#english speaking coaching near me

[mybritishexpress]

Importance of Language Learning Hubs like British Express

Learning languages is always a great experience. As humans to boost the power of our brains we should stretch our limits to learn new languages. We should always be fascinated by learning international languages. It is a great career choice to become a polyglot or a multi-lingual person. 

Most people who are inclined to do creative things prefer to learn a new language in their spare time. Such people rightly recognise the essence that understanding a new language carries. And there is nothing shambolic about it, people, who can speak various languages attract a lot of attention. Their opportunities to jump on the bandwagon of success in life grow unstoppably.  

Many people want to learn the French language. Such passionate folks should know that joining French Classes is the best foot forward. And the ones who want to learn Spanish should understand that the best way to learn the Spanish language is to become a part of a Spanish language school.

Meanwhile, the world we live in today has turned pretty marvellous because of technology. These days even AI can come to your aid online, and help you learn almost all the global languages. However, for most humans, it is impossible to learn every language in this life. But to learn some of the phenomenal languages that enhance our global understanding is still possible. And, it also helps us to have good growth career wise. 

However, joining offline classes is always more adventurous, fun and beneficial than online classes. Joining offline language classes’ help you make new friends. It makes you meet people with the same objective that you have. You feel empowered in a language school to strike up conversations and your ability and capacity to learn grows stronger and simpler. You don't face many inconveniences, because an expert faculty always stands ready to prune them.  

World is growing smarter every day, the future is all about competence and craft. The future includes diversity. People who can speak a diverse language can make a good life amid the rising hustling each day. 

People who are interested to carve academic excellence should be always afresh to learn a new language. It helps them to understand the knowledge they seek more deeply. It also enhances the power of their approach to learning a single thing in different ways and different contexts. 

Yes, the biggest gift of learning a new language is like exploring a new culture and context. It acts as a trope to increase the efficiency of our human mind. Our ability to connect and communicate with people from different parts of the world stokes. We entertain a new domain of excellence in communication. Our cultural diversity gets a rainbow effect. Languages like different colours become a part of our personality. 

Therefore, as beginners, it is always a great idea to join a language learning hub. People who want to learn a language like French should get enrolled in a French Course. Or in the same way, to learn some other foreign language like Spanish or English, they should simply flock to the particular courses of these languages.

[ielts-classes-in-faridabad]

Why Choose TOEFL Coaching Over Self-Study

Preparing for the TOEFL exam can be a daunting task, and choosing the right preparation method is crucial. While self-study is a popular option, TOEFL coaching classes in Faridabad offer distinct advantages that can significantly enhance your chances of success. Here are several reasons why you should consider TOEFL coaching over self-study.

1. Structured Learning Approach

TOEFL coaching classes in Faridabad provide a structured learning environment. The curriculum is designed to cover all sections of the TOEFL exam comprehensively: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. This structure ensures that you don't overlook any crucial areas, which can happen with self-study.

2. Experienced Instructors

One of the main benefits of TOEFL coaching in Faridabad is access to experienced instructors. These professionals have a deep understanding of the TOEFL exam format, common pitfalls, and effective strategies for success. Their guidance can help you navigate the complexities of the exam and provide personalized feedback to improve your performance.

3. Interactive Learning Environment

TOEFL coaching classes offer an interactive learning environment where you can engage with peers and instructors. Group discussions, interactive exercises, and real-time feedback enhance your learning experience. This interactive approach is often missing in self-study, where you're isolated and lack immediate support.

4. Comprehensive Study Materials

TOEFL classes in Faridabad provide comprehensive study materials, including textbooks, practice tests, and online resources. These materials are curated to align with the latest TOEFL exam patterns and are often more reliable than what you might find on your own. Access to these resources can save you time and ensure you're studying the right content.

5. Regular Practice Tests

Practice tests are a crucial component of TOEFL preparation. Coaching classes in Faridabad offer regular mock tests that simulate the actual exam conditions. These tests help you familiarize yourself with the exam format, time management, and the types of questions you'll encounter. Self-study might not provide the same level of testing rigor.

6. Personalized Feedback

In TOEFL coaching classes, instructors provide personalized feedback on your performance. They identify your strengths and weaknesses, helping you focus on areas that need improvement. This targeted feedback is invaluable and often missing in self-study, where you might not have an objective assessment of your progress.

7. Motivation and Accountability

Joining TOEFL coaching classes in Faridabad creates a sense of accountability. Regular classes, assignments, and assessments keep you motivated and on track. In contrast, self-study requires a high level of self-discipline, and it's easy to lose focus or procrastinate without external motivation.

8. Effective Time Management

TOEFL coaching helps you manage your time effectively. Instructors guide you on how to allocate time for each section of the exam and develop efficient study schedules. This structured approach to time management is often lacking in self-study, where you might struggle to balance different exam sections.

9. Access to a Support Network

Being part of a TOEFL coaching class means you're not alone in your preparation. You'll have access to a support network of peers who are going through the same journey. This camaraderie can provide emotional support, motivation, and valuable study tips that you might miss out on with self-study.

10. Higher Success Rate

Statistically, students who attend TOEFL coaching classes in Faridabad tend to have higher success rates compared to those who self-study. The combination of structured learning, expert guidance, and regular practice significantly boosts your chances of achieving a high TOEFL score.

Conclusion

While self-study offers flexibility, TOEFL coaching classes in Faridabad provide a structured, interactive, and supportive learning environment that can greatly enhance your TOEFL preparation. With experienced instructors, comprehensive study materials, regular practice tests, and personalized feedback, TOEFL coaching offers a clear path to success.

If you're aiming for a high TOEFL score, consider enrolling in TOEFL coaching in Faridabad. Our classes provide the expertise, resources, and support you need to excel in your TOEFL exam. Join us today and take a decisive step towards achieving your academic and professional goals.

[sabacus02]

Best Training Classes for Kids in Ghaziabad

Are you looking for a unique and effective way to boost your child's cognitive skills and academic performance? Look no further than S-Abacus, the leading provider of Best Training Classes for Kids in Ghaziabad.

[popellsielts]

The Top Choice for Best Institute for Spoken English Course at POPEL's IELTS Academy

In the kaleidoscope of language, where every word is a brushstroke painting the canvas of communication, mastering spoken English emerges as a pivotal skill. The ability to articulate thoughts, engage in meaningful conversations, and convey ideas with clarity is not just advantageous; it's often a prerequisite for success in various spheres of life. Recognizing the importance of this skill, numerous language institutes have emerged, each vying to claim the title of the best. Among these, best institute for spoken english course stands tall, renowned for its commitment to excellence in spoken English courses. In this blog post, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of POPEL's IELTS Academy, dissecting its methodologies, success stories, and the reasons it is hailed as the epitome of spoken English education.

The Essence of Verbal Fluency

Before delving into the intricacies of best institute for spoken english course, let's unravel the essence of verbal fluency. In a world driven by constant communication, from casual conversations to formal presentations, the ability to express oneself with clarity and confidence is a skill that transcends professions and personal endeavors. Proficiency in spoken English not only opens doors to enhanced personal expression but also serves as a powerful tool for career advancement, academic success, and social integration.

POPEL's IELTS Academy: An Overview

1. Holistic Approach:

POPEL's IELTS Academy adopts a holistic approach to best institute for spoken english course. It goes beyond the traditional focus on grammar and vocabulary, incorporating elements of real-world communication, cultural nuances, and contemporary language use.

2. Diverse Curriculum:

One of the hallmarks of POPEL's is its diverse curriculum. From foundational language skills to advanced conversational techniques, the institute covers a broad spectrum, catering to learners at various proficiency levels.

3. Experienced Faculty:

At the core of any educational institution is its faculty, and POPEL's takes pride in its team of experienced language experts. These educators bring not only academic knowledge but also a passion for teaching, creating an environment conducive to effective learning.

4. Interactive Learning Modules:

Recognizing the significance of interactive learning, POPEL's integrates engaging modules that mimic real-life scenarios. Group discussions, role plays, and situational dialogues are employed to ensure that students not only understand the language but can apply it effectively in practical situations.

5. Technological Integration:

Staying abreast of the digital age, POPEL's IELTS Academy seamlessly integrates technology into its teaching methodology. Multimedia resources, interactive online platforms, and language learning apps enrich the learning experience, making it contemporary and engaging.

Success Stories: From Learners to Fluent Speakers

The success stories emerging from POPEL's IELTS Academy are a testament to its efficacy. Many students, initially apprehensive about their best institute for spoken english course abilities, have not only emerged as confident speakers but also as effective communicators. These success stories span diverse fields – from securing coveted job opportunities to excelling in academic pursuits and confidently navigating social scenarios.

Behind the Scenes: The POPEL's Teaching Methodology

1. Personalized Learning Plans:

POPEL's recognizes that each learner is unique. The institute adopts a personalized approach, tailoring courses to meet individual needs. Whether an individual is a beginner aiming for basic conversational skills or an advanced learner targeting fluency, POPEL's has a program designed for them.

2. Emphasis on Pronunciation:

Pronunciation often plays a pivotal role in effective communication. POPEL's places a strong emphasis on this aspect, helping learners master not just vocabulary and grammar but also the nuances of pronunciation to sound more natural and articulate.

3. Practical Application:

Theoretical knowledge alone does not suffice in the realm of best institute for spoken english course. POPEL's places a premium on practical application, encouraging students to engage in real conversations, debates, and discussions to hone their skills in a real-world context.

4. Continuous Feedback:

Learning is an iterative process, and POPEL's ensures that students receive continuous feedback. Regular assessments, constructive critiques, and feedback sessions are integral to the learning journey, enabling students to track their progress and make necessary improvements.

