#maybe Ruby can get some information from Emerald...

[rachetmath]

 Okay, I know some people might be mad at me, but I stand by this. Volumes seven and eight were the most horrible volumes to me. Many you would say because of Ironwood and how the heroes betrayed him. And I would say, “Yes. That is absolutely the reason.” However, that is not the only reason I hate those volumes, especially with nine.

Ren and Oscar:

Ren and Oscar were the MVP s of volumes seven and eight. In volume seven, Ren was concerned with lying to James and was more worried about the people's safety. He became the most emotional in the group and started acting somewhat critical to the point he lashed out at Nora, Yang, and Jaune. This causes Nora to become somewhat distant from him and Jaune to be a little disappointed, especially after mentioning he cheated Beacon. However, after a little talk with Jaune and yelling at Harriet, Ren semblance evolves to where he can read emotions.

Oscar, who was willing to trust James when Ruby, for reasons, didn’t. Who openly told James the truth about Salem, then gets shot for it. Then gets found by his friends and immediately gets taken by Salem’s forces. He then persuades Hazel to betray Salem and gets Emerald on the side of good.

Here’s the problem, Ren didn’t do anything. Like, he didn’t try to fill James in on anything. He stood by his friends and still carried out the lie. And then his evolution really was unnecessary and wasn’t well-earned. And many of you might say, “But he earned it by standing up to Harriet. And it helped them in some way.” Okay, but hears the thing. First off, Harriet was going to hurt Ren if Winter didn’t stop her. And second, his semblance wasn’t even that useful in finding Oscar.

Now Oscar, he just overstayed his welcome. He somehow persuaded Hazel to betray Salem… Even though he is the reincarnation of the man he hates. He gave away the information to Hazel, who was ordered to collect that intel by Salem, which Hazel got mad at Oscar about afterward. But what did he offer Hazel to make him switch sides, considering Ozpin still can’t kill her? Why offer the last question to him? He already knows everything.

 And then Emerald, whom he met once and tried to kill Ruby in Heaven, Oscar managed to get her to join the hero side. Why? Why would the characters who not only met Emerald but were betrayed by her and Cinder be willing to trust her? Because Oscar says so? And what makes it worse is Ren agrees to it first because of his evolution. The reason it doesn’t make sense to me is because it’s coming from the wrong characters. Which brings me to my next problem.

Jaune and Nora:

Mainly, Jaune was my issue. However, we will talk about Nora first. Mainly on how the writers gave her the Jaune treatment. Nora was more concerned for the people of Mantle, while Ren was concerned for the entire world. This is due to Nora’s backstory where she was poor, parentless, and alone on the streets. Nora knew exactly how the people were feeling. So you would think out all the characters, she would most likely side with Robyn. Maybe even so far as to tell her what’s going on. But then it was Yang and Blake. Even though Yang was completely against lying to Ironwood and was calling Ruby out on it. (But hey, bumblebee matters.) Then what made Nora's coming out party even more hollow is she leaves Mantle to her teammates, while she goes back to Atlas with the majority of team RWBY, only to be knocked unconscious for half of volume eight. All while thinking about only Ren.

Jaune got it the worst though. Not just with the fact that he had to kill Penny even though he trained with his semblance and probably the most innocent and cool headed person on the group. But as I said before, a lot of Ren and Oscar's actions were pointless - no, didn't make sense because they fit Jaune’s character more.

Look, I said this before, but Jaune has no reasons to trust James. Not only because of Leon’s betrayal but Ozpin whose secrets came to light. Jaune had his trust broken two times. By Headmasters, no less. And you may say, “Ironwood gave Jaune and his friends their licensees early. And a place to stay.” True enough, however, Jaune knows Salem exists. James is trying to keep her a secret until Amity Arena is ready for launch. Who's to say he’s not giving them their licenses and a place to stay to keep an eye on them? (However, that’s not true. Considering Ironwood as we have seen has done nothing wrong to them.) That’s something for Jaune to consider. And even though he could feel sorry for the citizens of Mantle, that doesn’t mean he would fully trust Robyn either, due to her methods causing more harm than good. (The only reason anyone would side with Robyn is that she is a better choice than Jacque. Plus, why do we just see Yang argue about this? Why would Jaune agree to something that he almost hurt Oscar for?)

Basically, Jaune should have been the middle man from the start of volume seven, and in volume eight he brings everyone together. In volume seven, we could’ve had Jaune struggling due to having to help Atlas and Mantle as a huntsman while training to extend his aura, keeping his team together, and watching out for Tyrian, who said he had an interest in him (still don't know why.), and Salem. Jaune would’ve had a hard time, especially because his friends would have been making things worse, and he had to follow up on their actions. (More importantly, Jaune might as well learn to stand on his own two feet as huntsman and a leader. Otherwise, how is he important to the story?)

Then in volume eight, when Ren lashed out at him, Jaune would have had more to prove. Imagen Jaune negotiating with Winter on letting them go in to save Oscar. Offering the relic as leverage so they can find Penny, who mind you they were looking for. Rushing in, extending his aura, and going on his own to find Oscar while relying on his friends to do their part. Then having to fight and reason with Hazel to help him. Even to promise Hazel a future where no more people need to die due to Salem’s and Ozpin’s war, considering Jaune lost Pyrrha. Even maybe seeing Hazel ask Jaune to bring Emerald with him. Jaune learning to trust Emerald, despite everything she’s done because he may need her or sees her redeeming qualities. All this, though unintentionally, is to prove Ren wrong. That he’s capable of doing great things and making him a supposedly better leader than Ironwood. He’s based on Jeanne D'Arc, right? Who was the biggest turnaround in the war for France in 1429. A leader and influencer who managed to convince her allies to join her side. Despite being a woman and a peasant with no proof that angels told her to help in the war.

(Okay, look, many of you might say, “Jaune is not a good fighter” which I agree… but isn't a fight more like a debate using strength and knowledge. And we have seen Jaune fight just not with human opponents.Him fighting Hazel may determine how far he has come from when we met him. Also Jaune’s and Hazel's character a true opposite 

Plus the whole point of Hazel’s character is him being a broken man with nothing left to lose. A man who lost all faith in humanity and the hunting world ever since his sister and possibly his whole family were slain by it. His faith slipped the moment he met Salem and found out she was immortal and cannot be killed, making his sister's untimely death even more worth less. However, Jaune is the opposite.

Jaune lost Pyrrha. He lost the very first friend and could've been lover to the hunting world. He was betrayed by others who he thought were  his allies. To make matters worse he too learns of Salem’s immortality. Yes, he was angered by this information. Furious. Almost enough that he would have done the same things Hazel was doing out of spite. But he didn't. He still fights the good fights.

Hazel is man who feels no pain. Sees an indifference between Ozpin and Oscar. Mainly because unlike Jaune he never hanged out with Oscar. So Jaune who was already worried for Oscar, especially after he got kidnapped would be the one to oppose and object Hazel for his actions. Believing that his actions will not only not bring his sister back… but mainly dishonor her. I'm just saying these two should have fought.)

But that’s it for volumes seven and eight. Look, I don't hate Ren and Oscar. However, as some of you complain about Jaune getting too much screen time or being a self insert but when Oscar does the same thing, no one talks about it and are ready to defend other characters and not call out their levels of screen time. Or how they don't fit into the situation. There were plenty of better things Jaune and Nora could have done beside kill or nap for the volumes. Instead, they’re pushed to the side until the writers need an escape goat to advance the plot.

(Also if you are wondering why I am just talking about team JNRO then I am going to be straight forward with you. TEAM JNRO CARRIED THE WHOLE ATLAS VOLUME. And mean main character wise..They save team RWBY. They were the main one probably keeping the people of Mantle and Atlas alive. Jaune killed Penny to save Winter. Basically unlike team RWBY, team JNRO were doing their FUCKING jobs. Hate me if you want to.)

[groupalpha]

Saffron Pearl - Sundown Canopy, Sunbleached Rooftop, Iris Pearl - Sundown Canopy, Midnight Veranda, Teal Green Pearl - Ruby Skies by Sapphire Shores, System Control Unit

RSbSS: Ohohoho! What is it that you have for me? Little Historian, would you like me to give information to you? Of course I will!

RSbSS: Ah! A pearl! I see...

This is an older conversation log recorded by one of the communication towers. Based on the marks left from being sun bleached, I can tell it's from Sundown Canopy, the Sun Bleached Rooftops.

Huh... this is from when our Creators were around. And what a strange recording it is! Our communication towers often record our logs and other recordings of things going around to make sure it's working properly. 

due to the sun bleaching, some of the information has faded. I will read what I can.

"Emerald Gr... I won't allow you to just open communications. If they managed to find this group, they would shut us down immediately. You already know the rumors of five... built so close. They are not happy with such an outcome. They would .... local group."

"Maybe you shouldn't have built everyone so close... dangerous to everyone. You need to step up and stop isolating them."

"Not a chance. They are to stay as is."

"Fine... Build one... myself."

"I will not allow... not from you."

"You wonder why everyone despises you.You will one day fond out this will catch up to you... Tales."

...

I see.

RSbSS: Another one from Sundown Canopy? I suppose your collection knows no bounds!

Well, this one is from below, from the Midnight Veranda. It's quite dark below, but I'm sure you know that.

This pearl describes the reason for the neon signs below, being used to light up the dark. The neon signs don't help enough though, and because of such, they have to rely on lamps and such to get around. Pretty boring things to me.

One key note though, is that each symbol is linked to an iterator or a Pump Station. If one goes out, its a sign to check the designated iterator, or the designated station.

Pretty strange to rely on technology rather than ask or check in on it themselves. To me, it seems like an excuse to not visit. Maybe I just have bad luck with our creators though, HA! Who knows?!

RSbSS: Ah... uh... this peal is a conversation log between me and Endless Beyond. There isn't much to note here. It's just us talking is all.

...

What's with the look? I'm honest! If you think I'm going to discuss with you such matters, I will not.

[frayaziwriter]

Emerald Eyes and Ruby Butterflies

Guide: "Normal talking." 'Thinking.' "Talking over radio/mics/T.V." "Akuma talking."

Chapter 3

“Right! Let’s start!”

Up in the observation room, the teachers watched the examinees through multiple monitors. Nezu watched in anticipation while Present Mic shouted at the kids to go.

In this new batch of U.A. candidates, the next generation of Heroes will rise. He’s interested as to who will move on to the Hero course. Will it be that one explosive boy or another boy with a mane of purple hair in Area A? Or maybe that redhead smashing robots in Area D? Or a girl over in Area F? Life is full of surprises, just like this exam. It’ll be fascinating to see their actions in the end.

“Just what is that Exorcist girl doing?” Power Loader pointed to a monitor, and all the teachers glanced over at it. Nezu clicked a few buttons and brought the image up to a bigger one. He almost let a laugh slip through at the sight of you.

You were still standing at the gate of Area A, casually stretching as you eyed the robots inside. “She does realize she needs to get points for this, right?” Vlad King grumbled. A second later they could hear Present Mic shouting, “Six minutes and two seconds left!”  

And then your Innocence activated, and then you were in the air. Nezu hid a grin behind his teacup as his teachers exclaimed. You were a blur to the cameras, slamming and kicking the robots into submission as you pulled others out of danger. He honestly couldn’t help but be proud of you. Even in an exam, you were saving people from harm like a true Hero. 

After another moment of trying to keep up with you in real-time, he clicked a few more buttons and the video of you was gone.

Nezu’s beady eyes scanned every monitor as he calmly sipped his tea. The teachers around him muttered to themselves as the minutes ticked by.

Yagi’s fingers tapped together in what he assumes is nervousness. His successor is down there, and it looks like he has yet to gain a single point. Poor boy.

“Clearly the examinees have no idea how many Villains are present or their locations. They have limited time, must cover a vast area, and hunt down every last target.” Nezu paused to take another sip. He eyed a monitor showing a boy with multiple arms with eyes or ears attached perched on top of a roof. “Some use information-gathering abilities to plan out strategies,” His personal favorite of the bunch, “While others rely on speed to pull ahead of their peers.”

The monitor switched to one of a teen skidding to a stop as the engines in his calves cooled down.

“Of course, remaining calm under pressure can be a huge advantage,” Nezu turned to another monitor. A boy with a laser coming out of his belly winked up at the camera, “As can pure power and combat ability.” The explosive boy from earlier appeared again. 

“The most successful students use a combination of all these tactics. They’re the ones who rack up the highest scores.” And another sip of tea.

Midnight hummed from somewhere behind him. “I’d say this year’s group looks promising.”

“It doesn’t help that we have an experienced Exorcist here and some kids are competitive,” Cementoss nodded to the monitor showing you and the explosive boy fighting over a crowd of robots, “She’s pushing some of them to perform better just by existing in the same area as them.”

Snipe leaned forward to flip up a clear plastic casing over a red button. “There’s still plenty of time before it’s over. The real test has yet to come. Let’s see how they react.” He said and pushed the button.

The teachers could feel the rumbling as the zero-pointers were unleashed. Nezu hid a manic grin behind his teacup once more as the students paused to watch the monolithic robots rise to their full height. He eyed the monitors you and Yagi’s successor were in as Yagi himself spoke up. “Now things get interesting. A person’s true character is revealed when they’re faced with danger.”

Nezu noted with no small amount of amusement that you had completely stopped and had thrown up your hands in bafflement and irritation. On the other monitor, Yagi’s successor had fallen right on his rear as he stared up at the monster robot.

“Less than two minutes remaining!”

“There are no combat points rewarded for taking on the humongous Villain. But there is opportunity. A chance to shine. To show what you’re really made of.” The teachers gasped as Yagi's successor suddenly ran right towards the zero-pointer and jumped. Nezu glanced over at your monitor and was pleased to see you rocketing forward to save another student from landing on the unforgiving ground. Nezu placed his teacup down and bounced excitedly in his seat as you picked up another boy in the way of the zero-pointer.

Yagi’s successor landed a solid punch on the face of the robot while you and your two passengers zipped through the air toward the gate.

The corner of Yagi’s mouth curled upwards into a grin. “That’s right. Show who you are. Embody what it means to be a hero. Nothing is nobler than self-sacrifice.”

The zero-pointer that Yagi’s successor punched fell back, slamming into the buildings and road. Then, the boy started to fall.

“JUST ONE MINUTE LEFT!”

You jumped down from the top of the gate and dropped your passengers. Yagi’s boy was slapped in the face just as he was about to crash into the road by a girl sprawled across a piece of robot rubble. 

The two landed safely on the ground, and then he was trying to crawl forward. 

“And that’s that. TIME’S UP!”

Yagi’s successor froze before fainting and you were calmly watching the explosive teen you picked up yell and explode a nearby piece of rubble. Nezu picked up his teacup again as his employees murmured to each other.

This was a very exciting day. Nezu can’t wait to rewatch the clips later. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

You had to go with Aizawa and Present Mic to U.A. for the week of grading each examinee. Classes were still going, so Nezu held meetings after school to finish grading. And then, once the teachers were done, you ended up roped into helping Yagi record the examinees’ results while the others continued with last-minute lessons before the next school year.

(Apparently, he was All Might, which explained a lot yet you were still bewildered. How the hell can this hobo-looking skeleton of a man be the Number One Hero??)

The very first recording he did was for a kid named Midoriya Izuku. Wait. Midoriya Izuku. You know him! Smiling, you turned on the camera. You were very excited to see his results!

Yagi, as All Might, lunged forward and you jumped back from the camera. He peered into the camera lens with his signature smile.

“Booyah! I am here as a projection now!” You covered your mouth and held back the snort of laughter. The giant man stepped back and shrugged. “I know it’s been a while, but with great power, comes a great amount of paperwork!” Oh god, this guy is cheesy! “My apologies young man!”

You shook your head as you readied the envelope for the projection disk. “The truth is, I didn’t come to this city just to fight Villains. You’re looking at the newest U.A. faculty member!” He paused for a moment, and you took the chance to glance at the time. Oh, shoot! You jolted and motioned to All Might. 

The Hero turned to you and you whispered to him. “Psst, All Might!”

“Huh? Yes, what’s the matter?” You pointed to him with one hand and pointed to the nearest clock with the other. “We don’t have time for you to showboat!”

“Who’s showboating?” You sighed, rolling your hand in a ‘hurry it up’ gesture. “You! Hurry up, the clock’s ticking!”

“Oh, sorry! I’ll wrap it up, but I have to show him something first!” You wave your hand around again. “Fine, but do it quickly! You have 219 more to do!”

“Wait. I have to do how many of these things?” All Might sighed before returning to Midoriya’s test recording. You slipped back out of view with an ‘okay’ sign. “Right! So, moving on. Even though you passed the written test, you got zero combat points in the practical exam. Sorry.” You stopped and shot a frown at the Hero. 

What?? Your new friend didn’t pass the practical? “Fortunately, there were other factors!” Seriously?? Whatever it was, was it enough to earn him a place?? “But before we get to that, I have another surprise!” Dammit, All Might!

“Here! Look! A short clip for your viewing pleasure!” (Okay, you can’t deal with his goofiness.) He took out a remote from..somewhere, and clicked a button on it as he turned to a nearby screen. 

The screen changed from the school logo to a clip of a brown-haired girl. You didn’t recognize her, but you’re assuming she’s from the exam, probably from Midoriya’s arena.

“Um, do you have a sec? Sorry to interrupt.”

“She showed up after the exam to talk about you, young man! What did she have to say? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out!” (Why is he so goofy?? You never expected the Number One Hero to be like this!)

“You know that boy with the really messy hair and all the freckles? It’s hard to describe his face..He’s kinda plain-looking? Uh, doesn’t really stand out or anything, you know?” And that is a statement you disagree on. You find him rather adorable. Like a strawberry. “I was wondering, would it be possible to give him some of the points I earned in the exam?” 

...Okay, that was not something you expected. Respect.

“I heard him say something about wanting to get just one point in, which just seems crazy! How could someone who took down that huge Villain all by himself not have any points in the end? He would’ve had a better score if he hadn’t stopped to help me! He saved me, I have to make it up to him!” Alright, she’s way too kind. If you ever see her, you’re squishing those round cheeks of hers and shaking her to knock some sense into her. “Please, sir! Can’t you just give him my points?!”

All Might paused the clip. “You have a Quirk now, yes, but it’s your actions that inspire others.” He turned back to the camera. “And that’s why I am here! You see, the practical exam was not graded on combat alone.”

It wasn’t??!!

“Thanks for showin’ up to the station with your request,” Present Mic! “But there’s no reason to give him your points. The kid’s chartin’ well on his own.”

“How could a Hero course reject someone who is committed to saving others, no matter the consequences to himself? After all, that is what makes a Hero. And that’s what my alma mater is all about. Training those who would risk their lives for the greater good!” All Might rose a fist, a proud smile stretched across his face. “So, we have Rescue Points! A panel of judges watches, and they award points for heroic acts beyond just fighting Villains. Midoriya Izuku, sixty Rescue Points!”

Hell yes! You pumped a fist into the air. He’s getting in!

“And Uraraka Ochaco, forty-five Rescue Points! You both passed the exam. Welcome, Izuku.” Oh? First names in Japan? From the Number One Hero himself to someone who he shouldn’t even know? Interesting.. 

“You’re now a part of the hero academia.”

And with that, you stop the recording. All Might leaned back from the camera and adjusted his suit. You took a moment to process the emotional rollercoaster you were just sent on in two minutes.

First, disappointment and sorrow over your new friend not getting in. Then, confusion, and finally, excitement and happiness. The whiplash sent you reeling.

“Young (L/N)? Is there something wrong?” You jumped and turned to him. “Hm? Oh, nothing’s wrong! Just..happy my friend got in.”

All Might perked up. “Ah! I see!” You tilted your head to the side as a thought suddenly hit you. “So...Rescue Points. Does that mean I..?”

“Yes! You acquired those as well!”

Nodding, you take out the recording disk and seal it into the envelope for Midoriya. “Cool, cool. You know the class rosters?”

“Not a clue! How many more students?” You place Midoriya’s results carefully into a crate. “‘Bout 200 more. I do believe Nezu’s dealing with the rejections, so lucky you. Dodging a bullet there, huh?”

All Might nodded. “Yes, making me do the rejections will not end pretty. I’d rather not be the reason for crying children.”

You snort as you place a new one inside the camera. “Welp, let’s get started on the next one.”

“And who is this?” Picking up the envelope, you shrug and open it up. “Some guy named Bakugou Katsuki.”

“Right! Turn it on, Young (L/N)!”

“Got it!” <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Garaki Kyudai was a man who prided himself in many things. 

His research and creations, his position in society and his hospital, and his ability to read his friend and master. The Lord of the Underworld never was an easy man to read, but due to the time he spent with the man, he’s rather adept at knowing his thoughts.

This time, however, he has not a single clue as to what is going through his head.

-“Find her. She’s here in Japan. I want her back.”-

Kyudai knew exactly who he was talking about. He didn’t know why. Why now? What did that woman have that his good friend wanted so badly?

He’s afraid he’ll never know. As much as he prides himself on his ability to discern his lord’s thoughts, Kyudai’s master prides himself on being a private person.

