#and opal found him and raised him !

[star-felled]

i COULD say hes onion cookie bc haha funny same name and theyre also very similar what with all the ghosts and stuff but LISTEN. squid ink cookie is just superior i do not make the rules

ALSO THATS SO? FHSKVNSJVHDJ???? im sorry i probably Shouldnt be laughing at a small cjhidls death but THE FRILLISH GOT HIM. OMFG. THATS SO FUNNY TO ME?? i think thats a lot better than my hc for him tbh (got sick (of common cold /j) and Died . frail pathetic victorian era orphan boy type beat)

onion cookie . ..... my silly .......... i like the idea of him being associated w a cookie that can kill you however squink sweep

YEAH NO ive been meaning to make a comic abt it but. my alli was chasing a gastly to a cliff on the west side of stow on side but the ground he was standing on broke off and plunged him into the ocean . the gastly evolved so it could drag him out of hell though dw 💖

[pastel-peach-writes]

Hello!! I love your Korra X readers so I’m just gonna ask if you could do a Korra x Fem!reader (or GN up to you!) with the cliche plot of Reader being injured and not telling anyone until later? Hope you are doing well!!

YURR lets go. I initially wrote this as a fem!reader, but I didn't even use the reader's pronouns in this so, gender neutral reader it is!

Kiss It Better | Korra x Beifong!Reader

╰┈➤ PLOT: With your girlfriend saving the world all the time, you take it as your job to not worry her with your own problems. If you needed help with something, you'd figure it out or get someone else's help. What happens when your "selflessness" nearly costs you an arm?

╰┈➤ WARNING: Injured!Reader, Suggestive Mentions, Cursing, Not Proofread, Beifong!Reader

⍣ ೋ Enjoy!⍣ ೋ

It was a simple fracture. You were training with Bolin and a cluster of Earth hit you too hard in the arm. Bolin apologized and even offered to take you to the infirmary, but you rejected him.

One, you were a Beifong; you don't get hurt. Two, if you go to the infirmary, chances are you'll get a cast or some sort of sling. That'll worry your girlfriend, the Avatar, and with all the duties she had to attend to, your fractured arm was the least of her worries.

"Oh, fuck," you hissed, leaning back into your plush sofa. Typically, the plush cushions and fuzzy fabric would comfort you. The cushions would allow your muscles to relax and for your body to find comfort in the warm snuggles of your girlfriend's blanket. But now, the cushions only make your body hurt worse.

There was no support in the cushions. The plushiness was too plushy and the warm comfort typically found within the blanket was annoying.

"I'm home!" Korra announced. The woman kicked off her boots, put up her short hair, and plopped beside you on the couch.

You groaned, holding your bicep.

Korra tilted her head, raising a brow. "Hey, you okay? Was I too loud or something?"

Time slowed as you forced a laugh out of your chest. If you laughed too hard, your arm would ache. If you didn't laugh enough, Korra would assume something was wrong.

Nothing was wrong. At least, to her knowledge.

"Oh, sorry!" you smiled at her, "I was actually practicing this new joke Mako taught me. I was supposed to make this sound, but I guess I haven't mastered it yet."

"Oh... haha," Korra forced out of her. "No more taking joke suggestions from Mako. He doesn't have a funny bone in his body." The Avatar nestled her head on your chest. She hummed, snuggling into the warmth of your body.

"Right," you chewed on your lip. "I don't know what I was thinking."

-

"One, hit! Two, hit! Three--!"

"Okay!" you howled. You and Bolin have been training for three hours straight now. Something must've inspired Bolin because he's been sending over disks, boulders, and other forms of Earth toward you like there was no tomorrow. While he was losing pounds by sweating alone, your arm was screaming at you.

"Please stop moving me!" "I'm hurt!" "Why do you hate us?!"

You wished you could listen to your body. You really did. But you read somewhere that certain fractures can heal on their own with the proper rest and care.

You thought you could take it easy in training today, but obviously, Bolin had other plans.

"Oh," Bolin smiled, peeling himself away from his boxed stance. "Did I go too far? Sorry. Opal said something last night about guys working out and how she loved watching me train sometimes, so I wanted to work extra hard this practice so I wouldn't feel bad for showing off."

Your chest heaved up and down as the boy spoke. The fire in your arm was excruciating and it was spreading to your shoulders.

You trudged along the training center, going to a lousy bench where your water bottle and workout towel lay. "No, no," you told Bolin, "it's okay. I just need a break. That's all."

Lowering yourself onto the bench, your muscles and all the meat on your body felt like falling off the bone like you were a tenderly cooked piece of chicken. Your thighs ached and shook, like after an endless night with Korra. You took your towel and slung it over your good arm. You carefully opened your water bottle to take a sip.

Bolin followed after, mindlessly yapping about Opal and how pretty she was. Once he sat himself next to you and drank from his water, his eyes bulged out of his head, and water sprayed from his mouth.,

You whipped your head toward him, perplexed. "Oh, my Spirits! What was that?"

"What happened to your arm?" the boy exclaimed. He pointed at the swollen and bruised skin. Your rotator cuff was a deep purple with blue specs. He couldn't see it, but the bruising gave a pulsing sensation.

You scoffed and went for another sip of water. "Nothing. Just bumped into a pole."

"What kind of pole hit you like that?" he exclaimed again, now out of his seat. His green eyes were now filled with fear; his body trembled with worry.

You tried to shrug, but since your hurt arm was alarmingly tough and sore, only your good arm moved. "I don't know," you mumbled. "It was a while ago, I think. I can't really remember."

"Well, you have to at least let a nurse or someone qualified check you out! This looks bad, Beifong. No pole could've done this."

"Bolin," you rose to your feet. "I'm fine. Don't make me say it again." You didn't let Bolin get another word in as you gathered your things. "And Bolin, don't mention this to anyone."

-

Bolin can't keep a secret and honestly, it's your fault for telling him to keep one. You're his friend and Bolin doesn't believe in keeping his friends in danger. You need medical attention, even if you are too stubborn to admit it.

Immediately after practice, he ran to Mako who ran to Asami who told Korra.

When she first heard the news, Korra had mixed emotions. She was vexed because she didn't notice your pain and you didn't tell her, yet worried about the extremity of your injury. Could your arm fall off? What if the injury was actually worse underneath?

The Krew discussed your injury and how to intervene in your careless ways of living. There was a plan where they tricked you into going to the hospital, another where they took you out to dinner and would finesse you into spilling your guts, and then there's the plan they actually went through; the plan that made the most sense.

Korra was to go home with a smile on her face, cuddle and kiss on you for a while, and then ease into the conversation of training and injuries.

Mako thought the subtle conversation topic would force you to talk about your injury without actually forcing you.

Well, it's been two fucking hours of medical talk and Korra wasn't getting anywhere.

The two of you were cuddling on your bed, legs entangled with each other and her arms around your waist. She had her head on your good arm and from the corner of her eye, she could see the black and blue bruising that was growing to your neck.

Your pajamas acted as a pathetic way to hide it.

Korra was done playing the nice game. She had Asami in her head telling her to play the nice game and to ease into it. (She also had Mako claiming that Korra was unable to play the "nice-and-ease-into-it" game, but what Mako doesn't know won't kill him).

"Bolin told me," Korra spoke, her eyes fixated on the wall in front of you two.

You hummed, keeping your eyes closed. The ache and burn on your arm weren't as bad anymore. You also read somewhere that heat would inflame the injury more so after a quick lukewarm shower, you iced. You iced and replaced the ice for hours until Korra came home.

You were missing that ice right about now.

"Told you what?"

"That you have a disgusting bruise on your shoulder." Okay, so Bolin didn't describe it as disgusting, but what you don't know won't kill you either.

You snickered. "I ran into a pole, okay? It's not the big of a deal."

"Then why are you lying to me?" Korra pulled herself off of your chest. With delicate fingers, the Avater peeled the soft fabric off your shoulders.

The subtle movement of the fabric made you wince and the natural instinct was to push Korra away, so, you did. You pushed on her stomach to move her away from you. "Korra, don't."

"Oh, what are you gonna do?" she scoffed. Korra sat on her knees, shoulders squared to you and arms crossed over her chest. "Threaten me? You saw how that worked out with Bolin, nice move by the way." Korra's words were stern and leaning towards the angry side of things. Her nose scrunched while her nostrils flared. She was also gripping her arms so hard, her grip made marks.

"I didn't threaten him," you claimed.

"So, what would you call it? Being a bad friend? Telling him to keep your health a secret knowing damn well it's on the line?"

"My health is not on the line!" You've sat up from the bed now. Your bad arm rested on a mound of pillows and your good arm held it for support. "It's a tiny injury, sprain if you wanna go that far."

"That's rich," Korra scoffed. She shook her head, getting off the bed. "You can barely talk to me without the corner of your mouthing ticking from the pain. I can barely put my hands on your shirt and you can barely sit on the couch without groaning in pain."

You suddenly found interest in the ceiling. You took note of the texture and the color. You would find any new fact you could about this ceiling if it meant you could avoid Korra's burning gaze and her rising anger.

This is why you didn't want to tell her in the first place. She's worried about everyone else and for once, you wanted to be someone she doesn't have to worry about. But now she's here, yelling at you because she cares. Because you didn't tell her.

"I didn't want you to worry about me too," you mumbled. Your gaze dropped to the comforter. "You have so much on your plate, I wanted to ease the load. You shouldn't be stressed about me, you're the Avatar. You have more people to worry about."

Watching you struggle to look her in the eye, Korra sat herself on the bed. She put a soft hand on the mound of your knee, using her thumb to soothe the skin. "Hey," she spoke. "I am your girlfriend first and the Avatar second. I will always worry about you. You deserved to be worried about and cared for."

You swallowed thickly. The back of your throat scratched like you had a cold yet your mouth was eager to say something back. Your brain couldn't think of any words to say.

"Your struggles and problems aren't inferior to me. I want you to come to me with your troubles, not because I'm the Avatar, but because I'm your girlfriend. It's my job to care for you, to heal you when you're sick, and to pick you up when you're down. Master of the Elements or not, that's my job and it's yours too," she sighed. "So, please, for the first time, tell me what's wrong and what I can do to help you."

The moment your eyes locked with hers, a flood broke through you. You wept as you told her what was wrong with your arm and how long you've tried to sustain this injury, four days.

Korra could kick herself over and over again for not noticing how much pain you were in, but you were a good pretender. In some way, she had Bolin and Opal to thank. Without Bolin's sudden desire to train extra hard, you wouldn't be forced to stop pretending.

But instead of wallowing in self-pity and throwing a really weird party for the couple in her head, she comforted you. She pulled you to her chest and held you as tightly as she could without hurting you further.

The two of you stayed like that, you in her arms, for a while. You didn't take notice of the time spent in the position. You two focused on each other's breathing and warmth.

And finally, for the first time in a long time, you let Korra take care of you.

WC: 2,071

[xxbimbobunnyxx]

pleaseeee write some more rafe x weird!reader 🙏🏻🫶🏻

How about some Weird!girl headcanons?🤭🪞🥀

Weird!girl and Rafe met at the cemetery about a year after Ward died. Rafe was there visiting his grave, boasting to his deceased father about his success when he heard the prettiest little voice. He never expected to find the most beautiful, yet most strange girl he’s ever met sitting by her mother’s grave with a little orange cat.

Weird!girl absolutely adores animals of all kinds. Her family owns one of the most successful dairy companies in the country so she’s spent a lot of time around farm animals. She absolutely adores baby goats and bunnies the most though.

Weird!Girl’s mom died when she was young and her dad was never around so she was raised by her eccentric kook grandma. Everyone in the OBX always thought there was just something a little odd about her entire family.

Weird!Girl is a passenger princess through and through, she tried to get her permit when she was 15 but failed the test twice and honestly just gave up after that. Her grandma always had a driver for her growing up and once she gets with Rafe he happily takes on that position.

Weird!girl loves pretty things, but not in a classic diamond way. She loves random opal rings and pretty lace dresses found at vintage shops. And chunky chokers from flea markets. Rafe can’t stand this. He finds loopholes by buying her custom bat shaped jewelry and expensive platform shoes from her favorite brands.

Weird!girl has never really had a lot of friends. All the other kooks either looked down their noses at her or straight up belittled her. She was written off by Pogues just for being a kook, even if she didn’t feel like one. Rafe is her first real relationship, friendship or otherwise.

Weird!girl has a little white bunny named Lydia who she treats like her actual child.