Choosing POPEL's IELTS Academy: A Wise Decision

If you're contemplating enrolling in a spoken English course and are considering best institute for spoken english course, here are some compelling reasons why it might be the right choice for you:

1. Reputation and Recognition:

POPEL's has earned a stellar reputation for consistently delivering high-quality language courses. Its recognition extends beyond local acclaim to international acknowledgment, making it a trusted choice for learners seeking excellence in spoken English education.

2. Flexible Timings and Batches:

Recognizing the diverse schedules of learners, best institute for spoken english course offers flexible timings and multiple batches. This flexibility ensures that individuals with various commitments can find a suitable slot to embark on their spoken English journey without compromising on their existing responsibilities.

3. Alumni Success Stories:

The success stories of alumni who have excelled in their personal and professional lives after completing courses at POPEL's serve as a testament to the effectiveness of the institute's programs. These stories provide real-world evidence of the impact of POPEL's on individuals' lives.

4. Holistic Learning Environment:

POPEL's IELTS Academy provides a holistic learning environment that goes beyond language skills. It emphasizes personal development, fostering a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and global awareness, thereby preparing learners for success in diverse aspects of life.

Conclusion: A Verbal Odyssey at POPEL's IELTS Academy

In the grand tapestry of best institute for spoken english course, POPEL's IELTS Academy emerges as a vibrant thread, weaving together linguistic brilliance, practical acumen, and transformative success stories. If you aspire to elevate your verbal fluency, consider enrolling in one of POPEL's spoken English courses. Join the ranks of confident communicators who have honed their linguistic prowess under the expert guidance of POPEL's, and embark on a journey where words transform into a powerful tool for success. Remember, at POPEL's IELTS Academy, it's not just about learning a language; it's about mastering the art of communication that propels you towards a brighter future.

[ssahotchnerr]

okay so, I really don't like angst so I'll go with jealous!Hotch 🤭

Something like when Reader is at Jack's soccer game and Idk, a dad flirts with her? But when Jack sees that she's talking with someone who isn't Hotch, he calls her "mom" in front of the dad who's flirting with her, (bc he's jealous too 🤭) but Hotch hears him and he's kind of moved, but someone is flirting with his girl so he gets all jealous and starts like kissing her or something in front of the man? And the night they end up at his home, with Hotch showing her that she belongs to him 🤭

(feel free to change anything, don't worry, also, sorry for my bad english, it's not my first language 😭)

keeping score

🤭 minors dni cw; fem!reader, jack calls reader mom, unwanted advances, suggestiveness, allusions to sex, small praise, dominant!jealous!possessive aaron 🦋 wc; 1.5k

early saturday mornings - grass still slightly wet from the dew, the sun slowly rising higher into the sky (threatening a hot day), sat alongside a soccer field - you couldn't imagine another place you'd rather be.

as aaron was the coach, you spent majority of jack's game sitting alone. it was a small price to pay; you were more than happy to cheer on jack from the sidelines, and to check aaron out as much as you wanted.

but most importantly, attending his games made you feel like you were a part of the family. the hotchners were closed off and let very few people in, and so your attendance here only solidified your role in both their lives. that aaron planned on keeping you around, and that jack trusted you. your role in his life wasn't to someday replace his mom, but rather you were just another person who simply loved him. you loved him like he was your own, and he knew it.

"mornin'," a voice pulled you from your thoughts; a familiar face amongst the other parents on the team, but you didn't know him by name.

you offered a quick, friendly smile, "good morning."

he set up camp near you, setting his foldable chair down and getting settled a few feet away. you paid him no mind, resuming your attention to something more worthy of your focus, such as how attractive aaron looked in the jeans he was wearing. and the game, obviously.

however, you could feel him peering at you from time to time, making the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

ten minutes or so passed before he spoke again, "so, big soccer fan?"

your eyes followed jack, who was dribbling the soccer ball down the field. your heart swelled with pride as he successfully kicked it to a teammate, "not until recently."

"me too." he offered you a look that he probably thought was slick, while you kept your gaze straight forward. "i'm always looking to score, if you know what i mean."

his words instantly caused your cheeks to burn, along with your whole body. it was clear he was objectifying you, with no good intentions in mind.

you didn't bother replying. hopefully, that would be a clear indicator for him to leave, or to leave you alone.

but he still chose to linger. and while he wasn't speaking, in your peripheral you kept noticing his head turn, gazing in your direction. his eyes were nearly burning a hole into you.

"shit." he swore as he suddenly stood up, picking up and moving his chair even closer to yours, "the grass is eating away at my chair. must've been that damn rain last night."

it hadn't rained last night.

the unsettling feeling he was causing you only grew, but again you didn't dare to say anything. the uncomfortableness only eased when the whistle finally blew, signaling halftime. this meant a water break and a small snack for the kids, and it meant aaron and jack would soon be joining you for a moment.

as expected, jack hurried towards you as soon as one of the other moms distributed him his snack, but paused abruptly as he reached you, his eyes scanning between you and the man. a confused expression filled his face, his bottom lip sticking out into a pout. it was the same one he produced whenever aaron gave him the fifteen minute warning for bedtime.

"mom," jack inserted himself in between the two of you, a small package of fruit snacks in hand, "can you open these for me?"

you froze for a spilt second, touched and surprised. you've been a constant in both aaron and jack's lives for almost a year now. but that title, was a first.

"of course sweet pea," you coughed a bit to clear your throat, and to stop the tears from surfacing, opening it for him.

"you did good out there kiddo," the dad spoke again, flashing a smile.

your fists clenched at that one - you knew he was trying to impress you, and you hated how he had decided to use interacting with jack to his advantage.

just wait until you find how he's the coach's son.

while you were furious, jack ever so slightly rolled his eyes, such an annoyed expression almost humorous for a child his age, choosing to focus on his snack and leaning comfortably against your shoulder.

and a minute or two later, aaron joined.

as aaron approached, his face nearly pulled into the same expression as his son's as he analyzed the visual in front of him. only his was accompanied with a more hardened, possessive aggressiveness.

"hi sweetheart," aaron greeted you, leaning in to kiss you once you were on your feet. it wasn't a chaste peck either, but rather more showy. his fingers grasped onto the waistline of your pants, pulling you flush to him. "enjoying the game?"

you nodded, still recovering from the unexpected heated kiss, looking down at jack who also was glued to your side, offering protection of his very own. you gave him a smile, ruffling his hair gently, "i think we've got a soccer star on our hands."

"speaking of," aaron started, straightening his torso and squaring his shoulders, making him appear taller. "jack, why don't you join the others. they're taking turns aiming at the goal before the game resumes."

with a nod, and after handing you the empty wrapper, jack ran off to his teammates. aaron was still holding his menacing glare, but dropped the entire expression suddenly.

"how are you feeling?"

"feeling...?" your eyebrows quirked in confusion.

"you're not too sore today, aren't you?" his eyes darted behind you, a rather confident, fiery glint within them. "i wasn't holding back last night, was i?"

oh.

"and now that i'm thinking about it, i don't think you've ever been that loud either."

aaron had always been a stickler for pda; any displays were kept to quick kisses, hand holding, and any suggestive comments were kept to a murmur, meant for you and you only. even when you tagged along with him to bau outings, such as a bar on a saturday night, he held back. anything more was private, and aaron preferred it that way - him being the only one to witness you in such a vulnerable state, was something he took gratification in, and only added to his overall pleasure.

so this, was something else. he wasn't speaking loud enough for all to hear, just enough for the man in question. your back was towards him, so you had no idea how he was reacting to aaron's words.

"i'm fine." you managed, your body also reacting immediately.

aaron's lips found home behind your ear, again conscience of his volume - just loud enough. "good, because i'm not done with you yet."

aaron's hand slid up to the small of your back, but not without stopping on the curve of your ass first - again he wasn't subtle about it, making sure it was noticeable.

and it had to be working, for the man hadn't uttered a single word.

"and actually, sweetheart." another glare pointed behind you. "would you mind helping me at the bench for the rest of the game? i could use an extra set of hands."

"of course." you blurted out, complying without a second thought.

"good girl," he was heavy on the emphasis, patting your hip affectionately. "c'mon."

you were visually flustered as you leaned down to gather your belongings, especially when aaron's hand rested on the small of your back as you did so. your eyes lifted to the man, who was avoiding all eye contact, staring off into the field with a flushed face.

once you straightened up aaron took your hand, leading you away.

"thank you." you mumbled as your hand slid up his arm, giving his bicep a squeeze.

aaron's jaw clenched. "i fucking hated the way he was looking at you."

"you wouldn't like what he was saying either." you mumbled, causing aaron's nostrils to flare in anger. but to calm him, you changed the subject, heat filling your cheeks again, "and you."

a pleased, closed lip smile graced his face. "what about me?"

"what was all that?" you teased, stomach fluttering. you already knew the answer, but it was something you wanted to hear from him again. "i've never heard you, so..."

he chuckled softly, an almost embarrassing undertone to his words. "vocal?"

"yeah." you blurted out, blinking. "it was hot."

aaron shrugged, satisfied but still agitated. "he was devouring you, practically undressing you with his eyes."

"well, i don't think he'll be trying anything again."

"i know he won't," aaron's eyes darkened as his overly confident demeanor resurfaced, his lips pulling into a smirk as one of his fingers tapped your neck, "especially when he sees you next week. because you won't be covering up those marks."

