#Witnessing the harsh journey they've been on

[borkthemork]

I must say, not having watched this trilogy until our holy year of 2023, it is an experience to witness these two stare at each other with so much adoration for a long amount of time. I understand why the fandom frothed at the mouth the moment these movies came out.

[cy-lindric]

bonjour cy-lindric, j'ai une petite question. when I was a young person, I read The Three Musketeers and then eagerly started to read Twenty Years After and was so upset at what had happened to my beloved young heroes that I put the book down and never picked it up. what do you think, should I try again?

Bonjour !

After reading The Three Musketeers, I also wasn't sure I wanted to read Twenty Years After, and I took a break inbetween both to read something entirely different (The Locked Tomb, iirc). I think my reason for that was kind of the opposite of yours ; I enjoyed T3M a lot and loved the characters, flaws and all, but by the end they had somewhat crossed over the line into being Too Awful and the lack of retribution left me a bit frustrated. I didn't see it as a failing of the story - on the contrary, their strong character flaws and downfall in the conflict with Milady is one of the most emotionally intense and compelling parts imo - but I wasn't sure I felt like hanging out with these guys for a few hundred more pages at that point.

If your vision of the characters as a young reader was a very positive and perhaps idealized one, I can imagine why you might not have enjoyed entering into Twenty Years after. The illusion of glory has worn off ; the characters have separated, they live unremarkable lives, and their personalities have evolved drastically with the passing of time. It's almost a brutal return to reality.

For me though, it added layers of characterization to the point where now it's clear to me that this version of the Inseparables is by far the one I prefer.

I hope it's ok if I take the opportunity to talk at length about what I like about TYA below the cut. TL;DR : I love that Twenty Years After is a more realistic look at the big four's personalities and how they evolved while still keeping them thematically coherent, and that TYA makes them confront the reckless and cruel shit they did in their youth.

Spoilers ahead obviously.

We've often talked about how T3M is at its core a story about the end of knighthood. It's a tongue-in-cheek approach at chivalrous initiation, set at edge of the modern world, inbetween the time of ballads about knights in armor and that of adventures about journeying gunmen and soldiers. I think TYA embodies that particularly ; the story of people who have carried the last of these intense, dangerous chivalric ideals in their youths, and who have now grown into middle aged adults who need to find their place in the world.

For a good chunk of the book, the big four are separated into two teams ; that in of itself might discourage some, but imo it's genius. Instead of the natural two-by-pairings, Dumas goes for a d'Artagnan+ Porthos and Athos + Aramis split on opposite sides, which makes for good drama and develops lesser explored dynamics. D'Artagnan and Porthos form a scrappy team of opportunists with money on their minds, and Athos and Aramis a more idealistic duo fighting for a noble lost cause. I think it's a bold choice but also premium sequel writing.

I also love the way the young and wild characters we knew evolve into middle aged men ; at their core, they're still the same, but they've all changed and struggled against the sunset of the golden age in their own ways.

D'Artagnan, after knowing such adventures and subsequent rapid social ascension in his teenage years, has been met in his adult life with the harsh reality that he is, in fact, not a noble knight but a soldier on payroll. His modest origins give him little hope for any further career advancement, and he takes on a new mission in his early 40s for a man he has no devotion for and a cause he doesn't care about, simply because he is bored and broke. D'Artagnan still has his quick wits, his strategic talent, his fencing skills, but he has grown out of the excesses of pride of his teenage years. I loved meeting him again in TYA, and it made so much sense to me that his bouts of anger and aggressivity would be a youthful trait that he'd ended up taming. He also realizes now a lot of what seemed like funny adventures and necessary violence was actually kind of fucked up ; that was a shock to me, as their shenanigans are treated so lightly in T3M, and tbh it healed me a little. Grown up d'Artagnan is cunning, calculating, down to earth and realistic. My foxy little man. I love him.

Porthos, likewise, has been struck by the weight of reality. He has made the sensible choice and got married to the rich widow who sugar mommied him in the first book. Now she's passed, he is rich, but he still fails to earn the respect of the high society he evolves in because he's not high born enough. Like d'Artagnan, he's stagnating and bored and now that he goes back adventuring it has nothing to do with the queen or the kingdom or honour ; it's about getting his damn nobility title.

Athos, on the other hand, is the eternal knight : the only truly high born of the four, and still hopelessly holding on to a time gone by. It's no surprise imo that his storyline brings him into the english civil war, doomed to fail at saving a king who'll end up executed right in front of him. TYA acknowledges more clearly than ever that at 28 yo, Athos was a depressed alcoholic, and an embodiment of what an excess of aristocratic righteousness can do. In TYA, he is sober and moisturized and a DILF, and now he's running around frantically looking for absolution for his numerous crimes. It's delicious.