Weird!girl wasn’t a virgin when she and Rafe met, she lost it to a band geek in high school and has had a few random hook ups as an adult. Rafe likes to pretend those didn’t happen.

Weird!girl smokes cigarettes and weed but she’s really girlie pop about it with her little vintage ashtrays and cute little custom bongs off Etsy. She also loves to hit the pen.

Weird!girl has tons of cute little tattoos. Baby deer, lambs, teddy bears with too many eyes and their stuffing coming out.

Weird!girl collects dolls, some porcelain but mostly Monster High and Bratz dolls. Rafe teases her about this at first but when she gets genuinely upset he realizes how much it means to her and now he’s buying her every single doll she’s ever wanted no matter the price.

Weird!girl absolutely loves horror. Rafe isn’t the biggest fan at first but once he sees how much she loves it and how happy rambling on about it makes her it makes him learn to appreciate it more.

Weird!girl is constantly making Rafe take pictures of her. She will dress up in little costumes or outfits and drag him out to the middle of the woods for an impromptu photoshoot. He’s a well trained Instagram boyfriend at this point.

Weird!girl has Rafe wrapped around her little finger and she doesn’t even really realize to what extent. She says jump and he says how high. He’s very in tune with her needs, before she can even ask him for something he’s already doing it.

Weird!girl is an absolute freak in bed. She’s submissive for the most part but sometimes she straddles Rafe and rides him so hard all he can do is hold onto her hips for dear life and take it. She loves marking him up. Scratches, bite marks, bruises she sucked into his skin. But she wants the same from him, she has a huge ownership kink.

All things Rafe & His weird!girl here

[futurefamousdeadmusician]

Escape to the Eden Club - Sister! reader x Shelby Brothers

Summary; Emily Shelby wants to spend the night away from the confines of Small Heath and decides to head out to the famed Eden Club of London. All was well until a certain trio arrived and reigned havoc.

Author's Note; I took some liberties with the plot/ location of the Eden Club itself. That being said, this is still meant to be aligned closely with the fight scene from season 2. As always, let me know what you think.

Eager to escape into the cool evening air, Emily wrapped her shawl loosely around her shoulders and took stock of her purse. A small roll of bills, lipstick, a dainty opal hairbrush, and a shining Colt Pocket Hammerless Arthur had given her some time ago. With one last glance to the mirror, she smoothed out her dress and went for her bedroom door, shutting it softly behind her. Seeing as Polly would still be at the church for sometime, she decided it would be best to inform her brother on her intentions. Emily approached Thomas’ office and peered in to see the stout man sitting behind his modest desk. She rapped lightly on the door frame and was beckoned inside by just a flick of her brother’s eyes instead of a word. After only taking one step into the room she spoke in the most clear, confident tone she could muster.

“I’m going out with Ada this evening. I’ll be back by midnight.” Hoping the conversation would end there she turned to leave only to be stopped by her brothers words. Still not looking up from the papers spread across the wood before him he cleared his throat and said,

“Going out with Ada, eh? Why is this the first I’m hearing about this?” Emily rolled her eyes, hoping her brother didn’t see, and replied,

“Because I didn’t think there would be any issue.” Emily didn’t like lying, a quality instilled in her by her Aunt Polly since her youth. Though, as a Shelby, it came naturally. Exhausting Emily further, Thomas continued in his questioning. 

“Where about are you two going?” Calmer this time, as to not arouse suspicion, the girl replied, 

“Just to dinner, in Digbeth.” 

“The name of the establishment?” With more attitude, she replied, 

“The Carriage.” The man sat for a moment, only sparing her one more glance as he searched her face for deceit. He apparently found none. 

“Be back by 11.” Emily offered a small smile and made her way out of the home on Watery Lane, calling over her shoulder, 

“I’ll see you at 11:30, Tom.” 

The night was still young and the chance for her to walk the streets of Birmingham alone and untethered was an excitement of a life time. She wouldn’t just be walking the streets of her hometown tonight, though. After meeting her friend Scarlett by the cut they hailed a cab and set out for London. 

The passage was just under 2 hours before they arrived to the Eden Club just outside of the city. After tipping the cabman and exiting out into the brisk night they set for the front doors of the avant-garde establishment. Scarlet giggled with excitement as they approached the doorman who knew better than to question two striking young women trying to enter the club. The main hall filled was filled with the smell of smoke and sex and the band played on to ring in the young night. It wasn’t often that Emily got to leave the holdings of Small Health, let alone the claws of her brothers. After Ada’s departure, Thomas was more worried than ever about loosing his youngest sister. This fear often manifested into the overarching control of Emily’s every move. He felt it was both an act of love and an act of necessity. Emily knew she was deeply loved by her brother and cared for him in the same way. Yet, at the end of the day, if Tom could have his thumb on the pulse of every member of the family, only then could he ensure their safety, or so he believed. 

“Isn’t this amazing!” Scarlett squealed in Emily’s ear. Scarlett was one of the few friends that Thomas approved of. She came from a respectable, working-class family who raised horses and often did work with the Shelby family. 

“I know.” Emily said back, raising her voice to soar over the loud music. The pair approached the bar and beckoned the attendant for a drink. Soon after, two men approached the women introducing themselves as Paul, a tall man with short black hair in a pressed grey suit, and David, a slightly stout man with dusty blonde hair and rosy cheeks who’s slim black suit made him look taller than he was. Paul explained that Emily had caught his eye from the moment she had walked in and it would be a crime to let a woman like herself buy her own drinks. It was only out of the confines of Birmingham that handsome men would approach her, unafraid of people she was related to. She could speak freely and finally feel a sense of control she was never afforded at home. 

“Would you care to dance?” Paul asked the young woman and carefully took her hand in his. They left their drinks at the table where David and Scarlett sat completely enthralled with one another. He led her to the dance floor just as a new song started over at the bands stage. Spinning around the floor Emily couldn’t help but laugh at the happiness she felt in Paul’s arms. He leaned in close to her face and breathed, 

“You are absolutely stunning.” His breath smelled of bourbon and lust. This was Emily’s dream; to be young and free. Finally she was living it. 

She only noticed the violent outburst taking place across the large room once she heard the crashing noise of a wooden table full of glassware hit the ground. The band cut to a halt and gasps filled the audience. Out of instinct, Paul shoved Emily behind him as he assessed the situation. When it became clear that the men dressed in black meant to do harm he ushered his date back to their table to collect their friends and make a run for the door. Through the crowd, Emily peered over the bobbing heads of patrons ducking and running at the chaos she noticed a familiar jacket fly up as one of the unknown assailants struck another man across the face. As he turned to face another man she saw the face of her brother adorned with a busted lip and small drops of another mans blood. 

“Fuck.” She whispered and made a run for her table. Scarlett and her companion had already gathered their things and stood to meet the other couple. The four of them hid behind the large sofa they had once sat on while they waited for a path to clear to the main exit of the building. Emily grabbed her friend by the arm and swung the girl around to meet her scared face. The two men were conversing anxiously at the best plan of escape while the women spoke in hushed words. 

“It my fucking brother!” 

“What?” Scarlett gasped “Are you sure?” The two women peered over the couch to see the men still going at it near the center of the room. This time, Arthur’s face came into view through the madness. 

“Fuck it’s the lot of them. We need to go. Now!” Emily shoved the other girl forward and the men followed suit. A gunshot rang out through the building and they all dropped to the floor covering their heads. Paul grabbed Emily’s shoulders hovered his body over hers to protect her. When the men quit fighting and stood to see where the shot had come from all became quiet. The four took this opportunity to head straight for the exit. Emily only heard the indistinct echo of Tommy’s voice before clearing the doorway. 

Pouring into the street patrons ran every conceivable direction to vacate the path of anymore possible bullets. After reaching the end of the block Paul spoke, out of breath. 

“Is everyone ok?” Each took their turn affirming that they were not hurt, just a bit shaken. Emily turned to her friend communicating with just their eyes that they all needed to get leave before her brothers had a chance to exit the building. “Alright, I need to get you home.” Paul said and took Emily’s shoulder and David followed suit with Scarlett. 

“No!” Emily said too forcefully, “I - We will get home, I promise. You need to get on your way,” she explained gently. Truthfully, she wanted nothing more than to go anywhere with Paul, that handsome, caring gentleman. He stood firm on his words and said again,

“Emily, really, I need to make sure you get home. I don’t know who the fuck those bastards were.” Scarlett let out a worried laugh at the irony of the situation and still couldn’t take her eyes off the doorway expecting any moment that the men would emerge and see them. Emily took her arm from him though it pained her to do so. 

“Please, Paul, really. You need to get going.” She said urgently. He took a step back and dropped his eyes to the ground, looking hurt. Defeated, he touched David on the shoulder, prompting him to let go of Scarlett’s arm. 

“It was lovely meeting you,” was all he spoke before turning and walking off into the dark alley way. Emily rifled around in her purse and pulled out some small bills shoving them into Scarlett’s hand. 

“Go. Now!” She said before beginning to turn away. 

“What? I’m not leaving you!” Her friend yelled back, grabbing onto her wrist, stopping her movement.

“Scarlett, go! Please. Before they come out.” She pleaded. Even her friend knew that there would be hell to pay if her family found out that she had been running around, getting into trouble with the Shelby girl. With eyes darting between the front door of the Eden Club and Emily’s worried expression Scarlett forced herself to embrace her friend. 

“Please be safe.” Emily nodded in response and they both took off into opposite directions. After quickly crossing in front of the building, the younger Shelby tried her best to hail a cab as many former club goers tried to do the same. Every few seconds she found herself looking over her shoulder praying that she wouldn’t turn to find her brother’s red face looking back at her. After a few failed attempts she saw a empty taxi just across the way parked right next to the entrance of the club. If she hurried, she might just be able to make it before her brothers emerged. With a quick decision she bolted as fast as her heels would carry her across the street and made it just steps the the cab door before she felt the shoulder of a much larger man connect with her own. As she was shoved back onto the hood of the cab she couldn’t help but shout,

“watch where yer’ fucking goin!” Just as any other Shelby would. She watched in anger as that very man climbed into the cab himself and the car began to drive away forcing her to move back onto the side walk. Collecting herself and still cursing the man under her breath she only made it a few steps from her place in front of the club before she heard her name called from behind her. 

It was John. The word pierced her soul like a knife. Without thinking, she swung around to see him standing only about 10 feet behind her as Thomas and Arthur filed out of the door. Without a second to reconsider, she ran. Though slowed down by her shoes and the lingering effects of alcohol, she carried herself briskly down the street. 

“Emily Lenora Shelby!” She heard Arthur roar from behind her. Continuing down the sidewalk shoving between the still clearing crowd she did not stop. Just before she reached the nearest intersection a strong hand gripped her shoulder and spun her around causing her to stumble. She was caught by her oldest brother’s hands of either shoulder lightly shaking her to emphasize each word as they came from his red, blood splattered face. 

“What the fuck are you doing here? Are you bloody mental?” She squinted to shield herself from the yelling as she put her hands to his chest to push him away. He wasn’t planning on letting her go lest she run again until he felt the hand of Tom guide him away from the younger girl. She almost preferred the outright rage of Arthur over the chilling coldness of Thomas, at least with the former, his true intentions were always clear. John soon arrived behind the men and took to consoling Arthur while Thomas pushed the girl to side of the road. Unwilling, she attempted to hold her ground against the man though a stronger grip on her upper arm and a stern look from his piercing eyes encouraged her to comply. She kept her head low has he was still catching his breath from the conflict and subsequent jog to catch his fleeing sister. Finally, in a low, gruff voice, he spoke. 

“In the club, ye?” She nodded her head but still wouldn’t meet the man’s eyes. Instead, she peered past him to see John and Arthur leaned in close to one another talking. Arthur waving his hands around like a lunatic while John tries to calm him down. Out of all her brothers, her and John butted heads the most. Maybe it was the age difference, sitting at just enough years to give them not much in common but enough to argue about. Though, when it was all said and done, she knew John would have her back just as much, if not more, than anyone else. She met his eyes in a quick glance before turning back to Tom’s shoes. Now, the more pragmatic Shelby took in a deep breath to gather his thoughts before continuing the conversation with his sister. 

“Why? Eh?” He said quieter this time. She couldn’t tell if his low voice was an attempt to deescalate the situation or to intimidate her into telling the truth. Well, the truth as it may be, wasn’t that interesting. Emily shrugged and only spared him a small glance up. She went to the Eden club that evening for the same reason as any other girl of her year would; to have fun. 