Nevertheless, he will search for the woman with the rust-colored hair.

Even if it’s the last thing he does. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

You ended up having to split the work into two days, thanks to All Might’s time limit. And then you helped out Nezu with some of his, all the while the teachers were wrapping up their final lessons and reviews in preparation for the students’ finals.

Staring out the window in Nezu’s office, you yawned. The past couple of weeks have been slow; the Akuma have been keeping quiet during your not-patrols. You weren’t sure if it was a good or bad thing. Maybe you should change up your not-patrol schedule. That way they won’t be able to learn it.

“Is there something wrong, (L/N)?” Nezu asked as he finished up some paperwork. You hummed out a negative, pushed off of the wall you were leaning on, and walked up to the tiny principal. 

“Sooo, there anything else you need me to do while I’m here?” You ask, tapping your fingers on his desk. Nezu hummed and swiveled his chair to face you fully. “Have the test results gone out yet?”

Humming, you shook your head. “There’s a post office not far from here. Do you mind taking the results and sending them? And please take a teacher with you! You’ll need the extra pair of hands!” You shrugged and headed out. “Sure! See you later, Nezu.”

“Good-bye! Do please try to stay out of trouble!”

“No promises!” You shoot back as you close the door behind you. Stretching, you made your way to the teacher’s lounge where you knew Aizawa was and popped your head in. “Hello? Aizawa?”

A groan caught your attention and you slipped inside, heading to his desk. Peeking behind his chair, you see him laying on the floor inside his yellow sleeping bag. You crouched and poked his shoulder. “Aizawa? Are you free right now?” Another groan. You hummed, placing your hand under your chin. “Nezu asked me to deliver the letters. Wanna come with me?” One more groan. You frowned. “...Isn’t there a Starbucks nearby? We can get coffee on the way back?” 

He let out a long, deep groan before shuffling. You stood up and stepped back as he emerged from his cocoon. When he was standing, he fixed you with a flat stare. “Fine, I’m coming. Don’t expect me to pay for you, though.” You sent him a bright smile. “Understood!”

And with that, you tugged Aizawa out of the school with several crates full of both acceptance and rejection letters. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Yawning as you left the post office, you and Aizawa walked down the street with the now empty crates back to the school. 

“Welp. Now that the letters are on their way, coffee break. We need it. Wait.” You say just as the Starbucks came into view. You stopped as a thought hit you. Aizawa, who managed five steps before realizing you weren’t following, turned around to raise an eyebrow at you. “What is it?”

“Do I even have enough money?” You murmur, placing the crates in your hands down to shuffle through your brand new wallet Hizashi got you. “Ah, damn. I don’t. Guess no chicken nuggets for me.” You sigh before stooping down to pick the crates back up. Aizawa let out a low groan, his eyes rolling back as he continued. You’re pretty sure you heard him mutter, “I live with two meme lords. Fuck my life.”

Snickering, you stand back up with a grin. 

It was then that your gut twisted and you ducked.

Crash!

Rattatatatat!

The crates fell to the ground with a crash while bullets sprayed the area, following your form as you ran to shove Aizawa away with your Innocence wrapping around your legs. “Aizawa! Duck!” He had turned around with his scarf starting to flare up. He locked gazes with you for a split second before wrapping his scarf around a lamppost and pulling himself away.

He narrowly dodged a bullet heading for his head. You sighed as Aizawa hopped away onto the rooftops. He’s safe now, that’s good. 

Now it’s time for work.

You take a deep breath before taking to the sky. The Akuma, who were hiding between buildings, screeched and followed you up. You were high in the air, flipping over to look down at the oncoming Akuma.

“Pandora, Moshpit by Bohnes.”

An electric guitar started playing and you let a small grin pull at your lips. A Level 4 geared up its cannon arms as the Level 3s zoomed after you, planning to hit you with a barrage of bullets. “Let’s get this party started.” The first of the Level 3s appeared before you, swinging an armored arm back for a punch.

The green fire holding you up went out, and you allowed yourself to fall, dodging the punch sent your way. A ring of green appeared under your heel and you bounced up to send a knee straight into its face.

It reared back with a roar of pain. You twist around and swing a leg out, your calf chopping off the Akuma’s head with an awful sound of metal groaning.

“Give me room, let me breathe. I’m sick and tired of living in the VIP. Fool me once so easily, but fool me twice and I know that’s all on me-”

Pushing off, you flip over a violet bullet as the Level 3 exploded. You landed on another and jumped off, feet crackling against the Dark Matter as you used the bullets for platforms to dodge attacks from the other Level 3s.

“-Singing, ‘Weeee’rrrreee soooo waaaasted. Loooost myyy paaatience. Weee’rrrreee sooo faaaded-’”

You jumped off another bullet and landed on the side of a building nearby. Flipping your head back, your (e/c) eyes flickered between the assembled Akuma for a brief moment. Nineteen Level 3s and a single Level 4. Easy enough.

“-It’s been a long time since I gave a shit, so I’mma flip a table and turn the club into a moshpit!”

The boots encasing your feet crackled and you pushed off, cracking the building wall you were perched upon. You shot through the air and crashed into a Level 3 feet first. 

“-Turn the club into a moshpit-”

You tore through the Akuma before jumping away to repeat the process with another one. Explosions littered the sky as you went, the force smacking into you and rocking you forward.

“-I’mma flip a table and turn the club into a moshpit-”

Five Akuma fell, then seven, then twelve.

You paused to catch your breath, two rings of green light holding you up under each foot. Glancing down at the rest of the Akuma told you only eight level 3s and that Level 4 remained.

Taking another deep breath in, you fell backward into a flip and shot feet first into the Level 4 in a blink of an eye. You could see the red eyes of the Akuma widen in the split second it took you to fall. The bores of its cannons glowed a bright purple as it tried to prepare a bullet in time.

It never made it.

Instead, you tore through it like a bull’s horns piercing a bullfighter. The metal inside it cut into your skin as you went. You landed on the roof of a building in a crouch and your blood seeped back into your wounds as the Akuma exploded above you. To avoid the burning scraps falling like rain, you darted to the other side of the rooftop and leaped off.

“-Give me room, give me space. I’m sick and tired of everybody in this place. Left me with a bad taste. Now it’s alcohol and rock and roll, my saving grace-”

You spun around mid-air and pushed off of a platform of green rings to shoot back into the fray.

The remaining Akuma charged at you, screeching curses and slurs as they attempted to land a hit on you. You simply dodged and weaved between them like a butterfly between flowers.

“-All these eeeemptyyyy faaaces, allllll sooo baaaasic. IIIIII caaaan’t taaaake iiiit-”

You ended up slamming your feet on the shoulders of one Level 3 and kicking it into a group of its fellow Akuma while you attacked a few others.

“-It’s been a long time since I gave a shit, so I’mma flip a table and turn the club into a moshpit-”

Bouncing over one, you shot a foot through another’s chest before spinning around and kicking it off and into the first one. It exploded just as you chopped the final one in half.

“-Turn the club into a moshpit-”

You zipped back to the first Akuma while the other group finally regained their bearings and kicked off its head. The Level 3 succumbed to gravity and fell briefly to the Earth before exploding. You turned around and, twisting into a barrel roll, shot a tornado of wind at the group.

“Waltz; Mist Wind!”

“-I’mma flip a table and turn the club into a moshpit-”

The twisting currents of wind engulfed the Akuma. You let yourself fall into a flip and land on a wire. The Akuma screamed as they exploded from the strong winds buffeting them, and you watched intensely for any survivors. When the winds died down, you spotted only two still floating. They were mostly intact and they glared at you fiercely.

You scowled before falling off the wire and bolting toward them.

“-I’mma flip a table and turn the club into a moshpit-”

You ducked under the first one’s punch and kicked it in the side before bouncing off a green ring and landing on the other’s face. With a burst of fire, you pushed off the Akuma’s helmet-like head and crashed into the chest of the first one. 

Kicking it away, you watched as it slammed into the side of a building before spinning around and sending a roundhouse kick into the side of the second one. Its arms latched onto your leg and you pouted. It grinned at you even as green flames ate away at its armored face. “You little shit - thought you could get away with that, did you?”

You shrugged. It snarled at you and raised a glowing hand to your face.

“-Weeee’rrreee soooo waaaasted. Looooost myyyy paaaatience. Weeee’rrrreee soooo faaaaded! It’s been a long time since I gave a shit, so I’mma flip a table and turn the club into a moshpit-”

“Die- hurk!”

You twisted around and slammed the shin of your other leg into the Akuma’s burning face. The head went flying and you slipped out of its hold before it could explode.

“-I’ll turn the club into a moshpit-”

The last Akuma finally freed itself from the building and shot at you like a bullet. You merely raised a leg just as it neared you, and it paused when it pierced itself onto your boot. You kicked it off just as it exploded.

“-So I’mma flip a table and turn the club into a moshpit-”

The green light at the balls of your feet faded and you succumbed to gravity. Falling briefly, you flipped and floated back down to a rooftop as your butterflies flapped furiously at your heels.

“-Into a moshpit-”

And then you landed gently. You let out a long breath before shifting into a grand pirouette. The poisonous gas twirled around you before expanding out and dispersing safely across the city. You slowed to a stop before jumping down into an alley.

“-So, I’mma flip a table and turn the club into a moshpit!”

You landed and deactivated your boots just as the ending drum beats to the song filtered out of Pandora’s speakers.

Walking out of the alley, you paused to glance around. No pedestrians mingling or cars on the street. Where was Aizawa? 

And then something tapped on your shoulder, scaring the shit out of you. You yelped and jumped back. Your anklets, which were still settling down after the fight, crackled back to life as you aimed a kick at whatever had touched you.

Aizawa ducked under your leg and shot a blank look at you. You lowered your leg with a narrowed gaze. “You know, I’m starting to believe that you like sneaking up on young girls.”

The Pro Hero scowled at you. “I do not. It’s not my fault you have terrible situational awareness.”

You raised a brow. “I’m sorry, but who was the one who saved your ass from getting shot not once but TWICE when you weren’t paying attention? Oh yeah. That was me.” Aizawa merely huffed, rolled his eyes, and walked off. You throw your hands up. “And where do you think you’re going?”

“To that Starbucks. Come on.”

You huff, but jog to catch up with him. “You’re an ass.”

“And you’re a brat.”

“I am not!” You shot back, glaring up at him. “You’re just a grump that likes to sneak up on young girls!”

“Do you want a coffee or not?” Aizawa stopped and shot another grumpy look at you. Your mouth clicked close instantly. He assessed you for a moment before nodding once and walking away. “That’s what I thought.”

You grumbled, not wanting to give him the last word. “Still a stalker.”

“Shut it or else no coffee.”

Back in U.A., you slurped up your favorite drink from Starbucks as Nezu sat back in his chair.

You and Aizawa had just finished reporting the ambush to the rodent and were now waiting in heavy silence as he thought to himself. Finally, after a few minutes, he spoke.

“We are very lucky no civilian stumbled across that little skirmish,” Nezu picked up his teacup, “And no one was hurt?” You shook your head. “Besides the Akuma? No. At least, not on my end.” The Pro Hero beside you agreed. “No casualties.”

Nezu nodded, sipping his tea. “That’s good. And it was between cameras, so no official recordings. Good work, you two.”

You nodded once. “Right.”

Then the principal reached into a drawer. “Oh, and (L/N)? Here’s some compensation for helping us with the letters.” You startled forward and suddenly money was in your hands. You stared down at it with furrowed brows. “Um, not that I’m not grateful you gave this to me, but why did you give this to me?”

Nezu’s brow rose. “You helped us with a job. It is common for children to earn money by doing chores, and you made the process much smoother. It’s only right to reward you.”

You stared at him in disbelief. “Really? I can get money just by doing small favors?”

Aizawa eyed you. “Even Pro Heroes gain money from their deeds.” You hummed. “That’s weird. Exorcists never earn money after a mission. Normally, if we do receive it, it’s for the mission and we’re to return whatever is left afterward.”

The two Heroes shared a tense look. You frowned. “What?”

“Nothing you need to worry about, my dear,” Nezu waved you off, “Just take the money.”

You glanced down at the money in your hand and turned to Aizawa. “Um, how much did you spend on my coffee?”

Aizawa shot a stern look your way. “No.” You pouted. “But-”

“No.”

You huffed and crossed your arms. “..Fine..”

The Hero nodded. “Good.” <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

“That was concerning,” Nezu remarked. He and his employee stared at the door you had just shut behind you, “Another puzzle piece..”

Aizawa’s eyes hardened. “Right..” <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Katsuki glared up at his ceiling.

It’s been a full week since the exam, and his stupid mind wouldn’t shut up! It was driving him up the wall! He had zero clue as to why.

Was it the fact that fucking Deku was there despite his best efforts? Or was it the rush of finally being able to use his Quirk against something? Or maybe.. Was it you? You were familiar to him, though Katsuki was certain he’s never met someone as boring as you.

(That was a lie. You weren’t boring, not by a long shot. He knew this. Deep down, he knew you were good enough to upstage him. And he hated it.)

-“(Y/N) (L/N). A pleasure to meet you. Or, should it be ‘nice to see you again’, since we’ve met before?”-

Dammit! Growling, Katsuki shot up off of his bed to pace around his room. Just who the fuck were you?! 

“Hey, brat! Get down here!” He glared at his door. “The fuck do you want, old hag?!”

The witch he called his mother slammed something. “Don’t call me a ‘hag’, Katsuki! I’m your mother, show some respect! And U.A. sent a letter!” Oh. Katsuki groaned and stomped out of his room and down the stairs. His mother stared at him from the bottom, an envelope held in one of her hands. 

Katsuki snatched it out of her hold and stomped back up. Except, a thought nagged at him, and he paused only halfway up.

“Hey,” His voice was quiet and his mom stopped, “Did you ever see a girl with (h/c) hair and (e/c) eyes hanging around when we were kids?”

Mitsuki hummed. “A girl? Huh. Yeah, actually. When you were eight, there was a new girl at your elementary school for a few months. Are you sure she had (h/c) hair?” She paused, placing a hand on her cheek. “Fuck, what was her name again? She was close friends with Izuku, wasn’t she?”

Katsuki glanced over his shoulder. “Did she have a pair of boots as her Quirk?”

His mother hesitantly nodded, her face scrunching up. “I think so? That sounds right..” Then she sent a sharp look at him. “Why are you asking all of a sudden?”

“No reason.” Then he continued up the steps and slammed his door behind him.

(He still got first place. Only by a point, though, A part of his mind whispered. He promptly told it to shut the fuck up.) <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

The next few weeks passed by quietly after that.

The letters were sent out to all the examinees a week after the exam concluded. The next week was spent sorting through the new students’ papers for the correct uniform sizes, creating class rosters, and submitting costume designs to the Support agency U.A. has a contract with.

And that included you.

Midnight and Present Mic sat you down after finding the best uniform for you to start on your costume design. You ended up with something simple and close to your Exorcist uniform.

So far, it was a sleeveless black leotard with matching fingerless gloves. Midnight took over to add ornamental details; there were subtle, red lines on your gloves and curling over your neck and hips. She also asked for butterfly hair ties. You had a bright red belt with bags on both hips to store everything and anything you could think of. And then you had a pair of black gladiator sandals for the footwear. Present Mic also suggested a mask or mouth guard, so you ended up with a full-face one. You’re kinda excited to see it..

And while everyone was preoccupied with preparing for the next school year, Nezu busied himself with finishing your fake documents and the patrol schedule.

You also finished setting up your room.

Your bed was sitting firmly against the right wall from the door, tucked snugly into the corner. Above it were some wall shelves to hold books or trinkets that caught your eye. You didn’t have anything yet, though. On the opposite side stood your dresser and closet. A full-length mirror was attached to your closet door and the T.V. Hizashi insisted you have stood proudly on your dresser. You also had a shoe rack in the space between your bedroom and closet doors. Under the window were your desk and rolly chair. 

It was simple for now. You didn’t think you needed anything else.

Then it was a few days before the new school year. Aizawa took you out on unofficial patrols during this time to learn the area. It was...nice. While it was still work, it was a different pace than at the school or Order. You could almost pretend you were sightseeing. 

(Almost, you think.)

Everything was peaceful and quiet. Like the calm before the storm. 

It unnerved you. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Huffing pants and choked-back groans quietly filled the air in the alley.

The busy street beyond was filled with chatter and lights despite the late hour. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he supposes he should be thankful the noises from the busy street were masking his sounds of struggle.

Another stab of pain rolled over him, and he clenched his golden eyes shut. 

-“Say, Allen. If you think that the path you’ve taken was forced upon you by him and me, you’re mistaken. I just wanted to tell you that.”-

He struggled to sit up, eyes finding their way to the golden golem watching him.

Suddenly, his arm grew beautiful white feathers, and his gray skin briefly shifted into a pale white. His golden eyes turned silver for barely a moment as he glared down at his Innocence.

-“The path is created after you walk. The soil you step on solidifies and becomes a path. Walk on your own..if you haven’t given up.”-

His skin and eyes returned to their natural pale color and he gritted his teeth while the pain died down. He almost cursed to himself; it was closer. He needs to leave soon.

“Woah!” He jumped at the high voice and glanced up to see a young girl staring over the junk he hid behind. “Are you an angel?” It took him only a few seconds to jump back into character and he held a finger to his smiling lips.

“Shhh,” He said to the little girl, “We don’t wanna blow my cover, now do we?”

The girl’s eyes widened in awe. “Shhh,” She whispered, placing her finger to her lips as well. He nodded and the girl ran away. Sighing in relief, he jumped to his feet and ran down the alley.

Jumping up onto a roof, he activated his Innocence just as two Level 3s appeared and lunged at him. “I sense it...!“

“Take this!” He swung his clawed hand and sliced them apart before jumping into an alley. The ground below him rippled like a pond and a giant face poked through.

“I sense the Fourteenth!”

He gasped and swiftly turned his arm into his sword, stabbing the Akuma through the mouth. It screeched as he jumped away. Deactivating his Innocence, he ran through the back alleys with his luggage held tightly in his hand.

His foot got caught on something and he fell to the dirty ground. 

Another stab of pain hit him as his skin switched between gray and pale. He let out a muffled groan of agony. Suddenly, a glowing hand appeared before him, and he glanced up with a gasp to see a familiar clown smiling down at him. He reached his hand out to grab the clown, yet the clown disappeared from view.

The image of his late master replaced the familiar clown. 

-“Walk on your own..if you haven’t given up..Walker”-

And then he turned and disappeared from view.

The boy got to his feet and stared on ahead as his golem flapped to his shoulder. 

Allen Walker continued to walk along his chosen path.

notes: and that's Arc 1! hope you all enjoyed! i'll come back in few weeks or so to post Arc 2.

stay safe out there and remember that you're all AWESOME! XP

[novankenn]

Things Best left ... ALONE (11)

--== Table of Contents ==--

Pyrrha was in thought about the jar and the scant information Mrs Birch was able to offer. So now she had multiple questions to dig up answers to. Why was the jar in a place where it was so out of place? Was it just misplaced? Is the original owner looking for it? So engrossed in her internal monologue, she didn’t see Weiss Schnee approaching her, a sheet of paper in her hand.

“Pyrrha!”

“What? Huh, oh Weiss.” Pyrrha’s voice slid from its normal warmth to a colder tone. “Is there something I can do for you?”

“Yes. I have a proposal…”

“No.” flatly stated

“What? You haven’t heard it yet, how can you say no?”

“Because I have a distinct feeling I know what it is.” Pyrrha crossed her arms across her chest, her emerald green eyes gaining a hard edge to them as she looked down at the much shorter heiress.” So my answer is no. It was No the last time you tried, and it is still No, now.”

“But... But we would be the strongest duo in Beacon! No one could match us academically, tactically and martially. Your strength and skill would be so well complimented by my…”

“Your official partner is Ruby, as per the stipulations of initiation.”

“But she’s…” Weiss started to whine.

“Adapt, and find common ground.” Pyrrha snapped.

“But… we would be…”

“Weiss… stop.” Pyrrha inhaled slowly, attempting to school her facial features, and quell her temper. “Ruby is your partner. Stop trying to make things go your way and adapt. A huntress’ life and career is about adapting to situations… or is this all a… SDC publicity stunt?”

“It is no such thing!” Weiss snapped, her face growing slightly red in either embarrassment or anger. Pyrrha really didn’t care which it was.

“Some advice… make yourself and Ruby a team. Adapt and mentor her. He’s two years younger, she has so much more room to grow… help her do that, and maybe you’ll find you and her are a much better fit for each other than you first thought.” Before Weiss could offer a rebuttal, Pyrrha ended the conversation, “I have things to do, so please excuse me.”

Pyrrha was still rather agitated when she returned to her dorm. Closing the door in a huff, she marched over to her desk and dropped into her chair. Crossing her arms on the top of her desk, she dropped her head on to them and let out a frustrated sigh.

“You are troubled… why?”

“It’s Weiss Schnee… she just won’t take No for an answer. Her partner is Ruby Rose, yet she keeps trying to get me to agree to a partner swap.” Pyrrha again sighed in frustration, “I just wish she would stop, bothering me about it.”

“Do you want… help?”