Aramis is maybe the hardest pill to swallow. TYA confirms the T3M hints that he isn't really the prim and proper romantic boy he acts like he is, and that he's possibly the most hypocritical and ruthless of the four. It might be a harsh one for Aramis fans who like him better as a cute bean, but I love the early onset of remorseless conniving bloodthirsty ambitious Aramis. Another harsh bit might be the evolution of Aramis and d'Artagnan not really liking each other ; they were always the least close combination, and imo it makes sense that their personalities would clash. I think it's clever and compelling conflict.

Now, obviously, if you've cared enough to read all this and if you know me a little, you know that a huge highlight of the book for me was its late-appearing antagonist, Mordaunt. Mordaunt is the son Milady had with her english husband. Because of the Musketeers' intervention, he's grown up in poverty and has been denied his father's inheritance. He's now a Roundhead working for Cromwell, and set on avenging his mother at all costs. Mordaunt, unlike his mother who was this beautiful and dangerous force of nature, is very uncool and pathetic. She was the primordial snake, he's the gutter rat. Obviously, I love that in and of itself, but it's also kind of striking image of the wretchedness of what they've done to her, a fucked up little goblin ghost come back to haunt them as they're trying to make their life worth living again. This time, their enemy is not a cunning political rival with a flamboyance of body and mind akin to their own ; it's a shitty little guy with bad skin who wants to kill the king and punish the murderers. Watch out babes, it's the modern world coming for you.

Of course, they're the Four Musketeers, and they did what they had to do, so they get together again and swear friendship and keep going their way. But they're also old guys with difficult personalities in a world that's never going to be the same. I think it's a cool book.

[astraystayyh]

Snow on the beach

Hyunjin x reader. friends to lovers, but they've always known. implied soulmates.

this basically wrote itself nsbdbd as always feedback is highly appreciated <33 (if you can listen to Snow On The Beach by Taylor and Lana, do it!)

The ocean laps softly at your feet, and you watch its ebb and flow intently, admiring how each wave always knows precisely where to go- where to finally rest after a long journey of travels. 

This beach is your spot with Hyunjin. Not a secret one by any means, but one that feels yours because of all the memories you've shared here. The ocean has witnessed it all between the two of you.

"I will miss this," you sigh wistfully, and Hyunjin hums from beside you. He's watching the water too, legs tightly hugged to his chest, his cheek resting softly on his knee. 

You've grown up with Hyunjin right in front of this ocean. You weren't lovers but you weren't friends either. You were simply a mirror of one another. Every part of him found its reflection in you. 

"Me too. Remember when we first came here?" he chuckles softly at the distant memory and you smile to yourself. That was seven years ago. 

You are 15, stomping down the beach because you are angry at the world, just like every other teenager. You plop down on the sand and dig your hand into its warm particles. The soothing sensation grounds you and the sound of the waves drowns out your thoughts.  

"Hey," someone greets and you look up to find Hyunjin. He's your classmate in high school. You remember him in passing because you once dropped your pen and he picked it up for you without a word.  

"Hi," you greet back, shielding your eyes from the harsh sun rays with your hand. Hyunjin moves a bit to the side to block out the sun for you. You notice. 

"Mind if I sit with you?" he asks and you shrug, "Sure. But I don't feel like talking." 

"Me too. We can sit alone together." 

Paradoxal words, but you soon understand what he means by them. He's right next to you, but you're both lost in your own worlds. And yet his presence seems to have a calming effect on you. It feels comforting, to have someone exist with you without asking for anything in return.

"I do remember," you smile, turning back to look at the ocean. Your hand starts to pick up the sand once more, and Hyunjin does the same. Your pinkies brush against each other- it isn't the first time this happened. Touching Hyunjin has become second nature to you. 

You are 16, facing the ocean once again. Only this time tears are streaming down your eyes. 'Where are you?' you read in Hyunjin's text and you quickly write back 'Our spot'. He's there ten minutes later. He doesn't ask what's wrong, but his fingers are intertwined with yours and it's enough. It was the first time Hyunjin has grabbed your hand in. You haven't been the same since. 

"And now you're leaving me," Hyunjin teases, a glint of amusement shining brightly in his eyes. He knows you'd never leave. Even if you are no longer near him. 

"Mm, finally getting a break from you after 7 years," you joke as your fingers curl around his pinky, as his hand gently tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear. You'll always be here. 

You're 17, and it's nearly midnight, and yet you and Hyunjin are still talking in front of the ocean- the waves drinking in each bit of your conversation.

It's cold and you shiver slightly from the breeze grazing your exposed arms. Hyunjin notices and opens his jacket wide for you, silently inviting you to seek warmth from him. You bury yourself in his chest, his arms coming around to encircle you.

Your ear settles directedly on top of his heart- the first time you listen to Hyunjin's heartbeat. But it feels familiar, as if it's been ringing within you from the moment you met.

