#he likes exploring and fighting… capable of both travelling the world and defending himself if needed!

[decidueyedreamerdetails]

I’ve been wondering something about Rayne’s world. Is it like another dimension, or a different universe entirely? I remember reading that she traveled between worlds. How does she do that?

Also a semi-related question. Do Legendaries in that world function the same as in other worlds? Like do they fulfill the same roles, or do they differ in any way?

Lastly, are Legendaries in your universe(s) immortal? I know that Rayne killed a bunch of them, but would they have died eventually anyway, or are they functionally immortal and can only die by a deliberate act? Is there a special technique you have to use? (I’m not planning on killing any of them I swear)

Sorry if that’s too many questions, I started thinking of more and more as I wrote this XD

What is Rayne’s World?

As a pre-warning I’m going to apologise for my blatant misuse of the word ‘Universe’. I know what it means, and the space and physics loving side of me hates that I’m misusing it, but I cannot think of a better term to explain it, so sorry in advance.

Okay, so to start with I’m going to explain what I consider Universes and Worlds! A Universe is a collection of Worlds (and some inbetween space, such as the Distortion World, Ultra Space, etc) and each Universe only has one Arceus and Creation Trio.

A World, however, is more comparable to the ACTUAL definition of universe - like the one we live in! The Pokémon, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, and Poképark games would all be three separate Worlds for example! Furthermore, Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl would always take place in seperate Worlds, due to conflicting events.

Basically, if something would count as an alternate universe or alternate timeline, it’s a new World! If you’ve seen my Toyhouse, Canon Compliant and Hydra’s World (or as we’re calling it here, Rayne’s World) are both different Worlds in the same Universe, whereas Gods and Servants is another Universe entirely!

How does Rayne travel between Worlds?

Well, to answer that, I’m going to have to talk about another character entirely, as Rayne’s story does not begin with herself.

It begins with a Hisuian Decidueye, partner to the main character of Canon Compliant’s events of Pokémon Legends Arceus. This Decidueye is called Tansy, and after the events of PLA, she was frustrated that Arceus did not send her Trainer back to the present, and decided the reasonable course of action would to be to fight Arceus to show them that they were in the wrong.

This did not work, and Tansy was killed by Arceus after a hard battle. Impressed by her strength, however, they decided they could use her to help subdue rogue gods in others Worlds. Tansy was reborn as an Alolan Decidueye, and given a blessing so that she could not truly die - she would instead travel to another World when she was either killed, or subdued the rogue god in that specific World.

However, Tansy eventually stopped enacting Arceus’ will, and yet the god was not ready to lose out on her strength just yet. Tansy’s corpse had remained in Arceus’ realm, and so they decided to make an artificial soul to inhabit it and use its power. A soul that had Tansy’s skills and her blessing, but none of her personality, only a desire to make sure the gods did not step out of line and cause major problems. This being, now inhabiting inside of Tansy’s repaired body, was sent out into a random World to wake up. Initially, they did their job very well, but eventually became jaded by the amount of rogue gods they saw, and decided the obvious solution was to kill all of the gods before they turned rogue.

As I’m sure you will have guessed by now, this being was Rayne, although she is fully unaware of her origins. As far as she knows, she woke up in a field with amnesia, and has always been able to travel between Worlds either through death, or killing the ‘correct’ god.

However, after she became determined to kill every god in the World that we know as Hydra’s World, Arceus limited her blessing, and she was no longer able to travel between Worlds. Instead, she now returns to that same World, after a period of a few days to a few months.

Legendaries in Rayne’s World

Short answer to that; the Legendaries & Mythicals in Rayne’s World are actually recruited from other Worlds, and although they typically have the same powers as the others of their species, in their new World they are expected to be doing the jobs of multiple gods.

Long answer: there were eight gods who travelled to Rayne’s World (a Meloetta, Shaymin, Landorus, Tapu Fini, Hoopa, Celebi, Jirachi and a Yveltal), as well as Lilith the Darkrai, the sole known survivor, due to allying with Rayne. Furthermore, there have been three gods born (a Marshadow named Darci, a Jirachi named Goose, and a Hoopa named Currant) and a single demigod born (Sotis, Rayne’s child), making the total number of divine beings thirteen.

The Jirachi, who is called Shallot, is currently sleeping, but their job was to take the light from Luci’s corpse (a Necrozma who assisted Rayne during the mass deicide, and later betrayed her) and redistribute it. However, some of that light was already used up, leading the world to have shorter days and winters of darkness.

Shamin, Landorus, Celebi and later Goose are in charge of making sure enough plants are growing in the world for food, as winters are extremely cold and lack sunlight, easily killing the majority of plants. Additionally, Landorus is in charge of making sure storms do not become too destructive.

Tapu Fini is in charge of making sure the seas do not become too violent, as well as currently holding the objects housing the souls of Treasures of Ruin to prevent them from reincarnating - their seals did not last forever, and they eventually broke free, causing a lot of death and destruction to a world that is already very sensitive to that. The reason why she was chosen to be the holder of them is that none of them can get access to their element underwater, so they are unable to reform their bodies!

The Yveltal, Mara, and her son Sotis, are effectively performing the role of the full Aura Trio by ensuring both life and death stay in balance, rather than just death, as they normally would as Yveltals. It is their job to monitor how many have died, prevent unnatural revivals or gaining of immortality, and in the worst case scenario deliberately revive Pokémon to avoid their World from completely dying out - humanity is already extinct, as well as a few Pokémon species, and the population is very low in general.

The Hoopa, named Allium, and his daughter Currant, are in charge of obtaining any objects someone may need from another World! Furthermore, if you want to leave this World, you will need to talk to Allium and convince them to use their rings.

As an adult, Darci uses his powers to both deliver messages between the gods, as well as explore the world, both surveying the state it is in and bring anything he finds worrying up to the others, and trying to find items that may be useful! She also provides Z-Crystals, as her body naturally forms them!

Lilith, both due to not being fully trusted due to her past (although is she is trusted far more than Rayne, due to her genuinely being kind, and as far as the other gods are aware, never actually killing another god, only helping Rayne and Lilith plan) and causing nightmares as a Darkrai, does not officially have a job. However, she is often the one the other gods elect to talk to Rayne, as they are close friends.

Meloetta basically works as the overseer of both the gods, making sure no one is having any interpersonal issues (which is very common, unfortunately) and that they are both doing their job and not abusing their powers against mortals (something Rayne has made clear that she will not tolerate). Basically she’s their manager!

Overall, they are doing a LOT more work than they typically should be doing - either by covering domains related to theirs, or a much larger territory than they would usually. It is apparent that the gods are stretched thin, as their World is far less habitable than others, but fortunately the remaining Pokémon have adapted to these harsh conditions!

Legendary/Mythical Immortality

Arceus and the Creation Trio are the only ones who are truly immortal in every sense of the word, as they are less living beings and more part of the Universe itself, and need to uphold its order.

However, Mythicals and Legendaries lifespan range from long-lived to immortal to being able to revive themselves! They are all able to be killed, but how difficult a task that is depends on who you are killing, especially if you need them to stay dead.

Generally, Mythicals tend to only be long-lived, and will eventually die by natural causes, whereas Legendaries are immortal and have to be killed by outside means.

You’re correct in that some of them do need a special method to be truly killed though! Victini, due to being the Victory Pokémon, is very hard to kill in direct battle, as that is a situation where there is a winner and a loser. However, indirect confrontation, such as poisoning or natural hazards, would circumvent that issue!

Furthermore, Xerneas and Yveltal have to be killed twice to avoid them simply reviving themselves, by destroying their tree and cocoon respectively.

Most of them, however, only require you to be strong.

Thank you for asking all of these questions by the way! It’s nice to know what may need elaborated on explanation wise, and all of your questions I have genuinely thought about before!

[rare-yanderes]

(F/H) =favorite hobby.

I have the weirdest crush on this freaking duck and I don’t know why, so I’m taking out my confusion on this matter by making him yandere. Sorry that this is so long, boring and slow but I’m a sucker for slow burns and just dislike instant love. This went from just from headcannons to a freaking long ass story. I think I’ll make more on how the reader reacts when they find out just how mentally fucked Scrooge became.

Who knows, maybe I’ll write one for good ol’ Flinty. I have a feeling he’d just drop kick any rival he spots without much qualms about it. Meanwhile, Scrooge has a full on psychological derailment.

TW: manipulation, dependent behavior, stalking, and more.

______________

•To be honest, the likelyhood of Scrooge turning into a yandere might be higher than you think. He’s capable of self defense and can fight. He literally hunts treasure for a living. He also has a trillion dollar stockpile sitting around begging to be used for cover ups. His determination is pretty crazy, and he’s seen a lot on his adventures, things that would kind of instill a paranoia over time or an unhealthy me mentality. He can easily hide behind a professional front. Oh, and if he so wanted, he could travel and bury any evidence under a volcano. :)

•Since this is a yandere AU or, I’m gonna go with the idea that this is a what if the show had a TV-14 rating as well, so much darker themes can link and be explored.

•After pretty much a century of adventure, most of which includes violence and fighting through perils, human or not so, Scrooge is desensitized to quite a bit of violence and the dark and greedy side of the world. He’s seen the best of people and also the worst. This plays majorly in anyone who becomes a yandere; how exposed they are to people’s bad side or their own dark tendencies.

•Scrooge himself is not perfect and has demonstrated some traits of greediness, paranoia, and general distrustful behavior which is perfectly reasonable considering his work and the things he exposes himself too during it.

•Even though he loves adventure, there are a lot of bad things that happen on them that he seems to bottle up or keep to himself. Bottling up things causes a negative buildup in anyone, especially Scrooge because he expects that loving his life’s work will repair the same damage it sometimes does to him.

•Most likely, Scrooge developed an affinity with you through your similar drive for adventure. Maybe you worked for him in some way and he saw you defend someone or maybe you outsmarted one of his adversaries on an adventure he decided to bring you on. Regardless, you’ve caught his attention and this is only the beginning.

•A rival love interest’s biggest mistake is mistaking his age for a weakness. One minute he’s complaining about someone being on his lawn, the other they’re buried under it.

•Scrooge would probably connect most if he’s seen that you used to be in his shoes before, or at least a similar situation. Maybe you’re struggling financially but working your ass off to stabilize your income. As someone with the humble origins of a shoeshiner, Scrooge understands perfectly. Despite his incredible stockpile of wealth, he knows what’s it’s like to be at rock bottom.

•At first, you’re probably obviously very suprised with Scrooge’s involvement in your life. He’s from an entirely different world than yours after all, the top of the pyramid. Depending on your origins, you might react quite differently. Currently, you managed to find yourself stuck in a job you hated, working for someone you despised. It was a miserable, repetitive job that brought to your life a void of boredom.

•You craved adrenaline, even if it would get you killed, you finally figured that at least you’d go out with a spark. Putting on a smiling face, you accept a position at McDuck industries thinking that it was going to be another office job. By your luck, (or, later on, unfortunate luck), you managed to score a position that required you to be near Scrooge quite often.

•This gave both of you time to acquaint with eachother and the opportunity for him to see the potential in you as an adventurer instead of just an employee. Scrooge rarely lets people in beyond family, and is quite reserved so he himself questions what he sees in you at first, distrusting you even.

•When you are taken on your first adventure, you nearly boil over with eagerness. There’s a worry at first of the treachery involved but eventually, as you venture on more and more explorations, that fear dulls and you think the adrenaline as far more important than the possible loss of your life.

•Craving adrenaline is the main reason at first as to why you to want to stay around Scrooge. Despite his repeated attempts to brush or push you away, you find yourself excited every time you get to explore and finally get to see a world that you thought you’d never visit.

•Still, Scrooge remains cold and you can’t figure out why beyond the reason that he’s just a pessimistic old capitalist. As much as you want the adrenaline, you kinda can’t help but eventually enjoy his presence as well despite his temper and general grumpiness. Having been alone for over two decades without friends does that to someone. You needed warmth again.

•Maybe you grew attached to all the times you felt you were winning when you snubbed an artifact. Also, after collecting and sneaking a few gold coins into your own pocket, you were finally getting out of debt and on track to actually start your own business involving (F/H). You had the dream that you could travel where you wanted and finally find peace from your own mind and problems.

•Scrooge, despite his own warnings to himself not to persue, can’t help but offer you a job working for him. You made adventuring a million times better and were a great addition to the team, providing your own perspective or plan for the times he and his family would journey out. Oh, and he’d finally get the opportunity to be around you more. It was refreshing to see how optimistic you managed to remain despite your current financial predicament. (Which he contemplated solving.)

•Soon, however, Scrooge began to see that you were not as happy go lucky as you pretended to be, at least not when you weren’t on another treasure hunt. Something appeared to be gnawing at you. Deep down inside, it appeared to plague you and Scrooge began to worry for your well being and as a too curious for his own good duck, he needed to know what was going on. Especially when he had caught you quickly wiping away tears while you began to head home. What could possibly be causing you this pain?

•He had to find out and to his own realization, he had to know now. After all the times you saved and helped him, he wanted to make sure you were at least doing alright in return. He ordered Launchpad to tail you home and Launchpad, oh so very loyal, doesn’t question it much.

•Most yanderes might suffer from the constant delusion that their victims love them back or that they’re in the right but that’s not the case with Scrooge. There are times where he does try to justify himself, but this is mainly due to a fit of rage or to play innocent to you. Most of the time, he knows his actions are wrong and the burning temptation is causing a war. Very early on, he suppresses his curiosity and the growing feelings he has about you. Especially when they begin to boil into something far darker. Although he’s done this to nearly everyone, being cold to you and pushing you away seemed to be his way of trying to ensure your well being instead of his. He was finding it hard not to think about you sometimes.

•Soon enough though, he begins to grow inquisitive about your personal life as you open up to him and define yourself as a person instead of another blur. You were always quite genuine to just sit around and talk to him and despite denying it to himself, Scrooge was lonely, especially after the Spear of Selene. Sometimes you’d joke to him, sometimes you’d think philosophically. Sometimes it was just a mutual, comfortable silence.

•Scrooge might make excuses aloud to you, but doesn’t lie to himself. All the times he’s made you work later or given you an extra dose of paperwork was because he wanted to keep you around and in his line of sight. 12 hours without you was turning into a painful reminder of how isolated he was, even with Beakley around. You were a warmth, a cool, calm warmth.

• “I’ll eventually need to know her address later on in case she’s attacked by one of my adversaries anyways.” Nope, Scrooge wasn’t fooling himself with that sentiment. He knew he was invading your privacy, but he also knew that he was too nosy to care enough.

•The main problem is that although Scrooge knows a lot of what he’s doing isn’t right, he begins to care less and less. (Though this process takes quite a while.) You’re a valuable and positive part of his life, you had stayed when everyone else had abandoned him for his admittedly awful mistakes. He can’t lose another person he treasures. Especially not you. You’re becoming the shiniest yet. Losing you might mean losing himself in some sense.

•Scrooge tries to shake off the guilt but only finds that maybe it’s better to punish himself by feeling it. He’s currently following along your path to wherever your destination currently is.

•Of course, his iconic shiny limousine would be a sore thumb sticking out to both you, the media, and Duckberg in general so he makes sure to either trail far behind or to have another mode of transportation available. Regardless, Scrooge never hires another person to watch you in place.

•Scrooge doesn’t even install cameras. He’d rather experience your life from his own two eyes and not as reported from another bird or screen. He rather liked tracking you himself. It gave him a place to go and at least he’d be able to bask in your duality himself. Sometimes you cried, he found to his own breaking heart. Sometimes you’d smile, (mostly only in his presence, to his delight.)

•Most of all, though, you seem caught in the present of life. Distracted, even. It seems though, that sometimes you’re so distracted that you don’t even notice something is off. Or maybe you yourself are too unable to break the cycle of adrenaline adventure to see it. Maybe you yourself were actively creating excuses, at least at first as to why you sometimes ran into Scrooge McDuck everywhere.

•If there’s something else Scrooge is a master at other than money, it’s with keeping up the detached and reserved persona of a wealthy individual. After all, who would suspect him of such crimes like these? He’s just a selfish, greedy businessman that only cares about his wealth, right? He’d never bother with other birds unless he was shaking hands at a conference table.

•Wrong. As you and him grow to become more like mentor and student, Scrooge begins to insert himself everywhere he possible can in your life, especially after seeing the shitfest that was your social group, what little of it there was. Apparently, you’d finally made a few friends over the years working for him and there was only one out of all of them that Scrooge approved of.

•Two of them, both identical Peacock twins appeared to be fascinated with your link to him and nothing more. It made some sense. After all, who could say they were a close worker to the richest duck in the world? The other one, a tall and lanky chicken, was getting far too handsy with you, and the final, a feline male was nothing but gossip and drama.

•To add to insult, you were a pretty big pushover outside of work which meant that they would drag you to places you didn’t even want to go and pressure you to have drinks you didn’t want to taste. They were in love with the mask you put up, not the complex and amazing face behind it. The one that you were beginning to let Scrooge see.

• Scrooge watches from a distance as your laugh reverberates. The laugh appears to Scrooge as unwavered and solid, mechanical in nature like it was a reoccurring script. Gazing at your face, he could see that your smile was strained, beak scrunched. You just wanted to go home and nothing more.

•The chicken next to you he was sucking a cigarette and the smoke blew in your direction, replacing your laugh with coughing and the others cackled with drunk glee, their solo cups tipping as they did. You blew it off as an accidental push in the wind which, by the way, wasn’t even blowing.

•Out of all of them, Scrooge hated the lanky chicken, who’s name he learned was Gale, the most. You deserved far better than that. Surely you saw through his sleazy act, right? Why were you hanging around such a ratched group of birds? Just how blind were you to their usage of you?

•Almost without even realizing it himself, Scrooge had tailed you the entire way home. After having to torment himself with an hour of seeing you torment yourself, he figured that maybe you’d find something that made you happy other thanyour little flock of “friends.”

•So he was admitting to being a stalker to himself. Did that mean he’d be able to admit it to oblivious ol’ you? Well, no. At least, not for now. Not until you trust him completely. Oh well, he’ll never go further than then that, right? He was watching you, but not engaging in any way. Nothing worse could come out of it..

•Wrong.

•After a while of having you working under him at McDuck Industries, Scrooge began to realize just how much financial control he had over you. Not only did you depend on him cod for paycheck, your landlord worked for someone who worked for him. In other words, the spot of land you were living on was an apartment company that belonged to him. You were living under one of his roofs. All he’d have to do was shift some circumstances and you’d either be homeless or debt free forever. Scrooge of course, plays the benevolent route and lowers it significantly for you. Why antagonize you?

•After having taken that action, Scrooge noticed more and more of a smile on your face as you realized that you didn’t have to depend paycheck to paycheck for food on the table. He had also been aware that you had a side hobby now, involving (F/H.) sometimes you joked you’d start a business and go off parting ways with that hobby. It was source of entertainment to watch you be..Well, you. There was this genuine behavior about you that just drew him in.

•If Scrooge wasn’t adventuring with you or at a meeting also with you, he was still with you. You just didn’t know it yet. Interestingly however, you’d begun to pick up the signs that there was a presence in your life. Whereas you didn’t close the blinds before, you did now. Or maybe that was from all the adventures you’d nearly died on fighting others off. Maybe it was paranoia.

•Eventually, Scrooge managed to break into your apartment under the guise to Launchpad that he’d been invited by you. A ludicrous lie, of course, but Launchpad is gullible to a fault when it comes to Scrooge. He’s loyal like that, and his friendliness to you plays into Scrooge’s emotional manipulation later on.

•As Scrooge sneaks in while you’re still home, he makes his way behind the kitchen counter which seperated your living room. He didn’t expect you to be right there in the living room, but you were, just five feet away from him and the window he snuck in. The window was to your right. He had carefully parted the curtains. Your couch was sitting approximately five feet from the window balcony, facing a corner of the wall with the T.V off.

•Peculiarly, you hadn’t even noticed he’d entered by rigging the door. You were right there, not staring at his direction, but he should have at least appeared in your peripheral. Just what were you doing to be so disconnected to the reality around you? It was worrying.

•Now hidden behind the counter directly to the left of you, he observes your desensitized form. For a moment, Scrooge thought you were a corpse until he peered closer. You were still there, physically. Mentally you looked as if you were in a whole other dimension. In a rather bold move, Scrooge slowly stands up and positions himself in the archway, watching you from his spot.

•You were still, so very still unlike all the times you’d fidget at work or with those “friends.” You still breathed and your hands shook slightly and there was color to your eyes but you yourself didn’t even seem present whatsoever. Your eyes were glazed and far away. It was just your body sitting there in that couch. It was worrisome and yet there was a blissful smile to your face seconds later.

•It was you, daydreaming about something. Something you obviously enjoyed. Scrooge, to his own shame, hoped it involved him. For a few more moments, all you did was sigh like you were meditating. It was haunting how easily you had lost yourself within the confines of your tumbling mind. Somehow, you were blocking out the world beyond, maladaptively.

• Scrooge knew he was taking a huge risk. All you’d have to do to spot him now was swivel your head a few inches or wake up from dreamland. It would take a few inches to ruin what you thought of him.

Just then, to Scrooge’s horror, you had slowly picked yourself off the couch. Your body shuttered as your head snapped up. He knew he was taking a huge risk with this and began to think that maybe it was a terrible idea after all. (Who was he kidding, it was terrible in the first place, he knew what he was doing.)

•He quickly fell back to his crouched position behind the counter, silently and expertly as you turned around and made your way closer and closer. There was a tense moment in which Scrooge contemplated just knocking you down completely and rendering you unconscious. All it would take was a few seconds. Maybe you’d forget or maybe he’d give you the dreamland you seemed so desperate to reach. It would certainly give him peace of mind to know where you are 24/7..All he’d have to do is knock you out and take you to the manor. You’d be secure and have everything you need there…

•Your presence was setting him alight, in the good way and bad way. He loved being near you. But hated the idea of you getting any closer right now, because you getting any closer would ruin your trust in him entirely. A few more steps is all there was between the idol you saw Scrooge as and the monster he was growing to be. You were like a fire. The heat scorched his feathers. Then, when you were away, his thoughts.