“No, I’ll just deal with it. Eventually she’ll get the message.”

It was later that night, when Weiss was snuggled down in her bed, covers pulled up to her chin. Her mind had been replaying her recent conversation with Pyrrha, and while she would concede to some of the points made… she would not surrender her idea. They would be the power couple of Beacon… and maybe then she could act on her real feelings. Slowly, Weiss’ eyes closed as sleep took her in to its soft embrace.

Weiss awoke screaming, shocking her partner from her own deep sleep. Ruby rolled off her bed and rushed over to check on her partner.

‘Weiss! Weiss! I have to call the infirmary. Hold on, Weiss, help is coming!” Ruby shouted as she tore her eyes away from the multiple deep, seeping gashes that  marred Weiss’ face.

Weiss never heard a word, of what Ruby said. All that was in her mind was a twisted vision, and equally twisted words.

(Image generated by perchance ai text-to-image)

“Just a little reminder… know your place… cunt.” the light musical, and sadistically disturbed voice sang in her ears.

[blu3n4rt]

Talking about a Poké-phoenix

In ''Something wrong with shiny pokémon #4'' video, I included a little nostalgia part.

And it was about a pokémon that's quite rare and even unknown, at least in the way it's obtained.

Many people are probably familiar with ''Ho-oh'', the legendary pokémon introduced in Gen 2 (Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal 1999 to 2001), representing a phoenix that has resurrected Suicune/Raikou and Entei.

Except that... Once Gen 3 arrived with the Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald games (2002 to 2004), we couldn't really access them, simply because there was no compatibility between Gen 2 and Gen 3, no transfer possible...

Historically, Suicune/Raikou and Entei were available in the Red Fire/Green Leaf versions (2003), which appeared before Emerald, depending on the starter chosen (e.g. Salameche for Suicune), and after to beat the pokémon league, you can have only one of them as a fugitive on Kanto (although you'd still have to meet him - prepare a lead lvl 50 max, some repels and just camp around Cerulean City, and save before all - Wobbuffet is probably the best one).

For Ho-oh and Lugia (and Deoxys), Game Freak had the good idea of making them available in the form of an event:

Take your Game Boy Advance, your game and go to a game store (a store like... GameStop store) to unlock the Mystik ticket... And it was only for Emerald, Fire Red and Leaf Green cartridges. If you missed this event, the action replay was your only solution.

But where does that leave us?

Two other games were released: Pokémon Colosseum (2003/2004) and Pokémon XD (2005), two off-series games for Game Cube, a sort of 3D continuation of the Pokémon Stadium games. (I guess?)

(You notice Groudon and Kyogre but... You can't got them in these games... 🤣 )

The goal is to purify all dark pokémons that you...

Steal.

Yes you can steal, but only dark pokémons. Dark pokémon are supposed to be more powerful than a vanilla pokémon (spoiler: not really, except against you...).

Lugia is obtainable on Pokémon XD, but once captured, all the rooms must have reached maximum tempo to purify it.

(But honestly, you really want to purify XD001? 😯)

I played Colosseum, and my little memory reminded me that this game was quite time-consuming (and it was HARD!!!) Hours and hours of XP farming... Not to mention the time spent purifying the pokémons (48 needed to be purify). But that's not the point.

I would talk about him:

(Yea... It's mine. Transfered to Sword version.)

Because what they don't tell you is that once you've reached a specific objective you can get it, once all the dark pokémons have been purified, you have to do... 100 Battles in the Mt. Battle on battle mode in the menus instead of launching the adventure. (Yes! Not in the story mode! 😑)

Someone please... Where did you find THIS INFORMATION?! Can you really find it in the game?!

This last screen after some hours of farming, battle, farming... farming...

This one is so satisfying, reviewing this shoot with Ho-oh reminded me how some games are sometimes absurd with their players, but some challenges lead to heavy rewards. It almost makes me sad that this kind of thing doesn't exist anymore in the latest games, there aren't really any challenges anymore... Or maybe they're not rewarded well enough... I guess...

Of course, my madness managed me to transfer this gem to the latest games (something I'd never have thought of back then), as someone had lent me the famous GBA-GC cable, so if you're familiar with transfer methods, you know the rest.

Ho-oh became obtainable again, thanks to the HeartGold/SoulSilver remake of the Gen 2 games (Nintendo DS to 2009), then Sword/Shield (Nintendo Switch to 2019, from the second DLC...), then on Brilliant Diamond (Nintendo Switch to 2021) via Rosa Rugosa Park (with an intense underground farming), and Scarlet/Violet (Nintendo Switch to 2022, on the second DLC... Again...).

(Finally transfered on Scarlet, all Colosseum Ho-oh had the ID 10048)

Without count event or an obscur way to got him (I mean cheat or glitch) I think the ''Colosseum Ho-oh'' is the rarest Ho-oh of all Pokémon games, and it will be still rarer with the closure of the Bank Pokémon (transfert from 3DS/2DS to Switch), while we wait for alternatives (I guess) from REAL PLAYERS, those who really appreciate this license.

I hope you enjoy reading stories like this,

Thanks for reading me 😊

[bridgyrose]

So. What's the verdict? Is team CMEN, gods I hope that is not their actual team name, worthy of hanging with your least favorite team member Weiss?

Ruby: It’s not that she’s not our favorite teammate… she’s just-

Yang: Loud.

Blake: Obnoxious?

Yang: Mean?

Blake: Overbearing.

Ruby: *sighing* Yes, you all have a point…

Yang: *looking over and watching Weiss* Who is she with anyway?

Blake: I think those are some of the Haven transfer students.

Ruby: *sighing* They look stuck up… no wonder Weiss is hanging out with them. They probably have more in common.

Yang: I dont know about that… the green haired girl looks like she’s jealous. And Weiss is acting… shy?

Blake: *looking closer* No way! She’s blushing! I think she has a crush!

Ruby: Our Weiss? Weiss Schnee? You know, miss “Yang quit always hanging out with your girlfriend and study” Weiss?

Yang: Unless she’s been replaced with a clone, that’s her.

Ruby: *watching Weiss get up and walk with the dark haired girl* They seem to be leaving now.

Blake: Are we going to follow?

Ruby: *watching the green haired girl walk off in the opposite direction* Actually, I think I have someone else I need to talk to.

[fag-zombot-sonic]

this may contain written spoilers for the murder of sonic the hedgehog

This is outdated and getting a rewrite

okay, this is gonna be one of those crazy theories full of headcanons i make on discord, except this time I'M POSTING IT!

Hypothesis: Barry is a chaos user

Now, I know what you're thinking

"there's no proof of that what are you on"

AND I'D SAY "its just my little headcanon with no evidence :3c" however maybe there's some evidence, what if the THINK minigames are...

somewhat more real than just "think of what sonic would do"

what if Barry's chaos power is a very weakened (due of not knowing of it) form of ESP, so hear me out, here's my proof

During every interrogation this happens

0) have Barry collect clues before the interrogation

1) Tails says he and Barry have formed hypothesis or Tails makes an accusation/unfounded argument

(to which Barry progressively wonders why Tails and people keep mentioning them before an interrogation)

2) we have to select the correct type of evidence, from Barry's inventory, to form an argument

3) play the THINK minigame so that Barry can order their thoughts

4) Tails explains the argument flawlessly and barry sometimes lags behind

"but that isn't proof of anything"

SILENCE!

Hear me out: Barry's power is not only some sort of ESP, but some sort of inspiration or enlightenment kind of telepathy!

The game doesn't show Barry telling Tails anything, yet Tails forms almost always a very strong argument from a piece of trash Barry found laying around

Sure, he comments on them beforehand giving the player insight on how to use the clues during the interrogation

And Tails is a really smart kid, [and while we know IQ tests are dumb, he might have an IQ equal to eggman's, if not higher] however; Tails is... still a kid, he's prone to making mistakes

proof of this is in the very game in Espio's accusation! where all his arguments are weak and we have to help him out several times

[and several other times in different canon where being an 8 year old has overcame his high intelligence] [see: Forces]

and let's also remember Tails' intelligence comes in the form of excelling at engineering, robotics, coding, and mechanics; but there's different types of Intelligence, and just because one is super intelligent means they'll be great at everything

Eggman excels at the same things as Tails, however he took more time to make functional replicas of the phantom ruby, whereas Tails was able to make a functional replica of a chaos emerald in way less time.

The point is, Tails somehow always has something to say about things during the interrogations, and somehow always involves Barry even though they're not often adding anything

what if Barry is constantly giving Tails the information, and Tails being surrounded by chaos users always doesn't think much of it

plus this game has a lot of dialogue detail, wouldn't it be more correct to have them at least be shown to discuss something before presenting the argument?

but nope, Tails always jumps right into action the moment Barry shows a piece of evidence and does the THINK minigame

sure, it could be the discussion is done DURING the THINK minigame, but the dialogue doesn't inherently imply that, Tails often just tells us to think how the evidence links to the unfounded arguments from the interrogation

but if you aren't yet convinced: there's also...

Barry was always able to find clues, while Tails ... didn't really, even though they were working as a team, Barry always found the clues; even if for them they didn't seem as clues sometimes

sure, Barry is the avatar for us, and the game being a point-&-click needs to present us with minimal things to be able to interact with

but what if in Barry's mind it was somewhat the same, what if the same things we were presented with as interactable objects...

were also somewhat highlighted in Barry's mind

I'm not gonna use the trashbin thing as proof since theres a reason Barry did it through the game, they even tell Tails about it

but they do find every piece of evidence that could support any argument Tails bould be beginning to cook...

"but maybe Tails just made an argument with the things Barry collected and just wanted to include Barry on the interrogations"

there's truth to that; however, my argument can coexist with that one, Barry could've "inspired" tails with some sort of ESP during their THINK Sequences, and Tails could've formed a stronger argument through that!

in fact it sorta makes sense

Barry organizes the thoughts Tails presents them with AND shares the information with Tails to form the argument

all during a mind link while we are playing the THINK minigames!

LASTLY, and the weak part of the argument that I'm presenting; but still a part I wanted to include,

why was the final fight a THINK minigame? because Barry was helping!

do you think, after being inspired by Sonic the hedgehog he would stand in the background and do nothing?

it's implied the other friends of Sonic were also attacking the train during that whole thing

what if Barry was doing something

what if, specifically, Barry was giving information to Sonic of the train's next moves and where to go in the rail tracks

so that Sonic could spindash right into the train's carcass for amy to deliver the final hit with her piko piko hammer

is there any actual proof to this one?

unlike the other two arguments? not really

but it kiiinda makes sense?

yes.

Conclusion: Barry is a chaos user, specifically has a weakened/dormant ESP ability!

[juanarc-thethird]

Top 10 RWBY females that Jaune needs to be careful of for No Nut November.

10. Weiss: I put her at 10 because she looks like the person who would be upset that Jaune is doing the NNN but she doesn't want to look desperate either. She'll drop hints at him, but they won't work. After so many failures, she would be more assertive. Jaune will last 25 days.

9. Velvet: She tries to seduce Jaune, but because she is so shy about these things, Jaune doesn't realize what she is trying to do. Little by little she tries to be more assertive until she decides to use an aphrodisiac in Jaune's food. It was difficult to get it and but it was the best decision… at the beginning. What she didn't realize is that the aphrodisiac is very powerful and is combined with the aura of the individual so it can lasts longer. And because it's Jaune, this will last until the end of the month, maybe a little more. Jaune will last 20 days and Velvet will be happy and sore for 10 days.

8. Raven: She doesn't know what NNN is, she will just open a portal to Jaune's pants and use it like a dildo. But she would only do it when she was bored or feeling a bit horny. Jaune will last between 15- 18 days.

7. Winter: At first she doesn't care. Jaune is not too fond of her and she can work without distractions. But with the days her work is more stressful for some reason. She doesn't know why, she meditates, exercises, drinks her tea, but the stress is still there. Until she realizes that she didn't take something into account, Jaune. With this new information, she will create a plan. Jaune doesn't know it yet, but he's going to give her a good dicking. Jaune will last 15 days.

6. Yang: At first she would support Jaune, but then she would miss feeling his warmth. At first she would just need to snuggle with him, maybe a little brag here and there, but over time she wants more intimacy with Jaune. She wants to feel his hands touching her body, his voice whispering in her ear, his "sword" penetrating her "walls" ~ Wink Wink. In other words he will have 2 options, he fucks her or she fucks him. Jaune will last 10 days.

5. Blake: She's not going to mind Jaune doing the NNN thing. But he cannot stop her from getting what she wants either. By the time Jaune says no to her, that guy will be so fast tied up on the bed that he won't even realize he's naked too. Jaune will last 7 days.

4. Ruby: We know that she has an addiction for cookies. With Jaune she has an obsession. Behind that sweet little face, is a beast ready to attack. The moment Jaune lets his guard down, his pants are also going down. He will only last 4 days.

3. Pyrrha: Do you think this girl is going to sit still after seeing her beloved knight sweat every time they train, seeing his muscles flex with each movement, and hearing his moans in her ear when they practice wrestling locks? Yeah I don't thinks so. She won't stop until she can hear his voice moaning her name. He will only last 24 hours.

2. Kali: She is in second because instead of going to attack head-on, she draws in her prey. The moment she finds out that Jaune is doing the NNN, she starts her plan. Imagine the milf with the biggest ass in mini shorts, short skirts, micro bikini~ Jaune is strong, but not that strong. He will only last 12 hours.

1. Willow: Scene, you have a milf who was never loved properly and you put her in the same room with a handsome, affectionate and also muscular young man. What could happen? Well you guessed it, that lady will devour him completely. Willow won't let him get out of bed until she feels satisfied. He will only last 1 hour.

Honorable mentions (This is just for fun, not to many details)

Bleiss: She fucks him in the first second of NNN. She won't let her man do something so selfish.

Eve Taurus: She waits until the last day to fuck him, just to fuck with him and watch him fail.

Cinder: She will fuck him but won't let him cum until he begs.

Neo: She would enter his room at night and take what is hers~

Emerald: She would use her semblance to inappropriately touch Jaune in public knowing that he can't do anything or she would expose him.

Vernal: She just grabs Jaune and takes him to her room. In the end, he is her property.

Salem: She takes Jaune by force and gags on his cock until he cums.

[kitkatopinions]

Nitpick Number Twenty Seven for Nitpick November:

I love that RWBY has a new opening theme song and sequence every season, but a lot of what they choose to put in their opening sequences often bugs the life out of me. This is a long one, so I'm gonna put it under a read more.

Volume One opening title sequence:

You see references to the Red, White, Black, and Yellow trailers. Cool, I guess. Then you see a bunch of Grimm, and Roman Torchwick with the goons he got from Junior, which makes sense considering that those were the early enemies. But then you see this.

I'm not mad about 'Cinder in the shadows' because Cinder had at least one real appearance in volume one. But that's... Emerald and Mercury, in the back? As completely in shadow blank people and Emerald looks like she had completely different hair back then? The only appearance they had in volume one was as cardboard cutouts floating behind Cinder for three seconds right at the end. Why are they even sort of in the opening theme song? Especially considering that Sun and Penny don't make any appearance in the opening sequence for volume one despite being in multiple episodes.

Also, for such a dynamic show with a lot of fight choreography as one of the main appeals (in these early seasons that is,) this opening sequence is a lot of 'people standing around looking serious' and not a lot of movement.

Volume Two opening sequence:

This one is much more fast paced with some nice visuals (the clock gears and then Oz is just everything,) and it also happens to have my favorite of all the theme songs. But just-

Tell me why they felt the need to put Junior and those two twins Little Miss Malachite's daughters in this shot at all? Junior barely does anything, he isn't an 'enemy' in season two so much as he's kind of an informant Yang goes to, which I don't like. And the twins only exist for two seconds so Neptune can flirt with them! Why are they in the theme song when again Sun and Penny don't exist in it at all?

They have Pyrrha fighting Team CRDL, which... Okay? I guess they made that part of the opening sequence because the only other important thing anyone in Team JNPR did that season was dance to Shine, but I find it weird. And then they show Team RWBY fighting various people and instead of featuring Yang fighting Neo and Weiss fighting that one guy with the chainsaw, they have Yang fighting Mercury which she won't do until volume three, and Weiss fighting Emerald, which she won't do except maybe technically kind of when they both exist in the same place in volume five even though Weiss mostly fights Vernal. With Yang and Merc I can at least dismiss it as weird forshadowing, but why is Weiss fighting Emerald? Ruby at least encounters and wants to fight Cinder in volume two despite not knowing it's her, and Blake fights Torchwick, so that's fine. But the Weiss vs Emerald thing is really what gets me. Why?

Volume Three opening sequence!

We flash through a few different teams, and who do we see? Team RWBY and Team JNPR, all very important people, aaaand Team SSSN for some reason, and then Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury. Why the flip do we see Team SSSN? I'm gonna acknowledge that for the first time they showed Sun in an opening sequence (still no Penny though :( bummer) but like... They couldn't have done something that didn't include barely-characters Sage and Scarlet? Tbh it would've made more sense to show Team CVFY and then just include Sun and Neptune later. This is especially true because Sage and Scarlet are at the center instead of Sun and Neptune being at the center. (The 'Mirrors will shatter' part is always cool though.)

We see Ruby fighting Cinder (why not Roman?) Yang fighting Mercury, Blake fighting Adam, and... Again, Weiss fighting Emerald. Hmm. They have Winter with Weiss, and Qrow with Ruby and Yang, and then the two having a staredown before the old Team STRQ picture goes by, which is fine or whatever I guess, but I think I would've preferred something else, like seeing Qrow with the inner circle. Also, no Roman at all (which is really weird, since he was currently one of the main villains,) no Neo, and still no Penny. And despite her larger role in volume three, Pyrrha's screentime in the opening sequence was barely more than the screentime for Sage and Scarlet. Riddle me that.

Volume Four opening sequence:

We're reverting back to mostly having a bunch of people shown standing around and making facial expressions. To be fair, this was a volume where there wasn't a lot of big stuff going on, which I do not hate (if it was done better.) It's weird that they showed Blake fighting Adam when she was really fighting Ilia, though, but I'm willing to dismiss that as them wanting to get across how she's haunted by him or something. But I just personally find that opening sequence really boring. Idk what else to say about it. I like the song though.

Volume Five opening sequence:

Same as before except somehow even more boring. Why are these openings mostly just people standing there? Also when you see Raven she has this soft grin on her face and I'm like... Yeah, sorry, she was a smug jerk the whole time, why is she smiling in her opening credits moment? Weird.

Volume Six opening sequence:

Believe it or not, I like the sound of this song (especially the start of it,) but I'm not sure it was the right song for an opening sequence (and some of the lines are just blah annoying.) Also, more people standing around right at the start with JNOR and Qrow. And then there's this?

They're like, playing tag or something while Blake and Yang are sitting together all moodily? It's just like... I'm not sure. It's weird. Am I the only one that feels like if Ruby was playing tag on the train with anyone, it should be Yang who is shown to still have goofy antics with Ruby in this season, or Nora, who is very silly and rambunctious as a rule? Weiss didn't go through as obvious of a character change in this season as Blake did, but I think people stopped writing for Weiss and started writing for 'Ruby's best friend,' and it shows in little moments like this.

Also with Cinder's moments, they tried to be like "Who is this under the hoooood? We don't knoooow!" And then at the same time tried to be like "Ooooh, is Torchwick baaack? Look at his haaaat!" And it's like, just show us Cinder and Neo. Especially because neither of these things was set up as suspenseful in the show. There was no shadowy figure that people speculated on for episodes, it was just Cinder in clothes we watched her murder a person for. Gonna be honest, it was somehow better than the fourth volume opening sequence, but still.

Volume Seven Sequence opening:

I've already talked about hating the Trust Love song, but yeah, it's really not my favorite. It might be my least favorite. Also! Having them turn from their volumes 1-3 looks, into their volumes 4-6 looks, and into their volume 7-8 looks... Really just showcased how bad some of them looked. Also it's funny that they show Ironwood while they say 'your life's a masterpiece.' Like?? Weird placement for the character you hate. Also also, this?

Always makes me laugh. It's so... Disney channel spy cartoon. Like, it feels straight out of some kind of Kim Possible movie. Why did they choose this? And again, a lot of characters just stand there and make facial expressions. I can't tell you how annoying I find that.

Also, again with weird framing around Ironwood, when a Mantle citizen throws something at the image of James and it flickers into Jacques... Almost like they were signifying how Jacques was trying to make James a scapegoat despite the fact that he was the one hurting Mantle... Huh.

Also, they act like Weiss's main color is blue and Blake's main color is purple. It's so annoying that they can't even stick to one rule in this dang show, like 'the main four have a main color they're represented by.'

Last complaint for this theme song sequence, but why is Qrow so far from the group in the last shot?

If this season had featured Qrow kind of isolating himself from the rest of the group, then this would make sense to me. Instead, they had Team RWBY and co supposedly cool with him now that he started letting them do what they want without protest, had him and Ruby have a heart to heart about Summer, had him hug Ironwood, and launched him into a rapid friendship-possible partnership that consumed most of his screen time this season. So I don't get this choice of framing him as apart from the others.