"Can't believe you won't be here for my birthday," he pouts and you giggle, inching closer to him in the process.

You've celebrated your birthday together for the past seven years. You've known all his wishes, since he always shared them with you. He didn't care about the superstition that telling someone your wish prevented it from becoming a reality. He believed that you and he are one, so it was only natural to tell you. 

"I'll call you from the other side of the world." You were leaving, not for long, only a year. A work opportunity you couldn't pass on. And yet it felt weird and unnatural to be somewhere where Hyunjin wouldn't be. 

You are 18, and as you watch the waves fizzle out as they meet the shore, your head laying on Hyunjin's shoulder, a sudden realization dawns on you. 

You are an ocean wave soaring too close to the sky, fueled by emotions too raw, too powerful, to be guarded by your heart alone. But as you near Hyunjin, your waves falter, your steps halt. Your worries, your fears, and your anger are no longer forces to be reckoned with. Instead, they become harmless sea foam. A mere shell of what they once were. To you, Hyunjin is the shore, bringing you out of your darkness, welcoming you home. 

"You'll call at my midnight?" he asks, leaning his face closer toward yours. You could clearly see his moles now, the one under his eye, and the one on his cheek. They remind you of the ink of a poet that ended up drying on his face. Everything that made Hyunjin was poetry to you. 

"Missing me already?" you grin at him and his eyes soften at you. "I miss you even when you are with me." 

You are 19, and Hyunjin is laying his head on your lap, dried tear stains on his face. This isn't the first time you've seen Hyunjin cry. But it is the first he sobbed in your arms. It was an agonizing sight, one that made you realize just how far you care for him. His eyes were now closed, as you gently thread through his hair, your touch seemingly calming him down. 

"I think I'm your shore today," you whisper, your voice getting caught up with the wind and the crashing of waves. But Hyunjin catches it. He understands.

"I need to write you a list of reminders, since I won't be here to take care of you," you joke, brushing away his words as if they weren't now imprinted onto your heart.

"If I don't follow them will you come back?"

You are 20, and it's your birthday. You are naturally celebrating it at your spot at the beach. You are laughing loudly at a joke Hyunjin just said when your hand slips from beneath you, and you are suddenly thrown forward, your nose now brushing against his. Hyunjin stares deeply into your eyes, and it makes your heart clench- how unguarded he seems to be with you. So you lean in and place a chaste kiss on the mole adorning his cheek. You've always wanted to do that. 

"This is my birthday gift," you giggle and Hyunjin shakes his head, a crimson blush tinting his cheeks. 

"I'll always come back to you," you say quietly. 

You are 21 and it's snowing at the beach. The first time you've seen it happen in your entire existence. You watch in awe as dainty snowflakes coat the sand- a sight so mesmerizing it renders you speechless for a few moments. But despite the beauty unfolding around you, Hyunjin still only has his eyes on you. You are admiring the snow and he's admiring you. 

"And I'll always be here."

You are now twenty-two, and you are saying your goodbyes to your place at the beach with Hyunjin.

It happens naturally, the way Hyunjin finally tells you that he loves you, right where it had all started. This is the first time he's uttered those three words and yet it's as if you've been hearing them for the past seven years. 

"I love you," you say back, the confession flowing easily from your mouth because you've both always known. 

You've known each time you sat down here, in front of this ocean. Where every past version of yourselves confessed the way they knew best- through stolen glances and subtle touches and comforting words. Where you've slowly grown within ones another's soul, just like the rings of a tree.

[helluvaoutlaw]

My Striker's Background

I decided to write my canon divergent Striker's origins. Thank you @keenie-bopper and @ahhvernin (@grandma-susan) for the great help!

Born and raised in the Ring of Wrath, Striker always had a knack for getting what he wanted through less-than-legal means.

Growing up in the seedy underbelly of Hell's society, he quickly learned the art of manipulation and violence.

With a sharp wit and even sharper claws, he carved out a reputation for himself as a cunning and ruthless individual.

He soon honed his skills in stealth, combat, and marksmanship, becoming one of the most feared and sought-after assassins in Hell. Known for his efficiency and discretion, he never fails to deliver on his contracts, no matter how difficult or dangerous they might be.

Despite his cold exterior, Striker possesses a code of honor that he strictly adheres to. He never takes a job without thoroughly vetting the target, ensuring that they deserve their fate in his eyes. This moral ambiguity adds an intriguing layer to his character, as he navigates the murky waters of Hell's criminal underworld.

With his sharp mind and deadly precision, Striker is a force to be reckoned with, feared by every demon. But beneath his tough exterior lies a complex individual, driven by his own motivations and inner demons.

So let's find out how my version of Striker came to be.

