#injustice 2 tricks

[lizzyiii]

His Lady Love

pairing | young aemond x vampire!reader

word count | 4.1k words

summary | aemond becomes obsessed with his mother's newest lady-in-waiting. he seeks her comfort after aegon takes him to the brothel.

tags | AFAB reader, older woman/younger man (more like older girl/younger boy), delusional aemond, angst/comfort, aemond pov.

note | my first time posting, also I really wanted to see what it would be like with a vampire in hotd, PART 2 coming soon.

likes, comments, reblogs are much appreciated

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 — 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫

He was ten and two when Aemond Targaryen first laid eyes upon your bewitching figure. At first, he was convinced it was a mere trick of his own mind, a mere mirage conjured forth by imagination and longing.

Clad in a resplendent gown of deep wine red, you appeared nothing short of ethereal, your skin seeming to glow beneath the vibrant hue of her attire. Your hair, intricately braided into an elaborate updo, lent an air of regal sophistication to your youthful appearance. It was no wonder that you had swiftly ascended to the ranks of his mother's most esteemed ladies in waiting.

Despite his tender age, Aemond was keenly aware of the profound allure that you exuded. You could not have been more than eight and ten, and yet you possessed a rare and ineffable grace that captured his young heart with an instantaneous and profound intensity.

In that fleeting moment of their initial encounter, he became resolutely certain that, when he came of age, you would be the one he would take as his wife.

He despised them. The sheer sight of Aegon and his nephews filled Aemond with deep-seated resentment. It was a reminder of the injustice he felt deep in his bones. Aegon and those bastards, useless and undeserving, had been gifted with dragons, while Aemond, a true warrior, was left without one. As if to add insult to injury, they had gifted him a lowly pig, a cruel mockery of his situation.

Consumed by anger and grief, Aemond could not contain his rage any longer. He stormed into the Dragon Pit, the heat and fury of the dragons surrounding him. In the chaos, he narrowly escaped being burnt alive, only to find himself scolded by his mother.

And then he was seeking solace in her arms. Rare as it was for her to offer comfort, Aemond clung to her, desperate for any shred of comfort in the face of his overwhelming emotions.

Before their moment could fully settle, a soft, melodic voice filled the room. "Your Grace - Oh, I apologize for interrupting," your voice wafted into the chamber, causing Aemond to hastily pull away from his mother, his back turned as he hastily wiped away the traces of dirt and tears from his face.

Aemond straightened his posture and steadied his breath, turning to find you standing in the doorway, your eyes filled with genuine concern and compassion. He felt a pang of embarrassment as he realized he had been caught in such a vulnerable moment.

"It's alright, My Lady," his mother, Alicent, reassured you as you approached them. Aemond couldn't help but notice the weariness in his mother's expression. Did comforting her son take such a toll on her?

Alicent gave Aemond a brief, tightening look before turning to her lady-in-waiting. "Perhaps you could see my son back to his chambers," she suggested, her tone laced with a hint of exasperation.

It was clear that his mother was eager to pass him off to her lady in waiting, but Aemond couldn't bring himself to feel too upset. Since his lady love happened to be the one assigned to escort him, he had no complaints. Despite their six-year age difference, Aemond was confident that once he reached his maturity, their age gap would no longer matter.

"Of course, Your Grace," you said with a respectful bow of your head. Your gaze slowly shifted to the prince, and he nodded as he made his way out the door, with you following close behind.

"You're wondering about my appearance," Aemond murmured softly, his focus fixed straight ahead as the two of you strolled through the corridors of the Red Keep.

A soft chuckle escaped your lips, and Aemond savored the sound, filled with pride knowing he had elicited it. "Tis not my place to ask questions, My Prince," your warm voice filled his ears, "But judging by the ash and dirt on your fair skin, I would venture that you were likely at the dragon pit."

"It's unfair," Aemond grumbled indignantly, feeling an unjust injustice in the situation. Immediately, he wished he could take back his words, realizing that he had unintentionally come across as childish when he was supposed to be displaying to you his maturity and wisdom.

"The world can be cruel and unjust, My Prince," you replied with a saccharine sweetness in your voice, "But that is why it is imperative for you to assert your authority and take command of your destiny."

Aemond angled his head to catch a glimpse of your elegant profile, admiring not just your physical beauty but also the astuteness of your words. "And how can I accomplish that?" he inquired.

You turned to meet his gaze, your eyes locking and causing his heart to skip a beat. You bestowed him with a subtle yet meaningful smile before you said, "By refusing to accept a life you do not deserve."

"And what of you," Aemond inquired, "What do you believe you deserve, My Lady?" If you were to marry him, you would lack nothing; he was prepared to grant you any request you might make.

"It’s difficult to say," you murmured, tilting your head thoughtfully. Even that Aemond found endearing, "Some individuals believe they are worthy of the entire world, whereas I value simplicity."

Aemond raised an inquisitive silver brow, "Simplicity?"

"Stability and security. A serene life," you explained. Then you glanced down and offered him a warm smile, "Perhaps we can continue our discussion another time, your grace."

Aemond was scarred. Left disfigured and crippled, condemned to a life of one-eyed hardship due to the foolish actions of his bastard nephew. He had once thought it a fair exchange, an eye for a dragon, but now, lying in his chamber chambers, sedated by the potent poppy milk, he questioned his own judgement.

Aemond frowned as he noticed they had reached the doors to his chambers. Before he could utter another word, you nodded courteously and departed. He was determined to offer you a serene life. As his wife, he would spare no effort in providing for you. And in turn you would be his serenity.

As he lay there, disabled and near death, he longed for your presence. Perhaps that was why he willingly surrendered to the effects of the poppy milk, for it allowed him to see you in his dreams. He took solace in slumber, for it was there that he could find you, if only in his mind.

But despite his yearning to see you in waking life, a part of him hesitated. He did not want you to witness the repulsive scar that marred his once-perfect face, especially the swollen and oozing scar where his left eye once was.

The pain from his injuries radiated through his body, a burning fire within him that consumed all other emotions. Aemond's thoughts turned to vengeance, as he vowed to take back what was stolen from him. His mind was set on becoming the best warrior in the Seven Kingdoms, one to surpass even his uncle, Daemon Targaryen, and he would not rest until he had retribution.

He would not accept a life he did not deserve, as his lady love had told him. With the biggest dragon in the world by his side, Aemond was determined to become even better than his past self. And then, you would be his. His lady love would be his wife, and together, you and him would rule with fire and blood.

He longed to shed his skin. The scorching heat in the chamber had become unbearable. The wine she had offered him churned in his gut, causing him to fight the urge to expel it.

Following the feast of Aemond's thirteenth nameday, Aegon had hinted at a surprise for him. Little did Aemond know that his elder brother would lead him into the depths of a pleasure house. Without a chance to protest, Aegon vanished into a sea of bodies and silks.

Next, Aemond found himself ensconced in a chamber bathed in the soft glow of flickering candles. Obscene tapestries adorned the walls, depicting the most intimate of acts between man and woman. And then, a woman entered. She was of an age exceeding even that of his own mother.

She cooed at him, showering him with soft words and adulation. Soon, she was touching him, disrobing him. Aemond wanted to protest, to scream for her to stop, but his vocal cords betrayed him. His body quivered as she caressed him, whispering into his ear.

Once it was over, Aemond was left in a daze. His body no longer felt like his own. Swiftly, he scrambled to dress himself, fleeing the brothel in a disheveled state, He didn't care where Aegon was, all he could think about was reaching you.

His heart pounded in his chest as he raced through the secret passageways of Maegor's Holdfast, his lungs burning with each desperate breath and tears falling down his pale cheeks. He bypassed his own chambers and his mother's, instead making a beeline for the guest wing where he had roamed many times in an attempt to get a glimpse of you.

Finally, he reached her door and pounded on it frantically, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to compose himself. He had to see you. He needed you.

As the door creaked open, his eye widened with the realization that you and him had not spoken since he had lost his eye, and he had carelessly left his eye patch behind in the brothel. He feared that you would see his disfigurement. Before he could flee, however, the door swung open.

You stood before him, ethereal and captivating. Your locks cascaded down, some strands delicately tucked behind your ears. Cloaked in a deep crimson silk robe, which accentuated your graceful form.

Though your initial expression seemed perturbed by the intrusion, it quickly softened as your gaze fell upon Aemond. Your eyes wandered over his disheveled appearance and his one glassy eye, and a wave of concern washed over your features.

And without a second thought, he threw himself into your soft body, wrapping his arms around your waist as he laid his head against your stomach. Almost instantly his tears returned and after a moment, your arms came around him hesitantly, offering him your comfort.

Gently, you extracted yourself from his arms and offered your hand to him and without hesitation, he took it. Your skin was soft, yet cold, providing relief to his overheated body. You led him into your chambers which was simple and minimalistic, but all Aemond could focus on was the coolness of your touch.

Guiding him to the chaise in your chamber, you gently urged him to take a seat. As you walked away, Aemond mourned the loss of your touch, but you soon returned with a goblet in hand, offering it to him.

With a hint of wariness, Aemond took a tentative sip, finding the water refreshing. He greedily drank, while your worried eyes remained fixed on him.

As he finished the water, you placed a hand on his wrist, your concern evident in your touch. "You must tell me what happened, my prince," you urged, your voice soft but determined.

Aemond’s gaze turned away, a tempest brewing in his heart. “Shall I summon your mother, then?” you suggested, your tone a mere whisper laced with concern.

At the mention of his mother, Aemond’s eye snapped back to yours, desperation flickering in his gaze. “No. No, please don’t do that,” he pleaded, his voice a hushed urgency.

Swallowing hard, Aemond felt the weight of his brother's casual cruelty descend upon him. “Aegon,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, “he said it was a surprise. A rite of passage, he called it. He told me it was time to… get it wet.” He faltered, the memory crashing over him like waves against a rocky shore. Closing his eye, he inhaled sharply as his pulse quickened, “I can still feel it. Her hands were everywhere, warm and suffocating. I didn’t know how to make it stop... so I just waited until it was done.” Pain and confusion tangled in his chest, threatening to spill over.

He felt your gentle touch then, your hand gliding from his wrist to envelop his own in a tender squeeze. “Oh,” you murmured softly, your voice a balm against the chaos within him

But as you slowly withdrew your hand, a wave of panic surged through Aemond, tightening his grip on yours. “No…” he breathed, desperation creeping into his tone. You hushed him gently, your grip reassuring as you leaned closer. “Calm yourself, my prince. I intend to run you a warm bath, to cleanse you of the filth from that place.”

He nodded, though a nervous knot twisted in his stomach, and watched as you glided away into the adjoining bathing chamber. As Aemond took in the chamber surrounding him, he noted its unadorned simplicity. No treasures adorned the walls, no personal tokens to lend a semblance of warmth or familiarity. Yet, a heavy goblet rested on the table before him, catching his eye. The reddish liquid within gleamed like blood in the dim light, causing a shiver to race down his spine. He forced his gaze away, willing himself to ignore the unsettling thought as he waited for your return.