Volume Eight opening sequence:

So! I'll start out by saying that just like with the volume six song, it's not that I hate this one, it's just that I'm not sure it was a good choice for an opening theme. Also, it's kind of just bad that they put the line 'we said goodbye to all the things we loved' right over shots of the RWBY girls now compared to who they were back in volumes 1-3. Aaaand I wish they'd stop being like 'look, look, do you guys remember back then? We're still just like that!' It's giving ''Steven Moffat keeps bringing in things from the Russel T Davies era to Doctor Who seasons five through seven and misusing them." It's giving "Disney keeps referencing Frozen long after the movie came out." It's giving "They brought in the kid of Will and Elizabeth to Pirates of the Caribbean 5 to try to trick people into thinking it's good."

ALSO: When they're doing that sequence, I get real annoyed at the way they animated Yang.

Some of them are kind of off considering the way the characters behave in volume 8, but Yang's is just bad. Ruby has this cute daring smirk, Weiss is making this serious concentrating face, Blake looks angry and intense, and then Yang - who spends most of her time in volume eight being angry and picking fights with people or being sad as she thinks temporarily leaving on a mission once is going to make Blake think worse of her... Has this like, floaty happy little soft smile and is the only one of the four not portrayed in an action shot? If Isabella from Phineas and Ferb was a RWBY character, this is the kind of pose and face she'd make while staring lovestruck at Phineas. Why is this what they went with?

Again, there's weird framing with James, as they play the line 'gave up our lives' while showing him, like they were acknowledging the sacrifices he made while they speed-run a badly done villain arc. Also 'hope has no place here' while they show Salem set playing chess with the black pieces that all turn into Grimm against James who has all his white pieces dissolve into dust, like they were... Saying he's the only person actually trying to stop her... while the others all left to do other things... In the same season they turn him into an evil bastard. The rest of it is just kind of boring

So yeah, those are my criticisms of the choices for the main sequences of RWBY volumes 1-8. I still consider all of these Nitpicks, because I've enjoyed plenty of shows without liking every choice they make for their opening sequences, but yeah.

[mysterioushogwartsrequests]

Hello! Can I request an imagine with Draco and a Slytherin! Reader where they both are totally in love with each other and maybe one day in class Draco is being particularly needy/frustrated one day and she’s his partner and sees he’s super hard and she teases him but when class is over he asks the reader to give him a blowjob because he loves her mouth and he’s just so whiny and he later spoils the hell out of his girl at Hogsmeade!

This is literally SOOOO LONG!! I don’t know why I wrote so much, but I just really wanted to include all that stuff, lol. My excuse for the length is that I hit a 1,000 followers about two days ago so this is the celebratory piece! 

This goes without saying, but this piece contains a lot of sexual content so please do not read if you are underage or uncomfortable with said topics. I also wrote this in a different perspective because I wanted to try it out so I hope you enjoy!

Warning: SMUT, Oral (Male Receiving)

Title: Princess

                                                 ϟ ϟ ϟ

It was a warm summer’s day, close to the start of the new term. These past few weeks at Malfoy Manor had been tense and Draco often found himself rather stressed . A large part of him felt guilty for leaving his mother at home in the presence of Lord Voldemort, but another part of him felt grateful to be out of his sight. Finally, he could escape the Dark Lord’s watchful eyes, but he could not escape the plan set for him to complete.

Draco’s eyebrows knitted together as he squinted towards the merchandise wall inside Twilfitt and Tattings. Even when he was not around, Draco could still sense the Dark Lord’s influence and the constant reminder of the outcome if he were to fail. However, as he thought of better ways to mend the vanishing cabinet, something caught his attention.  

“Draco darling,” You called to him, stepping out of the changing room with a small smile on your face. Draco’s eyes widened in an instant, a lump forming in his throat as he examined the champagne dress clinging to your body. It was a delicate number with thin, spaghetti strap sleeves attached to the cowl-neck gown, the silk fabric shimmering softly as you stepped onto the podium.  

With a content hum, Draco pushed himself off the wall, his grey eyes locked with yours in the shop mirror as he walked towards you. He rested his hand against your waist, his fingers tenderly sliding down to feel the smooth silk against them, “You look ravishing,” he whispered against your ear, pressing a kiss against the shell of it before stepping back to get a better view of you.  

You smiled satisfyingly, taking a moment to admire the all-black ensemble he wore and how it slimmed him down in all the right places. He stood in a black turtleneck and a fitted suit jacket, his left hand in the pocket of his slacks while the thumb of the other swiped over his bottom lip. A string of questions crossed through Draco’s mind, “When would you wear this?” he thought, tapping his finger against his chin.  

Surely, there was no surprise ball this year, he would’ve heard by now. “Would you wear it on a date?” he questioned, imagining a scenario where the two of you ate dinner at a fancy restaurant, illuminated by just candlelight. “Even better,” Draco trailed off, his eyes lingering over your arse as you admired yourself in the mirror, looking over your shoulder to see the diamond detail that connected the open back, “What would such an expensive piece of clothing look like on his dormitory floor?”  

Draco recalled the conversation he shared with his mother a week prior, where she had counseled him after a particularly difficult day. Narcissa Malfoy had an interesting way of comforting her son. Of course, she sat and listened to him, holding him as he cried, a mixture of guilt and failure coursing through her veins as she fought against the Dark Lord’s plans for her beloved son. The next day, however, she entered Draco’s room with a smile and presented a brand-new wardrobe for him as a start of term gift.  

Pulling himself away from his thoughts, Draco gave a gentle smile and looked up at you, instantly meeting your hopeful eyes.  

“Oh, those eyes” 

“I’m not sure if I should get it,” You admitted, your bottom lip jutting out in a pout as you hopped off the podium and halted in front of the platinum-haired boy. Closing his eyes, Draco took a deep breath, captivated by the intoxicating smell of vanilla radiating off your body. An exquisite aroma, packaged in a —hand-blown— glass perfume bottle with delicate golden leaves painted onto it, finished off with your initials carved at the bottom of it.  

Another one of Draco’s thoughtful gifts.  

“And why is that?” asked Draco, his hand resting against the side of your neck, his thumb rubbing small circles against your jaw. The dress was cut just right, the tight, draped bodice granted him a wonderful view of your breasts, but he looked away to halt the tightening of his pants.  

“I’ve got no occasion for a dress like this,” declared a slightly defeated (Y/N), taking another glance in the mirror, “Well, we’ve still got the goodbye dinner with your parents” You recalled, running your hands down your hips, unintentionally catching Draco’s attention as he remembered the family dinner he had forgotten about. 

“That settles it then,” announced Draco in a chipper tone, “I’ll buy the dress,” he grinned, stepping towards his girlfriend, but halting by the display of diamond accessories. With a glance over the merchandise, he pointed at a necklace set with a pair of earrings, receiving praises from the shopkeeper. Taking the necklace from the older wizard, Draco walked over to (Y/N), “turn around,” he uttered and you happily obliged, watching him as he placed the delicate piece around your neck.  

“Draco-” you began to protest, but he only pressed a kiss against your cheek, clasping the necklace and letting his fingers linger at the back of your neck. The necklace was a breathtaking, diamond necklace with seven glittering emeralds spread evenly across the center.  

“The bracelet and earrings will do nicely as well,” Draco said, nodding his head in approval and signaling for the shopkeeper to begin ringing them up. You opened your mouth to protest again, but Draco placed his finger against your lips, “I believe you recall what I’ve told you, hm?” he teased, raising a questioning eyebrow as (Y/N) nodded, fighting back a smile, “Then, let Daddy spoil you, Princess.”  

There was no denying the power Draco’s tone held over you. His words shot straight between your legs, the feeling of his lips pressed against the side of your neck making you fall against him, finally becoming aware of his erection now pressed against your thigh. 

“Let's finish up so we can go back to the Manor,” you proposed, shifting your thigh ever so slightly to provide him with some much-needed friction. Draco bit his lip and gave a stiff nod, stepping away from you before you could tease him further.  

“Go change,” he ordered, the cocky smirk returning to his lips, “You’ve got five minutes.” Running back towards the dressing room, you peeled off the dress and stepped into your usual clothes, practically sprinting out of it once finished. After a hasty checkout, the two of you exited the shop hand-in-hand, the bag containing your gifts swinging in Draco’s other hand.

                                                             ϟ ϟ ϟ

This school year proved to be the most difficult one yet. N.E.W.T.s we’re now less than a year away and it was never too soon to begin revising. You, however, found it quite difficult to focus on school these last few days. Despite his constant reassurances that he was all right, (Y/N) found some of Draco’s recent behavior quite odd. This strange feeling first arose the week you stayed at Malfoy Manor, where the four of them sat cautiously at a table with Draco’s aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange. You had always had a good relationship with Draco’s relatives, but it was clear to you something was occurring under wraps, something Draco did not want you to know about. Noting his hesitation whenever you brought up the subject, you decided against prying any more information out of him and returned to your studies. Your dedication to academic achievement, much to your surprise, did not go unnoticed by the new Potions Master at Hogwarts, who had heard all about you and Miss Hermione Granger, the two top students of the sixth year.  

Horace Slughorn was a portly, older man, but very gifted with potions and an excellent Professor. Upon arrival, he sought out some of the school’s most promising students and invited them to his office for an elegant dinner. One morning, during breakfast, your owl dropped the intricately decorated envelope right in front of your plate. You had no chance to conceal the envelope from your curious boyfriend, the same one that had tried, without succeeding, to get invited to said dinner.  

However, to your surprise, Draco was not upset. Instead, he pressed a gentle kiss against your temple and muttered the words, “You deserve it, baby girl.” The pet name sends chills down your spine, a smile playing at your lip as his hand rests upon your knee, the cold metal of his rings easing any sort of tension in your body. His left hand rested against your jawline, his slender fingers twiddling with the pearl earring, admiring the small ruby motif encrusted right above the hanging pearl.  

(Y/N) leaned her cheek against his palm, setting the invitation down on the dining hall table, “Are you sure, Darling?” you questioned, taking the time to rest your hand over his, “I might not be able to fit it into my schedule...” you admitted, thoughts of Draco’s mysterious disappearances crossing your mind. Bringing your hand up to his mouth, Draco pressed a soft kiss against the back of it before leaning to press one against your lips.  

“I think,” he started, a sparkle of mischief in his eyes, “You should go show them what the brightest, most caring, and, without a doubt, sexiest girl in Slytherin House has to offer” Draco praised, giving your thigh a small squeeze before dipping to steal another kiss from you, “How does that sound?” He asked sweetly, showering you with yet another kiss, this one against your forehead.  

It was no secret that Draco Malfoy and (Y/N) (L/N) were truly and undeniably in love. Often, the corridors were filled with the incessant whispers of jealous girls who longed for Draco’s attention, but he paid no attention to them. The Slytherin Prince only had eyes for you, the only constant ray of sunshine in his life. Whenever he looked at you, he reminded himself of his vow to keep you completely satisfied, and the only reward he wanted was seeing that gorgeous smile on your face. You were everything to him. You were the only one who knew about his previous family troubles, the one who would hold him when he cried during the late hours of the evening. The one who would fix his tie the second it seemed out of place, the one who would rub his shoulders whenever you noticed him bent over his assignments.  

He would do everything and anything to ensure you felt like the luckiest girl in the world because he knew you, out of all people, deserved it the most.  

”You make an excellent point, Mr. Malfoy,” You grinned, nodding your head in agreement, and flinging your arms around his shoulders. A soft smile crept up Draco’s lips as his arms wrapped around your waist, holding you tightly against his chest and placing a kiss at the top of your head.  

“Don’t I always?” teased Draco, running his fingers through your hair as the other students exited the Great Hall and made their way towards the classes. Rolling your eyes at his response, you placed your hand against his cheek, stealing a kiss from him this time and rising from your seat.  

“We should go,” you announced, stretching your hand out for him to grab, which he happily obliged, rising from the bench and escorting you to your classroom.  

                                          ϟ ϟ ϟ

 A week had passed since Slughorn’s dinner party, the memory of the evening still fresh in Draco’s mind as he tapped his fingers against the wooden desk. Needless to say, he was not particularly pleased with the events of last Saturday. One of Slughorn’s guests had taken quite the liking to you, practically undressing you with his eyes during breakfast hours, something Draco found incredibly disrespectful. He recalled the way Cormac McLaggen eyed you this morning when you bent over to kiss your boyfriend goodbye, skipping out of the Great Hall without a care in the world.  

Draco clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as his eyebrows knitted together, sparks of frustration igniting within him. Not only was McLaggen ogling you like you were his last meal, but he was also casually brushing up beside you in the corridors, shooting Draco arrogant smirks when they locked eyes.  

Oh, how he would love to jinx that insufferable look off his face. Yeah, that’ll show him.  

He should have been paying attention to Professor Flitwick discussing the proper hand movement for the Gouging Spell, but the thoughts of McLaggen badgering you when he was not around boiled his blood. In hindsight, it was a good thing he was neglecting this lesson because the prospect of gouging a large hole through Cormac seemed very appealing. 

You were particularly busy this week and did not have a lot of time to spend with Draco. Sure, the two of you bid your usual goodnights in the Slytherin common room, but your studying had kept you away from Draco. Due to this, Draco Malfoy was left very touch starved and found himself daydreaming of your earlier rendezvous around the castle.  

Draco turned his head towards you, his face relaxing at once as he watched you diligently taking notes, as usual. You had your bottom lip between your teeth, gnawing it softly as your quill scratched against the parchment. With a content sigh, he admired your concentration and wondered how a person could be that gorgeous. He was, truly, the luckiest man in the world when it came to you.  

He supposed that one could not blame McLaggen for falling for you- I mean, who wouldn’t? Any person would be swept off their feet if you entered the room wearing those silk dresses you were oh so fond of. Draco glanced down at those pretty, pink lips of yours, his eyes practically rolling to the back of his head as you parted them, tongue swiping over your upper lip as you added the final details to your diagram.  

Biting his lip, Draco forced his attention towards Professor Flitwick, but it was already too late. The thoughts of you, sprawled across his bed at Malfoy Manor were enough to replace his earlier frustrations with feelings of lust.  

“Stop,” thought Draco, closing his eyes to contain his feelings, but it was no use. Your lips made an “O” shape when you finally grasped the Charms concepts, making goosebumps appear on Draco’s skin as he shuddered.  

What he would do to have you begging for him right now.  

His pants grew considerably tighter and he couldn’t help but feel grateful towards the school uniforms. The robe he was wearing did a decent job at hiding his current problem, but he knew it would be noticeable when he stood. However, that did not stop him from hearing the way you called his name in the back of his head.  

“Please, Draco...”

“Fuck,” cursed Draco under his breath, shifting uncomfortably in his seat, a slight touch of pink dusting his cheeks. Unable to keep his eyes away, Draco looked back towards you, scanning the soft skin of your neck, and noting how awfully bare it looked. With his self-restraint wavering, he subtly slid down the bench you shared and rested his hand on your knee, something he did quite often. However, you did not question him until you felt his lips against your neck and a hand wrapped tightly around your thigh. Turning your head to face him, you were surprised to see him with his hand over his mouth, his eyes averted from yours as his fingers danced against the smooth skin of your inner thigh.  

“Draco,” you cooed, but the only response you received was a rather harsh nip at your neck, “Draco, someone will see…”  

“I don’t care,” Draco snarled against your ear, “I need this bloody class to be over…” He murmured in a much softer tone, his hand rubbing circles against your thigh and inching closer to your clothed heat. But once you turned to scold him, you noticed the dark, red blush that painted his cheeks and felt his hot breath fanning against your face.  

“Are you alright?” you asked cautiously, innocently rubbing your thumb against his thigh, but that only made Draco twitch in his seat, and his reaction suddenly lit the bulb over your head. Your lips curled into a smirk as your hand moved closer to the bulge on Draco’s pants, turning your attention towards the front of the class as you continued your movements.  

Luckily, the two of you sat at the farthest end of the Charms classroom, away from any overly inquisitive eyes. You were certain nobody would notice, if Draco kept his cool, the two of you would be in the clear.  

“Couldn’t even wait till class was over?” You tutted, delicately tracing your fingers over his crotch, and smirking as he shifted in his seat, “Be careful, I don’t want us to get caught.” You added, firmly cupping his erection through his slacks, a wide grin spreading across your face as he doubled down and hid his face behind a book he propped up. It was honestly quite surprising to see Draco this way. Usually, he would be the one teasing you to no end, but you were currently in control and that was enough to light the fire of your arousal.  

“D-Don’t stop,” Draco pleaded under his breath, biting down on his thumb to hold back a moan as your palm worked to release the built-up tension. Encouraged by his dick twitching underneath your hand, you quickened your pace and watched as he parted his lips, struggling to keep any sound from coming out. As his breathing grew more ragged, you felt his abdominal muscles tense up against your touch, indicating that his release would wash over him soon.  

Fighting to keep the small sense of composure he had left, Draco gripped (Y/N)’s wrist and halted her movements. It took him a minute to catch his breath, but when he did, he spoke in a low whisper, “Wait...” His eyes never met yours because if he looked into those beautiful eyes of yours, he would not be able to control himself. And although the prospect of taking you over the desk seemed quite promising, he did not fancy the idea of letting the rest of the student body see you bent over in such a vulnerable state.  

That was only for him, of course.  

“What’s wrong, Darling?” You teased letting your fingers trace over his crotch again, but he only clicked his tongue at you. Draco knew you too well, he knew you were only trying to rile him up again, but he could not let that happen, not right now. With adrenaline coursing through your body, you leaned towards Draco and let your breath fan against his neck before licking a stripe behind his ear, “Didn’t want to come all over those expensive slacks of yours, hm?” You murmured, gently nipping his earlobe, and taking his momentary lapse of strength to palm his erection once more.  

Draco gritted his teeth once again, pulling your hand away from his pants, “I said wait,” he growled, his lust-clouded eyes finally meeting yours, “You do know how to follow instructions, don’t you?” He asked in a much harsher, more desperate tone.  

“Depends on who’s giving them.” You replied sarcastically, placing your free hand on his knee with a smirk.  

However, Draco did not get a chance to shoot his response back at you. Once the bell signaling the end of class rang, he shot up off his seat and gathered both your belongings before taking your hand and hastily pulling you out of the classroom. A few students stared as the two of you rushed down the hall, blushing in embarrassment as you stumbled after Draco.

His hand gripped yours tightly, leading you towards the Prefects’ bathroom, and stuttering out the password once the two of you arrived. Flinging your book bags across the floor, Draco turned and stalked towards you making you step back until your back hit something solid.

“Think you’re funny, are you?” sneered Draco, pinning you against one of the cubicles, his thigh pressed firmly between your legs and his right forearm braced beside your head. Replicating your earlier movements, Draco dragged his tongue underneath your ear before taking the lobe between his teeth, making you gasp. “Why don’t we put that filthy mouth of yours to better use?” He cooed, blowing a puff of air against your ear, and admiring it as it turned red.  

With a sudden burst of confidence, you gripped his robes and pulled his face towards yours, breaths mingling together, “I think,” You muttered, leaning your lips close to his, “That’s the best idea you’ve had all day…” Looking up at his half-lidded eyes, you crashed your lips against Draco’s, fingers immediately tangling themselves in his hair. Draco returned your kiss eagerly, his hands cupping your arse underneath your skirt and pulling your body flush against his.  

You could feel Draco growing more impatient by the minute. His hands were grabbing desperately at your skin, squeezing every inch of bare flesh he could feel. Longing to have you closer to him, Draco slipped his hand underneath your thigh and hooked it over his hip, fingers gripping hard enough to bruise. Your back arched off the wall, hips grinding against Draco’s as your tongues laced together in a heated kiss. Tugging at your tie, Draco reached to unbutton your blouse and pulled it open, exposing your bra-clad breasts.  

He pressed his lips against the base of your neck, biting and sucking encouraged by your moans beside his ear. One of his hands held your thigh firmly while the other kneaded your left breast, pulling the fabric of your bra down and taking your nipple between his thumb and forefinger. You gasped harshly, bucking into him, and digging your fingers into his hair, messing up the parts that remained previously neat. Draco rolled his erection against your soaked panties, smiling down at your face as his hands kneaded your clothed breasts, “So pretty,” he murmured, captivated by your flushed face and the shameful sounds passing through your lips.  

Your hands reached up to grab his face, pulling him down for another kiss. This time, using the momentum to switch your positions so Draco’s back hit the stall door, earning a small moan of surprise from him. Grinning up at him, you pressed your lips against his neck and slid your hand down the front of his body, cupping him firmly as you sucked the sensitive skin. 

Draco let out gasping breaths as you moved your hand, his fingers digging into your waist, “On your knees,” commanded Draco, trying to regain some sort of control over the situation. You obliged happily, dropping down to your knees and lazily running your fingers over his thighs before reaching up for his belt. After fiddling with the buckle, you took your time sliding Draco’s slacks down, purposely neglecting his throbbing dick hidden in his underwear.  

