#also he needs to be buff as hell for this position apparently (for me)

[monkiinart]

more Rayne drabbles....

[raddestrose]

OK, so after that, absolute downer of a goddamn episode

in this next one, I’m also gonna be reapplying my makeup that I cried off and painting my nails pink because that was actually heartbreaking and I still have a headache from crying. My eyes are still puffy and my nose is still stuffy.

what the hell Dr. Stone I thought we were chill

I JUST SPILLED SOME OF MY CHERRY COLA ON MY WHITE SHIRT

CANT A GIRL GET A WIN AROUND HERE

apparently, I can’t because as soon as I finished fixing my make up, I got on TikTok and the first thing I saw was about Senku and his father and not my eyes are watering again. I just redid my makeup you guys. I can’t do it for a third time today.

OK, I’m gonna watch the next episode now 

Let’s hope I don’t cry again

oh also the ending sequence for the show this specific one actually wrecked me because what the heck they’re really hammering in the fact that his dad is dead. I need a second a moment of peace I beg of you, Dr. Stone, please.

 did you take like a master class of naming things cause like kingdom of science and empire might don’t really just pop in your head like at the first moment so like bro, really honored that for a moment

Did his eyeliner get darker? It looks thicker than before.

this is the first time that Kinro being a stick in the mud actually helped them out

oh hell, that’s a lot of guys

SAIKI??!!

what are you doing out in the Stone world man shouldn’t you be fighting dark reunion?

SUIKA GET YOUR WATERMELON NOW BROS GOTTA SEE

is that pig Latin?

Did I hear that right like seriously not even like comment commentating genuine question did I hear that right?

welp it’s time to run

OH SHIT KINRO

this is actually an awful position to put stone deku in you guys are asking him to kill his brother do you know how cruel that is?

Fuck them kids that’s my brother. I’m saving his ass.

oh my God, he’s doing it

I think you just set him off after no he’s crying. Oh shoot I think he’s gonna rage. I feel so bad for him. oh this is so sad. 

I need Senku and five minute crafts to 1v1 right now

OK, but like for real this is the second time he’s speaking pig Latin right that’s the right term for it. I am so genuinely lost and have to make sure I’m not tweaking the hell out.

Wait, did they just make a cannon

OH HE MADE A FAKE GUN

all right, I see you man that’s slick

 I can’t believe it actually worked actually wait I can. It’s Senku. Of course it’s gonna work 

I like how my phone and talk to text are both getting more and more used to me saying Senku like every two sentences that it’s getting closer and closer to spelling his name correctly each time

Senku I beg of you please get this guy glasses your tank should be able to see. Unless you want to TPK, He’s gotta have 2020 vision.

dude, you were stabbed in the gut that is NOT a minor injury

oh great now we got another number nerd who always says numbers and has catchphrases with numbers in it

also total sidetrack I really wish I was filming all this so you guys could see me actually like cry my eyes out and then like 15 minutes later see me yell at my computer again over hearing the term 180°

Oh Hyoga, buddy there is no way in hell. Actually no one could help that you guys would be able to beat a fight. He’s got science and plot armor and the power of friendship along with fake fire arms on his side you’re toast, cooked even 

Oh Kinro you little cutie patootie with your new shades just don’t die now

Oh he’s posin and I heard that sound effect,he is feeling it 

I keep forgetting, how jacked yoked and absolutely buff that old guy is it’s a jump scare every time he takes all of his clothes off for some reason

I know for like plot and timing reasons it storms like days later, but I really think it would be super funny. If it doesn’t rain for like another few months and they’re just waiting and waiting and waiting.

Oh my, Senku you’re so good at playing with damsel in distress I actually got worried for a second

THEY MADE KATANAS THAT IS SICK

HELL YEAH fight them with swords swords are the best. Oh, you do not know what’s coming for you you morons

yeah, buddy seeing clearly is like the usual you should be seeing clearly

THIS IS THE POWER OF GLASSES

It makes me laugh, even harder, knowing that his character means that with his full chest

I don’t know how but like that line that Ginro how was the most Deku I have ever heard Deku Deku

I really should put commas in these sentences but leaving them out makes for great comic value so best of luck reading

HOLD THE ACTUAL FUCK UP sorry for swearing right then, but what in the actual God-given hell is that man’s hair? 

…….

Um I’m actually like at a loss for words. I can’t string together and insult harsh enough to deal with this haircut. I…. you would’ve thought that somebody would’ve pulled him aside and said not to go out like Pippi Longstocking his hair looks so bad that that has to be on purpose. No, you can’t even make something look that bad on purpose that had to of been like some kind of natural disaster caused that hairstyle. If it was that hairstyle if I was forced to have that hairstyle, I would just go bald he’s already like a third of the way there just tear off the Band-Aid dude this is hurting me more than going fully bald.

 I like how the craftsman has like no idea what the heck Senku says like more than half the time, but he is like all for it

I’d turn tail and run man, staying would just be more embarrassing

magma lock the fuck in

This is why you suck

OK Saiki we get it. You’re cool. There’s no need to hold that pose for like 15 seconds.

see he doesn’t pay attention to plans. He doesn’t listen. This is why I stay hating.

is that why their shoes look so dumb so they have a little platform to bounce off of

girly if you’re gonna do split flips like that, I beg of you to have shorts on under that dress you’re gonna catch a case

how could he predicted that move? I wouldn’t even of thought of that 

neither did I Ginro

Oh Gen you sneaky little rat. Good on you man ,actually that’s clever.

The squeals and squeaks this guy makes will never fail to make me absolute cackle

I would never betray your trust😢😧

Well, damn😒

what the fuck is that face buddy? I think you need some moisturizer. I don’t think your face should be making that face that does not look natural. Oh my gosh.

Flower Power Gen

you flower language bitch, DAMN I wish I was that cool

I for my sake I’m going to make a very strong point to not watch the end credit sequence because I will cry again. I’ve already talked about that on this post never mind.

[theomnicode]

Your posts on Saitama and food made me really sad. But it makes more sense that he is drawn like this now. I thought it was just a shift in style. Because even Genos looked babyish in the first chapters. But buff characters were always buff and were drawn buff. Saitama though... He looked like a baby but really slender. Lean but thin. Imagine what can eating good food do to you in two months. No wonder he started looking so bodacious

Ofc I am not discounting art style change from the picture, which is honestly more likely that Murata-sensei has just gotten better at drawing Saitama and the style in drawing Sai has shifted and that's all there is to. He might've just gotten a new reference body style to draw from. We've seen Saitama drawn really buff and detailed before, when they took the hero test, so it's nothing new. It's more apparent in the anime when he's drawn with even more bulging muscles.

Whether there is anything to this is up for speculation, but I would not discount proper nutrition from the equation. Nutrition is important and will always be important. But it might not be in the exact way we think it is. Something that I also thought about after making that one particular post.

Whether or not this post invalidates my previous post about Saitama not getting his fill when eating because his body physioque demands is up to you. I'm going to go fairly off-tangent (or not) here if you'll allow me haha. This gonna be a long post.

About Saitama and his self-image and how it's possibly portrayed in the manga and anime.

Imo, the real change between this Saitama and the Saitama we saw on the moon of I.O seems to be in how Saitama appears to see HIMSELF, when he actually gets serious. Or, how OTHER people are able to perceive him.

It is a shift in the mindset of his self-image.

Residual self-image is the concept that individuals tend to think of themselves as projecting a certain physical appearance or certain position of social entitlement, or lack thereof. The term was used at least as early as 1968, but was popularized in fiction by the Matrix series, where persons who existed in a digitally created world would subconsciously maintain the physical appearance that they had become accustomed to projecting.

"Show me no mercy."

That is, when he does not hold himself back. He's drawn the same when he's just there, being goofy, not very serious and holding himself back from going all-out. You can almost overlap the images with below manga panel.

There is a subtle difference though. His hero suit is more form-fitting. Because suits in this universe answer to the bearer's feelings. So he seems to be more heroic, instead of comedic.

Art style change or not? You decide.

Yes, he was messing with you Garou. Because you too, were just playing around being a monster.

However when Garou became a true monster, Saitama stopped playing around and holding himself back. And upon doing that, became morally dubious when he tried to punch Garou and destroyed moon and jupiter.

Even Garou wonders what the hell is this monster at the end. Speculation can be made whether Saitama is simply letting his innate monster side show because he legitimately wanted to kill Garou. The egoism and superiority complex would be that monster side, when he assumes that mindset of superiority. Something that he seems to be hiding well. More on this later.

The point I am trying to make here though is that it is quite possibly that the beefiest Saitama's physical appearance is not even a product of his physical conditioning. He appears just the same as ever...except when he is exerting his power. Then he gets the bodacious body.

One could say he's just exerting his muscles and that is also true, but tbh it doesn't seem to be all that. That's just appearances.

And technically, does he even need to exert his physical muscles if he's going to punch with divine power? I mean, it would explain why he doesn't get physically tired. His mental stamina is just sky high.

But not actually endless, because when he was running around all day, visualizing and looking for any bad guys in the anime episode, at the end of the day he had to take an actual breather. Which lines up with what we know about current Saitama and his exponentially growing power.

(a close look at the fist of god in that last panel, his divine power, I love small anime details like this)

I think Genos says it he best.

"You are so...full of shit!" "That's just standard strenght training! And it's not even that intense! Anyone could do it!" "I have to get stronger. I didn't ask to study under you so I could listen to your jokes!"

"Saitama-sensei, your power...is clearly beyond what you can achieve by just training your body!

And he's right, anybody could do it. Saitama's standard strenght training. Other people do far more. Garou has been training for years upon years of intense martial arts like Bang to get that body of his. What Saitama thinks is strenght training is an actual joke, the punchline if you will.

We arrive to the heart of the issue. Saitama's strenght was never anything that could be achieved by training his body.

Ergo, it means that by further strenght training, he could still not achieve a better body via just doing his strenght training, even with better nutrition. He already hit his peak body via that strenght training alone.

Ain't nobody gonna get biceps, pecs and sixpack like that with Saitama's strenght training lmao. Even if he ate well and nutritious food. Who are we even kidding? xd

But he hasn't trained differently either, just added punching monsters to his list and doing his training instantaneously. At least, I don't think he could achieve it like that with normal power.

Instead, I believe it's all just his cognitive power at play. Chances are, by altering his self-image, he has unconsciously also altered his body to match. If it's just appearance or actual physicality, not entirely sure. Which is a positive outcome but...

The depiction of Saitama in Jupiter is basically how Saitama saw himself and how he is able to be perceived. It's the power of his cognitive levels rising exponentially, the whirlpool of heaven stripped bare with the catalyst of emotional surge (as Murata-sensei tweeted) and let loose. (The depiction of Jupiter's red spot swirling around Saitama's head is a really nice artistic touch tbh.)

But it also wasn't a very nice Saitama was it? That superiority complex.

As the fight progresses, so does Saitama become more and more buff, but he's dissociating hard at the same time too and then back to his dopey self and not feeling or caring about a thing.

People with low self-esteem have a tendency to fixate on their body image. And Saitama is self-conscious, we know that from all the times when he gets self-conscious about his bald head. But since Saitama has...interesting powers, he fixates and alters his body quite literally in accordance to his self-image.

Aside from having low self-esteem, sufferers typically fixate on altering their physical appearances. Such behavior creates body dissatisfaction and higher risks of eating disorders, isolation, and mental illnesses in the long term.[2] In Eating Disorders, a negative body image may also lead to body image disturbance, an altered perception of the whole one's body. Body dissatisfaction also characterizes body dysmorphic disorder, an obsessive-compulsive disorder defined by concerns about some specific aspect of one's body (usually face, skin or hair), which is severely flawed and warrants exceptional measures to hide or fix. Often, people who have a low body image will try to alter their bodies in some way, such as by dieting or by undergoing cosmetic surgery. On the other hand, positive body image consists of perceiving one's figure clearly and correctly, celebrating and appreciating one's body, and understanding that one's appearance does not reflect one's character or worth.

Speculation can be made whether Saitama also subconsciously hides his true face behind that goofy face of his, because his lack of hair has become a complex. And why there seems to be such few witnesses to how he really looks and other people attempting to perceive his true self, will find themselves stumped and confused (or what appears to be his true self or Wounded Healer archetype).

(I've never heard Genos sound as confused as this lol, his brain is doing that apple loading screen)

(Can we get more of this Saitama look because the King panel is one of my fav Saitama faces by far, he looks sooooo goood)

Within Shinto it is believed that the nature of life is sacred because the kami began human life. Yet people cannot perceive this divine nature, which the kami created, on their own; therefore, magokoro (真心), or purification, is necessary in order to see the divine nature. This purification can only be granted by the kami. In order to please the kami and earn magokoro, Shinto followers are taught to uphold the four affirmations of Shinto.

By purification, it means with tears, since in Japan, salt water acts as purifier. Then they can perceive the true nature of Saitama.

Saitama's view on self-image is also probably the reason he doesn't scar, when other people did during their training. The only other reason would be that he can actually regenerate like monsters can, but it can definitely contribute to his poor self-image if he thinks it as monster-like quality he just happens to possess and associates it with being evil and monster-like. It might just be metabolism. But we can also speculate upon that. Other people perceive him with "eyes of a dead fish"-look and mostly negatively.

Saitama is the only character in the series who seems to flip-flop between actual looks when it's not for a comedic reason. Even between same page. Nobody else's facial features or musculature change so drastically, besides like Tatsumaki for caricatyre reasons.

Comedy is one thing, but Saitama changes in inverse to that, when he gets serious. So it's probably a serious reason.

You may notice how buff his arm seems to be on upper panel, but then we're back to slim arm. Then the panel with Genos where he looks at Saitama's profile and next Saitama panel we're back to dopey.

I've honestly gone very off tangent and idk if it's interesting or not... but here is where the proper nutrition and new lifestyle changes comes into play.

Evolution wise, our brain size started to increase once humans managed to acquire calorie-rich and difficult to acquire food and behavioural and social changes.

The temporal lobes, which contain centers for language processing, have increased disproportionately, as has the prefrontal cortex, which has been related to complex decision-making and moderating social behavior. Encephalization has been tied to increased starches and meat in the diet, however a 2022 meta study called into question the role of meat. Other factors are the development of cooking, and it has been proposed that intelligence increased as a response to an increased necessity for solving social problems as human society became more complex. Changes in skull morphology, such as smaller mandibles and mandible muscle attachments, allowed more room for the brain to grow. The increase in volume of the neocortex also included a rapid increase in size of the cerebellum. Its function has traditionally been associated with balance and fine motor control, but more recently with speech and cognition. The great apes, including hominids, had a more pronounced cerebellum relative to the neocortex than other primates. It has been suggested that because of its function of sensory-motor control and learning complex muscular actions, the cerebellum may have underpinned human technological adaptations, including the preconditions of speech.

It has been suggested that the changes were mainly social and behavioural, including increased empathic abilities, increases in size of social groups, and increased behavioral plasticity. Humans are unique in the ability to acquire information through social transmission and adapt that information. The emerging field of cultural evolution studies human sociocultural change from an evolutionary perspective.

Once he got proper nutrition of meat, starch and vegetables to actually supplement his overall training, it is not just his physioque that grew, it was the cognitive levels too. Possibly the sensory-motor control that is developed in infancy that is referenced to as the Inner child in omake, his ability to understand causality, time and space. Big brain time basically. Mind expansion.

Intelligence is present; motor activity but no symbols; knowledge is developing yet limited; knowledge is based on experiences/ interactions; mobility allows the child to learn new things; some language skills are developed at the end of this stage. The goal is to develop object permanence, achieving a basic understanding of causality, time, and space.

But chances are, other concepts that cognition develops as it matures apply.

Concrete operational stage Elementary and Early Adolescence (7–12 years) Logical and systematic form of intelligence; manipulation of symbols related to concrete objects; thinking is now characterized by reversibility and the ability to take the role of another; grasps concepts of the conservation of mass, length, weight, and volume; predominantly operational thinking; nonreversible and egocentric thinking

But it wasn't just that. It was the increase in pleasurable social stimulation that allowed him to reach the height of his cognitive levels and actually gain the self-image to match. Or able to showcase the self-image that actually physically matches his real body physioque.

However, when it comes to nutrition and Saitama's powers, it was even more vitally important that he get the proper nutrition and social requirements to sustain himself. He was training hard not just physically, but mentally. It was so taxing he went bald. That kind of stress on the brain can't have been healthy.

This guy looks like death warmed over him. Pig God also has ability that turns his body fat into source of fuel for his powers and what might be his life-energy. Giving that up to Tank-top master made his entire physioque shrink.

Body needs some kind of fuel as energy to continue metabolizing and working normally. When Saitama was just eating banana in the morning and something like idek rice on eggs for supper? It's not enough. Maybe he could be able to persevere on such a diet if he was normal human and just not have any gains on physioque, but he's nowhere near being normal. He just plain forced himself to change.

He has divine power that was also constantly stressing his brain, his cognition and when he was doing hero work, if he was to expend all that emotional energy in cathexis and blow up stuff, it would also require him to produce same amount of energy to match. Equivalent exchange, Full Metal Alchemist style.

My hypothesis is that his body had started to cannibalize itself because it simply did not have enough resources to use as fuel. Not from food nor from socialization.

By draining his emotions and possibly other cognitive skills as fuel for his divine power instead and causing his apathy. Yikes.

Because he always expells his serious punches in anger and he always feels less stressed or even no emotions at all after serious punch. By forcing himself to change and using his divine power, he rapidly sped up his metabolism and cognitive thought processing and suffered because he was poor financially and poor socially to give himself enough water and sunlight to grow like the Cactus metaphor.

It was worse when he had no energy for the Garou fight, after walking all day in dark caves with zero food and he was irritable and exploded immediately and uncontrollably when he saw his entire social circle had been killed.

Chances are, Saitama might just wither away eventually if he actually lost that social circle...that's how one can defeat Saitama, by striking a dead blow to his heart. If they can get past Saitama's powers, that is.

If the beefy Saitama is his current true image? Body image wise, that's great. It means that he has stopped cannibalizing himself from the inside out and he's now getting enough nutrients and meeting his energy requirements sufficiently enough that his self-image is now relatively normal. And has stopped having a "mostly" negative view of himself.

But there's still a reason why he tries to hide it so much and why it only seemingly comes out when he becomes serious. And even then, in only few rare scenarios.

He deems his abnormal strenght, his full power and divine powers, as something monstrous. Because of the scenarios where he has to use it.

The times when he realises that he cannot show mercy to an individual and is forced to possibly kill them.

"Bla bla bla. Are you done? With this fight?"

Saitama is not trying to taunt Boros, at least not in the way we think. He's trying to dissuade him from continuing the fight, so he would not have to kill him. Because he empathised heavily.

But Saitama does not kill people, it's against his morals. He only kills things he deems as monsters. Evil things who have turned their beings against humanity. But he may not truly feel like monsters deserve killing either and he feels he's forced to do it if he's to continue to be a hero and protect humanity and he's become desentized to killing monsters, though this is speculation.

It is the look of a person who is world-weary. A thousand yard stare. When heroism didn't turn out to be like he thought it would be.

Possibly the reason he never seems to feel fully like a Hero and why he's envious of people like King and even Garou to extent. And why he feels weird for trying to pretend to be a Hero. The loneliness he feels because he seems alone in his dilemmas. Being and feeling monstrous while doing something you're passionate about.

There is nobody he can relate with. When he finds someone he can relate with, he really wants nothing more than to spare them.

There is a quote from Deadpool that seems fitting, which I found from youtube comments when watching Totally not Mark's video how Saitama redefines heroism. I recommend watching btw, its a great video.

"Four or five moments, that’s all it takes. To be a hero. Everyone thinks it’s a full-time job. Wake up a hero. Brush your teeth a hero. Go to work a hero. Not true.

Over a lifetime, there are only 4 or 5 moments that really matter. Moments when you’re offered a choice. To make a sacrifice, conquer a flaw, save a friend… spare an enemy. In these moments, everything else falls away."

Which feels very poignant, considering how Deadpool also looks under the mask. Appearing as Hero on the outside, but a monster on the inside.

Another point of view is that the reason for Saitama's apathy and losing his humanity is because of how Saitama started to view himself as; a person with less humanity because he felt monstrous doing his hero work and less emotions when he was constantly locking up his emotions behind a facade of apathy just to deal with his conflicting feelings. So it started to became part of his self-image and the person he views himself as. If you believe in it hard enough, it must be true right? Which is honestly just as bad as your own body eating itself out on the inside. Both can be true interpretations.

We've not even arrived to the debate about what makes monsters evil and deserving of the death blow. Who's to decide whether or not Manako for instance, deserves to die? Saitama or Amai-mask? Is Manako evil enough monster that she would have to die or good enough to live? We will probably discuss this come Amai-mask arc.

Saitama sees the world as black and white more often than not. People, monsters and himself. At least when he is losing his touch with humanity.

Psychoanalytic theory posits that an individual unable to integrate difficult feelings mobilizes specific defenses to overcome these feelings, which the individual perceives to be unbearable. The defense that effects (brings about) this process is called splitting. Splitting is the tendency to view events or people as either all bad or all good.[1] When viewing people as all good, the individual is said to be using the defense mechanism idealization: a mental mechanism in which the person attributes exaggeratedly positive qualities to the self or others. When viewing people as all bad, the individual employs devaluation: attributing exaggeratedly negative qualities to the self or others

He gave that same thousand yard stare look at Garou that he gave to Boros, multiple times even. Feeling like a monster because all he wanted to do is kill Garou to revenge Genos and dissociating from his feelings entire so he wouldn't be able to feel the pain. So he clung to the last vestige of humanity on his palm.

When he lets out a less than ideal side of himself loose on the opponent to do what he feels passionate about, acting out in justice, but struggles with feelings of shame and guilt over his actions because he also feels like a monster while doing so against a person who he can't box neatly into what he depicts as morally evil. And feelings of guilt and shame for in this instance, trying to carry out justice by serious punching Garou to smithereens despite Tareo asking him not to and the end result almost destroying earth. And lastly, feelings of guilt and shame over enjoying his hero work to alleviate his boredom.

If Garou wanted to become absolute evil by transforming from human to a monster, Saitama parallels that by wanting to become to the opposite; absolute good by transforming from monster into a human. Something essential in humanity he feels like he has lost. He never felt like he fit into society anyway and he feels let down like Hammerhead and one foot away from becoming like one.

And it has become a self-perpetuating cycle; alleviating his emotional pain by engaging in impulsive behaviour to relieve it and then feeling shame and guilt. Then it becomes automatic response.

Because being passionate about Hero work also saved him and gave him means to vent out his negative feelings like anger, emptyness and depression so he did not succumb entirely and he could connect with his passions again. It gave him a sense of purpose and means to change himself.

In all honesty, Saitama seems to suffer from Borderline Personality-disorder, and more than likely ADHD and all of this undiagnosed but that's another topic entirely. Speculation can be made again whether it's related to when he first gained his powers as infant, related to his powers in general which causes similar symptoms to arise or if he always had these qualities, but we'll need more information about his past to be sure.