•Your steps were louder than they’d ever been. Then, to Scrooge’s unbelievable luck, you turned towards the hallway away from the kitchen. Scrooge knew not to push his luck trying to follow or stay, so despite his clawing urge to figure you out, he hesitantly snuck out with unanswered questions on your concerning mental state.

•It had been a months since that incident and Scrooge was moving onto bigger and bolder actions. Sometimes he’d swipe you away from any conversations you had with your friends by calling you in for a task. Sometimes he’d eat up all your time by keeping you in late, and taking you to places far away that required days of travel.

•Sometimes he’d drive bad influences away by financially ruining their life forever.

You noticed Gale’s downfall quickly, but you didn’t have any idea it was Scrooge who was responsible. Gale lived actually, three complexes from you and oh so suddenly, rent had begun to skyrocket in the particular room he had to himself. This led to him being presented with an eviction notice. You didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye. (Not that you wanted to, though.) deep down you were glad he was gone and Scrooge knew it. Gale had to move far off to find an affordable spot. It was a mercy considering how often Scrooge had dreamed of just throwing him into the ocean tied up for the sharks to find. He was a toxic influence.

•Maybe if someone pushed his button just right, Scrooge would end up killing them, and who would care? There were seven billion fellow people on the planet. Scrooge could just get rid of any threat he wanted and no one would notice or ever suspect it was him. After all, he’s just a grumpy old man with a cane.

•It turns out, Scrooge had picked up on your plans to possibly quit your job. He had never felt his heart sink like it did now. He was fighting off his initial shock as you stood in his office, masking it with a detached face. You hadn’t even confirmed the statement. All you’d said was that maybe you’d found a company within your favorite hobby.

•It was just a small implication. But, Implications could become statements, which could turn into actions, and Scrooge couldn’t let the thought even be a presence in your mind.

•You had stayed with him throughout the years of his loneliest moments, had confessed secrets, had confided in him. You were like his pupil, learning from him and you were like his partner, fighting alongside him. Maybe you were something different altogether.

•...Was it a friend that convinced you? It had to be. Scrooge knew how much you enjoyed galavanting around the world with him. There’s no way you’d just fly off without him.-

“I promise I’ll still occasionally go with you, Scrooge. (A first name basis. This was devolving from anything normal.) I found my passion. We can still adventure together, but I found a path that also makes me happy and doesn’t ya know, get me killed.” You chuckle as if it were nothing. A light joke.

•So you were leaving. You were going to go. Why? You had a great paycheck, (an expensive one that took a lot of money,) you had the opportunity to travel the world. You had the best job you’d ever get. Who else was going to be as good as him? He won’t let you destroy your future by applying for a Mediocre position at some dumptruck company.

•As it turns out, the bird responsible for swaying you was none other than one of the peacocks, her name was Shelby. She and you laughed, and for the first time, your laugh was genuine. Genuine with her and not with Scrooge. You both shared each other’s stories, and she in return had encouraged your little dangerous fantasy of being independent.

•Now of course Scrooge realized how ridiculous this all sounded. He had willingly allowed you to go on perilous adventures with him, but at least then, you were with him. How could he keep an easy eye on you if you just moved off to some rando spot? Plus, he was plenty good as saving you. He was your hero.

•Bad influences needed to go away.

•Scrooge might lie to himself about how much it digs under his feathers, but to see you around other people really dug wrong. He itched every time you decided to take advice from other people, or confide in them instead of him. He was the one you could go to, not them. Your secrets didn’t need to be shared with anyone else but Scrooge. All those rare and precious things that made you yourself didn’t need to be snatched by thieves like Shelby or Gale or whoever else.

•He knew that his criminal actions would scare you. Even with your growing trust and dependence on him, he knew it was too early for you to want to stay with him if you knew what he’s been doing. If he wanted your presence, he’d keep it through lengths you’d find terrifying.

•Scrooge found your biggest flaw was that you always attracted the wrong crowd, and it was primarily because you were always trying to impress others when they really didn’t deserve the magnificent canvas you painted yourself to be. To his even greater detriment, you were beginning to spend your time more and more with Shelby. The canvas you painted was beautiful, as always. But it wasn’t for him, and he found that he was not happy with this new development.

•Don’t you know people take advantage of kindness? It happened to him all the time and still does. It happened to you over and over and yet you kept venturing forth giving out your trust like it was nothing. The world is a sour place if you’re not careful. Cursed kilts, you were already naive about Gale. Who knows how badly future people would hurt you, even if they were well intentioned.

Scrooge could tell that, despite him insisting otherwise, you thought leaning on his shoulder was burdening him. He wanted to make sure you knew it was anything but that. As a matter of fact, he wanted you to lean on his shoulder every moment he possibly could get you to. What was just you occasionally asking for advice on impersonal things becomes entire sessions with Scrooge encouraging you to reveal every personal detail of your life.

•You had revealed that many times, you just wanted independence. A company of your own to possibly build so you could pursue life your own way. Scrooge knew these dangerous thoughts were one of the final roadblocks. Scrooge had to prevent them. Be it through roughening you up financially or discouraging you. Be it from murdering outside influences, too. Who was going to miss the miserable miscreants that plagued your life anyways?

•It is three days before the date you had decided that you would resign. Instead of being merry, you were miserable. The opportunity you had to get the job was burned by them not even calling you for an interview. After your resume, why would they reject you? You had the word of one of the finest businessmen out there to back you up. Scrooge himself promised to put in a good word for you! You were perfectly qualified for the job you were looking for. In your days of being rejected from the position you wanted, you confide in Scrooge. You don’t know it but as he pats your shoulder, he’s thinking of the next way to sabotage your efforts of leaving him.

•Shelby ends up going missing. She was one of your closest friends and the only one who finally treated you well. Your devastation causes a major setback in any ambitious plans as you isolate yourself from anyone else but only the closest person left in your life; Scrooge.

•Currently, you were enveloped in a warm hug, the side of your face leaning in the crook of Scrooge’s neck as he calmed your crying form down, patting your back and promising you his presence would remain forever. You wept at Shelby’s funeral, so did her twin sister and their parents, who, upon seeing Scrooge, had nearly fainted in shock.

•Despite your tumultuous relationship with Shelby, she had actually begun to redeem much of her previously antagonistic actions towards you. She was in a rough place when you had developed a connection with her. So you wept in your boss’s, or rather, your best confidantes arms. You wept.

Scrooge, however, did not.

[umblebumble]

Star Trek Daemons

These choices are based on the newer movie series (AOS) featuring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Carl Urban, etc. I have only seen bits and pieces of the many previous Star Trek series, but I will use what little tidbits I have picked up to help with this selection. My choices are a mix of analysis matching (I like to use the Daemon Forum as a starting point) as well as thematic/plot things. Hope you like them! Please let me know what you think, and your own headcanons!

James Kirk - Indian blue Peafowl. Thematically, I think a peacock/peahen would tell us a lot about Jim and reflect his story arc very well. Peacocks are thought of to be vain, cocky, proud birds who strut around showing off. This seems like exactly what everyone thinks about Jim at first glance, the sort of air he gives off. But peacocks are much more than that, people just don’t realize it. I think that parallel works well since everyone starts by underestimating Jim to seeing past his showy-ness and growing to respect and appreciate him as their captain. Furthermore, peacocks are intelligent, bold, fearsome and very socially oriented. They can fly despite what people think, and they’ve been known to always perch just out of reach of predators. They’re loud and communicative, and will fight and defend what is theirs. They actually have spurs on the back of their feet. Mostly, peacocks are very social - they spend time in flocks or at least pairs, and Jim is a very social person who would do anything for his people, his crew. So mostly thematic reasons, but I think a peahen perched on the back of the captain chair would just really fit him.

Spock - Eurasian Lynx. To me Spock has always been a cat person in my mind: he just exudes the same aloof energy with hints of softness, playfulness and even sassy-ness in the right circumstances. However because he’s half Vulcan and they have that raw animosity and energy they work so hard to tame, I figured it would be a wildcat versus a domesticated one. Lynx’s are ambush predators and have been known to sit in trees and wait to drop on unsuspecting prey. This matches Spocks patience in planning and executing strategy. Lynx’s are solitary creatures, but are very good mothers to young - and while Spock is more of a loner, he cares deeply and passionately for those in his circle. Lynx are also found in all sorts of environments, making them adaptable and quick on their feet. Plus they have been known to hunt deer, showing their bravery and fierce power. Spock is also very technical and sassy and sarcastic when the mood strikes him, which just fits very well with a cat attitude in general. Personally, I like the image of an aloof Lynx at Spock’s side that betrays no emotion until they crack and go for the throat. (Additionally, Lynx’s are known for their tufted ears and I think that would be hilarious alongside Mr. Pointy-Ears himself.)

Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy - Canadian Goose. This one seems a bit odd, but just stick with me a moment. Geese are loud, bold, brash, hardy birds who are hard working, determined, and known for their short-fuse but deep care for others. It’s perfect for Bones. A goose migrates thousands of kilometres each year, and live largely in Canada through very cold temperatures. This makes them very hardy, and hard-working birds. Furthermore, geese - Canadian Geese especially - are known for their temper. They’re given a wide berth because they have clear boundaries and will loudly let you know when you even approach said lines in the sand. But under the abrasive defensiveness and loud protestation of the world, geese make incredible parents. They’re protective, defensive, and very loving to their children, or their flock, or their mate. Those they care about, they are a stalwart defender and provider, and will often immediately adopt any stray goslings that are a similar age to their own babies. Bones is crotchety and loud and stubborn and has a tendency to yell about anything and everything, but he’s determined and smart and a doctor - he cares for people and will fiercely protect those he claims as his. It’s an unusual choice, but once I thought of it I just can’t get rid of the idea.

Nyota Uhura - Steller’s Jay. Since these birds are a species of corvid, they sit among some of the cleverest bird species. Nyota is especially smart and aware of her surroundings, demonstrated by her ability to readily understand Spock’s techno-babble. Furthermore, the smarter an animal, the more mental stimulation and challenge they need, or they’ll get bored easily. Nyota seems like the hardworking type to constantly have something on the go. Steller’s Jays are very adaptable, and a little bit manipulative when they need to get something, which pairs well with Nyota’s drive and tenacity. Furthermore, Steller’s Jay is noted as being an accomplished mimic of both bird calls and other noises. This is a fun thematic parallel to Nyota’s unparalleled auditory and linguistic ability.

Hikaru Sulu - Monarch Butterfly. A lot of people would think that butterfly’s are delicate and emotionally sensitive people, but that is not true of monarchs. They have incredible migrating habits that indicate they are hardy and hard-working. And while they may be sensitive to and aware of their surroundings, they are not as emotionally delicate as they appear. These migrating habits are also rather specific, showing a value of control over things that thematically I like for a main pilot/Command division person. Monarchs are group oriented, and Sulu has a deep care for his crew and his family, thriving among others. While they’re not an aggressive creature, Monarchs are willing to take risks if the reward is worth it and are known for their “wander-lust” tendency to explore and adventure and try new things.

Pavel Chekov - Atlantic Puffin. Aside from being adorable, a puffin matches well with what I know of Chekov. Puffin are a more social bird and will have a good time in a group of any size, or even working on their own. They are also active and energetic, matching with Chekov’s youthful energy and constant work drive. While somewhat cautious in unusual scenarios, they are very proactive planners and are the kind to look before they leap - but they will take the leap. Puffins are dutiful and sensitive, and while Chekov is not shown to be some thin-skinned wreck, he is still very young and has some youthful optimism and outlook that leaves him a little more surprised by the jaded side of the universe. Mostly, I think a puffin is just very well suited to the young but hardy and capable man.

Montgomery “Scotty” Scott - Cairn Terrier. Terriers are smart, clever, stubborn, loud little dogs. They’re more independent than some other dogs, but are still very social. Terriers are very vocal about their thoughts and opinions, and are not afraid of putting others in their place and taking charge. Scotty is as sturdy as they come and is very good at what he does, equally willing and able to take over and run the ship engines as well as dive in after Jim in weird antics and crazy adventures. I picked a Cairn over another terrier type because Cairns are very curious and adventurous and are the perfect middle of the road terrier: not too stubborn, not too sensitive, not too independent, and not too daring. Scotty is the perfect mix of stubborn, sensitive, caring, independent, bold, brash, and cautious all rolled into one loyal, loud, eager terrier package.

*P.S I realize I have selected largely birds for this group, and it wasn’t intentional, I just found myself gravitating towards them. However, I have always equated birds with their wings and flying and freedom. I find birds are always a little more out going and adventurous and travel-hungry by nature, so I think finding a majority of birds on a space ship destined to travel the distant universe isn’t all too unrealistic.

[underatedcharactersunite]

The Power of the Goddess Unknown

Summary; Ivar has been away for the past several months conquering different lands. Back home, he left you, his best friend and most reliable confidant. An elderly woman comes to visit you, putting both of you on the right path.  Pairing: Ivar the Boneless x Female Reader  Word count: 2,855

Apart of @deansamore​ end of year challenge. Time to get back on track! 

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Ivar the boneless was a man of tremendous power. Ivar's name created uncertainty. Ivar the Boneless's name alone created uncertainty across vast seas and land. Foreign Kings and Lords alike, feared news of Ivar's conquests. They weren't foolish, they were aware one day Ivar the boneless could invade their lands. Ivar was ruthless, unforgiving and impatient to everyone around him. All except you.

You arose to be unique. You materialised to be the only one who was the only one capable of keeping Ivar calm. You often gave Ivar a comforting space to think strategies through . He listened to you and accepted your advice. Ivar trusted you with his life, in return, you delegated yours in his. Despite Ivar relying on you, Ivar had a hard limit. When you attempted to assist him unclasping the supports that aided him. You were Ivar's best friend, his greatest confidant. The woman of his dreams and his true love. Were you his? No. Ivar believed he was unworthy of your love. In his psyche, he persuaded himself you deserved a man who could whisk you off your feet. A man to fulfil your every desire, a man who could provide you with the world. Ivar convinced himself that was not him.

Ivar was oblivious to how untrue he was. You devoted yourself to Ivar. You observed Ivar for the man he sincerely was. The man behind Ivar the boneless, the ruthless Viking king. Who travelled through harsh weather and aggravated seas to conquer land and seas. Ivar, the man with the vibrant ocean blue eyes, whose smile illuminated a room. The man capable of loving deeply and passionately. You observed the beauty in all him, including his legs. In your eyes, Ivar's legs were not a disability, they were where his strength originated from. His uniqueness was his resilience.

Ivar's travel had taken him away for many months. This exploration was by far the lengthiest one yet. Every day, you hoped the thunderous howl of the horns would echo over Kattegat. Signalling the returning vessels, signalling Ivar's return. Each day occurred to be the same. Waking up in the early hours of the morning, you prepared for the day and took off straight to work. Each day you made jewellery or made adjustments to people's clothes. Whenever you got the chance you prayed to God's that you would hear those horns.  

Ahead of Ivar's return, you worked tirelessly on a new dress for an elderly woman. She was more than appreciative for the dedication. 

"They will return to us, I am convinced." She mentioned as you sowed the final part of the dress together, glancing up at her, you smiled.

"I hope you are right. As the days grow longer and the month's pass I fear the worst." As you stepped back to admire your work, the elderly lady grabbed a hold of your hand.

"My dear, I have encountered various days like this. The days of longing, missing the ones who we cherish the most. While they fight and conquer new lands across the seas, we can only pray of their safe passage. While we defend and maintain our home. I've observed your training early in the morning, he is proud of you. He knows you miss him terribly because the feeling's were indeed. reciprocated." Suddenly, you lost the capability to form a sentence. How could this woman know you were missing someone? Not once had either of you previously mentioned the raid.  

"How did you know? I never spoke of anything before." You questioned, as you decided that you had the perfect necklace to accompany her new dress.

"I may be growing older my dear, but my eyes have not failed me yet. You and Ivar the Boneless's companionship are well documented. The two of you have been inseparable since the two of you first met. Just like all relationships, they either develop or fall apart. Yours certainly evolved. The two of you are endlessly and hopelessly devoted to one another" You realised the foolishness it'd be to question the elderly woman. Nonetheless, there was still one question that lingered on your lips.

"How can you be certain that Ivar returns my feelings?" Stepping down from the podium graciously, she cupped your face within the grasp of her hands.

"Expressing your love for someone can be conveyed by actions as sufficiently as words do. It's the way he invites you to sit next to him during feasts. The way in which men stare at their beloved while they proceed with the most mundane tasks. My dear, allow me to assure you, of one aspect I am sure of. Ivar the boneless son of Ragnar is devoted to you, with you in his mind he will return home safely."

"I hope you are true. I don't know what I would do if something happened to him."

"So what do I owe you?" As the elderly lady was ready to offer you something she had to trade.

"Nothing, your wisdom has been worth more than this dress's worth." With a final goodbye, the elderly woman left you with a plethora to speculate over.

Several days passed from your conversation with the elderly woman. You desperately attempted to distract yourself from your mind. What if she was correct about her presumptions? What if Ivar was overseas battling bloody battles? He was completely unaware of your affection towards him. Would he die without knowing.

As if the God's hear your thoughts, the echoing sound of the low rumbles of the horns cascaded over the lands of Kattegat. They were home. Quitting your work instantly, you ran with everything the last several weeks had accumulated. Each bouncing step permitted the appearance of the longboats to become clearer. A few more steps. The nearer you got, the further you endeavoured to get past the ever-growing crowd.

"Y/N!, Y/N!" A low friendly voice called out to you. You expected Ivar's voice to be the first voice you heard from the longboats. Rather, his brother Hvitserk. The moment he caught a glimpse of you, he commenced pushing people out of the way. By Hvitserk's solitary action it immediately allowed you to realise something was wrong. Hvitserk seized your hand as he aided you in navigating through the chaotic crowd.

Suddenly, everything appeared to slow down.  Everyone around you was either commemorating the return of a loved one or mourning the loss of a loved one. Which one were you? Hvitserk leads you to one of the longboats, this one appeared to have an alcove of sorts. As Hvitserk leapt down into the boat, he was quick to grab hold of the waist to aid you down securely. 

It was obvious that Hvitserk had led you to this boat for one peculiar reason. Ivar. Unsure of what to expect, you held back following Hvitserk closely. As you reached the door, Hvitserk turned and rested a hand tentatively on your shoulder. 

"What you are about to see is not pretty. While we were away, Ivar battled ferociously, his wounds extensive. He's alive and as stubborn as ever." Walking through the oak door, you instantly crossed the room towards him. 

"Ivar, you've come home." Kneeling on the wooden floor, you leaned down unable to prevent the tears that proceeded to fall.

"I promised you I would. So I came home." Your eyes began to examine all of Ivar's injuries that were visible to you. 

I'll go fetch the doctor, he'll be able to help you." As you proceeded to get up from your place on the floor. 

"No, Hvitserk will do that. I don't want you out of my sight. You may decide to leave my side permanently." "Ivar, I would never leave you. You are my truest friend. My loyalties have and always belong to you." Hearing the thundering of footsteps, you smiled at Ivar. "Since my departure all those months ago, there was not a sunrise or sunset where I didn't think of you. I need you to know that." Leaning down to press a delicate kiss onto Ivar's forehead. "Rest now my King. I am not going anywhere." Hvitserk allowed the doctor to enter, as he examined Ivar, you remained by his side. Well aware this was far from over, the doctor ordered Hvitserk to find some to carry Ivar.    "I will walk! Kattegat does not need to witness their King weak. As he pushed himself up, it was apparent the intensity of Ivar's distress. "Their King needs time to heal and recuperate from his injuries. You have been away conquering new lands for us to prosper from, no one in their proper mind would dispute your claim as King of Kattegat. I will not observe you in pain because of your own pride." Turning to glimpse at you, Ivar attempted to prevent the smile from etching onto his face. While Ivar was away from you had certainly grown and developed. You were confident and bold. You conversed with authority yet the delicate softness remained.

Ivar sighed as he examined your opinion. If he was to examine every person in this room, you were the only one who did not have an alternative intention. Ivar's health was your only concern. "Okay, but I will not be carried like a child. I need the people to acknowledge I am well enough to be King. Y/N, you will stay close to me." With a plan securely in place, everyone attended to their various duties. Soon enough Ivar was being carried out of the boat towards his chambers. The people bowed as a sign of respect to their King. As you glanced around at the vast community of people, you recognised the elderly woman, with a small wave. Hearing Ivar groans in discomfort, your attention reverted back to Ivar. From the minute, Ivar was securely in his chambers, the doctor was rapidly at work. Thralls were in and out of the room providing the doctor with a variety of different ailments and pastes. You remained at Ivar's side until the Doctor inquired you to fetch him fresh water. You wandered throughout the numerous corridors in which you had memorised before you were able to communicate. As you filled the hefty jug with water, you appeared distracted to the Thralls who worked around you. As they were supposed to be preparing dinner for the returning men and women. "I suppose King Ivar will not be King for long. Word will soon reach the ears of his enemies, they will flock to invade Kattegat. The King will fall on the sword of his successor." "Enough!" Your hands slammed onto the wooden table, your eyes wild with rage. "The King has fought valiantly for the past several months. He has fought in gruesome battles to secure new lands. Let King Ivar's enemies come for him. Do you think the successor of King Ivar would behave toward you as kindly as King Ivar does? You dare to disrespect him in front of me, his oldest friend! If I hear so much as a sigh escapes your lips, you will experience the harshest punishment I can think of. Do you understand?" Silence. "Do you understand?" The Thralls nodded, as you left to return to Ivar. As you stepped through into the hallway, you almost ran into Hvitserk. "You know I wondered why Ivar was so besotted with you from an early age. Apart from the obvious, you have always been beautiful and affectionate towards him. Despite the innumerable times, he attempted to push you away. Hearing, you tell at those Thralls just now, exhibited to me that you will protect and defend anyone you love with your life. If Ivar doesn't marry you soon, I might have to steal you for myself." Hvitserk laughed as he pressed a kiss to your forehead. You assumed everything had calmed down as you wandered into Ivar's chamber it was anything but calm. Ivar was suddenly thrashing out at everyone. No one was able to halt his actions.