Moments later, you reemerged, the soft fabric of your robe trailing behind you. “Your bath is ready, my prince,” you said gently, cradling in your arms a neatly folded bundle of his clean clothing.

“How did you retrieve my clothes so swiftly?” Aemond asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

You averted your eyes, but he caught the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “Your chambers lie but a breath away from mine."

But his chambers were on the other side of the castle?

Aemond's heart raced, not out of insecurity concerning his form — for he considered himself a Targaryen, and his lineage was his strength. Yet, the hole of his left eye gnawed at his pride. You met his gaze with an equal measure of courage, undeterred by the scar that marred what once was a handsome countenance. It was still the body of a boy, and though he was thirteen, he could not shake the flicker of embarrassment that flared in his chest.

Stealing a furtive glance towards you, Aemond found comfort in the fact that your eyes were cast downward, filled with allocation rather than scrutiny. With a swift motion, he shed the last vestiges of his clothing, and with that, slipped into the warmth of the steaming bath. As the water enveloped him, a sense of relief washed over him, mingled with surprise. The oils that swirled within the bath carried your fragrance, soothing and familiar, reminiscent of sunlit fields and the gentle sway of blossoms in the breeze.

"Shall I fetch a maid, my prince?" You asked, your voice soft and gentle. Your eyes finally settled upon him, he could detect an undercurrent of genuine concern.

"No," he replied curtly, his tone sharper than intended, the remnants of his pride still gnawing at him.

Aemond could hear you hum softly as you came to kneel by the edge of the bath, your fingers trailing in the water as you offered him a placating smile, radiating warmth that contrasted sharply with the chill of the world outside. Aemond’s gaze remained fixed on you as you began to scrub away the remnants of what had happened just before.

“Does it still hurt?” you asked softly, your eyes momentarily flitting from his face to the scar that bisected it before you continued your ministrations, your cloth gently gliding over his skin as if to erase the memories of that night.

“Stings sometimes,” Aemond replied, a shadow of shame dancing across his features.

You nodded, your hands deftly working to cleanse his face, but your gaze lingered on his empty eye socket—an echo of loss and pain that pierced deeper than any physical wound.

He cast his gaze downward, feeling the familiar pang of discomfort rise. “It’s… ugly,” he muttered, barely above a whisper.

With an unexpected tenderness, you cupped his face in her hands, guiding him back to meet your gaze. “No, my prince,” you countered softly. “Not ugly. Merely different, a testament to your strength. You might even adorn it, you know.”

Adorn it? Aemond raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued despite the prickling pride that flared. “With what?” he asked, fixing his single violet eye upon you, momentarily captivated.

A gentle smile danced on your lips, a flash of mischief flickering in your expression, illuminating your features in the dim light. “Why not place a jewel in it, perhaps? What’s your favorite jewel?”

He shrugged, a habitual defense against showing too much of himself. “I don’t know,” he replied, his voice low.

The question hung in the air as you added, “Mine are sapphires."

Aemond’s thoughts drifted momentarily, recalling the dresses you had worn, swirling fabrics in hues that bespoke your grace. A pang struck him; “I’ve never seen you in blue.”

You shook your head dismissively, your eyes averted, as you responded, “It does not suit me, my prince."

“Impossible,” he mumbled, the word escaping in a barely audible whisper. He found it hard to believe you could not wear something so exquisite and innocent as blue, just as he found it hard to believe himself worthy of your affection. You were a jewel in your own right, far surpassing the treasures of the crown and the markets.

Once Aemond was freshly scrubbed clean and clad in his simple garments, the flickering torchlight cast shadows upon the stone walls of the Red Keep. You regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Are you ready to retire to your chambers now, my prince?" You asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

Aemond's heart sank at the thought of leaving your presence. The heavy weight of what had occurred a few hours ago felt more burdensome than ever. He cleared his throat, struggling to imbue his tone with the command expected of a Targaryen, "I wish to stay here."

Your brow furrowed slightly, and he could see the hesitation in your eyes, but you nodded nonetheless, leading him back toward your bed where you made to arrange the bedding around him. His lone eye followed your every movement, drawn to the curves of your form and the gentle way you tended to him. As you turned to leave, Aemond’s instincts took hold. With a swift motion, he grasped your wrist, his grip tighter than he intended. "Stay with me."

Your expression shifted to a sternness reminiscent of his mother, a reminder of the propriety and decorum that governed your lives. "That would be most inappropriate." Your tone was firm.

"Please," he murmured, his voice dropping to a near pleading softness.

With a heavy sigh that betrayed your weariness, you succumbed to his request, moving to the far side of your bed and, to his joy, sliding beneath the sheets. Aemond felt a rush of daring coursing through him like wildfire; he subtly shifted closer, resting his head on your chest. For a brief moment, he feared rejection, his thoughts racing to the taunts of his nephews and the ache of the void left by his lost eye. But then, as if sensing his need for solace, your arms enveloped him, warmth flooding through the cold shadows of the brothel.

In that cocoon of stolen intimacy, Aemond found refuge. The bitter weight of Aegon’s taunts, the pain of his injury, and the disquiet of the brothel faded away like whispers in the wind. He was no longer Aemond, the one-eyed prince; he was simply a man seeking comfort from the woman he loved.

Weeks after, Aemond strode into his chambers with the weight of the day's demands heavy upon him, only to halt in his tracks at the sight of a delicate gift-wrapped parcel resting atop his oaken table. Unease prickled at the edges of his mind as he approached, an unfamiliar crested insignia embossed on the fine paper hinting at its sender. With practiced grace, he unwrapped the offering, and there within gleamed a sapphire so vivid it whispered of the sea’s depths, glinting alluringly in the candlelight.

A smile unbidden flickered across his features, for he knew—knew it was from you. A token of your affection, bright as the glory of House Targaryen itself. It swelled his heart, igniting a warmth that had grown chill. He could envision your soft gaze as you selected the gem, the way your laughter danced through the air like the sweetest song.

Determined to express his gratitude, he spent the day scouring the halls of the Red Keep, threading his way through the throngs of courtiers and servants, all the while searching for your familiar figure. But fate, it seemed, had conspired against him. The hours slipped by like sand through his fingers, and as the sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting long shadows throughout the stone halls, bitterness sank into his bones.

After the evening meal, his resolve led him to seek his mother. With a furrowed brow, he pushed the door ajar and entered, expecting to find answers from her. But the sight that greeted him was far from comforting. Alicent sat hunched over a letter, the wax seal shattered beside her, her expression dark and heavy with unspoken words that lingered in the air like the scent of damp earth before a storm.

“Aemond?” she murmured, as if startled from a reverie, her voice a mere whisper, laden with melancholy.

He watched her for a moment, his previous thrill of joy eclipsed by her obvious distress. “What troubles you, Mother?” he ventured, stepping closer.

Alicent lifted her head, her expression a fragile mask that crumbled the moment she met his gaze. A semblance of a smile teased her lips, but the sorrow beneath was palpable. “All is well, my son,” she lied.

He knew the bond his mother shared with you, the girl who had nestled herself in the depths of his mother’s affection, unlike the numerous ladies-in-waiting who flitted about like storm-dodging sparrows. To Alicent, you were not merely a servant but a girl she cherished as if you were her own blood.

But Aemond’s sharp eye caught the glimmer of distress that lingered in her tone. He advanced further into the room, his gaze honing in on the parchment that lay forgotten in her delicate grasp. “What is it?” he pressed, his heart beginning to thrum in his chest, sensing the foreboding weight of something unsaid.

Alicent's voice was tinged with sorrow, a shade that unsettled Aemond's heart as she whispered the name of his beloved, “It is from her.” The chill of her words struck him like winter's breath. “She has decided to leave the Keep."

In that moment, it felt as though the very foundations of King's Landing trembled, the walls echoing his anguish. Aemond's heart tightened painfully, a dragon's fang sinking into his chest, yet Alicent remained blissfully unaware of her son’s turmoil as she set the letter down upon the polished mahogany table before turning away, her silhouette retreating into the shadows of her room.

Stinging tears threatened to spill from the corners of his eye. You could not have forsaken him; you would never abandon the bond the two of you shared, so why had you departed? Aemond seized the letter, his hand shaking with urgency, his eye darting across the elegant script. You had spoken of a deep homesickness, a yearning to reconnect with your family. You graciously thanked his mother for her kindness during your stay.

Yet, amidst your carefully penned words lay an abyss of uncertainty. No mention of where you had gone, nor any promise of when—or if—you would return. Only your name, signed with elegant flourish and the seal of your house—a sigil that felt as foreign to Aemond as a stranger’s face.

— Mikaelson

[jellojelli]

Fontaine Boys: Calling them by their names

Lyney

This guy pretty much made it a thing after you started using pet names that you no longer knew a Lyney, only a baby, sweetie, honey, sugar, etc. So, don't think that pulling this prank will go over his head or that he'll let you off easy for trying to tease him like this. Because Lyney? He will never forget this injustice until he can return that favor tenfold

When you say it, just as he is leaving for work/practice with Lynette, he stalls in the hallway as he tries to process what you just did to him, because surely his sweet, loving, and gorgeous lover would never stop using his pet names without a justifiable reason. This man goes through 4 stages of grief in .2 seconds and basically sprints to the nearest calendar to see the date, anniversary, or birthday he surely must've forgotten

Because, surely, he missed something, right? right?

"Love... did I forget something?" Lyney sounds so different from usual. Almost panicked really.

This can go one of two ways:

If you can keep a straight face and keep calling him Lyney he gets more and more panicked, basically begging at your feet to tell him what he did to deserve such cold, heartless, and diabolical treatment until you give and tell him its a prank

If you can't keep a straight face Lyney can see the devious little smile on your face and pretty much gawks at you in disbelief

either way it ends with him giving you a taste of your own medicine for the rest of the day. Because really, how could you do this to him right before his practice?

So if you can't handle that, don't do that to Lyney because he can be just as teasing and mean about it no matter how much he loves you, and if you keep it up through the whole day too he will continue it into the next day until you stop

or maybe he'll do something about that attitude of yours? ;)

Freminet

Are you a monster?

Genuinely why would you do this to him after all the work it took to get him to accept and also call you petnames?

Fremi thinks the world is ending tbh. He was on his way out to go diving and you just??? dropped this on him?? Are you breaking up with him?? Is he in trouble?? Please tell him it is a prank immediately or he will cry

Just like his brother he rushes to a calendar and checks every box to make sure he didn't miss anything today and for the last month or so just to be sure. And the panic that sets in when he sees that he didn't, now he's really sure you're about to say you don't love him anymore

It doesn't even matter if you can keep a straight face or not because he is in full panic mode and can't think straight enough to see that you're just pulling his leg

This poor boy is taking off his backpack and shoes and either sitting across from you or standing right in front of you with the most pitiful face asking you what's wrong

"My little marintine rose.... y/n honey....what's wrong? Did I... make you angry? Is it the diving? You can come with me, you know I love it when you come with me" Cue the biggest puppy eyes with tears

Please tell him soon that this is just a prank because again, he can and will cry if you keep this up any longer than a few minutes.