(that impatient foot tapping can point to symptoms of adhd yeap, same as his inability to focus on long speeches)

Combat service...

Question: Has Saitama ever enlisted in the military? Which is extremely common if one is poor plus male. And military exists in OPM.

Men raised in poverty had greater odds of draft and all-volunteer military service. Early-life experiences, independent of military service, appear associated with greater odds of MD. Assessing childhood poverty in service members may identify risk for depression in later life.

Because in all honesty, the metaphor here when Manako, one eye'd monster, is sitting on the toilet and hiding her face from Saitama seems kind of...fitting. In OPM game, Toilet-dwelling monster is metaphor for God, the source of monsters and evil. And Saitama locks himself in the toilet, like he locks his emotions away.

If Saitama has some kind of trauma from his time in the military that causes him to dissociate, it would explain the stare he gets when he feels like he has to take a life to do his hero work, to preserve the needs of the many. Like he did when he killed Boros and when he felt like he failed everyone he knew and wanted to kill Garou.

(Reincarnation anybody? I heard first era in OPM was about war and stuff)

When recounting his arrival in Vietnam in 1965, then-Corporal Joe Houle (director of the Marine Corps Museum of the Carolinas in 2002) said he saw no emotion in the eyes of his new squad: "The look in their eyes was like the life was sucked out of them," later learning that the term for their condition was "the 1,000-yard stare". "After I lost my first friend, I felt it was best to be detached," he explained.

The parallels in these two panels are pretty astounding. But in the bottom one, Saitama has also suffered a psychological wound and it depicts the wounded healer archetype very well.

Wounded healer is a term created by psychologist Carl Jung. The idea states that an analyst is compelled to treat patients because the analyst himself is "wounded." The idea may have Greek mythology origins. Victor et al. (2021), a pre-print study, found that 82% of applied psychology graduate students and faculty members in the United States and Canada experienced mental health conditions at some point in their lives.

As an example, of the "wounded healer phenomenon" between an analyst and their analyzed:

The analyst is consciously aware of his own personal wounds. These wounds may be activated in certain situations especially if the analyzed wounds are similar to his own. The analyzed wounds affect the wounds of the analyst. The analyst either consciously or unconsciously passes this awareness back to his analyzed, causing an unconscious relationship to take place between analyst and analyzed.

Humanity has made contact with a threat of this scale and has known true Fear, but as long as Saitama's combat service remains a secret, nobody will know.

I wonder if this'll relate to time travel in some way.

Side note, Saitama also taunted both Boros and Garou just to draw their attention intentionally as means of protecting other people with self-sacrifice and classic thinking process of a wounded healer archetype, but also that BPD self-harm shining through. Intentionally using himself being impervious to draw fire.

It's not a healthy outlook, no matter even if he's impervious to harm. He's just found he can do it and it works when he does hero work. He did not care much about being careful about getting harmed before he got impervious either.

Anyways, less about nutrition, more about how Saitama is drawn and how it relates to the plot, his self-image and his mental state.

But regardless of how you see it, I believe current Saitama IS a depiction that he is slowly getting better. And getting the nourishment and help he needs to actually grow and heal. Which is the general takeaway.

[delusion-of-negation]

I loove it when folks say things like "you don't need positivity for masculinity/liking youthful skinny twinks/liking buff guys/so on because the whole world is positivity for that" like in what world dudes??? you think the whole world is like wow you like fucking twinks oh my god that's so cool you're not going to burn in hell?

there's not some like limited amount of queer positivity that we simply must reserve solely for the most in need groups, even if somebody was more accepted than somebody else, but that's a bloody big if in this case. nobody's coming to take your support, nobody's saying you don't need it. this is much like when I said I would like more support for terminally ill people, because the "it absolutely will get better!" mantra is unhelpful, and people say it depresses them to think about things not getting better so they simply can't have people like us "ruining" positivity for them. my ramble about it got mostly chronically ill people, so some began brushing terminally ill people under the rug or saying that same bullshit with a new coat of paint, like "but remember even if you cannot be cured some things will get better, don't give up!" but I subsequently get treated like the one hijacking things and being pessimistic, on my own post that I didn't even put in any tags. it literally just advocated for variety, so then we all had something. people took it as their own opportunity to soapbox about how it absolutely does get better just not how you expected uwu, and I eventually got told maybe I should view dying as better, so I can understand even I will get better, as if that's not fucking horrible response to someone saying "would be nice if I could hear good things sometimes idk", like chin up buddy dying is actually what better looks like for a sad sack of shit like you, hope this helps :).

addiction to infighting and viewing everything on oppressors vs oppressed logic means you treat suffering of others as territory disputes and confrontation and threats. I mean, ffs y'all are after mrbeast atm because he *checks notes* paid for surgery for like thousands of blind people who wanted it, I even saw claims he's refusing to pay for people who wouldn't be filmed which btw are absolutely pulled directly out of that person's asshole, you think goddamn mrbeast sat down to film thousands of people??? bro.

and it really is so similar to when people say physical disability is worse, mental health is worse, chronic is worse, x, y, z. it's fuckt. similarly like when I talked about epilepsy and compared it to an intolerance or allergy, which I have, but people assumed I don't, misread what I was saying, went on the attack. it's so tiresome. I literally was saying both are equally serious, and inflicting what triggers that in somebody is wrong and dangerous, people took colloquialisms as literal translations so badda bing badda boom, ableism against myself apparently. which means I'm oppressor, capable of maximum power, thus deserving of maximum cruel. exactly the same logic t3rfs use to send suicide bait asks to me. oppression olympics, I'm sorry but that's what it is. stop it. you'd honestly be more useful to queer people or disabled people as a completely silent onlooker than as an asshole claiming that your oppressor is a gay man with different tastes, dying people, or an otherwise vulnerable disabled person, or the guy paying for the surgery (who btw did also say the gov should be doing so, like ik apparently the narrative is he doesn't do that but yeah he does).

warped outlooks like these are spreading like wildfire, and you'd honestly be surprised how much they're even infesting irl space, including these weird obsessions with finding any way a person transgressed or sinned, ways you're more deserving of support, absolutely ridiculous leaps in logic and twisting of facts, it's just harmful. to people. you can talk all you want about politics, that community, what's best for the ends, but people are the reason literally any of that even matters to begin with. the rights of gay people aren't abstract, they're not for their own sake, they're not philosophical mental exercise, they are to protect queer people.

aromantic people don't get that the world just isn't pro-romance regarding ace, gay, trans, or poly romance, asexuals don't re sex absolutely not being accepted whenever it deviates, if you're an aromantic or gay or trans person, if you're kinky, etc, and then it doubly is an issue that gay/trans allo/allo people start asking we somehow prove being aro/ace is on par with other forms of this general genre of discrimination, as if being equally suffering has historically determined if people should care about each other. preemptively: look at the flags in my icon, I'm fucking aro. dude. however, I'm also gay af. I fuck men. I am criticising the fact you devour exclusionary rhetoric despite saying "exclusionists dni".

some criticise my lack of paragraphs and image descriptions as something adhd/visually impaired people need, but 1) I'm both, describing is hard for me, and 2) schizo, thought disorder, ocd, various issues make it near impossible for me often, just like you reading that, so just leave my posts alone, go elsewhere. variety. thoughts don't come clearly to me, it's a disjointed mess, and so ridiculous that people expect me to just "do better" and write for whatever way they find easier to read- that'd take literally hours. nothing here is "an excuse", this isn't word games, there's not an ulterior motive, get out of that mindset bro. people are like "your excuses don't make it okay not to accomodate my adhd" - idgaf. symptoms of yours don't mean I can overcome my symptoms. I shouldn't have to keep saying this but variety solves all of these. nowhere did I say allergies get respect/gay people have it worse compared to ace people/terminal people should be thought of literally every time you make a post/etc - I said be nice. bet that doesn't reflect whatever wild interpretations will fill these notes. wouldn't surprise me if somebody is saying I said there's not any cringe or toxic aro people, or that I'm erasing how exclusionists harmed ace people by equating some lame opinions with sheer incomprehensible levels of attack online (I never equated shit in these points, comparable and identical are just not synonyms).

something I think people need to learn is that just because your bullies have been calling you short, doesn't mean they don't call somebody else a tree or ask them how the weather is up there. I understand asexuals are mocked for not being sexual, despite it being the case that I'm mocked for being that; I'm mocked that thoughts naturally come in a disjointed spew, and I simply can't comprehend well enough to edit anything, but I understand you struggle to read that; I need posts that don't talk about better as synonymous with deserving, you need posts that have literally a complete lack of any indication things won't get better for you, I understand how your mind can spiral when you see such things. segmenting our communities further for ultra specficity isn't an answer though, that's isolating - really humans need each other. basically, liking twinks is not accepted just because fat guys are generally viewed as gross by society, so is any gay sex, that's all. whether you like either, we still all like dudes, we shouldn't split.

[angelsndragons]

apparently i’m not done yet because look

i play clerics a lot. in one-shots, in long campaigns, from low levels to high.

and clerics have one of the toughest roles in the game: the art of slot conservation. clerics and their parties live and die by this mechanic. they aren’t warlocks, they don’t recharge on a short rest. you get what you get at the start of the day and hope it’s enough. the cleric action economy is all about holding back as many slots as possible for healing, reviving, and getting your party of out danger. lower level healing has the massive drawback of healing one creature at a time or only being useful outside of combat. that’s why they get things like spirit guardians, spiritual weapon, guardian of faith, toll the dead (which has been expanded to other classes, yes but it was created for clerics as their eldritch blast). that’s why their low level de/buffs tend to affect more than one creature at a time. all support casters do this to a certain extent but clerics in particular are very, very good at it if you give them enough time and space to learn.

playing a cleric is about learning the rhythm of your party and learning what precisely you can afford to lose. which one of your precious thirds, fourths, fifths, etc you can actually use on attacking or non-healing/buffing spells without risking your party. some dms will have one big battle a long rest. others have multiple. still others, like the fabled mr. mercer, mix it up to the point that it’s hard to gauge which situation you are in. 

i say this because, while the nein weren’t a weak party before caduceus, they were a party particularly vulnerable to this, the cleric action economy. lower levels mean fewer spells selected, fewer spell slots, and almost no reviving. compounding this immutable fact is the fact that nein had two members who were heavily vulnerable to damage and needed those precious slots to stay up. combine caleb’s d6 hp and insanely low ac with the damage mollymauk would take whenever he tried to do something with his class abilities and it was almost a matter of time before one of them (or one of the others) died at those low levels. even if jester had been present. even if she used none of her slots on anything but healing.

look at how this fight (and the previous) goes with only one cleric. assuming the cleric isn’t the one outright killed, you probably only get one fifth level mass cure wounds before facing cognouza lucien. you only have five spells at fifth or higher and you’re probably saving one slot in particular for plane shift in case you all win and this place goes to hell in a hand basket fast. you’re trying to position yourself so that you aren’t in immediate danger but are also close enough to get to your friends in a couple of rounds in case you need to revivify. your party members are probably going to drop faster in this scenario than in canon because of that smaller mass cure wounds healing. you have to decide fast how exactly to buff support your team: do you support their attack rolls and saving throws or is it better to buff their damage? should you focus on your own survival first and make sure that enemies pay for targeting you? with all the attacks flying around you, can you make those concentration checks or are you going to lose that slot in a round before it really had a chance to do anything?

good cleric players learn how to grind it out. they learn to do an almost clinical, detached analysis of how everything can go wrong and what they will do to counter it. they learn to prioritize. they learn exactly how far they can push themselves and their party before the whole thing snaps. more than anything, clerics learn how to give their party chances.

which brings me back to the nein and taliesin and laura. laura had that very steep learning curve back in the day and with the support aspect mostly handled by taliesin, she could primarily focus on giving the nein chances with attacks and battlefield control. with laura and later travis as a backup healer, taliesin could focus on buffing, debuffing, and holding slots for emergencies. taliesin and laura each could tailor their cleric stuff to fit the play style they are most comfortable with: taliesin playing the tactical ‘what can i/we afford to use or lose’ game that has shone across three characters and laura playing the equally tactical ‘i’m going to burn everything to the ground leave it all on the battlefield’ game which eggs her party on to victory.

it’s only fitting that their skill sets combined for the final How Do You Want To Do This of the campaign.

[persepholline]

I've read that article about the romanticization of the Darkling and while I absolutely understand people who are pissed off/sad and I agree that it's shitty, I find LB's attitude towards Darkles stans very funny in a "girl what are you doing" sort of way because it's so petty like I've never heard of a bestselling author writing a portion of their fans into their books as a crazy cult before, it clearly hit a nerve

I'm new to the fandom but the feeling I get is she wrote something problematic ten years ago and became very embarrassed about it afterwards so she turned on the fans that liked it as a way to absolve herself. Especially since fandoms in general have become a lot more focused on discussion of what constitutes healthy/acceptable relationships to write about. And in a way I get it I had a huge Twilight phase in high school and afterwards I was super embarassed about it because of how problematic and cringe it was. But now with distance and more maturity I'm able to both still see why it was problematic and also why I was drawn to it (mostly the very unhinged representation of female desire) and like...it's really not the end of the world and no it never made me believe that breaking into somebody's room at night to watch them sleep was actually ok in real life lmao. This feels so obvious to me but apparently it needs to be said.

(More under the break this is turning into an essay, I've been thinking of this a lot recently)

And of course it's good to have these discussions about how historically romance tropes have echoed social dynamics of men's shitty behavior being romanticized and excused. But these days they often are so simplistic and focused on chasing clout that they become this weird new puritanism and moral panic about oh now women are reading novels it's going to make them hysterical or something

So you have these weird assumptions that you can't like a character and also be critical of their actions, or enjoy certain parts of a character and not others, or wish they were written differently and like them more for their potential (which I'm sure stings a bit for an author lol) - it assumes that if you like a character it means you would approve of their actions in real life, or that people just stupidly reproduce whatever they see on TV. That tendency to treat fictional characters like real people is the thing that actually worries me, to be honest, because it indicates a lack of distance and critical capacities regarding how stories are used and received. But people - fans and authors - are so scared of being called out as problematic and harassed for it that they're going to shy away from any nuance.

And yeah I think that it's good that standards of what constitutes an ideal relationship are evolving and becoming more feminist and communicative and all that and we definitely need more of that. But not all fiction has to be aspirational! Sometimes you just want to read about fucked up shit, because it's cathartic or fascinating, even healing at times because with fiction you are absolutely in control and can choose when to close the book. Toxic relationships in fiction can have an appeal specifically because they go to extremes of feeling that we don't want to go to in reality, in exactly the same way as horror movies or very violent action movies - which I don't see a lot of people besides fundamentalist Christians argue that they turn you into violent psychopaths (and that feels very obviously sexist). And for women, who are often taught growing up that love is the purpose of life, the "saving someone with your ability to love" can be a power fantasy in the same way that being a buff superhero who saves the day with their capacity for incredible violence can be a power fantasy for men. Still doesn't mean those women are going to fall in love with actual murderers or that those men are going to start beating up people at night. And love is scary, and weird, and weirdly close to horror at times, with all the potential for loss of self and being vulnerable and overwhelming feelings and potential for being horribly hurt and it should be possible for stories to explore that without anybody screaming about how this is going to Corrupt the Youth or something

And I mean I get it LB wanted to write a cautionary tale for teenagers, but it just did not work for reasons a lot of people have already written about - the fact that the Darkling is the leader of an oppressed minority and is the only one with a real political agenda to end that oppression in the first trilogy, the fact that he helps Alina come into her own power while her endgame LI is someone she keeps herself small for, that she's shamed for wanting power after growing up without any, a generally very wonky conception of privilege, and a lot of other stuff with yucky regressive implications to the point where stanning the villain actually feels liberating and empowering which is a surefire sign that the narrative is broken (unless it's a villain focused story lmao). But of course that Fanside article makes almost no mention of the political dynamics, it's all about interpersonal stuff which is an annoying trend in YA, there are those massive events happening in the background but it's made all about the feelings of the hero(ine) ; war as a self-development quest (which is kind of gross). Helnik is kind of an example of this too - I like them, I think they're fun ! But Matthias spends a big part of the story wanting to brutally murder Nina and her kind, and he mostly changes his mind because he finds her hot. Like you don't feel there is some sort of big revelation that his entire moral system and political framework is completely rotten ; it's all better because of feelings now.

As a teenager that kind of sanctimonious bullshit would have annoyed the hell out of me ; I read those books in my early twenties and I found the ending so stupid I wouldn't have trusted any message or life lessons coming from them. And I liked reading/watching dark stuff as a teenager, as a way to deal with the very intense inner turmoil I was dealing with - and I turned out fine ! Meanwhile I've seen several times women in very shitty relationships being obsessed with positive energies and stories ; they were so terrified of their life not being perfectly wholesome they ended up being delusional about their own situations.

Like personally I think the Darkling is a compelling, interesting, alluring character and also a manipulative, murderous piece of shit and that Alina should get to punish him (like in a sexy way) - but he's also the end result of centuries of war, oppression and trauma and reducing that to "toxic wounded boy" feels kind of offensive ngl ESPECIALLY since the books don't offer any kind of systemic analysis or response to oppression beyond "the bad guy should die" and "now the king/queen is a good guy our problems are solved!!!!"

In Lives of the Saints, we see how Yuri is abused extremely badly and almost killed by his father, and so when his father dies when the Fold swallows Novokribirsk, he thinks the Starless Saint has saved him. Later in KoS/RoW he's turned into this fanatic who explains away all the Darkling's crimes. The other followers talk about how the Starless Saint will bring equality for all men. Then the Darkling comes back and actually thinks his followers are pathetic, which feels again like a very pointed message to his IRL stans. Which is absolutely hilarious to me. Like oh no, if he was real he would not like you and think you're pathetic ! Yeah ...but he's not. Real. Damn right he would not like the fics where Alina puts him on a leash. I'm still going to read them. What is he going to do about it, jump out of the page ? Jfjfjjdhfgfjfj

Anyway I think the intended message is "assholes will use noble political causes for their own gain and to manipulate people" and "being abused/oppressed is not an excuse to behave badly." Which. Sure. But that's kind of like...a tired take, honestly ? A big number of villains nowadays are like this ; either they've been bullied as kids, or they're part of an oppressed group, or they have "good ideals but too extreme". This is not surprising because a lot of mainstream heroic narratives present clinging to the status quo as Good and change as chaotic and dangerous. And like sure in real life people often do bad shit because they're wounded and in danger. But if you want to do a story like that, you have to do it with nuance, talk about cycles of violence, about how society creates vulnerable people to be exploited, about how privilege gives you more choices and the luxury of morals, etc. The Grishaverse does not have this level of nuance (maybe in SoC a little bit but definitely not in TGT). So it kind of comes off as "trauma makes you evil" and "egalitarianism is dangerous" and "if you're abused/oppressed you're not allowed to fight back". And ignores the fact that historically, evil generally comes from unchecked privilege.

I guess my point is that there are many things I like about LB's writing, she knows how to create these really exciting character dynamics, and the world she has created is fascinating. But these stories are not a great starting point for imparting moral lessons. And her best characters tend to be, at least in canon, the morally grey ones. I hope one day she'll be at peace with the fact that she wrote the Darkling the way she did and leave his fans alone but in the meantime I'm just not going to take this whole thing seriously I'm sorry

[kpopscenario]

A day on the beach

Pairing: Vernon x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 1.8k

Summary: You finally managed to organize the much needed day trip to the beach with your boyfriend - and some other friends who would cause some mixed feelings in Vernon.

A/N: Mentions of jealousy

A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I looked out of the window and finally saw the beach. The weather was just right- not too cold, not too hot. Just perfect not to freeze in only a bikini but also not to sweat like a pig under the sun. I was sitting on the passenger’s seat, next to my boyfriend Vernon, who always wore a content little smile on his face while concentrating on the road. 

“If it takes us ten more minutes to arrive-”

“If you complain one more time, I’m gonna yeet you out of the car”, Chan groaned towards Soonyoung who was now pouting like the immature adult he was. Vernon just took a turn left and then already could drive onto the parking area. 

“Look outside, we’re already here, relax”, the male next to me said in his calm voice. 

Minutes later, we were ready to wander to the actual beach, with all our bags and umbrellas. It was actually hilarious how we kinda looked like we were going on a week trip with everything they insisted on taking with us. As we finally decided a spot that wasn’t in a crowded area, Chan took the towels out, I arranged the umbrellas, Vernon got himself something to drink and Soonyoung immediately got rid of his shirt. That man had been whining during the whole ride about how badly he missed the sea and being able to just lay down on the sand or play beach volleyball. It was cute how excited the pink-haired male was and it didn’t take him more than a minute to run into the waves, making us laugh. He clumsily tripped one meter inside the water- falling face first. Chan only shook his head, half ashamed for his friend, but then got undressed as well. 

“Are we going in too?”

Within a minute, both Vernon and I were ready to join our clumsy clown and so we all went into the quite cold water. While Chan was very passionate about swimming (just like Vernon and Soonyoung), I was quite respectfully approaching them. Not because of the temperature, but because I was paranoid what might swim around my feet without me knowing. Luckily, they knew that and they didn’t splash me with water to rush me. Vernon was patiently waiting for me, like the gentleman and good boyfriend that he was, even asked if I wanted to hold his hand, which I then gladly took to get deeper. Meanwhile the other two were already dipping their heads underwater or splashed each other. 

Although I wasn’t the biggest fan of being in the water, Vernon made sure to always be around if the other two were occupied with something else or too far away. A few minutes in, the three of them started playing with a soft ball while I preferred to watch them being all silly and excited. The sweet thing was Vernon keep checking how far I was away, or if I was comfortable - something I really appreciated him for. His supportive, caring and low-key soft personality made me feel safe in wherever we were and I loved him for that. After a while, I felt my body shivering and I bet my lips were turning purple. 

“I-I think I'm gonna lay down a bit”, I explained before seeing my boyfriend approve with a nod. So I left the water and headed to our place, wanting to feel the soft towel underneath me. As soon as I was out of the ocean, I felt myself relieved, the ocean just wasn’t my thing. But lying on the towel with a book and something to drink was so much better. Therefore I did exactly that, casually watching the three friends playing or making challenges who could swim the fastest. It was clear that we all needed this day off. They hadn’t had a free fully day off in a long while, therefore it was a hell to organize this day trip. But here we were and I couldn’t have been happier. 

I was on the verge of falling asleep with my open book covering my face, as someone was nudging my leg. 

“Whaaat”, I whined and peeked up - only to see Chan with a grin on his face, all wet and his grey hair being stuck to his forehead. 

“I was gonna get myself some ice cream, are you joining?”, before I answered, my eyes gazed towards my boyfriend. “They keep coming up with new challenges.” 

Amused by them, I giggled and then got up and got my purse. The ice cream stand wasn’t too far away so I didn’t mind getting a shirt over the bikini, why should I? 

“One chocolate and one strawberry please”, I ordered, already knowing that Chan would want nothing else but strawberry ice cream, it was always the same. “I still have no idea how you can actually enjoy strawberries.”