Childhood:

In the heart of Wrath's relentless inferno, Striker's childhood unfolded under the watchful eyes of his parents, June and Anvil.

Anvil, a stoic, burly blacksmith of few words, did his best to instill in Striker the virtues of honesty and hard work, while June, with her vibrant, sassy spirit and skillful guitar playing, brought warmth and laughter to their modest home. Despite the harsh environment, Striker cherished his upbringing, admiring his father's integrity and strength more than anything.

His mother taught him how to play guitar.

Their life was humble, but serene, until the tragedy happened:

A flaming twister, much bigger and more dangerous than any other they've ever seen, destroyed their house and small farm.

Only Striker survived, because he wasn't home at that moment, having been around wandering.

He took shelter in a deep cave, and when he got back home, there was nothing but a pile of burnt ruins and what remained of his parents' corpses.

Striker was only seven years old when he lost his beloved parents.

The Mentor from the Desert:

After the tragic loss of his parents, Striker found guidance in Cole, a lone gunslinger wandering the desolate plains of Wrath. With his imposing frame, dark long hair and mustaches, and fiery resolve, Cole became both mentor and father figure to Striker, imparting the skills of a gunslinger and the ethos of a professional hitman. Under Cole's tutelage, Striker became one of the best shooters around.

Unfortunately, Cole was an outlaw and soon the law caught up with him: a pompous rich nobleman accused him of stealing something priceless from him.

In reality, the nobleman was one of Cole's clients, who didn't want to risk him blackmailing him about their deal.

The entire trial in court had been staged, with a corrupted judge and jury, and every proof was fabricated.

They did not listen to Cole trying to explain the truth.

They just hanged him at dawn.

Striker's last night with him was bittersweet, and a sense of hate against the law and its hypocrisy started blossoming in his young mind.

The only things Cole left him, were his hat...his holy guns and rope...and the mariachi band (poor things were out of a job, so they needed someone new to sing about).

Love and Loss:

In the midst of his tumultuous journey, Striker crossed paths with Ember, a spirited bounty huntress whose fiery demeanor mirrored her name. Despite their initial rivalry, a mutual respect blossomed into love, leading to marriage and the birth of their son, Jackson.

However, their happiness was shattered when a royal demon from the house of Ars Goetia, driven by arrogance and a sense of superiority, destroyed their home and claimed the lives of Ember and Jackson.

The Seed of Vengeance:

As the flames of tragedy engulfed his world, Striker's heart hardened with a burning desire for vengeance. Betrayed by those who wielded power without mercy, he embraced his role as a professional hitman with renewed purpose, each bullet and blade a testament to the memory of his fallen loved ones. With every contract fulfilled, Striker sought to bring his special brand of justice to the unjust, his journey fueled by the flames of grief and the resolve to never forget the ones he lost.

(I like imagining his dad being like this, actually...)

@umnokorito

Coming soon: headcanons for my Striker.

[jimin-bangtan]

BTS Fandom

Reposting again... BTS love each other. You cannot sincerely say you love one member of BTS then hate and damage another member who they love and call family. That is not love.

I found BTS rather late but have spent a lot of time catching up with content - original content.  There is some older content that is not my cup of tea and some that is very cringy to me. Much of that was before they had a better footing about what they were and were no longer willing to do.  However, overall you can learn something about human nature or about the guys and their talents and relationships with each other in all of the footage they have released. The more I learn about them and their journey, the more impressed I am with them and all that they endured, did, and achieved.

The most disappointing thing about BTS is how can a group that drew me in with their positivity and acceptance have a fandom that is so ... rough?  I am an older adult and have never experienced a fandom like this. I don't even get into the battles that I witness and it still feels a bit stressful to navigate around the infighting, harsh comments, arguing that I see.  With the strength and support I've seen BTS' fans used to help the guys succeed throughout their career, I am certain the majority of the fans are passionate, loving, well-meaning supporters, but squeaky wheels get the oil, as they say, and I wonder how BTS fans are seen from the outside, if I, on the inside, am stunned and discouraged at times by the activity.  

Granted, unlike the Internet era, fans before couldn't communicate as much with each other within the fandom. This means that outside forces would also not have had as many opportunities to infiltrate the fandom and negatively affect the atmosphere. We also never were allowed into the lives and world of the entertainers before the way BTS has let us into theirs.  Sadly, if I were an entertainer today, I think I would learn from watching BTS and perhaps not expose as much to the public. That is sad because responsible and caring fans would miss out on really getting to know their favorite artist. The artist would miss out on the positive, motivating connections with their true fans. Also, it is probably not even the majority of BTS' fans that are causing the stink and, in fact, some of the noise, I believe, is from people not even fans of BTS at all. There have always been people wanting to sabotage BTS' progress and achievements.  