[oxfordschoolofenglishdelhi]

Best English Speaking Institute in Delhi | Spoken English Classes

Advance English Speaking Institute in Delhi| Oxford School of EnglishAdvance English Speaking Institute in Delhi| Oxford School of English

The Oxford School of English located in Delhi has garnered a reputation as the Top English speaking institute in Delhi for several years. The institute provides a diverse array of courses and programs to assist students in improving their spoken English skills, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

English coaching classes are offered by the institute, catering to the specific needs of students. Irrespective of whether a student is a beginner or an advanced speaker, there is a course that suits their needs. The courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the English language and its usage.

If you are searching for the Best English speaking institute in Delhi, Oxford School of English is an exceptional choice. The institute is staffed with highly qualified and experienced trainers who provide personalized attention to each student. Innovative teaching methods are employed to assist students in learning the language quickly and easily.

The institute offers spoken English classes in close proximity, making it convenient for students to attend classes without the need for extensive travel. The classes are conducted at flexible timings, allowing students to attend them at their convenience.

The Oxford School of English also provides online English speaking courses for those unable to attend physical classes. These courses are designed to be interactive, engaging, and effective in improving students' English speaking skills.

Top English Speaking Institute in Delhi | Spoken English 

For professionals seeking a Professional English speaking course, the Oxford School of English provides an excellent option. The institute offers courses specifically designed for professionals who require effective communication skills in English in their workplaces. The courses focus on business English, making them ideal for professionals who need to interact with clients, colleagues, or partners from around the world.

For individuals desiring to enhance their English speaking skills, the Oxford School of English offers advanced English speaking courses. These courses are designed for individuals who already possess a good understanding of the language and want to further refine their skills. The courses cover advanced grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and other aspects of the language.

To conclude, the Oxford School of English is unequivocally the Best spoken English institute in Delhi. With its diverse range of courses, experienced trainers, and flexible timings, it is the optimal choice for anyone seeking to improve their English speaking skills. If you aspire to become a confident and fluent English speaker, the Oxford School of English should be your ultimate destination.

For More Details: —

Website- https://www.oxfordschoolofenglish.in/ Whatsapp: +911145680574 Mobile: 91+ 9667462832

[edufolks]

Quick Ways to Improve Your Pronunciation for IELTS

Confused if it is dessert or desert? color or colour? sheep or ship? Even though the pronunciation is one of the most challenging skills to learn in English, it plays a vital role in the Speaking test. Pronunciation is a part of your IELTS exam, covering 25% of the exam. It can be difficult as it relies on multiple factors, including word stress, sentence stress, short and long vowels, and many more.

Even if your grammatical English is up to the mark and you are confident while writing, it is essential to pronounce words correctly. If you are looking for an IELTS preparation course or preparing for the IELTS Exam and want to score high without taking on a burden, then you are at the right place. Below you will find some of the best tips for improving English pronunciation.

1. Prepare English outdoors.

You must spend hours practicing English online in your room to building the habit. By practicing in the real world with others, you'll make a habit, and it also helps improve your pronunciation skills. The best way to improve your pronunciation is by speaking English often and in your daily life with others. If you want to study it daily, try chatting with your friends and family, listening to music, watching news and English movies, etc.

2. Talk slowly while speaking.

Give yourself time to pay attention to how you pronounce the words you will use when speaking. People who used to start learning English and are trying to adapt to speaking it daily rattle a lot, which makes some words go unnoticed. If you are doing a quick talk and need help finding your mistakes, then it will reinforce bad habits. It helps you understand your errors, and you can improve your mistakes by working towards better English pronunciation.

3. Listen to what you speak.

To understand where there is room for improvement, you must start understanding what you say. If you want to analyze what you say carefully, the best way is to record yourself. Observe how you pronounce the words and compare your pronunciation with that of an expert or a native speaker. Note down the words that you mispronounce and try to practice them further. Try to imitate the speaker while pronouncing the words you have mispronounced. Consider comparing your performance with other speakers and setting goals for improvement.

4. Partner up with a friend to practice.

Getting the correct feedback can help you improve your English pronunciation quickly. If you have a friend or a colleague who is also aiming to improve their English, you should practice together and give each other feedback to help each other improve. It is easy for the one who hears you to point out your mistakes, as sometimes you wouldn't notice them. Also, you can pair up with anybody from wherever you are taking an English speaking course if you both aim for similar goals.

5. Words with similar and differing sounds.

You can make a huge difference when you speak to someone if you know the difference between way-weigh, wait-weight, address-address, and read-read. To make sense to the listener, group words so you can know where and where not to stress. As a result of this grouping, you can familiarise yourself with the sounds of a particular group of words with similar spellings. The same goes with words like acquire, require, and squire, which can be read similarly by allowing you to hear how to pronounce the "quire" group of words.

Considering All This

These above points will help you improve your pronunciation while preparing for IELTS. There are a few more points, like how you can use a mirror while practicing, listen and then repeat, slow down the pace, sing karaoke or English songs, etc. While these work for some, taking proper classes is essential to achieve your goals. Taking proper training from an IELTS coaching centre in Gurgaon will help you become an active learner rather than just noting down points. You can get the chance to adopt a new learning process and follow the above tips to practice after your classes. Practicing regularly and making it a habit by following these tips will help you build confidence while speaking English.

Feel free to contact us with questions or concerns regarding our IELTS preparation courses.

Mobile: +91-9212421825, +91-9811060619

Email ID: wahik@primetechedufolks.in

Website: www.primetechedufolks.in

[jtl-fics]

Fluent Freshman - Part 30

PREVIOUS

Ichirou Moriyama had long been someone Riko had spoken about and therefore someone Kevin knew of.

First reverently as he talked about how someday his brother would come for him and how he’d watch Riko’s games. Then Ichirou never showed up once and the anger set in and mentions of his brother would result in especially bad days.

Kevin’s only saving grace at the Nest near the end was that Ichirou had been as uninterested in him as he was in Riko.

Neil was the one who had handled any communications with the new Master of the Moriyama family and Kevin was grateful for that. His stomach still twists when he found out what it would cost him to have the closest thing he would ever really have to freedom since his mom’s car accident but Kevin could hardly fault Neil since Kevin has no idea if he would have been able to even open his mouth and speak to negotiate with Ichirou. He certainly wouldn’t have thought to bargain for Neil and Jean’s lives.

So he was going to make sure the Neil had the best possible chances to get on a great team not just because he had every faith that Neil could be on the national court but also Kevin wanted him on the national court. Neil was his partner and his friend.

This was his last year that he could help as directly as this so he and Neil were still putting in the hours in their evening practices. It was also the last year that Neil could rely on him to assist in getting everyone up to snuff.

Ichirou Moriyama was going to be stopping by at some point and Kevin had decided that the best way to handle this information was to focus on something life affirming.

“I’m just saying it isn’t an unknown flavor combination.” Kevin argues.

“Kevin there is something very different about vanilla protein powder in chicken stock and Chicken and Waffles.” Aaron says from his spot behind Kevin in Wymack’s car.

“There shouldn’t be! It’s all the same flavors, just liquid!” Kevin turns in his seat to point at Aaron, “You should put on your seatbelt, what if Wymack crashes?” He says for the third time since the car ride had begun.

“That’s my problem, not yours.” Aaron says and his eyes have been locked on the roof of the car since the car ride began which was rude but Kevin had learned to expect nothing less from a Minyard.

“It will be my problem when your corpse breaks my neck as you fly forward!” Kevin hisses.

“Coach, could you do me a favor-“

“I’m not going to crash the car.” Wymack interrupts eyes on the road and hands at 10 and 2.

“God forbid you do something nice for me.” Aaron gripes crossing his arms.

Kevin decides to change his target.

“Coach-“

“Kevin, you’re not putting any protein powder into Smith’s soup. That’s final. Do you want to mess up his Grandma’s hard work to follow the Doctor’s recipe exactly?” Wymack asks.

No.

No Kevin does not wish to mess up Grandma Smith’s hard work.

He just…

A Food pyramid flashes in his mind.

…thinks he knows more than the hospital dietician.

“It’s not that Smith’s Grandma made bad soup.” Kevin says because the woman was a talent in the kitchen even if she might use a bit too much butter. He’d let her know but Nicky refused to translate and she’d smiled so warmly at him and touched his face so gently… “I think she was led astray by bad science and Nicky wouldn’t translate for me.” He says, “If she understood English she would have understood and agreed with me.” He says because he did manage to get her finely chop a bunch of carrots to put into the pasta sauce so that Neil would get some veggies.

She was a reasonable woman who understood the importance of good nutrition.

“I don’t know about that.” Coach says and Kevin wonders what he means by that.

They’re close behind Andrew’s car and Kevin can see two parking spots next to one another near the front except Andrew pulls into the spots in a way that means it is almost impossible for anyone to get into the second spot unless they owned a tiny smart car.

Andrew often parks like that to make sure no one dings the Maserati.

“That little shit.” Wymack grumbles as he continues to drive.

“Aren’t you going to let us out at the entrance?” Kevin asks.

“Who am I, your driver?” Wymack grumbles and does not slow down to let them out  at the hospital entrance. “You’ve been bitching about not getting enough exercise and eating too much fat this weekend, consider this just some of the exercise you’ve been wanting.” He says.

Kevin leans back in the chair.

He does NOT pout. He merely frowns with his lips puffed out and feels as if he has been treated unfairly.

He uses this time wisely.

He thinks about Neil and Andrew’s ‘secret’ conversation.

Kevin still doesn’t know Russian, has no plans to learn it because he does not want to know 80% of what Neil and Andrew say to one another, but Kevin has always been great at understanding tone and it’s not that hard to understand that they were talking about FF when he ‘Kapitan Neil’.