“Uh excuse me when that’s the best flavor?”, he scoffed and contently started eating (deliberately using mmmmmmmhs a million times, which made me nudge him). “Not at you coming for me when you’re ordering the most boring flavor. Chocolate- how creative.”

“Aye! I'm gonna give you a brown nose if you don’t stop disrespecting my amazing taste.” 

Back on our towels, we sat next to each other and both enjoyed our ice cream. Eventually, my eyes met with Vernon’s and he waved back with a wide smile that made me giggle. Chan leaned back and supported his weight on his elbows. 

“From afar, Vernon looks like a stick figure dancing in the water.”

That comment from Chan made me burst out into laughter.

“WHERE did that come from?”, still giggling, we now both observed my boyfriend who definitely looked more handsome than a fucking stick figure. But I kinda knew what Chan meant. Vernon wasn’t the one with the broadest shoulders, not that buff, event that didn’t mean he was exactly skinny. he was perfectly fit. I hit Chan’s chest nevertheless and whined. “Vernon DOESN’T look like that, mister. Just because he’s not as buff as Seungcheol? You’re not that buff either, lil boy.”

That caused Chan to sit straight. 

“DON’T call me that, you dwarf. And I am buff! At least more buff than half a year ago, look!”, he then sucked in some air to appear in a more adequate position, flexing not only his broad upper body but also his arms, which indeed have gained muscle weight overtime. 

“Well, okay maybe a tiny little bit. But look”, I started poking the faded outlines of abs. “still squishy here.” 

Little did I know that Vernon’s expression dropped when he looked over - only to see me touching Chan’s body. 

He just wanted to check what I was doing or if I got bored with him still being in the water. But apparently I had very good company. 

When Vernon’s jealous, he doesn’t seem like it from the outside. He wouldn’t look too different than when he’d just woken up or when he’s bored. Just staring but being rather silent. However, he stopped playing with Soonyoung for quite a moment, his eyes fixed on me and how I giggled to things Chan were saying. What was that funny? He was very well aware that Chan had been my closest friend and that since a long time. But something in Vernon’s head told him that we were being more than just friendly right then. 

“Everything okay?”, Soonyoung asked, impatient with his friend not passing the ball back but Vernon then shook the feeling off as well as possible to continue playing. He was very rarely jealous and even if he was, he mostly was mature enough to know what I was doing, or if I was doing it deliberately or accidentally. He didn’t like being jealous. You were in a strong relationship and he was proud to be my number one safe place, although Chan surely counted as one too. One side of him tried to shake it off and let me have fun with my friend, just like Vernon did with Soonyoung. But the curiosity and slightly anxious feeling of jealousy tingled in his fingertips and he kept sighing when looking over, still seeing us talking passionately, pushing each other or even laying down together. 

‘What am I even jealous of’, he mumbled to himself over and over. Literally to the point where he just couldn’t keep looking over. 

“Hey sorry, I need a break”, he mumbled and gave Soonyoung a pressed smile before leaving the water. He couldn’t take his eyes off us not even seeing him approaching until he was literally standing infront of my towel. Like that, he was blocking the sun for me, which made me whine. 

“Step away, love”, I sat up. 

With that, Vernon nodded and lied exactly next to me, on the same big towel which now didn’t leave any more space. 

“Soonyoung called for you, Chan”, he said casually, rubbing his nose to not seem suspicious about lying. His friend surprisedly looked at him and then stood up.

“Alright then, see you later.”

Vernon waited until the distance was big enough to lie on his back and wrap an arm around my shoulder. This made me smile and roll towards him. He didn’t say anything for a while, not knowing if he should even mention being jealous. He literally felt unnecessarily dramatic with this feeling, especially cause it was rare for him. 

“What was that?” “Huh?”

“You touching Chan, giggling and having fun.”

It took me a moment to know what he even meant, and why he was pointing it out in the first place. 

“Is it bad that we were having fun?”, he sighed.

“Of course not, but...”

“Wait”, I interrupted him as I sat up and looked down at him. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous? Are you?”, now he definitely felt embarrassed about his feeling. Him hiding his face behind his hands proved the whole point, making me giggle. “Babbbyyyyyyy, no reason to get jealous of!”

“I know, I know. Ugh sorry, it’s stupid”, he groaned as he felt my weight now half on top of him as I made sure to cuddle him. Giving reassurance would be enough to calm himself down again. It always helped to kiss his shoulder and explaining the context. 

“We .... uh.... he said that you looked like a stick figure in the water. So I defended you by calling him a lil boy and then, you know, he had to flex.” 

That explanation already was enough to make Vernon start laughing, he could imagine the scene way too well. We were now just laying there, giggling and making fun of the situation. And like that, Vernon felt lighter. 

“Thanks for not calling me a stick figure.” “I got you, baby! But it’s cute when you’re jealous.”

[yamaoni]

The Second Great War of Remnant has begun. Once more, Vale and Mantle are embroiled in a massive conflict, only this time, they are on the same side against Atlas.

I don't think it was a coincidence that so many people drew parallels with the last episode and WWI. We've never seen people fight that way in RWBY. Grimm don't use projectile weapons the way humans do, so the benefits of the trench are diminished; especially if you compare it to the drawbacks.

Now, I understand not everyone in the Atlas military has their aura unlocked and the squishy soldiers need some cover, but if The Long Memory didn't nuke every grimm on Atlas, the lines would have been overrun and then there would have been nowhere for them to retreat to.

You think the very real hand to hand struggles in the trenches of WWI were bad, imagine being trapped in a narrow trench with a bear. Or having this thing explode out of the ground under you.

I refuse to believe no-one in Atlas ever thought, "if we put the dirt from the trench in a box, no only can we give our soldiers cover, we can also give them an elevated position to fire from."

The top of a wall has been the primary defensive position for the people of Remnant for a long time. You can see them in the establishing shots of most settled places the team has visited. So why are we seeing a trench now?

Simple.

Show, don't tell.

RWBY has done a pretty great job, especially in the last few seasons, of showing the audience what it is trying to convey without explicitly telling them. They especially like drawing from well known folk lore to give insight into the future of the show.

Only difference here, instead of drawing the parallel between characters, they're drawing parallels between worlds.

Remnant's first Great War started with Mantle suppressing freedom of expression, the destruction of Art and Color. Ironwood always has little in the way of color, but in his first broadcast since everything started hitting the fan, he has none.

That broadcast also included evacuation ships being blown up by fighter-bombers, Dunkirk. It threatend to level a city if they didn't surrender, Battle of Brittan. All delivered by a dictator trying to scare his opponents into submission through careful use of film.

Theories

If the rest of the season is WWII, I have several theories on plot direction. Considering how well they did keeping up with both ends of the battlefield it wouldn't surprise me if they followed all of them at the same time.

Operation Dunkirk

Or, the evacuation of Mantle.

Players: Penny, Nora, Ren, Happy Huntresses

The Happy Huntresses involvement is a given. Not only has saving Mantle been their goal the whole time, they're also stuck in the middle of it right now.

Penny is the Protector of Mantle. It would be a shining moment for her character to fully throw off the virus Watts implanted and overcome Ironwood's threats to do so. Just crossing my fingers that it doesn't end like the Iron Giant.

Nora is currently Penny's tether to sanity, so she has to go with, and I doubt they would separate Ren from her for the next arc so he's going too.

Surprise twist for this plot I'm betting will be the Starwars "they aren't warships, just people" scene everyone loves to rag on. After all, the broadcast went out that they needed help and, at least at Dunkirk, it was fishing boats and pleasure crafts that retrieved the 338,000 surrounded on all sides.

Why We Fight

Or, countering Ironwoods propaganda.

Players: Robyn and Qrow

For one, these two are unaccounted for and in the heart of Atlas' military machine. If anyone has means to do so, it's them.

The film, Why We Fight, also countered the dramatic cinematography of Goebbels propaganda by painting it as ridiculous and making a folksy call to action much like Robyn has done in the past.

Operation Fortitude

Or, the deception of Ironwood.

Players: Emerald, Jaune, Oscar

This is the mission to make Ironwood think the team is going after the relic. This theory is why I actually thought of and wrote out this whole thing. Thanks @maxiemumdamage, I had things I was supposed to do tonight.

https://maxiemumdamage.tumblr.com/post/644291955872890880/willing-to-bet-my-own-soul-that-emerald-uses-her

Only difference in my theory and their's, is Jaune is going to be playing the part of Penny.

I say this for two reasons. One, Joan of Arc pretended to be a man. While we've gotten both Jaune pretending to be something he's not and him in a dress, this would pose the first time in the story he could do both. Two, it would put him on a direct collision path with Cinder. It needs to happen at some point to bring his arc to a conclusion, but man I hope we're not about to watch him burn.

With Ozpin active again, Oscar has to go along to direct them to the vault. He's also one of two backing the idea of Emerald joining the team and Jaune wouldn't be willing to work with her without him.

Operation Overlord

Or, busting down the doors of Atlas Acadamy.

Players: Ruby, Blake, Weiss, Yang

Where Operation Fortitude was the faint, Operation Overlord was the real deal. For those that aren't history buffs, this is D-Day.

I think this is the reason we've only seen the main team fighting together once since their split from Beacon. And even then, that fight was at most pairs of fighters and not all four of them supporting one another.

RWBY tricked us into thinking season 4 was the post-timeskip level up we come to expect from anime when really we ended up watching the training flashbacks as they happened instead.

We've seen hints of it with the various team ups and combinations, but are we really ready for how much ass kicking they are about to do?

I'm hoping for a One Piece level of badass entrance that can give me shivers whenever I go to watch it again like the walk to Arlong Park still does to this day.

(Aside: if you try telling me RWBY isn't anime, I'm just going to ignore you. Anime is an art movement. If you don't understand what that means, watch this video. https://youtu.be/uFtfDK39ZhI)

Now last and certainly not least

Operation Valkyrie

Or, the death of Ironwood.

Players: Winter and Marrow

The long awaited defection. Plenty of speculation has already floated around about if and when these two where going to cave to their morals and jump ship. I don't know how many of us were expecting the straw to break the camel's back to be a nuke held over Mantle, but I certainly wasn't.

What worries me, is Operation Valkyrie failed and all its conspirators were executed. As if there weren't enough death flags for Winter before.

Even if it's not Winter that kills him. I don't see Ironwood surviving this season. Even if it means he goes out like another hated dictator. It's not like it would be the first time RT had a fallen hero chose to use his own sword.

Wildcards

Or, Murphy will have his due.

Players: Cinder, Watts, Neo, Tyrian, Mercury, Clover

These players can go any which way. Three we know for sure are going to be active in the coming episodes and I wouldn't be surprised if the other three play a part as well.

Oscar made a hell of a light show for Tyrian and Mercury to see behind them. Not to mention, Salem will still need a ride home when she pulls herself back together.

Clover keeps getting mentioned even though he's hospitalized. If he was truly out of commission for the rest of the season, they would have made us think he's dead before bringing him back like they did with Penny.

Up to now, what we've seen is a three way conflict. But one of the hallmarks of Remnant's First Great War, was making temporary alliances to fight off grimm.

The grimm might be gone, but the wild cards can't complete their own objectives if they are dead. The question is who's goals better align with their own.

Two surprise twists I can see here. One, Mercury stabbing Tyrian on his way to defection. He was raised by an assassin and has not going to get a better chance than that. Two, Clover joining Operation Valkyrie. He might have accepted that sacrifice is a necessary evil to ensure Atlas' survival, but might go Schindler's List on us and find horror in what Ironwood plans to do.

TLDR

I spent way too long writing this out. All the WWI imagery means we're getting a WWII movie with RWBY characters. Major death flags for Penny, Jaune, and Winter.

Also I finally figured out how to do a readmore. Apparently it's just been a long time since I updated.

Note: kept seeing things talking about clovers death and I kind of went ???? Isn't he barely alive in medical? Went back and watched that scene and though I am 90% sure he is dead still kind of weird that they have him in his own room instead of a morgue and the initial framing made my mind instantly think he was propped up on a hospital bed. I mean, I guess we needed to have all the ACEOPs there for their reaction to Ironwood... but it definitely made me think he was alive. That and they have a bandage on his chest wound... when he's supposedly dead. Also have a phantom memory of Harriet saying something about him being in critical but I think that's my memory playing tricks on me.

Having his face exposed instead of covered by the sheet and seeing him in the same frame as Winter being treated also didn't help my gut reaction of "Oh Shit! He's alive? How?!" If I'd followed up more on the "how" might not have made the blunder of writing his return as the final twist in my theory. Oops

[etherealluminescence]

Shdjdjjddjjs okay but, more buff cat hcs when ?? But seriously, i know it probably counts as crack hc but i enjoyed it way to much i cant get it out of my head anymore, i havent laught so much in a while now sjdjchdj. I sure hope the buff cat saga will continue !!

You know what? I’ll give you some buff cat content now. 😤 my school work can wait. And trust me, the buff cat saga WILL continue. I just tend to work on requests first rather than my own wants haha.

I’m really happy you like buff cat! Buff cat is my life now. Constantly haunted by buff cat. Maybe one day I’ll introduce a girlfriend or friends for buff cat too 🤔

Maybe I’ll do a background about buff cat and how they met MC?? And why buff cat is so attached to MC? I don’t know. 👉👈 maybe if someone requests, otherwise I’ll just do whatever I feel like in the moment.

Anyone can also feel free to request any buff cat scenarios!! If not I’ll think of some up. THIS IS SO LONG IM SORRY. I WROTE THIS LIKE 1 HOUR OR SOMETHING STRAIGHT AHA.

The boys react to buff cat teaching you

Lucifer

Lucifer had noticed your grades were improving recently, and wanted to take you out to eat for working so hard to both keep up with your class.

When he came to your room, he saw a scene that honestly shouldn’t of surprised him, but did anyways.

You were sitting at your desk, books sprawled across the entire surface area of it. On top of a book pile was buff cat, wearing a pair of glasses, and he was using a pointer to show you important parts you should remember.

He watched in awe as you two never exchanged any words, but you were scribbling down definitions and important notes, while buff cat turned the pages and reviewed your work.

He’s gotten fairly use to buff cat cooking, cleaning, intimidating others, but he has never seen buff cat act like a teacher before, it was sort of new, and he even had a teacher outfit.

He swears that he never sees you buying these outfits, or that people in the devildom actually sell muscular cat clothing.

Buff Cat is the first to break the silence, looking over at Lucifer and positioning his pointer at Lucifer’s head, and then to in front of your desk.

You were still focused on your studying, knowing that you were steadily improving. Buff Cat got out a notepad from one of your desk drawers, and wrote “Leave what you require on this note, I am instructing MC right now, and when we are done tutoring I will give this note to them.”

Lucifer ended up having to take a rain check on taking you out to eat, and learned that your cat has really advanced vocabulary.

Mammon

He was failing the majority of his classes, and ended up asking you for help. You were his best shot, and you seemed to be passing all of your classes with flying colours.

You said you were happy to help him! Except that someone else was actually helping you study. They were a very efficient teacher.

He was relieved to hear that you’d introduce your teacher to him, until he found out it was that fucking demon spawn from hell.

He screeched so hard and ran out of the room, crying like a girl. “aAAAAaaaaAAAH”

Mammon is terrified of buff cat, and now you’re telling him this cat has the intelligence of a genius? You came to the devildom like a few months ago how is this cat tutoring you and making you pass your classes with ease??

He swears your cat is trying to plot for world domination or something. Will NEVER ask you to study with him again.

Leviathan

You walked into Levi’s room trying to find buff cat. It was a Sunday, which was typically a boys night out between them, but it was getting pretty late and you need to study.

There was a test tomorrow on devildom history, and you wanted to review one more time with buff cat, as to make sure you’ll do well on it.

“Mr. Kitty, are you here?” You called out, as soon as you said that Buff Cat paused the game and ran up to you. Levi was slightly annoyed as Buff Cat was beating a hard level for him, but he is your cat above all else.

You smiled as Buff Cat greeted you, and apologised for interrupting them. You explained to Levi how you wanted to review for the test, and if it wasn’t an issue could he spare around 20 minutes?

Levi huffed and agreed and called you a normie, and was about to pick up his switch when your words finally set in.

You put down the book you were carrying and got out a pencil, and took a piece of paper out of the book. You began writing down all of the important stuff on the paper while Buff Cat watched over your shoulder.

When you were finished, he went into the book with you and showed you a couple things you’ve missed or had forgotten, and then got you to write it down three times each as to remember. He even wrote a few essay questions for you which you got.

Levi was impressed. Not only did Buff Cat seem to know the whole devildom history by heart, he knew the exact pages and lines, and even how to write.

He didn’t really care as long as Buff Cat beats the hard level for him. He just considers it to be cool.

Satan

Satan was impressed with your high grades. It must be hard for a human to suddenly learn about a whole new realm, right? So if you had Cs he would understand, but you were getting 97s and 94s.

He understood everything when he started to notice what kind of books Buff Cat had been reading in his room, recently.

You all were having a test on curses soon, and Buff Cat came by his room and began looking for books about curses, and similar ones to what you all had been learning about.

Satan ended up chuckling to himself and found it amusing. It was amazing how your cat even spent his free time coming to someone’s room, finding books for your tests, and reads them before going back to you to help you understand the content.

He likes to get coffee with Buff Cat and talk about the stuff you’re learning in classes, he never directly said it to you, but he helps Buff Cat find specific books when Buff Cat comes over.

Asmodeous

Lucifer decided to punish the house of lamentations by taking away all of their electronics after they did something stupid again. The only way to earn it back, was through getting an 80% or higher on their next test.

You and Asmo suffered because you would normally look up answer during your test, and Asmo had no social media or contact with any of his friends with benefits.

You two weren’t ashamed to beg Buff Cat for help to pass your next test. He was probably the smartest in the house. He goes to Satan’s room almost every day and purchased books when he goes out. Your cat even tutored you when you were in elementary school.

You and Asmo barely needed to convince Buff Cat, as he was ecstatic to help you again. He’d do anything to help you, and was even willing to help Asmo out as well.

Asmo thought that Buff Cat looked REALLY adorable in his teacher’s outfit. A suit, tie, glasses, and his claws were so shiny from their manicure earlier.

Buff cat even slicked his fur back to look like he gel’d his hair. He was a literal fashion icon. Asmo could do some sewing, but nothing to the degree Buff Cat did.

Buff Cat had so many outfits he made himself, and he even did them so quickly. They all turned out perfect. Oh right, this was about studying wasn’t it?

Asmo never really asked questions about why your cat could just be so smart, and more so focused on how cool your cat looked. Priorities.

Beelzebub

Beel and Buff Cat are gym buddies, so naturally they’d walk home together from the gym. Everything was fine until Buff Cat’s MC senses were tingling, and began to walk towards you, crouching down in a store trying to figure out which notebooks to buy.

Beel thought it was pretty cool Buff Cat knew where you were, like how he and Belphie were that close to each other.

Brel asked you what you were doing, and you explained that you wanted to get some new notebooks because your old one is messy and confusing. You just scribbled whatever you could down, and were having a bit of a hard time in class.

Buff Cat immediately perked up, and you two seemed to have a conversation. He meowed and you happily said “I’d love that!”

Apparently, Buff Cat had offered to tutor you. Beel wasn’t so sure how well your cat could teach, though, considering he still is a cat, and offered to help you as well, since he wouldn’t like to see you sad from overworking yourself.

He was scribbling notes alongside with you five minutes into your first session together. Buff Cat wrote such simple explanations, and even prepared notecards ahead of time, Beel forgot he was supposed to teach you.

He is pretty fine with Buff Cat teaching you both, and once again forgets that Buff Cat is a “normal”? cat and not some weird creature that knows the answer to life.

Belphegor

Is really fucking terrified of your buff cat. Like TERRIFIED. So when he sees your cat in a teacher’s outfit sitting at the dinning room table, teaching you math, he was frozen.

He came down to get a glass of milk but what is this. Do you- do you have to do it in the living room?

There is no other reaction than physical fear coursing through his body his adrenaline is at the highest and his fight or flight instincts kick in.

He’s already fought once and that caused Buff Cat to exist in constant Buff form around him, so you can bet he is running.

Probably has a group chat with Mammon and Luke. “Buff Cat Conspiracy”. They talk about how scary buff cat is.

Diavolo

Buff Cat told Diavolo he was the one who helped you study. They were having conversation (buff cat used a notebook) and the topic of your studies came up. He mentioned how he had been helping you study, and understand the terminology in the Devildom better.

He was happy to hear that you understood it, and that it wasn’t too complicated for either of you too.

He actually asks if he can watch your study sessions, to see if he needs to lighten your workload just in case you’re pushing yourself too much.

You two allow him to watch, and he’s giving soft claps and smiles as the two of you give it your best.

Is honestly very happy with how much you two get along, and how you say it’s very simple since Buff Cat explains(meows) it in a very efficient manner.

He already knew Buff Cat was smart, but haha. Maybe he should hire Buff Cat to be a teacher or support class teacher for RAD?

Barbatos

You had grown accustomed to the devildom these past few months, and with Buff Cat with you, you were allowed to freely explore it when you want.

Buff Cat also happens to have a spare key to open the castle when he wishes.

Exam/testing season was coming up, and you knew you couldn’t study at the house of lamentation.

It was very distracting, and so you decided to go to the castle. No one will be screaming there, or trying to convince you your cat is a weird entity trying to plot world domination.

Barbatos was sort of used to seeing Buff Cat come and go as he pleases, but why were you here? Before he could say anything, you told him that you were visiting to study! And that you hope he didn’t mind that Buff Cat was going to tutor you.

Alright, so you’re studying, but why at the castle? You had to explain that it was very distracting at the house of lamentations, and Mammon was trying to convince you to get rid of your cat 24/7.

Ah, he could see that. Your cat isn’t exactly normal, and Mammon does occasionally scream like a girl. I promise I love Mammon. But it’s not like he minded, so long as you two were quiet and actually studied.

He left to clean for a bit, and when he returned to the guest room he saw you wearing a headband, violently writing down and muttering definitions at an insane pace. Buff Cat was in a teacher’s outfit, and holding out flash cards.

He’s slightly taken aback, but doesn’t show it anywhere on his face. He has never seen you so serious before, and neither has he seen Buff Cat so focused on you, as well.

He’s quite proud of you two for your hard work and dedication. He doesn’t interrupt but instead pours you three cups of tea, Buff Cat thanks him, and watches over you two.

Solomon

Solomon invited you over for a study session. He may be a little shady, but he does care for you, as a fellow human.

He was ecstatic to see Buff Cat come with you, because he still wants to dissect your cat.

He was about to talk to you about letting him research you cat, but you made yourself comfortable on his bed, and Buff Cat began to put on glasses and take out a pointer.

He didn’t have anytime to talk beforehand, as you were highlighting certain areas of your book, your cat pointing to certain parts, and you patted the bed beside you for Solomon to join.

Solomon’s plans to dissect your cat are set back another day, but he takes great interest in the way he teaches. Your cat is very methodical about how to remember things, and explains(meows) it rather simply.

He swears that your cat is not a normal human cat, but why can he sense literally zero magic power from it? If only Buff Cat could teach him that.

Solomon also gets 100% on the next test by remembering everything the way Buff Cat had taught you two.