“You have no business being at those clubs. Getting yourself fucking killed, right?” He said lowering himself to her level, even closer to her face. Her jaw tensed as she thought of a thousand words she could say back to him.

“Everything was fine until you bastards shot up the place.”

“Weren’t you just at the same club, Tom?”

“It’s none of your business what I do.”

Using her better judgment though, she held her tongue. The irony of the situation was not lost on Tommy. He knew that the standard he held for his sister was much different than he held for the men of the family, though he held it steadfast. At the end of the day, he knew Emily was a good girl. Smart, calculated, quick, and usually honest. When the silence hung in the air for too long, he took a gentle hand and guided her face to meet his eyes. 

“Don’t scare me like that again.” He said pointedly with his finger pointed at her face. Emily pursed her lips and gave a curt nod before he pulled her in for a quick but firm hug and placed one kiss on the top of her head. Trying to break away from the clutches are her brother once more she took a step away from Thomas and said, 

“I’ll see you at home,” before attempting to leave in the opposite direction. He let out a sigh once again and wrapped a strong, possessive hand around her arm once more. His lips parted and he eyebrow went up in astonishment, almost as if he was testing her to defy him once again. She looked in his eyes a moment longer, unwavering, before following him back to the other men. Thomas cleared his throat and released the grasp on the girl before speaking, 

“Let’s just go home, shall we.” The four walked in uncomfortable silence back to the car, just over a block away from the fateful scene. As they walked, her oldest brother moved closer to her eventually putting a hand on her upper back and bending down to her level.

“You knows I just want to protect you, right, love?” He offered in a nicer tone than before. Emily knew and nodded a reply. 

“I know.” 

“It’s just you can’t go running around like that.” Before he could get another sentence out, Thomas called out from the front of the group. 

“She knows, brother.”  They eventually made it to the Bentley and it was John that opened the door for his sister to enter the back seat. As she took the less-than-sober step up into the vehicle her brother gently pushed her, just to see how unstable she was.

“Acting like a fuckin’ harlot,” John laughed quietly to chastise the younger girl. Quickly, Emily turned to face him hunched over in the car and raised her purse as if she was going to hit him. 

“Oi, you fuckin’ bastard!” She seethed. Before the two could go at it Thomas darted a look at them in the rear view mirror and raised his voice in a menacing shout. 

“Enough!” Was all it took for the pair to quiet down and sit silently for the rest of the ride home. 

[brittlecakes92]

I have noticed a lack of things for Kuai Liang in his Scorpion role as of late and I've had this one thought in my head that I want to get out because I always think back to it and how cute it is and just fjkladsfjdsklfjdsklfjdlskfjdsfjdslkfjdos Anywhos -You growing up in the Lin Kuei with the boys - You and Kuai Liang being close -You two playing outside a lot -One day when walking the grounds you both find really pretty stones. - When Kuai gets old enough to go on missions you both make it a point to trade the stones you found with each other. Kind of like a; "come home safe and return to me" kind of ritual in the guise of, "bring me my pretty rock too" -------------------------------------------------- You stood with the rest of the Lin Kuei warriors, the cold wind blowing a strand of lose hair around your face. You listened to Kuai Liang and Bi-hans father speak to them and Smoke. This was Kuai and Thomas's first mission and the anxiety was going to eat you from the inside out. When the grandmaster was finished with his speech you made your way towards Kuai Liang, pulling him aside away from prying eyes before he had to leave. "What is it y/n?" Kuai asked his left brow raised, concern on his face for what could be bothering you. Looking down at his hand you grab it by the wrist before pulling it up, twisting his palm to face you. Bringing up your other hand you placed the opal stone into his waiting palm before closing his fingers around it, you looked up at him, holding his gaze. "Please be careful, and come back to me." You could feel him tense at your words and you were quick to control the damage you feel you might have caused. "The stone, make sure to bring my stone back to me." Kuai's lips turn up into a small smile behind his mask as he reaches into the pouch at his hip, bringing out the citrine stone he found, sliding it into your palm. Your fingers wrapped around it pushing it further into your skin. "I'll come back to you safe. Promise." He moved his hand to cup your cheek but thought twice before settling on giving your biceps a squeeze. When he felt the eyes of his brother's on him he quickly made his way to the gate where they waited on him. You turned to watch the three of them leave, waving them off before they vanished. Opening your fingers you gazed at the yellow stone before bringing it to your lips, a silent prayer of all of their safe return before going to work on your duties.

[valentinedaughtler]

Tainted Opal-

Kaz Brekker x fem!reader

PART 1

A/N: This is a series I have posted on a few other platforms.

T/Ws: violence, romantic feelings, blood, mild spice scenes sometimes, fem!reader and she/her pronouns, sexual abuse/trauma (not explicit)

Synopsis: You are a a seductress who owns a large stolen jewelry business in Ketterdam. You approach Kaz for assistance after your business partner steals all of your money and your poison ring.

REQUESTS: OPEN✅

____________________________________________

1 - A ‘tell’ in poker

I found myself not being cornered, but on the opposite end of such a relationship.

The dark alleys of Ketterdam are for the faint of heart to be victim, but I had played that role too many times to repeat such. Instead, the Bastard of the Barrel stood before me, scrappier and more daunting than I had expected. Though, all I had to go off of were the blackened whispers of Ketterdam's constant voices.

As usual, I observed my surroundings, the alleyway in which I stand in became a map in my mind.

The silence was thicker than the fog of the docks, fear was beginning to pool like bile in my throat. Maybe this was a mistake.

"My apologies for cornering you in an alley, Mr. Brekker," my voice melted the silence like hot honey. Years of practice in my field allowed for faking demeanors to be easy. "I want to offer you a job," I cock my eyebrow slightly and saunter my way towards him.

He had a piercing stare stabbing my insides and twisting my flesh in odd ways. Showing weakness is an option that leads to downfall, I remind myself when I notice my faltering confidence.

"What job are you proposing?" He asks tersely. Tapping his cane between us, an invisible boundary being made. I cleared my throat, "one week ago, to the dot I might add, my partner went missing," I explained. "My business

partner, Arx Dam-Tres, and his wife were spotted at the nearby port, boarding a privately owned boat. Along with his dear darling, Rasmine, he took our shared wealth and my most prized ring-"

"What makes this ring so important? You're obviously willing to risk your life cornering me in an alley to retrieve it." He interrupts me. I peer at the many hiding spaces the dark night offers Ketterdam's voices. I've been told of Kaz's crow, Inej, I assume she wields her knife atop a building above me. The barrel of a gun glints in the moonlight. It comes from a window on the right, barely noticeable, but the one holding the trigger was slightly sloppy in their hiding.

"I'm aware that I have multiple threats to my flesh at all sides at the moment, so I'll get to the point. I'll pay 1 million kruge... upfront," I propose, smirking. Kaz shows the slightest hint of interest, I note that when he is intrigued, he right eyebrow raises and his lip twitches. 'A tell in poker' they call it. While dollar signs replace the pupils of Kaz's eyes, his lips part once more.

"For a price like that, this must be dangeruous. What makes this ring so special?" he rasps. His voice is rough, like coffee grounds thrown into a fire, adorned with an accent. The ignition of such flames sparked something inside me, but I ignore it promptly.

"Well, the ring was created by a fabricator and a shadow summoner," my eyes fall to one of my fingers where the ring should be. "The gold is valuable, but the real worth is on the opal stone hugged by said gold. It is infused with merzoft," I continue, noticing a slight flinch in Kaz when I state such. It's so difficult to tell what he is thinking, but I'm well known for my keen eye. "When the desire strikes me, it will poison those who kiss my ringed hand. I'm a seductress, it comes in handy." I let out a soft, sweet laugh. "My company is owned jointly between Arx and I, a luxury jewelry company of sorts... my products must come from somewhere," I say, shrugging at my implication.

"Why would Arx take the ring?"

"He knew the value, I assume, or Rasmine begged for it-..." my eyes widened as the realization fabricated its of in my mind, my faux demeanor cracking. "He's sailing to Ravka..., he boarded a ship with his wife and millions of kruge," I piece the puzzle together in a mess of words. "He is going to the Darkling, in hopes to learn he properties of the ring.... He won't stop there, Arx is going to make weaponry this way." A growing horror sprouts up in my stomach and wraps itself around my intestines like thorny vines. My panicked voice squeaks out, "I will pay you now, come with me, and we must leave tomorrow morning, I have a boat prepared. We need a crew-"

My frantic string of a tangent is snipped by Kaz's husky voice, "I haven't agreed to this yet." I notice he is getting the upper hand as my confidence is peeling like wallpaper. I calm my nerves, melding my personality back into what it was before.

"Arx had a good connection with your dear friend Pekka...," I cooed, regaining my former composure. His pupils dilate, the wall he built as a shield crumbles, but only for a split second. "You can finally get your revenge, little crow," I break the boundary he made with his cane, moving closer to him. "1 million kruge, a boat, and revenge," I whisper, "sounds like a fantastic reward."

Kaz walks backwards fluidly, his lanky body shrinking away from me. His jaw clenches as he grips his cane tighter. His knuckles must have turned white under those gloves.

"You bring all the kruge in cash here at midnight...,"

I smiled at a turned away, disappearing into the night, my heartbeat meshing with the countless others taking up borrowed space in the darkness of Ketterdam.

_________________

Word count: 919

_________________

Thank you everyone for reading, first chapters are frustrating to write due to their need for a hook, but also a yearn for explanation. It'll get better from here.

-Valentine

[asterias-corner]

eeeeee ok so i decided to write a lil oneshot of the chain as cryptids au, with a little bit of self projection onto wild- (i made him autistic and use they/them - slighting non binary coded on accident🙏 which i hope is ok, i just got carried away)

Gift giving

Cryptid!wild + Cryptid!hyrule bonding <3

Wild was, well- wild. He didn’t take kindly to being forced into a box, some would call them a man because he looked like it, when in reality wild was just wild. Not a ‘man’ or ‘woman’- just wild. He was also told by strangers, whenever in one of their brothers hyrules, they would get caught into conversations somehow and were told that they were rude for not making eye contact and moving around- when in reality that just meant they were paying attention! Hylians were just weird! When wild joined the chain of strange heroes, he felt like an outcast in some ways, these were all beings who knew how to interact with each other, wild liked cooking for them, it was wilds way of showing they cared and did want to be friends, which was not something he normally did, but you know- when your forced to travel with people Sometimes, they would find a stream, and practice facial expressions and giving eye contact, but they’d get lost focusing on the fish darting into their reflection. The stream was going at a slow pace, but the sounds of it rippling through itself was nice. The sounds of the forest creatures coming by to drink the cold water and leaving just as quick made the atmosphere just as good. Eventually sky had came by, probably to come get me to make dinner. 

“Everything alright?”

He chirped, crouching beside me. His wings folded in on himself as to not hit me into the river, since he did have past accidents of doing so. I nodded, my antennas swaying in the wind, i watched the stream carefully, picking out the patterns in the way it moved downstream, i think wind would’ve liked to sink into the water, it was deep enough to sit in. Sky was probably going to say something else, but i saw the sun hit something just right in the water that made it sparkle. I immediately dunked my hand in, making sky jump at my sudden movement, i got whatever it was, and tugged it out of the soil. I shook my hand dry, and found that i had grabbed a bracelet, with sea patterns, strange runes on it, and opal gemstones engraved into it.

“Ohh cool! I wonder what it does! We should ask legend! He might know since it seems ocean themed and he’s a merman of sorts”

Sky ecstatically ushered me to follow him back to camp, so when we got back, sky darted to legend. He had dragged him over, and legend carefully examined the metal bracelet.

“Looks like something to keep you from getting wet, the bracelet i assume is something that can absorb water into the opal gems that would originally get in your clothes or skin and keeps it dry.”

He explained, handing the bracelet back to me. I nodded, smiling softly. If there was one thing i knew, is that hyrule didn’t like getting wet in his fairy form, and he was the few people I’d yet to truly interact with for longer than a few conversations. I knew he was out and about, but i didn’t know where- i decided to wait, sitting patiently in a tree as i swung back and forth repeatedly by my legs on a sturdy branch. Hyrule came back a couple minutes later, with wood in his arms. He set them down and sat next to legend, sparking up a conversation. I didn’t want to interrupt, but hyrule needed to have it! Even if wild did really want it, hyrule would like it more and find better use for it. I hopped down, small bells and chimes sounding from no where as i basically bounced over to where hyrule was sitting. I stood near his field of view, trying to find a pause in their conversation to make movement and get his attention. For a couple seconds, it was quiet between them, and hyrule looked to me. 