He thinks about what might stress Neil out about FF (never once does he consider that FF being in the hospital with a stab wound may be the thing that stresses Neil out, not when there’s an explanation that involves Exy).

FF might choose to leave.

That would not bode well for Neil.

Kevin has already signed but Neil needs the next few years still to make sure he can follow through on his deal with Ichirou.

FF is a great defensive dealer.

Kevin still doesn’t really understand how he can seemingly just appear on the Court to intercept passes but Kevin has been informed that all of his plans to figure it out are ‘medically unethical’ and ‘likely to get him thrown in prison’.

Nicky patting his face pityingly and saying, “Your face is too pretty for prison.” had been when he stopped looking at how he could buy electrodes.

His follow-up search to find out that no prison in the United States currently had an Exy court as a facility had him drop the outline of his research into his recycle bin and right click to delete permanently.

Since Kevin cannot find a way to replicate that particular talent of FF’s then they just need FF to stay.

He also quite likes the steady freshman. He’s probably not ever going to be National Court level like he and Neil are, but he would be a solid Dealer on a good team. Kevin wouldn’t even mind playing with him professionally.

They park the car far in the back of the lot and Wymack grumbles at a different nice car that is taking up two spots. Kevin climbs out of the car and they start their way towards the hospital.

Kevin considers jogging in circles around Aaron and Wymack as they walk just to burn off more of the lunch they’d just had but decides against it.

Maybe a different nutritionist will be on staff today and will be able to back Kevin up on his plan.

***

Captain Neil and Andrew are quickly followed by Nicky and his Grandma both of whom look nervous but some of that seemed to dissipate when they saw him.

“Are you okay?” Captain Neil asks.

FF goes to open his mouth but a nurse interrupts, “He decided to go on a walk in his current condition. I thought we were quite clear that you needed to stay in bed. Stressing yourself is why you collapsed in the Cafeteria like that.” His main nurse chastises.

“Sorry, it won’t happen again.” FF promises because it won’t. He’s planning on asking for a medically induced coma to escape the consequences of his actions so leaving the bed is the last thing he’s going to do. His dad’s trust for him can have money taken out for his medical needs and there has never been a greater medical need in his entire life than right now.

“What happened?” Andrew demands stepping next to Neil.

How does one explain getting a job offer from the Yakuza (Yakuza or Mafia)?

“I wanted to go for a walk.” He answers because he had and that’s easier to explain.

“Why did you meet Ichirou Moriyama?” Andrew asks again in German.

Well dammit.

FF finds himself at a crossroads.

Does he tell the truth? That he’s an idiot and didn’t realize the man was reaching out to Captain Neil? That he went and had an entire conversation with the man who owns Captain Neil, Kevin, and Jean Moreau? That afterward he tried to stand up and fainted which is how he got taken back to his room?

He thinks he has enough lies going on between his own and his grandma’s and he needs to relay something from Ichirou Moriyama.

“Lord Moriyama wanted me to tell you that he no longer needed to speak with you Captain Neil.” He relays just like he said he would and he sees Captain Neil tense.

“Smith.” Andrew says his name.

He also doesn’t want to talk about it any further.

“I’m fine, but I don’t want to talk about it.” FF closes his eyes as he answers back in German. He feels exhausted now and wishes that he had just requested a coma earlier so that he wouldn’t be in this situation. “Captain Neil, you left your phone here and it’s been pinging. Sorry I read one of the texts.” He gestures vaguely to his side table.

None of his guests speak for the next few minutes as the nurses finish reminding him to stay still, that he’s lucky his stitches didn’t break, that he’s on thin ice. He’s tired and he’s hungry so he’s curt with them in a way he’ll regret later but right now it’s just a lot when he can still feel Captain Neil and Andrew’s eyes burning into him.

Then Nicky proves to continue to be the nicest friend he has when the nurses leave and he feels Nicky’s hand take his and squeeze. “Hey, how are you really feeling?” he asks.

FF takes a deep breath, “I have...no idea.” he says. “I’m sorry.” he adds.

Nicky squeezes his hand again, “Hey, Aras made you some soup and we kept it away from Kevin. You’re probably a lil’ cranky because you’re tired, hungry, and in pain. You don’t need to talk about it right now okay?” Nicky says.

He’s really lucky to have Nicky as his friend.

He squeezes Nicky’s hand back and valiantly does not cry. He squeezes his eyes tighter to keep them from slipping out, it’d be embarrassing to cry here like this.

“Thank you.” He says voice quiet but doesn’t open his eyes, knowing what will come out if he does.

His Grandma comes to his side again and strokes his face. Her fingers wipe away the few tears that did slip out despite his best efforts but he thinks she did it so casually that maybe no one noticed.

It hasn’t been a good day, but Grandma’s soup has always been something that makes him feel better. He just wishes he could be alone for a minute with just her to witness the next few minutes.

Nicky, bless him, must sense that because he squeezes his hand tightly before letting go, “C’mon, let’s give Smithy and Aras a moment okay?” He says.

FF doesn’t open his eyes until his Grandma whispers, “My little Rotisserie Chicken, they’ve stepped out.” She says.

“He offered me a job in the Yakuza.” He blubbers immediately. “I don’t even know if they have dental.” He spills one of his lesser concerns.

“Oh honey, let’s eat some soup.” She soothes stroking his face.

***

Neil feels bad.

FF was pale, shaking, sweaty, and despite his grandma’s best efforts Neil had seen a tear slip from his tightly closed eyes.

He looks to his side and sees Andrew’s own hands tightened into fists.

“C’mon, let’s give Smithy and Aras a moment okay?” Nicky says and drags them out of the room through the sheer force of his ire. It’s moment like this that Neil really does understand why it is that FF prefers to spend his free time with Nicky over any other of their group.

They get out of the room and down the hall before Nicky starts in. “You two are the KINGS of not talking about shit so, for now, LEAVE it.” He hisses in German in a bid to keep the conversation private from anyone walking past.

“We need to know what deal he and Ichirou came to.” Andrew says in the same language.

“You’re going to find that out from Ichirou probably once he crazy murders Romero and Jackson in the next couple days!” Nicky cries dramatically, “Smithy probably doesn’t even know the full details because he’s in a lot of pain because he’s been STABBED.” Nicky points a finger at Andrew but wisely does not poke him with it. “Do you think he ACTUALLY went on a walk? Ichirou’s men probably took him since they couldn’t find YOU Neil.” Nicky points at Neil and, again, wisely does not poke him with it.

Neil’s stomach twists.

Maybe Neil should invest in a phone clip like Wymack thought the implication that the Moriyamas came to where his phone was leaves him wanting to skip it like a stone straight into the ocean. Too bad going to a beach still makes his palms sweaty.

“So what WE are going to do,” Nicky does a quick circle to point at the three of them, “is we are going to be good friends and help Smithy because he’s stressed, in pain, and needs friends not INTERROGATORS.” Nicky waves his arms in exasperation.

“Who are Neil and Andrew interrogating?” Aaron asks and Neil looks to the side to see Aaron with Kevin being pulled along by the scruff by Wymack.

“Smithy.” Nicky says.

“Why?” Kevin asks.

“Because Ichirou came and talked to him.” Andrew explains.

Kevin goes pale. “Why? I thought he was going to talk with Neil?” Kevin asks looking at Neil.

“He probably came here following Neil’s phone, which he left. So he grabbed Smithy to talk to him.” Nicky says, “Ichirou seemed impressed and pleased with whatever they talked about but Smithy is a little fragile after all of this so,” Nicky stepped into Kevin’s space, “Leave.” He pokes Kevin’s chest once, “Him.” He pokes Kevin’s chest twice, “Alone.” He pokes Kevin’s chest a third time.

“How would he even have an understanding of who he’s talking to?” Kevin asks looking sick. “No one has mentioned anything about the whole thing with the Moriyamas right?” He looks at the rest of them and Neil knows none of them would mention it.

Nicky rolls his eyes with his entire body.

“Kevin, do you know how many languages Smithy is fluent in?” Nicky asks.

“Uh…quite a few?” Kevin responds looking thrown.

“Yeah, one of those languages is French. Which you KNOW because he’s corrected your pronunciation before.” Nicky reminds Kevin and the Son of Exy blushes slightly.

“What does that have to do with this?!” Kevin squawks.

“Kevin, how many conversations have you had RIGHT in front of Smithy in French as you talked with Jean?” Nicky asks.

“None!” Kevin hisses.

“Can you say that for sure? You know how it can be with Smithy. Aaron over here has basically almost fucked his girlfriend in front of Smithy before because he didn’t realize he was there.” He juts his thumb towards Aaron.

“Hey.” Aaron scowls not happy to be reminded of that. “He needs a damn bell.” Aaron grumbles.

“I’ve talked about it in front of him and you never told us?!” Kevin exclaims.

“It’s Smithy! He’s not going to tell anyone!”  Nicky argues.

Which is very true.

FF is just not that kind of guy.

“So we are ALL going to be good, supportive friends to Smithy and hopefully he gets out of here today despite the whole shit show with Ichirou and we get him back to Abby’s where he can rest up in her guest room with his grandma.” He points at each of them with a frown.

“But-“

“Kevin, leave it for now.” Wymack finally steps in to the conversation. “How’s he looking?” He looks to Neil.

Pale, tired, pained, and trying not to cry either from pain, stress, or fear Neil does not know.

“Bad.” Neil answers.

Wymack sighs, “Stay out here. I’m going to go check.” He says.

They watch as Wymack enters into FF’s room.

Kevin is still spiraling from the realization of all the different conversations he could have possibly had in front of FF thinking French would act as a barrier.