Simeon

Absolutely chaotic man, when he sees you and Buff Cat in a classroom when school was over, he approached you two, and said hello.

You greeted him, and so did Buff Cat. He asked what you were doing after school so late, and that it was dangerous for the two of you. Buff Cat not so much but could still be in danger.

You told him you were studying for the upcoming test, and that Buff Cat was helping you.

Simeon was like!!! 💖👉👈💖💖💖💖🥰🥰🥺🥺 could I join?? This sounds so fun!! Buff Cat is so smart!!

He does not question the fact he’s studying with a cat, learning from a cat, or just how nice your cat can write on paper, like perfect handwriting.

He has such chaotic energy that he’s just like you, what a cute cat!

Luke

no.

just no.

he’s fine with your cat but does your cat have to be in buff form when you’re being taught?

he is happy you are getting good grades but please get him away from buff form buff cat.

[stiles-halee]

Kinkmas Day 4: Dirty Talk

Derek had always been sort of quiet. Everyone knew that. Sure, he made the occasional snarky comment or frustrated huff of annoyance, but apart from that, the man was of few words.

Well, most of the time.

Stiles had tried to get Derek to talk many ways. He'd bring up books, coffee shops, pack business, sports, hell, even the weather, but the man either blatantly ignored Stiles, or only made a blunt comment. Usually to ask why Stiles was talking to him.

Even so, Stiles was determined to get Derek to crack. He tried different approaches of course. Playful banter, heartfelt conversations (big bust by the way), and even texting, which caused more issues than it should have. Derek didn't even know what emojis were for Christ sake.

Things had sort of been calm in Beacon Hills for a while, and it was Christmas break, Stiles' junior year in college. He got a job in the local library and still played video games with Scott, but most of the time he had nothing to do and was bored. That's how he made it his personal mission to make Derek talk.

It had started out "Mission Make Derek Hale His Friend," which then transitioned into "Mission Make Derek Hale Friendly," and then fizzled out to "Mission Make Derek Hale speak."

Stiles realized that he probably wasn't Derek's first choice of friend, or even someone to talk to, but Stiles had tried to use that to his advantage. Maybe if he annoyed Derek enough, he would crack, even if it was opening his mouth to just go on a rant about how annoying and loud and obnoxious Stiles was. It would still be progress. So that was the path Stiles was on now, annoy Derek enough to where he somehow cracked.

Of course, annoying Derek to the point of speaking also had several sub-categories. Continuous rambling, continuous questions, etc. Maybe he could poke fun at Derek a bit, make a joke about protein powder or something. It couldn't be that hard to get under the guy's skin.

Of course, he had been on this mission for a while, but he just knew, hoping out of his jeep and staring up at the loft, today was going to be the day. He and Derek were going to get close.

Shutting the Jeep door, Stiles jogged up to the loft, blowing clouds as he breathed. It was just about a week until Christmas and Stiles had made it his goal during finals to get Derek to crack by the end of the year. Sure it wasn't what he was supposed to be focused on finals week, but it gave him something to look forward to. It was a short goal, really, and on his way up, he considered rescheduling his end date.

Shaking his head, he raised his hand to knock of the loft door, but then put his hand down with a smirk. Today was about annoying Derek, which meant no knocking.

"What the hell are you doing?" Derek growled out, opening the door. This was going to be easier than Stiles thought.

"Damn, those wolfy senses really are something aren't they? And here I thought I was quiet." Apparently no knocking was needed, Derek knew Stiles was there.

Derek glared and Stiles pushed his way inside, he wasn't one on invitations. And again, the whole annoy Derek thing.

"How are you, on this lovely evening, Mr. Hale?" Stiles looked around the loft, hands on his hips, but got no response. He spun around, eyebrows raised, but Derek only glared back, arms crossed. He at least had shut the loft door, rightfully anticipating a stay.

"What, not speaking to me today?" Stiles pouted, taking a step closer and pretending to be offended, though he knew this was how it went.

"Well that's okay, I can do enough talking for the both of us." Stiles cocked his head, smiling.

Derek huffed and rolled his eyes, taking a step towards Stiles to get to the couch. "Trust me, I know."

"What, you going to find a way to shut me up?" Stiles sort of froze once he said it. He hadn't meant for it to come out the way it did, but it wasn't like he could take it back.

Derek also paused, looking at Stiles, closer than Stiles had expected. He hadn't made it to the couch, after all.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Derek asked, voice low and calm.

"Uh- well- I was just, well, you know, I-"

Derek raised a brow, crossing those stupid buff arms again.

"Doesn't look like you are going to." Stiles matched Derek, crossing his arm and sticking his nose up in the air. It was a stupid reply.

"Going to?" Derek asked, turning his head slightly.

"Shut me up." Stiles said, as though it was obvious.

"Oh, I could shut you up." Derek's lips twitched and Stiles wasn't sure whether he should be terrified or turned on. He was a little bit of both and he hoped Derek couldn't smell it.

"Should I be afraid?" Stiles asked.

"Guess that depends." Derek seemed closer, though Stiles hadn't noticed him move at all.

"On what?" Stiles asked.

"Are you going to keep talking?" Derek asked.

"Is it going to piss you off?" Stiles asked.

"Definitely."

"Then probably." Stiles nodded, placing his hands on his hips.

"Do you make it your personal mission to make me angry?" Derek asked, face going stern.

"Actually, that's kind of a funny story, see, because-"

Stiles was shoved against the wall, back pressed against it. He held his breath is surprise, blinking in shock. Derek's face was only a few inches from his. Maybe this was a terrible idea, he should probably get a new hobby.

Derek leaned in closer.

He should definitely get a new hobby.

"Okay, woah, hold on there buddy. Look, no reason to maim and kill here, I have so much longer to live. Okay so yeah, maybe I was trying to piss you off, but it's only because I was-"

Derek slid a hand up under Stiles' t-shirt, pushing it up slightly and exposing the skin. Derek's hand was incredibly warm and firm, and Stiles tried not to lean into it.

He held his breath once more and just stared with his doe eyes back at Derek. That was totally, 100% not what he expected. Like ever.

"So I was right." Derek cocked his head to the side.

"Right?" Stiles asked, voice quiet and completely thrown off by the hand pressing against his side.

"That I knew how to shut you up." Derek smirked smugly. Jerk.

"Oh yeah?" Stiles asked, voice wavering. "Well, I bet I know how to get you to talk." Another stupid reply

"Oh really?" Derek asked, looking down at Stiles' lips only briefly. So fast, Stiles wasn't sure that he didn't imagine it.

Stiles licked his lips. He should stop here. To be honest, this is the most Derek had spoken in the entire month of December. Not to mention the fact that Derek was in the perfect position to kill Stiles, right hand on his stomach and left next to his head, knee in between Stiles' legs, keeping him pinned. He had no way out.

But Stiles was Stiles, and Stiles didn't give up.

"Yeah." Stiles nodded quickly.

"Does it still involve you shutting up?" Derek asked. Stiles looked to the side, considering.

"Well I guess it kind of depends."

"On what?" Derek asked. He was closer. He had to be. Stiles could smell him for Christ sake. All the musky goodness that was Derek Hale.

"On what you do next." Stiles swallowed nervously, but Derek only smirked. It was the most teeth the man had ever shown, apart from when he was ripping someone's throat out.

Derek kept eye contact as he trailed his hand down towards Stiles' belt, undoing it slowly.

"Well, I guess I wasn't entirely telling the truth," Derek began, unbuttoning Stiles' pants and dragging the zipper down slowly. "Because though I do know how to shut you up, I want to hear you."

He snaked a hand into Stiles' pants, cupping his half hard member. Stiles sighed, closing his eyes only for a moment. Derek hadn't even gotten past Stiles underwear and yet he was ready to melt.

"Wha-what does that mean?" Stiles asked. That's what he knew how to do best in stressful situations, talk.

"I want to hear you, Stiles. Want to hear you moan, hear you beg, hear you cry out my name." Derek purred, trailing the fingers that were once by his head down his neck, leaving goosebumps. Stiles wanted those fingers to be Derek's lips. Wanted to feel the burn of his stubble.

"I want to hear you moan around me, want to see you spread out on the bed, begging for my cock." Derek cooed, tracing Stiles' jawline, as he continued to palm at the younger man.

"Oh my God." Stiles breathed out, pressing his hips forward, wanting more contact from the man.

"Is that what you want Stiles?" Derek asked, cupping Stiles' neck.

Stiles nodded frantically, so hard he could barely stand it.

"Tell me what you want, Stiles." Derek demanded.

"You, I want you, please God."

Derek hummed, slipping his hand into Stiles' boxers. Stiles let out a filthy moan, Derek's hands felt perfect around his dick, huge, warm, and calloused, like they were meant to be there.

"How about you start on your hands and knees, hm?" Derek suggested, removing his hand. Stiles frowned at the loss of contact, but quickly dropped down to the hard floor. Jesus, he had never wanted a man's cock in his mouth so bad before this moment.

"Pretty boy," Derek smirked down, unbuttoning his jeans and pulling down the zipper. He placed a hand on the back of Stiles' head, but just let it rest there, never pushing. Stiles' shaky hand wrapped around Derek's jeans, pulling them down to his thighs and revealing his fat cock.

"Oh my God." Stiles whispered. The man was huge and didn't wear underwear, something Stiles never knew could turn him on so much.

Wasting no more time, he licked a strip up Derek's cock, making the man hiss. Stiles looked up at him and felt encouraged, soon taking Derek into his mouth. He worked his jaw, bobbing up and down, mixing up the speed.

He pulled back for a breath, spitting on Derek's cock, making the man chuckle.

"Like a fucking pornstar. You like that, don't you? You like sucking my cock?"

Stiles nodded, breathing heavily. He went back in, wanting to swallow Derek whole, but he couldn't quite get there. Derek was huge, certainly the largest he had ever put in his mouth. Even with practically no gag reflex, Stiles was sure he wouldn't be able to touch his nose to Derek's naval by the end of tonight. That would take practice, which he was hoping to get plenty of.

Stiles sucked on Derek's tip, making the man groan and grip onto Stiles hair, pulling it, but never pushing him down.

"God, fucking perfect. Look at your lips around my cock, beautiful. You want that cock inside you?" Derek asked. Stiles nodded frantically, pulling off slowly.

"Come on." Derek helped pull him up, stiff from the position, and dragged him upstairs quickly to the bedroom.

Stiles had never actually seen Derek's bedroom, it was sort of plain, dark grey walls and black furniture, as well as a black bed. Something that did peak Stiles interest was the giant metal x across from Derek's bed.

Was that some sort of BDSM sex thing?

Stiles opened up his mouth to ask, but Derek cut him off, grabbing his hand and practically throwing him on the bed. Instantly, Derek was on top of him, looming.

He took a single claw and raked it down Stiles' shirt, cutting it open. He ripped the pieces off of Stiles' body and followed the claw with his tongue, making Stiles squirm.

"You want me to make you feel good?" Derek asked, looking up at Stiles, who frantically shook his head yes. He had never been so hard in his life, it was painful, pressing up against his boxers.

Derek licked Stiles' nipple, making him jump. That had never happened before.

Derek smirked again, sucking it into his mouth and making Stiles let out an absolutely filthy moan.

"Sensitive, aren't we?" Derek rolled the pink bud in between his fingers, making Stiles hiss. Jesus, that felt good.

"Before we really begin, I do have some rules, Stiles." The man leaned down to suck Stiles' other nipple into his mouth, Stiles' hips bucking in response, trying to get some friction.

"If you want to stop, just say so. But if you don't want to stop, I want to hear that to. Want to hear how good you feel, what you want." Derek nosed up to Stiles neck, sucking on a patch of skin there.

"I want you to come around my cock, you okay with that?" Derek asked. Stiles nodded again and Derek pulled back, ceasing all contact.

"I mean, yes, yes I do." Stiles corrected himself.

"Do what?" Derek quirked a brow.

Stiles swallowed. "I want to come with your cock inside of me."

"Good boy." Derek smiled, leaning back down and pulling Stiles' pants off. He yanked his own off quickly as he began licking his way down to Stiles' cock.

Without warning, he sucked it into his mouth, making Stiles cry out. The man had the lips and tongue of an angel, holy fuck. Somehow it was like he knew all of Stiles' sweet spots, knew everything he loved.

He continued suckling, pushing Stiles' right knee back. He placed a finger on Stiles' lips, who quickly sucked them into his mouth, fully coating them.

Once wet, Derek traced his finger around Stiles' hole while he simultaneously sucked him off, sending shivers down his spine.

"You going to be a good boy?" Derek asked.

"Yes, yes, I promise."

Derek hummed around Stiles' cock, almost making Stiles cum. Quickly, Derek pulled off, pushing his face lower towards Stiles hole. He licked a strip there, getting it more wet and making Stiles claw at Derek's back.

"Oh my God, Derek." Stiles moaned. Derek hummed again in approval. This was when Derek liked to hear Stiles talk. And this was when Derek liked to talk. Who would have thought.

It was Stiles' turn to grab at Derek's hair, pulling at it and moaning every chance he could breathe.

Derek snaked a finger into his hole, pressing gently, but Stiles embraced the burn. It felt so good already, he just wanted Derek's cock.

"Derek." Stiles mewled, grabbing at his hair.

"What do you want?" Derek asked. Stiles had heard this question many times coming from Derek's lips, but never like this. Never would he have expected this.

"Want you inside me, please."

Derek nodded, seeming pleased, and slipped in another finger.

"One more finger baby." He rubbed circles on Stiles' hips, soothing him.

Stiles tried to be patient, but he was so fucking hard and wanted Derek so bad.

"Please, please, Derek, need you." Stiles mustered up. Upon his request, Derek slid in another finger, this one more dry, but Stiles welcomed it.

"Yes, yes." Stiles chanted.

Derek chuckled above him, placing a quick peck on his jawline. "Told you I would make you beg."

Once Stiles was adequately stretched out, Derek pulled out his fingers and lined up his cock. Stiles looked down, almost coming at the site of Derek's fat cock at the edge of his hole.

"Jesus fuckin-" Stiles began as Derek pushed in his cock slowly. It was certainly bigger than Derek's three fingers but it felt so good.

"How do you feel?" Derek asked, pausing once he was bottomed out.

"Good. Full." Stiles couldn't muster up actual sentences at this point.

"You like my fat cock inside of your tight little hole?" Derek asked, grabbing Stiles hips and slowly rocking.

"Yes, yes, yes, oh my God, Derek." Stiles cried out as Derek pulled all the way out and slammed back in, quickening the pace.

"You like that, huh? Like your Alpha's fat cock?" Derek breathed out, absolutely pounding into him. Precum leaked out of Stiles' dick as he threw his head back. Derek nailed his prostate and Stiles grabbed Derek's hair, pulling it hard. With his other hand, he went to grab his own cock, but Derek grabbed his hand, placing it above his head.

"Ah, ah ah, Stiles. You promised to cum around my cock like a good boy, remember? I'm going to get you to cum untouched."

Stiles cried out Derek's name again. He felt like was going to fucking explode.

"Please, please, Derek-"

"Look at you, fucking perfect." Derek swiped his thumb against Stiles' swollen lip and he instantly sucked it in without a second thought.

"Fucking perfect." Derek repeated, returning both hands to Stiles' hips as he absolutely pounded the shit out of him.

Stiles' orgasm kept building and he felt like he was going to pass out. He grabbed at Derek, trying to yank him close, and the man obliged, leaning down and littering kisses on his neck, leaving bruises.

"Derek, I'm going to cum." Stiles moaned.

"You going to cum for me, going to cum for your Alpha?"

Stiles swallowed, raking his fingernails down Derek's back until he was sure the man had to be bleeding. Derek sent one final pounding thrust to Stiles' prostate and that was all it took.

"Oh my God, Derek-" Stiles threw his head back as his eyes rolled to the back of his head, streams of white cum flying up onto his own chest. Derek pulled out, busting his load onto Stiles' chest, mixing their spunk, but Stiles didn't even notice, as black spots clouded his vision. His body shook as Derek cupped his cheek.

"Still with me?" He asked, looking smug as Stiles' vision returned.

"Holy fucking. . . " Stiles trailed off, unable to finish his sentence. He still felt like he was going to pass out again. He looked down at their cum on his chest and his cock twitched again. Stiles let out a groan, still breathing hard. Best sex of his life.

Derek looked absolutely frazzled, hair a mess, thanks to Stiles, and eyes half lidded in pleasure. He too was panting pretty heavily and his body gleamed with a very thin layer of sweat.

"I told you I would make you feel good."

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27847538/chapters/68179390

[inkweaver22-blr]

HOLY. MOLY.

This has to be the Lóng-est chapter I’ve written so far! It took me almost two whole days to complete!

Please enjoy the fruits of my labor as we all see what Tang gets up to next!

AO3 Link

<Previous | First | Next>

Scattered Cicadas - Chapter Seven: Scaled Siblings

Tang wakes up in Mei's mansion.

----------

Tang woke from the usual dream signaling the start of a new cycle when his alarm went off. With a sigh he sat up and reflexively clapped his hands. He blinked a bit in surprise when the lights turned on in response. He quickly put on his glasses and looked around.

The room he was in was not one he recognized. It was much larger than he was accustomed too, being the same size as either of the apartments he usually lived in. The opulent decorations also screamed wealth and old money to Tang, something he certainly never had.

As he climbed out of the king sized bed, Tang began to suspect where he was. The amount of green accents and jade adornments everywhere made it fairly obvious.

He was in the Lóng family’s mansion.

Shivering a bit as he rubbed his bare arms, (apparently this version of himself slept shirtless), he quickly made his way over the huge mirror that was standing upright in between a fancy dresser and antique armoire. He needed to know what was going on.

Tang’s mouth hung open when he saw his reflection.

He was young.

He was buff.

Tang gaped at his own body for a few moments. Sure, the scholar had never technically been out of shape in most timelines, but dang he had never been this fit before either.

Blushing in embarrassment once he realized he had just been staring at himself for over a minute, Tang did his best to refocus.

(But damn did he look good.)

He was much younger than usual as well. If the scholar had to guess, he’d say he was only a few years older than MK and Mei now.

He really needed to find out what was happening.

Tang took a breath and began his remembering ritual.

“I am Lóng Tang. I am the current heir to the branch of the Lóng family descended from Huánglóng, the Yellow Dragon.”

What the hell?!

Tang rubbed his temples as he felt a headache coming on. He thought being Tripitaka had been confusing enough, but this was on an entirely different level of unexpected. He needed to keep going or he’d get stuck on this single fact for much too long.

“Every family descended from a dragon traditionally takes on the name Lóng. Even though we aren’t tied by blood, all the Lóng branches consider each other family and treat each other as distant relatives.”

Fascinating, but that didn’t really help ease his confusion much. Next detail.

“I’ve been living with my aunt, uncle, and cousin, who are descended from Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, for the last four years.”

Well that explained why he was in Mei’s mansion.

“I’ve done so at the request of my aunt and uncle, who are hoping that by setting a good example, Mei will learn from me, grow out of her childish pursuits, and become a proper heir.”

What. The. Hell.

Tang searched his memories thoroughly. There was no way Mei’s parents would have said such a horrible thing to him directly.

He came up with no concrete evidence of his aunt and uncle having ever implied that they found Mei lacking in any way. It seemed this version of himself had simply made that assumption himself.

Tang rolled his eyes. He certainly knew how dangerous making assumptions could be. He needed more information to get a better conclusion.

“Luckily for Mei, I find her to be fun and do my best to act as a buffer between her and her parents. She introduced me to her friend MK back in my first year living here, and he quickly befriended me once I began sharing stories about the Monkey King with him. We all like to hang out at MK’s adoptive father’s noodle shop whenever we all have some free time.”

Tang smiled in relief. At least some things never changed.

“Right now, I should be making my way to the mansion’s training room for my daily workout before heading to my job at the city library.”

Tang blinked as he finally checked the time. 5:17 AM. Eurgh. He should not be feeling this energetic this early.

With a resigned sigh, Tang pulled out a set of exercise clothes from the ridiculously nice dresser and got dressed.

He had always heard exercising was a good way to help clear your head when you had a lot to think about. At least, that’s what a lot of martial arts fiction implied. He hoped that it worked the same in practice.

----------

Tang had never felt so in control of his own body before. The way it seemed to flow from one movement to the next as he began some warm up sets was extremely satisfying.

Just as satisfying was the fact that he was trained in martial arts in this timeline. He never had a real desire to fight, but just knowing how to defend himself was a bit reassuring with what he knew would be coming in the future.

He let his mind wander a bit as he let his muscle memory lead him through his pre-workout routine.

This cycle had broken Tang’s previously held conventions on what he had come to expect within these timelines. He had originally categorized them into five types.

The ones where there were no changes to the original timeline.

The ones where there were only small, relatively insignificant changes.

The ones where new events outside of the ones in the original timeline occurred.

The ones where he was the immortal Tripitaka instead of just his reincarnation.

Finally, there were the ones that combined any number of changes from the previous three types.

Tang moved on to a second, more difficult set as he pondered on this shift in perspective. It was obvious this was a new, sixth type of cycle he simply hadn’t encountered before. This one had completely rewritten his and Mei’s background, making huge alterations to their past that would surely affect the coming future events.

Tang felt a shiver of fear creep down his spine but kept his form steady.

Now that his personal history was almost completely unrecognizable, what did that mean for the “No Interference” rule? It didn’t seem to apply whenever Tang himself didn’t know what the outcome of events could be. So with him having an altered life, did that mean the outcomes of the events he knew of would have been altered as well? Could he get more involved than before now as he never knew what those outcomes would have been? Perhaps he couldn’t directly affect the outcomes, but surely he wouldn’t be punished for offering a bit of backup and support now that he could provide it.

Right?

He smoothly moved onto his final warm up set as another complication occurred to him.

This wouldn’t be the only cycle that would drastically change his and his family’s past. Like the other variants, now that he had experienced one, more would begin to show up with increasing frequency as time went on.

What worried Tang was that they would also share the unpredictability of the others. The vast amount of probable changes were too numerous to even begin guessing what might happen until a cycle began and he could remind himself of his history within it.

He supposed that there was nothing he could do about that until those cycles actually happened, so there was no real point in fretting over it now. He let his worries go as he finished his warm up and took a deep breath.

Tang felt good.

Better than good, actually, he felt energized. Charged up, so to speak. It was exhilarating.

With a grin, Tang focused on the part of himself that was dragon in origin. The energy that swirled within him was powerful; a strange mix of wild strength and immovable sturdiness.

He let warm power fill him as he held out his hand. In a flash of golden-yellow light, the young scholar summoned his family’s own sacred weapon to him. Tang examined it in awe.

Dàdì Zhī Yá.

Fang of the Earth.

It was a masterful work of art.

The magical guandao had been a gift to his ancestors from Huánglóng himself and, just like Mei’s Dragon Blade, seemed to be made entirely out of jade.

It wasn’t the same green jade however. It was made up of three other types of the precious mineral.