Neuvillette

He deadass walks out the door and takes a few minutes outside before he turns around and makes his way back inside calmly. Neuvillette is positive he misheard. His mind is playing tricks, or maybe he's getting old and his hearing is failing him because there is no way you just called him Neuvillette, his full government name, and not Neuvi, baby, honey, love, or something like that

He'd even accept a weird pet name like your fridge or your little hilichurl

The thing about Neuvillette is he knows he didn't forget anything. He will not rush to a calendar or even think to do so because he remembers everything you tell him, even things you say in passing. Like that dress you told him about 2 months ago, or the cute sea otter that you said reminded you of him

"Mon amour.... my love, my life, I think I forgot to tell you that I love you and that I'm leaving" He tries to play it cool, Nevi thinks if he can pretend he forgot to say anything that you'll correct yourself

When you don't, you're pretty sure you can hear thunder rumble in the distance as a storm tries to roll in

Say it's a prank right now or it'll storm for a week straight, he may be a big and tough dragon but he cannot handle this from you

If you crack and smile or start laughing Neuvi is not pleased, he's not pleased regardless when you reveal it's a prank

The storm is rolling in for different reasons now

He won't play the prank back on you but expect some long, displeased stares and some major frowns from him

You almost made his heart beat out of his chest in panic

Wriothesley

Wriothesley almost laughs when you call him by his full name and not at least a Wrio

like there is no way he doesn't know you're being a menace right now

so please be prepared for the entire next week because Wrio is ruthless when it comes to payback and he will get his just desserts

I mean really, Wrio is vicious when it comes to throwing this back in your face

"Oh hey there y/n, buddy, pal, my best friend" for a week straight...

So rude....

He will tell you upfront before he leaves for work when you do this that since he's just some guy you know now that he'll call you his friend from now on

and he will just walk right out the door after that. Not even a glance back or a teasing smirk, just leaves the house and goes to work unbothered for the rest of the day

that's what you think anyway, even though he knows this is a prank he actually is really bothered and talks to Sigwennie about what happened and he's pouting and sulking at work

even the inmates at the fortress can see that their boss is bothered by something

Please say sorry soon and start calling him his cute pet names or he's going to struggle at work and Sigwinne can't deal with this for anymore than a day because Wrio can be insufferable

[byoldervine]

The Trick To Writing Filler

(TL;DR at the bottom)

Filler is when you spend a chapter padding the length of your story between plot-related events. Filler chapters have little to no impact on the overarching plot and can be self-contained, and thus in TV shows filler episodes are often reran the most as people unfamiliar with the show can casually watch without being confused without the knowledge of prior plot beats

So with the chapter being largely self-contained and acting outside of the plot, what do you use to make the filler chapter engaging? I’m going to use filler episodes from Avatar: The Last Airbender to provide examples

1. Worldbuilding. Zuko Alone depicts Zuko’s travels taking him through an Earth Kingdom village and becoming acquainted to the family that allows him to stay with them, especially their young son. He learns about what the Fire Nation’s impact on this village has been; destroyed houses, families torn apart, constant robbery and other abuses of power and injustices. And even after Zuko defends the villagers and his new friend, he’s venomously cast out from the village by even the little boy because he outed himself as a firebender. This episode explored the impact of the war on the people of the Earth Kingdom, the victims of war that have no involvement in it and no way of defending themselves from it

2. Character exploration. In The Beach, we learn more about Mai, Ty Lee, Azula and Zuko and how their own traumas and personal upbringings have impacted their personalities. For Zuko this is part of a turning point for him, but for the girls it’s more to understand why they are the people we’ve gotten to know over the seasons, especially Ty Lee and Mai. The episode also serves to showcase how Azula and Zuko are so out of place being just normal teenagers; Azula has no idea how to talk to her peers and no identity outside being Princess Azula of the Fire Nation, while Zuko’s hotheadedness and jealousy issues lead him to lash out and be far too confrontational and controlling for his own good. This episode isn’t really used to develop these characters, or at least not the girls, but instead explains and showcases their behaviours and the reasons behind them

3. Character development. Going back to The Beach, Zuko does indeed receive development rather than just character exploration like the girls do; he comes to understand that he’s not just angry at the world or angry in general, but angry with himself. This is a notable turning point for Zuko’s redemption arc, because he now understands fully that he truly regrets betraying Iroh and sacrificing his new start in life in favour of returning to the Fire Nation. He might not yet be fully decided on turning his back on Ozai, but without this moment I don’t know if he’d have gotten there, or at least not as quickly as he did

4. Relationship development. Sokka’s Master has a C plot of Aang, Katara and Toph all being rather bored and lost without Sokka’s presence. The A plot exploring Sokka’s feelings of inadequacy and uselessness in comparison to such powerful and formidable bending masters being contrasted with the Gaang unable to function without him already speaks volumes about their dynamics, but looking deeper into the C plot also shows how much value Sokka really does bring to the team; structure, planning, humour, a quick wit, strategic moves. The Gaang always supported Sokka and never seemed to view him as expendable outside of the occasional teasing, but having it acknowledged so clearly and plainly that they can feel a little aimless and flat without Sokka and being so delighted when he returns really shows us the kind of value Sokka brings to this team and brings us and the characters to further appreciate it

5. Downtime. The Ember Island Players depicts the characters taking a break to watch a comedic play based on their wacky adventures, only to be largely underwhelmed and displeased by how they’re portrayed. There are no stakes to this episode and barely any plot, just the Gaang taking a breather as they react to a bad play. This chance to relax and watch something inconsequential is just as important to the viewers as we’ve got the show’s finale in the next four episodes, which will be very plot-driven and intense. The Ember Island Players also has the additional viewer bonus of recapping the events of the show right before it all ends, giving the viewers time to reflect on the journey they’ve gone on with these characters. In order for the stakes to feel high and the tension to rise, there has to be downtime where there are low stakes and low tension; if things are intense all the time, the moments that are supposed to feel super intense will just feel average in comparison. Resetting that intensity right before such a big event while still acknowledging the looming threat coming soon will feel like the calm before the storm and allow your audience to soak it all up like the characters are

Wow, did I just go through all that without talking about Tales of Ba Sing Se? I’ll save that for another post if people are interested in more

TL;DR - filler provides a moment to breathe, reset the intensity levels the audience are experiencing and take a chance to step away from the external conflict (the overarching plot) in favour of worldbuilding and the characters within your setting. Small moments can amount to something big, and can help make large scale decisions or plot twists feel more build-up and in-character

[thisisnotthenerd]

Records of the Aguefort Adventuring Academy: File AAA-BKQ-04-DOJ

This file summarizes the junior year quest of the adventuring party known as the Bad Kids and notes extraordinary achievements in this process. Reference this associated file [the rat grinders timeline] for clarification on the specific actions of the opposing party.

Quest Summary:

Heroic Party: The Bad Kids

Adaine Abernant | Wizard 14

Kristen Applebees | Cleric 14

Figueroth Faeth | Bard 10 / Paladin 3 / Warlock 1 / "Barbarian" 0

Riz Gukgak | Rogue 14

Fabian Aramais Seacaster | Fighter 6 / Bard 8

Gorgug Thistlespring | Barbarian 5 / Artificer 9

Villainous Party: The Rat Grinders & Associated Staff Members

Porter Cliffbreaker

Jace Stardiamond

Kipperlilly Copperkettle

Oisin Hakinvar

Ruben Hopclap

Ivy Embra

Mary Ann Skuttle

Buddy Dawn

---------------- AAA ----------------

Completed Quest Objectives:

These are separated into primary and secondary objectives achieved over the course of the quest, and have been generalized into categories for the sake of simplicity. All feats are listed numerically, but have no particular value inherent upon their placement; it may be based on chronology, the alphabet, related events, etc.

Primary Objective:

Prevention of the sundering of the name of Ankarna (Deity of Dawn, Justice, Fire, and Rage), the apotheosis of Porter Cliffbreaker, and the subsequent destruction of Elmville, home of the Aguefort Adventuring Academy

Notable Feats:

Gorgug Thistlespring remained in combat with Porter Cliffbreaker as a sole target, despite going down 4 times over the course of the combat. He further unleashed a flashbang which prevented Porter from lying to Ankarna and thus ensured Porter's demise.

Adaine Abernant worked within the bounds of utility casting to prevent environmental hazards and the opponents from downing her fellow party members. She further used her earworm to create a network between the Bad Kids, the villainous party, and the deities Ankarna and Cassandra, which allowed for Ankarna's divine intercession, after Adaine revealed the truth through divinatory skill.

Kristen 2 Applebees, with the aid of Kristen 1 Applebees, dispelled the effects of devil's honey that allowed Cliffbreaker to lie to Ankarna. Both Kristens kept their peers up throughout the combat, and brought the deity Cassandra back to her primary form, before establishing Cassandra and Ankarna as the first of a new pantheon worthy of her worship.

Riz Gukgak utilized a variety of tactical decisions and environmental hazards to strike at the enemies and fell them from hiding, in a pure display of roguish skill. He engaged in a one on one duel with Kipperlilly Copperkettle, and in felling her, prevented the disbandment of the Aguefort Adventuring Academy.

Fabian Seacaster, while an excellent combatant, released Bakur and brought allies of the party to participate in the combat from unconsciousness. He further initiated the correction of injustice that enabled Ankarna's reemergence with an untaught Divine Intervention.

Figueroth Faeth, after breaking the ancestral Curse of the Armor of Pride, served as the champion of Ankarna through the composition and performance of "Dawn of Justice" and "Righteous Rebel". She communed with the dead deity and took her rightful place as the Archdevil of Rebellion within Ankarna's domain. She further used this communion to trick Porter Cliffbreaker and the Rat Grinders with the false name Bacarath, while holding dominion over Ankarna's original domain. She then joined Kristen Applebees in establishing Ankarna and Cassandra as the bases of a new pantheon.

Secondary Objectives:

Achieve academic success at the Aguefort Adventuring Academy

Notable Feats:

Gorgug Thistlespring completed the coursework of three years of Artificer classes as well as one year of Barbarian classes. In this process, he discovered a new means of barbarian rage that could accommodate for Artificer spellcraft, thereby creating the Barbificer subclass.

Riz Gukgak found the Rogue professor Eugenia Shadow through months of careful investigation and dedicated effort and thus passed his junior year with an A+, though he maintained impeccable grades anyway.

Kristen Applebees attended her Cleric classes for much of the year without a present deity, performing miracles by her own hand and completing an independent study.

Figueroth Faeth changed her coursework to reflect a renewed interest in multiclassing; she completed independent studies on the Warlock and Bard tracks, and further incorporated Paladin coursework by attending Barbarian classes with the multiclass Barbarian-Paladin professor Porter Cliffbreaker.

Adaine Abernant maintained exemplary grades in Wizard coursework without the majority of the necessary material components. She further hosted an dance battle during her Wizard classes to defend the right of the Elven Oracle to be paid a competitive rate.