I do wish the company and BTS had been more proactive in addressing the fandom's toxic side throughout the decade, but I blame the company more than the guys. They were busy and young and were pioneering their path as it happened. They had no other examples to follow.  The company seemed to walk a tightrope between benefitting from the toxicity (and sometimes overexposure) and trying at times to at least act as though they were protecting their financial assets.  Even now, with BTS' legacy firmly in place, I do not see the company leaning in to aggressively help bring some peace or at least expectations to the forefront. It's possible they've done more than I realize. I am only speaking from what I can tell. Anyway, I hope that this break for military service gives not only the guys time to reset, develop, and strengthen, but I hope it also gives the fandom time to reset, cleanse, and unite for the sake of BTS and all they have worked to establish.

I'm looking forward to a Chapter 3 with everyone on the same footing of *fighting* for BTS's longevity & continued success rather than fighting each other.

[doeroneforall]

Three Friends' Rural Revolution, Heartbeats of Innovation: India's ICU Kit Revolutionaries.

Three Friends Revolutionizing Rural Healthcare In India with An Innovative ICU Kit 

In the heartland of rural India, where access to advanced healthcare is often a distant dream, three friends have embarked on a transformative mission. Their innovative ICU (Intensive Care Unit) Kit is changing the landscape of healthcare delivery in underserved communities, saving lives, and giving hope where it's needed most. 

A Vision Born from Experience 

The journey began when these friends, hailing from rural backgrounds themselves, witnessed the harsh reality of healthcare disparities. Limited access to medical facilities, especially in emergencies, often led to tragic outcomes. It was this stark reality that ignited their passion to make a difference. 

A Game-Changing Idea 

Their vision was simple yet profound: to bring critical care to the doorstep of rural India. They envisioned a portable ICU that could be deployed rapidly, even in remote villages, offering immediate life-saving support until patients could reach a hospital. 

The ICU Kit: A Lifesaver in a Box 

The ICU Kit they developed is a marvel of innovation. Compact and easy to transport, it contains essential medical equipment, including a ventilator, oxygen concentrator, defibrillator, and monitoring devices. With a simple training program, local volunteers can set up and use the kit effectively. 

Saving Lives, One Kit at a Time 

The impact of these kits has been nothing short of miraculous. They have saved countless lives during critical moments, such as cardiac arrests, respiratory distress, and other emergencies. Patients who previously faced dire outcomes now have a fighting chance. 

Empowering Rural Communities 

Beyond the life-saving capabilities, the ICU Kit has empowered rural communities. Local volunteers have received training and become first responders, bridging the gap between emergencies and hospital care. This not only saves lives but also instills a sense of pride and self-sufficiency. 

Awards and Recognition 

Their exceptional work has not gone unnoticed. They've received prestigious awards and recognition for their innovation and dedication to improving rural healthcare. Yet, for them, the real reward lies in the smiles of those whose lives they've touched. 

Scaling Up the Impact 

As word of their success spreads, more communities are clamoring for these kits. The trio is tirelessly working to scale up production and distribution to reach even the remotest corners of India. Their dream is to ensure that no one in rural India dies due to a lack of critical care. 

A Beacon of Hope 

Their journey is a testament to the power of friendship, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating a brighter future for rural India. They are not just changing the healthcare landscape; they are lighting a beacon of hope for millions. 

Joining the Movement 

Their story inspires us to think beyond boundaries and take action where it matters most. It reminds us that the most impactful innovations often come from a place of empathy and a deep understanding of the needs of underserved communities. 

In rural India, three friends are rewriting the narrative of healthcare, proving that with determination and innovation, we can bridge the gap between life and death, even in the most challenging circumstances.

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[tobeornottotc]

I need the scene where i think Kinn say “ from now on there will no be secrets between us”!!!!

Hi!

Same! I wonder when that will be anon. Could it be when they're both at the brink of their feelings for each other but still refuse to fully commit until they finally scream at each other how they feel, the 'You never trust me' scene, could it be from the wilderness where they're going to be very open with one another and finally see the other person's masks unveiled spending 3 days and nights with each other? Could it be after Porsche finally confesses to Kinn, 'I'm not on anyone else's side, just yours', or when they're caressing each other in bed in the trailer in their undies after they finally slept with each other romantically? I don't know but Kinn saying there will be no secrets between us in such a gentle voice, means that they've reached that level, where both of them finally know about each other, have learn everything and feel secure with each other, have fought tooth and nail to get to that point and have shown each other that they want to be themselves with each other no matter what, Kinn surrendering his secrets and truths to Porsche, and vice versa is precious, they already automatically slowly have been revealing their truths to each other, before their first kiss at the pier, during their spa moment, they slowly get to listen and know about the other's lifestyle and past, even as we know past traumas (well Kinn knows Porsche's). What other secrets could they be hiding, Kinn definitely about how the past affair with the minor family and his heartbreak shaped him to be who he was now, cruel and distrusting, what else could Porsche have to hide about, or need to expose to Kinn that we don't already know or see? I'm interested to see what Mile means when he says Kinn discovers Porsche very differently during those three days, and sees him in a different way, and Porsche vice versa, I know what Porsche will see from Kinn during those moments since his real self is always hidden underneath his mask of cruelty, but I'm not sure what other new things Kinn will get to witness from Porsche, Porsche with nightmares maybe? (not sure if this is a thing but it seems like a way for the writers to make him even more vulnerable and strong), Porsche being scared?, Porsche showing more of his loyalty and emotional awareness to Kinn's pain and guilt, I wonder what he'll notice that will make him fall, and if that's what then makes both of them now them against the world. Because the wilderness is definitely going to shape the their romance, shape their bond, and make them see each other, and once that happens these two will be probably unstoppable despite the fact that other threats pose in the dark. I'm intrigued by what happens then.