The intricately designed blade was a bright yellow jade, matching the color of the scales of its creator. The shaft of the weapon was a rich brown jade, symbolizing the element of Earth Huánglóng was associated with. Finally, the connector for the shaft and blade and the counter-weighted capstone at the butt of the shaft were a deep black jade. It was said to represent the color of ink as Huánglóng had supposedly gifted the knowledge of writing to mankind.

The only part of the weapon that wasn’t made of jade was the royal purple silk tassel that hung from the connecting piece near the blade. It complimented the earthy colors of the rest of the guandao rather nicely.

Tang took the weapon in both hands and got into the proper stance to begin his drills.

He had earned the right to wield the Fang of the Earth roughly six years ago according to his memories and had practiced diligently with it ever since.

Being chosen to be worthy of possessing it had forged a sort of connection between him and the guandao. Normally, the weight alone should have made it impossible for him to lift it, but the connection allowed him to hold it with little difficulty. He had still struggled a bit with how heavy it was despite that, but the years of training had helped him gain the strength and muscle to wield it with incredible precision and control.

Simply being able to pick it up wasn’t the only benefit to being connected to his family’s sacred weapon. It seemed to bond with the dragon energy within him, allowing the scholar to summon it to his side at will. The only drawback was that his hands had to be completely free to do so.

He wondered if the Dragon Blade worked similarly for Mei back in his original timeline.

Tang swung the guandao around skillfully, thinking about his cousin in this cycle.

Lóng Xiǎojiāo. Mei.

The young woman was an endless fountain of optimism and positivity. She had a passion for life and its experiences. Riding her motorcycle was just one of the ways she connected to her innermost self and channeled her enthusiasm for existence.

She was fiercely loyal to her friends and family. She may not be formally trained in a fighting style, but if you hurt her precious people you’d face her wrath.

Mei was generally cheerful and outgoing in most aspects of her life. The single exception had been her relation with her family and their legacy.

Tang frowned as he continued his drills.

In the original timeline, Mei had constantly been under the pressure to behave properly. At least she had until the Dragon Blade had been stolen and she unlocked its power. By embracing being a part of her family despite their differences and by being herself, she had become a worthy successor to her clan’s lineage.

But that was still four months away according to the current date. This was certainly the earliest he’d even woken up before the original events.

His presence here wasn’t helping matters. While he and Mei had become good friends, he couldn’t help but feel that she thought she was constantly being compared to him by her parents.

Again, he had no strong proof about whether that was the case in this cycle. It was just a suspicion he had.

Tang hummed to himself, trying to think of some way to fix this problem while slashing downwards with the Fang of the Earth.

He couldn’t do anything overt that could change things so that she accepted her place in her family too early. He was sure that violated the “No Interference” rule despite the changed history.

Perhaps he could try subtly raising Mei’s self confidence? But how could he go about doing that?

Tang twirled the guandao around him before ending his first set.

As he looked down at his own family’s legacy and heritage, he couldn’t help but think that learning to use the weapon had made him more sure of himself over the years.

Tang blinked.

Huh.

Perhaps he could use that.

He started into his next set of drills, already brainstorming about what he would need to make his plan work.

----------

Tang was certain his earlier suspicions about Mei’s parents were, thankfully, completely wrong. The dinners they shared as a family proved to him that they loved their daughter completely. They just didn’t see eye-to-eye on some things.

He was also able to get their permission and help with the idea he had. That showed how much they actually cared considering the things he had asked for weren’t something people only obsessed with their image and wealth would agree to.

It took nearly three weeks to prepare but he was finally ready.

“Uncle, do you remember that issue we discussed a few weeks ago,” he asked at dinner that evening.

“Oh, is it ready?”

“Yes Uncle.”

“Wonderful! Mei darling,” his uncle addressed the young woman, who eyed him warily.

“Yeah dad?”

“Tang here has come up with a bit of a surprise for you. Would you be willing to join him in the training room after dinner so that he may share it with you?”

“Uhh… I guess so,” Mei agreed hesitantly, glancing over at her older cousin.

“Don’t worry. It’s a good surprise,” Tang reassured.

“It’s also one we support and gave our full permission for,” Mei’s mother added. “Listen to what your cousin has to say and try not to dismiss it right away, dear.”

Tang winced a little as Mei glared down at her plate.

He clamped down at the growl that wanted to roll from his throat at the slightly tactless comment. Dragon instincts had been interesting to deal with these past few weeks. Especially the protective ones.

Dinner finished soon after and Tang led Mei to the training room.

“So what’s this big surprise you’ve got for me,” Mei asked, slouching as she looked around the room.

“Don’t sound too excited now,” Tang drawled as he pulled out a wrapped package.

“I don’t know. Something that has my parents' full support sounds soooo cool,” Mei snarked, earning a snort from the scholar.

“Trust me on this. You’ll like it,” Tang said, slowly unwrapping the item. “How would you like to learn how to wield a sword?”

“Wait, what?” Mei straightened her posture in surprise. She gasped when Tang finally unveiled what he was holding.

A replica of the Dragon Blade.

“Wha- But- How?!” Mei gaped at the sword. It wasn’t an exact copy, but it had the same dimensions as the original.

“Your parents allowed me to commission a copy of the Dragon Blade so that I can begin teaching you how to use it.”

That had been a bit of a hard sell. He had to agree to only go through a smith of their choice and all schematics of the blade had to be destroyed afterwards. But they had gone through with it, at least once he explained it was for Mei’s benefit.

Mei’s expression flickered between several emotions before settling on anger.

Uh oh.

“Oh I get it! This is because I’m ‘undisciplined’ isn’t it,” she bit out, a growl rising in her voice. “I need to be reined in! Taught how to be a dignified heir to the clan like you, right?!”

“No! That’s not-” Tang took a breath. He wouldn’t get through to her if he started yelling too. “That’s not what’s going on here, Mei.”

“Oh? Well it sure looks like it is to me!”

“Will you please let me explain?”

“Ugh!” Mei threw her arms in the air before crossing them and looking away in a huff. “Fine! But once you’re done I’m out of here.”

“That’s okay. No one said you had to go through with this if you didn’t want to,” he reassured. That seemed to make some of the tension ease out of her.

“First, this was my idea, not your parents’. The only thing I needed permission from them was to make this replica.

“As for why... I just wanted to spend more time with you is all.”

“Huh?” Mei looked up at the nervous scholar. “But we hang out all the time!”

“Yes, but that’s usually with MK as well. Not that there’s anything wrong with that,” Tang hastily added at her sudden glare. “I love the kid, really I do!

“But we don’t really do anything that’s just for the two of us. Since I enjoy training with a weapon, I thought it could be something we could share?”

Mei had her brows furrowed in uncertainty.

“But… Why go through the trouble of making a copy of the Dragon Blade then? Couldn’t you just teach me how to wield a guandao as well? That is the weapon you actually know how to use.”

“I suppose that’s a fair point,” Tang conceded. “But what about when you claim the real Dragon Blade for yourself? Shouldn’t you know how to properly use it when that happens?”

“When I-” Mei’s breath caught. “You think I-! I’m not-! My parents would never-!”

“Mei, Mei!” Tang placed a hand on her shoulder and gave a comforting squeeze. “Take a breath. In and out.”

The young woman took a few deep breaths, calming herself. Then she stared into Tang’s eyes, looking for any deception.

“Do you really think mom and dad would ever let me use the blade?”

“I’m not sure what they might do.” That was a slight lie, but he couldn’t force her into a realization about her family too early. He was pushing it as it was just by telling her he thought she’d get the blade.

“But I do know you. You’re optimistic. You’re funny. You’re loyal. You’re incredibly brave. I’m sure that just by being yourself everything will turn out.” That was not a lie. His cousin was all those things and he admired her for it.

Mei, who had tears in her eyes, launched herself at him and pulled him into a hug. Her grip was powered by her dragon strength, but luckily for Tang this time, he had his own so he wasn’t crushed in the embrace.

“Thank you Tang.”

“No problem, Mei.” He held her for a moment before pulling away and asked, “So does this mean you want to learn swordplay?”

“Heck yeah it does!” Mei pumped her fists into the air. “This is going to be awesome!”

“Good.” Tang gave a mischievous smirk. “Then I expect you to be here bright and early tomorrow morning.”

Mei froze in her celebrations.

“Uh… How early, exactly” she asked nervously.

Tang’s grin was filled with too many fangs as his eyes sparkled with humor.

“5:30 sharp.”

“NOOOOOOOO!” Mei’s dramatic cry of horror and slump to the floor made Tang burst out in laughter.

Who knew teasing a younger relative could be so much fun?

----------

Tang grit his teeth as he slashed through another bull clone with Fang of the Earth.

It was finally the day of Demon Bull King’s invasion and the group had just returned from the volcanic ring where MK had seemed to perish. They were fighting their way through the army of bull clones in an attempt to get to the center of the city where Demon Bull King was.

What they were planning to do once they reached him, Tang still had no clue no matter how many timelines he lived through.

Tang dodged a strike from his left and countered with a quick sweep of his guandao.

There were definitely way more clones than there were originally. He supposed that this was whatever higher power that controlled the cycle's way of balancing out his ability to actually help out.

He dispatched the group of enemies surrounding him and looked around.

There was Pigsy who was beating away clones with a loose pipe. Sandy stood next to the chef, deflecting any attacks that came their way with two trash can lids. Where was-

Tang’s pulse quickened when he heard Mei scream.

He searched frantically, dodging or redirecting the strikes coming his way when-

There!

Mei was backed up against a building, surrounded by clones. She was holding a gash on her arm and the broken remains of her training sword lay at her feet.

She looked scared.

Tang could feel it as his eyes narrowed into slits and a menacing growl tore from his throat. With a roar of fury, he leapt into the air towards Mei.

He let his power loose, manifesting an avatar of his dragon form behind him as he filled the Fang of Earth with golden-yellow energy.

“STAY AWAY FROM MY SISTER!”

He landed in front of Mei and shouted in rage as he stabbed the ground with the guandao. A shock wave of power spread through the earth around them, causing it to spike up to stab any clone it passed.

The energy dissipated once all the bull clones in the area had been destroyed. Satisfied they were safe for the moment, Tang swiftly turned around and began checking over Mei.

“Are you alright Mei?! What am I saying, of course you aren't! You’re bleeding! Let me see that.” The dragon scholar fussed over the young woman, inspecting the wound before tearing off the hem of his robe to serve as a bandage.

“Did… Did you just call me your sister?” Mei’s eyes were wide as she stared at him.

Tang froze for a moment. Had he?

Oh. He supposed he had.

Well that explained where the fondness and protective feelings he had developed for her over the course of their daily training came from.

Tang finished tying off the bandage before looking at Mei.

“Is… Is that okay,” he asked nervously. “Because if you aren’t okay with it I won’t call you that again- oof!”

He was cut off by Mei launching herself at him and hugging him tightly.

“Of course it's okay you goof!” He could hear her sniffles as she fought back tears.

“Oh! Well… That’s, uh, good,” Tang relaxed into the hug as his nervousness melted away.

Mei snickered and pulled away, giving him a blinding smile.

“Come on, big bro. We’ve got a city to save!”

Tang felt his own face light up as he picked up Fang of the Earth and followed his sister to regroup with Pigsy and Sandy.

He knew they were no match for Demon Bull King and would have to wait for MK’s arrival to defeat him, but right now Tang felt like he could take on anything.

----------

Tang grew accustomed to being able to help in fights. They had all been scaled up in scope so that while his support was useful, it was never the tipping point that could change the outcome into something different.

The cycle moved on swiftly.

He celebrated with Mei and her parents when she obtained ownership of the real Dragon Blade.

He fought in their resistance when the Demon Bull King invaded a second time.

He did his best to be there for MK when the signs of his stress began to show.

All too soon, the day of training in the desert came.

Lady Bone Demon’s attack was just as brutal as ever.

However, when he and the rest of the group jumped to attack her once MK got caught, Tang instinctively dodged out of the way of her retaliation.

Before he could think of the potential consequences of attempting to change the outcome, he began to slash downwards with the Fang of the Earth.

Only to be stopped dead in the air when the Mayor grabbed the blade with no effort.

Tang felt dread crawl up his spine as the demon smiled nonchalantly at him. Flashbacks to that early cycle triggered in his mind, causing him to freeze up.

The Mayor casually ripped the guandao from Tang’s loose grasp, tossing it over his shoulder like a discarded piece of trash. Then he punched the dragon scholar with enough force to launch him back onto the ship.

Tang could only assume the events continued as normal from there.

He was too busy having a panic attack to notice.

Years of training and experience and still he was powerless against that man! He vaguely acknowledged he had started to cry at some point.

“Tang! Big brother! It’s okay. He’s gone. We got away.” Mei was holding him as he sobbed.

“M-mei?”

“I’m here, big brother. We’re safe.”

Tang began to breathe deeply in order to calm himself. He wanted to be composed when Wukong showed up with MK so as not to worry them too much.

He hugged Mei fiercely before pulling away.

“T-thanks, little sister,” he said with a shaky smile. She just smiled back and helped him to his feet.

As he leaned against the younger woman, Tang couldn’t help but feel extremely lucky to have gotten to know her like this.

She was fierce, loyal, brave, and kind.

She was the best sister someone could have ever asked for.

----------

Welcome to the Golden Dragon Tang AU!

This is my own personal creation, and most of the prominent details (minus Tang knowing the future from timeline jumping) are laid out in this chapter. If I got any of the details about the Yellow Dragon wrong I apologize! I'm not a mythology expert.

A guandao is basically the Chinese equivalent of a glaive; a short sword mounted on a 1-2 meter pole. I may get around to drawing Fang of the Earth at some point. Also please forgive me if the Chinese for the name is wrong for I am but a humble google translate user.

In case you haven’t noticed, a few of the chapters have been dedicated strictly to character studies of the other members of the Monkie Kid crew through Tang’s perspective. Mei’s just happened to occur at the same time as my really long debut of the cool AU I had made up! Also does anyone have some good fanon names for Mei’s parents? I was dying never referring to them by name.

And yes, Tang does still have some issues with the Mayor. I’m sure that won’t be too relevant in the future.

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you thought and see you next time!

[paladinwife]

I'm sure you're already gonna get some but just to be sure, all of the mythology asks for Raiden :> (both of them or either, your choice <3)

Me blasting Rules of Nature as I answer this

Also because this is a lot this will just be Metal Gear Raiden! Baal will have to be separate

Zeus: How did you first meet your f/o(s)? How did you feel about each other at first?

So I’m still working through this, but: my theory is that the people that hurt and nearly killed Elise were involved with the Patriots (not that she knew), and so her pursuing revenge resulted in her basically accidentally walking in on the plot of MGS2. She and Raiden run into each other this way some time shortly after the whole incident with Rose (where, in this timeline, he won’t forgive her and refuses to take her back). After their chance meeting they actually start bonding and see each other more and more.

Hera: How did you first start your romantic relationship with your f/o(s)? How did the way you feel about each other evolve to get to that point?

And this jumps off perfectly from the last question! Like I said, after their meeting, they start getting closer and spending some actual time together. At some point, Raiden realizes he’s following Elise like a puppy, but he’s nervous considering how badly his last romantic relationship went. Eventually, though, his feelings win out and he does approach her about dating, and Elise is happy to accept.

Poseidon: Do you and your f/o(s) like to travel? If so, where do you like to go? Is there anywhere you’d like to go that you haven’t yet?

Raiden and Elise travel a lot for their careers, but I think they really want to travel together. First priority is to go somewhere with a nice beach and just have a relaxing time, I think. But there are so many countries they want to see together when they have the chance.

Demeter: What’s your favorite season, and how do you like to spend that season together?

Elise loves autumn - not only is it her birth month, but the weather is lovely, and she loves to have some tea and enjoy the leaves changing color. Raiden doesn’t have particularly strong feelings on any season, but he appreciates how happy autumn makes his wife, and also that’s it’s Wife Birthday Time. Besides, he has some unfortunate memories associated with spring.

Athena: Are your f/o(s) interested in any particular hobby or interest of yours? Have you taught them about it, or let them watch you, or anything similar?

Elise, particularly after getting some cyborg augmentation in her arms and hands, starts getting really interested in visual art, especially painting. Raiden doesn’t know shit about art, but he knows that what his wife creates is super cool and he’s so proud. Also, Elise is a bit of a fitness buff to try to keep the human parts of her body strong and healthy, and Raiden is more than happy to watch if not join her just for the fun and moral support.

Apollo: What do you like best about your f/o(s)? What does your f/o(s) like best about you?

Ask this question to either of them and their first response will be “everything”. They adore each other. If Elise had to pick one, it would be his strength - not physical (though she is impressed with what he can achieve there), but the fact that he just keeps going despite everything. She had a lot of admiration for him in that regard and does her best to stay strong too. If Raiden had to just choose one, he would choose her heart. Not only is she the first person to treat him kindly and let him just exist as himself, but he sees the kind and gentle way she handles other people. She has a lot of love in her heart for others, and he doesn’t see a lot of that, so he thinks it’s beautiful. Also, he’s quick to add, she’s smart as hell and he admires that so much.

Artemis: Do you have any LGBT+ headcanons for you f/o(s)? Do you share these identities? Feel free to share anything else special about your LGBT+ identities.

They’re both bi as hell. I’m aware that most of Metal Gear is very bi, but Elise and Raiden are both extremely bisexual and love each other in an extremely bisexual way.

Ares: Are you ever protective of your f/o(s)? Are they ever protective of you?

Oh, both. Mutual protectiveness. Raiden being protective of her is obvious, but at any given time Elise is ready to fuck up anyone that would dare hurt him any more. Also they’re both more than ready to fight each other’s shitty exes.

Hephaestus: Do you and your f/o(s) ever like to get gifts for one another? What kind of gifts?

Yes! I’ve previously addressed Raiden’s tendency to get Elise cheesy souvenirs when he travels - he likes getting her little things like that. He also likes picking up things that remind him of her. Elise is also aware of Raiden’s tendency to not get things for himself, but one time she bought him something nice that she thought he’d like and he has treasured it ever since. It’s not about the actual thing, but more about the fact she loves him, right? She also apparently gets him t shirts that say silly things because he loves them.

Aphrodite: How do you and your f/o(s) like to show love to each other? Feel free to include your love languages, if you find that helpful.

Raiden kind of struggles to figure out his own love language and shows love in multiple different ways. I think, though, his primary one is quality time, and he very much appreciates just being around Elise. Second is physical touch, as he ends up really loving giving physical affection to her and the warm feeling of her skin. Elise likewise dabbles in all of them to a degree, but she tends towards acts of service - she will constantly go out of her way for him in a way that isn’t lost on him. She also does have quite the way with words that makes him feel all warm and fuzzy.

Hermes: Was it love at first sight? Slow burn with lots of pining? How fast did your relationship progress?

Raiden fell very very fast. He was like a puppy following her around. In spite of his trauma, or maybe because of it, he melted at her kindness and care right away and couldn’t get enough. Elise was a little slower, but I feel like she was surprised at how fast she fell. They were both careful in progressing the relationship, given their trauma, but it’s hardly a slow burn.

Hestia: What makes you and your f/o(s) feel at home? 

Raiden’s answer is Elise herself. Before he met her he didn’t have anything that strongly felt like a home - recall that Rose got mad at him for having a mostly empty bedroom because he didn’t come back to it often. It was Elise being there that made him want to come home more often. It’s less about the location and more about coming back to her, you know? Elise’s answer is actually similar - she’s not from where they live now and has moved around a lot in her life. Her attachment is more with him than to the place.

Dionysus: What do you like to do with your f/o(s) for fun? Is there anything fun you’d like to try with them?

Actually? Watching movies together at home. Raiden has a strong interest in that kind of thing, and watching them at home means he doesn’t have to try to pretend to be “normal” around others, whatever that means. It’s kind of been their thing since their first date. They certainly try lots of fun things together, but that one is special.

Hades: Would you ever consider a pet with your f/o(s)? What kind of pet? If you already have one, what is the pet like?

Honestly he deserves a dog. Again I’m leaning towards a bigger dog, but I think he’d love any dog. Just give this man a dog and he’ll dote on it. I’m particularly fond of a GSD for him because he kind of reminds me of one.

Persephone: How different are you and your f/o(s)? How do you deal with each other’s differences?

Honestly, more similar than you’d think. Aside from some shared trauma, they’re both very strong and persistent, and they’re full of compassion for others. I just think their strengths lie in different places. Really the similarities helped them bond quicker.

Nyx: Do you have any children with your f/o(s)? Would you ever consider children (biological or adopted)?

Well, I’d consider John (normally mothered by Rose, but now mothered by Elise herself) their son. I also made the mistake of referencing “children” to Justice, implying more than one, so uh. Watch this space.

(Thanatos answered here!)

Hypnos: Do you like to sleep together or share a bed with your f/o(s)? If so, what position do you sleep in? Does anyone hog the blankets, or have a stuffed animal, or have nightmares and need the other for comfort? Anything else along those lines?

Anyone who has played MGS2 knows Raiden is not naturally comfortable sleeping with other people. It takes him a while, but he does get to that point with Elise. Even better is that he finds that Elise soothes his insomnia and troubles with nightmares a lot. They tend to sleep hugging each other, by Elise’s request but with his enthusiastic consent.

The Erinyes: How does your f/o (or f/os) respond to someone mistreating you? Do they confront the person? Do they comfort you? 

Raiden. Gets. Furious. He can’t stand the thought of someone mistreating his wife. He would fight them if necessary. But at the same time, Elise isn’t that different: hell hath no fury like Elise pissed off that you’re mistreating her husband, who has been through enough.

The Moirai: What is your “happy ending” for your ship? How do you end up? What kind of life do you want together?

It’s for them both to finally be at peace. They’ve been through so much, and now that they have someone that they can truly trust, they can finally let their guards down and just exist peacefully. I think that’s the happy ending for them, regardless of everything else about how they end up.

(Calliope answered here!)

Thalia: Discuss any fluff ideas you have for your ship. What kind of affectionate or sweet scenarios do you like best for this ship?

Raiden really likes holding hands with Elise. Not only is he tickled by how tiny her hands are, but he finds it very soothing. Sometimes it’s hard for him to pretend for the public to be a completely normal un-traumatized person, but her touch and her hand put him at ease. He asks to hold hands with her a lot.

Melpomene: Here’s your dedicated angst question: discuss any angsty or hurt/comfort ideas you have for your ship.

This is hard, since I see this as such a happy ship. But the one thing is: when it comes to their first child, instead of faking a relationship and devastating Raiden, Elise probably tells him what’s going on and goes into hiding to protect her and their child. She probably had to have his first child alone and desperately hope that he would come back to her alive, and that’s a pretty painful thought.

Euterpe: What song(s) suit your ship best? Any particular lyrics that fit well?

From Take My Breath Away, the titular song for the ship:

That’s pretty painful but also very fitting.

Erato: Does any canon ship remind you of your ship (if you like those)? What tropes or ship dynamics apply to your ship?

Remember the girlboss/malewife pair from FMA and how iconic that was? That’s them for sure.

Terpsichore: Have you and your f/o(s) ever danced together? What kind of dancing? Formal dress or completely informal jamming out in your home?