A thought crosses Neil’s mind, “Wait, Smith doesn’t know Russian right?” He looks to Andrew because he and Andrew have said quite a few things to one another when FF was there.

“No, he said he isn’t learning it here.” Andrew shakes his head. “Even if he does learn it Smith would just leave if he was uncomfortable.” Andrew shrugs.

They have all seen a ‘Smith 180°™‘ before when he’s walked in and has seen Aaron and Katelyn or entered a room where Nicky was talking to Erik or Matt was talking to Dan. Neil has even noticed one or two when him and Andrew may have been in a less than private place.

It was nice to have someone who would just see them like that and leave it alone instead of betting on it, trying to take a picture, or gagging like it’s disgusting.

Wymack walks back out after a minute in FF’s hospital room, “Let’s give Smith and his Grandma a couple more minutes.” He says and Neil’s heart sinks.

***

Wymack wasn’t quite sure what he walked into.

Smith’s Grandma was wiping his face and feeding him soup which is about what he expected. What he hadn’t expected was what FF was saying to his Grandma.

“….didn’t even wash his hands Gran. What if none of them wash their hands? I can’t work in that kind of environment!” FF babbles as he takes another spoonful of soup from his Grandma.

Smith’s Grandma looks up and sees that it’s just him at the door before continuing in English, “Sweetie, you don’t need to accept the job offer from the Yakuza.” She soothes.

“What do I even do?! What’s the etiquette? Do I send a letter refusing the job offer? Do I email him thanking him for the interview? Was it an interview?” FF asks.

Wymack shuts the door and he’s sure FF hadn’t even noticed him.

Yeah the kid needs a couple more minutes

MASTERPOST FOR ALL PARTS OF FLUENT FRESHMAN AU

NEXT

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The  requests to be added to the tag list keep being spread out across a few  different areas. If I missed you please just ask again in the replies I  promise I just missed you.

As stated before if you’re up here and I spelled it right but you didn’t get a notification there might be  something switched around in your settings that won’t let me tag you properly?

[garthofshayeris]

"you're always so negative, what kind of Aquaman story would you NOT complain about?" so glad you asked. I have some thoughts, DC, on how to make things fun again. You can reboot everything at any time and I will only be a lil mad if you don't let me write it.

To begin, the info below would cover multiple arcs: I think too many Aquaman comics just start out putting him in Atlantis, but not this one. The journey to Atlantis will take some time, giving the reader the opportunity to know Arthur before he's a king and get the lay of the land (extra joke) underwater.

Let's start with Arthur. We're doing a little combo action here: Arthur is fully Atlantean, abandoned by a baby but found by a pod of dolphins. Since he's a telepath, and for Divine Plot Reasons, the animals know he is someone of great importance. However, he very quickly becomes too much for them to handle. They're just dolphins, after all. The dolphins, led by the iconic Porm, bring him to a lighthouse when he's around 5ish. There, he is discovered by Thomas Curry.

Tom Curry is no dummy. He knows this kid Is Not Human, but he also knows that revealing him as a non-human will just get the kid sent to some unknown lab to be experimented on. So he raises the kid as if he's a human and tries to keep him out of the water at all times.

Obviously, this doesn't work. Arthur is drawn to the ocean, and the dolphins who keep visiting him. There’s no hope in keeping him from the water. Tom doesn't reveal that Arthur is non-human, but he does coach him on never revealing any of his powers to people. Arthur becomes a local hero, mostly because he's often out swimming or on the fishing boat and ends up saving people.

Tom gets sick and, fearing he will die and leave Arthur unprepared for the world (he's in his 20s but just chills at home) he explains Arthur's origins and how Arthur is not his biological son, but a creature from the oceans.

Arthur always assumed he was a meta human; he knows now that he's not human at all. Arthur wants to learn about his people and Tom is like "we have no idea if they're dangerous, we have no idea why you were left here" and Arthur is like "how bad can they be?"

Arthur leaves home and tries to find Atlantis. This is no easy feat, considering he has no idea where to start. The dolphin pod is able to give him general directions to where they think they found him, but he still doesn't end up anywhere near a sunken city. Eventually, he finds the ruins of some kind of settlement, a cave...and a kid.

The kid is speaking a language that Arthur doesn't understand, but they quickly realize they are both telepaths! Slowly they learn to communicate; the kid will say something out loud and then convey the same message telepathically, and Arthur will do the same while responding in English. They slowly figure out how to speak each other's language, but the kid has a very limited vocabulary of his native tongue. However, he manages to explain some things:

The cave they are in used to be full of people, rejects from Atlantis for some reason or another; criminals, "mutants", etc. Atlanteans have a tendency to abandon their kids to die of exposure but people can be kicked out for any reason. This kid was the last baby they found, and were raising him as a group until Something Happened. They were attacked and all the adults died; he only survived by being hidden and has been alone in the years that followed the attack.

Here's the thing: the kid thinks his name is Baby, because that's what he was referred to as (aka "the baby") before everyone was killed. Arthur is convinced that the kid must have parents who are grieving him in Atlantis, and that they have a name for him. So he doesn't want to assign a name that's wrong, but he can't just call him Baby. So he starts using similar names, Baby Shark, Minnow, Tadpole, etc. as nicknames.

So! Arthur is convinced that he needs to find Atlantis and figure out who he is. The kid is like I was always told to avoid going there also they killed everyone, but I like your energy. Also you are my dad now. The kid doesn't know where Atlantis is, but he has seen some people like them nearby. So they start venturing off to find other Atlanteans.

Eventually, they discover an Atlantean man out in the wild, doing some kind of research. Arthur swims right up to him to introduce himself. The man is absolutely shocked to see Arthur (and the kid, who followed behind) and introduces himself as Vulko. Vulko works for the king as a scientist and advisor, but honestly hates that guy. The king is a real dick and only king because of marriage, not royal lineage. He believes the ocean is dying and they need to reveal themselves to the surface to save their home. Arthur is like omg no way, I'm FROM there can you introduce me to the king I can defend your case! :3 I'm somewhat of a folk hero on land, you know...

Vulko says no, and that Arthur and the kid are "throw backs" or undesirables in Atlantis. The people of Atlantis will not take kindly to someone like Arthur, but also implies that Arthur SHOULD try to win their affection because he likes his style. They decide to do that by "saving the ocean" they start taking on bigger, badder threats. Vulko provides them with some outdated Atlantean armor that he steals from the palace (orange for Arthur, red for the kid) and they begin to take on pirates, monsters, etc. They are not only gaining notoriety on land, but in the sea as well. Scouts from Atlantis are reporting back about a duo of mysterious Atlanteans taking out threats the king had been too cowardly to take on. They take on celebrity status.

Along the way they find Mera. She has fled her home dimension (unrelated to Atlantis at all, she's literally not from their world) who needs a place to crash. Arthur and Garth invite her to stay with them, in that destroyed settlement turned bachelor pad, and explain their plan to get into Atlantis. Mera, a princess, has the tact and manners that the others lack and joins the team.

Meanwhile, Vulko is stoking the rumor mill, trying to put in a good word for Aquaman and Aqualad, and he starts digging around for records of them. Vulko finds no record of Arthur's birth, and can only find ONE instance of a boy being born within the approximate age of the kid; the boy was named Garth and abandoned as an infant. There is no official record of him, or his parents (which is customary) and it appears this was done intentionally, and that information was destroyed. He only learns about this from talking to people who used to work in the palace. Vulko starts to suspect there is more to the story and also tries to dig into any of info on about Arthur…

And eventually he finds it; everyone knows the late queen had a son named Orm, but what they DON’T know is that she had a son before him with an unknown father. The people believe this child died during childbirth but Vulko finds a single woman who was around for his birth (the others involved have “mysteriously died”) who can confirm that the child was born, and born with blonde hair. While the queen rested, the king took the child out of Atlantis to leave him to die. The queen was told her child died shortly after childbirth but she never truly believed this. The queen bore a second son, Orm, and took her own life when Orm was a child.

So, why is the king so adamant about killing off the outsiders? Although he believed the baby had died, an oracle told him that the boy lives and would dethrone him (he’s VERY superstitious). He has been sending out soldiers to kill anyone harboring throwbacks and he has been training his son, Orm, to be a great fighter so he can defend his father and anyone who might claim the throne. He’s paranoid that the child he tried to dispose of will return and dethrone him.

So anyway. Arthur returns to Atlantis to try and convince the king to let him on as an advisor to the surface world. The king recognizes the blonde hair immediately but cannot react and give himself away. He tries to remove the squad by virtue of them being throwbacks but the people LOVE Aquaman and Aqualad, they are so excited about their visit that to avoid an uprising they are allowed to stay as guests.

They meet prince Orm during their stay. He's a little standoffish and not at all happy to see throw backs trying to get into the palace; his father had assured him that they were all dead, that throwbacks cannot survive into adulthood.

In an attempt to kill them off/make them leave and lose favor with Atlantis, the king starts making up increasingly dangerous tasks they must complete (like the trials of Hercules tbh) but of course Arthur is absolutely killing it! He’s having a great time and thinks this is very normal, but Mera, who is unfamiliar with Atlantis but very familiar with royal schemes, decides that something fishy (extra joke) is going on. She and Vulko investigate the events surrounding the queen’s suicide.

One of the “challenges” is for Arthur to fight Orm in a public arena. Orm gets his ass beat but Arthur, who had taken a liking to Orm, let’s him get a few punches in so he’s not embarrassed. Even after the fight he’s acting really buddy-buddy with him. Orm is confused and angry at being public ally defeated, but cannot help but think that Arthur is a really nice dude.

