#mentioned oracle

[chaoswarfare]

Over This Whole ‘School’ Thing

Dick leans on the railing of the school building's roof as he watches the building the deal’s about to go down in. It’s an abnormally quiet night, which is great, since it’s the first night he’s getting to take Danny out on patrol with him since he joined the bat clan.

It was pretty obvious that Danny had suspected them of being the bat clan the moment Masters dropped him on their porch, and finally getting confirmation that he was in the know and actually wanted to help was probably the best thing of Dick’s year.

Now, waiting on the Joker’s goons to show up for a deal, he’s glad he’s getting the chance to hang out with his newest brother(excepting Oracle on the comms, of course.). It was almost relaxing just sitting together on a quiet stakeout, and listening to the noises of Gotham and the occasional siren wailing in the distance.

“You know, I never actually liked school.”

Dick jumps when Danny finally starts a conversation. He’s been very quiet the entire time and it was almost startling how quickly he moved from dead silence to noise. It was almost a surprise that he decided to start a conversation at all, given how quiet he’d been since coming to the manor. Alfred is probably the only one he talks with regularly, now that he thinks about it.

“How so?” Dick asks hesitantly. God knows that he had a pretty rough time in school too, so he may not be the best person to talk with about the subject. “I thought Masters said your schooling was just fine? Your records didn’t say anything either.” Dick trails off a bit when Danny flinches at the mention of Masters. It’s not the first time he’s acted hesitant about the man, but nobody has been able to figure out the mystery or get any information about him yet.

“I wasn’t exactly popular, you know? Lotta bullies in small town schools, and my life outside school kinda kept bleeding over into class time. Sucked hardcore.”

That was new. Danny hasn’t really talked about his school experience before now, but it could be where they are at the moment prompting this, Dick thinks as he gazes out over the run-down neighborhood they’re watching.

“I wasn’t exactly ‘mister popular’ back then, myself.” He starts warily, smothering his words in fake cheer. “High society kids don’t take well to ‘circus freaks’ stealing their opportunities and invading their school. Couldn’t do much about it either because I didn’t want to tell Bruce I was struggling.” Dick drops a bit of the over-the-top peppy mask as he thinks about it.

“So what did you do about it?” Danny leans over, peering at the older vigilante as he waits for an answer.

“Got tired of it and beat them up after a couple months. They gossiped about it for months and refused to talk to me for a while. It was pretty sweet, actually.” He sighs in contentment at the memory. “Bruce and Alfred were pretty disappointed in me though. Practically grounded me for weeks.”

Dick preened as Danny let out a chuckle.

“Man, I wished my parents cared that much about my education. ‘A Fenton always gets A’s. Or in your Dad’s case B-‘s.’ was something Mom always said.” Danny seems to droop as he thinks of his parents. It’s obvious something happened there, but he’d usually shut down immediately if anyone brought them up.

“On top of the ‘out of school’ activities taking over my life, this dickhead named Dash made it his personal mission to ruin my day every time we interacted.” Dick busts out laughing as Danny considers what he said, before freezing and slapping his hands over his face. “Ancients, I didn't even think of that- sorry Dick. He was definitely an asshat though. Real piece of work, that one!” Danny chirped mock-cheerfully. “Did you know that if you’re really flexible you can fit in a half size locker?”

Dick freezes at the sudden question. “Uh… No?” He replies warily. The idea of someone being inside a locker that small physically pained him, and he really didn’t want to think about why Danny would know that.

Why anyone would shove his little brother into a locker.

He pushed the fear and guilt boiling in his gut down and turned to Danny with a smile. “How would you feel about online classes?”

Danny whips his head around to stare at Dick like he grew a second head. “Online?” He asks tentatively, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck.

“Online.” Dick agrees quietly.

Danny stares out over the dreary scenery and the sun just starting to shine light over the edge of the horizon. ‘The only time you can see it through the smog’ Dick muses as Danny thinks about his offer.

“I think I would like online school. It might help.” Danny admits in a quiet voice, hands gripping the railing almost painfully tight(For a second Dick thought he saw the metal give a big, but that must have been a trick of the light. Danny’s blood tests didn’t have the meta gene.). “And thank you… For offering to do that for me I mean.” Danny mumbles.