“Don’t be a tease,” snapped Draco, gripping your chin harshly, “Suck,” He commanded firmly, releasing you as you pulled down his boxer briefs. Draco’s thick length snapped up towards his lower abs, almost slapping you in the face when it sprung out of its constraints. Almost drooling at the glorious sight of his cock, you took it in your hand, running your thumb over the pre-cum leaking out of the reddened tip. Draco bucked his hips forwards, hissing at the light touch, and looking down at your concentrated expression as you slowly pumped your hand.  

Lolling your tongue out dramatically, you leaned forwards and gave the tip a kitten lick, earning a frustrated groan from Draco. Satisfied with his discomfort, you gave the swollen tip another kiss before taking his length fully into your mouth. He let out a strangled gasp in response, his eyes squeezed shut as you enthusiastically licked up his length. Sealing off your lips, much like a vacuum seal, you bobbed your head up and down his shaft, tongue swirling around it as Draco trembled underneath you, his hand over his mouth attempting to stifle the sounds coming out of it.  

Draco looked down at you, unable to control the string of low moans and grunts spewing from his lips. The sight of your plump lips stretching around his cock made him lose the few ounces of coherent thoughts he had left in his mind. Draco let out another strangled moan, throwing his head back against the stall door as you swirl your tongue around his shaft and use your hand to pump the base of his cock. His hand flew to the back of your head when you moved to take all of him in your mouth, your nose brushing the trimmed tufts of hair as you choked around him, the contraction of your throat making him groan out your name.  

With another husky moan, Draco balled your hair up into a ponytail and used it as leverage to thrust into your mouth. “Yes, yes,” whimpered Draco, his face flushed red and his breath caught in his throat, “Just like that, (Y/N)” he hissed, his grey eyes flickering down and meeting yours, making his roll back again as he pulled his lip between his teeth. Your fingernails dug into the back of his thighs, squeezing them tighter as he quickened his pace. You moaned around his dick, the vibrations sending a violent quake through his body as he face-fucked you, his climax only moments away.  

“Ah, you take my cock so well, Princess” groaned Draco, his pace stuttering, “You’re so bloody gorgeous” He sighed, his fingers delving tightly into your hair as you continued to swirl your tongue around the shaft, relaxing your jaw to let the tip of his penis hit the back of your throat.  

The sounds coming from Draco’s mouth had you soaking wet and yearning to feel his load shoot down your throat. Determined to finish him off, you moved your hand to fondle his balls, moaning with satisfaction as his cock pulsated in your mouth. His breaths grew ragged and the only sounds coming from him were small whimpers and grunts. You looked up at him through your eyelashes, his platinum blonde hair fell messily over his eyes, which were currently screwed shut as his face twisted with pleasure.   

Draco’s eyes fluttered open, meeting your eager ones for a second time, but it was too much. Cursing loudly, Draco’s pace grew sloppier and rougher, his body trembling as you fondled his balls once again.  

“(Y/N)!” He cried out as you gagged around him, thick ropes of cum coating the inside of your mouth as he came, hard. You struggled to swallow his heavy load, but you were adamant on taking every last drop, just how he liked it. Draco gasped as he caught his breath, his hand still in your hair as he gave your mouth two final shallow thrusts, pulling out as you licked him clean.  

With his chest heaving, Draco delicately placed his hand against your cheek and slid his thumb over your swollen lips. You press a chaste kiss against the pad of his thumb, the corners of your mouth curling up into a loving smile. He brought you back up to your feet, capturing your lips in a kiss that was all tongue before pulling away with a satisfied smile on his face.  

“You’re quite chipper now, aren’t you?” You teased, hitting him playfully on the shoulder as he pulled his slacks up, tucking his shirt back into his pants and shooting you a wink.  

“Yes, actually,” He retorted, his usual smirk appearing on his lips, “And why is that?” You asked, taking the time to button your own shirt, blushing as Draco stalked towards you. He placed his hand on the side of your neck, pulling down your collar to admire the angry, red marks that decorated it.  

With a small huff, he dipped down and sucked on the spot below your jaw, your knees buckling and hands gripping his shoulders as he bit down. Once he was satisfied with his handiwork, Draco pulled away, smirking at the mark that would surely be visible for days.  

“Because I’m the only one who gets to have you like this,” admitted Draco, pulling you into a hug and resting his chin atop your head, “Can’t wait until I catch McLoser drooling over you, I’ll make sure to remind him who he’s dealing with.”  

You laughed at Draco’s declaration, your arms tightening around him as you embraced, “Are you ready for lunch then? He could already be there” You teased, pressing a kiss against his nose, and pulling away to pick up your bag from the bathroom floor. Draco chuckled as you skipped back towards him, giving your behind a playful smack as you walked past him, “Don’t run off thinking I won’t return the favor,” stated Draco salaciously, catching your hand and pulling you back before you could exit the bathroom.  

You looked up at him with a curious expression, “Is that so?” You questioned with a grin, walking towards him, and placing your hand on his chest, “Is it something I should look forward to?” You asked, tilting your head to the side innocently.  

Draco laughed, raising his hand to cup your cheek, “Come to my room tonight at eleven, wearing that pretty little dress from Twilfitt and Tattings,” muttered Draco, his lips close to yours once again, “I’ll make it worth your while,” he winked, his fingers dipping underneath your skirt to swipe over your clothed core.  

Shivering under his touch, you blushed embarrassingly as he examined the slick now coating his finger, “All for me, Princess?” He teased, contently licking his finger clean and grabbing his own book bag, “Actually, I was thinking about McLaggen” you quipped, stepping out of the Prefect’s bathroom with a bounce in your step which Draco followed after, his eyebrows furrowed as he flanked you. 

“Careful, Love” warned Draco with a hum, his hand sliding into yours as you walked, “or I’ll have to teach that naughty mouth of yours another lesson.”

                                               ϟ ϟ ϟ

 Your four-year anniversary drew nearer, and you found yourself worried about Draco’s behavior yet again. He grew increasingly distant as the term progressed and you could not help but worry, despite his constant reassurances, stating there was nothing to worry about. This, again, left you feeling frustrated. You and Draco started dating during your third year and it had taken a while to break down his walls to understand him, but now it seemed like some of that progress was overturned. 

However, when he was around, he always made the effort to shower you with affection and ensure you were being taken care of. Draco knew your habits better than anything, he knew you would be questioning his behavior and launching your own investigations to find the underlying cause of it, but he could not let you interfere. He was already under fire for having ‘distractions’ and had promised the Dark Lord nothing would come in the way of his success.  

To keep you safe, you had to be left in the dark. It wounded Draco to see that distraught expression on your face when he came into the common room past midnight, sometimes even asleep, curled up on the couch waiting for him to return. He felt guilty for putting you through all this, but it was necessary for your safety and nothing was more important than protecting you.  

His nights were constantly haunted by horrifying images of you injured or worse, dead in his arms after some terrible mistake he made. These thoughts were constantly wearing him down, but he could not tell you, it was just too risky to involve you in this situation. This stressful internal struggle encouraged Draco to show you how much you meant to him.  

He wanted you to know that you were, truly, the most important person in his life.  

“Draco,” You whined with your hands over your eyes as Draco led you through the empty streets of Hogsmeade, “Can’t I just open my eyes? I’ve been to Hogsmeade plenty of times” you reminded him, but he only chuckled beside you, holding you by the waist as you walked.  

“I’m trying to surprise you,” Draco stated, rolling his eyes, “So why don’t you stop complaining and follow me.” He declared, pressing a kiss against your cheek, and leading you towards the clothing shops in the village. Draco halted in front of a large store window, looking up at the dress and envisioning you in them with a proud grin.  

“Alright,” he started, grabbing the hands that covered your face, “Ready?” He murmured, pressing a kiss against her fingertips as you nodded. Counting to three, Draco pulled your hands away from your face and stepped out of your view, letting you take in the sight before you.  

In front of you stood a tall mannequin wearing a floor-length shimmering, emerald green gown with small silver detailing the bust, “Wow” you muttered breathlessly, leaning closer to the window to get a better look of the design. The mannequin turned 180 degrees, giving her a better view of the open back and long train that followed the dress.  

“Do you like it?” Draco asked, looking down at his ring with a content smile on his face. 

Your eyes scanned over the glittering, diamond pendant necklace complete with matching water drop earrings, “It’s gorgeous,” you replied, looking over at your boyfriend with a puzzled expression, “Why do I get the feeling you’re up to something?” You asked, quirking your eyebrow at him as he laughed.  

“You know me well, Darling” Draco admitted sheepishly, leading you towards the door of the stop and holding it open, “I just thought, since you’ve been attending Slughorn’s dinner parties, that you would need some more evening outfits to show off,” He stated proudly, his hand against the small of your back as he gestured you towards the changing rooms.  

“Draco, I couldn’t possibly! You bought me one at the start of term!” You protested, grabbing his hands but part of you knew his mind was already made up. 

“You’re right,” He agreed with a nod, placing his hand against your cheek, “And I’m going to buy you four more today,” He stated nonchalantly, looking back at the four sets of the dresses brought over by the shopkeeper, “You better get started,” he urged, taking a seat on the ottoman in front of the dressing room.  

With a loving smile, you captured Draco’s lips in a kiss, “I love you” You said, squeezing his hand as he returned your smile.  

“And I love you most,” He replied, pressing a kiss against your forehead, and urging towards the dressing room, “Come on, I want to see how stunning you look in those.” Giggling, you ran into the changing room, winking back at Draco before sliding the curtain close and getting into the first dress.  

Several hours later, you and Draco exited the shop with four bags containing various dresses, jewelry pieces, and, even, a brand-new suit. After one final stop at Honeydukes, the two of you made your way towards the castle, treasuring the time you spent together and the memories you created while doing so.

[marvels-bitch-boy]

Emerald Eyes: Chapter 4

Chapter 4: (No one’s POV)

Word count: 2.4k

A/N: This is the longest thing I have ever written in my entire life, I haven't written anything this long even for school, so I really hope you enjoy it and PLEASE IF YOU WANT TO BE TAGGED FILL OUT THE FORM AND LEAVE SUGGESTIONS OR YOUR ENDGAME VOTE

Chapter 3 , Chapter 5

It was around 7 am that Steve called Natasha and Wanda into a meeting in the conference room, when Wanda got there she saw an irritated Natasha sitting down and the usual stoic Steve standing at the end of the table, She took a seat on the opposite side of Natasha and gave her a confused look, one that Natasha returned with a shrug.

Steve cleared his throat as he began talking to the two women, he turned to Wanda first and started “I was just given a new last-minute mission that requires your set of skills in order to get new intel on a fast-rising Russian mob that has been dealing in weapons as of late, its a three month no contact opp...are you up for it?” Wanda knew that he was only asking out of politeness when a mission that needed her powers was put on the books it was more of command than an ask from SHIELD “yes, I’m up for it, how long till I leave?” Steve nodded “the quinjet will be leaving in 30 to take you”

Steve turned his head to the resident Russian and gave a desperate small as he began “there is a recruit who-” Natasha immediately cut him off “no, I’m not babysitting some new recruit while Wanda gets to go on a vacation...” Steve gave her a pleading look and she rolled her eyes as she sighed “...fiiinee, what do I have to do?” He nodded and continued his earlier statement “There is a recruit who Pietro thinks needs a more advanced training partner and regimen, you are being tasked with his review to determine whether he will get that....and trust me, Nat, this isn’t your regular recruit, he’s something special I promise you”

Natasha and Wanda shared a look of confusion, it’s not every day the super-soldier promises something of a recruit, he ignores their looks and slides them each a manila folder “here you go, enjoy yourselves you two, and Nat...don’t kill the poor kid” she chuckles at his remark as she and Wanda get up and head out of the room, they share a quick hug and Natasha wishes her good luck, Wanda laughs at that “oh, all the luck needs to go to that recruit!”

As Wanda finishes packing for her mission and heads towards the quinjet, Pietro stops her to say goodbye and wish her well on the mission. Vision is at the quinjet helping a few agents double-check the engine and guiding system, he and Wanda share a tender hug and a small kiss goodbye before she takes off for her mission.

---

On the other side of the compound however a young SWORD recruit has no idea what is in store for him as he walks to the training room he was informed to go to for his review, but as soon as he opens the door he is stopped in his tracks by a radiant and glowing pair of emerald eyes that lock onto his, his eyes go from the woman’s to her shoulder-length ruby red hair, he clears his throat as soon as he realizes how long he is staring for which gives the woman a small smile, he begins to introduce himself.

“Hi, I’m agent Y/L/N, I was told to come here for a review of some kind?...” he trailed off as she extended a hand, “I’m well aware of who you are and as for the review I will be conducting it...I’m Natasha Romanoff, hopefully by the end of this, we can see if you really do need a more advanced regimen”

The agent’s eyes go wide with shock and then he is hit with a wave of realization as he puts his head back and groans “Pietro...you dick” this makes Natashas laugh even more now that she knows (Y/N) himself didn’t even request for the advancement, she brushes it off and continues tho “okay let’s see what you got, we’ll start off with marksmanship and work our way down he list from there as she walks over to the bench with a clipboard and one 9mm pistol is sitting, he walks over and puts his training bag and hoodie on the bench and puts his eyewear on as Natasha goes to set up the targets, he waits for her to mark where he will be shooting from but she never does, instead she tells him to just start shooting, he is confused by this and natasha simply sighs and walks over to him, she takes the gun and shoots at the targets as she makes her way across the room when she is finished she hands the gun back to him and gives him a new clip, he now understands what she wants him to do and mirrors her movements as he makes his way across the room while shooting down the targets, he waited for her to look them over with a smile, before she moves on “now strip dow-” she is quickly interupted by the agent.

“Woah! You’re very attractive and all but I usually like to get to know people before I start that sentence” he tells her with a grin as she removes his SWORD issue sweater Natasha waits for him to finish before she continues “strip down...and head to the pool…” the agent gives him a smirk before she turns around and walks away “...and maybe after you can buy me a drink to get to know me better” this leaves (Y/N) stunned but he quickly recovers and jogs after her and steps in front of her “if I impress you enough, can I make that a real offer?” Natasha simply continues walking and turns back to him “we’ll see…”

---

(Y/N) finishes the swimming portion of the review and looks up at Natasha with a wide grin as she tells him the next part of the review “okay, good job next you’ll be running around the compound’s dirt-” she is immediately cut off by him jumping out of the pool and taking off sprinting towards the exit, he quickly grabs his shoes and puts them on as he takes offs to the track “GOT IT!” she didn't know if he was trying his best impress her simply for the advancement -or the offer of drinks they had wagered...

---

Natasha sees him running on the track and is writing down her notes on her clipboard, as she is writing down she overhears a few of the female recruits making comments about (Y/N) and Natasha didn’t like this, obviously, she simply wanted them to stop before he got distracted so she “politely” asked them to stop

“Would you pick your jaws off the floor and stop drooling over him like you've never seen a man before?”

The women scoff as they walk away from her, she turns her attention back to (Y/N), but out of the corner of her eye she can see Pietro leaning against the wall giving her the biggest smirk, she doesn’t look away from the agent running at top speed in front of her as she addresses the speedster next to her “wipe that look off your face before I send Clint after you”

That remark does nothing but makes the silver-haired mans face go wide his smirk turns into a grin as he ignores her threat “just wanted to come and see if he got on your good side…” he gives her a wink “...and I can see he has indeed” Pietro attempts to runaway as Natasha fakes him out of a punch and trips him flat on his face, this makes (Y/N) laugh as he runs by and that laugh seems to make a corner of her mouth lift only slightly before she returns to her normal impassive face and writing down in her notes again.

After (Y/N) completes his laps around the track Natasha offers him a 5-minute break to cool off before the next part of the review, he simply shrugs and chugs his water before heading into the compound and making his way to the training room, when Natasha enters after (Y/N) she is shocked to see him warming up for their sparring match and not passed out on the floor after the number of laps he did...she thinks back to what steve said “what does he have the serum in him?” she questions to herself as she looks over the young man, she simply shakes the thought out of her head as she joins him on the mat, they both get into position and prepare to spar “Remember we don’t stop until you or me is pinned or one of us taps out...got it?”

He simply gives her a smirks “got it…” they both size each other up as they circle the mat “...are you just gonna stare at me?...or... will you actually let me ask you out?” he says in a -very convincing- humorous tone, Natasha ultimately decides to make the first move and goes for his legs, (Y/N) moves out of the way grapples onto her, Natasha gets out of his grasp and attempts to flip him over, but he uses his momentum to flip her with him and they both land flat on their backs, they quickly get back up and continue to go at it for the next hour until…

“OKAY OKAY!!!... you can let go of my wrists now...and get off of me *very playfully with a smirk* if you want to of course” (Y/N) says after Natasha pins him to the mat, she rolls her eyes at his comment, “I thought this is what you wanted?” which makes him laugh as she gets off of him.

“As I said before, only after we get to know each other...speaking of? How did I do?...impress you enough for that drink?” Natasha raises a brow as she pretends to think for a split second she gives him an unreadable look “you’ll have to wait for that…” the corners of her lips start to lift but quickly return to their place as Pietro enters the room.

“Hello, my friends! How has the review gone!? Have you two...gotten acquainted” he says the last two words while wiggling his eyebrows with a very playful tone as he walks to stand between the two of them, Natasha lightly chuckles and excuses herself. Pietro turns to (Y/N) and puts his arm over his shoulder as they walk over to the bench for (Y/N) to grab his things, as they walk out Pietro continues to talk about how his sister had to leave for a mission so he needs a new friend to hang out with while she’s gone, (Y/N) quickly tunes him out as they make their way back to his quarters, when they enter his room Pietro immediately notices the amount of space in the room and on the walls.

“Dude! You need to spice this place up! Unpack a bit!” as he goes to lay on (Y/N’s) bed, (Y/N) responds as he sits on his desk chair “um...I already did…” he trails off as he gestures to the books on one shelf, the four pictures on his desk and his closet. This makes Pietro sit up immediately and look at him “no! This isn’t the room of a single-fairly attractive-guy...this looks like capsicles room, maybe even more barren…” he trails off as he glances over the room again.

(Y/N) gives him a confused look, to him, this was all he needed to be comfortable in his new space...right? He was okay with only having a few things, being able to pack up his life in only a matter of minutes if needed, like he was never there at all. He shook his head as Pietro started talking again “we need to get you some stuff! Like a rug, a few posters, maybe even a beanbag, and definitely more clothes! I mean dude all you have is the training gear and... two uniforms? Dude, c’mon you don’t even have a pair of jeans? or sneakers?” as he starts making his way around the room and stopping at his closet and giving (Y/N) a sympathetic look.

(Y/N) just attempts to defend himself “I don’t see the point in that stuff, what if I have to leave?” Pietro just scoffs “dude you gotta live alittle! Make it look like you actually live here...and weren’t trapped in ice for 70 years” he contemplates Pietros words for a moment and sighs in defeat “fine…” he looks up at Pietro who looks like little kid waiting for good news “...can you help me live alittle?” as soon as the words leave his mouth Pietro punches the air with a victorious grin “yes!! You won’t regret this! I promise you, my friend…” he grabs (Y/N’s) shoulders “...you will learn to live if its the last thing I do” (Y/N) laughs at how excited Pietro has gotten.

Pietro starts to grab (Y/N) and attempts to drag him out of the room but (Y/N) simply pretends to yawn “you know man how about we start tomorrow after training…” he grabs his shoulder “...I’m a little tired and my shoulder is killing me” Pietro huffs and drops his shoulders as he gets to the doorway.

“Fine, get some rest…” he turns and points at (Y/N) as he walks out of the room into the hallway “...cuz I’ll be holding you to that!” and with that, he is off, and (Y/N) is free for the night so he decides to relax in his quarters after grabbing his dinner, he soon falls asleep and in the morning when he wakes up he finds a manilla folder on his desk with a sticky note on top. He makes his way over to it and reads the note “seems you’ve made an impression” -steve, he cautiously opened the folder to find a new training plan and schedule assigned to him a big grin spread across his face as he got ready and headed down to grab breakfast, as he made his way to the training room he was informed his new partner was expecting him in. As he walked into the room, he was greeted by a pair of magnetic emerald eyes, they yet again stopped him in his tracks, the redhead greeted him with a small smile and raised a brow “are you going to join me? Or are you going to be standing there the whole time staring at me?” he cleared his throat as he shook his head and placed his things down and joined her on the mat.

“Sorry, but...I’m guessing that this means I did impress you?” Natasha shook her head and answered with a coy smile on her face “you’ll have to wait a little longer”, and with that, he advances towards her as they begin.

Taglist:

@littlewinchester15 @ethanwoods1

[secretlysheikah]

Exile Chapter 6

Another chapter for my brainrot and I again come to you with gratitude for anyone who has been reading it. I have been having so much fun with it. I even made a little RP blog so I can write little blurbs about Hiri’s adventures through Hyrule and you guys can ask her questions and junk!

( @callmehiri ) 

I’m falling in deep with the OCs, I would ask for help if I wasn’t having so much fun...

Anyways I do have another chapter for Hide and Seek in the works but I’m taking my time to work on it. I thank you all for your patience. 

Enough news, now for a character in emotional distress! Weeee! 

start Here:

Warm, borderline stifling hot wind gusted across her face as she curled up in the field of swaying grass. Her hands grasped her freshly cut hair, as the newly cut white tufts flew away on the breeze. She should have given some to Scout, but she left him behind. She curled in tighter, adding a gentle rock with what energy she could muster. 