Thank you anon, I love when couples reach that moment where they see each other/bond as precious and important, where they trust each other and give themselves to each other openly and willingly, when the one who has stopped giving his heart, and letting himself believe in people says that he wants to give his self, and secrets to the other partner for safe keeping. He wants to be a team just with his partner, those moments where the couple decide to use their love to fight the harshness of the environment around them, to not break anymore, and to cause chaos to anyone who threatens to pull them apart, those moments are the best part in the dynamic of the couple's journey. When KP reach there I'll go feral.

[cm-top-10]

C.M. Top 10: Most Dark & Gore Scenes &/or Characters in Cartoon Series

Warning: The following top ten may contain possible spoilers for those who haven't seen newer series. This post may also contain forms of graphic violence & some gore scenes that maybe too much for you to witness. So for your safety & others do not look unless it's at your own risk.

You've been warned...

We all discover at some point in time that not everything you know is allover the rainbow. Most times we see things we can't unsee or learn dark secrets of someone you thought you knew your whole life. & sometimes we learn things the hard way. Or the messed up dark way...

So for this 1st dark Top 10 features the most characters with a dark histories, secrets or just straight up dark/gore scenes. Which character did you not expect to have a dark side? Sadly you be the judge...

1. Invincible - Omni Man beating his son to a pulp.

After learning the dark truth that was revealed to Mark about his father's true intentions. Nolan tells his son the truth about why he was sent to Earth & why he killed the Guardians.

Telling him the reasons why he's here was so he could eliminate any potential threat to the Viltrum Empire. & that he was raising his son not out of responsibility or heroics, but to have him as a bred soldier of the Empire to kill anyone who stood in their way.

& he wanted Mark to join their cause with him.

After Mark angrily refused to help him conquer the planet. Nolan nearly beats the life out of his own son & yells to the top of his lungs saying how pointless it is to protect his home world. While killing millions of innocent people in the process of their brutal fight.

However before he could finish him off, Nolan suddenly realized what he did to his own child & fled the Earth in machspeed, shedding a tear.

They say fatherhood is complicated, but not like this...

2. Castlevania Lords of Shadow - Gabriel's dark fate

While on his journey to slay all three of the Lords of Shadow. Gabriel slowly learned they were the founders of the Order & told him the truth of his order's true intention from each Shadow Lord who too were being used by the Brotherhood of Light. Then when he finally reached the final Lord of Shadow, he learned about his wife's death & fell into dark despair.

Over time his heart grew darkened. & knew nothing but bitterness & sorrow...

But after defeating the three Lords, Laura appears to tell Gabriel that he awakened another ancient evil known as the Forgotten One. Who had plans to destroy all creation & they had to venture to the Brotherhood's fortress to find the entrance to where he was imprisoned.

However only dark begins can enter the realm. & the only way he can bypass it's effects & to defeat this ancient evil, was to become one himself...

So Laura asked him to drink her blood & free her of her torment. Hesitant at first he did what was asked of her & dranked every last drop of her blood, until she died.

He then defeated the Forgotten One & saved mankind. But at a cost of his soul & happiness.

Thus becoming a vampire.

A vampire the world would soon know & fear as Dracul the Dragon.

But that is another story...

3. Baki the Grappler - Yujiro Hanma

As most know Yujiro is the world's most unstoppable & cruelest warrior in the history of fighters. Not even the U.S. Military dares to go near him. Yes Yujiro the Orge has struck fear into many people, even military personnel of different countries. & he did it with no weapons & has turned the U.S. into his personal playground for death & battles.

But the most cruelest thing he's done was ripping the face of one of China's most respected Kaioh masters while facing him in battle, testing his worthiness. The reason Yujiro did this challenge was not to prove his worth but to show all of China & their leaders that they are worthless to him. & showed them all that he doesn't care about their hatred towards Japan noir their worthiness.