"What is going on?" You questioned, as you the group of men halted their current actions. "Thank the Gods, Y/N will you please tell my brother to allow the doctor near his legs. We need to get his supports off." You examined the dilemma carefully. "Everyone leave us for a moment." Ubbe trusted you with all his brother's life. Especially Ivar. "I need to attend to his wounds." The doctor exclaimed as you nudged past the crowd. "You will just give us a moment." Ubbe nodded as he began to file the people out of Ivar's chambers. Once all the men had left, you sat down on the end of Ivar's bed. "I know you're exhausted, and in a considerable amount of agony, but all they are attempting to do is help you. The quicker they remove them, the less discomfort you'll be in." "No!" Getting up, you moved to the top of Ivar's bed. Sighing, Ivar clasped your hand in his. "It's reassuring to know that while you were away, your stubbornness remained strong." Ivar fought against a smile that threatened to force itself onto his lips. “When I was away I thought you would forget about it. Sometimes I had these night terrors, someone had taken you away from me. I didn’t know what you were doing. You could have found someone or decided that everyone else had convinced you I was what others told you about.” "Why would I listen to everyone around me? While you were away, I got up out of bed and reacted the same day over and over again. Dreaming I would hear the echoing of the horns signalling your arrival. I regretted letting you leave without me. Ivar I missed you, more than you could imagine. So please, would you allow them to remove your supports.” Ivar glanced up to you. Perhaps this was his moment. Ivar could convince you how much you meant to him. “I refuse to allow any of those men near my legs. However, I will allow you to do it instead.” Your eyebrow raised skeptically as you could not trust your ears. Ivar the Boneless was about to allow you to take care of him? More so, Ivar was about to allow you to touch the one part of his body that he was most insecure about. “Are you sure?” Ivar nodded as a grin etched onto his face. You were familiar with that grin. Ivar the Boneless was up to a form of mischief. His smile made you flush as your mind was filled with childhood memories including that familiar smile. Nowadays that grin doesn't appear often. “I will allow you to help me with my legs on one condition. You give your King a kiss, on the lips.” You looked down embarassed, but you weren’t unwilling to kiss Ivar. If you were being entirely honest, you had desired to kiss Ivar for many years. “You have a deal Ivar.” Pushing himself up onto his forearms, you leaned down greating Ivar half way. The moment yours touched each other, it was suddenly if the entire world had connected together. Ivar’s hand ran up into the back of your hair threading his fingers through your wonderful locks. Neither of you could see nor feel anything else apart from the comfort of each other. As the two of you seperated, Ivar laid his head against yours, whilst he took in a deep breath of your intoxicating scent. Never again, would leave you in Kattegat while he raided and conquered these new lands. From now on, you were certainly coming with him. But first, there was something that he needed to tell you. “Y/N, there’s something I need to tell you. I’ve been worried about telling you for a long time…” Before Ivar said another word. You pressed your lips passionately on his once more. “I know Ivar, someone once taught me that sometimes actions speak louder than words. In those actions, our loved one’s express everything they’re trying to tell us.” Ivar smiled as your eyes twinkled in the candlelight. Slowly, you rose from your seat beside Ivar, moving towards Ivar’s legs. You crouched down on the end of the bed as you began to untie the buckles. You moved as gently as you, the sores on his legs from the skin rubbing against the metal. Your hands ghosted along Ivar’s legs. Each time you unbuckled one of the many buckles, Ivar hissed in pain. Where you could, you pressed a gentle kiss providing Ivar with soft reassurance. Even after you finished attending to Ivar’s legs, you refused to leave his side. When the doctor attended o Ivar’s injuries, you laid on the his bed proving to be a much required distraction for Ivar. What you didn’t see was the ederly woman standing in the doorway observing you and Ivar together. Satisfied with what she witnessed in front of her, she snapped her fingers and suddenly she was gone…

[elliemarchetti]

The Most Macabre of Scenes, The Most Terrible of Nightmares

As I hope the few souls reading this have already guessed, requests are open for anything on LOTR and The Hobbit. However, in this chapter the journey of the Fellowship continues, but various shadows loom over their safety and the hearts of its members.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Words: 2643

The attack was short and violent, but fortunately no one was injured. It was about midnight on their eighth day of travel when the Orcs stroke, a raid planned down to the last detail, one might say, as they had took advantage of the current, the crescent moon that lit up the sky and the abundance of strangely bright stars, reflecting like torches on the River’s surface. Their black-feathered arrows had fallen like lethal rain upon the Fellowship, but except for a few torn cloaks, there had been no damage. Hidden among the ferns of the western shore, as awake as they could be, everyone thought about what they saw in the sky after their enemies had unexpectedly retreated, trying to give a name to the great winged creature, blacker than the pits of the night, which had emerged from the south. Fierce voices rose up to greet it from across the water, and Elva could still feel the chills running through her and clutching at her heart, deadly cold like the memory of an old wound. She had killed it, with a single shot from the bow she had received as a gift in Lorien, but she was sure there were others, and she wanted nothing more than to get as far away as possible from that irreparably corrupted land. After that vision, Haldir had no longer spoken, but he was frowning and his mind was probably in Lothlorien, lost in calculating how long such a beast would take to reach the ends of the mallorn’s forest. Lying next to him, Elva wished she was able to say out loud that he could return, if he wished, that no one would’ve wanted him any harm for placing his homeland before a mission that didn’t even belonged to him, and that Galadriel herself would’ve probably been grateful for the warning, but selfishly, she couldn’t, so she hugged tighter her knees under the cloak, a reassurance and a way to fight the changing of the weather. When the day came, the mood of the world about them had become soft and sad. Slowly the dawn grew to a pale light, diffused and shadowless. There was mist on the River, and white fog swathed the shore, making the far bank impossible to see.

“I can’t abide fog,” said Sam, “but this seems to be a lucky one: now perhaps we can get away without those cursed goblins seeing us.”

“Perhaps so,” said Aragorn. “But it will be hard to find the path unless the fog lifts a little later on, and we must, if we are to pass Sarn Gebir and come to the Emyn Muil.”

“I don’t see why we should pass the Rapids or follow the River any further,” said Boromir. “If the Emyn Muil lie before us, then we can abandon these cockle-boats and strike westward and southward, until we come to the Entwash and cross into my own land.”

“We can, if we are making for Minas Tirith,” said Aragorn, “but that’s not yet agreed, and such a course may be more perilous than it sounds: the Entwash’s vale is flat and fenny, fog a deadly peril for those on foot and laden. I wouldn’t abandon our boats until we must, for the River is at least a path that cannot be missed.”

“But the Enemy holds the eastern bank,” objected Boromir, “and even if you pass the Gates of Argonath, coming unmolested to the Tindrock, what will you do then? Leap down the Falls and land in the marshes?”

The tones were heating up, and Elva thought it was time to intervene: “It’s not the way of the Men of Minas Tirith to desert their friends at need, and we’ll need your strength, if ever we are to reach the Tindrock.”

The mortal seemed satisfied with those words, and decided he would go as far as the tall isle, but no further.

“There I shall turn to my home,” he announced, “alone if my help hasn’t earned the reward of any companionship.”

Elva prayed that someone had decided to pursue that mission, but in order to keep an army as powerful as that of Boromir's father, if everyone chose to follow Aragorn, she would be the one to separate from the rest of the companions, this decided a long time ago, perhaps at the very moment Gandalf had chosen her for the Quest. That gloomy possibility, which was so far from her ideals, prompted her to wait for the mist to rise in silence, even as she and Haldir went exploring forward along the shore, while the others remained by the boats. She hoped to find some way by which they could carry everything to the smoother water beyond the Rapids, but even if the elven boats wouldn’t sink, that didn’t ensure they could come through Sarn Gebir alive, for none ever done so yet, and no road was made by the Men of Gondor in this region, for even in their great days their realm didn’t reach up Anduin beyond the Emyn Muil.

“There is a portage-way somewhere on the western shore, if I can find it,” revealed Haldir, so softly that for a moment Elva hardly noticed.

"I didn't tell the others," the elf went on, "because I was afraid they wouldn't believe me, after my miscalculations pushed us towards the Orcs attack; besides, I fought those creatures for a good part of my own adult life, and I could’ve imagined their simple but ingenious plan."

"No one was injured, that's the important thing," Elva replied, thinking that if anyone had risked being hit, it would’ve been him, as an arrow had ripped off both the cloak and the skin of the jacket from his shoulders.

"But if that had happened, the fault would’ve been mine alone, and whoever had accused me, even if only in grief, would’ve been right: you have already lost the Istar, and before I should’ve warned Aragorn it wasn’t wise to continue at night as he suggested, but I didn't, and now I don't want to deceive anyone until I’m sure that my memory doesn’t deceive me," he replied, resolute in the bitterness of someone who can't forgive himself.

"Why are you telling me, then?" Elva asked, unable to stop.

"Because I'm sure I can trust you, and I know you’ve faced the guilt, same or not, even if I still don’t know what you’re carrying it for,” he replied, with a naked and vulnerable honesty, which hit right to the point. She didn't like talking about her past, much less what she felt about it, yet he must’ve seen a difficult life in her eyes, a life that perhaps could’ve been more like his, if only she had been born in another realm. Like Lorien, Mirkwood was a wonderful but tricky place, where growing up as a half-breed wasn't easy at all, especially when you needed to do it by yourself. Getting to know Legolas, and later becoming his confidant and friend, had been a blessing, and she kept telling herself that her true life had begun the day a young prince was bewitched by the ability of a simple recruit with a bow and with words. She hadn't treated him well, weary as every orphan is, and perhaps that was precisely what had intrigued him, since at court no one spoke to him as an equal, much less had the courage to say what they really though, too busy trying to win the future king’s favours, since with the one in charge was so hard. Speaking of Thranduil, he had welcomed her as if she were his own daughter, instructing and having her instructed in the best possible way; but the king was a cold and distant father, rigid in his manner and limited in his displays of affection, not exactly what a girl without parents desires most. If loving Legolas as a brother had been simple, as natural as breathing and almost a matter of survival, the same couldn't be said of the oldest of the Greenleafs, but she had learned that too, and with it the art of concealing her heart, although with Haldir it was so difficult.

"And how can I know I should have the same trust in you?" she asked, her heart heavy. She needed to believe that he wouldn’t leave the Fellowship, even if she followed Boromir and everyone else went by water, and she needed to know if he would understand her decision, or if he would end up misinterpreting it.

"You can't, but to convince you otherwise, I'll tell you something that I'm sure should’ve remained a secret: Galadriel's Mirror showed me three visions, three possible futures, I find myself believing. I still don't want to talk about two, because it doesn't seem wise, but the most macabre of scenes, the most terrible of nightmares that I thought I could have, I feel like sharing: I don't know if the Fellowship had failed in its intent, or if it's the fate that awaits my homeland anyway, if events should take that turn, but darkness had fallen over the forest of golden trees when a flock of huge winged creatures, like the one you killed last night, swept over Calas Galadhon. The Lord and the Lady fought side by side with every common citizen, and a shower of arrows capable of obscuring the stars was sent from each talan towards the sky. I don't know how the battle could end, as my vision was limited to that, but I have seen you fight with us, and defend our young and old as if they were your own. I don't pretend to understand what those images meant, and why the Mirror decided to show them to me, but I believe it was the beginning of Lorien's Winter, the first day of a downhill road to inevitable ruin, yet you were there by our side, and I don't think you'd fight for the land of someone you don’t trust,” he concluded, just as enigmatic as his ruler. Did he meant he understood her malfidence towards the Galadhrim, or was it really just his way of assuming that she would always trust him, to the point of risking death for a place that did not belong to her? There was no way of knowing but asking, and it didn't seem appropriate, fearing that he too might ask her what the Mirror had shown her. Death, she might’ve replied, no matter it was the mallorn’s, his people’s or Haldir’s himself, but she didn't want to talk about it anymore, she just wanted to forget his pale skin in the moonlight, the dust, sweat and blood surrounding her like a sea that smelled of the Enemy's wickedness instead of salt, so she fell silent.

“It cannot yet have perished,” muttered Haldir under his breath, after a while. “Light boats used to journey out of Wilderland down to Osgiliath, and still did so until a few years ago, when the Orcs of Mordor began to multiply.”

“Even if we find the path, peril will grow with every mile we go forward, for it lies ahead on every southward road,” replied Elva

They found what they were looking for just before noon, with the head of the Rapids half a mile below them: a track leading to a good landing, a little more than a mile long, was still serviceable, not far beyond the stream clear and smooth again, though running swiftly. The hardest task was to get the boats and baggage to the old portage-way, lying well back from the water-side near which they were camped, and running under the lee of a rock-wall, a furlong or more from the shore. “I fear we must leave the River now, and make for the portage-way as best we can from here,” said Haldir, once back.

“That wouldn’t be easy, even if we were all Men,” said Boromir.

“Yet such as we are we will try it,” Aragorn replied peremptorily.

“We will!” confirmed Gimli, and although the task was difficult, it was nevertheless completed, the goods taken out of the boats and brought to the top of the bank, where there was a level space, and the boats themselves drawn out of the water and carried up, proving to be far less heavy than any had expected; at last, all was removed to be laid on the portage-way and with little further hindrance, save from sprawling briars and many fallen stones, they moved forward all together. Fog still hung in veils upon the crumbling rock-wall, and to their left mist shrouded the River: they could hear it rushing and foaming over the sharp shelves and stony teeth of Sarn Gebir, but they couldn't see it. There the portage-way, turning back to the water-side, ran gently down to the shallow edge of a little pool scooped in the river-side, not by hand, but by the water swirling down from Sarn Gebir against a low pier of rock that jutted out some way into the stream. Beyond it the shore rose sheer into a grey cliff, and there was no further passage for those on foot. Already the short afternoon was past, and a dim cloudy dusk was closing in. Sitting beside the water, they listened to the confused rush and roar of the Rapids hidden in the mist; they were tired and sleepy, and their hearts were as gloomy as the dying day at the thought of spending there another night, even if it seemed inevitable, given the general fatigue. Luckily, nothing worse than a brief drizzle of rain an hour before dawn happened, and as soon as it was fully light and the fog was thinning, they started. Keeping as close as they could to the western side, they saw the dim shapes of the low cliffs rising ever higher, shadowy walls with their feet in the hurrying river. In the mid-morning the clouds drew down lower, and it began to rain heavily, forcing them to drew the skin-covers over their boats to prevent them from being flooded and drifted on; little could be seen before or about them through the grey falling curtains but it didn’t last long, the sky above growing lighter and suddenly opening, dismissing fogs and mists too. Before the travellers lay a wide ravine, with great rocky sides to which clung, upon shelves and in narrow crevices, a few trees; as they sped along with little hope of stopping or turning, whatever might meet ahead, Elva peered forward, seeing in the distance two great rocks approaching. Like pinnacles or pillars of stone they stood, tall, sheer and ominous, creating a narrow gap among which the boats could only pass one by one. They were the Argonath, the Pillars of the Kings, vast grey figures silent but threatening, shaped and fashioned as two great kings of stone with blurred eyes and crannied brows frowning upon the North. The left hand of each was raised palm outwards in gesture of warning, while in each right hand there was an axe and upon each head there was a crumbling helm and crown. Great power and majesty they still wore, the silent wardens of a long-vanished Kingdom, instilling awe and fear in the Fellowship travelling in boats frail and fleeting as little leaves, under the enduring shadow of the sentinels of Numenor. Passing into the dark chasm of the Gates, sheer rose the dreadful cliffs on either side, while the black waters roared and echoed, and a wind screamed over them. What a horrible place it was, but it must’ve been even worse for Aragorn, a king in exile who was finally returning to his land only to see it filled with the noise of wind, rushing water and echoing stone.

[masterthespianduchovny]

Tbh, I believe some of the reaction to Steve’s ending is an overreaction and, mostly, nothing to do with Steve or the point they are defending. I want to stress that I am saying some before people mistake that as well. And if you disagree, that’s fine.

1. In MY experience, because I’m not going to pretend ive read most takes on Endgame or read every crevice, people only talk about the timeline being ruined when it came to what Steve did and NOT how other timelines were meddled with. Someone could argue that Steve intentionally meddled, but according to the rules of time travel, intentionality doesn’t matter.

Who knows the unforeseen consequences behind knocking out Tony’s reactor. Who knows what happens with old cap after encountering endgame cap and not only fighting him, but hearing the name “Bucky?” Who knows the consequences of thanos and quo being transported 9 years into the future. Or what about the lady that spots Steve and Tony? And how Tony conversed with his dad.

We’re told or it’s implied that any interference can have devastating consequences, yet only Steve’s last decision is obsessively discussed.

2. Peggy’s agency allegedly being undermined. Sure, people could argue by the sheer virtue of going back in time and talking to her he’s undermined her agency, but we don’t even know how their original discussion went. We do not know what went down and people are robbing Peggy of her agency by essentially stating that Peggy had no choice in the matter.

Are we forgetting how intelligent Peggy is? That Peggy potentially asked Steve how was any of “this” even possible and the implication of his actions. And if it come off as condescending or patronizing, I apologize, but imho, it appears that some people, generally speaking, believe that because they dislike something that’s the same as it being bad. Other than, they just dislike what was given to us.

But, how does this undermine Peggy’s arc or rob her of her agency? How? I think some people want it to mean that her arc was undermined to prove Steve shouldn’t have went back to the past. And do people actually care about Peggy’s unnamed husband whose face we never see? Do they really care about her kids?

3. Bucky. People often cite the end of the line remark, but honestly, I think that’s being seen through a shipper lens. Steve and Bucky will clearly fight for each other to make sure the other is safe when they’re in present danger and will advocate for each other if necessary, but they’ve never been joined at the hip.

These are two people who are close who not only regularly acted independent of each other pre serum, was fine going long stretches without being around each other. I’m not even sure if they wrote each other letters. But, they most defintely love and care for each other.

So, pre serum Steve and Bucky are close, but aren’t around each other all of the time. They are fine going long stretches of time without communicating. And, even when reunited after Steve stormed the base solo, they still largely do their own thing. But, even back then, they’d die for each other.

When we get to winter soldier, Bucky’s death was still fresh for Steve. It’s only been a “few” years for him. He still feel responsible for not being able to save Bucky. But, not only that, Bucky was experimented on, was brainwashed, and a POW of Hydra’s—not only is Steve going to take that personally, he wasn’t going to give up on hydra even if it killed him.

Post destroying the helicarriers, Steve wants to look for Bucky after the film concludes to make sure Bucky is safe and has everything he needs.

In civil war, Steve’s mission goes from checking in on buckys well being to making sure Bucky isn’t murdered for something he was forced to do. When Bucky was originally arrested unharmed, Steve was fine. He’s not obsessing over Bucky. Then, when Bucky is brainwashed again, Steve refuses to leave Bucky to his own devices.

After civil war, Steve drops Bucky off in Wakanda and doesn’t think twice about it. Bucky is safe and has the proper resources to heal. They spend two more years apart; they largely haven’t spent any significant time together since Bucky regained his memory. Steve might have called Bucky via T’Challa.

And, just to be clear, I’m not arguing against stucky, it’s not my ship, but people can ship whatever they like, it’s the fact that we’re consistently shown that Steve and Bucky aren’t dependent on each other. That their lives and decisions do not revolve around one another. The idea that Bucky needs Steve or that Steve is abandoning Bucky is absurd.

4. Steve’s ending being a regression. People argue that Steve’s storyline is about moving on all while overlooking the fact that he consistently struggled with doing it.

In winter soldier, nat tries to get him to go on dates and Steve points out that is hard because the lack of shared experience. He clings to both Peggy and Bucky in different ways. They are both living, breathing pieces of his past that he was “taken” from.

Instead of having Sharon kiss him and this go no where (because it was poorly developed), they should’ve had Steve reflect on what Peggy’s death mean to him personally and moving on with his life. I guess her death and the kiss was supposed to signify that, but we don’t actually explore the character. We don’t allow him to sit with it. These things are done to shortcut the storytelling without actually exploring it in the world. But, Steve doesn’t talk about moving or and none of his actions support this in the overall story. Again, what we do see is for the benefit of the viewer and not Steve.

But, the biggest thing is: why do people conveniently ignore that what happened in infinity wars could lead to a huge regression? People talk about how Steve was “moving on”, but ignore the five year hell of post snap and him admitting that they “the avengers” couldn’t move on. That their failure would leak into other parts of his life as well and make him reconsider things?

5. Found family. It’s quite clear that the avengers, most of them, largely do not hang out together. They aren’t around each other unless they’re saving the world. Steve did not abandon his family or the avengers. They got along, but they all lived their own lives. And, it’s quite self centered to think you can’t ever leave a group because they can’t function without you. There were more avengers apart of the team then when Steve originally joined, some are powerful than he is and others have shown that they are just as capable leaders as he was or can grow into the role like he did.

But, the idea that Steve “abandoned” the avengers when they needed him most is absurd. His job was to prevent and protect NOT rebuild society. In infinity wars, he fathered the avengers. When the snap happened, he stayed and fought whatever threats popped up, but also ran a support group. Steve stuck through the worst of it. Steve didn’t give up on anyone despite being mentally exhausted. He unselfishly supported humanity as much as he could during that time.