“What’s up?”

He softly questioned me, raising a brow. My antennas flicked as i registered his question, and i remembered why I’d been standing there. I extended the bracelet to him, he was a bit taken aback, but smiled and took it. 

“Thank you wild! What is it?”

He tilted his head, looking to me again. I waved a hand to legend, trying to ask him to explain- which he got the memo. 

“Oh! Wild gave you a bracelet that helps keep you dry, it seems the opal and runes engraved on it give it magical properties to keep water off your skin and clothes.”

He explained once more, pointing to the engravings and opal gems he was talking about. Hyrules wings fluttered slightly, in which i hoped was joy, he turned to me and smiled even wider than before. 

“Thank you! This means a lot, since i know you like to hoard things like this, and you’re willingly giving it up for me.”

He sounded slightly guilty in his tone, which i managed to pick out based off his head bowing. I waved a hand in front of his face to get his attention, my antennae’s flattened as i scowled at him.

‘Give you, make me happy, you happy’

I signed to the best of my ability, getting my whole gesture across. He nodded, smiling again. 

“Thank you, again-“

He laughed softly, it sounded energetic, which meant he was happy. That cheered me up, Hyrule hopefully knew i wanted to be best friends now, maybe even brothers! Like how he would refer to legend or wind. Wild knew he would’ve liked the bracelet, but this was a better choice.

—————

This AU belongs to @sapphicseasapphire

I wanted to write somethin and this AU scratches the blupee coded part of my brain :3 i love the art you make and it always makes me happy stim seeing it!!!

[sincerely-sofie]

The piece you wrote awhile back about Twig's passing, has that changed at all since Opal came into the picture?

I’ve been considering that piece noncanonical because of how sad it makes me. Twig dying to a mundane infection after all she’s survived feels fitting in a very sad way, but the more I think about it, the more I feel like it’s a waste— both in-universe and at a meta level— for her to die in her mid 40s. Especially as I add in more cast members to this AU and consider Ark’s perspective.

She’s got so many people to stick around for. I hate the idea of squandering the potential in her interactions with Gengar and Calypso especially just to squeeze out one last drop of angst. And that’s not even to mention Opal, who wasn’t a part of the story when I wrote that piece. If Twig dies when I initially planned, the gal would barely be thirteen when it happens, and I can’t handle that.

When you factor in Ark as well, it’s the most unsatisfying turn around to his character arc. He’s just figuring out that life isn’t doesn’t hate him, and then the woman he loves kicks the bucket after a long, painful, illness that he’s partly to blame for? The ending line of that fic where he laments that it’s not fair rubs me the wrong way looking back on it. I don’t think he’d recover from that, and it’s such a disappointing ending to Twig’s life. She’d be so ticked that her legacy is one of grief and despair instead of fondness and growth.

Instead, I think it would be more interesting for Twig to live far longer than any charmander-line pokemon has on record. She’s a lot more hale and hearty than a charizard in her 80s should ever be, especially when you consider it’s remarkable if they live to 60. There’s an anxiety surrounding her slowed aging, and Ark in particular wonders when the temporal distortion affecting her will waver and she’ll finally pass. It eventually does happen— and Twig is still reluctant to allow people to be there when she does slip away— but she does let Ark be present at his insistence that she doesn’t shut him out during this final stretch of time he has with her.

Twig dies, and it’s not fair— nor will it ever be. There’s grieving to be done in the wake of a loss so deep. Everyone takes it hard, and Ark will never forget the morning he found Opal solemnly flipping through an old sketchpad with drawings Twig left for her to discover in the corners of each page.

It's the first time Ark has ever grappled with immortality like this. He's going to live forever without the person who showed him life was worthwhile. He sees her memory in everything around him, and a century later he still catches himself thinking that Twig would like a certain flower and that he should tell her its name when he gets home. He'll miss her for eternity, and her death will never stop hurting. But he'll never regret being able to learn from and love her.

Opal's been practically raised as a mortal. Grovyle's passing was her first exposure to death that hit her family. She'd seen Dad upset after they attended a funeral for a nidoqueen, but it didn't have the same impact as Grovyle— and nothing was as world-shattering as Mother's death. She bottles it up and hides from her grief at first, only letting herself mourn when she goes through the old sketchbooks she shared with Twig. After a conversation with Lucky, though, she finally lets herself grieve in full, and goes to Ark about it.

It’s difficult to move on, and maybe none of them ever will. But Twig’s death slowly becomes less of a wound and her memory becomes more of a balm. They miss her, and they love her, and her love for them is something they'll never go without feeling.

[agentrouka-blog]

I’ve been rereading Game of Thrones during my doctor waiting room times, and recently I came across this bit:

She could feel the heat inside her, a terrible burning in her womb. Her son was tall and proud, with Drogo's copper skin and her own silver-gold hair, violet eyes shaped like almonds. And he smiled for her and began to lift his hand toward hers, but when he opened his mouth the fire poured out. She saw his heart burning through his chest, and in an instant he was gone, consumed like a moth by a candle, turned to ash.

I wondered if it might foreshadow Dany witnessing or causing Aegon/Young Griff to burn to death in the fight for the throne. Presumably Aegon/Young Griff would have darker skin from his Dornish heritage, and silver hair once the blue dye is washed out. What are your thoughts ?

I do think you are on to something there, and that the image of the burning heart in particular underlines the parallel to Stannis and his Azor Ahai prophecy (of the steel-tempering heart). There is a continuum of familial murder in Stannis' story. He kills his brother, he would have killed his nephew, he will kill his child. All under his banner of the flaming heart.

Dany is only a bystander in her brother's death, and her son's life wasn't intentionally traded - but still within this dream you quote she finds herself already moving past this grief on her path toward her dragon identity, urged on by her silver-haired ancestors.

She saw his heart burning through his chest, and in an instant he was gone, consumed like a moth by a candle, turned to ash. She wept for her child, the promise of a sweet mouth on her breast, but her tears turned to steam as they touched her skin. "… want to wake the dragon …" Ghosts lined the hallway, dressed in the faded raiment of kings. In their hands were swords of pale fire. They had hair of silver and hair of gold and hair of platinum white, and their eyes were opal and amethyst, tourmaline and jade. "Faster," they cried, "faster, faster." She raced, her feet melting the stone wherever they touched. "Faster!" the ghosts cried as one, and she screamed and threw herself forward. A great knife of pain ripped down her back, and she felt her skin tear open and smelled the stench of burning blood and saw the shadow of wings. And Daenerys Targaryen flew. [...] Dany released her wrist. My son is dead, she thought as Jhiqui left the tent. She had known somehow. She had known since she woke the first time to Jhiqui's tears. No, she had known before she woke. Her dream came back to her, sudden and vivid, and she remembered the tall man with the copper skin and long silver-gold braid, bursting into flame. She should weep, she knew, yet her eyes were dry as ash. She had wept in her dream, and the tears had turned to steam on her cheeks. All the grief has been burned out of me, she told herself. She felt sad, and yet … she could feel Rhaego receding from her, as if he had never been. Ser Jorah and Mirri Maz Duur entered a few moments later, and found Dany standing over the other dragon's eggs, the two still in their chest. It seemed to her that they felt as hot as the one she had slept with, which was passing strange.  (AGOT, Daenerys IX)

Dany has lost her brother and her son, but we know what she clings to above all. She always tells us.

The copper-skinned lord shows up again in the HOTU prophecy.

Then phantoms shivered through the murk, images in indigo. Viserys screamed as the molten gold ran down his cheeks and filled his mouth. A tall lord with copper skin and silver-gold hair stood beneath the banner of a fiery stallion, a burning city behind him. Rubies flew like drops of blood from the chest of a dying prince, and he sank to his knees in the water and with his last breath murmured a woman's name. . . . mother of dragons, daughter of death . . . Glowing like sunset, a red sword was raised in the hand of a blue-eyed king who cast no shadow. A cloth dragon swayed on poles amidst a cheering crowd. From a smoking tower, a great stone beast took wing, breathing shadow fire. . . . mother of dragons, slayer of lies . . . Her silver was trotting through the grass, to a darkling stream beneath a sea of stars. A corpse stood at the prow of a ship, eyes bright in his dead face, grey lips smiling sadly. A blue flower grew from a chink in a wall of ice, and filled the air with sweetness. . . . mother of dragons, bride of fire . . . (ACOK, Daenerys IV)

This entire passage is brimming with imagery related to false promises and prophecies leading her family members to doom. (I count Stannis among them.) The people cheer the cloth dragon but the real thing is a portent of death and destruction, kinslaying and self-destruction.

That copper-skinned lord relating to Rhaego alone doesn't feel very satisfying when we know he would have never looked like this. He was deformed in the same way many Targaryen stillborn babies were, blind and winged and scaled. Aegon is unlikely to look specifically copper-skinned, but he is bound to cut an impressive figure in the same way she imagines Rhaegar to do. She imagined her son would. He who could bebher family but will be her rival.

Whether this image specifically represents Aegon, as the hypothetical true heir Dany will want out of the way, or some idealized sense of Targaryen conquest, he is destroyed from within by the same flames Dany feels inside herself. In the context of the Dance of Dragons, of the Baratheon line and Stannis destruction of it, the fate of her brother and son, the burning city - and because GRRM already repeated it to keep it in our minds - I do think it's likely to come back in her confrontation with Aegon.

Who else could make this image come to life?

[thesixenthusiast]

ruby- eddie roundtree

part three (part one, part two, part four)

pairing: eddie rountree x fem!oc (may change to x reader) warnings: drinking/drugs (billy/daisy's addictions), profanity word count: 1.9k author's note: please bear with me in this, if there's a few time mix ups just with the order of things, please do let me know but i'm trying to find an equal balance between the book and show and it's a little difficult lol

JOSEPH FRANKLIN (biographer, author of Juliet Opal: One of Six): It was during this tour that people started noticing Juliet. She wasn’t hidden on the back of the stage anymore, she sang a few songs alongside Billy, people really started liking her. 

ROD REYES: I wanted Juliet to be more of a frontman than she was when I first saw the band, if you have some college girls going out to see music and have to pick between two bands they don’t know, nine times out of ten they’re picking the band with the girl in it solely because they’re doing something new. I wanted Karen more in the front too, but she didn’t like it, Juliet fit the role more. 

JULIET OPAL: Billy had me backing him on more songs and he added random lines for certain ones for me to sing alone, a lot of them were randomly added and kinda skewed the message of the songs, but he wasn’t willing to give up any of his lines, so I took what I could get. He had me sing a decent amount in Susie-Q, something about trying to get in the female perspective, I don’t know. All I know is that I hated that goddamn song. 

–

The band was on tour for a few weeks before things got bad, Billy started picking up drinking as a go-to habit. He started disappearing with groupies after shows, Juliet tried her best to dismiss it, he would always turn up before things got serious and she never expected him to do anything that would hurt Camila. It wasn’t until when one night on the phone Camila told her that Billy had kept forgetting to call her that she started to get worried. 

After finishing a show in Houston, Juliet wandered up to the floor of the hotel where the band was staying and searched through the rooms of each member in search of Eddie. There had been a series of people invited back to various groups of parties by the band, but most of it had died out by then and people had returned to their rooms, some with their respected partners for the night. When she raised her hand to knock on one of the doors, she heard a bit of commotion from inside the room across the hall. She stopped her motion, assuming that the noise was either Eddie or someone who would know where he was, she turned and made her way over to the door, twisting the handle and pulling it open. 

–

JULIET OPAL: I found Billy in a rather.. uncomfortable situation. 

–

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing,” She made her way across the room, throwing clothes at the few girls spread littered the room. As his guests piled out the door and took their things with then, Juliet approached Billy, who was slumped across one of the white blanketed beds, and slapped him across the face, grabbing him by his collar in an attempt to wipe him out of his drunk stupor, “You have some fucking nerve, cheating on your pregnant wife, cheating on Camila!” 

She let go of his collar, pushing him against the headboard of the bed, before storming out of the room to find Eddie and Graham in the hallway, having heard the commotion. 

“Hey, what’s going on?” Graham questioned, stepping in front of her and holding up a hand to stop her from going any farther. 