Fabian Seacaster joined the ranks of the dance Bards under Terpsichore Skullcleaver and completed the year with exemplary grades in both the Fighter and Bard tracks.

As a party, the Bad Kids faced the Last Stand Exam and were the first to achieve Arthur Aguefort's intended objective: living through the exam and spiting those who sought to send them to their death. Reference this document [The Last Stand Exam] for the proctor's notes on their performance.

Achieve extracurricular success at and outside of the Aguefort Adventuring Academy

Notable Feats:

Kristen Applebees, with the aid of her campaign manager Riz Gukgak, successfully ran for the position of Student Body President, beating out opposing candidate Kipperlilly Copperkettle

Figueroth Faeth served as the anonymous host of the "Complicated Women" podcast and opened her independent record label, which she used for the release of her sophomore album.

Riz Gukgak, after joining and participating in every extracurricular the Academy had to offer, became the school's Extracurricular Supervisor.

Adaine Abernant confronted the Court of Stars and successfully defended the right of the Elven Oracle, with Fabian Aramais Seacaster as her Champion, the Oracle of Dance.

Fabian Aramais Seacaster earned the title of Maximum Legend by opening his home to the many students of the Aguefort Adventuring Academy, serving as a pillar of the community, providing resources for studying, relaxation, and partying.

Gorgug Thistlespring continued his creation of the Barbificer subclass beyond the walls of the Aguefort Adventuring Academy, but proved his title of "Greatest Wizard of the Age", bestowed by Ayda Aguefort, by dunking on multiple adversaries: this included oinking at an officer of the law, soloing a purple worm, and getting Porter Cliffbreaker with a "Loser says What".

Adaine Abernant successfully created a remarkably British simulacrum of Kristen Applebees, named K2, who went on to participate in the murder of Wanda Childa (alter ego of Figueroth Faeth), apply to Hudol, call for the Divine Intervention of Cassandra in the form of the Nightmare King, and critically dispel the effects of devil's honey on Porter Cliffbreaker. The simulacrum was granted true life in the hands of Cassandra, but subsequently banished to a higher dimension, unreachable by mortal means in the world of Spyre.

Achieve investigative success with regard to the scheme of the villainous party

Notable Feats:

Figueroth Faeth took on an alter ego by the name of Wanda Childa to investigate the intentions and haunt the dreams of Ruben Hopclap. She capped this feat of social engineering off by orchestrating an elaborate death scene and mimicking the resurrection of the Rat Grinders.

Adaine Abernant, after speaking the name of Ankarna into the Material Plane, harnessed the energy of the breaking of the Curse of the Armor of Pride to release the soul gem of Bakur from the body of Lydia Barkrock, thereby allowing investigation of Ankarna's divine domain. She further used her arcane skill as the Elven Oracle to divine the intentions of Jace Stardiamond and cast Legend Lore upon the Temple of the Fallen Sun.

Riz Gukgak independently investigated the actions of the villainous party in the town of Elmville, including but not limited to: the nature of shatter-stars, the embedded crystals in Elmville's soil, the connection to Kalina the Shadow Cat and Ragh Barkrock, their travels to the Temple of the Fallen Sun, and the details of Porter's attempted apotheosis.

Kristen Applebees publicly opposed the Rat Grinders while running for Student Body President and thus stymied their attempts at gaining power over the school. She also, upon discovering the mutilated corpses of Lucy Frostblade and Yolanda Badgood, miraculously preserved their souls in the afterlife of Cassandra.

Fabian Seacaster's role as Maximum Legend and the resources of his home helped to prevent the escalation of rage that had been passing through Elmville by providing a space for recreation and relaxation that could alleviate the stresses that led to possession by the rage stars. He further sponsored the party's travel and connected with resources in Fallinel and Hell which enabled further investigation of the Rat Grinders' scheme

Gorgug Thistlespring, in between his establishment of the Barbificer Subclass, investigated the role of the Thistlespring Tree as Elmville's Root Warden, and the ritual performed there to transform Elmville into Ankarna's divine domain. He further used is skills as an artificer to adapt Seacaster Manor to flight and pilot it through the storm of the Nightmare King (dragon infested via ritual) such that the Bad Kids could face down the villainous party.

---------------- AAA ----------------

Documented Adversaries:

This table accounts for all of the enemies faced by the bad kids over the course of their junior year, with documentation of the relative difficulty of the encounters and their prospective experience (XP) growth. Reference this spreadsheet for recent additions and previous adversaries faced by the Bad Kids.

[average-hua-cheng-fan]

on hua cheng's morality and self esteem

on my first read of the book, i was actually convinced that hua cheng was this amoral asshole but that's just what he WANTS you to think. hua cheng actually cares a lot about ghost city (founded to combat the injustice of ghost persecution btw), he just downplays his achievements in front of xie lian because he doesn't want to 'trick' him into liking him. he also sees any accomplishments as a direct result of dianxia's influence so it would be wrong to take credit for them. perhaps hundreds of years of playing the part of the terrible calamity skewed his perception of himself even further.

in his introduction in heaven, they say how he would "Sometimes... carry out a massacre in cold blood, and sometimes he would do odd acts of kindness" (page 157, book 1) which makes me wonder what heaven defines as "cold blood." he visibly dislikes the man who bet his daughter's life and mentions killing several tyrants. in creating e'ming, he nearly destroyed himself in order to save those mortals. on the casino in ghost city, "If I don’t control a place like this, then someone else will. I’d rather that person be me." (page 107, book 2.) he has a very strong sense of justice that he hides under 3 million layers of arrogance.

xie lian gets the ability to tell if he is lying early in the book and sees him for who he really is. they're very similar in that they have this drive to do good in the world but think about it and go about it in very different ways. hua cheng even mentions that it doesn't matter how you go about saving the common people, and that xie lian over-complicates what is right and wrong and should do what he wants... but he wouldn't turn that logic on himself :/

anyway

**this is my reading btw if anybody wants to have a discussion im 100% down

[comfort-clubhouse]

Comfort Characters

(Wave 1)

ENA (ENA Season 1)

Kirby (Kirby)

Hello Kitty (Sanrio)

My Melody (Sanrio and Onegai My Melody)

Cinnamoroll (Sanrio)

Oggy (Oggy and The Cockroaches)

Olivia (Oggy and The Cockroaches)

Soft Boyfriend (Friday Night Funkin - Soft)

Orbulon (Warioware)

Mario.EXE (Mario's Madness)

MX (Mario 85 and Mario's Madness)

SCP-049 (SCP)

SCP-999 (SCP)

Rayman (Rayman)

Hex (Friday Night Funkin)

QT (Friday Night Funkin)

Nikusa (Friday Night Funkin)

Rascal (Friday Night Funkin)

Rosalina (Mario)

Luigi (Mario)

Count Bleck (Super Paper Mario)

Tippi (Super Paper Mario)

Boo (Mario)

Zavok (Sonic)

Chao (Sonic)

Orbot (Sonic)

Cream (Sonic)

Cubot (Sonic)

SpongeBob SquarePants (SpongeBob)

Slenderman (Creepypasta)

Splendor Man (Creepypasta)

Lulu (Creepypasta)

Lost Silver (Friday Night Funkin - Lullaby)

Father (Kids Next Door)

Monty Uno (Kids Next Door)

Jaune (Spooky Month)

Skid (Spooky Month)

Robert (Spooky Month)

Bezel (Chikn Nuggit)

Cofi (Chikn Nuggit)

Little Miss Sunshine (Little Miss)

Little Miss Shy (Little Miss)

Mr Quiet (Mr Men Show)

Ragdoll (The Batman 2004 Series)

Question (Justice League Unlimited)

Sayori (Doki Doki Literature Club)

Jigglypuff (Pokémon)

Darkrai (Pokèmon)

Snatcher (Hat In Time)

Grim (Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy)

Bread Mother (DHMIS)

Electracey (DHMIS)

Chudd Chudders (Skatoony)

Edd (Eddsworld)

Meta Knight (Kirby)

Scarecrow (The New Batman Adventures, Arkham Knight and Injustice 2)

(Wave 2)

Neo Cortex (Crash Bandicoot)

Eri (My Hero Academia)

Bubble (Battle For Dream Island)

X (Battle For BFB)

DangerGrid of Doom (Skatoony)

Moxxie (Helluva Boss)

Bendy (Bendy & The Dark Revival)

Sammy Lawrence (Bendy and The Ink Machine)

Baroness Von Bon Bon (Cuphead Show)

Charlie Morningstar (Hazbin Hotel)

N (Murder Drones)

Flaky (Happy Tree Friends)

Papyrus (Undertale)

Toriel (Undertale)

Majin Sonic (VS Sonic.EXE)

Mad Hatter (Batman The Animated Series)

(Wave 3)

Mushi Sanban (Kids Next Door)

Maurice (Kids Next Door)

Dr Nefarious (Ratchet & Clank)

Miraitowa (Tokyo 2020 Mascot)

Someity (Tokyo 2020 Mascot)

Hanazuki

Right Hand Man (Henry Stickmin)

Sam (Trick R Treat)

Scar (Alien Vs Predator)

Dingodile (Crash Bandicoot)

Aku Aku (Crash Bandicoot)

Scarecrow (Harley Quinn Series and Happy Halloween Scooby Doo)

Alastor (Hazbin Hotel)

Sarvente (Friday Night Funkin)

Wall-E (Wall-E)

EVE (Wall-E)

Grogu (The Mandalorian)

Mr Shark (The Bad Guys)

Zardy (Zardy's Maze)

Robert Englund (Celebrity)

Charles Martinet (Celebrity)

(Wave 4)

Hank Anderson (Detroit: Become Human)

Needlem0use

Luther (Needlem0use)

Angel Dust (Hazbin Hotel)

Blitzø (Helluva Boss)

Collin (Helluva Boss)

Ms Joke (My Hero Academia)

Tsuyu Asui (My Hero Academia)

EteleD (Wii Deleted You)

Corrupted Mii (Wii Deleted You)

Duck Guy (Don't Hug Me I'm Scared)

Red Guy (Don't Hug Me I'm Scared)

Bingo (Banana Splits)

Snorky (Banana Splits)

Taki (Friday Night Fever)

Lord X (VS Sonic.EXE)

Curse (VS Sonic.EXE)

Hog (VS Sonic.EXE)

Hypno (Friday Night Funkin - Lullaby)

Kapuna-Wa (Crash Bandicoot)

Lani-Loli (Crash Bandicoot)

Pusheen (Pusheen The Cat)

Shirousa & Kurousa (Sugarbunnies)

Pump (Spooky Month)

Spot (Spot The Dog)

Dr Strangeglove (Moshi Monsters)

Jevil (Deltarune)

Dmitri Petrov (Henry Stickmin)

Charles Calvin (Henry Stickmin)

Reginald Copperbottom (Henry Stickmin)

Sun (Five Nights At Freddy's - Security Breach)

Pinkie Pie (My Little Pony)

Shuey Rhon Rhon (Beijing Paralympics Mascot)

Meilin Lee (Turning Red)

Abby Park (Turning Red)

Zazz (Sonic)

King Shark (Harley Quinn Series)

Mugman (Cuphead Show)

Perrito (Puss In Boots)

Meggy (SMG4)

Scarecrow (Batman The Animated Series and Arkham Asylum)

Harry Hill (Celebrity)

Jaiden Animations (YouTuber)

(Wave 5)

Moon Knight (Marvel)

Mama (Cooking Mama)

Alice (Pokémon)

Alicia (Pokémon)

Eevee (Pokémon)

Tari (SMG4)

Secret History Tails (Mashed)

Poppet (Moshi Monsters)

Capt Squirk (Moshi Monsters)

Baby Rox (Moshi Monsters)

Gary (SpongeBob)

Sandy Cheeks (SpongeBob)

XR (Buzz Lightyear Of Star Command)

White Hat (Villainous)

505 (Villainous)

PukeyHurlC (Grossery Gang)

Iris (Pokémon)

Pipsqueak (The Lorax)

Dawko (YouTuber)

CookieSwirlC (YouTuber)

[mellowwillowy]

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲

⤷ warnings — ... a teaser of a Detective in Uphill Daisies.