Most of these criticisms ignore that Steve was always sacrificing and living for others. He was always a soldier first. And part of the reason he was so dedicated was because he couldn’t move on.

Many of these criticisms are so spiteful and most of them aren’t even because these fans care about Steve. They care about a found family that doesn’t exist. They care about a ship or ships that are now sunk. Some are upset that Steve lived and Tony died. But, many of them aren’t actually about Steve.

Nat doesn’t get shit for being willing to run away to be with Bruce in age of ultron. Tony doesn’t get shit for abandoning the avengers for five years because they “didn’t listen to him.” Others are allowed to make selfish decisions and put themselves first, but when Steve does it “what about found family??? What about the avengers???”

Almost everyone gets to live their lives MINUS Steve. Clint retired. Tony considered retiring before civil war. Like, minus going to the past and staying there, almost every criticism thrown at Steve can be found in another avenger who received little to no criticism in comparison.

Lastly, I’d also argue that Steve’s selfishness IS a sign of growth. People are allowed to be selfish at times. People are allowed to put themselves first.

At the time, it was important for Steve to move on because he couldn’t change the past. He had to live in the here and now.

But, then an opportunity was presented to him.

“I can go back.”

Steve living in the present was coping. He barely lived his life for himself.

People don’t have to like the ending and the time travel stuff doesn’t make sense from any perspective, but most of these angry takes aren’t about Steve at all.

[luna--reading]

[PICK A CARD] DOES HE LIKE ME OR NAH?

Hello lovelies~ ♡

This is a pick a card reading for “Does he like me or nah?”. This is a timeless reading, you are meant to see it right now. Please do find peace if it doesn’t resonate with you~

So take a few minutes to mediate on these 4 piles:

Pile 1 – 4 (from left to right)

Once you’re ready, just scroll below to find the reading that you have chosen!

You can always leave a comment or simply like the post if it resonates with you, thank you so much~ ♡♡♡

Pile 1:

Tarot: King of Wands, Page of Cups, King of Swords, The High Priestess, 7 of Wands

Oracles: Romantic Feelings – Your feelings are real and worth exploring. / LOVE / COURAGE / Treasure Island (9) / All That Glitters (16)

Okay to start off, this person on your mind does have romantic feelings for you. This is evident from the oracle cards Romantic Feelings as well as Love. I feel a very strong sense of passion from this person to you as well. With the High Priestess, I’m getting that you might already get this feeling and you’re clicking on this reading for more confirmation – so I’m here to give you that confirmation that yes, the person on your mind does have feelings for you.

But if you are not here for confirmation, then with the High Priestess, there is also this feeling of being secretive. This person might have been vey secretive in hiding his feelings towards you. Together with the King of Swords, I see logic taking over as compared to emotions. This person is someone who does not believe in love at first sight, his logic weighs heavily against his emotions and maybe this is why you tune into this reading because it might get confusing for you. Because on one hand, with the King of Wands, I see passion and enthusiasm towards you but on the other hand, sometimes, it seems as if he is holding back a lot of his emotions.

He sees you as someone who is almost like a treasure to him, someone that really stands out from the crowd and I just feel like his emotions are very strong towards you. The energy is almost as if they feel like you are too good to be true or that you might not feel the same way about them because they just aren’t as good as you are. He holds you in very high regard, darling, because with the Page of Cups, he feels like his cup of offer of love is just too small to something that he knows you are worthy of.

With the 7 of wands, I see him fighting hard against these insecurities of him. And in fact, I see him plucking the courage to take this connection into a higher level. He knows that this is a connection that he really wants and he is willing to fight for this connection. In fact, I see the possibility of the both of you fighting and defending for this connection because both of you know that the other party is worthy of you protecting this connection.

Pile 2:

Tarot: 2 of Cups, Death (Rebirth) [Judgement, Justice, Ace of Pentacles], 7 of Pentacles, Page of Cups, 3 of Cups, 9 of Cups

Oracles: Past-Life Relationship – You have known each other before. / NEW BEGINNINGS / PATIENCE / COMMUNITY / No Place Like Home (50) / To The Sea (7)

To start off, with the Past-Life Relationship as well as the 2 of Cups, I’m getting very strong sense of some kind of soulmate energy (or twin flame, whatever definition you have for it). I’m not exactly getting it as some kind of ex, but I’m getting this sense of someone that you probably know in your past life and have very strong soul ties with this person, if you believe in this saying.

But let’s carry on, with the strong Cups energy, I feel like this person has feelings for you. They do, their emotions for you are running high, to be honest. I see that he sees you as someone who clicks in very well with him, it’s like both of you make very good friends and lovers (if this is brought to a higher level of commitment) at the same time. He is someone who has big dreams about love and relationship with the Nine of Cups – he yearns for this wish fulfilment in his relationships.

But right now, maybe things are a bit stagnant, which is probably why you are currently feeling a little confused at how things are being progressed right now. With the Death card, as well as the butterflies’ imagery on the Community card, I see a major transformation that is occurring in this person right now, which is probably bringing this whole situation into a standstill.

This transformation could be his mindset in how he sees relationship. For some of you, I feel that there has been some experience in his past relationships that make him rethink and re-evaluate the way and his mindset in dealing with relationships. I see that he sees you as someone that is capable of going long-term with him, and maybe in the past, he has never once thought of being in a long-term committed relationship. But upon meeting you, upon interacting with you, he sees it as a possibility. For others, there might be a past energy (possibly an ex, or just someone from the past) returning and he is now trying to “settle” it, clean up those energies, so that he is capable of bringing back that balance between the both of you. He sees you as someone who doesn’t tolerate nonsense, really, you are probably someone who is very clear on your own boundaries, and you would definitely not tolerate any lingering feelings or even slight interaction with exes or past energies. So, as he ends these negative energies, he is attempting to bring back the balance so that he can make that offer to you – this offer, I do see a long-term commitment growing. It’s going to be a start of a solid foundation in this connection.

So darling, I understand that you might feel frustrated, things seem to be progressing but now things just come to a standstill and you are confused at why is this happening. Understand that he sees you as someone that he is comfortable with, he can be at home with and that really changes him. It’s a major transformation, I have to say, that high level of emotions and even love for you has changed him and he wants to change himself for the better because he knows that you are worthy of it and you deserve this better version of him. Have patience with him and in this connection and trust that new beginnings are on its way. He does have feelings for you, but he needs time to get his life sorted out before he can start this new journey with you.

Pile 3:

Tarot: The Star, 6 of Cups, The World [Queen of Wands, 5 of Swords, The High Priestess], Ace of Pentacles, Strength

Oracles: Trust – This situation is calling you to have faith. / VOYAGE / POTENTIAL / Tick-Tock (30) / Orphaned (5) / A Leg Up (34)

Okay, I was very confused at the start of this reading to be honest, because on one hand, it seems like he does have feelings for you and that he sees a potential in this connection but then on the other hand, I am getting a very strong vibe of wanting freedom.

So let’s first talk about this person, with The World as well as Voyage, I see him as someone who loves to travel. He likes to go places to places, and it’s kind of like he would have travelling plans almost every year, that kind of love for travel. I see him as someone who craves for freedom as well with the Queen of Wands, he loves the feeling of being free, not being trapped or stuck in one place and just simply having fun by himself. At the same time, I see him as someone who is very independent, like it’s almost as if shouting out to me that he is okay being all by himself, being the bachelor that he is currently right now, with nothing much to worry about and even more not being worried of being tied down by a committed relationship.

In fact, I see him being very confused about his own feelings towards you as well with the 5 of Swords as well as The High Priestess, and this kinds of draws me back to the question, I feel like yes he does have feelings for you, and these feelings might even be deeper than you can imagine. As previously mentioned, he is someone who really places great emphasis on his freedom, someone who might have flings here and there, but just won’t be so keen on settling down. But when you came into the picture, it caused a great conflict for him, he senses this great potential to start a relationship with you and in fact, with the Strength card, he is actually holding back a lot of feelings for you.

He sees you as The Star, someone who brought in renewed hope and light into his life, someone who gave him great possibility in believing in love again. And I do see him as someone who might have gone through rough times in his past relationships (romantic or even family) which could have led to this possible wanting to be free and not wanting to settle down kind of personality. He sees you as someone who is brighten up his life upon entering it, which is way, he is probably currently confused as well. He yearns for independence but he sees being in a committed relationship with you. He yearns for freedom but he sees himself starting something long term with you. It’s kind of like there is this strong pull towards you especially with the 6 of Cups, coming up together with The Star, it’s almost as if you are the one for him.

I feel like currently, you are asked to have faith in this situation. Tuning into this reading I’m assuming that you do have feelings for him as well and you are confused about things, but I just want to say, he is currently confused as well. He doesn’t know what he really wants or what he should do next. Is he willing to give up his freedom and independence for you? But I do see that in time to come, things will be changing and you will get the answer soon enough. So darling, yes he does have feelings for you but whether or not, he will truly go within himself to find the answers to his feelings for you is up to him entirely.

Pile 4:

Tarot: 10 of Cups, 10 of Swords [The Fool, 8 of Wands, King of Wands, Page of Swords, The moon, Queen of Wands], The Lovers, Queen of Swords, 2 of Cups

Oracles: Engagement – Your love life is ascending to a higher level of commitment. / COMMUNITY / FULFILLMENT / FREEDOM / No Place Like Home (50) / Loyal Heart (35)

Okay to be honest, I’m seeing this as like you guys already being in a relationship or somewhat a committed situation. So, if you are not, maybe this pile won’t resonate with you and you can click off to pick another pile! But if you are interested in knowing more, you can just see what resonates and take it, and leave those that doesn’t in peace!

So, moving on, with the 10 of Cups, The Lovers, 2 of Cups, Loyal Heart, King of Wands + Queen of Wands, it’s really shouting out to me that you guys are really in a relationship or that at least the feelings are mutual and it’s of equal levels. Especially with the King of Wands and the Queen of Wands, you guys have very strong mutual attraction and passion for one another.

Okay but with the 10 of Swords, I see things that are worrying you. I’m not seeing a betrayal or anything but I just see a lot of worries in you, in this relationship. Even though it’s not the 9 of Swords, but I get that energy, that vibe to be honest, I’m seeing you losing sleep over something. This can be something small but it’s major in your eyes, you are worrying and being panicky about this particular situation.

Now, what is interesting is The Moon card here, I see that there are fears within this relationship. There are fears or just things that are not being stated clearly or seen clearly and it’s creating this spiralling effect of like you losing sleep over this particular situation. One such situation that I see is that maybe he is this Fool energy whereby he tends to “disappear” halfway through text messages or through the day and you just cannot find him. The Fool is a rather immature energy and that he does value his freedom in any kinds of relationships, he doesn’t want to be tied down too tightly and that there is this reckless feeling. In a way or so, maybe this relationship progressed too quickly, and now you are starting to wonder if it will continue on because things that started off too quickly ends quickly as well, right? Well, in a way, yes but honestly, with the number of Cups energy as well as Wands energy, I see an equal level in terms of love and passion. Yes, maybe this whole relationship did start off as something passionate, as something more to the attraction end, but I feel like he does have very strong feelings for you and that this is something that gives him the fulfilment that he yearns for in any relationships (especially if he really does embodies The Fool energy).

Or another situation could be that you are afraid that there is someone hidden behind the scenes. With the Page of Swords and the Queen of Wands, I see that you might be fearing that there is someone younger than you, more intellectual than you in the situation. Someone that you feel like is there but you just cannot seem to “see” her. Now, I’m not saying that you are delusional or anything but it just feels like maybe things have progressed too smoothly for you and advanced too quickly for you that you are feeling that sense of uneasiness within you. Maybe there is really such a person but this person might just turn out to be a friend or a colleague. So I see that with the Queen of Swords, especially, you are asked to speak the truth. Communicate clearly with your partner and speak of these fears that you have because I really do see your partner caring for you. They have very strong feelings for you and I just see you guys being so comfortable with each other already that maybe sometimes, you might neglect the other party because you just feel like “she will understand” or “he doesn’t need to know because I know he doesn’t mind”. But really, communication is key in every relationship and this is something that you have to get your mind off.

So darling, I do see that he has feelings for you, strong feelings in fact but it is only right to keep up the communication with one another and not let this relationship go down to waste because of miscommunication.

[shadowluverworks]

Remissionem - Chapter 1

Finally getting to post this! If you guys would rather read it on archive, fanfiction, deviantart, or inkbunny, you can find it under the username: Shadowluver1242

Special thanks to @galoots for reading through and editing this! Read the story below.

The Wound A Word Opens

           Scrooge McDuck: the richest duck in the world. He has more money than one could ever dream of, and he made it square. On top of being a businessman, the duck’s a world-renowned explorer. Solving mysteries and rewriting history is his pastime, and his family shares in the love of adventure...that is, all but one. Donald Duck is not as graceful as his uncle, not as smart as his twin, and much more prone to getting hurt than having fun. After losing Della to the call of the great unknown, his view of the “family business” soured even more. However, his three nephews, Della’s kids, have shown the same passion their mother and great uncle shared. After many deliberations with himself, he finally conceded in allowing the triplets to accompany the entrepreneur in his travels.

           There were, of course, strict rules to follow. Donald doesn’t just give the responsibility of his nephews’ lives to anyone. Even with his inhibitions, he relinquished his family to Scrooge McDuck. Heaven help the old miser if something were to happen to those three. Donald had already lost one family member too many, and he’s determined not to lose another.

           The sailor had made a personal vow of no more adventuring. Those days were long gone for him. He had never felt as much of a rush and received such enjoyment out of it as his kin did, which is why he’s currently relaxing on the hammock of his house boat. His family has another journey planned for today, but rather than worry about them returning safely, as he usually does, he attempts to keep his mind at bay with a nap. But fate never seems to be on Donald’s side, and at a loud shout of his name, he’s awakened by the thwack of his face meeting the boat’s wooden floor.

With a groan, he rubs his head as his eyes open sleepily. In front of his beak are spat-clad feet, and he doesn’t need to guess twice to know who’s interrupted his beauty sleep, “Scrooge?” He sits up with a scowl. He should ask why the old duck is on his boat, but then again, his boat is in Scrooge’s pool. Feeling rather agitated at the rude awakening, his mood is more combative than normal, “What do you want?!”

The Scottish duck pushes away the slight pain in his chest at the absence of ‘Uncle’ before his name. That’s been increasing in regularity ever since the events of the Sunchaser. Maybe his nephew had only been referring to him as that in front of his great nephews all this time? After his reputation had been dirtied in their eyes, Donald has been more frequently dropping the ‘Uncle’ and simply calling him ‘Scrooge’. He despises that.

But that’s not what he’s here for. Ever since the Shadow War and nearly losing his family for good, he’s been trying to rekindle the relationship long lost between him and his nephew. It’s been a rocky road at best, and the two of them have been known to lose their tempers at a drop of a hat. So today he chooses to keep the smile on his beak as he addresses the duck kneeling before him, “Came teh invite ye. Teh kids ‘n ah thought it might be fun teh have a sort of...” he waves a hand around, trying to come up with the words, “...family adventure.”

He can feel his fight or flight instinct kicking in. Scrooge is skilled at many things in life, talking to his own kin, however, was a skill he did not possess. Part of him wants to run and pretend he never asked while the other is still hopeful his nephew will accept his offer. Though the rather confused look that comes over Donald’s face as he stands up does nothing to soothe the old duck.

The sailor crosses his arms in front of his chest, “You know I don’t adventure anymore.” He looks his uncle up and down. The old man is good at hiding his feelings, but Donald has known him for years.

Scrooge was obviously nervous, “A-Ah knoo, but, well it’s just been a long time since ye’ve gone ‘n...ah jus-”

Donald holds up a hand to stop him, “I don’t adventure anymore because someone always gets hurt.”

His uncle blinks as he turns away to walk out onto the deck of his houseboat. He’s not surprised when he’s followed, “Thas’ nae troo! We’ve bin on several trips now ‘n everyone always comes back in one piece!”

Donald leans over the railing and looks over his shoulder at the other, “In one piece, yes, but I have to take care of the bumps and bruises!”

Dark turquoise eyes flick away at that. Sure, there are small injuries here and there, but no one had lost a limb or worse! You can’t live if you’re afraid to get hurt! In the past, Donald had been the one to sustain most of the injuries, and perhaps that is where the insecurities are coming from now. But the boys are skilled where their uncle is not. They take after their mother and himself. But then even Della had...

Scrooge frowns at the duck across him, “Thas’ part a teh fun! A bruise ‘r a scar lef’ behind tae remind ye of teh adventure when ye got it! Ye’ve got tae make memories while ye can, lad! Besides, those wee boys are much more capable than yer givin’ them credit fer.”

Donald’s eyes narrow and he straightens, glaring at the other, “I know they’re capable, why do you think I let them go with you?!” He can’t protect them from everything, they would never live!

His uncle’s brows furrow, bringing a hand to his chest, “Donald, ah knoo ye worry fer them, but ye can-” Scrooge cuts himself off, his eyes lower to the boat floor. He can’t finish that sentence because it’s not true.

But his nephew knew what he was about to say, and it only seems to stoke the sailor’s internal furnace, “I can what? Trust you?! I think you’ve made it very apparent that I can’t!” Scrooge’s eyes lift to glare at his kin. His instinct is to defend himself, but he keeps his beak shut for once, jaw clenching.

Donald continues in his fit, “The only reason I let the boys go adventuring with you is so they can get it out of their systems. So that maybe they’ll grow bored of it while they’re still young and can move on with their lives before something terrible happens! I know they’re already better at it than I was because they still actually want to go. They’re only ten years old, but I trust them and their decisions in this! Do you know how sad it is that I trust children more than I trust the adult in charge of them?!”

For a long time, Scrooge knew how Donald felt deep down, but hearing it so blatantly out of the young lad he raised, that all faith in him was lost, it stings. Like many times before, Scrooge abandons any hurt feelings in exchange for anger. His teeth grit as he takes a step forward, “At least when teh boys are with me, a successful businessman, they might learn a thing er two on how tae supply fer themselves once day instead a livin’ on a boat in their uncle’s swimmin’ pool and moochin’ off his hard-earned wages!” He wanted to take that back as soon as he said it. He knows more than anyone that even if Donald was lazy in nature, the duck had tried everything to hold on to a job to support his family. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, he would take any job if it meant providing a safe environment for the boys to grow up in.

Scrooge’s outburst was out of line, but he can’t take it back. Especially not with the hurt expression that quickly flashes across his nephew’s face. Though it’s instantly hid behind anger once again, as their family is known to do. Donald’s fists shake at his side, but he doesn’t blow his top. Instead his voice lowers to a mock calm, “Really? Alright. Why don’t I just see how much they’re learning, then?” With that, he gives his uncle a shoulder shove out of his way and marches off the boat, shouting, “I’ll get Launchpad to move the boat back to the marina after!” over his shoulder. The old coot wanted a family trip? He’ll get a family trip.

As the sailor enters the mansion to most likely cut through and get to the front yard where Launchpad and the children were waiting, the rich avian allows his face to fall in shame. This is not the way to repair the bond with his kin and he knows it. He hadn’t meant a word he said; Scrooge didn’t want Donald to leave, quite the opposite actually. He scolds himself for letting his anger once again take control of his tongue. This adventure is no longer sounding as fun as it did a few minutes ago.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           Donald mostly ignores what exactly the treasure they’re after is. Most likely something gold and cursed if he knows his uncle. It had been several hours since their argument this morning and they both had time to cool down, but neither made a move to apologize. They mostly avoided one another.

The Duck’s and McDuck’s are good at arguing, not so much at having heart to hearts; a trait that Donald has attempted to break in his nephews. From a young age he made sure to talk out any disagreements with the boys, whether between they and him, or among the triplets themselves. Kids can hold onto grudges, but Huey, Dewey, and Louie had always been inspiring at resolving their fights before it ruined any relationships.

           Scrooge had not been raised that way. He had, in a sense, raised himself since the age of 13, and, knowing nothing about being a parent, had raised Donald and Della from a young age as well. Della had always been better at talking about her feelings, but it wasn’t the same for Donald, at least not with his uncle. He’s learned a lot raising her sons, but the way the relationship was severed between his uncle and he is something not easily mended.

Donald sighs, his glance once again settles on the old duck. They had pushed their anger away for the children, not wanting to bring any negative feelings to the adventure. Webby and the triplets crowd around Scrooge’s seat next to Launchpad in the cockpit of the Sunchaser. He’s explaining the history of the location and what they’ll be looking for, but the sailor isn’t listening. His mind is years away in the distant past when he and his twin had the same wide and excited eyes the ducklings now have. Where had the time gone?

When they arrive several hours later at the ancient Mayan Ruins in Central America, the crew managing to escape a water landing by a feather’s length, his uncle takes the lead through the deep jungle while he brings up the rear himself, leaving Launchpad and the plane behind. They have yet to truly enter the temple ahead, but small native structures could be seen rising and falling through the thicket. The trees above them grow together so close in their canopy, only small rivers of light can be seen cascading through the leaves and lighting the world around them.

The dirt path they’ve taken eventually turns to a stone one. So battered is the path, that the stepping-stones are often broken or missing in places. Small green flora has managed to take root, and they rise up a few inches out of the small cracks of earth the pathway gives way to.

The group hikes for a few miles before the trail leads them to a small mountain, or rather large hill depending on how you look at it, gradually rising them higher out of the undergrowth. Huey occupies himself with identifying different plants, animals, and insects they pass along the way, while also keeping a sharp eye out for any poisonous ones. Webby next to him is jabbering about the native culture and history of the ruins around them.

Louie trails behind, just in front of Donald. He wipes the sweat off his brow as his bangs cling to his face; he should have packed a t-shirt. The humidity is suffocating, as if you can take a handful of the air itself, and the heat draining. You can practically feel yourself becoming dehydrated. He doesn’t know how the others can manage so well.