“That’s my mother’s hair comb! Why do you have it Colin?! What… Stop looking at me like that!” She screeched as she clawed with broken fingernails against Colin’s shirt. She had to get off the bed, she had to see. 

Another gust of wind blew away the last remains of her hair she had cut away and she choked back a sob and sat up straight. The sun kissed her skin and she tilted her head back so the heavens could see her misery. Her fingers wrapped tightly in the grass under her, nearly tearing it out. 

“You healed fine from the lynel, stayed around for a few days, went off to town to look for information on the Yiga you fought with, came back,” Colin listed off as he reluctantly let her go. She nearly dropped to the floor, she felt so weak but she didn’t care. Her eyes were glued to the hair comb. 

“This is a cruel joke,” she whispered as her hands closed around the ornate comb. She brushed her thumbs across the ruby poppies, her eyes lingered on the emeralds that made the leaves. There was a dark, reddish brown staining the gaps between the jewels. She choked on a sob. Don’t think about it.

“I would never joke about something like this,” Colin said gently, he had a hand reached out towards her like he was trying to soothe a wild animal. She laughed bleakly at herself where she sat in the fields. She must have looked like a wild animal. Her laugh turned into another harsh sob and she turned her face away from the sun and curled into a tight ball. Her hands grabbed her hood and pulled it over her head. 

“What… What happened?” She demanded and clutched the comb so tightly she swore it would break skin. Her eyes tore into Colin where he stood at the side of the bed. Slowly he let his hand drop and he too dropped back down on the side of the bed. He leaned forward and put his arms on his knees as he considered her. She could tell by the look on his face that whatever he said next was something she didn’t want to hear. But she had to. There would only be more pain if he told her gentle lies. 

“You and I, we went out to clear a monster camp. Routine work. While we were out a foot soldier appeared, he…” Colin paused, his hands made claws as he clutched his pants. Hiri could feel her heart sinking. Her hands shook as she held the little trinket tightly. Colin’s eyes dropped to the floor, like he knew just saying the words was just as good as running her through with a blade. 

“He threw the comb at your feet. He said that if you were fast maybe you could still help but he doubted it,” he whispered and looked up at her. Hiri felt something cold and dark pulse behind her heart and she looked down to see that some of the delicate pins were bent. 

“Then what?” She asked though her words were barely a breath of air between her lips. She looked around the room, at the sunny late spring day, the bright sunshine. It mocked her. 

“You left, I should have stopped you but you were gone before I took two steps. I… I searched, I knew there was only one place you would be going. I sent word to the Queen, I begged, send someone, anyone but she said her hands were tied,” Colin said and finally rose from the bed. He swallowed hard and made a step towards her. She stepped back, her lower back hitting painfully into the desk behind her. She barely felt it, she didn’t know she could feel both numb and overwhelmed at the same time. 

“I sent people looking for you but they all came back with nothing. I sent letters, I went to the castle and was forbidden to go to the village,” he let out a frustrated sigh and scrubbed at his hair for a moment. 

“You were nowhere to be found, I feared the worst but there wasn’t anything I could do except hope you’d come back,” he went on and made another step towards her. Hiri’s hand suddenly released and the comb dropped to the floor. She was breathing hard, the room blurring with tears. She tried to think back, tried to recall anything but it was blank. Blank. Blank. 

She finally sat back up from where she was curled forward in the grass and wiped at her eyes. She looked down and tugged the hem of her shirt up to look at the scar left behind by the lynel for what had to have been the hundredth time in the past three days. As always her eyes tracked to her ribs where they showed slightly from underneath her skin. She dropped her shirt, looked at her bony wrists instead. Still the nothing of the past month and a half returned to her. She could put a few things together however. She made it home, she was cast away again, was injured for her efforts and left to wander the wilderness. 

The wind gusted across the plains again and she looked over at the horizon expecting to see storm clouds but found nothing but clear blue skies. Somehow that was worse. Slowly she grabbed her knife from where it sat next to her and put it back in her belt. She sniffled and dipped her painfully thin fingers into her side pouch and withdrew her journal. She didn’t know why, she already read through the mangled notes of a mad woman more times than she could count. After a certain point she wondered when it became a punishment for herself. 

She wasted no time in jumping to the newest pages. The words were practically carved into the thick creamy paper. Nonsense and half formed sentences that made no sense. Pages upon pages of the word ’run’. Hiri stared at them, all words written in her own hand, but it was clear whatever these words meant at the time held no meaning for her now. Though she knew that they should. Her head ached and she clutched at it for a moment before it faded into what felt like static before a lightning storm. 

She slowly closed the book and replaced the tie before she carefully tucked it back in her pouch. The wind blew again and this time she followed it and laid down amongst the swaying grass. Her bandaged hand crept to her belt and wrapped around the handle of the knife she used to cut her hair and held it close as her eyes closed. She felt as if she were floating, swinging gently with the grass around her. 

“Please don’t go, just take a breath, calm down, it will be okay I promise!” Colin said fervently as she moved towards the window. She spotted the board that covered the broken glass. That explained how she got in here. She whipped around to look at him but he was blurred into a sheen of color and soft shapes. 

“Don’t lie to me Colin. I’ve lost everything now,” she whispered as she felt something break in her heart. In one swift motion she leapt up on the sill and swung her legs over. Her bare feet hit the grass and she couldn’t help but feel the warmth of it on the soles of her feet before she ran off as fast as she was able. Her cloak snapped and flicked behind her as she ignored the cries of woe behind her. 

A soft tickle against her nose had her eyes fluttering open to the soft light of twilight and a flickering blue flame. She blinked uncomprehendingly at it for a moment as it split into two and hovered in front of her. She hummed as she tried to puzzle it out. It was a further moment before her eyes cleared and she realized the blue flame was actually eyes and she was face to face with a Hylian. She let out a shriek and scrabbled away as her bandaged hand fumbled for her knife. The hylian also let out a terrified shriek of their own and fell back, nearly knocking over a basket of wild flowers in their haste to move away from her. 

“Oh, oh I’m sorry, I just spotted you there I didn’t mean to scare you, I mean no harm,” They said and hurriedly sat up and held their hands so she could see them. Hiri stared at them, taking in everything that she could make out with her tired eyes. They had bright blue eyes that looked kind, if a little frightened from their scare. Their hair was a pretty red, dark, almost a soft shade of purple that was cropped short. 

“Are you alright? Do… Do you want some food? Uh, I have tea too, but it’s cold so maybe not…” they went on and slowly Hiri let her knife droop a bit in her hand. She blinked at them and they fidgeted and toyed with the handle of their basket. 

“Why?” The question fell out of her mouth before she could stop it. She continued to study them closely, their soft kind looking features, their clean clothes, outrageously blue eyes. Still she let her arm relax and fall to the dirt next to her. They tilted their head and blinked at her. 

“Because you look like you could use it. What happened to your shoes?” They asked and she looked down to her dirty bare feet. 

“Left them behind, I needed space to think, didn’t have time to grab them. What are you doing out here?” She asked in return and they shifted in place and sat down across from her.

“Picking flowers, looking for friends,” they said in a joking tone and Hiri blinked slowly at them. They seemed genuine though one couldn’t be sure. 

“Flowers and Friends huh?” She asked flatly and let out a little laugh as she peered into the basket. She sniffed a bit and wiped at her stuffy nose, knife still in hand. 

“So… what’s your name then?” She asked sluggishly after a minute of silence and they perked up happily. 

“My family calls me Morrow! You’re Sheikah right?” They asked and Hiri slowly nodded and pulled her knees towards her chest. 

“I am, you can drop the act. I know what you are,” Hiri said softly and gave them a tired smile. Morrow’s shoulders drooped a bit and they shrugged. 

“I still mean you no harm, I don’t even want to bring you to the clan like they want… I just,” they started before they let out a sigh and picked up a little twig and started to draw in the dirt. Hiri watched as they doodled in the dust at their feet. A small voice whispered for her to stay focused, don’t trust a word they said though in the face of her exhaustion the thought was little more than a wisp of smoke on the wind. She honestly didn’t know if she cared if they decided to kill her at the moment. She made a face and sighed as she waved the thought away as unproductive. 

“You just?” She prompted and slowly leaned forward and snagged the edge of the basket. Morrow didn’t budge as she tugged it towards her and began picking through the little flowers and taking the ones that caught her eye. Still she continued to keep them in her peripheral vision as her fingers twisted the flowers together. 

“Well, I just wanted to thank you, I guess…” They said softly and Hiri looked up at them with a raised eyebrow, her fingers still working to tie the delicate stems together. She kept silent, her eyes glued on the Yiga even as she grabbed more flowers. Morrow fidgeted under the weight of her stare and looked around the field anxiously before more words tumbled from their mouth. 

“I have been looking for you. Not in the way you think! So don’t worry, I promise I just wanted… Do you want a cookie?” Morrow asked and she watched as they dug around in their little bag and pulled out a red silk bundle and set it down in their lap. Slowly she stopped playing around with the flowers and watched as they untied it and let the silk fall away revealing a small assortment of cookies, clearly homemade. 

“Thank me? What for?” She asked and looked distrustfully from the food in their lap to Morrow’s warm smile as they held a cookie out to her. She didn’t move, her hands instead working on twisting flowers together. Morrow’s smile grew a bit uncertain and pulled the cookie back before flipping it around between their lithe fingers. 

“Well… The lynel? You helped…” they started and once again Hiri’s eyebrow rose, her fingers stilling in their mindless work. 

“That was you?” She asked in confusion and got a vigorous head shake. Morrow finally broke off a bit of the cookie and popped it in their mouth and ate it before holding it out to her again. 

“No, no, that wasn’t me… it was my brother,” they said and she felt her eyebrow raise even higher. This time she set the flowers down and leaned forward slightly and accepted the cookie. She still didn’t eat it however. Instead she turned it around in her hands and sniffed it. The smell of vanilla and lavender filled her nose. 

“Your brother eh?” She asked and carefully broke off a piece of cookie. She worked some of the crumbs between her fingers, examined the cookie traces left behind. 

“Unfortunately, I don’t remember much from that far back,” she said quietly and finally bit off a small piece of cookie. She let it sit on the top of her tongue, waited for any numbing, burning, or any other signs of discomfort. Finding none, she slowly started eating the cookie. The flavor was light and sweet and she wanted to devour them all right then and there but seeing her current state she forced herself to be happy with her half of the cookie. 

“You don’t?” Morrow asked softly and Hiri nodded and sat back as she finished her cookie and took up her flowers again. 

“My memory is not what it used to be,” she muttered quietly and continued twisting stems together. She spotted Morrow moving in front of her and she lifted her eyes and watched as they grabbed another cookie and held it out to her.  

“I’m sorry, I wish there was something I could do,” they said and picked up another cookie for themselves. Hiri took the offering and set it down on her knee. 

“You and your brother, you aren’t like the others I have run across,” she said quietly, her hand reaching out for more flowers to add to her work. Morrow subtly moved the basket closer for her and continued to eat through their third cookie. 

“And you aren’t the scary, one track hunter that I’ve heard so much about,” Morrow hummed and tilted their head. 

“You’re much skinnier as well, sickly looking too,” they mused and Hiri looked at them and blinked slowly. 

“Gee, thanks.” She snorted and shook her head. “Don’t let my appearance fool you. You aren’t trying to kill or capture me, but I will be ready to bring you in if you try,” she said levelly and considered the little chain she had made. Morrow shuffled a bit uncomfortably and eyed another cookie. 

“There are a lot of us that don’t…” They paused and looked around, as if they were about to be dragged away for speaking like they were. 

“Not all of us agree if you catch my meaning. And anyways I just wanted to show you some kindness after saving my family,” they said and Hiri nodded gently and picked up her second cookie. She flipped it around in her hand and took a bite. 

“Contrary to what you must have been told, I don’t wish for any of you to die. You all have the right to practice what you will. I only object when you attack, kidnap or hurt others. The Royal family included of course.” She said around her mouthful of cookie. Her stomach gurgled with the sensation of food finally filling it. Morrow nodded and patted a little beat on their knees. 

“I don’t understand why there has been a shift in the clan. By all accounts the Yiga have been mostly docile, sure there have been breakout groups that have tried something bold but this… it’s out of the normal,” she went on and watched as the little tapping beat they had been playing slowed slightly. 

“It’s funny actually, when I was a kid we were told stories about a white witch that would come to eat us if we stepped out of line, and now look at us. I guess that’s what a change in leadership does to people,” they laughed lightly and shook their head. Hiri watched their hair flutter around and she felt her mind drift a bit before she pulled it back. 

“Of course that was just an old wives tale. Something to make sure we ate our vegetables and cleaned our rooms. But now the whispers of the white witch have started floating around more. Though the leader seems unconcerned about it. Just a tale. Either way it hasn’t slowed plans much,” they went on, their voice going oddly distant. Hiri blinked a bit and tied the chain of flowers together making a soft little crown of flowers. She smiled at it before she set it between the two of them. Sheikah and Yiga, both different but somehow finding a moment in time to just be. 

“And what… What are those plans? It seems like you all are trying to make an army,” she asked, her tongue felt slow as a weight pressed on her shoulders, though the sensation did stop her from taking the last bite of her cookie. Morrow hummed and it sounded odd to her ears. She blinked and looked up to see that they were standing, the crown of flowers on their head. She squinted up at them, she could see a shift in their kind face, like they had realized they might have said too much. 

“I think it’s time to get you back to the outpost. We aren’t far and I said my thanks. Just know not all of us are aligned with the plans. I wish I could say more,” Morrow’s voice continued to grow distorted and Hiri lifted a hand to her head. She blinked a bit and felt herself being pulled to her feet, her knife being tucked back in her belt. The sensation was strange, like she wasn’t really there. It made her throat close up in anxiety. She tried to fight the feeling, wishing nothing more than to feel something, anything that wasn’t the light feeling filling her chest. She couldn’t help but lean against Morrow and there was nothing she could do to stop her arm being pulled across their shoulder as she was supported and they began to walk. 

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall. You’re very kind Sheikah. I know it won’t mean much considering the cookies I fed you, and I hope you remember this in the morning. But you have more support than you realize,” Morrow whispered to her though Hiri was struggling to grasp the words they had just spoken, to stop herself from floating off the very Earth itself. She let out an unintelligible mumble and she grit her teeth. 

“Cookies?” She finally asked and felt Morrow hum slightly next to her as they kept her moving. Her heart fluttered in her chest as the anxiety grew heavier.  

“Ah, oh, they were only meant to be calming. But I should have considered your current state, I’m really sorry,” they said as Hiri felt her head dip forward. Morrow’s hand squeezed her side and she was jostled awake somewhat. 

“Stay awake, we’re almost there, alright. By the three I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I was just scared you’d try to slice me open,” they laughed nervously as she felt the pull of sleep fight against her racing heart. It made her stomach twist sickeningly.  

She closed her eyes and tried to breathe through her tight throat and felt her head dip again. Morrow kept talking to her but she couldn’t grasp the words properly. Her feet stumbled and she startled and gasped a bit as her heart thumped painfully against her ribs. Suddenly she felt the world snap back into focus for a brief moment before it bled away again and she started to tremble. The sudden realization that she had been about to sleep terrified her. The thought that  she didn’t even get a chance to write anything down made her want to weep. She forced herself to look around more, fight with all that she had against sleep. Not yet, she had to make sure something was left behind, she just needed to write a few notes, a word, anything she didn’t want to lose everything again. 

“Are you alright?” She heard a concerned voice ask and she clutched weakly at her cloak as the words echoed strangely. Tears pricked at her eyes as she realized she was going to sleep much too quickly to do anything and the thought raked panic into her very soul. 

“Don’t… Don’t want to sleep, please,” she breathed and struggled to get away from Morrow. They held fast though, and she couldn’t figure out why. 

“It will be okay, don’t be upset it’s okay,” they soothed but she felt far from soothed. They didn’t understand, there was no way they could. She’ll start over, it’s happened too many times for it to suddenly stop now. 

“Not real, what if this isn’t real? Don’t you get it?” She begged, hoping beyond hope that maybe they would. Still Morrow held onto her doggedly, not letting her slip away. Hiri heard them calling out to someone, she didn’t know who, but that was only a footnote in her growing distress. She could practically feel the unraveling even as she tried to hold the threads together. 

“This is real, I assure you. But I guess you’ll just have to see for yourself in the morning,” unreal blue eyes stared into hers for a moment before they fell away and she was walking through the dark as a numbing sensation creeped up her legs and down her arms. She forced her eyes open again and looked down hoping to see the ground. Instead she saw shadows boiling up around her feet and clawing up her legs. She tried to look around, but she felt her head lull forward and she could only make out her dirty bare feet and a pair of boots that walked next to her in the swirling black.

“I don’t want to sleep, I can’t start over, please,” she mumbled and heard an echo of a voice that meant nothing. She searched around for anything to hold onto until her hands found purchase on something solid and real only for it to fall away again from her numbed fingers. The numbness spread to her heart, she felt it give a final few frantic beats before she felt nothing. She could have wept if she was able, but all she could do was curl up in the dark and pray that she wouldn’t be lost again.

[itsclydebitches]

There seems to be no middle ground with RWBY+, they trust you or they don’t. Some have no chance to “earn” it, but others don’t do anything to gain it. James should’ve earned it a hundred times over. He did so much but it wasn’t enough. What did Robyn do? She tried to attack Ruby and was only stopped by Penny. After that? Yang trusts the woman who almost hurt her sister over the man who gave her an arm, then blamed Ruby. Any wonder I hate these characters so much?

The frustrating thing is that I think I can see what RT was going for. Frustrating because it's the reading most of the fandom falls back on, despite the fact that the show... never actually wrote that story. In short, it's the belief that there's established good and bad in this world and we have a responsibility to uphold the former regardless of personal trust. So if a friend of mine is, say, being a racist asshole and a stranger is not, I have a moral responsibility to side with the stranger, despite the fact that I don't know them, technically can't trust them on other matters, and have little to no emotional investment in them as an individual. You need to take the side of what's right, no matter how hard that is. It's why we get so many heroes facing off against former friends and mentors. "You'd really betray me for them?" they say, pointing to the sidekick our hero only met at the start of the story, maybe a couple months ago in-world. "Yeah," they reply. "Because they're not trying to kill everyone." Basic humanity trumps long-term relationships.

That, as far as I can tell, seems to be the basic setup that RWBY was going for: Robyn may be a stranger, but she's the Good Person sticking up for Mantle, whereas Ironwood may be an ally and friend, but he's also the Bad Person hurting Mantle. Ergo, aligning with Robyn wins out, no matter that she's a stranger and Ironwood an ally. That's likewise why fans are so quick to dismiss evidence of Ironwood's good nature. Things like Yang's arm or the licenses aren't accepted as evidence for why the group should have started with more trust in him, they're reframed as excuses for why critics supposedly want to overlook his presumed, horrific nature — something that the story later made real with him shooting Oscar, killing the councilman, hacking Penny, and threatening to bomb Mantle. Viewing the good Ironwood did as some manipulative temptation the group was right to resist depends entirely on seeing Ironwood as the archetypal bad guy to Robyn's good guy.

However, this attempt failed spectacularly for numerous reasons already discussed over the past two years. Ironwood's actions were never revealed as manipulations. The group continued to work with him, thereby shouldering responsibility for his choices. Ruby actively pushed to complete Amity, despite the harm it was doing to Mantle. Robyn never did anything with the resources she stole, etc. This presumed line between Ironwood and Robyn simply doesn't exist in the text — or at least it's incredibly blurred — so when Yang and Blake run to share intel with her, it doesn't feel like the heroes turning away from the wrong path to back the real hero. We don't understand how resources to build a communications tower are hurting everyday peoples' lives. We don't understand why Weiss can't just go up and plug the hole with a bunch of ice. We don't understand why, if hurting Mantle is such an objectively awful thing, our hero Ruby keeps pushing to finish Amity anyway. We don't understand why there isn't at least an acknowledgement of good intentions here, considering that the tower is meant to save the world from Salem, helping Mantle in the long run. We don't understand why, if the group is so concerned with Ironwood's choices, they don't tell him the one piece of information that would get him to stop. And we don't understand Robyn.

Because here's the thing: it's badly written. The whole Amity debate straight through to the Fall of Atlas is a mess of ill thought out morals, shoddy worldbuilding, and outright contradictions. There's no salvaging that without rethinking Volumes 6-8, starting with the group's response to Ozpin. But all that aside, even if we kept things exactly as they are and bought into the assumption that Ironwood is as Bad and Robyn is as Good as the story wants us to believe... the group still should have at least hesitated to trust Robyn. More than a line or two of dialogue between Yang and Blake. I mean actual hesitation and a serious acknowledgement of the complications here. The concept of trust is now a focal point of RWBY and there's enough material across the entire series to make the Robyn situation way more complicated than just the group going, "We should side with her because she wants to do right by the people." Here I'm not talking about what we the audience know about RWBY's construction as a story, I mean what the characters have experienced on screen. It's a simple question at the core of the trust Robyn debate:

How do they know she's telling the truth?