Once again, I’m imagining this taking a long time. It’s part monster fighting, part investigation, part hijinks in a new location, etc. They leave Atlantis occasionally to take on land-threats and visit Arthur's father. FINALLY, though, Mera figured it out; the queen didn’t kill herself. This is already long so I'm just going to say that she confronted her husband and he killed her to secure Orm's place on the throne.

The king has another very public venue in which to try to embarrass Aquaman. For example, having him fight some giant monster. But Arthur doesn’t like to kill innocent animals and he uses his telepathy to calm the beast down. Telepathy is not a common ability (and until now nobody had seen Arthur use it) but it’s also a mythical sign of the divine right of royalty in Atlantis. Only kings of yore have shown the ability, and even the late queen couldn’t manifest it. So ofc the king accuses Arthur of being some kind of freak or faking it. That’s when Mera, Garth, and Vulko come on the scene with their receipts: they’ve pieced together the king’s attempted murder of the baby, that Arthur is rightful heir to the throne, and that the king murdered the queen. The king initially claims they’re lying, but then they pull out the receipts and display them to the entire crowd. Enraged, he tries to kill Arthur and another fight ensues. Arthur manages to get the king pinned but refuses to kill him. The king takes this opportunity to break out from under the trident and flees the city. although soldiers pursue him it seems that he has completely disappeared. There is a bounty out for him, leaving the possibility of him returning as a major threat still in the air (extra joke).

Arthur is named king, as the oldest heir to the throne, to his absolute bewilderment. Orm is absolutely furious, as he thinks Arthur only came there to steal the throne from him, just like his father said he would. Arthur tries to explain that it wasn’t his intention, but Orm storms off and hides away in a wing of the castle. The squad lets him stay, but there’s animosity for sure.

Now that he is no longer in celebrity status, the people begin to poke holes in their love of the group; they did not have the full story (of them being throw backs) and now they're a bit suspicious about Garth and Mera, specifically (they don't realize she's not Atlantean, though you would think the flipper feet would give it away...) and there are some who loved the old king and want him back on the throne (conspiracy theorists essentially) Now that they aren't essentially there on vacation, they begin to notice how isolating it is in Altantis...and then we begin the more introspective plot lines, talking about feeling like an outsider and what it means to fit in!

Now Arthur has a new job, a reputation as a hero, and no idea what to do next!

Character's main traits/inspiration

Arthur: did NOT anticipate finding out he was a long lost king, he just wanted to learn about Atlantis! He's trying to balance being a hero, which he likes, being an adventurer, which he loves, and being a king which is...fine, I guess. This version will lean more into his Silver Age personality, which is my favorite, where he seems a little confused but excited about everything. Rather than try to sweep all the "uncool" things under the rug like some versions of Aquaman do, he's so genuine about his life that it's difficult to make fun of him. He is not actually that great at being a king, so luckily he has a lot of friends to help him.

Garth: he follows Arthur around like a lost puppy and is SO happy to be living in a place with real walls and a real bed. However, he still wants to know more about his parents and why records of him were destroyed... We are going back to the classic sidekick genre with him, something DC seems afraid to do. If DC also wanted to have the Titans, or the rest of the fab five be older, I could see him being significantly younger than the others but still part of the "first wave" of sidekicks so they're lumped together anyway. Like the Silver/Bronze age, he could visibly age during the run of the comic and be in his teenage years for any Titans-related plots DC wanted to run. I would be keeping his lost prince backstory, but that wouldn't come up for a very long time. I like the idea of having him age throughout the series, I think that's a very fun aspect of comics that has been lost. He would keep his post-crisis origins, but not learn about them for quite some time.

Mera: She never told Arthur the real reason she was exiled, and to be fair he didn't ask. She's excited to be in the political world of Atlantis and make changes for the better, something she couldn't do back home... I like the idea of Mera being from another world altogether, I think it adds to the overall theme of them being outsiders. She will be a combination of her very domestic original version and the feisty modern Mera. Since Mera doesn't have much of a personality usually (sorry girl) I'm going to make her very studious and politically minded. She LOVES politics and is passionate about making changes to help the everyday Atlanteans. She’s also worried about being sent back to her home dimension, so she tries to keep everyone pleased with her.

Vulko: the only one of the group who understands Atlantean customs. He is always so, so tired of shenanigans... Vulko is going to be a bit like Merlin, an advisor and advocate for Arthur taking the throne. and yes he WILL be old and he WILL be fat.

Orm: royally (extra joke) pissed about losing the throne, but conflicted about his father being Very Evil and hiding the existence of his brother/killing his mom. He mostly sulks and keeps to himself, making it unclear if he is friend or foe... I LOVE his Silver Age jealousy, but DC wants them to be related by their mother and I don't want to fight them on that. I actually prefer when Orm is at least partially human, but I don’t think I can have my cake and eat it too with the origins here, so he’s the biggest compromise tbh. I think Orm could be a shifty character, not outright evil but clearly angry about how things are going so he causes problems on purpose. But there's still the chance that he might sway to either side...

Manta: Honestly, he's the hardest one to introduce into the fray because he only recently started getting actual reasons to have beef with Arthur. Which I respect. Since Tom is going to be alive (for now) I think having Manta slowly develop a beef with Arthur that all comes to head by killing Arthur's father could be interesting. Or maybe Tom gets to live, and Manta does something equally terrible. It's unclear in my mind tbh. So! Manta is trying to develop his empire of piracy and Arthur, trying to win over the people of land and sea, starts really going after him. He sinks every single one of Manta's subs, thwarts every single plan, and is ruining Manta's reputation. He HATES Aquaman, and unfortunately Aquaman doesn't really know who he is or realize he's made an enemy... he would show up as a big threat in later comics, after Arthur has established himself in Atlantis

The former king: this could be Orvax, who was introduced in N52, but honestly if the writer wanted to make a new OC I wouldn’t mind. Orvax doesn’t have much in ways of background of personality because he only exists in flashbacks, but I know how sucky it is to just use the same name for a totally different character (looking at you, rebirth Garth!) so I’m just going to call him King for now. It would be interesting if he was corrupted like Orm in previous volumes into making a deal with an entity in exchange for power…perhaps even serving as a patron for Orm if he shifts to the dark side.

So. That's a quick rendition of my ideal Aquaman reboot. I think it s a fun combo of all the elements I've liked over the years without simply be a rehashing of the stories. Thoughts, opinions. etc?

[greedandenby]

hi! would you say that sam reid has a good french accent/does a good job of speaking french?

Hi nonny!

Okay so. I'm always a bit loath to answer this type of question because i know how unbelievably hard it can be to learn a new language (having done it multiple times myself). So i'll try to be gentle 😅

Let's put it this way: Sam's French pronunciation is... inconsistent. Some of it is pretty good, some of it is... almost unintelligible to a French speaker (that being said, in some instances this is partly due to mixing and background noises). I don't know what Sam's knowledge of French is in the first place but i seem to remember him saying he wasn't a French speaker at all and that he learnt his lines phonetically. The problem with learning things phonetically vs. actually learning to communicate in that language is that you lose a lot of subtlety in intonation, or in the intention of what you're trying to convey, because you don't fully grasp what each word you're saying truly means in that language and how a native speaker would deliver it. I think this is what happened with Sam, and also Jacob, Delainey, Joseph and several supporting actors who are clearly not native French speakers, and who i presume also learnt their lines phonetically. And mind you, this is not me bashing their skills or anything. Again, that shit is HARD, especially when it comes to French, which is a notoriously difficult language to master and pronounce, particulary for English speakers (my British mum and uncle have lived in France for decades and they still have a bit of an accent). They're all clearly doing their very best and i respect them immensely for it. So, well done for that!

Whether or not they had a French consultant on set or not is something i'd like to know. Because if they did, they perhaps could've done a better job at tweaking things, not only for the actors' lines but also regarding small details in props and set design. But again, i realise that things can get hectic and rushed on a film set, so this is not me putting the blame on anyone in particular. It's a combination of complex factors. Hopefully production will give a bit more thought to this particular issue in s3, as a good chunk of it is likely to take place in France.

All of this being said, there's one actor i'd like to commend in regards to French, and that's Assad Zaman. He does a FANTASTIC job. I don't know if he was familiar with French before the show, but his pronunciation is near perfect. Obvs he still has a bit of a British accent but it's honestly very minimal. Most of it is spot-on, even the notorious French "R". He nailed it, which is ironic when you consider that Armand says in the show that his French wasn't that good because it's his 4th language or sthg 😅

Anyways, sorry for this very long-winded answer to a very simple question.

And Sam, i'm sorry baby, i love you and the entire cast to the rings of Saturn and back. And i volunteer to be your French coach if you'll have me 😅

[amagi2000]

Todd: Hello. Operator. Listen to me -- I can’t speak very loud. This is an emergency. I’m a passenger on a United flight to San Francisco. We have a situation here. Our plane has been hijacked. Can you understand me?

Lisa: (exhaling a deep breath to herself) I understand. Can the hijackers see you talking on the phone?

Todd: No.

Lisa: Can you tell me how many hijackers are on the plane?

Todd: There are three that we know of.

Lisa: Can you see any weapons? What kind of weapons do they have?

Todd: Yes. They don’t have guns. They have knives – they took over the plane with knives.

Lisa: Do you mean -- like steak knives?

Todd: No, these are razor knives -- like box cutters.

Lisa: Can you tell what country these people are from?

Todd: No -- I don’t know. They sound like they’re from the mid-east.

Lisa: Have they said what they want?

Todd: Someone announced from the cockpit that there was a bomb on board. He said he was the captain and to stay in our seats and stay quiet.