Oh definitely they would. Elise is the only one with formal dance training, but Raiden is a romantic at heart and wants a dance with her, formal or not. I can see them just slow dancing in their house, so happy they’re in love.

[feferipeixes]

Grapefruit Juice

For @skia-oura. You know what you did.

(on AO3)

It was a quiet morning when Bentley awoke, nestled in between Dipper and Torako. Dipper was curled up in the fetal position, forehead resting on Bentley’s shoulder, a clawed hand caressing his other shoulder, little Z’s floating above the demon’s head. Torako, on the other hand, was practically lying on top of him, spread-eagled and snoring loudly. A small smile spread across Bentley’s sleepy face. It felt so nice, in a weird way he didn’t know how to express. He loved waking up next to those two dorks. It felt safe to be with them.

Also, the fact that they were sleeping meant they weren’t wreaking havoc, which was always a plus.

A glance at the alarm clock -- it was early. Too early to really start the day, but too late to get back to sleep. He carefully extracted himself from the bed, making sure not to wake either of his roommates up. Tiptoeing out of the room like a cartoon character, he eased the door shut and then proceeded to the kitchen.

He opened the cupboard to look for something to eat for breakfast. The box of Moffios immediately stuck out to him -- he noticed that the sigil preventing it from being touched was almost worn away. Either Torako had been scratching it out or she’d made some sort of deal with Dipper. He quickly re-inscribed the symbol, and the box took on a glittery sheen indicating that it’d sting any fingers who tried to take it. That should keep her away from it for a few more days.

He grabbed his favorite almond-based caffeinated cereal and closed the cupboard. Setting the box of Nutty Tweaks down on the table, he fetched a bowl and looked through the fridge for something to drink. His usual box of orange juice was nowhere to be found. Bentley rolled his eyes -- no doubt his doofus brother finished it off and forgot to put it on the shopping list. Looked like he was eating dry tweaks that morning.

Except...

In the back of the fridge, he glimpsed a bottle of pink juice. He pulled it out and looked it over for a label. Nothing. It was probably the weird old-timey juice that Dipper would import from Australia, which was apparently the only remaining place where it was made. With a glint in his eye, Bentley poured himself a glass. If Dipper was going to drink all of his juice, he’d just have to return the favor.

His revenge at hand, Bentley sat at the table and started spooning crunchy almonds into his mouth. He considered the box’s promise to get anyone who eats the cereal “absolutely shredded” with “ham wild muscles” and “disgustingly feral abs”. He wondered if people really fell for that kind of marketing. At any rate, it didn’t affect him. He just liked almonds. And caffeine.

...although if he Did happen to get stronger from eating cereal, he wouldn’t complain. He’d be able to draw longer-lasting sigils if he could cut deeper into a surface.

Cereal consumed, Bentley raised the glass of juice to his lips. He briefly wondered whether it really was such a good idea to drink a demon’s juice -- for all he knew, it wasn’t actually juice but rather distilled insanity with blood mixed in (for taste). The promise of vengeance was too much to pass up, though, and he took a small sip.

And then downed the entire glass.

Whatever that stuff was, it was delicious. Weirdly tart with a sweet aftertaste. He’d never tasted anything like it -- no wonder Dipper went to such great lengths to obtain it. Before he knew it, Bentley had drunk the entire bottle. Surveying the casualties of his breakfast, he felt a small seed of guilt sprout within him, but he quickly brushed it away. It’s only what Dipper deserved for drinking all the orange juice.

Out of nowhere, the bedroom door slammed open with enough force to shake the room. Salt and pepper shakers spilled onto the counter. A clock fell off the wall and shattered on the floor. Bentley felt the chair he was sitting on jump a foot off the ground, and his arms shot out instinctively to grab the table so he wouldn’t fall over. Disoriented, it took him a moment to parse what was happening. Then he saw Torako standing in the doorway with a crazed look on her face, and immediately knew his peaceful morning was over.

“Bentley!” she yelled, gesticulating wildly. “You’re eating breakfast? Without meeeee?”

“You were asleep!” he countered. “I didn’t want to wake you.”

He shrank into his chair as she stomped over to him, hands on hips, hair matted and messy. She picked up the cereal box and broke into a mischievous grin. “Bentley’s Getting Buff, I see.” She cackled and tossed the box aside, sprinkling almonds across the kitchen.

“Stop! I just cleaned the apartment yesterday!”

Ignoring him, she picked up the empty juice bottle on the table and examined it while Bentley eyed her suspiciously. It was very likely she’d pick Dipper’s side if a revenge battle broke out because the two of them combined were an unstoppable chaos machine. He had to get her off the topic of breakfast, quick.

“Hey, Tora,” he said carefully. “I was thinking about re-dyeing my hair. Did you wanna...”

Torako cut him off by screaming at the top of her lungs. Bentley winced and clapped his hands to his ears. “What the hell are you doing?” he hissed. “You’re going to wake up the entire building!”

“Did you drink Dipper’s grapefruit juice????” she screeched.

Bentley shrank into his chair again. “Maybe. But he deserved it.” He glanced at the open bedroom door, curious about the fact that Dipper hadn’t come out yet to see what was going on. Maybe he’d been summoned.

“Oh NO Ben, this is BAD,” Torako continued to yell. “Holy shit holy shit HOLY SHIT!”

Bentley started edging away from her. “Is something happening right now? Am I missing something?”

She tore her gaze away from the bottle and stared him directly in the eyes, radiating such delirium that it was almost nauseating to look at. She hurled the bottle into the ground as hard as she could, and it broke through the floor into the next apartment down. Before he could object to this, she grabbed him by the shirt collar and shrieked, “BENTLEY you’re gonna DIE, that was GRAPEFRUIT JUICE, don’t you KNOW, it’s gonna make your ANTIDEPRESSANTS EXPLODE IN YOUR BRAIN!”

He gaped at her. “What are you talking abouuuu- !” He yelped as Torako effortlessly lifted him up and wrapped him over her shoulders. He tried in vain to wriggle free of her grip, but she was much stronger than him. “Let go of me!”

“Hello? Hospital?” Bentley stopped flailing to see Torako talking into a phone wedged between her head and her shoulder that couldn’t possibly have been there more than a second ago. “Yes, hospital! Please come quick! We have a serious case of genius boy brain burst! Oh stars, I can’t do this!” She dropped the phone and started sobbing, prompting Bentley’s anxiety to shoot through the roof.

“Tora? Are you okay? I’m really worried.” Not about himself, because he was pretty sure his brain was not about to explode from drinking juice, but even in her most trickster of moments Torako had never acted like this before and it was freaking him out. “Is this part of a prank or are you... really having some kind of breakdown right now? If this is real then I need to know so I can help.”

“You’re the one who needs help, you poor thing.” She laid him down on a stretcher and patted him on the head. “It’s gonna be okay! The hospital people will save you! They’ll take you to the juicer from Willy Wonka and everything will be okay!”

“What’s Willy Wonka?” Bentley yelled as he was pulled away on the stretcher. He watched Torako get smaller and smaller before finally fading away into the distance. Exhausted, he put his head down and stared up at the inky black ceiling of the ambulance. “This is so annoying. I don’t need to go to the hospital. I need to bust out of here.”

“Please don’t,” Philip said. Bentley’s eyes boggled at the sight of his father steering the ambulance. He gave his son a wink before turning back to face the road. “I’d have to chase you down or I’ll get fired, and I can’t do that. You’re so much faster than me now.”

“Dad?” Bentley breathed. “Why are you driving an ambulance? When did you -- you’re not supposed to -- isn’t it late?”

There was a sigh from the front seat. “Sorry, Bentley, I didn’t mean for you to find out this way, when you’re about to die from grapefruit overdose, but it’s true. I wasn’t making enough money doodling little hearts on pictures of your very handsome roommate. I had to pick up some odd jobs to make ends meet.”

“You what now?”

“It’s shameful, I know.” Philip’s head smacked down onto the steering wheel, and the ambulance started swerving wildly around on the road. “In a perfect world, we’d all be able to sit around and talk about demons all day without worrying about rent or food, but we don’t live in a perfect world and it’s my job as a father to break that to you. I’m so sorry.”

Bentley opened his mouth to respond, but faltered when he heard a hiccup. He flipped over onto his stomach to see his father weeping softly onto the steering wheel. Alarm bells rang in his head. “Dad, please don’t cry. It’s alright.” He attempted to undo the straps holding him on the stretcher, but they only seemed to get tighter. “We can talk about this. Please don’t cry.”

He reached out to him, his fingers gently brushing up against the driver’s seat, hoping that his father would sense his presence and take his hand. But it never came. There was a jerking sensation from beneath him as the conveyor belt activated, and the stretcher started moving away from the ambulance.

“Dad?” Bentley called, his voice heavy with reverberation. “Dad, don’t leave!”

No response. The sound of weeping faded away, and Bentley felt a pit settle in his stomach. He looked around and saw that he was rolling slowly on a track that ran through a landscape of stars. A row of doctors stared at him with blurry faces from behind a glass partition. Half of them gasped as he went by. The other half just looked disappointed, shaking their heads or crossing their arms.

“It’s… the Grapefruit Juice Boy,” one of them choked out.

“That doesn’t make any sense!” he yelled, scowling. “This -- okay, I’m getting suspicious now! Am I dreaming? Is this what a dream that isn’t a nightmare is like? It sucks!”

The conveyor stuttered to a halt and the doctors all vanished. Bentley blinked, and realized he was in a dentist’s office. A pair of hands pulled a paper bib around his neck, and his scowl deepened. “Now what’s going on? I thought this dream was about medication interactions! Why am I at the dentist now?”

“Grapefruit juice is really sugary,” came a voice from behind him. “Your teeth are gonna fall out.”

“Oh, yeah, definitely,” Bentley raged. “My roommates constantly pour sugar into every orifice on their faces, but I have a stress dream about the dentist because I drank a bottle of juice. I’d like to see Torako and Dip- hey wait a minute!” He cut off as the familiarity of the dentist’s voice hit him. The hands appeared again, putting a second bib on him, and Bentley noticed the fingers were tipped with claws. He struggled to tilt his head back, and caught a glint of light off the razor sharp teeth in the dentist’s grin.

“Hi Bentley,” Dipper said.

“Dipper? Why are you the dentist?” He collapsed back into the dentist’s chair and let his limbs fall limp over the sides. “Why are dreams like this? Is there some deep meaning behind all of this? I’d almost prefer the nightmares to Dipper cleaning my teeth.”

“Hey now,” Dipper pouted, putting a third bib around Bentley’s neck. “Maybe I’m really good at dental work. You know how hard flossing is with teeth like this?”

Bentley scratched his head. “Um, I guess not. But then why would I dream- hey wait a minute. Are you a dream Dipper or the real one?”

Dipper dropped the fourth bib he was holding and stepped back, bumping into a table of dental equipment. “Uhhhhh. Dream Dipper, definitely. Your brain just loves thinking about me. That’s it.”

The scowl returned to Bentley’s face in full-force. Sitting up, he tore the bibs off his neck and stared his roommate right in his dumb evil eyes. “It is the real you! What are you doing in my dream? This is all your fault, isn’t it?”

The demon smiled awkwardly and scratched the back of his neck. “Haha, well, uh, yeah sort of. Technically it’s Torako’s fault. This was all her idea, but I’m the one with the dream magic, so it just made sense, like oh who’s gonna keep Bentley in a weird dream so that he sleeps in today, Dipper obviously, and -”

Swinging his legs off the table, Bentley stood up for the first time in what felt like ages, and marched over shakily as Dipper backed away. “You trapped me in a crazy dream world??”

“No! Not really!” Dipper raised his arms, looking panicked. “I mean, okay, I made parts of it, but mostly all I did was stop you from waking up earlier! Sometimes people just have weird dreams, Ben! It’s a natural part of life for your species!”

“I’m putting wards all over the bedroom when I wake up. Why did you do this??”

Dipper shrank down to his 12-year old form and tried his best to look innocent. “No reason at all! You just looked like you needed some sleep! It definitely wasn’t that Torako needed time to break the sigil you made to prevent her from touching the box of Moffios!”

“Oh my stars Torako. This is ridiculous.” Bentley stared at his hands, picturing them each grasping one of his roommates’ hands, thinking about how that was definitely not going to be happening again for two weeks at minimum. “Does this at least mean you didn’t actually finish off my orange juice?”

Dipper giggled nervously. “Yeah, about that...”

Bentley facepalmed. “Wake me up. Right now.”

“Well, uh, you see,” Dipper replied, squirming, “it’s like, there’s a time limit on the deal I made with Torako, and yknow how it is...”

“If you don’t wake me up this instant, you’re gonna have a lot more to worry about than whether or not you’re getting cuddles ever again. I’ll have my dad over for dinner every single night and he’ll ask you every uncomfortable question under the sun! Do you hear me?”

Dipper blanched. “Yes sir, right away sir!” he babbled, standing up straight and saluting. He snapped his fingers, and the world fell away.

Bentley shot upright in bed, the sounds of squealing floating in from the kitchen. He jumped out from the covers, sprinting past the ashamed-looking demon at the door, to see Torako kneeling on the kitchen counter, jabbing at the box of Moffios with a dinner knife.

“Torako! No!” he hollered, racing after her. “I’m never buying Moffios again!”

Her eyes grew big as dinner plates and she took off with the box, running around the table to get away from him. “Bentley! You’re awake! Uh… this isn’t what it looks like!”

“It looks like I’m changing the locks is what it looks like!”

“Dipper!” she cried as she passed the demon, who was watching the scene looking half-concerned and half-amused. “You said you’d keep him busy! We had a deal!”

“He figured it out!” Dipper cried back. “I knew he’d be too smart to fall for this!”

“I’m coming for you next, jerkface!” Bentley roared.

The sounds of screaming and furniture toppling over filled the apartment. The people in the apartment immediately below them hesitated before calling the landlord to complain about the noise. It was, after all, not much worse than Saturdays usually were in the Pines-Lam-Farkas household.

----

A bright ray of sunlight beamed through a crack in the curtains and directly onto Torako’s face, waking her up. She shifted, trying to find a comfortable position amidst the lumpy couch cushions, but eventually resigned to her fate and opened her eyes. She was in the living room, of course, because Bentley hadn’t let her sleep in his room for a week now, which was just a little bit of an excessive punishment if you asked her! All of this and she didn’t even get any Moffios. The sheer injustice of it all.

Sitting up, she yawned and surveyed the room. She scratched her head as she looked for Dipper. He’d been sleeping on the floor next to her since they’d both been exiled from Bentley’s room, but the demon was presently nowhere to be seen, which was strange. He must’ve had an early morning summons. Oh well.

She headed over to the kitchen and opened the fridge. If she wasn’t allowed to have Moffios, she’d at least have something sweet to drink for breakfast. She grabbed the box of orange juice, flipped off the lid, and started chugging it directly from the carton. When it was all done, she collapsed into a chair with a large grin. Just what she needed to start the day.

“TORAKO!” Dipper yelled out of nowhere, blipping into reality directly beside her. “Did you drink my grapefruit juice?”

She yelped and fell out of her chair. “What? No, this is Bentley’s oran-” She lifted her hand, still holding the empty box of juice, but trailed off when she realized she was actually holding a clear bottle with a small amount of pink liquid left inside. She stared at it in shock, then at Dipper who looked equally as horrified. “What? But, I -”

“Torako, you’re gonna DIE!” Dipper screamed, suddenly wearing a nurse’s outfit and pushing her down the hall on a hospital bed. “Your MEDS are gonna EXPLODE in your BRAIN!”

“Noooooo!” she shrieked, flailing around as her parents jogged up beside the bed and waved at her while sobbing. “Bentley was right! This is awful!”

In the real world, Bentley was in the kitchen, applying the finishing touches on a new Moffios-protecting sigil that would last eight times as long. He heard Torako yelling in her sleep from across the room and smiled. “Yeah, it is,” he muttered, walking over. “Next time you’ll think twice before you try something like that on me.”

“Um… do you think she’s had enough?” Dipper asked from his position on the floor. He had his hand on Torako’s head, and when he looked up Bentley could see Torako’s dream reflected in the demon’s eyes. She’d somehow managed to wriggle free of the straps on the bed and was running down a highway in only a hospital gown, being pursued by a fleet of ambulances. “She admitted defeat.”

Bentley sat on the edge of the couch and seemed to consider it. “Yeah,” he said finally. “You can wake her up.”

Dipper nodded, and removed his hand from Torako’s head. She gasped and her eyes flew open, looking in all directions before making eye contact with Bentley. She leapt off the sofa and backed against the wall.

“Sorry, Ben! I’ll never Dip into your dreams ever again!”

Bentley sniffed. “Sounds about right. And you?” He turned to Dipper, who looked similarly panicked under Bentley’s purview.

“And I promise I’ll only side with Torako sometimes instead of all the time!” he offered, backing up beside Torako. “Also not to go into your dreams ever unless I really need to, which I totally won’t take advantage of ever!”

“Good. I’m glad we had this talk.” Bentley stood up. “Do either of you want breakfast?”

“NO!” Dipper and Torako both screamed, scampering away at full speed. They ran into the bedroom, dove under the covers, and clutched each other tight. “Never again!”

“Suit yourself,” Bentley said, trying out the shoulder up-and-down thing that Dipper always did to express indifference. He pulled the bedroom door shut and just stood there for a bit, reflecting on the day’s events. Then he walked over to the kitchen, poured himself a bowl of Nutty Tweaks, and took a seat by the window so he could watch the snow fall as he ate.

It really was a very peaceful morning.

(AO3 link)

[thebibliomancer]

Dark Crystal Age of Resistance Tactics pt 17 THE END

Endgame lets gooooooooooooooo

Mission: Call of the Glaive - Stonewood Ruins

"The heroes search for the second half of the Dual Glaive. It has been hidden somewhere in Stone-in-the-Wood."

Good god. Lvl 40. My party ranges from 38 to 34. Do I have to level grind some more more more?

Well, lets find out.

I don't remember the forest around Stone-in-the-Wood having so many misty chasms. Damn, global darkening.

SO I see a lot of Darkened beasts. I see a glowy exit square next to the the Crucible. Hmmmmm I wonder WHERE the 1/2 Dual Glaive could possibly be hidden.

Okay so the party this time has to be Rian, Brea, Deet, and Gurjin. If only I could have a few more to get the rest of the mains in here. But this is endgame time and its time for Rian to get the Good Sword.

Rian: "Stone-in-the-Wood. Since its fall, the place has been overrun with darkened creatures."

I mean, that makes a lot of sense, actually. I'd like some more emotion about it, though. This was your home, Rian.

Deet: "We need to find the Dual Glaive. It's here... somewhere."

Rian: "There, the forge! After a battle, the Stonewood place all their weapons in the forge. The Dual Glaive has to be there."

Holy crap I've never seen Nurlocs get the first turn what the heck.

But all I have to do is get to the glowy square. Preferably with Rian, for plot reasons.

There's two paths around from where you start. One side path. One low path thats only one square wide and blocked by a boulder. Some of the enemies are going down that path anyway so I'm just going to be shooting Firemoss Bundles at them like fish in a barrel.

After three bundles, they ded.

Also Gurjin is being my front line on the other path and I finally got to use Rian's Even the Odds! Between Pursuit, Hold Position, Retribution and best friends like Rian, Gurjin is amazing at standing in one place and absorbing damage!

Anyway I killed all of the enemies. I wonder if more will spawn in or what.

welp. None spawn ins. Just me moving my units closer to the glowy square turn by turn.

That was a design decision that was made.

Rian: "This is it, the Dual Glaive!"

Deet: "Something is happening. Look at the Forge! The flames... They're turning blue!"

VICTORY!

Arrrre we going to do the fire skype thing? I already united all of the clans.

LEVELS UP! Rian leveled and learned Aim for the Gaps (100% critical chance on a marked enemy)! Brea leveled and learned Convalesce 2! Deet leveled twice and learned nothing. Gurjin leveled and learned Heroic Leap!

Brea maxed out on Mendering. But since we're in the endgame and I like her loadout, I'll leave her where she is.

I got the Glaive of a Fallen Hero! Wooooooooooo! Weird that its not just called Dual Glaive but I don't mind this name either.

Glaive of a Fallen Hero is the Sword of the Stonewood Clan. Gots some good attack and critical chance. This is going right on Rian, for plot reasons.

---

Yeah. We're doing the Fire Skype.

Rian: "Gelfling, the Skeksis have deceived you; turned clan against clan."

I FEEL like we've gone over this pretty thoroughly in the various clan specific mission chains!

I guess giving the clans a place to rally around is a good reason to still do the Fire Skype. I'm just a bit perplexed at what gets brought over from the show 1 to 1 and what gets added.

The Emperor: "Enough! Your rebellion will end in ruin!"

Rian: "Bring your weapons. Bring your Skeksis, and meet your destiny!"

'Come on if you're hard enough'

Huh! Two more missions opened up. One at the castle and another one at the Stonewood Ruins. I feeeel like the one at the castle happens first, most likely? It says requires Seladon and Tavra, people I don't have in my party. Buuuuut might as well see if I can do it?

---

Mission: Broken Bargains - Castle Hallways

"Seladon and Tavra must now escape the Castle of the Crystal after freeing the Stonewood Gelfling."

Sweet, its Seladon and Spider-Tavra! I finally get that closure I've been wanting!

Party: Brea, obviously. This is the big sisters moment! Naia, because I've been reading Shadows of the Dark Crystal and she and Tavra have a funny dynamic. And Rek'yr. How is he here? Brea called in a favor? Look, we can't question the location of people in this game. It started in the flashback zone and had people wildly out of time!

Okay so we have a bunch of Darkened beasties and a couple of Nurloc experiments which are even beefier. We have a locked door and a lever to open it. We have the General.

Time to kick his ass again.

Spider-Tavra: "We had a deal. You were supposed to let us go free!"

The General: 'I have altered the deal. Pray I do not alter it further.'

Where's SkekLach, tho?

The General: "And what's this, Arathim working with Gelfling?"

Spider-Tavra: "Our deal has changed as well."

The Arathim Ascendency: "If you need help, use the etchings. Arathim will come to your aid."

YO WHAT?? I get to summon spiders??

Amazing. This game never stops giving.

Also, we're in the crystal chamber, I think? There's the symbol on the floor. No crystal though.

Okay, the mission objective is to get Seladon and Tavra both to the glowy exit square. Hypothetically feasible.

There's three glowy runes which increase evasion and apparently summon spiders. Lets gooo.

Seladon has Even the Odds, Firemoss, Landslide 2, Shockwave, and Flow of Battle.

Spider-Tavra still has Double Strike, Shove, Adrenaline, Retribution, and Spot Weakness.

HAH SUMMONED SOME SPIDERS ON THE GENERAL

Also, I've almost taken out all of his darkened minions although its taken its toll. Damn Thrash. Damn Wound status.

The spiders are allied but they're not controlled by me. So its fine for them to just do their own thing. I need to heal. Everyone.

Well, poor Rek'yr gave his life but I successfully surrounded SkekVar and slowly beat him to death. And that took me right to the in-engine cutscene which is probably what should have happened in the last level.