"I can only bribe five out of six interrogators. That is already beyond what I can usually do." Kaspar said as he took a drag from his cigarette. Yulian's jaw was clenched, the interrogation would be tricky especially when the said failed bribed interrogator would come last.

To make you drink the sedatives first would be the first call.

"How about you go calm your spouse down first? Before the investigators start killing them up with those trickeries."

"Just make sure they go easy on my spouse. That way, the last investigator couldn't have a say in this."

Yulian walked toward the room you were held in. There, he approached your slumped figure, idling while playing with the fabric of your clothes. "Dear," he called out as he placed both hands on your shoulders, "have you drank it?".

You nodded in response, silently. The lack of sleep which was evident on your face, he will make sure to make that accursed prosecutor paid for it after he won the trial.

"Just relax, you did nothing wrong. Just answer them like how we rehearsed earlier and leave everything to me," Yulian brought his lip closer to your ear, "Do not be tricked by their wordings. The whole point is still the same, they are only trying to make you answer differently than the previous questions."

Had it not been for the sedatives he secretly made you drink, you would have shown all the suspicious behaviors that would probably make everyone throw you into jail. But Yulian said it doesn't work like that so it's okay right?

"They are only good in trickery but never in unveiling the truth." Yulian caressed the eyebags that were forming beneath your eyes, "and the prosecutor will pay for the lack of sleep you've been having, dear."

The clock ticked, the time for you to enter the interrogation room approached and the time for injustice to be served had gotten closer, it's time to head toward the plain interrogation room.

"Fret not, I'll always watch over you."

As always.

The first interrogator knocked on the door before swinging it open. Upon seeing Yulian's eyes bore into theirs, the man nodded and informed the two of you about the said interrogation.

The walk toward the room was filled with this uneasy air. The interrogator was nervous around your husband who wrecked a whole room because they refused to let you out, Yulian who was thinking of ways to handle the sixth interrogator and you who wished you could somehow just evaporate.

"Please wait on the outside sir," The interrogator stopped Yulian in his tracks before entering the room with you, shutting the door behind him. That was merely a formality, he would have his way toward the mirrored room and watched everything. It seemed like they chose to watch the whole thing live rather than through a mere recording.

The questions were simple, a combination of 5W and 1H. Time was irregularly slow, suffocating you with each time the clock ticked. Just when will time finally stop again? Even though the sedatives were supposed to calm you down, the uneasiness pit in your stomach was not helpful at all. You felt dizzy, your vision growing fuzzier and your breath chopped off.

When will these interrogators stop bothering me?

Soon, the farce you had been putting up cracked. Fingers picking your own skin, lip gnawed to the point it bled, sweat forming on your forehead, and the most visible of all, how your face showed visible anxiety and fear toward the interrogator questions that were dragged toward you.

Yulian wondered to himself, was the dose not enough? It was already slightly overdosed so that you wouldn't have a panic attack mid-way but it proved to be wrong. His fingers drummed the table as he counted down the interrogators, 2 coffee breaks were taken and this was the fifth bribed interrogator.

Why did the effect wear down just a moment away before the sixth interrogator came in?

The interrogator left the room, nodding toward the last interrogator. The interrogator sat down and smiled at you, "My name is Stephen Cirillo, pleased to meet you."

You nodded at his words, "Won't you at least introduce yourself to me?" You shook your head at his words, "Hmm~ Is it because you know I've read the information about you?" You sat still and he flashed you a toothy grin before leaning into your ear, a voice below audible, and yet you could hear him, "A shame your husband Adam couldn't bribe me~"

You shivered at his statement before he pulled away and sat himself down again, his ankle resting on his knee, "let's start it now shall we?"

Stephen Cirillo. Yulian made a mental note to himself, Stephen Cirillo, the interrogator that Kaspar failed to bribe, and the Detective who had once troubled him in a case he was responsible for.

The questions were the same, only worded differently to trick you. Stephen jotted down your answers as he attentively observed your behaviors, "So what were you doing at 8 PM?"

"Huh? I was..." What were you doing? What were you doing? What were you doing? "...in my husband's work-room?"

What did you answer the other interrogators again? You were asleep before a loud noise woke you up. Oh no. You looked up to meet his golden eyes sneering at you, his paper covering half of his face. You mentally note his name, Stephen Cirillo.

"Hmmm, is that so..." You looked down on the table, more questions? When will this end? When will he leave? When will you stop screwing up?! His eyes were mocking you for trying to keep up with him in this fight, the winner had been determined the moment you fell for his trick.

Yulian couldn't do anything but spin the gears inside his head fast. What kind of reasonings would he come up with in order to free you from all the suspicions he had about you? Yulian checked his pocketwatch, just a few more minutes before everything ended. Just a few more minutes before he could plan out to destroy his reputation as a Detective.

That way, his words were to be doubted by the court's juries.

Stephen walked out of the room and made his way toward Yulian, his hand patting his shoulder, "I know what kind of man you are Adam, you are currently planning on tarnishing my reputation as a Detective and validation as an interrogator right?"

"And what will you do about it?"

"Nothing. I am just a man, but I know someone who will unveil the truth about your spouse," Stephen held out the folder in front of Yulian's face, "I don't need this if I won't be stepping my feet into the court. But do rest assured, this will prove to be useful the moment you can't protect your spouse anymore."

Yulian? Unable to protect you? Nonsense.

"Ta-ta, see you in our final banquet together. When the blizzard hit and deserted everyone from the court."

If you follow the trail, you'll find daisies up the hill

The scandal regarding Stephen Cirillo broke out. The news about him making a harlot aborted a child was scandalous enough to bloom the seed of distrust placed in him. It didn't take long before more rumors followed.

"That Stephen guy, I heard he also feasts on men!"

"Oh, my words! First forcing that poor harlot into abortion and now a sexual deviation?"

"Not only that! Did you know that he was the one who troubled the Otiosus family in a case?"

"What? What did he do?"

"What was the case about?"

In the room it was lit by the fire in the fireplace, Yulian burnt down the files that he managed to steal from the Detective. The papers were burnt and there were none left behind. The case was not announced to the public and no one knew who the suspect originally was.

--

"The murderer is probably still alive, Eldridge."

The one eyed man looked at him, raising one of his eyebrow as though questioning the validation of his statement. Stephen chuckled before whispering it right into his ear, "I know who his spouse was. I was the detective in charge of the case 10 years ago."

The prosecutor's eye widened, "so you were Stephen Cirillo?"

"Precisely~ or should I take your name from now on? Stephen Alscher?"

"I'm afraid I am not fond of the idea of same sex marriage."

"Then we should just date instead!"

[your-regular-toast-enjoyer]

Headcanons: Yandere Damian Wayne x Reader : Reader escapes him.

Damian Wayne x reader. Yandere!Damian Wayne x reader/ Yandere Damian Wayne x Reader

Word count: 1460 words

TW: GN reader, Yandere, kidnapping, adult Damian Wayne (inspired and mostly based off of Damian in Batman beyond & Injustice 2: Gods among us), toxic family relations, obsession. Also, I have a friend that informed me that at the end of the Bruce and Grayson chapters the last sentence is cut off for phone users, I've tried to fix it by just rewriting the cut-off part below the original sentence.

First of all, it would have to be by some incredible stroke of luck that you managed to escape his grip. I imagine that if Damian turns yandere, he’ll indulge more in his “evil” side, so to speak. By that, I mean that he would probably return to his grandfather’s side and retake his place as the heir to the demon’s head, as the Al Ghuls’ less strict moral codes allow him to better keep you to himself. But let’s say that you somehow managed to sneak out without his knowledge, (likely with the help from Bruce and his brothers). Damian would stop at nothing to get you back.

 

Does anyone remember that glimpse we got of Damian as Batman in Batman #666? Yeah…That is how I imagine Damian would be if his beloved ever escaped. He would see you being away from him as an attempt on your life. He’s your protector…At least in his mind. To take you away from your protector is a not-so-hidden attempt to endanger you, right? Well no…But Damian certainly thinks so. So, if you got help from anyone… Good luck to them. Because Damian would blame them for your escape, and he has never been known for being superbly generous to his enemies. They’ll suffer. He’ll make sure of it.

But let’s say that the person helping you escape is one of his brothers or his father. How would he react? Well… It depends on who:

If Bruce is the one helping you, Damian realises that he has a relatively low chance of winning a hand-to-hand combat with his father. That doesn’t mean he’ll give up on you, though. Damian would at first try to negotiate with his father. Explain the reasoning behind his actions. He would attempt to invoke his father’s sympathy. As pathetic as Damian finds the entire thing, he is willing to put down his pride momentarily if it means he’ll get you back. 

If Bruce cooperates and Damian gets you back, you might gain more freedom. Damian would feel indebted to his father for giving him another chance, and he’d attempt to pay his father back by trying to treat you more like a normal lover would.

If his father refuses to give you back to Damian, despite his downright begging, Damian would go ballistic. I’m pretty sure he’d either ask his mother for help, (unsuccessfully since his mother is borderline yandere for his father and doesn’t want him to hate her for aiding in their son’s unhealthy attachment). When that doesn’t work. He’d simply kill his father using underhanded tricks, (probably use one of his brothers as bait to lure his father into a death trap). He won’t like it. No. He’ll despise himself for having done it for the rest of his near-eternal life, but it’ll be worth all the self-loathing as long as he can have you back in his arms. That’s not to mention Talia, who will forever blame you for Bruce’s death. She may or may not attempt to kill you... as retribution for her one true love's death ...

(death ... ) - (for phone users)

If it’s Grayson who helps you, which is probably the most likely as I can imagine Damian informing his oldest brother of where he, (and subsequently you), is, in case he wants to visit. So if Grayson takes you. Damian still rages, but he’ll be more inclined to listen to reason than he would have been otherwise. 

