threats are based upon if there's a Robin present. No Robin? Bruce can get into the dark, gritty and gross. Robin? Well, no we can't have a child see that. But you can with Robin! I also notice this a bit with the line between what girl bats do vs boy bats, but I'll talk about that with my Nightwing and Batgirl comparision.

Whatever, I digress. This issue was a great start to what I hope to be a tight and gothic story. The villain, The Wound Man, is interesting so far. I like the angle of using Bruce's no-kill rule against (?) him and how he's forced to really change how he fights because his opponent cannot feel pain. He's forced to change how he operates because one strike could potentially kill his opponent and none of what he usually does to immobilise actually works. It's fun and god knows I love a medieval throw back moment.

I'm also interested by this sort of greater theme that Watters is setting up. The Wound Man is targeting men who have lost everything in tragedy and now live a completely lonely life. I don't think Bruce himself quite realises that he fits this MO to a bill (perfect reason to adopt a child!), but he's definitely on the list. The MO also speaks to the real-life trend of male lonliness and the tendency of men to self-isolate after loss. Maybe I'm reaching, but I think there could be a deeper message to mine here and I'm curious if Watters is going to try to tackle it. I think it would be an important thing to hit and show that loneliness as a component to horror. Because there is so much horror in dying in pain and alone.

[hello-universe-lovers]

SHENANIGANS: Where Mai gives headcanons to the Voices in your Head ™️ based purely off vibes.

(Fun fact: I typed this so many times autocorrect fills in the sentence now)

This episode: The Voices in game night!!

(Note: sad to say as it is, I am NOT a gamer, so I won't go into what video games they'd like. It's exclusively tabletop games. Someone who actually plays games regularly can do that one)

Voice of the HERO: expert at board games, decent poker face, and a lil competitive, Hero is the picturesque partner to play with. She won't be too difficult to play against...HOWEVER, she fumbles hard at games where it's about wordplay, for lack of better words (Scrabbles is an example). She takes way too long to think!!

Voice of the SMITTEN: He'd rather play something more classical like chess, but km group game night, he'd go with whatever they decide. Games where it's about skill are what he loves!! Jenga? That Tower will not fall! Scrabble? Sorry Hero :). Charade? Hohoho, you're making this too easy!! He lowkey likes to flex, but that's for another time.

Voice of the SKEPTIC: DO NOT PLAY MAFIA WITH SKEPTIC!! MOTHERFUCKER SCARES THE SHIT OUT OF EVERYONE! (OPPORTUNIST included) seriously, it's like once the threat of reality breaking is lifted and the games are tied to logic, it's like he's a noir detective reading every player and predicting what they do. Deduction games are obviously his favorite, with chess and other such board games a close second.

Voice of the PARANOID: the funny thing about her is that they are anxious like...ALL THE TIME. and he knows how to use it to her advantage. No one knows if she is suspicious or innocent. Skeptic and Paranoid are always tied when playing chess, because both are always watching and adapting. The fact that these are social games not tied to life or death also helps.

Voice of the COLD: he's not playing the same game twice. Unless you get him REALLY high, he won't sit at a game with the same rules. However, he LOVES giving commentary, nudging specific players, not picking favorites and intentionally resulting in either clutch plays or very "WTF?!" Moments

Voice of the CHEATED: She'd flip the board, but never the table. Mainly because her back would protest if she tried. The frequent loser of the group. Sure, there's a win now and then, but unless the game is about making a combination of words sound ridiculous (Cards against humanity, Joking Hazard, etc...), she loses 99% of the time. Luckily, Broken is thereto comfort her. But still, cold comfort for her.

Voice of the BROKEN: She tries to put in effort to play, and while surprisingly good, she doesn't join often due to low energy. She'd sit in her wheelchair, sipping a drink and making commentary like a sports commentator (not as loud, though). She and Cold have a weird sorta respect going on so he plays along. Always the one to stop Cheated from sulking.

Voice of the STUBBORN: He's not good at a lot of traditional board games like Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, and etc...but he LOVES card games. Mainly bc Oppy teaches him how to play those, he's a riot at those. He won't flip the table if he loses...oh, who am I kidding, of course he does!! But more often than not, he wins the night, and everyone is still surprised!!