He said that they were meeting these men’s demands and returning to the airport. It was very broken English, and...I’m telling you...it sounded fake!

Lisa: Ok sir, please give me your name.

Todd: My name is Todd Beamer.

Lisa: Ok Todd, my name is Lisa. Do you know your flight number? If you can’t remember, it’s on your ticket.

Todd: It’s United Flight 93.

Lisa: Now Todd, can you try to tell me exactly what happened?

Todd: Two of the hijackers were sitting in first class near the cockpit. A third one was sitting near the back of the coach section. The two up front got into the cockpit somehow; there was shouting. The third hijacker said he had a bomb. It looks like a bomb. He’s got it tied to his waist with a red belt of some kind.

Lisa: So is the door to the cockpit open?

Todd: No, the hijackers shut it behind them.

Lisa: Has anyone been injured?

Todd: Yes, they…they killed one passenger sitting in first class. There’s been lots of shouting. We don’t know if the pilots are dead or alive. A flight attendant told me that the pilot and copilot had been forced from the cockpit and may have been wounded.

Lisa: Where is the 3rd hijacker now Todd?

Todd: He’s near the back of the plane. They forced most of the passengers into first class. There are fourteen of us here in the back. Five are flight attendants. He hasn’t noticed that I slipped into this pantry to get the phone. The guy with the bomb ordered us to sit on the floor in the rear of the plane...oh Jesus...HELP!

Lisa: Todd, are you ok? Tell me what’s happening!

Todd: Hello. We’re going down. I think we’re going to crash. Wait – wait a minute. No, we’re leveling off...we’re ok. I think we may be turning around. That’s it – we changed directions. Do you hear me? We’re flying east again.

Lisa: Ok Todd, what’s going on with the other passengers?

Todd: Everyone is really scared. A few passengers with cell phones have made calls to relatives. A guy, Jeremy, was talking to his wife just before the hijacking started. She told him that hijackers had crashed two planes into the World Trade Center. Lisa is that true??

Lisa: Todd, I have to tell you the truth. It’s very bad. The World Trade Center is gone. Both of the towers have been destroyed.

Todd: Oh God -- help us!

Lisa: A third plane was taken over by terrorists. It crashed into the Pentagon in Washington DC. Our country is under attack, and I’m afraid that your plane may be part of their plan.

Todd: Oh dear God. Dear God... Lisa, will you do something for me?

Lisa: I’ll try if I can. Yes.

Todd: I want you to call my wife and my kids for me and tell them what’s happened. Promise me you’ll call..

Lisa: I promise – I’ll call.

Todd: Our home number is XXX-XXX-1073. You have the same name as my wife. Lisa. We’ve been married for 10 years. She’s pregnant with our 3rd child. Tell her that I love her (choking up) I’ll always love her..(clearing throat) We have two boys. David, he’s 3 and Andrew, he’s 1. Tell them (choking) tell them that their daddy loves them and that he is so proud of them. (clearing throat again) Our baby is due January 12th. I saw an ultra sound. It was great. We still don’t know if it’s a girl or a boy ... ... ... Lisa?

Lisa: (barely able to speak) I’ll tell them, I promise Todd.

Todd: I’m going back to the group -- if I can get back I will...

Lisa: Todd, leave this line open...are you still there?

Lisa: (dials the phone) Hello, FBI, my name is Lisa Jefferson, I’m a telephone supervisor for GTE. I need to report a terrorist hijacking of a United Airlines Flight 93...Yes I’ll hold.

Goodwin: Hello, this is Agent Goodwin. I understand you have a hijacking situation?

Lisa: Yes sir, I’ve been talking with a passenger, a Todd Beamer, on Flight 93 who managed to get to an air phone unnoticed.

Goodwin: Where did this flight originate, and what was its destination?

Lisa: The flight left Newark New Jersey at 8 A.M. departing for San Francisco. The hijackers took over the plane shortly after takeoff, and several minutes later the plane changed course -- it is now flying east.

Goodwin: Ms. Jefferson, I need to talk to someone aboard that plane. Can you get me thru to the planes phone?

Lisa: I still have that line open sir, I can patch you through on a conference call. Hold a mo...

Todd: Hello Lisa, Lisa are you there?

Lisa: Yes, I’m here. Todd, I made a call to the FBI, Agent Goodwin is on the line and will be talking to you as well.

Todd: The others all know that this isn’t your normal hijacking. Jeremy called his wife again on his cell phone. She told him more about the World Trade Center and all.

Goodwin: Hello Todd. This is Agent Goodwin with the FBI. We have been monitoring your flight. Your plane is on a course for Washington, DC. These terrorists sent two planes into the World Trade Center and one plane into the Pentagon. Our best guess is that they plan to fly your plane into either the White House or the United States Capital Building.

Todd: I understand. Hold on...I’ll...I’ll be back..

Lisa: Mr. Goodwin, how much time do they have before they get to Washington?

Goodwin: Not long ma’am. They changed course over Cleveland; they’re approaching Pittsburgh now. Washington may be twenty minutes away.

Todd: (breathing a little heavier) The plane seems to be changing directions just a little. It’s getting pretty rough up here. The plane is flying real erratic. We’re not going to make it out of here. Listen to me. I want you to hear this. I have talked with the others -- we have decided we would not be pawns in these hijackers suicidal plot.

Lisa: Todd, what are you going to do?

Todd: We’ve hatched a plan. Four of us are going to rush the hijacker with the bomb. After we take him out, we’ll break into the cockpit. A stewardess is getting some boiling water to throw on the hijackers at the controls. We’ll get them and we’ll take them out. Lisa, will you do one last thing for me?

Lisa: Yes. What is it?

Todd: Would you pray with me?

They pray

Todd: (softer) God help me...Jesus help me...(clears throat and louder)

Todd: Are you guys ready?

Todd Morgan Beamer: Let’s Roll...

(H/T: Salena Zito)

[mybritishexpress]

Improve Your Spoken English for the IELTS Speaking Test

Clearing a benchmark language test like IELTS is the ticket to travel abroad to study or grab a job there. It is expected globally in the majority of English countries. IELTS is a measure of how good and qualifying your English language is to join an educational institute or an office in an English-speaking country. That is why joining IELTS English Speaking Classes in an institute like British Express is always a good decision. 

How does it help to become a pro at IELTS English Speaking?

When you join an institute like such you get the right platform to learn all the aspects of garnering proficiency in speaking English. Every day you meet expert teachers and learn all the ins and outs of this international language test system. 

Acing an English language test like IELTS is always a matter of grit and excellence. It takes people months of preparation and learning to crack a test like such with flying colours. And if you choose to do it without expert guidance and help then even a year falls short to get able to go through the test. 

In a language school candidates are offered cutting-edge training in all aspects such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. Performing well in all these four parts is how you become IELTS certified. 

How should one begin to prepare for IELTS? 

First and foremost if you want to crack IELTS then you should join a language school. In a language school, you will get all the attention from experts that you need to learn many complex things and concepts about the English language. 

You need to be consistent in classes and follow the instructions of your mentors religiously. Doing that helps you to point out the real drawbacks in your understanding of the English language. 

You cannot afford to waste your time on silly things or you cannot say that it is difficult to crack the test. Sometimes it may seem like a mountain to crush but have faith in you and keep learning with all passion and positivity.  

Learning new concepts every day will help you attain a brand-new perspective. This will entice you to know the English language deeper and clearer. Gradually, you will reach a point where you will feel ready to appear in the IELTS test.

After cracking the IELTS test with a good band you will get footloose to chase your dreams. You can travel to any English-speaking country you desire. You can establish a career there and settle in that country for a lifetime. 

It is always possible to make your dreams come true. And if you dream to become IELTS certified don't be afraid of anything. Your journey will always begin at a top language school. It is where you get the opportunity to carve the best English connoisseur hidden inside you. 

If you are Delhite, who dreams to qualify for the international English language test then join British Express. 

[ielts-classes-in-faridabad]

How to Maximize Your Learning in TOEFL Coaching Classes

Preparing for the TOEFL exam can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With the right approach, you can make the most of your TOEFL coaching classes in Faridabad and achieve your desired score. Here are some strategies to help you maximize your learning.

1. Choose the Right TOEFL Coaching Classes in Faridabad

Before diving into your study plan, it's crucial to select the right TOEFL coaching classes in Faridabad. Look for institutes with experienced instructors, a proven track record of success, and a comprehensive curriculum. Research online reviews, ask for recommendations, and consider visiting the coaching center to get a feel of the environment.

2. Set Clear Goals

Establishing clear goals is essential for staying motivated and focused. Determine the score you need for your desired university or program, and set smaller, achievable milestones along the way. Discuss these goals with your instructors so they can tailor their teaching to your needs.

3. Stay Organized

Keeping your study materials and schedule organized is key to effective learning. Create a study timetable that allocates specific times for each section of the TOEFL exam: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Stick to your schedule and ensure you balance your time between classes, self-study, and practice tests.

4. Actively Participate in TOEFL Classes in Faridabad

Active participation in your TOEFL classes in Faridabad will significantly enhance your learning experience. Engage in class discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification on any topics you find challenging. Participating actively helps reinforce your understanding and allows you to benefit from the collective knowledge of your peers and instructors.

5. Utilize Practice Tests

Regularly taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the TOEFL exam. These tests help you familiarize yourself with the exam format, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and track your progress. Make sure to review your answers thoroughly and understand your mistakes to avoid repeating them in the actual exam.

6. Leverage Resources Provided by TOEFL Coaching in Faridabad

Most TOEFL coaching classes in Faridabad offer a variety of study materials, including textbooks, practice papers, and online resources. Make full use of these resources to enhance your learning. Additionally, don't hesitate to ask your instructors for extra materials or recommendations for further reading.