Damian has never hidden the fact that Grayson is his favourite brother, probably his favourite family member, (except you). He can’t bring himself to kill him. But…That doesn’t mean that he won’t extort him. Yeah… He’ll kidnap Barbara, (or Koriand’r, if you’re a Starfire fan), and propose a tradeoff with Richard. If his brother doesn’t bite, he’ll just up the gamble. He’ll kidnap Tim as well, maybe even the rest of Grayson’s old Teen Titan’s/Young Justice team. With all of his friends’ lives in danger, it’s unlikely that Richard will keep protecting you. Even if he does, Damian will fight him. Not to the point of lethality, but hard enough so his brother doesn’t become suspicious. While Grayson is distracted, Damian will have one of the assassins bring you back to the league.

(bring you back to the league.) (For phone users)

If Jason is the one who took you from Damian. Damian would downright cut his brother’s legs off. He really likes Todd, even if he doesn’t want to admit it. Damian doesn’t want him dead, even if Jason took you away from him. He won’t go to the same lengths as with Grayson to keep from killing, but he’ll sooner incapacitate Jason than end his life. I see the whole thing going a little like this:

Jason takes you from the league. (He knows Talia well, and I can see Jason convincing her to let him take you with him. She probably never thought you were quite good enough for her son. It’s nothing personal. She doesn’t dislike you more than anyone else. She just doesn’t think that anyone could ever be worthy of her son).

When you’re back in Gotham, Jason will hide you in one of his many safehouses while waiting for Damian in another. He couldn’t lead his younger brother straight to you by staying with you, so you’ll have to sit tight.

Damian finds Jason. He already knows that you won’t be with his brother. Damian knows Jason isn’t stupid despite having the same muscle mass as Batcow.

The two of them fight, but Damian doesn’t play fair. He probably brought a crowbar or enlisted the help of the Joker, (as stupid of a move as that might seem. Damian knows that the clown is only craving chaos. So chaos is what he’ll get. Joker has no interest in you. He wants to torment Batman, and what better way to do that than to work with Batman’s youngest son to kidnap someone). Jason takes one look at either the crowbar or the Joker, and he feels himself fall back into the memory of the warehouse. He’s horrified, and no matter how hard he tries to push it all away, it’s too much. 

Jason is weakened by Damian’s tricks, and the younger Wayne promptly breaks his brother’s legs beyond repair. Thus making sure that he won’t be a future problem. He’ll interrogate Jason about your whereabouts, but Jason doesn’t break.

In the end, one of Damian’s assassins finds you and brings you to him. Jason is devastated. He failed you, and all he can do is yell profanities at Damian as you’re carried away, out of his sight.

If it’s Tim who tried to save you… Oh, dear… Damian won’t care about what happens to the “replacement”. Damian will find Tim and if you’re with him, Damian will simply take you, kill Tim and go back to the League of Assassins’ base. If you’re not with Tim, Damian grows furious. Not only did his most “useless” brother take you away from him, but he also let you out of his sight. You could’ve hurt yourself! Damian’s ire only grows as Tim prepares to fight him. For Damian, this is not just a question of Tim taking you from him. It’s also a fight to prove whether Tim was really ever worthy of his position next to Bruce, his position as the former Robin and his current position as Red Robin. With Damian’s rage and his lack of morals, he easily wins the fight. Perhaps Tim let his brother win to show Damian that he actually follows Bruce’s rules and would never kill, as opposed to Damian, thus mocking the green-eyed warrior one last time. Damian draws Tim’s final moments out. An assassin has already found you. You were hiding nearby, having followed Tim’s instructions, which turned out to be faulty due to Damian arriving sooner than expected. A last “Demon spawn” leaves Tim’s bloodied lips as Damian slowly drags his katana out of Tim’s chest, cleaning it with an old handkerchief, which is left stained red.

No matter whether you escaped on your own or with the help of someone else. Damian will lock you in your shared bedroom whenever he isn’t available, putting twice as many guards near you at all times. He might even have you sit next to him or on his lap while he commands the League by his mother and grandfather’s side, (if he isn’t already the head of the league at this point). He won’t punish you too harshly, but he might smack you to the ground once when you get home. That’s only if you escaped on your own, though. If someone else helped you, he’d delusionally think that they simply kidnapped you against your will and that you honestly love being with him.

[flickynightdarkness]

My Full Comfort Characters List

Oggy, Olivia (Oggy & The Cockroaches)

SpongeBob, Sandy Cheeks, Gary The Snail, Patrick Star (SpongeBob SquarePants)

Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll (Sanrio)

Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Shy (Little Miss)

Mr Quiet, Little Miss Giggles (Mr Men Show)

CookieSwirlC, Jaiden Animations, Dawko, Rageminer, REU Music Channel (YouTubers)

Chudd Chudders & DangerGrid Of Doom (Skatoony)

Jigglypuff, Eevee, Darkrai, Alice, Alicia, Iris, Sylveon (Pokémon)

Rosalina, Boo, Count Bleck, Tippi, Peach, Daisy (Mario)

Mario, Yoshi, Luigi (Mario/DIC Cartoons)

Cream, Chao, Orbot, Cubot, Zavok, Zazz, Dr Eggman, Vector, Chip, Tails Doll (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Sonic, Tails (Sonic/AOSTH)

Poppet, Dr Strangeglove, Baby Rox, Captain Squirk, Jeepers, Kissy, Shishi (Moshi Monsters)

Hanazuki, Yellow Hemka, Pink Hemka, Light Blue Hemka (Hanazuki)

Charles Calvin, Reginald Copperbottom, Right Hand Man, Dmitri Petrov (Henry Stickmin)

Mama (Cooking Mama)

Pusheen The Cat

Shirousa & Kurousa (Sugar Bunnies)

Pipsqueak (The Lorax)

Mushi Sanban, Numbuh 9/Maurice, Father/Benedict Wigglestein & Monty Uno/Numbuh 0 (Codename: Kids Next Door)

Bubble (BFDI)

Winner (TPOT)

X, Cake (BFB)

Orbulon (Warioware)

Kirby, Meta Knight (Kirby)

PukeyHurlC (Grossery Gang)

Duck Guy, Red Guy, Bread Mother, Electracey (Don't Hug Me I'm Scared)

ENA (Season 1/Dream BBQ)

Moony (ENA)

Toriel, Papyrus (Undertale)

Jevil (Deltarune)

Neo Cortex, Aku Aku, Dingodile, Lani-Loli, Kapuna-Wa (Crash Bandicoot)

Scar (Alien Vs Predator)

Secret History! Tails (Mashed)

MX (Mario 85)

N (Murder Drones)

505, White Hat (Villainous)

SCP-049, SCP-999 (SCP)

Sam (Trick R Treat)

Lord X, Majin Sonic, Hog, Curse (EXEs)

Hypno (Pokémon/Poképasta)

Lost Silver (Pokepasta)

XR, NOS-4-A2 (Buzz Lightyear Of Star Command)

Ms Joke, Eri, Tsuyu Asui (My Hero Academia)

Rayman (Rayman/Animated Series)

Snatcher (A Hat In Time)

Scarecrow (BTAS/TNBA/Arkham Asylum/Arkham Knight/Injustice 2/Harley Quinn Series/Happy Halloween Scooby Doo)

Mad Hatter (BTAS)

King Shark (Harley Quinn Series)

Ragdoll, Riddler, Joker (The Batman Series)

The Question (Justice League Unlimited)

Zardy (Zardy's Maze)

Dr. Nefarious (Ratchet & Clank)

Soft BF (FNF: Soft)

Cofi, Bezel, Slushi, Cheezborger (Chikn Nuggit)

Hex, Nikusa, Rascal, Sarvente, QT, Boyfriend, Girlfriend (FNF)

Skid, Pump, Robert, Jaune, Streber, John, Bob Velseb (Spooky Month)

Blitzo, Moxxie, Collin, Stolas, Paimon (Helluva Boss)

Charlie Morningstar, Angel Dust, Alastor (Hazbin Hotel)

Pinkie Pie (My Little Pony)

Taki (Friday Night Fever)

Shuey Rhon Rhon (Beijing 2022 Paralympics Mascot)

Miraitowa, Someity (Tokyo 2020 Mascots)

Harry Hill, Robert Englund, Charles Martinet (Celebrities)

Bingo, Snorky (Banana Splits)

Wall-E, EVE (Wall-E)

Mario.EXE (Mario's Madness)

Needlem0use, Luther, Sarah Hendedson (Needlem0use)

Hank Anderson (Detroit: Become Human)

Bendy (BATDR)

Sammy Lawrence (BATIM)

Tari, Meggy Spletzer, Melony (SMG4)

Mugman, Baroness Von Bon Bon (Cuphead Show)

Slender Man, Splendor Man, Lulu, Jeff The Killer, Laughing Jack (Creepypasta)

Moon Knight

Meilin Lee, Abby Park (Turning Red)

Spot The Dog

Edd, Matt, Tord, Tom (Eddsworld)

EteleD, Corrupt Mii (Wii Deleted You)

Perrito, Puss In Boots, Kitty Softpaws, Three Diablos (Puss In Boots)

Grogu (The Mandalorian)

Sayori, Monika, Yuri (Doki Doki Literature Club)

Mr Shark, Diane Foxington (The Bad Guys)

Grim Reaper, Jack O Lantern (Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy)

[shallahi-and-snowflake]

Hello! Sorry about the roughness of my blog, I mostly just used this one for lurking before I ever thought to get in on anything.

I’m Shallahi Ksheh Bah-Teft, I’m… around… Nanish-er, that’s 20 years old, I think? (Years, months, days, and hours are different where I’m from.) (UPDATE: it’s closer to 22.) I’m human (mostly), Thaylen/Alethi, but I have longer eyebrows than most half-Thayleni. (I’m a Luxray Hybrid now, as of 2-29-24.) Yes, long eyebrows is a weird thing here. I tend to wear them over my ears, if that’s a good image to use as a metric.)

(Update: Apparently I’m Luxray-kin? I just figured it out, so…)

I’m from Kharbranth, also known as the City of Bells. I’m a Knight Radiant (something like a “Chosen” for a smaller, less powerful being. I’m of the Sixth Order, a Lightweaver of the Fourth Ideal as of 1-23-24), a Worldhopper (a “Faller” with more agency in where they go, basically), a collector of stories and knowledge and a lover of food and adventure!

I am a member of Bridge Four and an Incursionist.

I thought I was 6-foot-something, but I’m closer to 6-and-a-third of this world’s feet in height.

I use she/it/fae, and by your standards of gender, I would be transfeminine. (I transitioned by accidentally taking in an entire lamp’s worth of Stormlight, so no need to worry about HRT access, thank goodness. It’s such a shame that others can’t just breathe in magic and—poof! Be properly aligned to their Spiritual aspect.)

I may say words that don’t make sense to you, or don’t fit in the context you’d use them in, that’s just a consequence of the mixing of my own vocabulary and knowledge that I took with me here, me learning new words and assuming their meaning, and the Connection tricks I use to help learn new languages.