“Have you two been covering for him?” She asked, more demanded than asked, and shoved him away from her.

“Julie, listen-”

“Don’t fucking talk to me like that, Eddie! How dare you? You knew and you said nothing,” tears started welling up in the corners of her eyes as her voice stuttered, “Camila is back at home, depressed that her husband isn’t putting in the effort to pick up the fucking phone, and I’m sitting over here promising her that everything is fine, he’s just busy, and you’re just letting him do this? I pity the poor fucking woman who you end up with, having a husband who thinks doing that is okay.”

She stormed off down the hall, closing her hotel room door and locking it before throwing herself onto the bed, collecting herself before making her next move. After a few minutes of collecting herself, she stood up and approached the phone on the nightstand on the opposite side of the room. Nervously, she tangled her fingers in the cord while dialing the number of their house in Topanga Canyon.

“Hey, Cami?” She did her best to not sound like she had been crying when she spoke next, doing her best to paint a smile on her face that she hoped would sound through the phone, “I really think you should come out and spend a while out here with us. I-”

“Is everything okay, Julie?” That was it, she broke.

“No,” she spoke, clutching the phone cord in her left hand, “You need to get out here, as soon as humanly possible.”

–

JULIET OPAL: She flew out the next morning and met us before we left for our next stop. 

–

The Six crowded into their van as they left for the next city on their stop. A heavy silence coated the air, Warren could’ve cut the tension with a swing one of his drumsticks. Eddie and Juliet were leaning against the back doors of the van, distant from the rest of the group who was at the front of the trunk, leaning into the front seat to try to create conversation. 

“I’m still mad at you, y’know,” Juliet muttered, pursing her lips and staring out the window on the opposite door in an attempt to avoid eye contact with him. 

“I know you are,” he put his arm around her, pulling her in closer and leaning her head against his shoulder, “I hope a piece of you understands where I was coming from not telling you.”

“I don’t, don’t think I ever will,” she licked her lips, “Unfortunately, given our circumstances, I don’t think it’s possible for me to stay mad at you much longer.”

“Oh, yeah?” A smile pulled across his face, turning to look at her as she still avoided his face, “How much longer are you thinking? Maybe through our next show?” 

“I was thinking more until the next gas stop,” she smirked, “but if you prefer I wait until then..”

“No,” he cut her off, letting a breathy laugh slip, “until our next gas stop works fine for me.”

“Well in that case,” she readjusted herself against him, leaning more into his shoulder, “Wake me up once we’re back on the road.”

She closed her eyes and folded her arms as her head rested against him. He laughed and pressed a kiss into the hair on the top of her head, before moving his arm from her shoulders to around her waist and pulling her closer into him. 

Soundcheck started at four that night, meaning that Juliet and Warren made their way inside at 3:45, never later, never earlier. The same routine, the only difference this time was that Eddie walked in alongside them, his arm looped around Juliet’s shoulders, leaning against her for support as they stumbled their way onto the stage, preparing to spend the next fifteen minutes messing around onstage. 

Post-show, the band spread themselves throughout the bar in their hotel lobby, deciding who to invite to their actual party once the forced socializing was done. Juliet had herself leaned against a barstool, where she was chatting amicably with a young girl who went to school a few blocks from the venue and had heard about the band from her roommate. 

“It’s good to know we’re actually expanding our audience, I’m sick of the same pervert guys who only come for a chance to get a peek at Karen or I in the bathroom,” Juliet leaned in and whispered, avoiding the listening ears of the group of college guys huddled around the pair, engaged in their own fake conversations. The girl, who had introduced herself as Susan, snorted in response, nearly spitting out her drink. 

“I really don’t think you’ll like it if I tell you that my roommate heard about your band from her ex-boyfriend,” she laughed.

“Oh, you’re so right, I really do not like that,” she sighed, shaking her head as she laughed, “Whatever, all publicity is good publicity,” she raised her glass to Susan’s.

“Listen, I know this is kinda far shot,” Susan started, finishing her drink before sliding her coat on, “but I really have to get back to my room, but I like you. It’s so hard to find actual good friends and I know you’re like on your way to being a rockstar or whatever,” Juliet playfully rolled her eyes at the comment, “but could I maybe get the number for your house back home? Maybe next time you’re around here, I can come see you again?” 

“Yeah, totally,” she scribbled out the number on the receipt the bartender had brought by when he saw Susan put on her coat and handed it to her, “I make no promises on when we’ll actually get back, but my friend, Camila, will be there so she can keep you as updated as possible and take a message if it’s really important.”

Susan said her final goodbyes and hunted down her roommate before leaving the bar, waving a final goodbye to Juliet as she did so. Juliet then made her way across the bar, hunting for anyone she knew who she could continue talking to. 

“Hey,” a man stopped her in her efforts, handing out an opened beer for her to take, which she waved off and shook her head at, “you’re the girl who was singing up there right? You had the guitar, too?”

“Oh, yeah,” she extended her hand to him, smiling a bit, “I’m Juliet.”

“David,” he shook her hand, smiling down at her, “you were good up there. You guys have any more gigs lined up?”

“Yeah, we have a ton more shows, we’re in the middle of a tour right now, some fan you are,” she rolled her eyes, smiling at him as he laughed at her teasing. 

“I must admit this is my first time hearing of you guys, but you’re good, hopefully it won’t be the last,” he smirked down at her. 

“I mean, I can get you a copy of our tour schedule,” she laughed at his flirting, “you should be expecting to make a drive.”

“It might be easier if I just gave you my phone number? You could give me a call and let me know when I could come see you again.”

“That would be easier, wouldn’t it? I’ve never been into easy though,” she smirked, winking at him and brushing his shoulder as she slid past him and back into the crowd. 

“What’d that guy want?” Warren asked, as she slid next to him on a leather couch in the corner of the room, he put his arm around her, briefly turning his attention away from the crowd of girls surrounding him. 

“To fuck me,” she said bluntly, “luckily for me, I’m better at reading people than he thought. Have you seen Eddie?”

“Yeah, he went upstairs.”

“Like, with someone?” She asked, seemingly surprised by his response.

“Nah, just said he had a headache,” she settled back down and Warren raised an eyebrow at her, “Why? You’d be jealous if he had?”

“What? No,” she seemed surprised that he would even ask, “We’re not together.”

“Mhm,” he muttered, “to both of your dismay,” he turned away from her, placing his attention back on the girls that were swooning over him right next to their conversation.

“Whatever,” she muttered, standing back up and braving the crowd, to go find Eddie upstairs and talk to him about her night. 

[randomwritingguy]

The Myth of Y/N (Korra x Reader) Part 38

Y/N ALONE - PART THREE

Y/N'S POV

"What does it mean to be an Air Nomad?"

Tenzin's voice is loud, confident, rich full of wisdom and knowledge. I can feel it in my bones and probably so can the others in the room as we novices sit crossed leg outside on the training courtyard before him. Even the wind is absent, not daring to interrupt the moment.

The question is simple. Almost too simple.

Before I can answer, one fellow nomad raises their hand eagerly.

"Yes, Xi?"

"To master airbending!"

A simple answer but not at all correct. Or, at least, not entirely.

"That is an aspect of our nation, yes, but not the main purpose of our culture." Tenzin explains. "Anyone else?"

I raise my hand.

Tenzin spots my hand instantly and gives a hint of a smile. He's trying not to play any favourites but I still noticed it. "Yes, Y/N?"

"To be peacekeepers."

The smile on the master's face widens slightly in approval. "Elaborate."

I sit up straighter to reflect confidence in my answer. "To be an Air Nomad is to strive for peace. Violence is always the last resort, no matter how dire the situation is. That is our responsibility."

Tenzin nods in further approval. "Very good, Y/N. Well done."

I bow my head in thanks and slump back down slightly. I feel a nudge to my right side, and I glance to see Kai giving me a small grin. "Nice one."

I chuckle quietly. "Thanks."

"Of course, we must not forget the other important aspect of being an Air Nomad." Tenzin continues. "Does anyone remember that?"

I frown in confusion. Is there something I'm forgetting?

At my left, I see Opal with her right hand in the air slightly but not entirely, as if she's hesitating to give her answer. She bites her lip in nervousness.

She's worried she's wrong.

I nudge her slightly. "Don't be worried. You got this."

Opal quickly gives me a nervous smile and, after a moment, finally rises her hand into the air.

"Yes, Opal?"

"That all life is sacred?"

Tenzin's smile, full of warmth, is now directed at her. "Yes, Opal. Good job."

A bright grin etches on Opal's lips, and she turns to me and whispers a "Thanks."

I give her a smile back and turn back to our airbending master. I can't believe I forgot about that.

"Years ago, my father asked me the very same question I have directed to you all and the monks asked that same question to him as well. While the times have changed, while our nation has changed, our core mission is the same. To preserve peace and life, even the life of a spider caught in its own web."

Another hand raised this time. This time I can see its from Eshah.

"Yes, Eshah?"

"What about bad people? What about the people who are evil?"

That...is the same question I had in my head. And, knowing Tenzin so well, I know what he's going to say.

"That is a dilemma many Air Nomads face during their lifetimes." Tenzin explains gravelly. "Even my father faced it at the height of the Hundred Year War. He was pressured and told countless times that he had to take the life of Fire Lord Ozai. And yet, with the help of the lion-turtle, he found another way. He stood by his beliefs and found another solution. This can be a great lesson to us all. No matter how evil a person may be, no matter how much we may despise them, we must not act against the principles we uphold as Air Nomads. All of life is sacred, even the lives of those that the majority will think are otherwise."

I glance at the others, and I see them nodding their heads in understanding and agreement.

I don't nod. Instead, I frown as I try my best to ignore my frustration at the answer.

I also try to ignore the dragon's whispers at the back of my head.

How can Tenzin say that? After everything the Earth Queen did, how can he say that lives of people like her is sacred? What gives him the right?

No. Stop. Please. Not now.

"Which is why our presence in the world and our roles as peacekeepers are necessary. We have to put other lives before our own. Avatar Korra made the ultimate sacrifice when she turned herself in to save our nation. There are times where some of you might have to face a similar decision. In the end, it is either you or them. And the answer is always them. We must protect and preserve the life of others, even if it costs us our own. I understand that is a stressful burden, but we must stay strong for those who cannot protect themselves."

Now, that, I can agree.

I nod along the others in understanding and agreement.

I hope I don't ever find myself in that position. But, if I do, I will do whatever it takes to protect others...even if it means sacrificing my life to do it.

The words of the Kyoshi Warrior just uttered echo in my mind.

The Earth Empire. The Earth Empire. The Earth Empire.

Grating my teeth, I restrain the urge to let out a frustrated scream. I fucking warned Raiko about this and he didn't listen. He dismissed them all as just mere fucking rumours. Rumours.

Nothing about this are rumours now. The Earth Empire is the cold truth that none of what I heard was a hint of exaggeration. They were all true.

I hear a quiet curse muttered under Yukari's breath, clenching her own hands into fists in frustration. "What are they doing now?"

"They're taking our food and supplies!" The other exclaims panicked. "When some civilians protest, they get shoved and harassed! They even threatened arrest! What do we do?!"

Yukari opens her mouth, probably to attempt to give her some reassurance that everything is going to be fine, that they can find a way out of this, but no words come out. She closes her mouth into a firm line and her eyes flash with pain. The leader of the Kyoshi Warriors doesn't know what to do. No, she does know: They have to submit to it.

No.

"I'll deal with them." I declare, my own voice booming with power.

The two Kyoshi Warriors snap their gazes towards me, eyes widened and mouth agape. I can feel their shock from their looks alone.

"Don't be stupid." Yukari tells me. "One single airbender can't fight all of them and if you're going to ask us to fight with you, forget it. Even if we do drive them back, Kuvira will just send more troops to punish us. And don't you even dare suggest we abandon our home."

I stay silent. I just shake my head in refusal.

"No." I tell them. "I am going to make a deal with the Earth Empire."

"A deal?!" The other Kyoshi Warrior questions. "What kind of deal?"

I sharply inhale and exhale. "I know Kuvira personally. We first met back at Zaofu three years later. She even offered me to join her. I'll tell them I will go with them if they stop their harassment of Kyoshi Island If I can talk to Kuvira I might be able to convince her to stop all of this. Her and I are friends. She might listen to me."

Even as I finish my plan, I can see the many risks that come with it. So much of it can go wrong.