Dewey stays closely behind his great uncle, wanting more than anything to swing through the trees on vines and cut his way through the vegetation. Scrooge had strictly advised against such acts however, insisting he would lead the way on this expedition, and that everyone was to stay behind him. The kids have noticed his behavior is a bit off today, but don’t bring it up.

           The old duck grits his teeth. Curse the arthritis in his hips. The pain in his legs had started this morning after his and Donald’s argument, and had seemed to only get worse the farther he traveled. He’d hoped moving would bring some relief, however it only increases the closer they get to the temple. It was almost as if his experienced body is giving him a warning. But that’s ridiculous; surely, it’s just one of the many days when his age is making itself known to him. Nevertheless, he’s being extra cautious today just to be safe, especially with his nephew keeping a close eye on him.

He’s sure he’s slowing the group down with his sluggish pace. He hates the fact his cane is proving to be more and more necessary. Most days he has no symptoms whatsoever, and finds little use for it, but then there are days like today when he doesn’t know if he can remain upright without the extra support. Scrooge shakes his head to focus on the task at hand; he can’t let himself be distracted, that’s when someone can get hurt, and that’s not going to happen today.

The group has reached a rather open area, making him take pause. To their right, more jungle reaching up and over their heads as the hill continues upward. To their left, an unnaturally clear view from the trees that shows how high they’ve already climbed. A gravel-like hillside drops abruptly to jungle nearly a hundred feet below. Off in the distance you can barely make out the bright light of the sun reflecting off the metal wings of the Sunchaser in a small clearing near the lake. More jungle filled mountains continue for as far as the eye can see.

Ahead of them, the path leads to a stone door with a rather threatening face carved into it, a trademark symbol of the natives that used to inhabit this land. The door is attached to the beginnings of the temple; however, hundreds of years have made the living forest become one with it, and most of the structure is covered under vegetation. It looks as if it was built into the mountain itself. The entrance lays about a hundred yards yet ahead of them. The senior duck’s eyes narrow; something isn’t right. Everything is too perfectly cleared away.

           Donald hasn’t been watching exactly where he’s walking. The sounds of the forest have distracted and brought him back to adventures of old he’d shared with his family. Looking to his right, his attention is further distracted by a blue morpho fluttering about before silently landing on a native flower blooming on one of the many trees. He hasn’t noticed his uncle and the kids pause at the clearing, that is until he collides with his elder.

The old duck is pushed a few feet ahead and nearly collapses with a wince when the stone he steps on suddenly lowers underneath his weight. The switch seems to have activated a centuries’ old booby trap, as massive boulders are swiftly released up in the hillside to their right and swing on their ropes tied to the tree tops above them. Four stones in total, each twice the height of Scrooge, sweep along the path in front of them, swinging back and forth and threatening to push them over the edge.

           The experienced avian sends a glare behind him, hands on his knees as the sudden movement sent a wave of pain through his body. A pink flush blooms across the younger duck’s face as he gives a grin and a shrug accompanied by a small giggle in embarrassment.

Louie rolls his eyes, “Great! Now what?”

His older brother garbed in blue smiles at him, “Aw, come on! It’s not so bad! We’ve had worse death traps than this!” As if to prove his point, he runs ahead of the group towards the first swinging rock. Pausing to watch its movements, he waits until it just passes in front of him before running quickly to the next safe spot between the first and second boulders. He turns around to his family with a triumphant grin, “See? Not so hard!”

           The other three children and their elder move to follow him, leaving his uncle behind. Donald takes a few steps forward to where Scrooge stood but a moment before, watching his family wait for the rock to swing ahead of them. He holds his breath to keep himself from yelling out as his anxieties surface.

Now that he was focused enough to observe the awkward landscape before him, the layout makes sense as the death trap revealed itself. The boulders are supposed to crush any potential robbers and send them flying through the sudden break in the tree line down to their demises on the jungle floor, or at least that’s the idea. Donald can only picture tiny duck bodies soaring through that very air and meeting an unfortunate ending, but his family runs past the stone, and quickly joins Dewey on the other side. He releases the air in relief. This is why he doesn’t go on these trips, they are far too stressful for him now with the children along.

           As he attempts to calm his racing heart before his family goes to the next stone, a distinct snapping makes him whip his head up to the jungle hillside next him. It sounds as if young saplings are breaking. The sound catches his uncle’s attention as well, making him pause as the kids continue onward. Scrooge’s fingers grip tightly to the cane he leans on, the pain has come to an all-time high; something is definitely wrong. Donald’s eyes widen as his body is rapidly dwarfed in comparison to the fifth massive boulder hurdling down the hillside towards him. The overgrown jungle must have temporarily kept the stone at bay before crumbling under the weight.

           Time seems to slow down, and yet it all happens too quick for anyone to process. Instead of feeling the rough surface of the boulder making contact with his face, Donald feels two distinct hands push his limp body a good five feet away. The duck grunts as he bounces and slides across the rough surface before quickly turning his head back. He stares unblinkingly as a nauseating thud enters his ears, a body flying lifelessly through the air to his left and down to the hillside. Rocks slide along with the figure as it rolls along the rock face before falling down the drop-off into the trees, snapping branches and vines under its weight. Birds flee the scene up into the sky and other wildlife run to hide from the sudden noise before the form finally lands on the ground out of all their view.