Voice of the OPPORTUNIST: after one too many accusations of cheating (Cheated...), he'd make himself as small a role as possible. His room is where they play the games, and he watches over them to make sure no foul play is happening. Card games are his speciality, obviously, and his poker face is as immaculate as his acting. Though good luck getting him to play, since he'd rather enjoy his little "referee" role. When he does, though, it always comes down to Stubborn, himself and Skeptic. You might as well go to bed, because they won't be finish until morning.

Voice of the HUNTED: like Cold, he just doesn't like games. He'd sit through and play games in you need a specific number of players, but he'd decline. And he won't pay attention unless shit gets loud. He's the designated "jailer" for any temperamental players, and his corner is the time-out corner.

Voice of the CONTRARIAN: I know I said the "no video game" rule, but look at Connie. Do you think this woman would settle for basic ahh games? She is busting out the Wii or a DDR mat and everyone is dancing or doing doing silly poses Or if she's banned from that, she'd join Cold in disrupting the game or suggest "interesting" new rules. She's frequently in the time-out corner after the "Uno" incident.

BONUS: the Princesses.

As Belle, Spectre and Thorn are frequent visitors to the Voice house, they often bring back games to play. If you'd think they have quiet and peaceful game nights...have you met them?!

They'd always bring back the game, the next morning, probably with a bruise or 2 (expect for Spectre).

[girlactionfigure]

🟠 TUE morning - ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

▪️INFILTRATION FROM JORDAN.. detection of suspicious signs on the border fence with Jordan near Ashdod Ya'akov in the Jordan Valley. Security forces conducting searches. Believed a number of suspects managed to cross the fence, hoped migrant workers.

▪️HIGH COURT TO RULE.. on ultra-orthodox conscription at 11:00 today.  Expected ruling: required, and national political turmoil over it.

▪️DEFENSE MINISTER SAYS.. Gallant visiting the U.S. told US Sec State Blinken “the eyes of our enemies are on the relationship between Israel and the USA and therefore we must quickly resolve the differences between us.”  US sent a harsh message to Hezbollah and warned that it will not necessarily be able to stop Israel from a large-scale attack.

▪️ANALYSIS - REGION WAR RISK.. (The Arab Desk) Europe and the US "realized" that the region is facing fateful days, Hezbollah’s Nasrallah's threat (to attack Cyprus), whether real or an idle threat, did its job, feverish discussions in European countries and the US.  A war between Israel and Hezbollah will ignite the Middle East.

Even the Turks woke up jumping up and shouting, Turkey's foreign minister claimed that Cyprus has become a base for carrying out military and intelligence operations, turning the island into a logistical base to cover up military objectives.

▪️UNRWA SUED BY ISRAELI VICTIMS OF OCT. 7.. for aiding and abetting the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, sued in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.  The suit alleges UNRWA was "aiding and abetting' genocide, crimes against humanity, and torture," which they say violated international law and the federal Torture Victim Protection Act.  The plaintiffs include 101 people who survived the attack or had relatives who were killed.

♦️IDF - PRECISE STRIKE ON OCT. 7 TERRORISTS.. on Hamas terrorists who participated in Oct 7 onslaught and were involved in holding hostages, targeted in airstrikes in Gaza City.  The IDF struck two buildings in Gaza City's Shati and Daraj neighbourhood. The IDF used "precision munitions" to mitigate harm to civilians in the strikes.

▪️HAMAS ON MOVING.. Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq denies the report in The National newspaper:  Hamas has no intention of moving from Qatar to Iraq.

▪️IRAQ SHIA (Iranian) MILITIA THREATENS THE U.S.. Qais Khazali, who heads the Iraqi Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq militia, threatens the US:  “If the US continues to assist the Zionist entity during an extensive attack on Lebanon and Hezbollah, it must know that all of its interests in the region, with an emphasis on Iraq, will be targets for attack.”

▪️PROTESTS - ANTI-GOVT.. Demonstrators against the government blocked road 9 in the Baqqa al-Gharbia area this morning.