It seems like Yukari knows that too as she scowls. "You do realise how dangerous that is, right? They could just take you prisoner and still continue being tyrants. Spirits, they could just kill you for kicks."

"Do you have any better ideas?" I counter.

Neither of the warriors respond. They just exchange worried glances.

"You're just going to potentially sacrifice yourself to save some people you barely know?"

"Of course." I answer without hesitation. "Your lives are sacred. I will be doing a disservice to you and my nation if I just sat by and let you all suffer."

I march at a confident and determined speed but before I can go outside Yukari grabs my shoulder and gives it a tight squeeze.

"Don't be ridiculous." She tells me sternly. "We're coming with you. We aren't just staying in this shrine and do nothing."

My first instinct was to refute that idea and tell her it would be better if they stayed here. That idea immediately vanishes when I realise who they are talking to. They're Kyoshi Warriors. They may not be the fighters of old, but they still have their stubbornness. They'll go with me whether I like it or not.

And because of that, I nod in acceptance.

The walk down the hill and back to the village was a long and silent one. Yukari and her friend not once ask me if I am really sure about my plan. Honestly, I'm not so sure myself. Kuvira's lack of response to my letter isn't a good sign that our friendship is still intact. But maybe, just maybe, I could help snap her out of it? We have much in common. She might listen to me. After all, I owe her that much. She was the one who helped me come to the decision to join the Air Nation no matter what would happen to my relationship with my parents. This time, I'm going to help her.

When we finally reach the village, my heart freezes.

Before us, dozens of Earth Empire soldiers consume the small area with banners of their regime scattered all throughout it like a virus. Men, women, and children cower in terror as the masked troopers barge themselves into their homes and ransack everything of value they can find.

And the rest of the Kyoshi Warriors? They're just standing there. Their body language indicates they are trying everything in their power to resist the urge to help them, knowing the severe consequences that will ensue if they intervene. At the same time, their frustration and hatred at the Earth Empire and themselves radiates off them like a foul stench.

I also notice that Spectre isn't there. That means either he's still in the woods or he's been caught by the Empire. Let's hope it's the former.

"It's worse than I thought." I hear Yukari mutter, breathless at the sight that beholds us.

Clenching my fists in anger, I turn slightly in her direction. "You meet up with the other warriors and help the residents. I'll deal with the troops."

"Good luck." Yukari says genuinely.

Taking a deep, long breath, I advance further into the village.

It doesn't take long for the Earth Empire troops to spot me due to my colourful wardrobe. As I walk further and further, I hear whispers of conversation about me. I don't let their hateful gaze deter me. Not a chance.

Stopping with finality, I take another deep breath and then let out a booming command. "Who is the person in charge around here?"

"That would be me."

I turn sharply to see three figures approaching me. The man in the middle, marching towards me with his hands behind his back and with a sneer as poisonous as venom, bore no helmet of his own unlike his two companions who act more like bodyguards than troops. His piercing green eyes strike my very own and I tell from that look alone that he is the leader here. Good.

They finally stop a few breaths away, clearly unafraid of me. Either they are ignorant or foolish. Probably both.

"You're a long way from your temple, Air Nomad." The man in striking green uniform states with confidence. "And much further away from help."

I hold his gaze. "I've learned you can always find help in the most unexpected places."

The leader chuckles without humour. "Really, now? I admire your optimism, airbender, but I'm afraid none is coming to help you. However, that isn't important right now. What is, is that you should be aware that Kyoshi Island is the property of the Great Uniter and the Earth Empire."

I glance around and spot the banners that mark the regime once more. "So, I've noticed."

Clearly that wasn't what the man wanted to hear as his already present sneer increases tenfold. "Perhaps you fail to grasp my meaning, Air Nomad. You are trespassing on our island."

"The people here have accepted me therefore how can I be trespassing?" I ask. "If anything, I would argue that it is the Earth Empire who are the trespassers based on the fearful and uncomfortable looks on those you are taking advantage of."

His jaw tightens and his fists clench. I can feel the rage coming off him.

As much as I want to continue pissing him off, I know that if my plan is going to work then I need to get him to comply. I shouldn't push him too far.

Before he can retort or issue a command to his troops, I speak up. "But I'm not here to force you to remove your presence from Kyoshi Island nor am I here to make enemies with the Earth Empire."

My complete change in attitude causes the leader to stiffen slightly, his eyes widening a bit. Then, a split second later, he regains composure.

"Then why are you here, airbender?" He finally asks with intensity.

Taking another deep long breath to maintain my calmness, I exhale slowly and give him a determined look. "I wish to talk to the Great Uniter."

No-one says anything for a second, the air thick full of heat. I can tell that was the last thing anyone expected as I see the two guards' glance at each other slightly, their masks expressionless but the gesture that of confusion. The leader, on the other hand, has widened eyes for a brief moment but a second later starts chuckling. Then, that chuckling turns into laughter, which then turns into cackling. Cackling as if I just told the funniest joke in the entire world.

My eyes narrow and further clench my fists. "Is something funny?"

When the man finally finishes his laughter, he gives me a condescending grin. "You think any average Joe can just walk up and ask to talk to the Great Uniter? You are deluded if you think anyone is going to follow that request."

"I'm not any average Joe." I respond, not letting his words get to me. "In fact, your leader and I know each other quite well. One might say we are on a first-name basis. She even asked me to join the Earth Empire a year ago."

The man chuckles again, clearly not believing a word that I am saying. "Oh, really now? And what is your name, airbender?"

"Master Y/N of the Air Nation." I tell him. "And you are?"

"Commander Hion."

"Well, Commander, I respectfully request if you can get into contact with the Great Uniter. You can verify my comments with her."

Hion chuckles again, clearly amused with this. "Fine. I'll humour you." He pauses for a brief moment and the smile vanishes. "Hold on, where's your bison? An Air Nomad always travels with one."

I swallow. "Knowing Spectre, he probably got scared off when he noticed your arrival. He was always very twitchy. He's most likely half-way back to Air Temple Island as we speak."

My lie comes easily and without difficult. I just hope Hion will buy it.

Unfortunately, he seems suspicious of my answer. He turns to one of his troops sharply. "Take some of your men and search the island extensively, inch by inch. A big white bison wouldn't be difficult to find."

The troop silently nods and rushes off. As he does so, Hion turns back to me and gives me a smirk.

"Well then, Master Y/N, let's see if you are as close to the Great Uniter as you claim."

I nod. Before I start walking, I quickly steal a glance behind me. I see all the troubled and pained faces of the villagers and the Kyoshi Warriors. I see Yukari looking at me with concern and I nod slightly in assurance, to tell her that everything will be fine.

TIME SKIP

Just like my journey to the village with Yukari and her comrade, the walk to the Earth Empire airships silent and deadly. Well, almost silent. Despite the confident mask I wore when confronting Hion and the troops, I can feel my heart threatening to burst out of my chest like a predator that demands to be freed from its cage and the sweat around the palms of my rough hands. But I don't let it get to me, keeping my straight and neutral face so none of them can see my increasing fear.

When we finally enter an airship, the interior brings out memories of the Earth Kingdom airship that Mako, Bolin, and I stole to escape the ruined Ba Sing Se or the one that Team Avatar and others were on when we were finding airbenders to recruit. However, while the former had a sense of formal welcoming vibe and the latter a sense of coming home after a long day, this particular one had been militarised. All the life that might have been present once have been drained away, replaced with a dull silver grey with a touch of an acid green in some sections. Again, like outside, none of us says a word even when troops inside shot my escorts questioning and curious looks. No-one says a word.

Eventually, we reach the front end of the airship in a small-confined room where inside a radio and maps are located.

Hion, without a word, approaches the radio and turns it on. After a few minutes of requests to speak to the Great Uniter, silence falls on the other side. Then, just before it looks like the commander is about to check whether they were hung op on, a cold-robotic voice fills the tense atmosphere.

"This better be important, Commander Hion. I am busy."

The sound of that all-too familiar voice brings my heart to a stop and air ripped from my lungs.

Kuvira.

It's been so long since I've heard her voice. However, something's changed. Unlike when I met her back at Zaofu, her voice has an edginess to it that wasn't there before. It's more distant and more calculating.

Hion briefly stills uncomfortably at the displeasure in his master's tone but continues a moment after. "I apologise for disturbing you, Great Uniter, but something occurred on Kyoshi Island that I believe you should be aware of."

"And that is?"

Hion continued. "An Air Nomad was found approaching the village that we were occupying. An airbending master, actually. They claim that you know them and that they wish to talk to you."

When the commander finishes, the room is filled with an intense silence once more. Time seems to slow down as we all wait patiently for her response, and I can feel my heart returning to the frantic beating.

Eventually, Kuvira responds with a tense tone. "What is the Air Nomad's name, commander?"

"They say that their name is Y/N."

Silence returns but this lasts for only a few seconds this time as Kuvira speaks up, louder than before, with a sense of urgency.

"Where are they now?"

Hion slowly turns to me, his amusement now vanished, and responds while still locked eyes with me. "Right in front of me, Great Uniter."

"Leave us."

My heart skips a beat at the command whilst Hion's eyes widen in confusion. "Ma'am?"

"Leave us. I will talk to Air Nomad myself alone. Have you located their air bison?"

"W-We are looking for it right now." Hion stutters out a response, though the confusion is still evident. "But ma'am."

"I gave you an order, Commander. Leave us."

The man opens his mouth to respond then closes it, biting back whatever he's about to say. Then, he breathes out a heavy sigh. "As you wish, Great Uniter."

He places the radio onto the table and then walks past me, his teeth grating in anger as he realises that he was completely wrong about me. I give him a cocky smirk and a second later I am the only one in the room. Taking only a few steps that feels like I'm walking through water, I reach to the communicator, grasp the radio tightly, take a deep, long breath, and speak.

"Hello, Kuvira."

"Y/N. It's been a while."

I gulp. "It has. How have you been?"

"Quit the small-talk, Y/N. What are you doing on Kyoshi Island?"

"I could ask the same question to you, Kuvira. What is the Earth Empire doing here?"

"We are restoring unity to my nation which I stated in my letter, if you remember."

I clench the fist that I am not using. Damn, she's already bringing up that letter?

"I do." I softly tell her. "In fact, that is the reason why I wished to speak to you. Preferably in person."

"Tell me now. What do you want?"

Gritting my teeth, I continue. "I...I wish to join you into helping to restore the nation."

This time, Kuvira doesn't respond immediately. I wonder if she looks shocked or not. Would it be obvious or subtle?

"I am not a fool, Y/N." Kuvira growls, anger rising with each word she spits out. "I am not easily deceived."

Shit!

"Kuvira, I swear to you I'm not!" I exclaim. "You were right! About everything! Since I responded to your letter, I've seen just how terrible the Earth Kingdom has become without order and unity. Wu will be a terrible leader and bring the nation to ruin. I want to make sure that doesn't happen again! I do want to join you, I really do!"

Some of what I said was truthful. I do truly think Wu will be an awful leader of the nation. However, he would definitely be better than Kuvira.

She stays silent for an uncomfortable amount of time. Every second feels like an eternity as I wipe the sweat off my forehead, my hands getting sticky.

"Very well." Kuvira finally responds, her voice containing something I cannot distinguish. "I'll have you transported to my current location. There we can talk in person."

"Before you do," I quickly say before she can proceed. "I want your men to stop harassing people of Kyoshi Island. They have been abusing their power over them and those living there are terrified. They can stay on the island but please, Kuvira, just make them stop disturbing them!"

Another silence yet again. Shit. Am I pushing my luck?

"Fine." She responds sternly. "I'll give the order to Commander Hion to stop disturbing them."

...huh. That seemed easy. A bit too easy.

A wave of concern and suspicion washes over me but before I can act on that Commander Hion walks back in without knocking.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Great Uniter, but my men were unable to locate the Air Nomad's bison."

"Where is it, Y/N?" Kuvira asks loudly without even addressing Hion.

"Like I told your commander, Spectre probably got scared off. He was always a bit twitchy." I lie smoothly, trying to not let the tension in my body seem evident.

The troops couldn't find Spectre? Either he's still on the island and somehow managed to avoid detection...or he actually left. To do what? To get help?

"I see." Kuvira simply responds. "Commander, take Y/N to a spare room. You will transport them to my current location. Order your men to suspend the raids of the villages on Kyoshi Island, also."

At the corner of my eye, I see Hion take a step back slightly in confusion. "Are...Are you sure, Great Uniter?"