I said I was a Worldhopper earlier; don’t worry, while yes I might steal away to Scadarial or elsewhere for a bit, I’m making this world with weak storms, static grass, and colourful fluffy creatures my home. Like Shinovar but with more colour and less ksenophobia!

Now for you, Snowflake!

Mmmmm…

Ah! I am called “Snowflake” or “Snowy,” (She/Her) and I am a Patternspren or Crypticspren. A spren is… mmmm… a small fragment of a God. Not your gods, mind you. I am bonded to Shallahi, who you have already heard from. This world is strange to us. There is no Shadesmar, no Cognitive Realm that we could find. This means that I am just a Pattern on a dress or other form of clothing. I am dictating my words to Shallahi. Mmm… unfeminine.

(SH: Don’t listen to that stupid old book, it’s full of lies.)

I like lies. You know this.

SH: Then why let those lies dictate your life?)

Mmm… I am called Snowflake because that is how my Pattern looks. This is everything I can think to say.

I sign asks as ❄️.

I have a ton of siblings from Bridge Four, and also Oppy @freeroaming-curiosity is my sister!

Malkah (@faller-of-kharbranth) who just Fell here recently, is also my sister now!

Konnie @abyssanon is also my sibling, as well.

My little sister, who goes by Kitt but is technically a younger me, is at @kitten-of-kharbranth.

SALUTATIONS. I AM HER MAJESTY THE DUSK QUEEN LUNALA, THE PSEUDO-PATRON OF SHALLAHI.

My name, should you need it, is Nyx, and I use she/he/it/moon pronouns.

Should I send any asks, I shall sign them with -Her Majesty, the Queen of Dusk, Lunala.

Rose @hisuianhellion is MY GIRLFRIEND AND I LOVE HER SO MUCH!

I have 12 kids:

• Sword @sword-of-injustice, who talks like this. (Your pronouns.)

• Crystal @crystalclearribbons, who doesn’t live with me. (She/Her)

• Vivillon @shinx-oh, who also doesn’t live with me. (She/her)

• Fox (Eevee), who lives with Vivillon. (He/him)

• Illanero @zoruascanbetrainerstoo, who is the Champion of Hoenn, Kanto, Kalos, and Unova!! (All, but mostly xe/xem)

Xe usually travels with Cresselia/Zrosenza @moondreamscape. (she/it/dream)

• Svirak-Daughter-None, a Squawkabilly (She/Her).

• [Zeradin, a Zebstrika] (They/He).

• <Zan, a Dwebble> (He/Him).

• {Vinette, a Joltik.} (She/It).

• Palana, a Natu (She/Him)

• Navari, Eevee/Axehound hybrid, egg obtained from Quasar ( @rogue-nebula) (She/her? Hatched. Unknown.)

Here’s my Trainer Card:

Annoyingly, there are very few darker-skinned Trainers with blue eyes in the options. Nessa(?) here is the closest I could find.

Pelliper Mail is ON!

Same with Musharna Mail!

Don’t be afraid to ask me stuff, serious or silly!

In fact, don’t be afraid to be goofy with your asks.

Magic Anons are ON, but FILTERED!

Current Arc: Arc Shash (on hold sort-of), Purrsona! (more of a topic tag).

Previous Arcs: Purifying Waters Arc, Time Heist Event, Rotomblr in Wonderland, Lightweaver Luxray, Robot Rescue, Mini-Arc: Curse Of Angy Teen, Muse Mixup Madness (Get PMD’d (Luxrayposting)), Mini Arc: Pokesona Time!, Muse Mixup Madness (Shashariposting) Mini Arc: More Cat, Castelia trip!!

//No proshippers, no TERFs, no NSFW stuff. I don’t really want drama, I just want to have fun. Oh, yeah, also, POTENTIAL COSMERE SPOILERS!

//Sentient Pokémon are A-OK to interact, if previous reblogs haven’t made it clear.

//Self Insert Fallers and Branded are also clear to interact.

[goriiblissxx]

★clownsona moment★

★ Basic Info:

Name: Voltz the Clown

Pronouns: He/They

Age: 20

Type of Clown: Spooky Circus Clown

Personality: Energetic, Humorous, Playful, Mischievous

Distinct and Consistent Features: Black Nose, Skeleton Gloves, Checkered Pants, Skull Waist Belt, Stylized Combat Boots, Skeleton-based "Makeup"

Likes: metal music, pranks and jokes, neon/blacklight colors, spooky/halloween themed things, being silly, puzzles, glowsticks

Dislikes: bullies, the heat, cramped rooms, injustice, poorly executed puns and jokes, seeing people sad

★ Special Info:

Voltz' favorite types of gags or tricks to perform is anything with electricity involved. He tends to keep a concerning amount of electrifying props to pull pranks with. From a variety of joy buzzers to shock collars and pens.

Another favorite trick of his is juggling. He carries a variety of bowling pins, rings and glow-in-the-dark balls everywhere he goes.

Fun Fact - The buckle of Voltz' skull belt is also a joy buzzer. It can be activated with the press of a button in the left eye socket and can be set off upon contact like a normal joy buzzer. [Most effective when giving a hug]

Voltz is immortal under the rules of cartoony logic/physics. Therefore, he can deal with pain or injury and always come back unscathed. He is also susceptible to various cartoony physics and slapstick.

Voltz also carries an assortment of their own weapons and gadgets that do many different things, some of which they've made themselves:

★ EMP Hammer - A giant electrified mallet that can cause bursts of electromagnetic energy ★ Static Ball - A giant circus ball that Voltz can stand on and bounce around to hit anyone and anything nearby, it can shrink to fit in one's pocket and can grow to its normal size when used. It can also be spun around to to create static electricity to give it a shocking impact. ★ Bowling Pin Daggers - Hidden blades are within two juggling pins

★ Color Palette -

E4E4E4 - Skin + Skeleton Glove Pattern 67439A - Pattern 1 2B6856 - Pattern 2 0AAF33 - Pom Poms + Lightning Bolts 4F4D52 + 252837 - Pants Cuff + Skull Belt Buckle 060606 - Pattern 3 + Sleeves

[downthepub]

Something that I love about this season of Good Omens, but am not quite sure how to articulate, is the way characters who don't understand the context clues are treated. Like even when that's used to keep them in the dark, it's never treated as something mockable or stupid (except perhaps by Metatron!).

Gabriel's amnesia makes him not know anything, and so things have to be explained to him. He has to be wrangled, to protect himself and others, but he's not "stupid" just because he doesn't know things.

Shax needs tone explained and constantly has things about Earth and human culture that she doesn't understand. Even when Crowley is exasperated and doesn't feel like explaining, he doesn't seem to think that makes Shax stupid, or less dangerous, or anything else.

And then we have Muriel being *really bad* at her scripted "human" interactions, but it seems like the only person who really looks down on her for that is Metatron.

And of course there's Aziraphale with his incredibly literal reading of situations and people and what's true and what's not true. It is a very rigid binary. And obviously even social injustice is just part of the ineffable plan and an opportunity for people to rise to the challenge! He believes what he is told, and when he finds out something isn't true, it's a big adjustment for him. He can stretch it and make his own choices about right and wrong, and he reads situations much better with more experience under his belt, but there's still a part of him that absolutely believes what he's told, at least in that first moment. And the truth is really important to him. Like Crowley lying to him, he knows and needs to reassure himself that it's a lie, and he also keeps trying to get Crowley to affirm that. (You're really good, etc.)

And even with all their experience, neither Aziraphale nor Crowley seem to grasp that relationship issues for Nina and Maggie could have something more to do with outside things than just about what the two of them could / should / might feel. Love is a simple 1+1=2 that they never question. Obviously humans fall in love, that's what they do! The fact that one of them is already in a partnership, the other one has forced herself to accept that and not act inappropriately, well it simply doesn't register on their radar. Somehow they've missed this complexity of human interaction that would be clear to most people at a glance. I don't think they're actually dismissing the lived experiences of Nina and Maggie or trying to ride roughshod over their lives as much as it simply doesn't even register to either of them that things are more complex than they currently understand. It really does need to be explained for them to begin to understand.

Then there's the poor guy who has to keep asking questions because something *doesn't make sense* or isn't consistent, even though he gets punished for speaking up, over and over.

So, to me, many (most?) angels and demons are basically coded as being on-the-spectrum, IMO. It's nice to have that not be the butt of the joke, just part of the humor and cultural clash and conflict. For instance how Muriel is not a "stupid low-level angel" to Azriphale and Crowley, but more like "a dangerous, if currently ignorant, problem we have to stay ahead of." Even when they're tricking Muriel it's feels more respectful and humane than when Metatron acts like she's just stupid (even though she's useful to him).

I don't quite know where I'm heading with this but I love seeing it. It's like a breath of fresh air to have characters who are absolutely missing the "normal" cues, and not have that simple fact overshadow everything else about them.

[sinvulkt]

Dynasty of frauds by msOdds ( @batsimph )

“You can become my mate, or I can put you under Brainiac’s brain control device again. What is it going to be, Bruce?”Kandor’s restoration brings about conspiracies that Kal has neither patience nor finesse for. He needs an ally, and Bruce, despite his many past betrayals, happens to be perfect for the job.(post Injustice 2, Absolute power ending). Ongoing, 6k words.

*** ** * ** ***

Chap 2:

Bruce glowered at him. “Has Diana told you about the Trick at Mekone , Kal? Because of a feud with Prometheus, Zeus hid fire from mortals, leaving them cold and shivering at night. Surely mankind would perish - because fire was the first discovery that separated us from animals.” “Are you comparing me to a god, Bruce?” Kal chuckled. “A greedy and petty one, yes.” [...] Kal’s voice cut through the cheers, the music and the thrum of blood in his ears. “Do you see yourself as Prometheus, Bruce?” [...] They faced each other again, chest to chest, swaying lazily to the music. It wasn’t any of the dances that Bruce had taught the Alpha, or any of the dances that he recognized, period. Regardless, he trusted Kal to lead, and trusted himself to improvise as he went. Just like the old days. “How did that story end?” Kal ruined the moment with a question. His hand returned to the small of the human’s back, applying enough pressure to make him anxious, although not enough to hurt him. “Prometheus was chained to a rock, and an eagle came and ate part of his liver. Every day, for the rest of eternity, as per order of the ‘greedy and petty’ god.”

[ragnar0c]

Part 2 of comparing my EO ocs to my Mage Prophecies ocs

Tank and Tankei

The similarities in their names is purely a coincidence. Also Tankei is pronounced T-awn -KAY vs Tank just being said Tank. Plus... is Tank reaally his name? 🤨

Tankei was such a big supporting chara she could be elevated to main status. Subplots in most arcs focused on some aspect of her. And she was the fan fav.

She was an asshole, my favorite asshole whose reckless actions get the main girls in and out of trouble.

She needed to be watched bc when alone she was always misbehaving-- she hates authority, and she REALLY HATES injustice/unfairness.

Tankei melded so well with Mio bc she was the more real version of her. One that knew not everyone could be her friend bc she learned the hard way. And the reason why she is so harsh to Mio is because she never wants ANYONE to be like her. To be taken advantage of.