           Then all is quiet. The branches shake back and forth, before stilling once again. The forgotten fifth stone swings unaffected, as if it didn’t happen. Donald makes eye contact with his family ahead who stare in equal horror back at him. It feels like hours pass as they process what had just happened, all staring back at each other as the once life filled jungle is dead silent. Finally, it seems to hit them all at once, as they stare in the direction the body flew before crying out in shock, “SCROOGE!”

~~~~~~~~~~

           Donald never remembers running so fast. After the kids made it safely past the swinging boulders, the five of them run down the hillside as quick as their legs can carry them. Huey’s shaking voice tries to determine if someone can survive such an ordeal. Louie’s sobbing, repeatedly screaming, “He’s dead, he’s dead!” Dewey remains silent as the scene replays in his head over and over, tears stinging at his eyes.

Webby is the only one who seems to keep it together as she makes the group stop on the path to catch their breath; they’re all hyperventilating. She grabs Louie by the shoulders and gives him a good shake, “Louie! He’s not dead! We’re gonna find him and we’re gonna get him home!” The boy sniffs in response but says no more.

Donald can see the girl trembling. He’s the adult, he’s supposed to be calming the children down and making a plan to help their uncle! But at the moment, he feels like he might vomit. The sound of Scrooge’s body crumpling under the weight of the boulder still stuck in his head. He no longer feels like an adult, he’s a scared child. He simply exists alongside the kids.

Webby forces Huey to stop his dead-end rambling and focus with a smack across the face. The red garbed boy seems a bit hurt by the action, but he pushes his feelings away for the time being, and determination enters his eyes. Together they track the trajectory to locate where their uncle’s body could have landed. Finally pinpointing the most probable location, the group runs once again. Leaving the path, they venture into the deep thicket. Dewey leads the group, moving branches and leaves nearly as big as him out of the way for his followers. He’s not sure what else he can do, he’s not as smart as his older brother and Webby. But he can at least clear a path for them. It’s a while before anyone says anything, the only sounds to be heard are the twigs breaking under their webbed feet, and the still quiet sniffs of the youngest triplet.

They spot something up ahead. Donald feels himself run faster, ahead of his fellow ducklings. There’s a small clearing where broken branches lay scattered across the ground. One limb, still attached but hanging, swings back and forth melodically. The sun shines through a small break in the trees from its missing appendages down to the forest floor. All Donald can see is red.

A broken and crumpled body lays entangled with vines and branches. The family pauses in shock, taking in the scene before them. Their uncle’s body is motionless, his clothes in shreds. His top hat and spectacles landed relatively close together a few yards away in the tall undergrowth; his cane a few yards on the other side of him, hooked on a low branch. His feathers, once as white as freshly fallen snow, now a dirtied mix between brown and red. So much red. Donald’s heart sinks.

[dawnblxde]

[Kingdom Hearts 3 Review]

Welp I’ve finally done it, finally played and finished KH3! - After intentionally delaying doing so with my day one copy after finding out for some silly reason - it lacked multiple world visits for development sake and had no Final Fantasy characters - so I decided to finish the games I was in the middle of then replay the entire KH franchise, except the ones you could watch. Gonna leave my thoughts below. Just in case there are those out there still trying to avoid legit spoilers!

There were good and bad elements to this game.. Plenty of my experience that I enjoyed, but I believe more so that I didn’t - which made me want to pull out my hair. But I like my head shaved, so that wouldn’t work lol I liked the graphics, beautiful but I knew a PS3 could handle them as the quality of Woody in this game was the same as him in Toy Story 3 (2010 Video Game). Enjoyed the gameplay, though it felt like a flawed, floaty and broken version of Kingdom Heart’s 2 near perfect improvement of Kingdom Heart’s gameplay. A problem was the fact that in the first two main games, even when I was level 50-60′s - I always felt like I could DIE. It was always a fear during major combat moments. I had to concentrate so much just to be successful. Even if I tried to be a higher level then recommending through grinding. I never felt like that in KH3, every moment was such a cake walk. Even the final battle. Did they even try. Regardless, I had a good time with the gameplay and the visuals. But I wasn’t as drawn in as previous games. It did the game no favors and was a massive flaw, it lacking Final Fantasy characters. We should of been able to explore Radiant Garden or had other worlds relevant to FF characters. They were really important to Sora’s development as a Keyblade wielder. Cloud and Squall for sure. Sora wouldn’t be who he is if he hadn’t encountered and spoke to them. They’d of been useful in multiple sequences. We deserved the next part to Cloud’s issues with Sephiroth. That wasn’t resolved. See how Squall/Leon and the others reacted and dealt with what was going on at Radiant Garden. They’re capable of other world travel, seeing how they’d react to some of the new worlds would of been great as well. Nomura confirmed the only Noctis he’d put in KH was his Noctis. Versus XIII Noctis. And interest in doing so. Yet he wasn’t in the game, when as an Anti-Hero of both light and darkness would of been interesting. Seeing he’d take neither side. Also has important factors in common with Rapunzel and Elsa. Seeing them relating over this would of been nice. The lack off FF adds to factors that make KH3 be disappointing experience - along with an enjoyable one. One of the things that still makes KH2 the best. Was how awesome it was to watch the Final Fantasy characters and Disney characters team up in the battle of 1000 Heartless. One of the best aspects about the franchise is the concept of it being a FF x Disney - a Final Fantasy and Disney collaboration. Multiple visits were really needed. Some of the worlds were quite enjoyable and not frustrating. But they all have different percentages of feeling rushed and not fleshed out enough due to one visit. And some annoyingly treated Sora like he didn’t matter. Just acted like making you watch rushed unfinished version’s of the original Disney movies. Sora’s just there like. Oh look, it’s Sora over there! Hi Sora! You don’t matter here! Shouldn’t be like that. The Disney characters should be well blended into the Kingdom Hearts plot and Sora in the plot of the Disney world. The story made me feel emotional, I enjoyed all the Kingdom Hearts parts, even if I felt some of them were rushed or not written well. Tears did leave my eyes. I liked how Aqua didn’t actually give into Darkness, it was Ansem’s fault. I liked the reunion, final battle sequences and all the stuff leading up to it. My favorite parts to praise are the deaths of all Org 13 members, each made me feel emotional and I wanted to see those character’s again reborn. Not so much young Xeraxnort. But Ansem and Xemnas? Oh the feels there, they were strong. I clapped. I felt there could be more with Larxene in the game in general, including her end. Luxord’s! Clap, really want him to come back and play cards with Sora. Riku Replica’s was great too. Both Riku Replica’s. Marluxa’s.. Vanitas’s was disappointing. However, these great moments aren’t enough for me to forgive those disrespected by this game. The one’s from the worlds you could visit. I’ll get to the unforgivable bits last. Toy Story’s new story and world were great. I loved exploring that world and playing through it. The development was great. Only flaw was what they did with Buzz, he’s stronger character then they take him for. He wouldn’t lose himself to the Darkness. Otherwise, everything was great. Pretty sure it’s my favorite. Hercules’s world was the level of quality I expected! It was decent, I miss the goddamn tournament's, Phil’s voice - but I did love the exploration of his city and meeting his father! Shame no boss fight with Hades's, they’re great and fun! Twilight Town sucked! I liked seeing the gang again, Uncle Scrooge and little chef. But that doesn’t make up for the fact that more then half of Twilight Town is cut and it doesn’t look like the same place! I liked exploring the entire world, not just a portion of it. Monsters Inc’s sequel to the first film with that world experience was great! I had a blast! I always wanted to see Sully’s reunion with Boo! It wasn’t perfect, but I had a good time! Pirates of Caribbean felt like it changed things from it’s canon, but it was an emotional blast! Jack Sparrow scenes and Will scenes, it was just great! The Big Hero 6 world! Oh it was great! It was emotional to lost Baymax in the film, to get him back was great! Kinda sucked to not see the big brother come back, but they’re saving that version of events for the sequel. Two Baymax’s. The only thing I didn’t like was how the whole cast was shrunk. Best example being Honey should of been taller then Jack Sparrow’s model, but she wasn’t. These worlds could of really done with multiple visits. Even more so the three left, that were wronged and disrespected. Don’t try to praise/defend what was done to them, they deserved better. Winne the Pooh deserved better. I liked not having to collect Torn Pages, but even if you didn’t have to. In the previous games, The Winnie the Pooh worlds lasted about an hour or so doing all the activities, helping out all Pooh Bear’s friends - stuff like that. Then you have KH3′s version, which is less then 20 minutes, doing the same activity three times. That was awful. Pooh’s universe deserved better. We deserved better. This is a massive flaw. Can’t forgive this. I love Pooh Bear. Now, as someone who love’s Rapunzel, not fond of how they treated her world either. It was basically the movie with bits cut out and skipped. She hardly interacted with Kingdom Hearts lore, Sora hardly stuck around her. It was just like. Now and then, Sora’s there. Why were they so scared of showing Rapunzel kissing Flynn? There were so many moments Sora should of got to interact with? Where were the two bad guy twins? Rapunzel just generally deserved better in this game. Last but not least, Frozen. Probably the worst world in the game. Because you spend most of it just falling off mountains. They hardly let Sora interact with Elsa or Anna. Or left them get involved in Kingdom Hearts lore. Sora would of been able to relate well to Elsa if they let it happen. You can’t explore the palace, Han’s has no lines and you’re forced to listen to Let It Go again with Sora basically just there. Like hi Sora! All I liked was Snow guard getting more of a role. Don’t even get to explore the city. Just the snowy place. No real development, it’s like - what was the point? There really was none. Why did we go there? Why was Larxene there? Elsa and Anna deserved better then this. Also while not all Disney worlds could of returned in KH3, due to their stories being settled. A lot definitely could! Also, Kairi deserved better then pretty much being a plot device, hardly getting development at all just to go poof. And the idea that Sora’s sacrifice to get her back doesn’t lead to the priority of everyone to find and/or bring him back somehow instead of chilling. Just made the whole ending sequence an OOC moment for me.

Verdict! 

Kingdom Hearts 3 is a decent game and fun experience, but it’s also a flawed mess. Like handling in a English report that gets a low C and just barely hits the passing grade. It is not the worst in the franchise, but Kingdom Hearts 2 easily beats it and so does Kingdom Hearts, the original one. Funner to play then Dream Drop Distance, Chain Of Memories, Recoded and the Roxas focused game! But the rest defeat it! I have no interest in a new game plus, roleplay wise I intend to amend the flaws. The Disney worlds that were wronged will get justice. Add back Final Fantasy and the missing Disney worlds. Make it what it should of been! I had a good time, I really did. But once was enough. After finishing, it now shocks me that an amount of people I can count on just one of my hands tried to either tell me KH3 was good enough or superior to all the other games, even KH2. My assumption now is, they hadn’t recently played the other games before playing 3, were lost in Nostagla or something else was going on. Just how.. How could this possibly beat the two other main titles? The only thing superior is the more then three team mates tbh. xD

7/10

I really feel like I’m being generous here, but if I went lower then I’d think I was being too harsh. It’s not FFXV and Bound by Flame 5/10 quality, but it’s certainly not The Walking Dead (by Tellale) and The Last of Us 9/10 quality. So this will have to do. Nomura, I strongly advise you to look back at Kingdom Hearts 2 and what made it so great, before you work on your next main title. 

[talesfantastic]

Muse Introduction: Chaos (Final Fantasy VII)

History:

Gaea is not the first planet to host the Lifestream. First birthed as an endless cycle of energy and souls, it quickly gained a sense of sentience through the souls it was composed of, enough that it developed a self-preservation instinct. So it was that Omega WEAPON was born, to ultimately ferry it through the stars whenever a planet was exhausted and the Lifestream was ready to move on. But Omega was a vessel, the vehicle through which the Lifestream moved. The Lifestream needed a steward, another being to work alongside Omega, to prepare the Lifestream to be moved.

So it was that Chaos was born, the apocalypse, Omega’s Squire, the reaper of souls. Like Omega, his destiny was to slumber within the Planet until called upon to harvest all the remaining life on the Planet, to deliver the whole of the Lifestream to Omega so it could move on to a new planet. Like Omega, Chaos was one of the few souls that would not be reborn a blank slate - he would always be one of the first to gain form, and he would remember every lifecycle, to never forget his duty.

For countless cycles, Chaos alternated between long, dreamless sleep and periods of awakening when called to duty, only waking to walk the planet shortly towards when it reached its end. This changed when the Lifestream reached Gaea, and Jenova arrived. The massive death toll triggered Chaos’ awakening, only to be held back by the sheer will of the Cetra, the determination that this plague would not be the end of them. He walked the fringes, watching, waiting to be called, only for the Cetra to create a leash to hold him back - the Protomateria. So long as they possessed it, he was unable to act.

And so he waited. Watching as the Lifestream created more WEAPONs in defense, yet denied him his purpose.

The Cetra sealed Jenova away before they were needed - before he was needed - and he returned to slumber once more.

The next time he woke it was to suffocation and pain, his immense power restricted by mortal form that was never meant to house such strength. Confused and outraged, he lashed out only to find himself chained once more with the Cetra’s leash, the Protomateria fused into the mortal he was bound to, ensuring not only his imprisonment, but cutting him off from his power.

It took time for Chaos to settle enough to even begin to process who he had been bound to, a mortal - human, insult to injury - by the name of Vincent Valentine. Subdued by the Protomateria, Chaos could barely communicate beyond emotion - his outrage and frustration and fury - which bled over to Valentine and merely made him attempt to draw further away. Unknowingly, his will to suppress Chaos triggered the Protomateria, and the leash pulled tight.

To say Chaos resented his prison was an understatement, and his binding to Valentine bled over emotion to the point that he was far more volatile than he would have usually been. Despite having lived through hundreds of incarnations, he was suddenly, painfully aware of time’s passing, every moment a struggle for freedom.

Freedom was not gained until Valentine was persuaded to leave the physical prison, and even then it was only briefly. When Valentine was sufficiently weakened physically and agitated enough mentally, Chaos was able to emerge. But the Protomateria was activated by will, and even if Valentine was unaware of why, he was able to call Chaos to heel. And after decades of struggle between them, Valentine wasn’t at all inclined to hear him out when Chaos calmed down enough to realize they were both victims.

For a time he retreated, no longer pressing for freedom but trying to assess the world through his host’s eyes. To understand this new life he had been forced into. To try and figure out what he was supposed to do now, and wondering if his imprisonment meant he would truly be denied his purpose. After all, any one of the Powers could remove the Protomateria, or render it powerless. It was frustrating still, but he began to calm. To resign himself to his binding. And perhaps, though he would never admit it, grow reluctantly fond of these humans around his host. It wasn’t what he was made for, but he was almost at peace with it.

And then the humans tried to wake Omega.

It wasn’t a proper summoning, the Cetra didn’t want it, despite all that had happened and the grevious wounds to the Planet, they didn’t want to move on, not yet. But the pull was there, enough that Chaos stirred again, restless. By now, there was division enough between them that he was little more than a quiet voice in the back of his host’s mind - until Rosso removed the Protomateria, and the leash was broken.

He didn’t even have to fight for control, they were both immediately thrown off kilter from the imbalance instantly created by its removal. The Tsviets had no idea how to use it to control him, which meant the power imbalance began to have him taking over for short periods of time, but too disoriented from the sudden release to do anything but reflexively defend himself until Valentine took over once more.

When Omega summoned, there shouldn’t have been a choice. Chaos should have responded to the call, and done his duty, regardless that it was unnatural. But the Planet didn’t want it. Omega called - the Planet did not. The Powers did not.

And Chaos didn’t want it.

The realization was sudden and breathtaking - he didn’t want this world to end, not yet. Not when there was so much he didn’t know, so much he hadn’t seen or experienced. So when Valentine pulled him to fight it, to fight Omega, he did. And when the little Tsviet placed the Protomateria back in his chest, and the leash snapped back into place, he didn’t fight it.

And then it was over, and something he’d never expected happened. The sheer power that they had called on rended the binding.

For the first time in decades, Chaos was free. He returned to the Lifestream, separated from his host. But without Omega, he was also separated from his duty.

In time, he knew, the Planet would reforge Omega. The cycle would continue, and he would be tasked with his duty once again. In the meantime, however… he wasn’t so eager to go back to sleep. Curious about the world, and free to explore it on his own terms, Chaos remained in the physical plane. He had a lot to learn.

Description: Host Form

When Chaos takes full physical control of his host, he triggers a shift to a form that straddles a middle ground beneath them. There is a strong physical resemblance to his host, but the coloring has shifted to pale, blue-gray skin marked with lines around his face and luminous gold eyes. A ragged, wild red headdress flares up and mostly obscures his hair, and is echoed in his wings - red and ragged, and black on the backs. He wears a skin tight black bodysuit and assorted bits of armor.

Description: True Form

As a being that would normally not require a physical form, Chaos is capable of shapeshifting to whatever suits him best. His coloring remains a blue-tinged gray, with the same glowing gold eyes. His wings are massive, sharp limbs, no longer ragged at the edges and a deep, gleaming blue-black, and blend into his bodysuit. He wears a partial suit of armor, artful gold pieces covering his torso, shoulders, hips and thighs, in addition to boots and gauntlets. A tall, ornate gold helmet flares up like a crown, obscuring dark hair.

Description: Human Form

If, for some reason, Chaos is traveling the world and does not wish to be recognized for what he is, he shifts to a more human form, inspired by his former host. He stands at 6’3, broad shouldered but leanly muscled, with similarly pale skin and shoulder length black hair. His eyes are a bright, golden hazel. His clothing depends entirely on where he is, but he tends to either go ‘tailored and expensive’ or ‘relaxed with lots of pockets’ without any middle ground.

|| character tag || verses ||

[writingfromkitchenator]

Anything You Can Do

Based on this Imagine from @imaginexmarvel: Imagine being a female super soldier created at the same time as Bucky and Steve but not being discovered until after Steve thawed out.

At the moment, there’s no pairing, I haven’t quite decided who I feel it should go with, if anyone, but please feel free to throw in your opinions!

Words: 2345

There’s a bit of violence but nothing too bad, mostly just the reader kicking butt.

Request in the 700 Followers Challenge here!

As always, feedback is highly appreciated!

You were quickly put into hiding when Steve went under the ice and rumours spread of Buck being alive. You didn’t like it, but your superiors demanded otherwise, saying it could cause more problems if the world knew you existed too, they didn’t want you to have that exposure yet.

It was hard, you were used to being able to travel freely, to explore as you wanted, after all, you had full control of what you could do, despite what your superiors thought, it never crossed your mind to use it in public.

It wasn’t until a few years later that you realised that they wanted to keep experimenting, testing your capabilities until you almost hit breaking point and then seeing what you could do once they broke you.

So you tried to get out.

Unfortunately, it didn’t work out too well and you were quickly knocked out and put into a long sleep.

It was different world when you awoke, although, you weren’t quite sure how.  You awoke alone, all the things around you seeming to be long out of use, covered in cobwebs and dust.

It took some time to get yourself working again so you knew it had been a while since you’d been out, then you kept getting lost in wherever they had put you, hours seeming to pass before you finally pushed the door open to head outside.

The sunlight hurt your eyes, staring at the plain around you, the door you’d come out of almost hidden completely by grass.

Not one to be perturbed easily, you started walking.

You quickly worked out that you were a woman out of time, things around you confusing, new, and telling you of the history that you should have experienced.

For the first time in a long time though, you had your freedom.

Blending in and adapting was what you’d been trained to do, so you fit in easily, getting yourself caught up wherever and whenever you could, taking it all in until you could deal with regular life with ease again.

In that time, you also found out about the Avengers.

You were stunned to see Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes as part of the team, although, from what you read, it had all been rough going for a while.  They were all about saving the world and keeping peace, something you thought ironic given that they were soldiers.

Shaking your head, you knew that was what had been drilled into you, that you could do whatever you wanted now and think for yourself.

It crossed your mind about contacting them somehow, that maybe they could help you through this, obviously having been through it themselves, but you always convinced yourself otherwise.  Where you had come from was no pleasant place and your organisation wasn’t exactly on the side of good.

You never saw it originally, having volunteered for their program, not having much else to live for, but the more they showed you, the more they did you, you realised otherwise.

You had a feeling it would be used against you.

So you avoided it and kept well away from wherever rumours of the Avengers spread.

You should have guessed it would catch up to you eventually.

There was an invasion and you, having been a little more reckless than normal, had gotten stuck right in the middle of it.

From what you could tell, armed only with a pistol and a knife you had managed to acquire, a group of humans had managed to get in touch with some seriously pissed off aliens, making some sort of deal to come and invade earth.  So far you’d been focused on dealing with the aliens, but you had an idea that taking out the humans would somehow put a stop to it.

While everyone else had run screaming, you’d stood and stared, taking in the approaching ships and knowing that the city would be desecrated if no one was here to defend it. Police and a small military unit had appeared as well, not leaving you entirely alone, but you knew that they wouldn’t stand much of a chance.

Your pistol ran dry quickly, although every bullet counted, you were quick to eye off one of their weapons and get your hands on it, trying several things before you managed to work it out.

The thrill of battle kept you going, having been a long time since you’d been involved in such a thing, but it didn’t stop you from being surrounded.

Death had never really occurred to you until that moment and even then, you were very ready to accept it should it come.

An explosion into a large group of them however, soon drew your attention away and you realised that the Avengers had arrived.  They were quick to help, dispersing the numbers around you before following after others, Steve approaching you as Bucky covered him.

“We’re here to help ma’am.” Steve said as he got to you, holding out his hand.  “Let’s move so we can get you out of here.”

You stared at him for a moment before scoffing and shouldering the alien gun.  “Right, well, you guys can do that, in the meantime, I’ve got some men to hunt down.”

The shock on Steve’s face was clear, but you didn’t hang around, already moving back into the battle, Bucky running over to him.

“What’s she doing?” He asked.

“She’s a soldier,” Steve said, watching the way you moved and took out several aliens.  “Come on, let’s follow her.”

It surprised the three of you that you feel naturally into step with each other, as if you’d been a functioning team for years, but you didn’t have time to dwell on it, especially when you spotted the human’s you’d been looking for.

Bucky had stopped next to you.  “Who are they?”

“The one’s causing this.” You said and then held out the alien gun to him.  “I’ll swap you.”

“What?”

You point to a couple of things.  “This charges, this aims and this fires.”  You pass it to him and take his gun off of him as he stares at you stunned and you take aim with his.

“Watch my back.”  You said.  “That thing is only good for short range.”

Bucky watched for a moment, stunned, as you began firing into the men below, making it look easy, before a loud noise grabbed his attention behind him, aliens approaching, and so he started to cover you.

Steve sprints past the two of you.  “Move!”

You didn’t need telling twice, Bucky and you running after Steve, you still firing until you lost sight of the humans again, explosions going on behind you until you all took cover in a building.

“Dammit,” You snarled, checking the clip as you slid to a stop.  “Got any more.”

“Yeah,” Bucky took it off you and hands you back the alien weapon.  “But that one’s mine.  That one’s terrible.”

“Tell me about it,” You fiddle with the control on top, it making a high pitched noise as it chargers. “But when I had no ammo left, I didn’t have much of a choice.”

Steve was staring at you. “Who are you?”

You gave a slightly strained grin.  “Like you, same time and all, just with a lot more complications surrounding it.”

There was no more time for questions as the aliens found you and a fight was on inside, the weapon shot from your hands, so you only had your knife left, but in close quarters, it didn’t matter much.

You knew close combat better than you knew ranged.

The three of you made short work of the ones that had tried to get in, one of them even turning and running.

“Can I borrow this?” You asked, grabbing Steve’s shield without waiting a response, it easily slipping from his arm.

“Hey!” He said but then stared as you threw it with ease, it catching the alien in the back, knocking it hard to the ground and giving you a chance to catch up, easily catching the shield as it bounced back, using it to pin the alien to the ground.

“Hi, do you mind if I borrow this?”  You asked, pulling its weapon quickly away, slightly different to the one you had earlier, proceeding to slam the shield down to finish the alien off.

Your attention was drawn by the sounds of more aliens approaching, a group heading towards you, Steve and Bucky having hurried out after you.  You passed Steve his shield back, who looked a little apprehensive as you fiddled with the new weapon.

The same noise passed through it and you couldn’t help but smirk, having a good idea of what this was about to do.

You aimed and fired.

The blast was powerful, you only just managing to brace yourself as a ball of energy shot forth and practically exploded amongst the approaching aliens, scattering them.

“Holy shit.”  You said, staring at the gun.  “That was-”

You were cut off by the sounds of a helicopter, all three of you looking up as it soared over you and you could make out the remaining humans within.

“Give me a boost.”  You said to Steve.

Steve just stares at you. “What?”

“The only way we are going to stop them is by taking them out.”  You said quickly and toss the weapon to Bucky, who just manages to catch it, just as shocked.  “Now, give me a boost so I can reach the rooftops.”

Bewildered, he went along with what you said, the two of you stepping back and Steve bracing himself with his shield angled for you.  You sprint forward and hit the shield, Steve boosting you up as you jumped, almost making it look too easy as you landed on the roof.

“Why didn’t she just shoot it?”  Bucky asked followed you from the ground as you run hard across the rooftops.

“I guess she has some sort of plan?”  Steve said, both of them checking around as well.

Your plan, as they quickly discovered, was to jump of the closest roof towards the helicopter, catching it underneath and making it swing dangerously.

“Oh.”

“Like you haven’t done any worse.”

There were shouts above you, but it made little difference as you quickly pulled yourself in, making short work of the several men left, two of them being thrown from the helicopter, another lying on the floor, holding a badly bleeding wound as you took the pistol and held it to the pilots head.

“I suggest landing.” You said calmly.

“You have no idea-”

You pressed the gun harder into his head.  “I have a decent idea, now land.”

The pilot scowls and starts to land the helicopter.

“There is no way to stop this.”  He snarled.

You ignored him, now rifling through the pockets of the soldier who was now lying in a pool of his own blood.

Sure enough, you found an alien looking device, checking it over as the pilot lands and turns to face you, his expression turning panicked.

“Wait-”

The gun fired as you pointed it at him, not interested in what he was about to say, simply looking up as Steve and Bucky make it over to you.

You hold out the device. “That should be what you need to send them away, or at least communicate with them somehow.”

Steve takes it, looking unsure.  “Okay, and what are you intending to do?”

“I think it’s time for me to go.”  You said, hauling the dead pilot out of the seat and throwing him to the ground.  “Technically, I’m not meant to exist.”

“Well, you can’t just go!” Bucky said quickly.  “We can help you if you need it.”

You give a short laugh and shake your head before pointing behind them.  “Watch your back boys, hate to see you lose when you are this close to fixing it.”

Steve and Bucky turned quickly, more aliens approaching, and while they were distracted there, it was long enough for you to climb into the pilot’s seat and take off, Steve and Bucky covering their heads for a moment until they look back at you, where you wave down at them before pulling away.

“Stark, you think you can get a trace on that helicopter?”  Steve said quickly, even as he and Bucky moved back into the fight.

“Don’t you think we have bigger things to worry about?”  Tony’s voice cut through.

“She’s a super soldier Tony,” Steve said.  “I think that alone should be enough to worry about.”

There was silence for a moment, giving them enough time to get the situation back under control.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Tony said as he lands next to them, his helmet coming back.  “Didn’t she give you something?”

Steve hands the device over. “Yeah, think you can figure it out?”

“Won’t know until I try.” He flips it over in his hand.  “You guys think you can hold the ground?”

Bucky nods.  “You don’t need to worry about us, just put a stop to this so we can track her down.”

Tony shares a worried look between them, seeing the concern in their expressions.  “Don’t worry guys, I’ve got this, but one thing as a time, okay?”

He takes back off, Steve and Bucky standing still for a moment, everything almost seeming a little strange.

Steve let’s out a slow breath.  “I don’t like this Buck.”

Bucky shakes his head. “Do you think I do?  What if she’s like me Steve?”

Steve’s brows knits further with concern.  “I don’t know, I think there’s more to her than that, something’s just not sitting right with me in this.”

A crackle through their coms cut them off and they have to hurry to help, but you weren’t far from their thoughts from that moment on.