"Are you questioning me, Commander?"

"No! No! Of course not! I'll get on it!"

"Excellent. Have your men take Y/N to their room. I need to discuss something with you before we depart, Commander."

Huh? What is she talking about?

I open my mouth to ask her what she means by that but before I could, both of my arms are grabbed by two soldiers and I am holstered up and, very roughly, guide (or, more accurately, push) me to an empty room.

"Stay here until we arrive, Air Nomad." One of the troops demands in a rough voice. Then, just as quickly as I was holstered up, slam the metal door in my face and I hear the dreaded lock, trapping me in my room.

Letting out a sigh, I drop to my knees and cross them into a meditative decision.

Well...it could have been worse.

Still, there are some things that are bothering me. Where in the spirits is Spectre? Why did Kuvira agree so quickly to my plea to stop the harassment of the villages? Because of our past friendship? What did she want to talk about to Commander Hion? And, of course, where am I being taken to?

As I hear the engines of the airship beginning to start up and I can feel the transport lifting into the beautiful blue sky, I feel a sense of uneasiness and worry wash over me like a tidal wave. Not mainly because of my unanswered questions, though that was certainly part of it, but...I have a strange feeling that something very bad is going to happen when I get to Kuvira.

First no Korra in sight, then the Yuchin Order, and now this. Did I receive my vision of Kyoshi Island to learn about those ancient radicals? Was it to sacrifice myself? Or was it to lay down the path for what is to come?

Closing my eyes, I take a deep, calming breath and try my best to untangle this web of questions and clues. I have a long journey ahead of me before I reach Kuvira.

Hopefully this uneasiness will fade by the time I arrive.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And that's it!

I apologise for the long wait for this chapter and I thank you for your patience! I hope the wait was worth it!

Feedback is appreciated!

See you all in the next chapter! :D

[pinkertinn]

My first tumblr post, and it's for Cleon Song Week! am I tumbling correctly?

Day 1: Love

Song: BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Billie Eilish

She was everything to him. The cool side of the pillow in the middle of the night, a soothing touch against his weary soul. Every glance from her was a sunrise, painting his world with golden hues of hope and the promise of new beginnings. She was his dream and his reality, the anchor that kept him grounded and the wings that allowed his spirit to soar. In her embrace, he found his home, a place where every moment was cherished, and every breath was a promise of forever—however long forever was for them.

When she asked him which songs reminded him of her, which tunes should set the stage for the day they would pledge their love, he found it an impossible task. How could he pick just a few melodies to encapsulate the symphony of what she meant to him? Each note would have to capture her fiery boldness, the way she challenged him when he was wrong or being a fool. It would need to reflect her nurturing spirit, her motherly instinct that reached out to those in need. Her competitive edge, the way she always kept him on his toes, would need a rhythm all its own. And then there was the warmth of her touch, a simple caress that healed his deepest wounds, and the magic in her eyes, a mystery he could read like an open book despite her efforts to hide it. Whose voice could possibly narrate the beautiful chaos and whirlwind that defined their romance?

“How about this song? Uhm, Billie Eilish?” She turned up the sound on her laptop, concentrating on the screen. “Think it’s called Birds of a Feather?” Her nose scrunched, and she slightly tilted her head as her eyes shifted to gauge his reaction.

He listened to the upbeat jingle, nodding his head in time with the beat.

“Rot away, dead, buried?” He raised an eyebrow in question. “A little morbid, no?” he scoffed at the singer's angelic voice singing about such dark things.

“Well, you know they say till death do us part… rings even more true for us, I suppose.” Her voice sounded barren, hollow of the sparkle it had when they first started sifting through songs.

And I don't know what I'm crying for I don't think I could love you more. Might not be long, but baby, I Don't wanna say goodbye

“When you think of us, and you listen to this, does it give you anything?” She swallowed down what sounded like heavy emotion, and he realized he wasn’t listening to the song in the same way she was. He closed his eyes and concentrated.

Birds of a feather, we should stick together, I know…

Feather…

I’ll love you till the day that I die…

Feathers…

That’s right. Suddenly, it was 1998, and a 19-year-old Claire stood exhausted and disheveled before him, wearing that delicate turquoise opal feather necklace. Despite the rain and the violent struggles they faced, the necklace remained unscathed, sparkling as if brand new. The silver pendant hung just above the dip in her blood-stained cleavage. She later told him that if she had to look Sherry and him in the face, she’d never have been able to leave. So, she left him with a note at the hotel, and the necklace slipped to the floor when he opened it.

I don’t want to say goodbye, and I know we should stick together. But, I’ll be back for this. It’s more your color anyway. -Claire

She was right; the blue of the necklace matched most of his outfits. Blue was his color. When she came back for it, he couldn't bear to part with it. He had it with him when they reunited at that small dive bar, where she cried, begging for his forgiveness. The necklace was pressed against his breaking heart in his suit breast pocket as he refused to hand over the flash drive to her. And when their world began to crumble in Alcatraz, that tiny feather Claire had given him was buried deep in his jean pocket.

If you go I’m going too…

His eyes burned, threatening to spill tears, as he remembered hearing her agony in that prison cell while he helplessly banged the back of his head against the bars. He had been so angry with her that day, wondering why she was even there. But in an instant, his anger turned to fear. The thought of them both perishing there, separated by a prison cell after all they had survived, was unimaginable. Yet, he felt a slight twinge of guilt in his chest, knowing that a part of him found comfort in the idea of being with her forever, even if it meant in death.

Till the light in my eyes, till the day that I die..

"Claire, I—hold on." He pushed his chair away from the table and excused himself. When he returned, he held the delicate turquoise opal feather necklace she had left him 26 years ago. Gently, he placed it around her neck. "Birds of a feather, right?" He locked the clasp and released a breath he hadn’t known he was holding. Seeing the necklace back around her neck healed something inside him that he hadn’t realized was aching.

"My something blue," amusement lighting up her features as she delicately swept her fingers across the blue stone. "I love you, Leon."

"I love you too, Claire, till the day I die." He squeezed her shoulders and leaned down to place a light kiss in the crook of her neck before sitting back down next to her.

"So, what else do you have on this playlist?" he asked, nudging her and glancing at her laptop.

[stxr-bxy]

pagan marauders hcs

in this universe paganism/real witchcraft = wizarding world and paganism is actually respected as a religion

most of them are hellenists but there are also roman and norse gods too

james

- works with athena

- he just loves powerful women

- or women in general tbh

- also works with apollon bc he’s the sun

- not super religious but goes to temple every Wednesday to visit the athena alter and on Sundays for the apollon alter

- makes a stupid amount of moon water because he uses it all the time

- no clair or psychic abilities but is very intuitive

- i imagine he got into hellenismos because euphemia is part greek (hence her name)

sirius

- prefers roman mythology over greek but is eclectic/neo pagan

- she works with Dionysius because they’re both drama queens and Venus because she helped him with embracing his femininity and feeling confident

- wears a carnelian necklace all the time bc she’s ✨that girl✨

- when she first quit weed she would smoke lavender because it puts you to sleep without causing highs

- goes to temple with friends to hang out and leave offerings

- had really strict catholic parents but never felt very connected to the church and god never really interacted with him no matter how many times he reached out

- his parents don’t think that being pagan = devil worship but they’re those people that think any god except theirs is a demon trying to hurt ppl

- was one of those tiktok witches for a while but then realized that witchtok is shit for information

remus

- he’s jewish but he’s still a witch so he still counts for this

- burns a lot of sage bundles

- Sirius sometimes goes to temple(jewish) with him so he’s not alone but most of the time he goes with his parents

- was actually smart about his journey and immediately bought books because social media is mostly bullshit

- he’ll sometimes go to his friend’s temple(pagan) with someone (usually sirius) when their other friends aren’t going or are working

- he’s very supportive and does have some idea of what’s going on

- except he keeps asking who some people are like some obscurer gods or mortals from myths

- “who’s selene again?” “for gods sake remus you ask this every time” “sorry. but still who is she” “the moon goddess remus…” “oh yeah”

- claircognizant, he just knows things

peter

- he was raised pagan because his moms are pagan (peter has two moms argue with the wall)

- works with freyja and demeter and goes to temple on thursday and friday for both

- he and marlene go for nature walks when it’s nice out and they sometimes look for crystals when they walk

- one time he found a really big quartz and took it home (he asked first ofc)

- also believes in animism and loves animals

- has a cat named luna (i have a cat named luna so i am projecting)

- clairvoyant, has visions and prophetic dreams

lily

- was raised jewish and even though she went along with it when she was young she didn’t really feel connected to god so she converted to hellenismos when she was 15

- works with persephone and aphrodite (i know they don’t get along but it’s fine because they’re not on the same altar)

- goes to temple on mondays and fridays for persephone and aphrodite

- meditates a lot and likes to make sure her chakras are aligned (i know chakras originate from hinduism but i’m pretty sure they’re an open practice any hindus can correct me in comments or rbs)

- loves rose quartz and opal

- always does her crushes astrology charts to make sure they’re compatible

- one of those girls with lots of incense

- when she was crushing on mary she wore so much rose quartz and carnelian to get her to notice her

- lowkey scared of tarot bc it’s way too accurate, she prefers oracle cards

- wears pentacle necklaces for protection

mary

- works with medusa (because of the hc that mulciber sa’ed her so she likes her story) and aphrodite

- veils on holidays and when she goes to temple

- reads tarot for people as a side hustle

- loves florida water and uses it a lot because she’s latina

- wears her evil eye/nazar a lot

- has a little home guardian statue and it’s a statue of a little cat

- bought her first veil from amazon and it had such a bad energy that she couldn’t cleanse out so she just threw it away

- when she goes to the beach she looks for shells to put on her aphrodite alter

marlene

- works with hekate and persephone

- has always loved the idea of witches since she was a little girl

- her parents were also strict catholics but marlene never believed in god, she knew somewhere deep down that he wasn’t as real to her as her gods

- her parents basically thought that witchcraft was the devil’s work and they never approved of it, they still don’t but now they’re used to it

- meditates during the full moon

- makes devotional playlists for her deities

- has lots of crystals because “i just think they’re neat”

- avoids doing shadow work but then her deities get mad so she reluctantly does some

- one of those girls who has rusty nails and dead bugs just so she can hex your ex

- clairaudient, was always confused by the ringing in her ears and what it meant

regulus

- works with hades and persephone

- loves the myth about them

- his parents raised him catholic but he stopped believing in god pretty quick because his prayers were never answered

- loves it when mary gives him tarot readings

- prefers runes to tarot but still likes tarot

- goes to temple on mondays because of persephone

- he talks with lily and marlene about persephone a lot and celebrate her return together

- his favorite holiday is yule because he loves all of the folklore surrounding it and the trees

- he used to charge his rose quartz in the sun because he didn’t know you couldn’t do that and then the color faded so he stopped doing that

- does lots of shadow work because he’s fucked up in the head

pandora

- a lot of people think she works with gods like iris or aphrodite but she actually works with nyx and hekate

- does scryings for people

- clairsentient, always picks up on other people’s emotions and the vibe of a room

- goes to temple on saturdays for hekate and with reg on mondays because the services include nyx and persephone

- one of those girls who used a spirit/ouija board and then all of witchtok came for her

- very experimental, uses egg shells in hexes and stuff like that

- also works with the fae and leaves them offerings for ostara and litha (and just in general)

- gives people little rocks and crystals she finds

- little kids love her and they always have such a good energy

- makes art of her deities

barty

- italian folk witch and pagan

- always wearing his nazar to protect from il malocchio cause he doesn’t fw that shit

- works with hades and hermes

- he’s half italian on his mom’s side so he got his practice from her

- uses people’s hair in his spells and no one knows where he gets it from

- “barty why the fuck is my hair in your spell jar?” “idk man…” “liar”

- messes around with tarot and runes when he’s bored

- goes to temple on mondays with reg and pandora and wednesdays for hermes

- clairvoyant (to go along with the seer barty hc)

- mabon is his favorite holiday because food

dorcas

- works with selene and hekate

- her and marlene love talking about hekate and honestly they could talk about her all day

- lowkey wanted to work with freyja at one point but she already has enough deities

- veils a lot for spiritual protection, can be as simple as a bandana or her hair braided but she likes regular veils too

- one of those girlies who walks barefoot in the forest

- grows her own herbs in her garden

- selenophilic

- needs to know everyone’s big 3

evan

- not super religious but still a witch

- he mostly does kitchen witchcraft

- he makes simmer pots and uses herbs when cooking

- hangs rosemary over his front door to protect

- has a cinnamon broom

- mops with rosemary water

- can’t meditate for more than ten minutes because he gets distracted or has an itch or something

- forgot to mention he worships luna, solass ( idk how to spell it) , and the mother (moon, sun, and earth)

- avid pentacle wearer

[willtheweaver]

OC interview tag

Shoutout to @somethingclevermahogony for the tag

Up this time will be Sorrel from A Feather in the Forest unlike all the other characters, whom are interviewed during the start if the main story, this one will be from at the end of the prologue.