Brea: "What are you doing, Tavra? I won't leave without you."

The General: "No, stop! I beg of you!"

Spider-Tavra: "This is for the Arathim, for the All-Maudra!"

-Chamberlain comes out of basically nowhere and kills Tavra, threader spawns onto the field and runs off-

In-engine cutscenes are amazing.

Chamberlain: "Leave friend alone!"

Brea: "Tavra! Sister, no!"

-upbeat victory music-

But I already made fun of that when Ordon died so.

Brea leveled. Naia leveled twice! Rek'yr did not!

I got Heartseeker (the dagger of the Stonewood clan)! I got the General's Cuirass! Stealing clothes from knocked out Skeksis never gets old.

The Cuirass is going right on Gurjin. Its going to slow him down even further but it gives him a matched set of Skeksis gear. The General's Hand Axe and the General's Cuirass.

"Heavy metal plates seated on tough leather and trimmed with fur... How inelegant!" -skekEkt

---

Two more levels, I reckon. Just the final battle left, in two parts.

Mission: Seven Clans United - Stonewood Ruins

"With the clans united, the heroes stand against the Skeksis. The General approaches to challenge them."

Yeah, sure. I don't mind kicking his butt again. He's got more clothes I can steal, probably.

Geez, this is an excessively cozy map. Its not very big and one of the starting squares is right up in the General's face.

He's got two hollerbats called General's Pet which grant him buffs. Gotta kill those guys.

Party: Rian, Brea, Deet, Gurjin, Rek'yr.

The main squad, plus Rek'yr. I need someone to be applying marks for the other people to hit.

Rian: "The reign of the Skeksis is over. All Gelfling rise against you!"

General: "Fools! You will all die, here and now! If it's a fight you want, I'll give you one! Haaaa! Let's have some fun!"

AHHH HE GOES FIRST! AAAAAH HES RIGHT IN RANGE OF BREA! HE SILENCED HER!

This map is too small...

Killed his pets tho.

General: "This fight isn't over yet! I'm just getting started!"

Geez, if he stuns someone on his next turn he can do Killing Blow which does a ludicrous amount of damage. Very ludicrous. RIP Rek'yr.

HE SUMMONED MORE BATS

uncool

I killed his bats. HE SUMMONED MORE BATS. I think maybe its not worth killing the bats...

Also he stuns people for like three turns. I think I'm gonna have to spend some of my money on stun-proof trinkets.

Whats also uncool is that the summon more bats thing the first time? Erased Rek'yr's body from the map. I had Awaken on Brea. I could have brought him back. Boo. Boo on this game mechanic.

Ok this battle is going downhill.

The General has 4000 HPees which is a lot. And he can lock people down with stun for a while. So I'm going to have to spend some cash. I might even have to.... level =(

Yup everyone died.

Lets try that again.

So soiled Podling socks all around. The best way to prevent stun, donchaknow.

And lets spend some more money.

Upgrading Deet and Brea to Ceremonial Vestments. Upgrading Rian to Paladin's Full Plate. Upgrading Rek'yr to Etched Lorica and giving him the Heartseeker.

Gurjin didn't do a lot of damage so I'm guessing that the General is resistant to axes? Is that a thing in this game? But I'll hit him with Naia instead. And I kind of want to use Kylan who can mark and heal but I don't know who I'd replace. Hm. Maybe next time.

TAKE 2

Party: Rian, Deet, Brea, Naia, Rek'yr!

Hm. I forgot that the Intimidate move also lowers attack. My guys are hitting for shit with these debuffs. Maybe I should bring a party member who can remove debuffs. Well, live and learn. And attempt to chip away at his health bar anyway.

So its not very entertaining but I'm just slowly ganging up on him and slowly beating the crap out of him. Annoyingly his bat can heal him. And I can't kill it or he'll summon more bat.

Chipping away chipping away I guess I got it low~

Because: dialogue.

Rian: "You are bested, General. It's over."

General: "Well, what are you waiting for? Finish me!"

Rian: "No, I am no killer! Begone!"

I still don't know how the hell Rian thought this would shake out favorably.

How did he see the war ending in his head? The Skeksis would just agree to stop drinking Gelfling? Would they vacate the castle and let Aughra take over the crystal again? As long as he never tried to kill any of them in a war situation?

Or is it just he won’t kill an unarmed opponent?

I dunno.

And my party just. Runs off screen. So Chamberlain can run on-screen. And kill SkekVar. Despite their rivalry not really being established. In the game plot.

Chamberlain: "Emperor will listen to ME now."

Then again, fair enough. This is in character for him.

VICTORY.

Rian leveled twice and learned Shockwave (stun enemies in a line)! Rek'yr leveled twice! Naia leveled and learned Aimed Strike 2! Deet leveled and learned Awaken 2! Brea leveled and didn't learn anything because she's max on her job.

Naia maxed out on Soldier! Don't want to start her on a new job on the last level so I'm going to flip her back to Paladin for the good, good stats.

I found the General's War Flag! Starts battle with five turns of Attack Up, Haste, and Beserk! Uh. Not sure how that's helpful. I like deciding what my guy is going to do. Stupid Var and his stupid flag.

---

Mission: Seven Clans United: Part 2 - Stonewood Ruins

"The Hunter has returned once more, to the surprise of the hereos. But help comes from an unexpected place."

... How are they going to represent Aughra exploding out of him though?

I think I want to bring Kylan. Didn't the Hunter kill his parents? So I'm going to upgrade him to Ceremonial Vestments.

And I'm buying Armalig Scales for everyone since I think Wounding was the Hunter's thing and I don't want to deal with that biz.

Geez, this dongus starts the level on a big hill ready to jump down and squish people. The rudeity of people.

Party: Rian, he's the hero guy. Kylan, he's here for the revenge. Rek'yr, he's here to say goodbye to an old friend. Brea, she's mad that he kidnapped her between levels or something, I'm not sure when it happened. Gurjin, he's here to be a supportive best friend. And plus, offer hugs.

Rian: "The Hunter! But... how?"

The Hunter: "Quiet, puny Gelfling! I have conquered death! I am more powerful than ever... more powerful than Thra itself!"

Oh, this hubris is going to end really well for him.

Ok. So this dingus has 4000 HPees. He's got Carve which hurts and inflicts Wound. He's got Carve 2 which hurts and inflicts Wound and shoves. He's got Stab, which stabs. He's got Cleave. We know that one. Gotta keep my guys not adjacent. He's got Pelt. I think that means he's gonna throw stuff. And he's got Target Wound. Which I just bet does massive damage. But joke's on him. He's got Savage Counter which means he 100% of the time counters. And he's got Surefooted which means he's a hoppy boy.

-one turn later where he hits Gurjin not very hard, gets critted by Rek'yr and counters-

Brea: "He's too strong!"

Mmmm. I could take him.

Rian: "We have to try! We must keep fighting!"

urVa, the Archer, somewhere: "No more. The hunt must end."

The Hunter, back in the Stonewood Ruins, somehow hearing that: "No! Nothing can stop the hunt!"

-I beat the shit out of the Hunter some more-

-flash over to the Archer taking one step-

Hunter: "Archer! What are you doing!"

These interludes are killing the pacing. Just to say. Maybe they should have been saved for the end. Or something.

-more violence-

Archer: "Now, we shall see what lies at the dream's end." -another baby step-

Hunter: "No, stop!"

Archer: -jumps-

This isn't conveyed well in in-game cutscene, I have to say.

Then the Hunter dies.

VICTORY.

Uh. That was. Something. I think that's a time where the plot butted too much into the gameplay. I only got him down to half life before he died and it didn't take much time at all. Ah well.

Gurjin levels twice! Rek'yr leveled and learned Opening Act 2! Since I still don't get how Opening Act 1 works, I'm probably never going to use this! Kylan leveled three times and learned Grand Concert and Motivating Chord 2! Wow! Brea levels! Rian levels and learns Unfailing Blow 2!

I also find the Hunter's Helmet in the gross ash pile that used to be him!

"A trophy from some avian beast? Or the skull of another Skeksis...?"

It gives you reduced recovery time, increased crit chance  but reduced magic and normal defense. Dammit, Mal!

Kylan did get the last blow in the fight. That's something.

---

Anyway, I was wrong. There's at least one more mission.

Mission: Seven Clans United: Part 3 - Stonewood Ruins

"The heroes have bested the Skeksis' mightiest warriors. Only one challenge remains: The Emperor"

oof, I bet this is going to be hard.

Ooooof this is going to go badly. Three Skeksis. The Scientist, the Emperor, the Chamberlain... WAIT THE SCIENTIST WASN'T ALLOWED TO COME BECAUSE HE WAS TOO BIG A NERD! Dammit, game!

Anyway, the Emperor has Darkening Decay - attack and inflict random status effects. Focus Darkness - mark random tiles for the next move. Unleash Darkness - deal damage to anyone on a Darkened tile.

The Scientist and the Chamberlain have their usual abilities. So I think I should have kept the anti-poison gear and anti-stun gear on my guys.

Ah well. At least the non-Emperors only have 2000 HP.

Party: Rian, Brea, Deet, Naia, Rek'yr.

The Chamberlain: "Emperor, Skeksis should retreat. There are too many!"

Emperawr: "I will not lose, no matter the cost! Gelfling, you now face the true power of the Darkening!"

Oof that focus darkness does some damage. But hah, the Scientist only has 1500hp. He really is the nerd of the group.

Oops. Rian died. He was on a darkened tile and he didn't get a turn in time to move. Thank goondess I put Guardian's Blessing on him and he got to revive instantly.

Ok Rian died again, for real.

I just noticed that the Unleash Darkness hurts the non-Emperor Skeksis too if they're standing in it. Hahah

Between getting bombed a few time by his own boss, the Scientist was low enough health for Rek'yr to wander over and bop him.

One down.

Chamberlain is at low health but he's hiding in a corner casting stun and confuse on anyone that tries to bop him in the head. Which I'd very much like to do.

Crap, Brea and Rek'yr died in the same focus/unleash darkness.

Crap, Deet died.

Crap, Naia died.

Crap, Rian died.

The Emperor can just whip out the Focus Darkness too fast and it deals too much damage. And I think I needed to focus more on knocking Chamberlain senseless before he can split my party too much.

So anti-stun for everyone.

Or, actually, I'm going to try the Glowmoss Poultice which gives everyone ten turns of HP regen.

And even though Rian was there, I think I'm swapping out Gurjin. Having another person available that's immune to poison and can kick some serious butt. Well... Strategist hasn't really paid out much yet.

Okay on take 2, Scientist is down. Halfway through kicking Chamberlain's ass. Focus Darkness is getting really alarming.

Oops, Deet died. Haha Chamberlain died.

Now I just have the Emperawr and his full health.

I've got him down to half health but he killed AND THEN STEPPED ON Rek'yr.

Deet died in some darkening explosion but I got Brea to raise her. Just got to keep her alive now. Because plot. I mean, its not a level requirement. I just want to.

God, I'm glad I put so much Stone Warden into Gurjin. He's damn beefy.

Now he's down to less than a thousand.

AND HE TOOK TWO TURNS IN A ROW.

This man is corrupt to his core.

I have him under 100 hp and he uses focus darkness. And its covering a pretty generous area so I don't know if I can move everyone out of the way. Especially because he gets to go before half of my party.

But I have Brea up and she has a pocket full of fire moss with this guy's name on it.

It says SkekSo.

-blam, plop-

Emperor: "Impossible... I cannot be defeated."

Chamberlain: "Retreat! To the castle!"

Deet: "They're running away!"

VICTORY!

Never before has the fanfare been so sweet.

Naia leveled twice! Reky're leveled! Gurjin leveled THREE TIMES and learned Double Strike 2! Brea leveled twice! Deet leveled twice and learned Healing Touch 2!

Also I found some Crystal Fragment! Weird that random crystals just fell out of this boss birdlizarddragon as I was hitting him.

It lets you steal MP when you attack. Pretty cool.

---

Oh a cutscene.

Its the lost crystal shard, maybe.

Oh and Deet wanders off into the wilderness, all Darkened. Despite that not being very well established in the game.

Is sad.

But she wanders back to pose in a group shot.

Yup. The main characters. Aughra, Rian, Brea, and Deet.

When will Gurjin get respect?

Oh and Aughra tells me that there are more missions or I can do a new game plus which is harder.

I don't see any new missions on the map. Just some encounters to test my mettle.

And I'm not going to do the new game + just now. Not when I'm still riding high on winning while slightly under leveled.

---

But that was the game!

I loved the gameplay when it wasn't frustrating me. The moves are mostly all cool. I wish you could use more of them than three from primary job and two from secondary but you can still get a cool load out. The environments and characters look great.

Its the storytelling that lets it down, a little. Its trying to be a supplement to the show and that really hampers it at various points. The weird setup where we start in the flashback zone. Plot beats from the show being introduced because they're in the show but weren't properly set up in the game.

It either needed a bit more rewriting to tell the story of the show in a satisfying way or it needed to use the show as a jumping off point while it did its own thing.

The stuff that they invented to fill the gaps work pretty decently. The writing isn't particularly deep but its decent enough. The forbidden archeology quest with the Sifa. Discovering the fate of the guards. That stuff.

And this is hindsight, of course, but with the show being cancelled, there's so much ground left uncovered! If they were more willing to diverge from the show, they could have done some battles set afterwards and used the Garthim. I'm pretty curious how they would have been represented!

I also wish we could have gotten one or two more Skeksis. Chamberlain, Hunter, General, Scientist, and Emperor is decent but you know what could have been decenter? The Collector.

But overall. A good time was had by all, wherein all was me.

[souichioneshots]

hai! i was wondering if i could have a fic where the reader is already dating souichi, and his family is super shocked at how nice and innocent they seem, but then find out theyre actually extremely morbid and into dark magic and the occult? it honestly just sounds funny to me but that might also be because its 1 am,, thanks!

【I’m sorry i changed the morbid and darkmagic part into horror movies and bugs! AAhhhh i didn’t know how else to nonchalantly add that stuff into the ff!! I apologize!!! Other than that, i tried really hard on this ahhh... Its kind of long too... I hope you like it!! :) WORD; zabuton: cushion used for sitting on the floor (there are probably a bunch misspells and shit in this, i will fix it tomorrow morning, but for now please enjoy!!)】

　Your heart raced as you got closer to the door. You couldn't believe that you were actually going to meet your boyfriend's family for the first time. 

　You and Souichi had been going out for more than a year now, and he felt that it was time that you finally met his family. One day, when you had time before a movie that you two were planning on watching together, he asked you to come over his house.  

　You had never gone this far in a relationship before, so you were extremely nervous. You didn't know what they would think of you, what they expected of you, what they wanted you to be like, and if they would even accept you at all.. 

　You mind span as you thought of all the things that could go wrong the second they looked at you. 

　You wanted to run away. You wanted pretend that you never made plans to go see a movie with him in the first place. But, this had to happen one day or another. 

　You shakily bring your hand up to the door and knock. After a few seconds it opens. Standing on the other side was Souichi. Your heart skipped a beat when you saw him. For some reason, he looked more handsome than usual. 

　Without a word he gestured you into the house. His house looked completely different than yours. From the wide entrance to the seemingly never ending hallway. You look down to where everyone's shoes were placed. There were 4 different pairs. You start to worry if you could even handle being around 3 different people in such a small space at the same time. 

　Souichi calls for you and starts to walk down the hallway. You take off your shoes and quickly follow him. 

　You both stop at the open living room door. Inside it stood his family. They were standing around a low table with snacks laid out on it. Their eyes widened when they saw you. You nervously smile and bow before entering. Souichi’s mom greeted you first, saying how it was an honor to finally be able to meet you. You didn't know how to react. You were in shock at how different everyone looked and acted compared to Souichi. It was as if you had stepped into a completely different family’s house.

　You bring yourself back to reality and thank everyone for allowing you to join them that night. They all giggled at your obvious nervousness. You honestly felt like your heart was going to jump out of your chest.

　Souichi's mother asked you to sit down as she handed you a drink. You sat on top of an expensive looking zabuton, and thanked her again. You smile at the fact that they probably took these out just for you.

　Kouichi was the first to break the silence. "So, Y/N. How long have you and my brother been going out?" You put your glass down and reply in a low voice "More than a year..." "Hmm.. more than a year you say. So that’s why he’s been acting so weird lately." “Weird?” “Yeah, getting up early for school and actually trying to make himself look good.” Kouichi teases, making Souichi retaliate back. You watched as the two of them interacted. One teased while the other shyly yet angrily replied back. 

　Suddenly, Sayuri started to whisper to you. "Y/N, can i ask you a question?" You nod a yes "You don't have to answer if you don't want to but... what do you like the most about Souichi?" The room went quiet at Sayuri’s question.

　Souichi stopped arguing with Kouichi and fixed his position in his seat. You had never actually directly told Souichi why you liked him. So this was his first time hearing you response as well. 

　You look at the floor, as your face heated up. Thinking of the reasons why you fell for Souichi in the first place was much more embarrassing than you expected.

　"Well.. I like how... I mean..." You fumble on your words as you try to figure out where to start from. You look up at everyone, close your eyes for a second, and take a deep breath before speaking again. "The reason I like Souichi is because he's really nice to me.." You begin. "He's also super smart and funny and..." You voice trails as his family continues to stare at you. You look at the opposite direction of Souichi and gesture towards him "a-and.. he's really cute..." Souichi's face was bright red by the time you finished talking. He froze in place, completely embarrassed by what you had just admitted in front of his family.

　Everyone except you and Souichi begin to laugh. "You're so cute, Y/N!" Sayuri says, smiling at you. As time passes, the awkward atmosphere slowly started to dissipate, as you were now able to casually converse with everyone. You shared snacks with Souichi, and laughed at embarrassing stories about his younger days. Souichi quickly got bored of the conversation, and left to get the remote for the television. 

　When he was about to grab it, he loudly squeaked “Spider!” Everyone stopped talking and looked in his direction. Souichi slowly backed away as no one moved a muscle. You made a confused face and got up from your seat. You slowly walked over to the spot where Souichi had apparently seen a spider. “It’s a huntsman spider!” You say as you swiftly pick it up. Everyone quickly backed away from you as you turned around, holding the spider on the palm of your hand. “It’s still a baby so it’s small. They don’t have poison in them so there’s no need to be afraid. I’m actually surprised this little guy is here though. They usually only hang out in areas with lots of bugs and easy to catch vermin.. like rats!” You walk closer to them, trying to show that the spider was harmless, but this caused Souichi to speak in a voice higher than Sayuri’s. “O-Okay, Y/N! I think we get it!” You laugh at everyone's reaction and excuse yourself to go outside to release the spider. 

　Before you stepped back into the room, you overheard Souichi’s dad talking about you “She’s a brave one, isn’t she! Is she always like that?..” “She actually doesn’t release them. She likes to collect them.” Souichi says, making everyone gasp at the newly learned information about you.

　You sigh and curse yourself for doing something that obviously made everyone feel uncomfortable.

　When you got back into the room, you crouched by Souichi and whispered. "By the way, it's almost 8.." "Oh? Is the movie starting soon?" Souichi’s mom asks, looking a bit sad at the fact that you might be leaving soon. “What movie are you guys going to watch?” Sayuri asks. "I think it’s called JuOn, right?" Souichi nods, confirming your response. "The horror movie?" Kouichi says in a surprised voice. "Yeah! They’re playing it tonight as a Road-Show special and well.." Your voice tails off, suddenly feeling embarrassed again. "Wait, you like those type of movies too?" He asks, unable to believe that someone as shy and innocent looking as you would like those kinds of movies. "Yeah.. i guess so.." You try to play off his reaction, but Souichi came in and started to talk for you "Y/N is actually a horror movie buff.” You look at Souichi as he starts to spill the secret of your love for horror-related things. “Her taste is kind of bad, but sometimes she picks good movies, like tonight." You cover your face, too embarrassed to look at anyone. 　

　In fear that Souichi’s family thinking you were weird, you actually tried to keep your true interests a secret. But, Souichi had to go ahead and blab them all anyways. 

　"Wow... first the bug collection and now horror movies? I never would have guessed you were that type of person, Y/N" Sayuri says, looking at you and Souichi "I guess you could say... you two a match made in hell!" She laughs at her own joke, causing you to slightly cringe. Koichi laughed along, calling Sayuri’s joke dumb yet true. 

　When time came close for you two to leave, Souichi got up and gestured you to follow him. You quickly got up and bowed to everyone. “Thank you so much for having me today. I’m very glad to have been able to meet you.” You happily say, no longer feeling as nervous as you were in the beginning. His family thanked you back and told you to be safe. 

　As you walked towards the door of the house, you quietly laughed to yourself. Souichi’s family was nothing like him. Nothing, except for the obvious fear of spiders. 

[sassy-pelican]

To Infinity: Part One

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings:  Language, fluff, angst, sadness, humor, time jumps, canon typical warnings, a bit of everything. You may not read this story if you are under 18.  

1943

           Although it’s June, you somehow still felt a chill. Maybe it was acceptance into the SSR as one of the few female agents they were willing to train. Maybe it was the thriller you chose to see earlier. Whatever it was, the chill down your spine wouldn’t let up. You pause when you hear a crash, a rather loud one at that. Usually just a raccoon or something you don’t pay it any mind.

           “You just don’t know when to give up do you?” That, however, gives you reason to investigate. Another crash and you start to run, taking off your left shoe in the process.

           “I could do this all day.” The small man, holding up a trashcan lid says, a lip bloody and wobbly knees topping it off.

           “Leave him alone!”

           “Or what, lady?” You look to the small man and shrug before turning to his assailant, who hasn’t noticed your missing shoe and hit him across the face with it.

           “Ow! What the hell?” He glares at you, holding his cheek, lip bloody. I didn’t think I hit him that hard.

           “You both are gonna get it now.” He steps menacing toward you, your still covered foot coming in contact with his crotch as he does.

           “Hey! Go pick on someone your own size.” The blonds face lights up in apparent relief as the taller and much broader brunet kicks the other out of the alley. You don’t have time to react before you are being squished in a back breaking hug.

           As much as you can, you tap the man on the back, arms still restrained by him, and he lets go. “Sorry. Thank you, Miss …”

           “Y/N Y/L/N.”

           “Right, thank you.” He turns to the smaller blond with an exasperated look. “Sometimes I think you like getting punched.”

           “I – she – we had him on the ropes.” You want to laugh, because if you hadn’t stepped in when you did, the poor man would have been passed out for his friend to find, but you don’t.

           The man in uniform looks at the ground and picks up a piece of paper. “How many times is this?” He continues to read, and although you feel as if you are intruding, you can’t bring yourself to leave. “Oh, you’re from Paramus now? You know it’s illegal to lie on your enlistment forms.” He pauses, only slightly. “And seriously, Jersey?”

           The blond huffs but only looks up. “You get your orders?”

           “The one-o-seventh. Sergeant James Barnes. Shipping out for England first thing tomorrow.” You finally get his name, still don’t know the blonds but it’s a start.

           “I should be going.”

           “Come on, man. My last night! Gotta get you cleaned up.”

           “Why? Where are we going?”

           “The future.”