& he struck that fear into all who witnessed Ryu Kaioh getting defaced & brutally defeated. Yes this is one man who's definitely going to hell & is going to smile about it.

Because Satan himself would be pissing his buttflap in his sights in fear. While Yujiro fucks his succubus wife in front of his face knowing how little fucks he gives about his "sins."

4. Primal - Sauropod Massacre

After being infected by the Zombie Virus. The infected sauropod becomes a mad rouge & slaughters it's own herd in a bloody rage & massacre.

It left no survivors, ripped them apart & destroyed many of the herds' eggs leaving nothing remaining...

Truly whatever zombie virus this was it drove this poor creature mad & didn't stop until everything wasn't breathing.

Luckily Spear & Fang were able to run it into a dormant volcano. Where the infected dinosaur burnt to ash.

Hopefully now the poor beast is at peace...

5. Star Wars Rebels - Master Luminara's remains

In the search for Luminara to replace Kanan to be Ezra's new master. They soon learned too late that her remains were being used to lure any surviving Jedi out of hiding. So that any Sith Hunters like the Grand Inquisitor would slay them on the spot.

Sadly no one knows whatever happened to her corpse after they escaped. Or if the Empire even still has her.

Rest in peace Luminara wherever you are...

6. Legend of Tarzan - Death of Clayton

While battling in the trees, Tarzan defeated Clayton by tangling him into the jungle vines. But during his blind rage he angrily swiped vine after vine, until one wrapped his neck. Tarzan tried his best to warn him, but in his rage Claton cuts the vine that he was holding on to.

Then after it broke they both plummet to the ground. Tarzan landed safely, Clayton however was hung from above by one of the vines wrapped around his neck after it snapped it straight out from the fall.

There truly are things worse than fate...

7. RWBY - the Death of Adam Taurus

After weeks of stalking Blake & her group. Blake had no choice but to confront Adam for the last time with the help of Yang. The battle was harsh, but in the end they managed to out-think him by stabbing him from different sides. One in his chest & one in the back.

He then fell to his death over a huge waterfall after hitting his head over a ledge before plummeting into the water. Hopefully they've finally seen the last of Adam Taurus.

But let's also hope he doesn't pull a Cinder...

8. TFP Beast Hunters - Predaking beats the scrap out of Ratchet

After using Ratchet to wipe out mankind. The Decepticons threw him into the frails of a vengeful Predaking. Predaking then beats & claws Ratchet, throwing him around like a rag-doll. Until he was ready to finish him off, luckily Ratchet convinced him to hear him out. & told Predaking the truth about what had happened to his Predacon army.

After he told Predaking that it was Megatron who ordered his race's extermination. He asks why he did so & Ratchet replys--

Ratchet: Being on the receiving end of your might. One theory springs to mind, Megatron fears you & any like you.

In his blind rage Predaking stormed his way to Megatron, wiping out anyone who stood in his way.

Which led to his own demise, but that is a story for another time...

9. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure - Stealy Joe gets his ass beat by Jotaro

Now this slimy bastard got what he deserves. Not only did he try to humiliate & blackmail Jotaro into doing his bidding. This cocky motherfucker goes & threatens a random little girl out of the blue. If Jotaro didn't face him like a man & does what he says.

With him up to here with the man's assholeness, our boi Jotaro decided enough is enough & beats the ever loving shit out of this guy. & after punching him multiple times, he literally sends him flying into a wall & throws him his receipt.

Rest in Hell, Joe you worthless bastard!

10. The Falcon Captain America & The Winter Soldier - Captain America U.S. Agent gets his arm broken.

John Walker the former Captain America was given a mantle he wasn't worthy of. Don't get me wrong as much as I had my doubts of him, I was willing to give him a benefit of a doubt. That is until he soiled Steve's good name by using his shield to kill a man in cold blood.

During his blind rage of vengeance, he chased down one of the Flag Smashers & constantly beats him over-&-over with the shield. & then kills him with a fatal blow to the chest area in front of tons of people.

After he murdered one of the perps, Falcon & Bucky tried to ask him to hand over the shield peacefully...

You can take a wild guess what Walker's answer was. He then attacked them with rage & ego, losing his shit. However that ego died as soon as Falcon & Buck breaks his arm to get the shield back. He was then discharged by the U.S. government & was relieved of his duties as Captain America.

Not only that but he then found his way into a dark path he may not be able to uncross.

But that part is another story for another time.

Either way he got dealt some shitty karma.

[liron-ao3]

What for do you yearn?

Chapter 1

Geralt rolls over to the other side and grunts. Ciri's scream is still vibrating through his body, an echo of dread flooding it. He should sleep, but he can't. Even for a man like him—used to fights, used to losing his brothers to monsters—this day has been a lot.