Are you named after anyone?

Me? I would say ‘yes’, but I don’t know if I feel right doing so, as my name is a relatively common one.

When was the last time you cried?

The last time I seriously cried was just over a year ago. I heard there was an accident on one of the game trails. Caine…his leg was crushed by a falling tree. Only way to get him out was to amputate. They got him back to the village, but between the shock and blood loss, no one thought he would last the night. Cried and prayed, hoping for a miracle. Al-Gia heard…praise be the great deity.

Do you have any kids?

One. [lowers voice]Can you keep a secret? I’m not supposed to tell anyone, but you seem trustworthy. On my last hunt, I found a newborn crow in an abandoned camp. I consulted the Thá. She allowed me to raise it, but I have to keep it secret from the rest of the village. You see, there is bad blood between us foxes and the birds of the forest. So please, don’t tell anyone. Only me, Caine, and Opal(our long ruling Thá) are supposed to know (Also, what do you think of Fen as a name? I think it’s a nice name to have).

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Oh no. I would never be sarcastic…all the time, that is.

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

I notice if they are from Fernstan, or another village. Being a hunter means I spend quite a considerable amount of time in the forest, and I sometimes see hunters and border guards from the other villages.

What’s your eye color?

Golden-brown.

Scary movies or happy endings?

You,re telling me that you can make pictures that talk and move? I can take scares, but I would like to also see things end on a positive note.

Where were you born?

Here in Fernstan village.

Do you have any pets?

No, I do not. On another note, is that what they are called? I know that the Thá keeps insects in the spring and summer months.

What sort of sports do you play?

Competitive archery and axe throwing.

How tall are you?

34 inches in your measurements.

What was your favorite subject in school?

You must not be from around here. Having community members who do nothing but education is a concept that is not one found in this forest.

What is your dream job?

I would like to become First Hunter.

Tagging @elizaellwrites @mk-writes-stuff @spitefulbull @revenantlore @drchenquill @corinneglass @thepeculiarbird @kaylinalexanderbooks @elizaellwrites @leahnardo-da-veggie @tildeathiwillwrite @sentfromwolves @diabolical-blue and open tag for all who want to jump in

[saraiisstanky]

Doodles of the creating of Milo

Andrew wasn’t ready to be a dad and it wasn’t his decision but he and Neil talked about having kids before. Andrew admitted it wasn’t a bad idea in the way future and didn’t expect Neil to abandon him like this

When the Foxes first found Milo, Andrew was in huge denial and spent a week looking for Neil. Eventually he came back to the temple and took Milo to raise him with the help of Aaron and Nicky. Andrew couldn’t handle it at first so the Foxes helped too especially since Kevin thought they were better suited to raise him since he’s a gem

Imma try to make more doodles of the foxes and Nicky and Aaron too but I’m low key tired and was supposed to be workin on something for my birthday tomorrow

Renee is a pink Sapphire (tho I wanted her to be a pearl so she and Allison could be an opal)

Allison is a pink morganite (she and Renee make a pink kunzite)

Dan is a ruby and Matt is an amethyst and they are a fusion that makes a rhodolite

[pippastrelle]

Bulletpoint liveblog of C3E91 let's go!

Second half: Crown Keepers

Oh, is this where the Crownkeepers come in? I heard that. Haha I always wonder what it's like at the studio hiding the fact that, like, Robbie is there.

AABRIA! God, I want to know how her hair and makeup is done. It's so different and so cool nearly every time I see her. She's got such style.

Moment to appreciate the music they play during the art reel at the end of the break.

CROWNKEEPERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! I actually never fully watched Kymal so the bunny woman was a surprise XD

The collaborativeness is nice, asking Anjali about her sister.

ahahaha god this platform. DON'T WHIPLASH MY EMOTIONS LIKE THIS! I'M CRYING OVER ORYM AND ALL!

….Me not having watched Kymal might confuse me for the next two hours.

Black lipstick will never not get me. Aimee.

Is Dorian going to reply to Orym's message??????

Good on Matt for starting off.

(Pleeeeease may they say this woman's name). Her character's Morrighan. Whoa, a champion of the Matron of Ravens.

The Crownkeepers have been having a real swell time.

(Fy'ra Rai has always been a great name to say). So, sent by the Wildmother to protect them.

Aww, Dorian feeling some consequences of his avoidance.

From an above-table perspective, I'm surprised they're all feeling so lost? I wonder if it was planned and if Aabria's going to suddenly give them a direction, or if they're reticent to set too much in stone?

OPAL'S BETRAYER GOD CHAMPION DESIGN IS SO SICK; I LOVE IT!

Sleep as an exhausting void… Creepy.

"Can I hear him?" "Make a wisdom save." Terrifying. "Shouting at you while running backwards." What a description.

I do love Opal, too. Such a situation but still trying to retain that image of her.

"We gotta get these chuckles out not." Whimper in terrified player.

I love Aabria's GM-ing in a lot of other things (ACOFAF is S-tier), but I think this highlights why I found EXU Prime harder to get into. The Crownkeepers tend to lack a motivating goal from the off-set, making it a bit hard for me to figure what they're trying to do and why.

Still, starting off with PVP might be the wakeup!

HA! Matt Mercer doing the ad read. Love it.

Spider Queen is intimidating and poor, poor Opal.

Holy shit, Opal's raising into the air and burning the forest. Hahaha make Aimee choose which friend to destroy. Awwww forcing her into PvP!

Goddddddd Aabria is the Betrayer God here.

Black eyessssssss. Magic second set of arms.

God, imagine being Aimee rn.

27 on initiative??????

THE DARIAX ROLLS RETURN!

At least Opal can communicate her panic.

HASTE ON OPAL???? HA! VENMO TO HASTE THE ENEMY!

The Dariax rolls balance Morrighan's.

Aw, sweet with Morrighan and Opal whispering telepathically.

Amazing image of stone cold Opal in contrast.

I like how Matt and Aabria pop in with lessons for the others. Nice to see players propping each other up.

CRYSTAL RAPIER? NICE!

"She's just a little guy."

Absolutely fair, seeing weird shit for your Betrayer God Champion friend and just wanting to knock her the fuck out.

Kind of Anjali to tally up the numbers as they roll.

Eeeeeek, ripping a rapier down her thigh.

OPAL DOESN'T TAKE THE DAMAGE????? IS THAT A REACTION OR????

TED!

Hahaha "if Opal did crossfit".

(I googled it. Morrighan is played Erica.)

Oh christ Ted's helping. I wonder how much Morrighan knows about Ted.

"NONONO STOP!" as verbal component for Shield is fantastic.

I don't trust that this is Ted?? Does Ted know Opal's fucked right now??

"Why's the first thing you do drawing blood?" Well, because it's D&D.

Haste lets you go get a hotdog from Arby's. Vax knew this well.

Aabria's English accent is so American-version-of-English but I like how it sounds anyway.

Let the ashhole return, cowards!

Yeah, Robbie, this is a weird situation. Dorian's just choking on his flute. Yeah, trying to restrain Opal is a good plan. NO! NAT 20 minus 1 + 4 plus 13. Aimee/Opal, go! Get! It!

Nice, Aabria, failing forward is a lesson we can all incorporate.

NAT ONE PLUS 13?? ROBBIE! Cannot catch a break.

T_T Fy'ra being betrayyyyyed again. Ooh, very very cool from Anjali calling for a flashback.

(We still never got the response to Orym. Has that happened yet or it that going to be the bookend? I'm curious what this is going to mean for the actual campaign. It's a really fun idea to bring in another GM for a section. Sure, more Actual PlayTM than homegame but Matt at least gets to play.)

Haha Anjali welcome to the DM club! I know about this from the Ginny Di video. Anjali DMed an official lego game.

Can they free Opal?

Ohhh. The Wildmother wants this? Am I misunderstanding? Shit.

They can't separate Opal from the crown.

Love how different people set their dice.

Never take advice from GM Aabria :P

Holy shit these guys roll high.

I hardly ever see people take the dodge action.

I do like Opal a lot.

So the Spider Queen is just trying to full take over Opal. I wonder if Teven or the other Betrayer God Champion had this sort of thing happen.

GO AWAY FOREVER??? THEIR MOTHER DID THIS TO OPAL AND TED?? Evalux? A splinter group? I'M SO CONFUSED AND INTRIGUED! THE BEACON'S INVOLVED??? How tf did they get it in Byroden? So there's a splinter of Luxon followers who split themselves in one life instead? God, I hope the main cast get to watch this.

…..And Opal has no memory of it. Will we ever get this information?

Erica continues to roll like a god.

The turns have felt both long and fast. I've still got, like, an hour and a half.

I love how Matt describes/contextualises things, even as a player.

HA! CYRUS IS HERE?!

ROLL PERFORMANCE FOR HANDJOB

A 7!!!!!

Bless is good. Dariax panicking is great.

XD God initiative takes a long time in a big group.

THE ROLLS! THE DARIAX ROLLS!

Ah! Dariax is a bard! Yeah! So cuuuute for the Double Ds. "THE PERFORMING ARTS IS WORTH IT!"

So. All of them are blind in the darkness. Awesome, awesome move, Aimee.

Hahhahahahaha right. Warlock. No spell slots.

XD It's such a long game. No loo breaks.

SQUIRREL SPIDER FTW

Gotta love Cyrus. "NO DON'T SHOOT!" The himbo persists.

….Matt, what did you get for the WIS save?

PALADIN COMES IN FOR THE SAVE!

Hahahaha "that could can see". Okay. Blind mistystep? …..I'm sure 8 will get it.

Aww, attacking your friend's going to leave a bad taste in your mouth. Lay on Hands is good.

I appreciate Aabria's helpfulness as a GM.

Fy'ra good teammate.

Opal, again, is amazing. I love how she tackles such complex things in her very Her way. Preserves drama and humour in her self-absorbtion.

I wonder how Opal washes her hair under that crown?

Well, some allowance for fighting when Opal attacked them? Obvs harder emotionally than logically.

Aww everyone got to see the memory of Opal and Morrighan bonding.

HA! LOVE FY'RA BEING COMMANDER!

Dorian is forever clanking with all the instruments he carries. T_T 9 to dispel fails. Good plan though. Until back into the darkness he goes.

I like the idea of going back to the Crownkeepers, especially as a perspective on Opal and Dorian, but I'm two hours into this section and still don't quite get the full significance of it. Which is a shame. I still have faith, but I think this encounter would be more enjoyable if I understood better why we were seeing it in the Bell's Hells campaign.

I've always respected Opal/Aimee going in on being the asshole sister. Getting to see that perspective.

The gem flashbacks are cool.

"We can both be coins." "And we're richer for it!" Amazing. Great pun. Love Fy'ra. Love Ted coaching Opal.

Max offering blind Dariax up on a plate. Respect.

I LOVE MATT AS DARIAX! SO FUNNY!

Con sorcerer is smart.

Aabria has no luck against Dariax.

I'm sure that 9 WIS will help perception.

BARDIC COMES IN CLUTCH!

DIMENSION DOOR IS A BONUS ACTION?!

I. Love. Opal. Aimee plays her and her struggles and her relationships with everyone so well and nuanced. Dariax is a well-done character too. Real even behind the humour.

I leapt too, Aimee. Holy shit what the fuck, Spider Queen?

(Fuck you, Twitch, for skipping, my god).

Oh god, Cyrus, don't die.

Nooooo, Dariax. Living nightmares. Him and Dorian seeing their nightmares.

Spider Queen Opal wtf.

Pick up next week? Huh. I… am confused by this. Interesting encounter. I liked the drama between the Crown Keepers. But, again, I don't understand the significance for the Bell's Hells? So I reckon next week will be first half Crown Keepers, second half Bell's Hells. Huh. Interesting episode. It was fun, though I really don't deny still being on the edge of my seat to find out what's happening with the BH.