[teashadephoenix]

11 Questions

I got tagged by @pomegranate-belle <3 I'm sorry this took for fucking ever?!!??

I’ll tag @lioness--hart @fox-in-the-library and @whitegodiva if you guys want to do it? And anybody else, obvi <3

1. How long have you been writing?

Actually sitting down to type stories out? Eight years old. I've been making shit up since I could talk. I have it on good authority I am entertaining to listen to.

2. What are the major themes of your current wip(s)? LONG ANSWER

omg I really dont know. I spent several hours over several days banging on this question in my head both in front of the computer and away from it only to come to the horrified realisation that I Don't Know. *gay panic*

I know the things I like to write about. I like to write about free exchange of culture, of mutual respect and fraternity with your fellow humans (which leads to themes of unity, unconditional love not only of people but of the world, and the gray area of what it means to protect those things without giving in to hate, indifference and intolerance. THE GRAY AREA IS WHERE I THRIVE.)

I like to write about intergenerational relationships (which leads to themes of obsolescence, changing of the guard, and how people, in general, not individuals, never really change. Like, there's For a Good Time graffiti on the walls at Pompeii. That is HILARIOUS.)

I write a lot about family, both born and found. (Everybody has a place and everybody is loved.) I write about mental illness and being queer (which all by itself leads to themes of not knowing your place in the world even if you have one. Frequently comes up against the previously mentioned theme)

So yeah. I don't know. My big WIP, the Aalee Rise series, is about a young woman on the cusp of adulthood going out into the world for the first time. It's her idealism vs reality. The other main characters in that cast are all foils re: various facets of societal structure and ideologies. One challenges her idea of government, another her idea of religion. She falls in love, her loyalties to her brother and parents are tested, she makes mistakes, she fights monsters and saves the world. A lot.

tldr; It's my sandbox and I just wanted to build castles in it. I don't really know if the castles will mean anything when I'm done. I hope they do.

3. What do you want people to take away from your story once they’ve read it?

My greatest ambition is that I could ever write a hero as beloved as the heroes I read about growing up, figures that reminds not to give up hope, to get back up when we're down, that the dark times ahead of us will come to pass.

At best, if I've done that, I'll be ecstatic and satisfied.

At worst, as long as you had a good time, if you didn't throw the book across the room in disgust, I'll take it.

4. Would you be excited if people write fanfiction about your wip(s)?

YAAAAS. I would literally never read it because Im terrified of accidentally absorbing someone's ideas and making them my own bc Christ alive that's a legal nightmare, but yes that would make my life.

And you can have my firstborn if you send me fanart.

5. What’s your go-to writing beverage?

Tea. Really strong and sweet. I make a fresh quart each morning and usually go through it by the end of day.

6. Who is your favorite oc? Tell me about them!

OMG ALL OF MY CHILDREN ARE PRECIOUS. (it's Aalee.)

Aalee Dering is the eighteen-year-old protagonist of my Aalee Rise series.  When we meet her in volume one (Worldwalk) she and her twin brother are setting off on their coming-of-age journey around the country. Her people, the Noruahai, have defended humanity for generations from unearthly creatures called asmic, and if she wants to become a licensed Marshal like her famous mother (and wow, she really, really does) she'll have to prove herself on her Worldwalk.

Aalee thinks with her heart first and always. She loves beautiful things, and all things are beautiful to her. She's quick to cry and struggles with anger, as well as distraction; she has trouble keeping focus. Good for getting into trouble. Not so good when it comes to being a responsible adult.

It would probably be easier if she wasn't of two minds on every single decision she has to make. She empathises with everyone, which can be paralysing-- how can she fight someone whose point of view she gets?

7. Do you feel that mistakes are important learning tools in the writing journey?

Mistakes are learning tools of life, darling. In writing they generally aren't the types that will destroy friendships, health, financial status, etc, which means they're generally easier to bounce back from. Unless you commit career suicide in some way...

8. Rank your ocs by their capability in a footchase (either running after or from smth, your choice)

1. Fall from the Aalee Rise series. He's a complicated human. Without getting into the context of the world he's from, he's hard to explain; but the short version is he's half-ghost so he can basically turn himself into the wind.

2. Rosie Frey from Color of the Stars but only when she's a lion. In her human form she's pretty normal.

3. Lynn Blythe (or any of the other vampires) from Echoes of Eden, because they're cheating cheaterfaces who use mystical vampy powers to be stronger and faster than humans

4. Sendmarshal Henley from the Aalee Rise series. Probably the fastest regular human. Imagine the most beautiful, tall, leggy black woman you can, all lean muscle and elegant grace, and now imagine her scooping you up and zipping out of danger with an easy smile on her face... *fans self* I stan.

5. When running headlong into danger to save someone? Aalee Dering. When running away? Frustratingly, satirically slow. She's one of those idiot heroes who stops to make sure everyone got away okay so Fall's always running back to grab her ("MOVE, IDIOT" "But that little old lady--" "FIRE-BREATHING MONSTERS. MOVE.")

9. Does your wip have romance? tell me about it!! if not tell me about a friendship/important relationship in your wip!! MORE LENGTHY BLAH

Relationships are the driving force of my writing. How one loves or is loved by other people, how they relate and engage with others, is how one grows, in real life and in fiction. There are a number of relationships in all my series that I'm fond of for various reasons. (For instance, even though she cannot STAND him, I'm eager af to write Eden and Lynn's relationship in Echoes of Eden because of how complicated it is.)

And as a rule all of my characters are queer or questioning unless otherwise stated, and I ship everybody with basically everybody else, and almost everybody has a love story in their history. (at least, their parents certainly do because I am a gross vile romantic and these fuckers came from somewhere.)

That having been said, for the sake of brevity I'll stick with Aalee Rise and limit myself to the Big Three: Aalee and her brother Elles, Aalee and her best friend Norah, and Aalee and Fall.

FAMILY: Aalee and Elles are twins. Born together and never separated, which stands out in a world where families are broken up by chaotic circumstances and random death on a regular basis. Aalee is easily distracted and has difficulty communicating her thoughts, so she tends to act on impulse; Elles is forever the cool head and the hand grabbing her by the back of the shirt to stop her from walking into danger. And after eighteen years of this... he's tired of it. He loves his sister, but he longs to see the world on his own terms, walk his own path. And Aalee doesn't share that sentiment. Not only doesn't share it, but is blown away when it comes into play. Her partner in crime wants to break away, and she does not take it very well. The first volume (Worldwalk) explores how their relationship suffers, grows, and changes due to this break.

FRIEND: Aalee's best friend of ten years is Norah. They met as little girls in a monster-ravaged town; Norah was entertaining the youngest orphans with a story and Aalee joined in. The pair of them spent a long night keeping civilians from panicking while Marshals battled asmic beyond the walls of the bunker. They exchanged addresses and became penpals over the next few years, since both of their parents travelled and they were rarely in the same place at the same time. That changed suddenly when Norah lost her father. Since then, Norah's family and Aalee's have lived in the same town. Norah is her warm hand in the dark, her shoulder to cry on, the first person she tells any good news. for Norah, Aalee is the only person (at the beginning of the story, anyway) with whom she can be her real whole self. They love each other no matter what.

ROMANCE: And then there's Fall. Aalee meets Fall when she rescues him from being murdered in a back alley-- except, oops, turns out it was a sting operation to catch the killer because he's not actually the helpless filthy vagabond she assumed he was; he's actually a powerful Marshal who was on assignment. Stuck together for various reasons, he becomes a mentor to her on her worldwalk, while she blatantly digs into the mystery of who he is, which turns out to complicate their lives, the lives of their friends and families, randos they happens across, their enemies, and also God's. To say they fall in love with each other is an understatement of cosmic proportions. They choose each other.

10. Do you believe in the advice kill your darlings?

Yeah but I take the advice as intended; which is not, as most assume, kill your fave characters, but to get rid of that which does not work, even if you love it. That pearlescent line of dialogue, or that golden bit of allegory? Doesn't matter how much you love it and how proud of it you are, if it does. not. work. it HAS. TO. GO. (save it in a new file to reread when you feel down and scrap that shit from the main file.)

that said re: killing characters, in my youth I was very much of the George RedRum Martin camp of "KILL THEM ALL" but as Ive gotten older my main focal point has been "What purpose does their death serve?" Death is not the only sacrifice worth writing. So while I am not afraid to kill my characters, I do take the nature of their deaths in the writing very seriously. There has to be a point.

11. Do you prefer plotting or worldbuilding? Why?

WORLDBUILDING MANYEXCLAMATIONPOINTSGOHERE! Plotting is like the maths of writing. It's measurement, it's brickwork, it's demolition when the wall you put up last week is three feet too long and now you have to scrap it and start over. Vital. But not my favorite part.

Worldbuilding is the art. It's the music your OCs hum and the stories that they treasure and the faith that holds them up when the crap you throw at them might tear them down. It's the story behind the jacket they wear and it's the reason they nod to the altar when they enter a place of worship and it's the meaning of their names. It's the magic. How the world works, the little details that make it real to the reader because it's real for your characters, is my favorite part of writing.

[bystudentanne]

A Critical Analysis of Zhang Yimou’s The Great Wall Using the Theory of Orientalism

In Orientalism, Edward Said (1979:2) defines Orientalism as a style of thought that makes a distinction between “the Orient” and “the Occident”. This distinction is often used by writers from multiple fields as a source to create “theories, epics, novels, social descriptions, and political accounts” about the Orient and its people (ibid). The “fantasized perception” that the West has of the Orient is influenced by the sense of superiority that the former feels it has over the latter and the inaccurate representations of the Orient conveyed through clichés (Donzé-Magnier, 2017:2).  In this paper, the theory of Orientalism will be used to analyse the 2016 film, The Great Wall, directed by acclaimed Chinese director, Zhang Yimou. The theory of Orientalism will be incorporated in this analysis to explain how the fantasy film paints China as an exotic and mystical region by analysing the stereotypical patterns and elements often seen in films about the region and the Orient. The key areas that will be discussed in this paper include the depiction of China as the Other; the inaccuracy in historical representations; the use of familiar and stereotypical patterns in portraying ancient China; the film’s presentation of the white saviour myth; and the concept of self-orientalism.

The film which is set in 11th century Northern Song Dynasty begins with the introduction of lead actor Matt Damon’s character, William Garin, who is part of a European group of mercenaries that head to China in search of black powder. As the mercenaries flee from a group of Khitan bandits and eventually seek refuge in a cave, they encounter and defeat a mysterious monster. Garin and his comrade Pero Tovar become the sole survivors and eventually stumble upon the Great Wall and are captured by General Shao and his army, known as the Nameless Order. The Nameless Order are a group of elite warriors responsible for defending the Great Wall and the areas within its confines from the invasion of the monsters known as the Taotie. The Taotie attack the Great Wall every 60 years and coincidently this occurs during the mercenaries’ venture into China. Initially, Garin and Tovar have no desire to stay and entangle themselves in the problems of the Nameless Order, and instead wish to complete their mission of stealing black powder. However, upon being educated on the principles of the army, Garin is ignited with a desire to fight alongside them despite Tovar being against it. The film presents multiple moral lessons, beautiful visuals and exciting combat scenes, but it does so at the expense of orientalising the Chinese culture.

Orientalism created binary oppositions between the West and East with the former being “normal” and the latter being “different” (Said, 1978:48). Although the film is helmed by a Chinese director and has the largest Chinese cast ever assembled, it is still a depiction of China within a Western gaze as this is confirmed by Zhang who says, “This script was written by American screenwriters. So the story is really told from an American’s perspective.” (McGovern, 2016). America’s film portrayals of China and the Chinese have consistently created divisions between the (American) Self and the (Chinese) Other through the use of binaries to differentiate between the two (Greene, 2014:11). These binaries not only create divisions between the West and East, but it also helps define the two as explained by Edward Said (ibid) who says, “the Orient has helped to define Europe (or the West)”, and vice versa.

The Great Wall, similarly presents binaries to differentiate between the West and East. By introducing the European Garin and Tovar to the Chinese, it naturally creates a chance for the two groups of people to find differences between one another. This practice of distinguishing between the Self and the Other is closely linked to Orientalism (Moosavinia et al., 2011:105) and is regularly seen in the film. Upon being captured by the Nameless Order and witnessing the, Toatie attack the Great Wall, Tovar questions what god made those creatures to which Garin replies by saying, “none that we know”. This can be denoted as a form of othering, as a religion can be othered when talked about from a dominant perspective (Dimitrova, 2016:8). Garin’s reply signifies that he believes the god he knows is not capable of creating such a strange and evil monster and whichever god created them, was not his. Therefore he manages to separate himself from the Chinese who believe their god made the Taotie and thus indirectly others them. Garin and Tovar are also astonished by the Nameless Order, describing them as an unusual army the Europeans had never seen of before. This description paints the Nameless Order as alien and perhaps even dangerous, both of which are adjectives regularly used to describe the Orient (Moosavinia et al., 2011:105).

In the film, the character played by Chinese actress Jing Tian, Commander Lin Mae of the Nameless Order, tells Garin, “I know very little of the outside world”. Unlike Garin who has travelled from Europe to China despite not knowing much about the region other than that it possesses valuable black powder, Commander Lin Mae has not ventured beyond her homeland. This oppositional characteristic between Commander Lin Mae and Garin further portrays the East (Orient) as an antipode of the West (Occident), as the former is unable or reluctant to leave its borders while the latter ventures off to explore. In the book Before Orientalism: Asian Peoples and Cultures in European Travel Writing, Philips (2013:2) suggests that a desire for information and for pleasure were the main reasons that the medieval European travel writers ventured to Asia. Similarly, Garin travels to China in search of information on black powder in hopes of gaining pleasure from the riches he will obtain from selling the stolen black powder. The element of travel itself is often discussed in the discourse of Orientalism as Said (Roan, 2010:3) introduces the concept of imaginative geography, which is “a conception of time and place”. This concept is regularly employed by film makers in films with Orientalist tropes such as The Great Wall, The Mummy films and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. The aforementioned films provide the audience with an opportunity to intensify their sense of self by “dramatizing the distance and difference between what is close to … [them] and what is far away.” (ibid). The Western leads are placed in the exotic East which is a land that clearly looks and feels distant from the West: there geography of the land is different, it is rare to find a native who speaks English, and the Westerners are constantly under some sort of threat be it from the natives themselves or from an evil plaguing the region. These films somehow present the idea that the East is an unusual and dangerous place to be in

The portrayal of the Chinese as the ‘Other’ is visible in the production process of the film as well. Although the film is a U.S.-China co-production, director Zhang describes it as an English-language film, a Hollywood blockbuster and ultimately a Hollywood monster film (McGovern, 2016). The angling of the film in such a manner can be due to the story being produced by American film writers and filmmakers. This is similar to the past where American scholars who studied Chinese culture relied on highly-educated native Chinese refugees to assist them in researching as they were specialised in the Chinese language and culture, but these assistants were deemed incapable of making important analyses and theories unlike the American scholars (Lary, 2006:6). This form of orientalism, parallels the relationship between the American writers of The Great Wall and its Chinese director, Zhang. Zhang as a native Chinese had the task of ensuring that the Chinese elements in the film felt authentic without changing the style of the movie set by the American writers. Therefore while the American (Self) plays the role of creating the main structure of a piece of work, the Chinese (Other) plays a secondary role which is often times less recognized. However, unlike the Chinese assistants of the Western Scholars, Zhang gained more recognition for his contribution to the film compared to the American filmmakers, but this is likely due to him having higher stature within the film industry and among filmgoers.

The film which is set around the actual Great Wall of China, regularly strays away from accurate historical facts, firstly by depicting the wall as a structure built to prevent the invasion of mythical monsters. The Hollywood writers of the film may have taken on the role of a tourist, simply viewing the Great Wall as a “historical playground for a white adventurer and for great cinematic fun”, (Ginneken, 2007:129). This inaccuracy supports the perspective of Orientalism which suggests that the question of ‘true’ or ‘false’ historical representations within Hollywood does not matter (Storey, 2012:177). Historically, the Great Wall was built to repel invaders and restrict the Chinese from foreign cultur, in order to preserve and strengthen their own (DuTemple, 2002:15). Although the Taotie in The Great Wall plays the role of an invader, historically, ‘invaders’ referred to the barbarians and rival tribes that the Chinese rulers and people within the wall saw as a threat or inferior to them (ibid). Rather than portraying the actual historical battles that took place at the Great Wall to accurately represent ancient China, the filmmakers instead merged the non-fictional Great Wall with the fictional Taotie. This imaginary pairing will likely misinform the audience with an inaccurate account of the history of the Great Wall, especially if the audience has little or no prior knowledge on that topic.

Similarly, the film’s depiction of the Northern Song Dynasty’s army was less than accurate.  In the film, the Nameless Order consists of five different units that are differentiated by their specialisation and armour colour: the melee-specialist Bear Troop (black), the archer-specialist Eagle Troop (red), the acrobatic-specialist Crane Troop (blue), the siege engine-specialist Tiger Troop (yellow), and the horse-mounted Deer Troop (purple).  This film’s army resembles the Qing Dynasty army more than the Northern Song Dynasty army. The Qing Dynasty was the 3rd dynasty after the Song, and was founded by the Manchus who developed a system of social and military organisation known as the ‘Eight Banners’ (Elliott, 2001:xiii). The soldiers of the Qing army dressed in uniforms with jackets that were either white, yellow, blue, or red, according to the “Banner” they were born into (ibid:178), bearing a close resemblance to the units of the Nameless Order. Although the portrayal of the army is similar to what was present in ancient China, there is still a lack of coherence in portraying a specific period of its history.

The historical accuracy of the weapons used in the film can also be questioned. The film relies heavily on black powder, possibly one of China’s most valuable inventions, as the element that drives the progression of the storyline. During the Northern Song Dynasty, weapons such as strong steel arrow tips, devices that launched fire, throw bombs and gunpowder were manufactured and utilized by the army (Li, 2012:416). These historical inventions are seen in the film, however the combat method used by the Crane Troop that bungee jumps off the side of the Great Wall has no historical presence during that period and just acts as a unique embellishment to the film’s army. Similarly, the Nameless Order was featured using hot air balloons to travel. However, the first hot air balloon was invented by the French and only took flight in 1783. It can be argued that the film is a work of non-fiction and therefore should not be used as factual reference, however, as a form of mass media, films inevitably provide a major source of information for people (Green et al, 2003:xi).

The film’s inclusion of a unit within the Nameless Order that solely consists of female soldiers, the Crane Troop, was not historically accurate as well. Throughout the history of the ancient Chinese armies, there have been records of female soldiers fighting alongside their male compatriots such as Fu Hao (Shang dynasty), Xun Guan (Jin dynasty), Princess Pingyang (Tang dynasty), and probably the most widely known being Hua Mulan (Northern Wei dynasty) (Chenxi, 2011). These women were a rarity unlike what is portrayed in The Great Wall. However, this feature was not the idea of the film’s American writers, but instead was created by Zhang, who likes having strong female characters in his films (McGovern, 2016). In the case of the film, it is not possible to collectively say that the West (Occidental) was solely responsible for portraying the East (Oriental) inaccurately, as Zhang, a native Chinese and Oriental, plays a role in misrepresenting his the history of his own culture.

Like every movie that is centred on the depiction of a culture or race, it is common that stereotypes are presented. Stereotypes allow the audience to categorize reality or a group of people, in most cases in a form of negative evaluation (Brandston and Stafford, 2006, cited in Viruega, 2011:3). For example, the China of The Great Wall is stereotyped as a mysterious and dangerous place; a place with monsters and unknown armies. This portrayal is essentially a representation fuelled with orientalist stereotypes of the East. Edward Said explains that the European’s Orient was a place of “romance, exotic beings, haunting memories and landscapes, remarkable experiences” (Richardson, 2010:65). Said’s explanation, minus the romance, is precisely how the film paints China and Garin’s experience there. Romance instead is substituted with the development of a foe-to-friend type of relationship between Garin and Commander Lin Mae.

China was indeed a land of ingenious weapons that experienced multiple dynasties, emperors, invasions and wars. This narrative, although valid historically, has become a generic depiction of ancient China within Hollywood films. In their study, Hammond and Cimpian (2017:612) concluded that generic beliefs play the primary role in the structuring of stereotypes because they are cognitively easy. Generic beliefs pair features with a collective group of people, without considering how prevalent those features are within that group (ibid:608). For example, The Great Wall, Mulan, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and Outcast provide similar depictions of ancient China in their films: there is an emperor, an army, and often times a Westerner trying to aid the plight of the Chinese. This one-dimensional portrayal paired with the scarcity of Hollywood movies set in that period, leads to the audience outside of China forming generic beliefs and consequently structuring stereotypes about ancient China and its people. However, Chinese audiences may not be as susceptible to this generic depiction as unlike Hollywood, the Chinese film industry regularly produces periodical films with various storylines. Stories, are a source of information and films as “public narratives” are capable of greatly influencing what we know, believe and remember (Green et al, 2003:xi). Therefore sticking with a generic storyline and depiction, The Great Wall is unable to provide the audience with new pieces of information on the multi-faceted history and culture of ancient China.

The portrayal of Emperor Renzong as a child emperor in The Great Wall is also quite stereotypical. Two other movies about ancient China, Outcast, a French-Canadian-Chinese production, and The Last Emperor, a British-Italian production, similarly included portrayals of the Chinese emperors as juveniles, although the latter is based off the actual last emperor of China, Pu Yi, who took the throne at the age of two in 1908 (Cavendish, 2009). Child emperors were not uncommon in ancient Chinese history with even an heir being declared Emperor of China during infancy. In The Great Wall, Emperor Renzong, played by the then 16-year-old Karry Wang, was portrayed as a naïve young emperor who was foolish enough to allow his imperial officer to bring an unconscious Taotie into the palace, only for it to wake up and signal the rest of the Taotie herd to attack. When Garin and the rest of the Nameless Order arrive to defeat the Taotie at the palace, Emperor Renzong is found hiding behind his throne and berates the Nameless Order for only just coming to his aid. In both The Great Wall and Outcast, the young emperors are helped by Western soldiers. This pattern of the West in choosing to portray Chinese emperors as weak young children despite there being capable adult emperors in Chinese history, further encourages the construction of stereotypes among audiences.

The Great Wall is loaded with Chinese elements. However, as the film is a U.S.-China co-production, it can be viewed as Hollywood writers stereotypically adopting Chinese elements into their films merely to successfully enter the large Chinese market. Like The Great Wall, Kung Fu Panda, a Hollywood animation film about a lazy panda that lives in ancient China who turns into a legendary dragon warrior, is filled with Chinese cultural elements and symbols (Chao, 2012:4). Although not becoming a U.S.-China co-production until it’s third instalment, Kung Fu Panda managed to break Chinese box-office records with Chinese film director Lu Chuan calling it a “film with a fresh take on Chinese culture”, (The Telegraph, 2008). However, Lu criticised The Great Wall, which similarly includes many Chinese elements, for not being a “natural movie” as it felt like an attempt at Hollywood merely looking for Chinese actors to achieve the status of a U.S.-China co-production without first having a story written for the actors (Keegan, 2017). Although The Great Wall and Outcast similarly depict Chinese elements, the two films did not manage to get good reviews from the Chinese market. This stereotypical method of trying to enter the Chinese market with a movie filled with Chinese elements may or may not work depending on how the films are crafted. Co-productions tend to produce narratives that reflect the culture of each participating co-producer in order to satisfy the requirements of the participating countries (Baltruschat, 2002:10), however this method may not fully satisfy neither of its audiences.

Even prior to release, The Great Wall was met with harsh criticism with many questioning the casting of white Hollywood actor Matt Damon as the movie’s lead character (Wong, 2016). Zhang put these accusations to rest by stating that the role was never written for a Chinese actor, therefore Matt Damon’s casting was acceptable. However, the need for the movie to present a white character as the person who saves the day is a classic presentation of the “white saviour” trope which has long history in Hollywood. A “white saviour” film is defined as a genre in which a white person saves a non-white character from a sad fate (Hughey, 2014:1), similar to orientalist tropes that present the Occidental as the rescuer of the Oriental. These films present a white character who crosses colour and cultural lines, saves non-white groups, and experiences some suffering (Bucciferro, 2016:189).  In The Great Wall, the Western Garin goes through an experience similar to the ones experienced by “white saviours”. When Garin first arrives, he is treated with hostility and taken captive by the Nameless Order. With time, he learns the values of the Chinese through Commander Lin Mae, and eventually aids the Nameless Order in combating the Taotie. Tovar accuses Garin of trying to be a hero when in fact he was “a thief, a liar, and a killer”. Garin’s ability to so easily change from a “thief” to a “hero” projects the idea that a Westerner merely needs an ill-fated group of foreign people and a few fight scenes to easily achieve nobleness, a nobleness he could not have so easily achieved in his own home country.

In his book, Screening Difference: How Hollywood’s Blockbuster Films Imagine Race, Ethnicity, and Culture, Ginneken’s description on the “Helpers” (Westerners/Occidentals) experience in their colonial adventure is drastically similar to the experience of Garin in ancient China. Like Garin, Ginneken’s “imperial adventure hero” has to confront the odds alone or at times with a comrade, and is shown as an obvious equal to the non-white military commanders (2007:129). Despite only just arriving at the Great Wall with Tovar and slowly gaining the trust of the Nameless Order, Garin manages to prove himself as an expert on killing the Taotie despite the Nameless Order having more experience dealing with the monsters. Garin also manages to outshine the high ranking male members of the Nameless Order who play supporting roles throughout the entire movie, despite well-known and accomplished native Chinese actors playing these characters. The “Helper” as the protagonist helps achieve justice and receives huge rewards as an effect of his noble actions, but the reward was never a motive for his actions (ibid). Throughout the film, Garin is still set on stealing black powder and escaping, however as time he realises his higher purpose and decides to fight alongside the Nameless Order. He eventually manages to help the Nameless Order defeat the Taotie and is rewarded with black powder for his efforts, however this was never the motive behind his decision to stay and help them.

The “white saviour” film as a genre became widely popular in the Hollywood during the 1980s and can be categorised into seven different sub-versions: crossing the colour line; his saving grace; white suffering; the saviour, the bad white, and the native; the colour of meritocracy; white civility, black savagery; based on a true story (Bernardi and Green, 2017:915). Garin’s portrayal of the white saviour in The Great Wall can be classified as two versions, “crossing the colour line” and “white suffering”. In the film, Garin, despite being held captive, starts showing his knowledge and prowess to help the Nameless Order. However, his relationship between Commander Lin Mae, who educates him on the principles of the Nameless Order, plays a vital role in him coming to admire the Chinese army, its peoples and its cause. This is a classic example of a “crossing the colour line”, as similarly seen in The Last Samurai. The Western outsider in this genre starts appreciating the way of life of the local people, just as how Garin, a man who has fought his own share of wars, describes the war being fought by the Nameless Order as a war worth fighting for unlike the ones he fought in previously. Whereas the element of “white suffering” is seen in Garin who is conflicted internally when questioned about what he fights for. In the past he fought wars in the name of god while being driven by greed, however it is in the Nameless Order that he finds the “true” meaning of fighting, and by fighting alongside them he manages to find his own way. The existence of these genres within the film ultimately provides valid reasons for The Great Wall to be classified as a “white saviour” film. Although the Nameless Order did not completely rely on Garin to “save” them, it is with Garin’s arrival and support that they finally succeed in killing the Taotie.