Seriously, how do they know Robyn is who she says she is? That she doesn't have ulterior motives? That she's not outright lying to them and the rest of Atlas? Everything I've heard in defense of the group's fast-track trust falls short. "Well, she's presented as one of the good guys in Atlas, fighting for what's right." You mean like how Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury once posed as huntsmen and joined Ruby's school, supposedly fighting for what was right? "She's interested in politics. It's not like she's out there attacking them like Tyrian." You mean like how Salem infiltrated a kingdom via Lionheart, the White Fang has likewise tried to worm their way into positions of power, and Jacques is currently trying to steal an election? The bad guys don't limit themselves to just trying to murder people straight out. "But she stole resources back for the people!" And did... what with them? For all we actually know, she put those towards a different, nefarious plan. "But she's so passionate and she's sworn she wants to help." People lie! That was the whole thing with Ozpin! Ruby just lied at the start of the Volume. And, funnily enough, Robyn has the semblance that forces others to tell the truth, but no one can make Robyn do the same.

To be clear, I don't actually have a conspiracy theory that she's secretly a baddie. My only point is that fans were right to wonder if she was a White Fang or Salem agent and our group absolutely should have wondered the same. Take away all the personal reasons to trust Ironwood (defending Weiss, Yang's arm, friend of the inner circle, etc.) and we're still left with proof of his intentions in the form of things like Amity's plans and him continually giving the heroes more power, more resources, more connections, more ways to hurt him if they were to ever turn against him. In as much as you can prove anyone is trustworthy, Ironwood was there. But Robyn? Robyn had none of that work. More importantly, that lack interferes with our "She's doing the right thing, so we need to back her" reading. How did the group know she really wanted to do right by the people? And since that's always hard to prove, what did they do to at least attempt to reassure themselves? Absolutely nothing. Which is why the current writing makes them look stupid. They watched the bad guys infiltrate their school, organize the Fall of Beacon, stalk them, pose as allies, turn on them, lie to their faces, are telling lies themselves... and none of them came up when the question of trusting Robyn was put on the table. The idea of someone tricking them (again), or betraying them (again), or lying about Important Topics even though they're doing the same seems to have, somehow, escaped them.

It doesn't matter what Robyn's stance on Mantle is because the group never justified trusting her word and the story failed to show us (and them) that Robyn was doing good. Literally all she does pre-trust is stand for election and, again, we could say the same of Jacques. If the story wanted to make at least a miniscule improvement on this arc, we needed to see either a compelling reason to believe Robyn is all she presents herself as (for example, Penny could have known and vouched for her), or gotten an explanation for why they'd take an unjustified leap of faith when others haven't gotten one, people who have done much to earn that trust. It's a problem that grew exponentially once Oscar trusted Hazel and the group trusted Emerald, but it has existed since Ilia. As it stands, by this logic, Cinder should be able to walk up to the group and go, "I'm not bad anymore. I actually want to help now. No, I'm not lying :)" and that's that. That's what trust means to them. Taking people at their word ...unless you're a flawed ally who has made mistakes. Then trust takes months to rebuild, or is off the table completely.

Ozpin is not trustworthy. Ironwood is not trustworthy. Qrow saying "Hey" is not trustworthy. According to the fandom, Tai is not trustworthy.

Ilia is trustworthy. Robyn is trustworthy. Emerald is trustworthy. Hazel is trustworthy.

It's completely backwards and Robyn was a large part of that strange flip.

[legendarywolf2022]

Chapter 18: Operation Hidden Gem, Round 1 (the Enter of the Charming Raccoon)

(Before sparks flying, let’s see how this charming raccoon got here (and maybe deal with a butter of the joke, aka old jerk).)

🐢 OPERATION HIDDEN GEM (with Bentley) 🐢

“Alright guys... and lady of course. We have few hours to prepare for the event at the gala.

From what we heard there's is gonna a special exhibit that Rabbit Herds have interest on. We also heard that a certain secret organization are traveling around world on famous galleries or events, using stolen artefacts to make pay attention to them while also steal local artefacts or art and replacing with forgery, so no one get suspision and then to sell them on black market. It's a good thing we replaced them with our forgeries last night. It seems there's connection between those two crime are connected.

We also got information a guy named Shere Khan is mastermind behind this operation. He also seems have interest of the new exhibit as well a sudden interest on Mr Wolf after Sly's encounter yesterday. This is getting real strange in each minute and, knowing our luck, probably more dangerous. So we have to act quickly... and in the shadows.

Which is why I named this: 💎 Operation Hidden Gem 💎 (with two gemstone emojis, duh)

From what we know the exhibit will be guarded by two guards who attacks first, then ask question later. There is also the security system than can only deactivated from both places: the security room and main stage of our target. It will need a code to deactivate from both places simultaneously. Though it seems they decided to make more precaution, by dividing code on four parts, after an incident last apparently. And from what I gather those parts are in grasp of Chief Police Luggins, her two comrades and Governor Diane Foxington.

Carmelita and Sly will go inside as main guests here, while me and Murray will stay in undercover. I will dress up as janitor and try infiltrate into security room (I might use some sleep darts just in case). Murray, you disguised yourself as one of police officers to get information of which officers has a code.

Carmelita, it seems Governor Foxington is very fond of you so you accompany her to get the code and also some recon photos for an 'eye' detail. Sly, you will take care other two officers in meantime. You might have to do a lot of pick-pocketing. As for chief, Murray will keep her busy while one of you in try to get from her not just the code, but her keycard as well while she's distracted. Once we have all of them, me and Sly deactivate the system from positions. I understand you have mixed feelings about this Carmelita, but I assure you, it will pay off once we get close to shut down this mysterious organization.

And now the last thing on agenda, Mr Wolf. After the mission, we gonna question him once we check on him. If he knows something about this organization, it might help us solve this mystery of that recent shady business. And I also made a special device, to make sure to not lose him out of sight. My trust is in your hands, Sly.

Any questions? No? Okay. Then, let get going!”

🐺🐍🕷🦈🐠

While Sly Cooper was using his binoculars, all he could see were few of people entering the museum of the finest arts yet. He looked at the sky, it was a beautiful sight for this mission. Perfect for him and Carmelita after the mission…

“Breaking Alpha Foxtrot,” Bentley said through the earphone. “This is Green Peridot. Do you read me, Blue Sapphire and Red Ruby?”

Carmelita was standing next to Sly and replied, “Red Ruby in present.”

“Blue Topaz here, Green Pearl.” Sly replied with a smile.

“No, Sly.” Bentley said as he rolled his eyes before speaking through the earphones. “I am Green Peridot, and you’re Blue Sapphire.”

Sly smirked, enjoying himself with the jewellery code names that brought him in a good mood. “I read you loud and clear Green Emerald.”

“Sly,” Carmelita said. “Can you please take this mission seriously.

“I'm taking this mission seriously.” Sly rolled his eyes and smiled. “The codenames, however... I mean, I know this is Operation: Hidden Gem, but do we really need to be called by gems as well?”

Carmelita wanted to say something, but after thiniking about it, she groaned in defeat. “Hate to admit it, but he has a point. Sorry, Bentley.”

“Don't worry, he never takes codes seriously anyway.” Bentley said before asking. “Still, do you remember the plan?”

“Of course, I remember it.” Sly said.

Carmelita had doubts about this mission, “I'm still not fond of it.”

“Relax, Carm.” Sly said while putting his hand on her shoulder. “Once this mission is over, you interrogate those criminals all by herself. And then we can go on beach.”

“Ooh,” Murray couldn’t help but listen to their conversation. “Can me and Bentley go too?”

“Sure,” Sly replied. “I don't see a reason of why not.”

“Sweet!” Murray grinning.

“Anyway,” Bentley said. “I'll try to infiltrate into security room as an janitor. Once I hack all cameras here, I'll give you a signal.”

“Got it,” Carmelita spoke.

“Roger that, buddy.” Sly spoke. “It’s show time… in secret style.”

Those two walked up to the museum and only saw Tiffany Fluffit talking to Sophie McDonald, probably they were about what’s new stuff that were in that building.

Tiffany was wearing her normal purple suits but got sparkles on them as well as those cute stars and hearts details just to add for the special gala. Her hairstyle was still a half up-do and half down.

While Sophie wear a light sparkling yellow short dress with with no sleeves and red, pink and orange flowers as details, white tights, pinky-orange shoes with matching flower hair-clip that got pearls and gold on her hair, white pearl earrings and sliver glasses. Her hairstyle was still a ponytail.

“So?” Sly finally spoke once he and Carmelita entered the building.

“So what?” Carmelita looked at him confused.

“You didn't answer my question about the beach. So… what do you say?” He asked again expectantly with a smile.

Carmelita however didn't smile as she responded. “Sorry, Sly. But I'm not staying here any longer as its nescessary.”

Sly's smile disappeared and was replaced with concerned face. “Okay, what is really bothering you?” He asked, arms crossed looking directly at her with raised eyebrow.

“W-what do you mean?” Carmelita stuttered as she was startled by sudden seriousness in raccoon's tone.

“You've been on edge ever since we came here.” He said while watching her movements. “It's not like we came here illegally.”

“It's not like that.” Carmelita spoke. “I just... don't want us to get in trouble with Di… I mean, the Governor after she invited us.”

One of Sly's ears twitched as that slip-up didn't go unnoticed by him. Which means... “Say, what is your relationship with Diane?”

Carmelita looked flustered after the name. “What? Wait, wha…? How…?” She tried to ask for explanation, but Sly beat her with his.

“Diane Foxington.” He spoke, “That's governor's name right?”

“What are you implying Ringtail?” She retorted defensively.

Just as he thought. “I'm just curious.” Sly responded nonchalantly with shrug. Though he couldn't shake the feeling, that he also heard the name somewhere else. And for some reason, it felt important. But he decided to not dwell on it as there was other thing in his mind. “A governor from California inviting a inspector from France to the gala is not something that happens everyday. Which makes me wondering... are you two close friends or something?” He asked waiting for answer. When she didn't answer, he added jokingly. “Foxy friends?”

Instead, Carmelita answered with the same melancholy distant look she had yesterday. “It's... complicated.” Sly was now worried for his girlfriend. He wanted to comfort her, but she turned towards him looking apologetically. “Sorry Sly. But right now, I cannot be distracted. So, can we talk about this after the mission?” She looked downcast as she spoke, “When things are less crazy?”

As much as he hated to give up, she unfortunately had a point. After all, he was also on edge ever since from yesterday. So he sighed defeated. “Okay, then. You're right, we can talk about this after mission.” He then looked at her with honest eyes as he spoke. “But Carmelita, I want you to know that I'm there for you. We all are.”

Carmelita was surprised at first, but then she smiled gratefully. “Thanks, I really appreciate that.

Sly returned smile as well, feeling satisfied with small accomplishment.

The two partners in crime went separate ways as fox decided to do her mission, finding governor, while raccoon stood there in crowd.

Sly was in deep thought as he breathed through nose. He pulled out from his pocket to see a familiar brooch, remembering a certain wolf. When he looked at it, he made up his mind: Finish the mission and make sure no one gets hurt. He put it back in pocket walking foward with determined look and confident smile. “Alright. Let's do this.”

“Well, I don’t see why you would be so curious about what this gala would turned into as everyone wanted to know if the former bad guys are really good after what happened last year which I saw on the news that the little girl made a true statement.” Sophie said.

“Oh, believe me.” Tiffany spoke with a smile, “this is something that I’d love to hear! I mean, the little girl seemed to be able to stood up for Mr Wolf to the Chief and it will be a great opportunity to have many questions between those two.”

“Well, yesterday…” Sophie spoke. “I noticed that the little girl and Mr Wolf did have some sort of father-daughter bond while I was at Diane’s place…”

“Really?” Tiffany asked.

“Yeah,” Sophie replied. “But I think we should wait until we find Mr Wolf.”

“Of course,” Tiffany agreed with a smile.

“So, how’s your family?” Sophie asked.

“Oh,” Tiffany surprised that Sophie would ask her about her family. “Well, they’re fine! Mom and Dad are still trying to be a happy couple for me, Whitney, Liam and Adam. But my grandmother thinks not because of my mom’s past but really I won’t let her ruined the opportunity for Mom and Dad’s relationship after everything they’ve been through. What about yours?”

“My parents happily together as they are meant to be,” Sophie replied. “My younger half-sister choose to be with me and my parents over her own mother though.”

“Why…?” Tiffany was about to ask…

“Don’t even ask why.” Sophie interrupted Tiffany as she doesn’t want to talk about it.

🐺🐍🕷🦈🐠

Sly received a message from Carmelita that she had done her part while he already pick-pocketed the two officers like it was nothing. He then informed Bentley about their update. “Got it, Bentley.”

“That’s great,” Bentley said through the earphones. “Now, that only left is chief police. I can see through camera that she is in hall close to your location. Murray, you're up next. Keep her distracted while Sly will pickpocket her.”

“Oh,” Murray said. “Just like in Holland?”

“Something like that,” Bentley replied.

“Just try not to get your hand stuck in mouth again though.” Sly reminds him.

“Noted,” Murray said before asking. “Oh, do I get to improvise though?”

“Uhh…” Sly wasn’t sure what to say. “…sure…”

“But please be subtle.” Bentley said while he wasn’t sure either.

“Where’s Mr Wolf?” Tiffany muttered as she and Sophie were walking through the gallery room, “Where’s that Mr Wolf?”

“You’re so impatient, aren’t you?” Sophie asked with a smirk.

“What?” Tiffany asked. “I really, really want to talk to him, that’s all?”

“Yeah,” Sophie sighed. “We’ll find him eventually just try not to worry about it.”

Sly was wandering around the hall as he was looking for the chief. He finally found her and she was watching something in crowd. Sly frowned, thinking Murray went overboard again. He call his hippo friend through the earphones for explanation. “Murray, what did we say about being subtle?” He asked.

“Uh, that’s not me, Sly.” Murray spoke. “I'm not even near here.”

Sly then checked the surroundings untill he spotted his pink hippo friend in the cop disguise on the opposite side. This puzzled the raccoon, “Hold on. If you're not behind this... then what is going on?” He decided to not bother and just use this opportunity on behalf. He was about heading towards to pickpocket the chief when....

"No, it was an accident I swear."

The disguised raccoon halted. ‘Wait, that voice...' His eyes widened in shock while his ears shot up straight, thinking he heard someone familiar. Curious and a little worried, he went into crowd towards the source to see if he didn't imagine it. That's when he saw... "Wolf?" Sly exclaimed, surprised to see a familiar face with a dark blue suit that he was wearing.

Indeed it was Mr Wolf who tried to apologize to an old man, who apparently got his drink spilled on floor, judging by that puddle.

"Yeah right." said the old man but then he muttered, "Stupid mutt."

Sly heard that though and from Wolf's reaction he could tell he heard it too. The canine tried to leave peacefully and he wanted to follow him, but suddenly that old jerk grabbed Wolf's tail enough to gasp him in pain.

“Where do you think you're going?” The old man snarled. “I'm not done with you!”

Sly was horrified by the sight of this. What was wrong with that guy? Doesn't he know touching someone’s tail without permission, let along pulling like that, is called harassment?

He could see the discomfort on canine's face. Yet despite that, Wolf still tried to be polite as he explained him the inappropriate touching of someone’s tail. He then snatched his tail from jerk's grasp and tried to leave again, but was stopped again by Terry Bottomhill. Sly could see from distance, that Wolf was getting annoyed with this man's unreasonable behaviour. And honestly he couldn't help, but sympathize as he was annoyed as well.

“Oh, come on, man.” Wolf said when the old man was blocking his way. “This is getting ridiculous. Just let me go.”

“Ohohoho, no.” Terry said in the slurred voice. “You're not going anywhere.”

The disguised thief saw canine covering his nose. No doubt that man was probably drunk, judging by his slurred voice and flushed face. He then noticed some other guests in some tacky suits surrounding them. He had a bad feeling about this as Terry continued talk again.

“What's the matter? Scared? Are you gonna run with tail between your legs, you so-called Big Bad Wolf?” Terry spoke.

Sly really didn't like Terry's attitude, but was also confused by his remark. Big Bad Wolf? What is he talking about?

“Oh, yes. I know who you are. You honestly think I'm that stupid?” The old jerk asked nasty. “You may have fooled everyone, but I can tell you're up to no good.”

“Hey, now…” Wolf tried to defend himself, but was interrupted by that jerk.

“You may look fancy in that suit and act civilized at all, but I know what you are.” Terry smirked evilly. “Nothing but a vicious wild animal.”

Sly gasped is shock, but then he frowned with snarl. This guy was total piece of crap, his arrogance and disrespect would compete with General Tsao's for sure. 'Nothing but a viscious wild animal? You're the one to talk jackass.' thought Sly as he felt anger inside him rising.

How dares he treat Wolf like that? He never wanted so badly whacked someone on head with his cane right now. He didn't even noticed how his hand was clenching it in tight grip. But then he shook his head as he realized what he was doing. Since when he became overprotective of Wolf? True, he wanted to make sure he's safe from Rabbit Herds, but he knows him only one day. And yet he acted the same way how he would towards his friends. Or more precisely, towards Carmelita....

Hold on, WHAT?!

Sly's cheeks turn slightly pink as the thought crossed his mind. Where did THAT come from?

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Wolf's calm yet cold, almost menacing respond. “You don’t know me. You don’t even know the real me. Only because all of you are so scared of the big bad wolf myself.”

No one apparently was feeling the intense atmosphere aside from raccoon who couldn't help but shivered unconformtably. This was getting bad. If Sly doesn't do something, things might turn really ugly. Why the chief just watching this? Why doesn't she stop this?

He then noticed change in Wolf's face from angry to concerned. The canine spoke to Terry. “Look, I don't have time for this. So, if you could move out, I'll be going.”

He was about leave when Terry did something unbelievable. “Oh no, you don't!!!” He pushed Wolf backwards and in process, he slipped on puddle from behind.

Everyone froze in horror as they saw the former bad guy dangerously falling to the ground. Without thinking twice, Sly rushed towards Wolf as he grabbed his hand right before he could hit his head on floor.

'Phew… That was close.' The thief thought as he was slightly panting from adrenaline rush. He then felt a grasp on his hand, it was Wolf's. His eyes were closed and he looked a little shaken. No wonder considering what just almost happen. Seeing him frightened like that, Sly asked out of concern. "Are you okay, pal?"

One of canine's ears twitched at the sound of his voice and he then opened eyes. He looked suprised, but thankfully unharmed. Sly smiled relieved as he said with small chuckle, "Good thing I was close by."

🐺🐍🕷🦈🐠

“Whoa…” Sophie said once she saw this mystery raccoon just did to Mr Wolf.

“Omg…” Tiffany couldn’t believe that this charming gentleman rescued Mr Wolf from taking a dangerous fall.

Catalina saw this mystery raccoon saved Wolf from falling and she felt her friends were shocked too. She had never seen a raccoon up close before but the fact was that he was there to save Wolf from the situation.

“Who’s that raccoon?!” Piranha whispered, apparently he and the others had never seen a raccoon before in their whole life and it was new that the raccoon was going to save Wolf from the situation he was in.

“That stranger looks familiar…” Tarantula whispered softly as she noticed that can. ‘Could it be?’ She thought…

“That was getting intense!” Shark whispered as he was eating the salad as if he was watching a movie.

“Could it be?” Miriam whispered under her breath, she recognise the cane. She smiled as she knew who it was but determined to keep her mouth shut and also need to know if it’s true.

“I swear, I would knock that old jerk to next week.” Abby whispered as she was ready to punch this jerk with her fist clenched.

“Hold on there, girl.” Priya said as she hold Abby to her ground.

Both Snake and Mei were trying to figure out who was that stranger who came to Wolf’s rescue…

Wolf wasn't sure what to think of it. First, he had trouble talk to Diane about his crazy yesterday and when he finally had the courage and about to have the opportunity to do it, he just had to bump into someone who won't leave him alone. He even had the audacity to push him, which made him slip on puddle behind and almost fell. But next thing he knew that instead of hitting his head, he was holding a hand of his saviour who was none than Sly Cooper.

Before he could process it, he was pulled up safely from the ground. He finally saw his face now that the light doesn't blind him now. He looked different without his blue thieving attire and mask. Which Wolf found ironic of him since he has his own natural mask. He was a raccoon, after all.

Suddenly he and Sly were surrounded by his friends and girls who couldn't stop asking him is he's okay.

“You okay, Wolf?” Catalina asked while holding Mr Whiskers and hugged Wolf’s leg.

“You’re not hurt, are you?” Snake asked.

“Dude,” Priya said. “Do we have to check your head for dizziness?”

“I think we should check your heart rate first,” Tarantula.

“Hey, guys.” Wolf interrupted his friends. “Relax, I'm fine. Thanks to S…” Wolf stopped in midsentence as he saw Sly raising finger front of his own mouth to signal him to keep quiet while jerking head where the chief and her two police officers were. Understanding implication, he played it off by pretend to ask him name. “S-Sir…” he circled his wrist, signaling him to introduce.

“The names Conner,” Sly replied with a disguise name. “Sylvester Conner.”