▪️PROTEST - BY A MAYOR.. Ramat Hasharon Mayor: “This coming Thursday we will shut down the municipality's activities (day strike), as part of our uncompromising demand to go to general elections and stop the lawlessness and shame.”

▪️WATER MAIN EXPLODES, PEOPLE TRAPPED IN A FLOOD - JERUSALEM.. rescue services working in the last few hours to rescue those trapped from flooding in the Emek Hatimanim-Ein Kerem neighborhood due to a burst water main.  Several people were trapped in a car washed off the road and into the middle of the flood river.

⭕ HAIFA (not) ATTACKED.. The pro-Iranian militias in Iraq claim to have attacked a target in Haifa port using suicide drones.  No such attack known.

[eggplantwaffles]

i think a big problem with modern batfam comics is that they have so many characters that kinda just overlap- here’s my ideas for how to give each of them their own “niche” to make them unique. Some of this is canon or alluded to is some way- but a lot is just what i think makes sense for each character.

Bruce Wayne

Bruce retires, it’s the only way to give all his kids / kid adjacents their own chance to shine. i’m sure he grumbles about it and watches from the bat cave obsessively, but i’m the end he’s learned to trust the batfam and lets them take care of things.

Dick Grayson

I actually really like where Dick is at in comics right now, i mean it’s not perfect- but I like the idea of Nightwing being a “better” version of Batman for Blüdhaven. He leads the Titans, which are now on par pedigree wise with the Justice League, and as Dick Grayson he is an active member of the community in Blüdhaven, trying to use all his resources to help people. So basically not much changes here.

Barbara Gordon

This one’s easy, just make her Oracle all the time- in the most bad dads way possible. Give me paralyzed Barbara Gordon who has eyes and ears all over the world and is the center of ALL super hero activity. She leads the Birds of Prey, she’s in the ears of all the bats, she’s IT for the Justice League- she does all of it.

Jason Todd

I liked Jason’s character best when he serves as an antagonist. Jason goes back to being a crime lord, and we bring back his ideals of trying to control the crime as opposed to trying to stop it. Jason has good intentions, but he lacks the idealism of the other bats who are constantly trying to save the city without compromising any morals. I think that Jason often butts heads with Tim and Cass (mostly Cass due to her very strict no killing rule) but is mostly left alone by Steph and Damian, who are more willing to accept his methods even if they don’t love them.

Tim Drake

Tim should travel the world “conspiracy hunting,” kind of like how he took down the League of Assassins, except he probably chills out on the blowing up bases all around the world that might (definitely) have people inside. Tim is supposed to be the best detective of the Robins, so lean into that- I want globe trotting - mentally unwell - detective stories where Tim fights big secret organizations or takes down corrupt governments. He is also still apart of Young Justice, though they are all a bit older and are a less official group, the core four are still close and work together- they help keep Tim grounded and remember that he doesn’t have to do everything alone.

Stephanie Brown

I think Stephanie kind of separates herself from the batfamily after her time as Batgirl. I don’t mean that she give up fighting crime, or even gives up wearing the bat symbol, I just mean that she becomes a mostly solo act. Steph becomes Gothams main hero, she does normal vigilante stuff, patrolling the streets, saving the city, detective work, the typical bat stuff. But she’s far more connected to the people of Gotham than Batman ever was, stopping and talking to kids, handing out blankets to the homeless, doing cool flips and batarang trick shots for civilians passing by. Eventually she is the hero most Gothamites associate with their city, and she represents the good parts of Gotham- giving the people hope that they aren’t doomed to be consumed by the city, but that they will be stronger because of it. I also think that things are kinda awkward between her and the bats (except for Dick, Damian, and Barbara) and she tries to keep her distance a bit, considering she was kinda treated like shit as Spoiler and i think Steph deserves to be bitter about that, for a little bit at least.