In discussing how The Great Wall orientalises the ancient Chinese, it is important to bear in mind that there were Chinese people involved in the production of this film therefore the American/non-Chinese parties participating in the film cannot be solely held accountable for depicting ancient China in such a manner. The concept of self-orientalism or re-orientalism is based on the act of a person with an Eastern background who comes to accept the orientalised East (Lau and Mendes, 2012:1). These Easterners (Orientals), who are at times cultural producers, choose to comply with the Western audience’s expectations of the East (ibid). In the case of The Great Wall, Zhang can be viewed as a Chinese director that self-orientalises his own culture and race in his work. Zhang willingly accepts the story written by American writers about one of China’s most recognisable historical symbols, the Great Wall. Thus Zhang aids in creating Hollywood’s version of the Great Wall’s history, one which has inaccuracies, orientalist tropes, and stereotypical Chinese elements.  Even if the exact story with its “Hollywood monster movie” style had been completely produced by Chinese filmmakers without any outside involvement, it would still be a product of self-orientalism as the film is written with the Western audience’s expectations in mind. Western audiences expect to see certain Chinese elements in films about the region and storytellers write stories to fit those expectations.

Another way in which the East self-orientalises itself is by taking Western orientalist images and changing them from something negative to positive (Telmissany and Schwartz, 2010:187). The products of this self-orientalising process benefits power structures both internationally and within the country being orientalised (ibid). In the case of The Great Wall, the film presented the Hollywood film industry an opportunity to break into the Chinese market while allowing Chinese producers to make a film about Chinese cultural myths and popularise it outside China. It is through self-orientalism that “cultural traits are turned into cultural assets, and merchandised as such”, (ibid). In trying to share its culture to the West, China manages to turn its culture into a product to be made popular. Chinese martial arts for example is a Chinese culture that has successfully become an asset to the region. Hollywood has grown fond of and Americanised the Chinese martial arts culture for many films such as, Kung Fu Panda, The Karate Kid, Birth of the Dragon and Rush Hour to name a few. The popularisation of Chinese martial arts has benefited China’s economy in the form of martial arts tourism with travel agencies even offering travel packages that include receiving martial arts training from native practitioners.

To conclude, although The Great Wall does not completely downgrade ancient China as incapable and backwards, it still presents it as a mystical, magical and mysterious region like a typical Orientalist film would. By continuously providing the audience with a one-dimensional depiction of ancient China, Hollywood is stereotyping it into a land of myths, emperors and ancient armies, which is only a portion of what Chinese culture and history has to offer. It is up to the filmmakers to regularly find different aspects of a culture to showcase in their films to continuously provide entertaining and informational content to their audiences. This not just prevents audiences from stereotyping China, but provides an opportunity for originality to be prioritised rather than to feature the same old clichés of the region. However, the field of co-productions cannot be easily conquered as audiences of different backgrounds decode films in their own ways, and different storytellers bring their own unique style and culture to the story. It is with continuous trial and research that filmmakers will better understand how to appease all audiences without being accused of misrepresentation.

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[arkhamarchitecture]

bc @tanoraqui asked me for my de Rolo family headcanons. Fair warning that the version of Frederick that primarily exists in my head was formulated based on random joking comments Taliesin has made, Grifting’s version of him from Stuck On You, and a fic or two from @infanttreenotebook. Though not an outright bad parent, he probably wouldn’t have deserved any #1 dad mugs.

Also this is stupid long. I blame Frederick and Johanna for having seven goddamn kids.

Frederick and Johanna:

Frederick was an only child, which is incredibly rare among nobility and risky as hell (attempts were made at other kids but they fell through and Frederick’s parents weren’t in love at all so they didn’t spend a ton of time uhhh, trying). His parents strongly impressed upon him that his duty to his city was the most important thing in his life. 

Frederick met Johanna when she saved his life while he was traveling for an important business meeting in Westruun. Johanna was not a noble in any way but she was singlehandedly responsible for saving him and returning him to Whitestone. They fell in love in the two-three weeks it took to get him back home and Frederick’s parents were so grateful for her saving him that they didn’t kick up too much fuss about him marrying a “peasant.”

Frederick and Johanna were much more enthusiastically in love than Frederick’s parents were - hence having seven children. That said, Frederick was not accustomed to having a large family and struggled to evenly divide his attention between his rulership of the city, his wife, and his children.

Due to Frederick’s own childhood, he strongly believed in usefulness being more important than interest. Which is to say, if something wasn’t apparently useful to him or Whitestone at large, he discarded it as unimportant. Unfortunately, many of his children held interests that were not “useful.”

Johanna was much better than her husband about being equally attentive of all of her children but she also didn’t participate a whole lot in terms of leadership. Johanna ran the treasury and also organized the guards (in terms of hiring and rotations).

Unbeknownst to Johanna, Captain of the Guard Kerrion Stonefell did not appreciate what he saw as her interfering with his job.

Julius:

Oldest son Julius de Rolo received the bulk of his father’s attention. If Julius had been an only child, he probably would have developed serious anxiety from the weight of Frederick’s expectations. Fortunately, Julius had so many younger siblings (all of whom were deeply frustrated at the lack of attention they received from Frederick) that instead Julius became the Dad Friend for all of his siblings.

In the last few years before the Briarwoods, Frederick and Julius had started to butt heads more often than not as Julius became increasingly frustrated with Frederick trying to control his children’s lives without consulting them on what they actually wanted.

Julius wanted to be a paladin of the Temple of Pelor but swearing himself to a temple or church as either a paladin or a cleric would mean placing his loyalties to them ahead of his family. It would mean abdicating his position as heir and as such, he was never formally inducted as a paladin, though he did receive training as such.

Frederick probably would have allowed Julius to abdicate if Julius had fought about it (it wasn’t like he didn’t have plenty of options for heirs), but Julius conceded without much argument when he realized he’d be passing the burden of responsibility onto his unprepared siblings.

Vesper:

Vesper was very much her mother’s daughter and once got in trouble for headbutting a boy twice her size because he said something mean about Ludwig. She broke her own nose doing it, so Johanna set about teaching her better methods of fighting back. 

Vesper was whip smart and extremely talented in the art of insulting someone in such a way that they didn’t realize they’d been insulted until 5 minutes later. She could run rings around any diplomat sent to Whitestone by the time she was 12.

Vesper was bisexual but with a strong preference for women. The first time Vesper ever truly fought with her father was when she found out he had organized a betrothal for her to a nobleman in Emon. Frederick, to his credit, had not been aware that Vesper preferred women and rescinded the betrothal when he found out, but Vesper pointed out that she had never hid that from him, he just hadn’t been paying attention.

Percy:

I strongly subscribe to @infanttreenotebook‘s idea that Percy’s manic-depressive mood swings first began manifesting as a teenager and his father did not cope well with them. When Percy was on and in full manic swing, Percy got along wonderfully with his father, happy to show him ideas and projects and things he had taught himself - but also perfectly happy to be left alone to work on those things when his father’s attention was elsewhere.

But every time Percy crashed, Frederick became concerned, not understanding why Percy’s work would abruptly grind to a halt. Unfortunately Frederick’s concern mostly manifested as him wanting Percy to go into a more stable (useful) field of work than tinkering. Shockingly, being told that his pursuits and interests were pointless and he should give them up did not improve Percy’s depressive moods.

Percy, at the time, had seen Anders as more of a father figure than his actual father. I don’t think I have to say much more about that.

Ludwig:

Ludwig, compared to his older siblings, was a bit on the dim side. He was far from stupid, but he lacked the brilliance that all three of his older siblings possessed.

Nicknamed “Lutz” when he was young, Percy gave him a lute one year for his birthday as a joke, but Ludwig was immediately fascinated with it. Ludwig couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket but with Anders’ direction, he became an accomplished musician.

To several other siblings frustration, Frederick was actually quite impressed with Ludwig’s musical talents despite all expectations that he would consider it a useless pursuit. He and Johanna acquired a piano for Ludwig on his birthday the next year. His siblings quickly got over their frustration when they realized that Ludwig was only too happy to play whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, or provide accompaniment as they sang.

Ludwig lacked much in the way of ambition and would have been perfectly happy to marry whoever his father wanted him to marry, have a handful of kids, and spend the rest of his life idly composing music.

Oliver and Whitney:

If you had asked anyone outside the family, Oliver and Whitney got along like cats in a bag. They were a pair of rough and tumble boys (Whitney had not been assumed to be male at birth, but he made himself very clear as he grew up) who fought constantly, whether that was with snide commentary or actual fist fights in the garden. Any suggestions that they not hang out with one another if they disliked their twin so much were met with blank looks.

Gods forbid if you insulted one of them or one of their siblings because Oliver and Whitney would both ruin your entire life at the drop of a hat if they thought you deserved it. Both of them held grudges like no ones business and took offense at the smallest of slights. The two of them were the initiators of the great de Rolo prank war that lasted years and only ended when Johanna put her foot down after a prank pulled on Percy in his workshop ended with him being inadvertently set on fire.

The burns weren’t too bad and Julius healed him up, it was fine.

Both twins were ladies men and competed for the attention of any and every girl they met, though they had a habit of getting so competitive about it that they forgot the girl entirely to focus on besting the other.

To the chagrin of the rest of the family, Oliver and Whitney were the only two de Rolos with any serious magical talent. Julius could heal a bit and Ludwig’s music was enchanting, but the twins were almost aggressively magical and they rebuffed any and all attempts by their father to learn to control it.

If they had survived, they might have grown up to be intensely powerful wild magic sorcerers but Anders made sure the pair of them were killed quickly to prevent surprises. Despite being a mere 15 during the coup and high priority targets, the twins were responsible the deaths of quite a few attacking guards before they went down, spitting and hissing curses to the end.

Cassandra:

Cassandra, oh Cassandra. Johanna’s favorite child (no matter what Percy said), Cassandra had her mother’s wild heart and the desperate urge to explore everything. Cassandra knew every secret passageway in the entire castle, including a few that weren’t marked on any map or blueprint to ever exist.

Cassandra was a sneak from a very young age and would often appear abruptly in someone’s field of vision from seemingly out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly. Her parents and oldest siblings at first suspected that she was using magic like the twins, but Cassandra eventually confessed to Julius that she was simply very good at not drawing attention to herself.

Cassandra was an easily excited child who wanted to travel around the world one day and it seemed likely that she’d get the chance. She was, after all, the youngest of seven and was unlikely to ever have any serious responsibilities to her family or her city.

I should emphasize that Cassandra wanted to travel and see the world but had no plans to be an adventurer. She had no desire to get into fights and only took up swordplay at her mother’s insistence that she be capable of defending herself. Cassandra took little interest in it Sylas decided it would be amusing to train her.

holy shit ya’ll this post about a bunch of dead motherfuckers that we will literally never meet in canon broke 1500 words, what the heckles

[the-awoken-crusader-blog]

Origins of the Groundskeeper [Part 1]

Long ago, during a time where civilization was still growing...there was a Wimpod.

This Wimpod was just like the others, weak...fragile... He ran at the first sign of danger, being unable to defend himself due to possessing no power of his own. All he could do was flee, for he had no way to fight off any predators.

This was his life, to live in constant fear. He never could stay in the same place for long, for it would only be a matter of time till a predator would stumble upon one of his would-be homes.

It seemed like this is how he’ll forever be, to run...and run...and run...

However one day...something happened...

Fleeing from another predator, the Wimpod stumbled upon an ancient stone structure. Seeing no other place to go he ran inside, skittering down the stone stairs that lead deep into the earth. He continued to run down these stairs, thinking that the predator is right behind him.

Further and further he traveled down, darkness quickly shrouding his surroundings. However the Wimpod was not hindered by the absence of light, for his eyes possessed the gift of seeing in the dark as if it were shrouded in daylight.

The stairs eventually end, opening to a massive hall. The air smells musty, the dust covering the ground shows that it’s obvious that no living individual has stepped into here for some time. It’s rather...unusual actually, for a large place like this would make an excellent hiding spot for several Pokemon.

Warily the Wimpod skittered down the chamber, eventually taking a turn down one of the various hallways. The place itself seemed like a maze, the halls containing several passageways that lead into empty rooms.

The further the Wimpod wandered the more uneasy it became, for it felt a rather unusual yet immense aura of power. The more it traveled in its current direction the stronger the aura became, and yet...despite the Wimpod’s uneasiness he didn’t necessarily feel afraid.

This aura didn’t feel like a threat, in fact...it seemed to draw him further.

Eventually he arrived at a large chamber where the aura is at it’s strongest, ever so slowly he steps inside to see the source of this energy.

Stuck on more than a dozen pedestals are giant crystals, each of a different color. Each crystal is diamond in shape, their bodies translucent with an odd symbol in the center.

The floor is lined with various carvings, each of them branching off from the pedestals and following towards the walls. ‘Veins’ is one thing that comes to the Wimpod’s mind, it seems as if these carvings serve some sort of purpose to the pedestals.

The hectic events that happened prior to the Wimpod’s discovery quickly begin to overcome him, his own strength quickly leaves him as exhaustion starts setting in.

Seeing that the place is relatively safe he slowly walks over to one of the pedestals containing a metallic gray crystal, closing his eyes he leans against it and drifts into a deep slumber.

...And the crystal glows...

...

Time is a difficult thing to keep track of when one is underground, however one thing is for certain...the Wimpod has been under a deep sleep for a long, long time.

Eventually he awakens, his body feeling very strange.

The first thing he notices is that the chamber is no longer dark, for each and every single crystal is glowing brightly. Confused on why these crystals are glowing, he begins to move...

...Only to discover that his own body is different.

A quick inspection of himself revealed that the Wimpod is a Wimpod no more, for he is now a Golisopod.

And yet even then he is still different, for his plates are a dark gray instead of the usual blue. In place of the marks that normal Golisopods have, this one has spikes on his arms and back. His mouth is covered by a chain-like mask, and on his head is a small gray crystal similar to that of the one that he slept next to.

The Golisopod isn’t exactly sure on what caused this unusual evolution, but the best bet is to assume that the power radiating from the gray crystal had something to do with it.

And so the Golisopod began to explore the area as well as his own capabilities, despite being in a completely alien body he moved with a naturalness that one wouldn’t think that someone with a new body could move.

After moving to various chambers and testing out his abilities, he quickly discovered that he’s a Bug and Steel type. The crystal on his head seems to have some sort of connection with the crystal-filled chamber, for the aura radiating from it seems to give him strength. However another discovery is that by focusing on that power, he could force the crystals to channel even more power into his body, thus enhancing him even further.

The Golisopod proceeded to explore the ancient underground structure, memorizing its interiors. Several chambers he’s discovered piles of rubble, so the Golisopod decided to clear it out to make it more tidy.

Days began to pass as the Golisopod worked, renovating the interior and cleaning it to make it seem less abandoned. Occasionally when hunger strikes him he would go outside for food, his new body made him capable of hunting...unlike in the past where he was a scavenger.

Another thing he noticed is that upon leaving the ancient structure, the power he draws from it is severed. By not being in its presence he’s a normal Golisopod (besides being Steel instead of a Water-type that is), so he stays inside the structure as much as possible.

Weeks turned to months, and months turned to years. Age meant nothing to the Golisopod, for his newfound connection with the crystals seemed to have removed the hindering qualities of aging entirely.

During this time the Golisopod has completely cleaned up the interior of the structure, removing the rubble and dust. At this point he would consider himself its caretaker, its groundskeeper. He made what repairs he could make to the stone, and what repairs he couldn’t he would use his claws to carve the surroundings to make it less unappealing in appearance.

While doing his ‘house-keeping’ he stumbled upon a massive chamber where the ceiling had caved in, revealing a giant gaping hole to the world above. Water would pour from several parts of the hole and into the chamber from a nearby river on the surface, the liquid flowing into the various cracks in the floor to the depths beneath.

This part took the longest to fix, removing the strewn rubble and massive piles of dirt. However during this he discovered several plants growing amongst the dirt, several of them being berry bushes. Seeing this as decent food source within the structure he left them be, deciding to only remove the excess dirt as well as the unneeded rubble.

Eventually the Golisopod finished, the entire place looking far better than it did when he first wandered in. The place almost seemed like a tiny garden with the various plants strewn about, the green being a welcome change to the constant browns and grays that the chamber usually contains. With nothing else to do he walked back into the crystal chamber, studying the crystals and their workings.

He eventually discovered several things about them, such as that the crystals can channel power into the rest of the structure to do various things. The biggest is that it can cause small crystals to slide out of hidden compartments in the walls and glow, thus providing a light source for the normally dark halls and chambers.

Another thing he discovered is that a few chambers actually have giant stone doors that can be controlled to open or close, allowing him to effectively seal off specific areas. His connection with the crystals essentially gave him the ability to ‘tap’ into the chamber and direct the power wherever he desired, allowing him to use it remotely as long as he’s inside the structure.

Whoever designed this place is definitely a true architect and a master at their craft, but why would they abandon it?

This question often plagued the Golisopod, but he never dwelled on it very much. This place is now his home, that’s all that mattered.

...

Even with the several berry bushes, the Golisopod still had to go out to hunt. The food source wasn’t enough to sustain him for long durations of time, thus forcing him to go out into the surface world to gather and hunt.

During one of his hunts the Golisopod heard a loud ruckus in the forest, an obvious sign of combat. Normally he would ignore the activity and carry out the reason why he’s out in the first place, but the sounds were intense...very much so...

He had to investigate.

Carefully he followed the noise, eventually stumbling upon what he would consider a horrific sight. Watching from the background he sees dozens of Humans and Pokemon fighting against what he can describe as a beast, a monster.

The creature stands as tall as Kelviks, if not even taller. Its body is completely covered in extremely bulky muscles, several parts of its skin are translucent to allow one to see an odd orange liquid inside. Its upper-torso has two insanely muscular arms, its head wielding only a pair of antennae and a needle nearly as long as its limbs. Its lower torso possesses four insectile legs, the creature itself would’ve been confused for a Bug-type Pokemon if it weren’t so otherworldly in appearance.

The Golisopod could only watch in both wonder and horror as the beast fought, delivering punches that splattered the Humans and Pokemon in a single blow. However there are several times where it would grab one of them and drive its needle maw into their bodies, causing its victims to shrivel up and making its own muscles to swell even larger.

Eventually a Machamp lets out a large roar and charges into the monster, grabbing its body and pushing back with all its might. It keeps pushing the beast back, driving it towards something that the Golisopod didn’t notice before.

Hanging in the air is a what he could only describe to be a hole, a swirling vortex of bright blues and whites with odd ‘veins’ surrounding it. The Machamp continues to push the monster, however that creature grabs the Machamp’s head and crushes it...effectively killing him in one motion.

The other Humans and Pokemon didn’t stop, they immediately redoubled their efforts in pushing the beast back. Ever so slowly they force it to backstep, eventually causing it to go back inside the hole. With the beast inside the vortex ripples before vanishing, taking the beast with it.

The Golisopod didn’t say to see the aftermath, instead he quickly turned and made his way back to his hunts. The beast continued to plague his mind ever since he witnessed that encounter, unable to think of anything else.

...

It has been a long time since then, the Golisopod living his simple life of taking care of the structure. Several times during his time in the outside world he would venture to the same spot where the battle took place, sometimes he would find warriors gathered there...other times it would be empty.

One day however when he checked on the spot he heard a loud ruckus, similar to that of when the battle first took. Immediately he saw the same horrifying beast again with the swirling rift in the air, fighting a decent number of Pokemon and a few human warriors dressed in ornate armor.

One thing he noticed about the beast is that it’s much smaller than it was last time, its bulky muscles not nearly as large. Despite this the warriors were obviously struggling, many dead and wounded laying scattered on the ground.

If this rate were to keep up, then the beast would certainly win. The Golisopod couldn’t let this stand, he couldn’t watch in the background when these Humans and Pokemon were getting slaughtered.

Feeling a massive amount of adrenaline pumping into his body he lept into action, zooming out of the brush and striking the beast straight in the chest with his claws. The creature did not expect a new adversary and especially not at such a speed, the force of the unexpected causing it to slide back a few feet.

The gathered warriors also didn’t expect the odd-looking Golisopod’s sudden appearance, but they didn’t dwell on it too much for it’s obvious that he’s an ally.

And so they fought with the Golisopod on their side, even with the new strength the beast still managed to kill several with relative ease. Even the Golisopod had several close calls, where he would dodge a blow that completely shattered a tree.

Eventually they managed to push it back, driving it through the hole once more. Just like last time the portal ripples before closing, taking the beast with it.

Breathing heavily one of the Humans looks at the Golisopod, a thankful look in his eyes. “Strange one, we cannot thank you enough for your assistance. If it weren’t for your unexpected aid, we surely would have perished. Tell us, what is your name?”

The Golisopod looks at the Human before tilting his head slightly, it has been a long...long time since he’s spoken in the common tongue. His name...is also something that he hasn’t used in a while, ever since it’s been given to him after birth he never had a reason to speak it.

...Until now...

“...Greetings...warriooor...” He hisses, giving a small nod to the knight. “I...am Kelviks...”

And so the group took Kelviks back to their camp and began to explain the situation. Apparently they’re a group of Crusaders belonging to an Order from a faraway land, Order of the Shield it was what their organization was called. It was formed to combat the strongest of threats, such as incredible beasts and demons that threaten the world. They often worked along with other Orders, specifically the Order of the Talon.

Their band came here to investigate a story of a beast that came through a hole in the air, however they did not expect it to open during their presence and for the beast to be so strong.

Even with the beast vanished, they knew that I would return like it did last time. So they told Kelviks that they’re going to return back to their home land and inform their leader of this beast, so they can gather their strongest mages to perhaps ban the beast permanently.

And so they left, after thanking Kelviks they embarked on their journey back to their homelands.

Ever since then Kelviks would check the place every so often, hoping for the quick return of the Crusaders. The months would turn to years, and years to decades...

With each passing decade the Golisopod grows increasingly more worried, for whenever he wandered into the area he would feel something off about it. The beast is surely going to return if nothing is done about it, and the Crusaders have never returned from their journey back to their homelands.

Kelviks can’t fight the beast on his own, that much is certain. Unless he can somehow lure it to the structure he called home, he’s completely incapable of stopping it.

And even then, he can only banish it. This beast needs to be slain, for it will simply keep coming back.

...It needs to be slain...

And the only way is to find the strongest warriors to assist him in doing it...

[aribtw-blog]

Character Key

Warrior (W): A traveler from the rural outskirts, he finds himself wandering from town to town after he leaves his own village at an early age. Although he gains a name for himself for his strength and helpfulness towards others, he always leaves the towns before he is recognized by too many people. He is obsessed with the idea of justice and often sees matters in black and white perspectives. His primary style of fighting is close combat with a sword and shield.

Mage (M): From a small village on the outskirts, she is forced out of her village when she finds it burned to the ground and decimated. With a natural talent for magic, she studies under an isolated but powerful mage who raises her in the meantime. Although she initially has no interest in leaving and intends on staying with her teacher forever, she happens upon a sight that gives her reason to leave in search of information when her teacher does not have it. Her primary style of fighting focuses on magic power enhanced by her wands, staff, and grimoire.

Fighter (F): Having woken up with only memories of the past few months, she is confused and concerned at what her past may have been. Wandering in search of what her memories may be, she is hauntingly lonely and often ponders and broods long into the night, despite her cheerful personality. Although she hopes to find her past, she is afraid of what it may hold for her. Her primary style of fighting focuses on close physical combat, her nearly limitless stamina and unusual ability to bounce back faster than most from any attack or wound that actually hits her serving as large advantages to her manner of combat.

Lancer (L): A brash man with unknown beginnings, his mercenary lifestyle of fighting for money and caring for no one by himself was everything to him. It is this lifestyle that he abandons in favor of chasing after a ghost from the past, a feeling that had been unfamiliar to him for 15 years until now. He dislikes company and does not work well with others, though he finds himself in a group of people he would have usually threatened or scared off under normal circumstances. His primary style of fighting includes a two-handed sword, which possesses both the deadliness of a deep, penetrating cut and the heavy blunt force to knock out a foe.

Archer (A): A figure that is known in the underworld for her unusual hair color, what she truly does or looks like is unconfirmed, only speculated. She seems to move haphazardly through different areas with no distinguishable pattern, to the dismay of those that would seek her out to do suspicious jobs for them. Despite the opinion that she is a person to ask for these jobs, she has never truly taken a job from the unruly troublemakers that would have her involved in their own petty dealings. Her primary style of fighting is archery – however, unlike conventional archery, she prefers to face her targets and prey head on in close quarters for destructive impact, rather than from a distance.

Bard (B): She is a gentle spirit who is often seen in different towns playing her melodies and drawing the attention of those bewitched by her music, or enraptured by her beauty. Despite being on good terms with almost everyone she has met, no one knows much about her beyond her name, and she is not keen on disclosing much, keeping a respectful distance away from the people that she encounters. A lover of nature and an ally to those in need, when she is not seen playing her songs in the town square, she can be found helping the villagers often too poor to sustain themselves. Her primary style of fighting would be in a support role, though the auras some of her melodies carry and the questionable ‘instruments’ she carries would lead some to believe that she is more than capable of defending herself – she has been traveling alone for many years, after all.

Battle Alchemist (BA): The princess of the alchemic capital of Tara, she grew up wanting for naught, yet miraculously is a very humble and straightforward woman. Although she took lessons in alchemy to the point she could be considered one of the best, she took her time to learn the more simple chores and common tasks from her servants and help when her parents were not watching. Wanting to explore the world as her parents once did, she insisted on leaving home and seeing the land and its people, on the condition that her aide accompany her. Her primary style of fighting is with the alchemic contraption on her arm, with the resources and training to constitute as one of the best and brightest in terms of alchemy.

Support Alchemist (SA): The princess’ aide, he was saved by the king and queen when he was young and taken in as one of their own, his position to the princess being something he had suggested himself. An enigmatic man, he often hides his thoughts and always defers to whatever the princess may suggest. His dedication and loyalty to the princess is one of the only defining factors that he allows others to judge him by, preferring to stay in the shadows and not draw attention to himself. His primary style of fighting is also alchemy, having taken classes with the princess; his style and skills are all tailored to be an ultimate support to his princess.