7. Practice Speaking and Listening Daily

Speaking and listening are often the most challenging parts of the TOEFL exam for non-native speakers. To improve these skills, practice speaking English daily, whether with classmates, friends, or even recording yourself. Listen to English podcasts, watch English movies, and engage with native speakers whenever possible.

8. Join Study Groups

Joining a study group can provide additional support and motivation. Collaborating with peers allows you to share knowledge, clarify doubts, and learn from each other's strengths. Study groups can also provide a sense of camaraderie, making the preparation process less daunting.

9. Stay Positive and Manage Stress

Maintaining a positive attitude and managing stress are crucial for effective learning. Take regular breaks, engage in physical activities, and practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises. Keeping a healthy balance between study and relaxation helps maintain your mental well-being and keeps you focused.

10. Seek Feedback and Act on It

Regular feedback from your instructors is invaluable for improving your performance. Pay close attention to their comments and suggestions, and actively work on the areas they highlight. Constructive feedback helps you understand your mistakes and provides guidance on how to improve.

Conclusion

Maximizing your learning in TOEFL coaching classes in Faridabad requires dedication, organization, and a proactive approach. By choosing the right coaching center, setting clear goals, staying organized, actively participating, utilizing resources, and practicing regularly, you can significantly enhance your TOEFL preparation. Remember to stay positive, manage stress, and seek continuous feedback to achieve your desired TOEFL score.

For those looking for top-notch TOEFL coaching in Faridabad, our coaching classes offer experienced instructors, comprehensive study materials, and a supportive learning environment to help you succeed. Join us today and take the first step towards achieving your TOEFL goals!

[maochira]

hi mao!! i hope you’re doing well!! can i mayhaps request the father figures helping the reader learn their native language 🫣 ive been nonstop thinking about this and i think it would be so cute ishdjrjje can u maybe add loki too (he doesn’t have to be a father figure! it can just be like a friend type of thing) thank you so much if you do accept my request!! (also sorry if this has already been done fhrjhf)

THIS IS SO CUTE HELP 😭😭 Also I know you already found out but yeah KJSHJD I don't write for Loki yet but!! I will at some point in the future. Oh and. I uh. Was a bit stupid and... wrote headcanons for the coaches learning the reader's native language first... Sometimes I don't read stuff properly enough. SO YOU'RE GETTING BOTH LEARNING EACH OTHER'S NATIVE LANGUAGES HAH! (imagine I wouldn't have noticed that... GHKJKJGD... anyways)

Requests open! - father figure coaches masterlist

Tags: gn!reader, reader recently moved to the country in the Chris and Snuffy ones, me being a bit stupid resulted in twice the amount of headcanons, praise my stupidity

They teach you their native language!

Even though he's been playing for Bastard München for a long time, occasionally French words still slip into Noa's sentences. It's a bit funny but also makes you want to learn the language better. You've been learning French in school for a while, but always struggled with it. At first, it started with Noa helping with your homework, but it quickly turned into him teaching you the language in an attempt to get you to speak somewhat fluently. Because of his help, you end up becoming one of the best students in your French class.

Chris noticed quickly how you still struggle with your English a lot. You're good enough to properly communicate and have conversations, but every now and then it takes you a while to find the right words. Chris always remembers which words you fail to keep in your head and in which situations you usually struggle. If that happens, he's there to help you and makes sure you don't feel bad for any mistakes you make. He also always points your improvements out and praises you for getting better.

Lavinho missed having someone who understands all his silly and funny Portuguese phrases and curse words - so that's the first thing he taught you. Initially, that's all he wanted but it got you interested in learning more words and phrases until Lavinho just decided he'll teach you to know enough for basic conversations. Teaching you is fun because it means you're the only one around him who understands his curse words, but he also adores your dedication to learning his native language.

Snuffy noticed you tend to avoid speaking Italian because you're ashamed of how bad it is. You tend to speak in English instead, and while Snuffy doesn't mind that at all, he wants to encourage you to speak Italian more often so you'll improve. It took a bit until you got the courage to speak Italian more often, but you were happy when you did and started noticing more improvement. Snuffy always makes sure to not make you feel embarrassed if you make a mistake. Instead, he calmly corrects you and lets you continue talking.

They learn your native language!

Noa has often thought about learning another language, but there just wasn't one that got his interest, until you mentioned your native language to him. He didn't tell you about it right away, but he felt an urge to learn it. He didn't know where to start, so he ended up asking you about it. It made you very excited and you were happy to teach him!

Chris always thought it was cute how you mixed in words from your native language whenever you talked. He quickly picked up the things you say most commonly, but he figured out it'd be cool if he learned more. He asked you to teach him more phrases, and he learned them quicker than expected! He's nowhere near being fluent, but it's nice to see how much effort he puts in for you.

Lavinho was intrigued by your native language the first time he heard you talk in it and immediately asked you to teach him a few words. As time progressed, you went from teaching him words to teaching him full sentences until he was able to have a short conversation with you. He promised he'll learn it more seriously at some point, but of course, that takes time and he hasn't found the time to properly study the language, but until then he's happy to learn from you!

Snuffy knew you had nobody except your family who spoke your native language with you, so he decided to learn a bit to surprise you with it. He originally planned to only learn a few basic phrases, but then he got lost in it and learned a lot more in the span of two months. At first, he was a bit unsure how to tell you and never found a proper chance, but after your team won an important match he praised you in your native language, and it made you even more emotional than you already were.

[kuukorppi]

Alright long awaited re-introduction of my ghoul oc Usva! A lot of text below the cut ✨

Biggest thank you to @batcadillac for this drawing of them and helping me to figure out their lore!

🫧 Name: Usva

(Finnish name, means mist)

🫧 Pronouns: they/them

🫧 Species: Ghoul

🫧 Element: water/quintessence

🫧 Nationality/origin: Finnish

🫧 Age: 150

🫧 Birthday: Nov 7

🫧 Zodiac: Scorpio

🫧 Sexuality: Pan/Poly

🫧 Occupation: Vocal coach + keeps Papa’s and the band ghouls’ voices sounding good and healthy on tour. Piercer&tattooer of the ghouls.

🫧 Arrived at the Abbey: Terzo’s era, before Popestar tour

🫧 Hobbies: Reading, singing, swimming.

🫧 Beliefs/religion: Certain water ghoul traditions. For example certain songs to sings at certain times/events.

🫧 Special abilities/skills: Usva can bloodbend. They discovered that AND their quintessence while running away from the pack of ghouls that attacked them.

Siren charm that they can use to charm speak, to get others to do what they want. Mainly used this in the pit to get others share their food and clothes etc.

🫧 Height: 152cm

🫧 Scent: Crispy apples, petrichor and a tiniest bit of lavender

🫧 Pets: A black cat named Cataria that they found on the abbey grounds.

🫧 Appearance:

Horns: small white ones (they’re insecure about them being so small)

Eyes: one purple, one pearlescent/silver, (black scleras and irises in those colors)

Hair: Black, shaggy mullet going until shoulder blades

Ears: typical pointy ghoul ears

Skin: Grey (purple blush)

Build: Slim (kinda like Dew but much more ass)

Other: Bioluminescent markings (scars also glow) that glow brightly when using their powers. (Spots along the spine and collar bones)

Finns on the tail, spade like tip and webbed fingers (usually glamoured away bc they get dry) A retractable back fin/spiky spine.

Horns and tail very sensitive.

Gills on the neck (other side is damaged.)

Very creature like mannerisms.

Top surgery scars.

Likes to wear a basic smokey eye makeup look.

Has and amethyst pendant on always given to them by their mate Oak.

🫧Communication:

English, Finnish (mostly curse words), Cat like sounds (purring, hissing, ek ek ek, chirps, trills)

Backstory:

For the first years of their life Usva lived happily in the water ghoul territory in the Pit with their parents Kuu (father) and Taika (mother). When they were 8 two mysterious ghouls broke into their den, the other one killed Usva’s father and would’ve probably killed Usva and their mother too unless it’s companion didn’t stop it. Later Usva’s mother passed from the heartbreak of losing a mate. But not before teaching Usva the traditional water ghoul mourning rituals.

Poor kit Usva tried their hardest to nurse their mother back to health.

Usva spent their formative years alone, nearly feral in the pit. Their siren charm helping them to get food and scrap clothing from other ghouls. They learned to be sneaky and quiet, letting basic instincts to take over.

One day they wandered too far from the water ghoul territory and ran into a pack of rogue fire ghouls. The fire ghouls started a hunt that lasted for days until Usva ran out of energy and got caught. The fire ghouls pinned them down and one of them swiped it’s fiery claws through their left gills, leaving them permanently damaged.

The pain, fear and shock caused their hidden quintessence and blood bending abilities to surface, killing the fire ghouls.

Usva scrambled up still bleeding, they found a weak spot in the veil and went through. They ended up in the lake at the Abbey, for a while they just stood there until passing out from the bloodloss. Although not before laying their eyes on a pair of handsome ghouls walking near the lake.

After they were nursed back to health at the Abbey infirmary, they slowly started exploring the grounds. At first they were very skittish and many times ended up hiding in the lake. The quintessence ghouls in the infirmary were assigned with training Usva with their quintessence, since Terzo wanted them along for the Popestar tour.

Usva has many friends in the Abbey and after some time they fell in love with two ghouls, Oak and Vapor, who luckily also turned out to be their mates. Year later the three have three lovely kits together and Usva couldn’t be happier with their life!

(Oak belongs to @batcadillac and Vapor belongs to @crvycosplay )