He should sleep, but every time he closes his eyes, his vision drenches in blood.

He held it together for Ciri pretty well, but now he thinks of his dead brothers lying in the laboratory, to be prepared for their funerals the next day. Vesemir keeps vigil by their bodies through the night. Geralt is grateful for that. He just can't.

Geralt isn't a fearful person. No witcher is. But he had feared for Ciri today, innocent and sweet as she is (too powerful for her own good and stubborn as hell, too), for Yennefer who had no magic to defend herself and still fought with everything she had, and for Jaskier, the stupid bard, running right into their battle, armed with nothing but wit and a stupid leather coat.

Seeing him safe and sound catching Yennefer after they returned from the other sphere had been a relief. The colour of Jaskier's coat moving through the periphery of Geralt's vision had calmed him somewhat in the after-battle adrenaline crash. Jaskier has this effect on him after two decades of travelling together, even if he isn't tending to him but others who are harmed.

Geralt can't remember when the bard's constant chatter and string plucking had turned from annoying to some kind of comfortable white noise soothing the fraying edges of his being, especially after hunts and other fights.

He had missed him. He's only now realising how much. But knowing that he's safe in the keep just like Ciri and Yen is comforting. Witchers shouldn't need comfort, but here he is.

Maybe he should get up and check on him, take away the booze Jaskier is surely numbing himself with or the notebook he's frantically scribbling a new song into. But Geralt dismisses the idea. Jaskier is probably already asleep. He must be exhausted after the long journey and little sleep last night, not to mention the disaster that befell them.

Ciri fell asleep as soon as he had guided her to her chamber. She didn't even light a candle. Geralt prays to any deity that might be willing to listen to send the girl a good night's sleep for once. She'd deserve it.

He groans and turns once more. They'll have to leave soon before the winter swallows Kaer Morhen whole.

He wishes they had more time. Ciri needs to learn to control her powers, how to defend herself. Granted, her progress in the little time they've been together has been impressive, but will it be enough for the road when mages and royals are after her?

Geralt's eyes sting, a useless remnant of his past humanity. He won't cry. He can't. But for the first time since the Trial of the Dreams, he wishes he could. He remembers the catharsis of tears running down his skin. Tears didn't solve anything, but they used to make his heart a little lighter.

Some humans might argue that witchers don't have a heart. Oh, how wrong they are. Just like when they claim witchers don't have emotions. Just because they don't react to every impulse, reflect instead, and try to see beyond the surface. And because their bodies react differently.

Geralt's heart beats slowly in his chest, heavy, filled with regret and the memories of people he lost along the way. He can never shake them because he cannot forget. He gets by. He survives. He always did. And now that he accepted destiny, accepted his child surprise, it's necessary to push back the emotions that threaten to flood him as they often do at the brink of sleep even further and concentrate on the next steps.

He needs potions, he needs provisions for the journey and coin. They need garments for the harsh winter ahead. But most of all, he needs a plan.

A party of four is hard to keep hidden, but if Yen and Jask change their colourful garments to more moderate ones and their little group stays away from the big towns and roads, they should be able to make it.

The question is just, where to? Everyone will want to get their hands on Ciri. Fucking everyone!

Being on the move. Maybe that'll be the sole goal. Not staying anywhere long enough to leave an imprint on people or the area.

Geralt isn't sure why he's dreading it so much. This has been his sole life since the trials. He's probably the best-equipped person on the Continent for this task. Jaskier has been long enough at his side to be used to the hardship the open road can bring. Yennefer can use her magic to disguise them if need be, and Ciri is the centre all of them will spin and navigate around—teaching and protecting.

Geralt tries to envision it. Long miles on the road, Jaskier singing a song soothing everybody's nerves, Yennefer explaining the intricacies of spells to Ciri, who has her serious 'I'm listening' face on (or is chuckling about a verse in Jaskier's skit). His own senses are focused on their surroundings so that they can go off track if anyone comes near them or he can pull out his sword and defend them. It's a strangely comforting scene.

But there's still so much work waiting before they can leave, and while it's still autumn in the lowlands, winter can arrive up here any day. They need to hurry if they don't want to be snowed in.

Geralt catches himself with the wish nature would take this decision out of his hands. He just wants to rest. Yes, he meant what he told the girl earlier. Destiny shouldn't be avoided. But postponing destiny sounds like a tempting option.

We could head to the coast.

Geralt closes his eyes, imagining it. The bloody red dissolves, gives way to white cliffs and dark blue waves, seagulls screeching above them. Jaskier sits in the lush grass plucking the strings of his lute, Ciri leaning against his back, humming along, the wind tousling their hair.

Geralt's lips curl into a tender smile, and he hums lowly, his muscles relaxing for the first time in hours. No, days.

Finally, he drifts into sleep. He needs the rest. Tomorrow will be time enough.

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