           This time, you can’t help but chuckle. “The Stark expo? Heard there’s a flying car.”

           “Really?” He looks at you funny and you realize you are still holding your shoe.

           “Oh! Right.” As you slip your shoe back on you miss the glance from James and the teasing look from the blond. “I still don’t know your name?”

           “Steve Rogers. James here,” he pokes the other man and he lets out an exaggerated humph, “goes by Bucky.”

           You raise your eyebrow. “Bucky?”

           He sighs and shakes his head. “Long story.”

           “You heading to the expo?”

           “I might, why?”

           “Just don’t wanna pretty dame like you walking home alone.”

           “I can take care of myself just fine, James. Or was the loud oaf not enough proof?” You watch as his casual and flirtatious smile drops into a look of disbelief.

           “Dammit! I though Stevie finally got a good punch in!” He looks at you, a different kind of gaze this time. “Think you can take my place as this one’s knight?”

           “I can’t,” you look to the ground, not wanting to break Steve’s dream even more. “I leave in a couple days too.”

           “Nurse?” Steve asks. You shake your head, but don’t offer him any more information.

           “Come on Steve.” James – Bucky – looks back at you. “Care for an escort?”

           “Don’t you have dates?”

           Steve says no just as Bucky says yes, both of which cause the other to look at their feet. You laugh. “Hey! Girls usually don’t like guys who are tiny.”

           “Not if they dress like that,” you gesture to his outfit, rumpled and far too big. “You can’t wear that on a date and expect a lady to want a second one.”

           “What have I been tellin’ you Steve!” Bucky yells as the three of you begin to move. He mouths a silent thank you to you.

           “Do I have to go?”

           “Yes.” Bucky answers before you can interject and try to force the truth out of him, subtly.

           “It’ll be fun.” You reassure. “Hey, if it goes south, I can always offer to beat her with my shoe.” You joke, both men laugh.

           “I like you doll.”

           “And you need new flirty tactics.” Turning your head, you see him staring at you open-mouthed. “If a girl falls for that, she is desperate.”

           “What have I been tellin’ you Buck!”

           “So, where to boys?”

           “We’re men!” They both yell as you sling your arm over each of their shoulders.

~

           You were walking behind them, and subtly admiring the curve of James’ ass as they talk. Not much of their conversation interested you, after all, you weren’t looking for a loving lady to debauch tonight, nor a man for that matter. Steve, or as you have since learned, Stevie, wasn’t either.

           “I don’t see what the problem is. You’re about to be the last eligible man in New York. You know, there’s three and a half million women here.”

           “Well, I’d settle for just one.” Steve grumbles.

           “Good thing I took care of that.” Bucky replies, you can almost hear his smirk as he waves over the two women he had lined up for their dates.

           “Hey, Bucky!” One of the women yells as he continues to smile. You want to laugh but manage to hold your tongue.

           “What did you tell her about me?” Steve asks.

           “Only the good stuff.” This time you manage to walk away before you let out a laugh. To Bucky the good stuff is everything normal women would hate, or at least proceed cautiously.

           Quietly, you go to get a hotdog, knowing it will be the last one for a while. Foil covered grease piled high with various disgusting toppings you slide up next to Steve who is standing behind the two women and Bucky. You aren’t able to catch him before he offers his date a bite of popcorn. Even you are a little surprised when Steve seems unimpressed with the now hovering car.

           “Holy cow.” Bucky mutters, and while you can’t see his face fully, you can guess there is a look that little kids so often wear: sheer awe. That is soon replaced with a grimace, and one of your own as the car crashing back down.

           When you look to your side, Steve is walking away, heading to what you can only assume is an enlistment office. “Hey, Steve, what do you say we treat these girls …” As Bucky turns around and only catches you with your mouth now stuffed full of the hotdog his smile drops. Wow, thanks James. I know this isn’t the most attractive look but piss off buddy.

           Stuffing the rest of it, just under half you believe, into your mouth and trying desperately not to let any fall out of your mouth, you silently make your way in the direction of the enlistment office. You’re almost positive you can feel Bucky following you, alone.

           A light tap on your shoulder as you pause close to the entrance stuns you slightly. “Miss Y/N Y/L/N?” A rather tall and buff man asks, an envelope in his hand.

           “Yes?”

           “This is for you.” He doesn’t stick around when he gives it to you, meaning it must be something other than bad news. The officers delivering bad news always stay.

           ‘Hello Miss Y/L/N, I am writing to inform you that you are to be my new apprentice. My name is Margaret Carter, but in time I hope you will call me Peggy. I had requested that any female agents be sent my way. Surprisingly, my request was granted. As an SSR agent myself, I hope to help you navigate the waters that were designed for men as I myself have had to do. You and I will be going to Camp Leigh to help oversee a program I cannot disclose within this letter. I look forward to meeting you Miss Y/L/N.

           Agent Margret Carter’

           You just held the letter in your hands, a smile on your face when a vaguely familiar voice cuts you from your stupor. “Ya man writing you?” Ah, the blonde that I assumed was Bucky’s date.

           “Not quite. Just got my assignment.”

           “Oh! That’s great! Good luck.”

           “Thank you.” Dammit, she’s actually sweet.

           “Hey, Sarge! Are we going dancing?” She yells. Well, there goes my previous assessment. Couldn’t she see he and Steve were having a moment, a meaningful conversation? Still you don’t move, letter still in hand.

           “Yes, we are.” He yells, but you see him turn back to Steve. Just as you, and evidently the girls next to you, think he finally done and walking away he runs back up he turns back and salutes to Steve. The girls are quick to pull him away, but not before he sends you a pleading look, one you nod back to.

           Seating yourself on a bench just outside the office, you reread the letter at least five times before it finally sinks in. You have your assignment, and it’s under another female agent too. The smile that hasn’t left your face brightens and you let out a squeal.

           “You okay?” Steve asks, startling you, a smile on his face as well.

           “Yeah. You?”

           “Yeah.”

~

           You trail behind Peggy, she has insisted you call her that in private, as she eyes the soldiers who are eyeing her like a piece of meat. “Recruits, attention!” She yells, and even you have to say, you’re impressed. “I’m Agent Carter. I supervise all operations for this division.”

           A man you identify as Gilmore Hodge via the clipboard the woman walking beside you is holding, interrupts her. Bad move Hodge. “What’s with the accent, Queen Victoria? Though I was signing up for the U.S. Army.”

           “What’s your name, soldier?”

           “Gilmore Hodge, you Majesty.” He mocks, and as you look up and down the line you spot Steve. Steve!

           “Step forward, Hodge.” He does so, albeit with a slight confused look on his face.

           “Put your right foot forward.” Peggy continues.

           “Mmm … We gonna wrestle? Cause I got a few moves I know you’ll like.” You want to tell him off, but know you can’t, and you also know she has this handled. Unsurprisingly, she clocks him in the face, hard enough that he crumbles to the ground.

           “Agent Carter.” Colonel Phillips says, eyeing the man on the ground, and you, suppressing a smile.

           “Colonel Phillips.” She replies, straightening out her jacket.

           “I see you’re breaking the candidates. That’s good!” He looks to Hodge. “Get your ass up out of that dirt and stand in that line at attention ‘til somebody comes and tells you what to do.”

           Hurriedly, and with far more respect than he had for Peggy, he scrambles to his feet and into the line. “Yes, sir.”

           You catch a glance at Peggy and roll your eyes, as subtly as possible and she sends you a small smile. “General Patton has said that wars are fought with weapons, but they are won by men.” You silently add women, but don’t count on that being added into the speech any time soon. “We are going to win this war because we have the men …” He pauses, only slightly when he spots Steve. “And because they’re gonna get better. Much better. The Strategic Scientific Reserve is an Allied effort made up of the best minds in the free world. Our goal is to create the best army in history. But every army starts with one man. At the end of this week we will choose that man. He will be first in a new breed of super-soldiers. And they, will personally escort Adolf Hitler to the gates of Hell.”

~

           As much as you hate to agree with Bucky, Steve really wasn’t cut out for this. He had the heart, but as you observed him, day after day, he didn’t have the body. Of course, it was much like you heard as you trained beside them, Peggy’s watchful eye on you and Steve. Neither one of you had said anything after finding out about the other.

           Although the conversation hadn’t taken place, you could tell, in those first initial glances, that Steve couldn’t help but assume the army would rather have a woman than him. And as much as you had grown to care for him, those looks stung. But after you’d seen the glances he gave to Peggy, you decided not to take it personal.

             “Rogers! Get that rifle out of the mud! You too Y/L/N!” Sergeant Duffy, or Dummy as you like to call him, yells. Yeah well, I would if I could Sarge, but you see some bastard whose masculinity has been threatened just kicked barbed wire in Steve and I’s faces, you think to yourself, wishing with everything in you that you could say it out loud. Sighing you look at Steve and try to wrap your hand around a smooth part. He manages to get through just fine, however you can’t quite go it all at once. Just as you were about to say ‘to hell with it’ and stand up, barbs and all, it is picked up enough for you to crawl through.

           “You did it for me.” Steve says.

           “Thanks Rogers.”

             “Pick up the pace, ladies! Let’s go! Double time! Come on! Faster! Faster! Move! Move!” Sergeant Duffy yells, thankfully, you are able to watch this one from the comfort of the vehicle with Peggy. “Squad, halt! That flag means we’re only at the halfway point. First man to bring it to me gets a ride back with Agent Carter and Y/L/N. Move, move!” You can swear he mutters something obnoxiously sexist under his breath, and something even worse directed towards you.

           Everyone is yelling as Steve is still analyzing the challenge. “If that all you got, this army’s in trouble!” Duffy yells. It takes everything in you not to yell back. “Get up there, Hodge! Come on! Get up there! Nobody’s got that flag in seventeen years! Now fall back in line! Come on, fall in! Let’s go! Get back into formation! Rogers! I said fall in!” You watch, along with Peggy, as Steve ignores Sergeant Dummy and eyes the pole. He bends over and pulls out the pin. No one says a thing as it falls, the thud cutting the silence, and leaving the soldiers with open mouths.

           “Thank you, sir.” Steve says as he hands the flag to a gaping Duffy. As he climbs into the car next to you, both of you smile.

             “Faster, ladies! Come on. My grandmother has more life in her, God rest her soul. Move it!” Peggy yells. You want to give her a vulgar gesture, one ladies aren’t meant to know about, but refrain as she is your S.O. and your arms are burning too much. However, you are fairing better than Steve at the moment.

           “Come on, girls.” Peggy mocks. You want nothing more than to wipe the smile off her face and so push harder, despite the protest in your muscles.

           You don’t register the thud until the Colonel’s voice is yelling. “Grenade!”

           Steve beats you and Peggy to it, both of you scrambling to lay on it. Even as his small and frail body is laying on the object, you see it, the strength. “Get away! Get back!” Steve yells as everyone waits for nothing. You spot the doctor eyeing Phillips.

           “Is this a test?” Steve asks as he sits up, the dummy grenade still sitting where it was thrown.

           As you begin to get back into formation you swear you hear the Colonel say, “He’s still skinny.”

~

           That night a knock sounds on your door. Peggy stands from her seated position as Doctor Erskine enters. “Ladies.”

           “Doctor.” You both greet.

           “I have something to ask.” He sits on a vacant bed and stares at the floor for a while. “This is a lot to ask, but …” He looks up at us. “I was wondering if either one of you would be willing to be injected before Rogers. You wouldn’t get the full experience, no radiation, but I am curious if the female system could handle it.”

           “I’ll do it.” You say before thinking about it.

           “Are you sure?”

           “I’m sure.”

           “Good. Thank you, Agent Y/L/N,” he turns to Peggy, “you will be escorting both of them tomorrow?”

           “Of course, sir.”

           “Good.”

~

           “Are you ready?”

           “Yes.”

           “Remove your shirt,” Doctor Erskine says, “I will be over there, the nurses know what to do.” You nod as you begin to unbutton your top.

           As one approaches you with a needle you smile. “Penicillin?”

           “Yes.” She eyes you. “How’d you know?”

           “My mother was a nurse before she passed.” She smiles sadly this time as she pokes through your skin.

           “You are being given exactly the same amount that Mister Rogers will be given later.” Another nurse explains.

           “Sounds fine.” Although you say it, you are secretly glad that they aren’t deluding it; aren’t giving you less because you are a woman.

           “We need to inject the major muscle groups.” You nod as various needles, far more than you care to count as shoved into your arms and sides simultaneously.

           As you watch the blue liquid go leave the tube you keep waiting for something to feel different. It doesn’t. There’s a slight tingle, but nothing major. You don’t feel stronger, not really, and you most certainly don’t feel any bigger. “Is that it then?”

           All the nurses are staring at you, open-mouthed as the doctor enters the room once again. You quickly pick up your shirt and begin to rebutton it. “Are you alight?”

           “Fine.” You stare at him. “Was something … big, supposed to happen?” You ask him.

           “No! No, nothing. Did you feel anything?”

           “A slight tingle, but that’s gone.”

           “Wonderful!” He eyes you a while. “You shouldn’t have any growth, as that is meant to be caused by the vita radiation. But if you do, please notify me. The effects should be finished within the next few hours. Although any negative ones would have presented themselves by now.”

~

           You were sat in a corner, unnoticed by the many men looking on and wait for Steve, or as they would know him, the subject. As Peggy enters with Steve, everyone stops and stares at him. Poor Steve. He catches your eye and you nod to him, why you aren’t sure, but you do.

           “Good morning.” Erskine greets, shaking Steve’s hand as a flash goes off. “Please, not now.” He looks to Steve again. “Are you ready?” Steve nods. “Good. Take off your shirt, your tie, and your hat.”

           With cautious eyes you watch as Steve does what the doctor told him, and almost every rib is visible. Even as he climbs as in the machine, he looks too skinny. You don’t dare look at Peggy, you already know that she is thinking the same thing.

           “Comfortable?” Erskine asks.

           “It’s a little big.” Steve comments, and it takes a lot of restraint not to smile. “You save me any of that schnapps?”

           “Not as much as I should have. Sorry. Next time. Mr. Stark, how are your levels?”

           “Levels at one-hundred percent.” Steve seems to see him as you do, his already pale face getting impossibly whiter. The man that invented a faulty hoer-car is going to experiment on my friend. Shit. “We may dim half the lights in Brooklyn, by we are ready as we’ll ever be.”

           “Good.” He turns to Peggy, sending me a side eye. “Agent Carter? Don’t you think you would be more comfortable in the booth?”

           “Oh, yes. Of course. Sorry.” You know the comment is directed at you as well, but you don’t move. You aren’t in the direct vicinity of the rays, and you refuse to leave Steve alone.

           “Good.” You can’t help but think he says that a lot as he takes the microphone, tapping it a bit. “Do you hear me? Is this on?” He says to the group gathered to watch this. “Ladies and gentlemen, today we take not another step towards annihilation, but the first step on the path to peace. We begin with a series of micro injections into the subject’s major muscle groups. The serum infusion will cause immediate cellular change. And then to simulate growth, the subject will the saturated with Vita-Rays.”

           You watch as Steve is injected with penicillin and stifle a laugh as he winces. “That wasn’t so bad.”

           “That was penicillin.” He turns to the others. “Serum infusion beginning in five, four, three, two, one.” You watch as the blue liquid disappears into Steve, much like it did you. “Now, Mr. Stark.”

           Stark lowers the lever and the thing Steve is laying on moves into place. The pod now upright, closes Steve in. “Steve, can you hear me?” Erskine asks after knocking.

           “It’s probably too late to go to the bathroom, right?” Good lord Steve now is not the time for jokes.

           “We will proceed.” Stark nods and starts to up the percentage.

           “That’s ten percent. Twenty percent. Thirty. That’s forty percent.”

           “Vital signs are normal.” A doctor comments.

           “That’s fifty percent. Sixty. Seventy.” Stark is cut off by a scream. A loud painful scream from the tube. You swallow the lump in your throat.

           “Steve!” Erskine yells.

           “Shut it down!” Peggy yells from the balcony before you can say anything.

           “Steven!” Erskine yells as he knocks on the pod.

           “Shut it down!” Peggy yells louder this time,

           “Kill the reactor, Mr. Stark! Turn it off! Kill it! Kill the reactor!” Doctor Erskine shouts.

           “No! Don’t! I can do this!” Steve yells from inside. He’s alive! That though should give you comfort but after seeing him in that alley, alive doesn’t mean unhurt with Steve.

           “Eighty. Ninety. That one-hundred percent.” Everything overloads. The reactor shuts itself off. No one moves for bit.

           “Mr. Stark?” He opens the pod and the Steve that is strapped in, isn’t your Steve.

           “Steven. Steven.” He stumbles out, held up by Stark and Erskine.

           “I did it.” You nod, although no one sees you.

           “Yeah, yeah. I think we did it.”

           “We actually did it.” Starks sounds surprised.

           As one of the nurses starts to hand him a shirt, Peggy reaches out, and just as she touches him, pull away. Almost as if she didn’t realize what she was doing. Get it Peg. “How do you feel?” She asks.

           “Taller.” He replies, looking around.

           “You look taller.”

           You don’t pay attention to the conversation between the men, you only focus on Steve. He doesn’t need you or Bucky anymore. Not physically. You may not have known him long, but you’ve gotten attached to the little scrawny kid that needed you. This man, he doesn’t.

           Your legs don’t give out as a bomb goes off. You watch as a man, who you don’t know, uses the chaos to steal the last vial, Peggy hot on his heels. You run after her and feel helpless as she shoots at the car. You want to clap as she shoots the driver, causing the car to crash. The man manages to commandeer a taxi, Peggy still shooting.

           He ducks, accelerating towards the two of you. You, even with the serum, have enough sense to jump out of the way as he gets closer. Peggy, she doesn’t. Maybe it’s your lack of weapon, or your still muddled brain, but you can’t seem to get into gear, not like you should. Besides, the public might not be too keen on a female super-soldier. Out of nowhere, Steve shoves Peggy out of the way.

           “I had him!” She chastises.

           “Sorry!” He yells, already chasing after the car. You laugh as he crashes through a window before continuing.

           “You’ve gotta teach me how to do that.” You mutter to Peggy.

~

           You had seen some of Steve’s ‘accomplishments’ from his USO tour, and you are embarrassed for him. However, when Peggy tells you she is planning a trip to see him, off the books, you tell her you are going. She smiles.

           “Have a thing for Steve?” She asks.

           “Hardly!” You laugh, thinking of that first day. “Not like you think.”

           “Is it that obvious?”

           “Only if you’re lookin’ Peggy. And let’s face it, no one here is.”

           “How did you meet him anyway. I never asked.”

           “Saved his ass in an alley.” You smile at the memory.

           “He mentioned a few times he had gotten beaten to a pulp.” She looks at you. “What did you do?”

           “Poor Steve was getting his ass beat by some huge guy. He was even using a metal trashcan lid as shield,” you stare at the poster of him, “guess that doesn’t change.”

           “Guess not.”

           “Anyway, I ran up when I heard the crashes and beat the man with my shoe.”

           “Always a classic.”

           The two of you approach the man in question, hunched over something in his lap. You glance at it, a monkey. Steve. “Hello, Steve.” Peggy greets.

           “Hi.”

           “Hi.” She continues to look at him.

           “What are you doin’ here?” His eyes flit between the both of us, but I see the concern for Peggy there.

           “Officially I’m – we’re – not here at all. That was quite the performance.”

           “Yeah. Uh … I had to improvise a little bit. Crowds I’m used to are usually more uh … twelve.” You smile down at him sadly before plopping yourself next to him.

           “I understand you’re “America’s New Hope”?”

           “Bond sales take a ten percent bump in every state I visit.”

           “Is that Senator Brandt I hear?” Peggy asks, and even you have to admit this isn’t Steve.

           “At least he’s got me doin’ this. Philips would have had me stuck in a lab.” He says, dejected. You place your hand on his shoulder, trying in vain to comfort him.

           “And these are your only options? A lab rat or a dancing monkey?” You eye the drawing, your heart sinking at the idea of Steve stuck in this. “You were meant for more than this, you know.” Peggy tells him, but when he hesitates, she looks at him. “What?”

           “You know for the longest time I dreamed about coming overseas and being on the front lines. Serving my country. I finally get everything I wanted and I’m wearing tights.” He sighs. The three of you turn when an ambulance arrives, wounded soldiers in tow. “They look like they’ve been through hell.”

           “These men more than most. Schmidt sent out a force to Azzano. Two hundred men went up against him and less than fifty returned. Your audience contained what was left of the one-o-seventh. The rest were killed or captured.”

           Both Steve and you pale and look to each other. “Bucky.” You gasp.

           “The one-o-seventh?”

           “What?” Peggy looks between our both fallen face.

           “Come on!” Steve yells as he leads the two of us to a tent. “Colonel Philips.” Steve announces.

           “Well, if it isn’t the Star-Spangled Man with A Plan. And what is your plan today?” You want nothing more than to lay him out but know you can’t.

           “I need the casualty list from Azzano.”

           “You don’t give me orders, son.” He mocks. You are boiling now, the lack of decent and basic respect from the man rubbing you in every bad way.

           “I just need one name. Sergeant James Barnes from the hundred and seventh.”

           Philips points at Peggy. “You and I are gonna have a conversation later that you won’t enjoy.” He doesn’t add anything.

           “Please tell me if he’s alive, sir. B-A-R …”

           “I can spell.” He glares at Steve. “I have signed more of those condolence letters today than I would care to count. But the name does sound familiar. I’m sorry.”

           The news shocks you. You didn’t know Bucky long, not even long enough to call him a friend really, but enough to know that you wanted to know more. You saw the man he was with Steve, with the girls, and was good. You don’t hear much of their conversation, still absorbing the news.

           “Yes, sir. I do.” Steve says You glance at the map he is staring at and see the marker indicating the men.

           “If you have something to say, right now is the perfect time to keep it to yourself.” Philips says to Peggy and you bristle. So far, everyone has ignored your presence and you would like to keep it that way.

           You and Peggy follow Steve and find him packing and changing into slightly more appropriate attire. “What do you plan to do? Walk to Austria?” She asks.

           “Yes.”

           “If that’s what it takes.” Steve says sending a glare your way, you glare back.

           “You heard the Colonel; your friend is most likely dead.”

           “You don’t know that.” Steve grumbles.

           “Even do, he’s devising a strategy. If he detects …”

           “By the time he’s done that, it could be too late!” Steve approaches the jeep. “You told me you thought I was meant for more than this. Did you mean that?” Suddenly, you feel as if you are intruding.

           “Every word.”

           “Then you gotta let me go.”

           “I’m going with him Peggy.”

           “Like hell you are!” Steve barks.

           “Try and stop me Rogers.”

           “I could.”

           “No, I don’t think you could.” You respond, Peggy glaring at both of you, but nodding. Steve’s eyes widen at the realization.

           “You were …”

           “Yes.” You pause, debating. “Bucky asked me to be the new him, I intend to do that to the letter. I intend to do the same for him as well. Even if it means walking into hell with you just to beat you both to hell again.”

           Steve nods throwing the bags around, making more room for you. Finally, Peggy really looks at you two. “I can do more than let you go.”