Cass

Cass becomes Batman, but she operates globally. She’s not like early-Bruce batman who stayed in Gotham, she’s more similar to later batman. She’s in the league, she goes on funky missions to space or other dimensions sometimes, she fights the world ending threats that someone with no powers really should have no business fighting. She also works frequently with Tim and they do some fun little espionage stuff. And while she does return to Gotham, she’s mostly content to leave the city to Steph now- except for all the times she gets into fights with Jason, it bothers her that Steph rarely messes with his operation.

Damian

I really love the idea of Damian getting more into the magical part of DC, I think he should absolutely end up with a Justice League Dark team and learn to do cool magic shit. He goes on a training montage quest like Bruce did, except he’s learning all about magic and demons and cool stuff like that. He has cool magic swords and is sort of the connection between the more grounded part of the universe and the magic parts. He also does a fair bit of globe trotting, looking for ancient mystical artifacts or magical worlds and stuff like that.

Duke Thomas

Duke also mostly stays in Gotham, he’s kinda doing his own thing as The Signal- he still operates during the daytime meaning he doesn’t cross paths with Steph or Jason too often on patrol. There’s not much to change here because Duke is already unique in that he 1- operates during the day and 2- is the only meta-bat, so I don’t need to make a niche for him, DC just needs to use him more.

Random Stuff

- Duke is starting college and takes night classes at Gotham U, Steph is also still in college and is graduating soon

- Tim is either Red Robin, or operating under a new name (I think the Vulture or Condor would be kinda cool but idk)

- The Batfam does not get along like a real family, they are dramatic bitches who fight all the time and have cannot all be in the same room

- Damian and Steph are super close, she was the first person to insist on treating him like a child, which he hated but now that he’s older is grateful for (but he’ll never admit it)

- Damian also sees Dick as his father figure, Bruce is just kinda also there

- Bruce, Alfred, Damian, and Cass all live at the manor- but Damian and Cass are rarely there as they travel a lot and got shit to do

- Barbara lives in the clock tower, she technically lives alone but usually one of Cass, Dick, Dinah, or Helena will be crashing there

- Steph lives alone in the same house she grew up in, her Mom has moved to California or something for a fresh start as she is finally sober, but at this point Steph doesn’t need her. It’s very sad as Steph never truly had a mother, but she’s happy that Crystal is getting another chance away from Gotham.

- Duke swears he’s seen Jason at night classes at Gotham U, but Jason won’t admit it

- The only ones Jason talks to semi-frequently are Dick and Tim, the relationships are super rocky though. Dick sees Jason as his brother first, and since he’s in Blüdhaven he tries not to concern himself with Jason’s business. Tim and Jason do fight a bit but Tim is more lenient than Cass so he can tolerate Jason’s shit if he feels like it’s for the best.

[dracarialove]

📄 Posting my finished fics here, too 📄

The Spy's Final Mission

Rouge is an agent tasked with returning a living weapon to his containment. Shadow is an experiment who merely wants to find his family and be free from captivity. Once they meet, a huge payout from the President and worldwide glory may not be enough for the super spy to ignore the intrigue of the mysterious Ultimate Lifeform.

Ship: Shadow/Rouge

*Originally published Feb. 24th, 2024

[Chapter 1: Dichotomy]

Rouge the Bat was the top agent and spy in her field.

Efficient, arrogant, and not adverse to using sly tactics to get the job done. She was G.U.N's best tool for tough tasks that required someone quick, quiet, and clever.

Whether the assignment was scouting out threats, infiltrating high-security facilities, or ripping weapons away from dangerous organizations without detection, she was the ace up their sleeve. She had a morally gray stance on the methods she often used to complete a mission, which made the President uneasy, at times.

Occasionally, he feared that she or the other high-status military personnel might go too far one day. That if she got to be too self-serving, she might persuade their soldiers to bend more rules than they were allowed to.

But Rouge hadn't let him down yet, being reliable in succeeding while not technically committing crimes that could be considered immoral. With this in mind, and with the knowledge that they needed her talents, he trusted her as much as he respected her; which was plenty enough to consider the bat more of an asset than a liability.

On one particularly cloudy day, just after she completed a rescue mission for one of their teams that'd gone missing in a high-risk area, her boss received a report that a classified weapon of theirs was stolen by the endlessly troublesome Dr. Eggman.