Wolf was bit weird when an unusual fake name came out of Sly, but he decided to go with for now. “Yeah, Sylvester Conner... I guess…” he muttered the last part.

The raccoon smiled at him amused as he still heard the last part. Wolf smiled in return with shrug, he was just glad to finally see him.

No one paid attention to Miriam's curious/suspicious look on disguised thief, she couldn’t put her finger on it as she was smirking…

However their happy moment was ruined as someone shouted, "Hey, you!" And it was none other than Terry Bottomhil. The guy who pushed Wolf in first place, the one who won't let him talk with Diane.

Diane. As the name crossed in Wolf's mind, he quickly check for vixen friend, only to found out that she's no longer there along with that other woman. 'Great, I missed my chance.' thought canine sourly.

His thoughts were as Terry continued yelling. “What are you think you're doing?!” His eyes glared at Sly. It seemed that he wanted to embarrass Wolf, but failed when Sly showed and saved him. Needless to say he wasn't happy about raccoon intervention.

The canine clenched his fists in anger as his eyes landed on Terry. He was the one who pushed him, tried to humiliate him, not letting him approach Diane and won't stop picking on him. And now he's trying to pick on Sly. That jerk. At that moment Wolf had enough of man's antics. He wanted to give the old geezer a piece of his mind, but Sly stopped him.

“I was helping this man.” Sly replied. “Is there a problem sir?” The canine looked at raccoon questioningly, but he only gave him wink that says 'Let me handle this'.

“Of course, there is a problem!” Terry snapped, then question demanding. “Don't you know who is this?!”

“Sure,” Sly replied calmly. “This gentleman is a friend of mine.”

Eveyone gasped in shock after hearing that while their eyes landed on both Wolf and the mysterious raccoon. The Bad Guys and the Panda Squad looked at Wolf in question, confused, shocked and surprised that Wolf would have an unexpected friend that came to his rescue.

Terry looked especially shocked. “Y-you can't be serious!” He stuttered, “He is criminal! A bad guy! You can't be friend with someone like him! This... this fiend brings nothing but trouble! Just like now!”

“Excuse me?!” Catalina asked angrily, she was even growling like an actual wolf.

“Can’t everyone just take a break from saying the former criminals are still the bad guys which they are not anymore?!” Meilin asked, raising her fist that were clenched angrily.

“Who you calling my boy a fiend, you tramp?!” Snake hissed at the guy.

“Literally,” Catalina said. “He did nothing to you except accidentally bumped you and tried to apologise!”

“You tell him, girl!” Meilin said.

Wolf would felt hurt by Terry’s words if he wasn't busy calming his gang and the girls who were ready to pounce at that rude old jerk, especially Snake, Meilin and Catalina. He could see the struggle Meilin’s face, as she's trying to not turn into big red panda as she was shaking a bit. He looked at Sly, hoping to that he knows what he's doing.

Sly looked calm and collected on outside, but on inside… he was just as fed up as Wolf. He met many jerks in his life, from bullies to crooked criminals. But this man was just as bad as General Tsao and Le Paradox. But as just them, they messed with the wrong guy.

“A trouble you say?” Sly asked, raising his eyebrow. “What makes you think that?”

“He just spilled my drink and…” Terry complained dramatically and frustration.

“Did he apologize to you?” Sly suddenly interrupted him with a question.

Terry didn't expected as he stuttered. “W-What? What does have to do with…?”

“Did he apologize to you?” Sly repeated it again but with stern look that made Terry squirmed. Even some of his followers felt intimated under his raccoon's glare.

“Of course he did, he’s a gentleman after all.” Piranha muttered, causing Shark and Tarantula to look at him and shushing him softly.

“Y-yes?” Terry answered questioningly.

“And yet instead of accepting it and letting go, you decided to assault him by pulling his tail.” Sly spoke which his fist was clenched slightly. Not knowing that the girls noticed and stared at him while the Bad Guys watched on. “Not the mention that you’re disturbing others with your yelling and complaining.”

“B-b-but that’s not…” Terry was about to speak out.

“And then you pushed him to make him slip on the puddle, almost got him injured if I didn't intervene at time.” The raccoon's voice was calm and yet each word he spoke, made everyone flinch as they were scolded by teacher or parent. The peer who proud-fully stand along with Terry now backing away from him like scared rats much to Terry's shock.

“So, let me ask then.” Sly spoke. “Who is, in this room, is a bad guy that would cause nothing but trouble here?” He asked, looking straight at the old man.

Terry's eyes widened at implication, however he still didn't want to lose the fight. “But he's a wolf!” He shouted pointing at Mr Wolf.

Sly only raised eyebrow at him. “And yet I'm talking to a donkey in penguin suit, who can't get a hint.” He retorted with smirk.

Wolf put hand on his mouth to cover his suppressed laugh after hearing this. Even girls giggled at his remark while rest of the Bad Guys bursted out laughing. Even some guest chuckled included Susanna, Tiffany and Sophie while Terry's followers ran away in shame.

The old man's face was red out of embarrassmet and anger. He growled at Sly with fury in eyes. “You... I'LL SHOW YOU SOME MANNERS, YOU VERMIN!!!” He roared as he charged at Sly....

(Uh, oh! There’s going to be very interesting…)

[aspoonofsugar]

I hope this is not too much of a hassle but by any chance could you do an analysis on Watts, Tyrian, and Hazel.

Hello anon!

Sure, no problem :) I think I have shared some thoughts on these three characters in other metas, but I’ll get this chance to organize them and to put them all together.

In general, I would say Watts, Tyrian and Hazel are not extremely deep characters and they mostly work as foils to others, drive subplots in specific arcs and highlight themes.

Here is a list of their major narrative roles, as for now.

1) They symbolize three parts of Salem:

Each member of Salem’s inner circle represents one side of her.

Watts is her entitlement.

Tyrian is her desire of destruction for the sake of destruction.

Cinder is her wish to be free.

Hazel is her inability to grieve.

They are Salem’s three flaws. The reasons why she ends up the way she is.

Salem’s journey starts because she is unable to grieve:

Salem: No! No! What did you do?! BRING HIM BACK!

And because she feels she deserves better than others:

God of Light: When you first came to me, I did pity you. But it is clear now that your selfishness and arrogance have led you astray.

Finally, she enters the pool of Darkness and embraces destruction:

Jinn: Instead, it created a being of infinite life with a desire for pure destruction.

At the same time, Tyrian and Hazel also represent Salem’s inability to understand the cycle of life and death:

God of Light: You must learn the importance of life and death. Only then may you rest.

The cycle is about loving life and accepting death. However, Salem initially refuses death (like Hazel) and then starts despising life (like Tyrian)

Interestingly, Hazel is eventually able to understand Gretchen’s choice:

Hazel: I'm doing what Gretchen would have done!

And dies sacrificing himself for others, just like Gretchen did.

I wonder if Tyrian’s death will be something which will instead be linked to him finally aknowledging the importance of life. Since Tyrian is a very negative character (and I do not think he will have a redemptive or particularly empowering death) it might be something as simple as him begging for his life.

2) Watts, Hazel and Tyrian all act as the main secondary villain of a specific arc and they are linked to the main theme of that arc.

a) Hazel fights in the Battle of Heaven and he is linked to Knowledge:

Oscar: Did she know the risk of being a Huntress?

Hazel: She was only a child! She wasn't ready!!

Oscar: She made a choice!

Knowledge is complementary to Choice. It is what you must aquire to choose wisely. However, initially Hazel does not understand it. He dismisses Gretchen’s choice as a her being tricked and he himself lacks the knowledge to make the right decision.

This is why his turning sides is linked to the relic of Knowledge:

Jinn: Why, hello again, old man. Did you have a question for me?

Hazel: Actually, I think all my questions are answered now.

He finally understands the truth and is able to choose:

Oscar: What are you going to do?

Hazel: What Gretchen would have done.

b) Watts displays his hacking abilities to its fullest in the Atlas Arc. This connects him to the theme of Creation and in particular to its negative declination aka Control:

Cinder: You said in your message that you have control over Penny.

Watts: I said I had Penny under control, not that I could telekinetically force her to do whatever I want.

He hacks Penny and overwrites her will. Moreover, he himself ends up manipulated and “controlled” by Cinder:

Cinder: You deserve this, Arthur. We'll be back.

c) Tyrian has roles both in the Mistral Arc and in the Atlas Arc. However, he misses from the climaxes of both, so I think he will be important in Vacuo and maybe he’ll find his death in that arc. Moreover, the theme of Destruction seems to fit his character.

Finally, when it comes to themes, Hazel, Tyrian and Watts all explore the theme of trust (aka one of the main themes of the Atlas Arc) in a minor way.

To be more specific, the theme of trust is explored throughout the story in different ways. I have explained it better here and here.

It is interesting because the theme of trust is explored starting with Ozpin, Oscar’s foil, who does not trust others, so our protagonists feel betrayed. However, in Atlas they find themselves in Ozpin’s shoes and must choose if to trust Ironwood or not.

Here, we explore a form of conditional trust. This idea is presented by Ruby, who wants to be sure it is safe to trust Ironwood. So she keeps secrets and studies him until she decides she can trust him… only to discover that was not the case immediately after. This happens because trust can never be completely safe. Actually, in its most negative declination, this kind of trust becomes the control symbolized by Ironwood.

No matter what, trust is always a leap of faith. This is why trust is a risk. Oscar shows this concept well. He decides to still trust Ironwood at the end of volume 7, but it does not work. Still, he does not stop and decides to trust Emerald and Hazel. This time his trust and faith are repaid. He is fred and gains a new ally.

Anyway, even if trust is worth it, the exploration of this theme in Atlas actually ends on a negative note. It ends with Cinder who is an enemy of trust because she uses others’ trust and feelings against them.

In short, we are shown what trust is through Oscar, what it happens when there is no trust through Ozpin and how trust can be twisted and manipulated through Cinder.

Well, Hazel, Watts and Tyrian explore these same ideas in their subplots.

Tyrian takes advantage of the lack of trust among Robyn, Clover and Qrow:

Tyrian: It's taking a very long time for this show to get to the good part.

He exploits it and manages to kill Clover because of it.

Hazel shows the power of trusting others instead:

Oscar: You want him to trust us? Then trust me.

Oscar’s trust makes him willing to listen and later on he decides to help the kids escape.

Finally, Watts is used and discarded by Cinder, who fakes trust and friendship towards him and Neo.

3) Hazel, Tyrian and Watts all foil a member of Ozpin’s group and show their flaw in a clearer way.

Hazel foils Ozpin himself:

Hazel: He didn't tell you my tale, did he, boy? I thought you looked familiar, to think that evil was inside you when our paths first crossed. Your blood won't be on my hands, it'll be on his.

On one hand Hazel accuses Ozpin of sending kids to their deaths, while hurting children himself. On the othet hand Ozpin speaks about the importance of making choices, but does not give all the knowledge necessary to make an informed choice. So, both characters earnestly believe in their ideals, but they are also hypocrites about them.

Watts foils Ironwood.

Watts accuses Ironwood of having used his genius only to dismiss him later on and does not aknowledge how he himself has taken advantage of Atlas society that leaves those below (like Cinder) to rot. Moreover, both Ironwood and Watts frame themselves as rational, but lose precisely because they dismiss the importance of feelings for both manipulation (Watts) and trust (ironwood).

Finally, Tyrian foils Qrow.

In particular, Tyrian embodies Qrow’s self-destructive tendencies, which are Qrow’s true flaw. As a matter of fact Qrow ends up hurt in both fights (the first tiem physically, while the second time emotionally) not because Tyrian is stronger than him. He ends up hurt because of his flaw.

In Mistral, his misunderstanding with Ruby leads to him being poisoned. This happens because Qrow is so scared of his semblance that he keeps others away and does not explain himself.

In Atlas, his cynism leads him to make a pact with Tyrian and this leads to Clover’s death.

4) Finally, Hazel, Watts and Tyrian all foil a member of CEM:

I have discussed Emerald and Mercury’s foiling with Hazel and Tyrian here and here.

Hazel and Tyrian step in as Emerald and Mercury’s parental figures once Cinder leaves them behind.

Hazel is Emerald’s positive parental figure, but he is blinded by his flaw, just like she is.

Tyrian is Mercury’s negative parental figure, but he also tells the boy truths he needs to accept.

At the same time, Hazel is what Emerald really wants (an adult who looks out for her), while Tyrian is who Mercury thinks he wants to be (a big bad man). In both cases, they are not what Emerald and Mercury really need. Emerald must learn to be more independent, while Mercury needs to nurture his positive relationship(s).

I have discussed Cinder’s foiling with Watts here, here and here.

Watts embodies Cinder’s flaw (her hunger for power) enveloped in everything she hates, but also deep down envies (being an Atlas elites).

It is interesting that Watts is not really a mentor figure for Cinder (differently from Hazel and Tyrian for the murder kids). He is a colleague, so they are on equal footing. Interestingly, though, they both try to discredit the other and to act as the other’s superior.

In general, this is another way to convey that Cinder is less child-coded than the two kids she took in.

At the same time, it shows how Atlas makes relationships between equals difficult because in Atlas everyone always tries to be on top and discards the ones below.

5) Hazel, Watts and Tyrian’s arcs, when they exist, are very short and simple.

Moreover, they are built on what ifs.

What would happen if Hansel lost Gretel?

He would stay a prisoner of the Witch forever, until he manages to free himself doing what his sister would have done:

In a sense, Gretchen still frees Hazel, not physically like in the fairy tale, but psychologically because she inspires him.

What would happen if Watson were envious of Sherlock?

He would join Moriarty and end up consumed by his own envy:

Watts is shown eating a green apple while controlling a falling Atlas. This is interesting because Atlas is the house of our titular Snowhite and green is a color associated with envy. It is as if Watts has taken the bait Cinder offered him using his feelings of entitlement and jealousy:

Cinder: You have everything you need?

Watts: Oh, believe me, this is everything I've ever wanted.

His arc is also a clear case of wants versus needs. He gets what he wants, ignoring that this is not what he needs.

What would happen is the Scorpion killed the Frog, but survived?

The answer is that he would keep making pacts he breaks (like the one with Qrow) and would keep poisoning others (both physically or psychologically).

This until he leads himself to his own demise, just like his fable counterpart.

Thank you for the ask!

[bridgyrose]

A Cinder who was happily adopted instead of enduring the Glass Unicorn wakes up in the body of canon Cinder on the morning of the Beacon Dance. Can you feel the angst?

Cinder instinctively reached out for her swords as she woke up, ready to start her day as normal. She paused when she couldnt feel them and slowly woke up to see herself in an unfamiliar dorm room. She quickly sat up and looked around, panic ran through her eyes as she tried to keep herself calm. “Alright Cinder, you’ll be fine. You’re… you’re just in a dorm room. You must have hit your head and taken to the nearest academy.” 

“Cinder? Are you okay?” 

Cinder slowly nodded and looked over to the bathroom door to see a girl with green hair and red eyes with a worried look. “Y-yeah, I’m fine.” She slowly got up and made her way to the closet to get dressed. Disappointment became evident in her eyes as she looked through the closet and found dresses and a stealth suit alongside a few school uniforms. “I guess I stayed up a little longer than I should’ve last night.” 

The girl relaxed and gave Cinder a smile. “Then you’ll want to get dressed so we can meet up with Merc over in the cafeteria. He was tired of waiting and decided to save us a spot.” 

Merc? “Alright, I’ll try not to take too long.” Cinder gave a nervous smile to the girl as she left, and then let out a sigh as she dug out her scroll. “Alright, lets see what I can find out.” She messed with the keycode for the scroll for a few moments, a bit frustrated when nothing seemed to work. As far as she could tell, the scroll should’ve been hers. Which meant that any code that was set she should’ve known…

Cinder paused for a moment and stared at the screen. Her thumbs absentmindedly typed in the date she was adopted and her eyes widened a bit once the scroll unlocked and pulled up a few unfamiliar programs. She scrolled through a few pictures and contacts and looked for any information she could use. Once she found Mercury’s and Emerald’s pictures, she stopped and hesitated as she read over the profiles. Her breath hitched as she read the same words over and over, still not sure how to make sense of it all. “I… I’m working with a couple of killers?” Once again, she started to run through more of what was on the scroll, programs of odd code and bits of plans saved as notes were all she could find as she continued. 

After several minutes of searching through the scroll, she finally let out a sigh and sat it down next to her as she tried to wrap her mind around everything she saw. Nothing made sense to her anymore. She was supposed to be a huntress, trained and graduated from Shade Academy, not some criminal at Beacon. Cinder was pulled back out of her thoughts as she heard a text notification chime from her scroll. 

“Where are you? You’re late! -E” 

Cinder quickly responded back, dressed herself in her school uniform, and rushed down to the cafeteria.. The halls werent as unfamiliar to her, having walked down them several times between Ozpin’s interest in her and while she mentored team RWBY. A thought ran through her mind as she came to a full stop in the middle of the hallway and took out her scroll once more. “Wait, if I was a mentor to team RWBY before, maybe I’m here too and I’m just… setting things right?” Once again she thumbed through the scroll, the smile on her face faded once she realized the only information the scroll had on RWBY were their names, semblances, and whether or not they posed a threat to any future plans. Once again she was snapped out of her thoughts, but this time a smile crossed her face as she recognized a familiar voice behind her. 

“Cinder, there you are!” Ruby rushed over to her and beamed with a smile. “Emerald’s been waiting for you and thought you got lost again.” 

“I’m not lost, I just… lost track of time,” Cinder said as she pocketed her scroll. “I havent exactly felt great this morning and my head feels… foggy.” 

“Oh, well, maybe trying to talk about it will help.” 

“Thanks, but I’m still working out everything. Though, I wouldnt mind some company to the cafeteria.” 

“Alright.” 

Cinder gave a small smile as she started to walk with Ruby, glad she was the same for the most part. The cloak was new, but she was still excitable, still managed to make it to Beacon early, still optimistic. “So, how’s mo-... how's your mom doing?” 

Ruby looked at her curiously. “You knew my mom?” 

“I… met her a couple times when I was younger.” It wasnt a complete lie, she had met Summer when she was younger. Though, it was more of an adoption over just a meeting. Cinder paused for a moment as she realized what Ruby had said. “Wait… knew?” 

Ruby nodded. “Yeah. She uh… passed away when I was younger. I guess I’m a bit surprised you knew her before then. You’re not that much older than Yang, right?” 

“Y-yeah, she uh… she saved me from grimm,” Cinder lied as she mulled everything over again. So, Summer’s gone now. That explains why I’m not mentoring her. I’m sorry for your loss.” 

“Its fine. I was really little when she died so I dont really remember much about her. So for now, I’ll do what I can to make myself someone she’d be proud of.” 

Cinder smiled a bit. “I think you’ll do just fine with that.” 

“That’s the hope. So I’m going to do my best to make things better. Just because the world sucks now doesnt mean we cant try to change it.” 

Cinder nodded a bit, her smile grew as she listened to Ruby. It was nice to see that she was still the same person even here. She slowly opened the door to the cafeteria and let out a relaxed sigh. “Well, seems like we’re here now. I’ll catch you later, arlight? I need to talk to my team about a few things.” 

Ruby gave a quick nod and let Cinder be. 

Cinder’s smile faded as she made her way to her team. She sat down near them and tried to relax. “Sorry I’m late. Just feeling a bit off this morning.” 

“Hope you feel better later, we dont need you messing up on your part of today’s plan,” Mercury said as he took a bite of his pancakes. “The CCT tower should be empty with the dance tonight.” 

“Arent we going to the dance too though?” 

“We are, but you said you had a few things to do while its going on.” Emerald pushed a plate of eggs and waffles to Cinder. “Or has everything changed?” 

“N-no, it uh… it hasnt changed. I was… testing you.” Cinder quickly pulled the plate in front of her and cut into her waffles nervously. “Making sure you both knew your parts too.” 

“We’ve been over it a few times already, its not like we’ve forgotten.” Mercury eyed Cinder a bit. “Speaking of, we’ll need to be careful tonight. Rumor has it that General Ironwood is going to have his soldiers stationed for more security.” 

“And then there’s team RWBY,” Emerald said as she finished her breakfast. “I’m still not sure how they’ve managed to stop Roman three times now, but its becoming far more than just a coincidence. Think they know what we’re up to?” 

“I dont think so,” Cinder said as she sat her fork down. “I think they’ve just gotten lucky to be at the wrong place at the right time. We’ll have to be a bit more careful moving forward.” 

“Agreed, we dont have much room for anything else to go wrong. Its only a couple more weeks until the Vytal Festival and if we might not have another shot at this.” 

Cinder slowly nodded and pulled out her scroll to look through her notes once more. She paused when she found a few notes that pertained to what Emerald had mentioned and quickly thumbed to her profile on Ruby. “Dont worry, I’ll take care of it.” 

“Good, we dont want to disappoint Salem.” 

Mercury nodded. “Speaking of, when exactly do we get to meet her?” 

Cinder hid the fear she felt at hearing Salem’s name, the realization of what she had been thrust into finally dawned on her. “S-soon. Once we’re done here, you’ll meet her.”