She has one of the absolute most DRAMATIC backstories ever. And it's one that shapes the plot.

If anyone has a more dramatic back story than Tankei it's probably Tank BAHAHAHA.

He is also a drunk asshole who has the be watched bc he misbehaves (thank you for watching Enid.....). But unlike Tankei. He's super... meticulous about what he does 🤨

His back story also leads a few subplots I have in mind. Actually maybe like 3. He was supposed to just be a side chara but the more I characterized him? He's actually so much more intelligent than Tankei when it comes to people. (I think). And his arc is sweet too. Yeah that guy is an asshole but I personally think he says so to trick people.

If they met: also at a bar. (They both use alcohol to turn off their brains).

They would beat the shit out of someone who was rude at the bar and vaguely remember each other afterwards.

He'd call her "chick" tho. Different than how he calls Alope and Hana kids... he'd definitely view her as more adult than those too bc he knows that she has seen very much.

Tank when Tankei calls him old man (he is tasting his own medicine)

Enid and Kai + Kiemi

Okay so Enid... Enid is one of my only EO ocs that embodies a few ocs rather than just 1. I have like 4 ocs that remind me of him. But narrowed it down to 2... the other 2 are more closely related to other EO ocs anyway.

Anyway Kai is another OC's son. Lady Micah's son!

I don't have comics of them interacting but it's. Oddly in character. Lady is the leader of a like police force, the specialized knights of the nation, the Royal Guardians. Kai is the highest ranking RG member. He is so ridiculously talented, powerful and awesome. But none of this stuff means anything to him bc his self esteem is soooooOoooo LOW.

Yeah. He can control gravity in a certain location. Yes he's a skilled swordsman. But what if hes faking that? ☹ he feels like an impostor...

He has all these achievements, but since he's so... insecure people dont know and view him as some average guy. Most don't even know he's rank 1. Which reinforces his inferiority complex.

Enid... Well when I rewrote chapter 1 I wanted to make it more obvious they were similar.

Like. You see Enid but not really?? Like. WHOA. That's a person. But... then you look at something else. They are the most vibrant in the room but surpress most of their personality. So people just view her as some guy.

Can't get into all Enid's problems bc Enid is a rare character who's backstory isn't super important. Maybe like 2 notes of it are. But other than that, all Enid is in the main story.

If they met: I think Enid would see Kai having a bad time and give him a pep-talk. Only to find out bro is basically capable of killing demigods and get SUPER PISSED OFF.

It's okay Enid. Post game, you can kill demigods too.

The other MP character is Kiemi.

Also one of the Royal Guardians. One who dedicated her whole life to the king. She represses her emotions like Enid too. Acting regal when shes really really upset that she's spent her life this way. Kiemi masks it and usually just tries to make sure no one feels like her. Giving confidence to everyone else and supporting them. (Including Kai)

She reminds me of young Enid. Before Enid became a monk they were unhappy in the same way Kiemi was.

If they met: ENID WOULD NOTICE HOW MESSED UP KIEMI'S QI IS. Kiemi's energy is so out of whack. They are repressing so much more than Enid.

They would talk and be good friends. Also if Enid ever lost confidence Kiemi would gas him up SO HARD.

Also! Kiemi and Kai are the main two who baby sit Tankei. So Enidcore. You know with Joe they babysit Tank. (Though... who is rlly being babysat between those two????)

That's it for this one!

I'll do more charas once I actually introduce them. :3!

[doodlegirl1998]

I saw your ask about how you would change MHA and want to add...AFO should be utterly pathetic.

Yes. I love evil mastermind as much the next guy. But AFO is a loser, look he has a powerful quirk and could have taken down the world but he instead figgle his tumbs and pines over Yoichi.

(The final villains should have been Redestro and HC)

Like the man is such loser...if I see any fic where he is a competent villain...I will think is an oc.

But let me ask you this: aside fron how loser AFO is, have you noticed how the world in mha seems to be a dystopia?

Hi @mikeellee 👋,

My issue with AFO is essentially this, he was built up by Hori at the beginning as someone who was meant to be the big bad, intimidating, powerful and a real threat to the heroes.

Yet later in the series he makes some of the most dumbass and infuriating decisions and reactions. I'll give some examples:

Screwing Shiggy's potential as a threatening villain in his own right? - AFO's fault.

AFO getting scared by a first year (Tokoyami and Dark Shadow) and getting strange PTSD off Bakugou? What the fuck was that Hori?!

Staying in Tartarus and waiting for Shig to get him out even though he could bust out at anytime himself? Lazy motherfucker.

Getting tricked by first year's including the UA traitor, who he didn't think to secure the loyalty of somehow? Like I don't know by making Yuuga explode like we just saw him do to Nagant? Yeah AFO didn't think to do that apparently...

I can find pathetic AFO funny and can laugh about it at times however an reflective issue of that on the story is this : If AFO becomes a pathetic villain by extension all the OFA holders 1 - 8 (including All Might become pathetic too.) Because if he is pathetic it shouldn't take 8/9 generations of OFA holders to end him.

As for your next point -

The main villains should be ReDestro and the HPSC. I can see where you're coming from and I think it would be a more interesting story if they were bigger villians. Many themes and ideas would tie organically here

1) ReDestro could have a quirk marriage of his own to carry on and strengthen his / his families legacy. (A good idea you gave to me in our private messages. This would fit his character.)

2) Geten being a Himura would tie in organically here as well as having him parallel Endeavor's lust for power/ attitude.

It would tie more into the world building of MHA and "heroic corruption" that Hori tells us off but never shows (bar Endeavor whose pathetic redemption undermines that anyway.)

And the final point - is MHA as a dystopia?

So a Dystopia is defined as this on Google

'An imagined state or society in which there is great suffering or injustice, typically one that is totalitarian or post-apocalyptic.'

Hmmm. Yes I can see where you are coming from. I would definitely say that Hori wanted to set it up as the heroic industry / society being corrupt and flawed initially and Deku / his peers to be the one to change that before he pivoted hard away from this angle and the systemic issues go ignored.

Quirkless Discrimination? Unexplored / unresolved.

Mutant Discrimination? Barely given the focus it deserved.

HPSC corruption? Destroyed by a ReDestro clone so they're now a non issue except when Hori wants us to feel sympathy for Hawks or Nagant.

Quirk marriages/ corrupt heroes like Endeavor? Well a 'hero' like that could easily happen again because he received no consequence for being an abusive POS or engaging in a quirk marriage. Also the ranking system remains in place so someone else abusive, powerful and equally driven could occur again.

Do you feel how infuriated I am with all this? Why waste this set up like this, Hori?!

[luckyladylily]

the anti voting ppl are weird. even at the most cynical, it’s better to have dems as enemies than fascists. passing up the opportunity to choose your enemies is still a deeply idiotic political move.

That's because its not about logical political positions or well considered activist action. It's about despair, apathy, and resentment.

If you have incorrect expectations for what politicians might achieve and an incorrect understanding of the purpose of getting the better choice in office then it is easy to become bitter and apathetic towards the whole thing. Like anyone who expected Obama to actually revolutionize anything. The man was barely better than a centrist, and sure there were some steps forward under him but if you actually bought into the whole "change" thing then wow. Obama probably left behind a horrible, crushing disappointment. I mean I had no such illusions about Obama and I still found his presidency very disappointing.

The point is the anti voting crowd is despairing so hard they they just want to wash their hands of politics completely. They hate the system. This I understand, any rational progressive hates the system. But the anti voting crowd actually take the leap to choosing not to interact with the system in their hate and disappointment.

The irrationality however comes in when they still have a need to see themselves as fighting the good fight. By their nature anti voting people are passionate or they would not fall into despair. They need to think they are still doing everything reasonable within their power to fight injustice - when they clearly are not.

Voting is exceptionally low effort for the return. Sure, some amount of us are suppressed (for example most elections my ballot is not counted due to signature matching laws and my fine motor difficulties), but if we all put in a couple hours of effort every 1-2 years it makes quite the difference in aggregate. It is the easiest way to make a difference.

And they cannot accept that fact. Their emotional need does not allow them to vote, but they cannot stand to think they are simply not trying when they could, so they have to make up a narrative that voting does not help at all. And it rarely stops there, because voting is so low effort even if most elections it does not help you should still vote on the off chance it will matter this time. Therefore most anti voters will construct a framework where voting is actively harmful and anyone who says otherwise is evil and manipulative. Because only under those circumstances is not voting acceptable and they know it.

That is why the OP of that post started with an accusation of maliciousness by saying anyone who says voting can do any good is gaslighting them. It cannot simply be that we are mistaken, we have to be actively malicious, part of big vote or some other fantasy. Because there are so many of us and we talk about facts and make comparisons between candidates and parties and past results, and the only way for them to ignore all that is if it's all a trick and a lie. Then and only then can they stick their fingers in their ears and shout "gaslighting me!" or whatever.

I mean I got one response to my post that essentially accused me of desperately wanting to be a slave owner, and the only reason anyone would ever vote democrat is because they secretly want to enslave and/or genocide racial minorities. In order to ignore all the real evidence that voting does matter and help they have to reach for ever more elaborate explanations until they arrive at something like voting for Joe Biden is actively and grotesquely malicious, an act of personal violence against all marginalized people. It's rare people are this far along in their radicalization, but it can happen.

It's a very similar process to how terfs often start out very passionate about some misapplied feminism and it snowballs until they are screaming slurs at insufficiently feminine women, yelling about how women are inherently inferior at nearly every activity imaginable, and demanding that young girls have their genitals inspected at little league games.

Anti voters even tell on themselves sometimes.

They always accuse us of thinking that the next democrat is going to save the world and be progressive Jesus when few people actually think that and it almost never survives a presidential term if they do. But that is what the anti voter used to think, that is how they conceptualize voting. It is supposed to save the world, we are supposed to be able to elect someone who will fix the problems. They cannot process the idea that most of us vote fully expecting that it will not solve the problems, even knowing it is impossible that voting should ever accomplish positive change on such a sweeping level. They accuse us of being democrat simps because a candidate worthy of that kind of fanaticism is what they wish they could have.

To that end they often have names of dream candidates, because they fundamentally still believe in the idea that if we can get progressive Jesus in office then everything will change for the better. OP of that post named a couple. Bernie was among them. They angrily yelled about how we would never allow a progressive candidate because we love moderates too much. It's an excuse at the same time, a claim that if the candidate was right then they would vote, but it is impossible that something like that would happen because it has to be or they are wrong. Someone actually responded to that saying this is why it is important to vote in the primaries, specifically citing how close Bernie got. OP did not like that. To them suggesting that voting in anyway is a good idea is evil bad because it challenges their emotionally invested position. 'If only we had a good candidate' has to be followed by 'getting a good candidate is impossible and it is wrong to try' because if it is possible then you should absolutely be voting.

Any argument or suggestion that says we should try has to be dismissed and explained away as malicious. They often don't even realize how twisted their thinking has become.