He looked to Rouge, who lounged in the brown leather armchair that'd unofficially become hers – it was where she'd been seated when she first met the President, and it had become her regular sitting spot when she collected her reward for a job well done.

"Agent, I'm sorry to ask you to stand up so soon," he started, watching her shoulders slump and her head tilt to one side. She wasn't tired, but was clearly a bit annoyed at having to go on another assignment already. "I've just been informed that Dr. Eggman stole something of ours, and it's urgent we get it back."

"Oh," she said, perking up from her vague exasperation. "That's all? Well, sneaking into his base is a piece of cake, I can do that again and be back in no time!"

She stood up, stretching out her arms and wings while the President spoke of her payment. "I hope you understand we can't afford to pay in priceless jewels every time. Since that scientist has never been much of a challenge for you before, I have to be more mindful of what can be spared from the budget."

"Hm," hummed disapprovingly from her closed mouth, which pulled into a doubtful line. Her hands found their place on her wide hips. "That's a shame, Mr. President. Truly, a pity you can't match the value of urgently getting back what he stole…"

The human man was worried she would refuse if not compensated to her liking, so he started trying to bargain with the treasure hunter. While he offered rings, vacations, and anything else that might be of lesser value than her typical taste, Rouge's mind wandered off to a rumor she'd heard about the doctor's secret stash of precious gems.

She didn't know for sure if it was real, but she reckoned even if it wasn't, there must be something he'd gathered or stolen that would look better in her collection.

"Tell ya what, Prez," she said, cutting off the overlander's offer, "I'll accept payment in the form of keeping anything I might decide to grab while I'm in his base. Sound fair?"

The man hesitated. "Well… I don't like encouraging you to steal."

"Oh, darling," Rouge chuckled, swatting the air and flashing her signature charming smile. "Stealing from a menace like Eggman is hardly a crime!"

A small sigh left his lips, but he didn't have much room to try and change her mind. She had a point; and it was more beneficial for him than having to spend from his own pocket. So, the President agreed to Rouge's terms, and she set off to complete the mission.

***

Shadow the Hedgehog was an experiment recently revived by G.U.N.

He was awakened when his cryostasis pod was opened, where he was immediately defensive towards the men pointing guns at him. Distrusting of his lucidness after coming out of a frozen state, they tranquilized him before transferring his unconscious body to a room where they could monitor his next awakening.

They strapped the lifeform's body to a table to keep him restrained and checked his physical state to determine the risk of attempting to reprogram him to their liking. His vitals were perfect – a marvel to them, as he was created decades before, unable to grow in size or strength since he'd been sealed away.

Regardless, they had gone long enough without using his powers for their own duty of establishing order in the world. He was an artificial being, and thus could be changed and taught to obey as one of their soldiers; but as it stood, he was too powerful to let loose yet.

So, he would remain detained on Prison Island, and would be sealed back into containment once they finished the initial testing of his potential.

Pacified into inactivity, he was left to lay still while the scientists assigned to analyze him prepared elsewhere for the research they would conduct on his sleeping form.

When he woke a second time, sooner than they'd thought he would, Shadow first felt a sense of confusion at where he was, seeing no one in the empty room.

It was a different place than the last location his memories held, and when he tried to sit up, he found himself strapped down. Oblivious to what was happening, he started to feel a pang of panic and worry growing in his chest as his heart rate rose.

He looked over at the beeping monitor beside him and saw it spiking with his heart beat. It was something he was familiar with from the ARK, something humans used. And he remembered briefly being released by them.

'What do they want with me? They were the ones who… locked me up before… right? Do they wish to question me? Dissect me? Or is this… an experiment?'

He couldn't pin down the memories from before they opened his pod, brief flashes of dreadful images flittering in unpleasant snippets. All he knew for sure was that these were humans he couldn't trust, and that asking questions in his head would get him nowhere.

So, he started feeling out the strength of the straps. They were tight, but not unmovable if he put a decent amount of effort into straining against them. He spent a minute getting the straps loose enough to give him a chance at slipping out. But then, he heard the far door begin to open.

They were coming.