“Of course! What are older siblings for!” Dick beams at him, only faltering a little at the well concealed hurt in Danny’s face. It was pretty obvious that he was just about to shut down the conversation completely, when the batcom went off. Perfect timing.

Dick waves the com in Danny’s direction. “Looks like our clown friend got picked up across town on his way here.” Danny glances up in confusion as Dick hops off the railing he had been sitting on. “You want to race back?”

Danny visibly perked up as he hopped over the railing and pulled his grapple out of his belt pocket. He smirked Devilishly and took off before Dick could even hop over the railing.

“Get back here! I never said start!” Dick yelled out after Danny as they sped across the rooftop and swung between buildings chasing each other back to the cave.

Back home.

[incorrectbatfam]

Damian's TikTok but it's just him saying "real or cake?" before running up to his siblings with a knife

[nerdpoe]

Instead of going to Ra's to find proof in the land of the living, Tim decides to go to the Realm of the Dead to search for proof of Bruce's time entrapment alongside the Ghosts of Kon and Bart. Also he kidnaps Cassie.

It's foolproof; he gets to be with his friends (whether they want to or not, but the cult thing is weird Cassie frfr this is for ur own good damn), he can interrogate the ghosts from the timeframes he suspects Bruce was in, and also confirm that Bruce isn't in the Afterlife at all.

Kidnapping Cassie actually wasn't that hard, he'd just asked if she wanted to see Kon and Bart one last time. Then he'd explained that he could do it without dying.

He found a website from a pair of professionals who built a portal to the "Ghost Zone", or really Afterlife, in their basement.

Breaking into their house and using the thing is no problem at all.

He finds Kon and Bart, and after a tearful reunion, he and Cassie partner up with them for one final adventure.

Unfortunately, he decides to do this after Dick gave Robin to Damian (Dick genuinely didn't see any other way to stop Damian from going back to the League okay? man was stressed out and making snap decisions with no consideration of the consequences), and also after he'd been up for 48 hours.

The note he left perhaps left a lot to be desired.

'If you won't believe me that he's alive, then I'll prove it by searching for him in the Afterlife.'

Things get a little more complicated when Bart and Kon's Ghosts disappear from the Afterlife, indicating that they've been revived.

But also leaving Cassie and Tim without guides in the realm of floating green doors.

So in short;

Dick thinks Tim killed himself.

Cassie's mom thinks she's still with the cult, and that the cult has killed her daughter, because now there's no communication at all.

Damian read Tim's note as literal, as Tim intended, and keeps trying to explain that to Dick, who thinks Damian is in denial.

Cassie and Tim are stuck in the Ghost Zone without a map or guides, still gather evidence of Bruce and also how to get back.

Kon and Bart came back to life, but with the distinct feeling that they need to find Cassie and Tim before it's too late, whatever that means.

Due to the time distortion, Bruce gets back before Tim does, and is informed by Dick that Tim is dead.

[whispereons]

Oracle!Reader Part 20

Masterlist - Part 1, Part 19, Part 21

1K special

Warning! This is yandere, sagau imposter au so expect lots of gore in the series. This chapter is tame in comparison to the others.

The moon glimmers in the starlit sky as a hand brushes against your newly scarred skin. Eyelashes fluttering, your vision begins to focus on the plain ceiling above you. 

A coarse groan leaves your cracked lips as you flinch from the sudden pressure on your stomach. The hand quickly retreats as a pale green blob comes into view.

"...are…eeling?" The voice is barely picked up as your ears ring. Squinting your eyes, you swallow the dried saliva tasting faintly of blood.

"W-Who?" The word is coughed out as your throat struggles to form the words. Before you can ask for water, a cup is brought to your lips. The cold water brings sweet relief to your parched body.

Your senses begin to sharpen and clarity is brought back to your vision. Baizhu stands next to your bed helping you drink from the cup, though Changsheng isn't wrapped around his neck like she normally would be.

The water runs out and he draws the cup away. "How are you feeling? Your body is technically healed of its major injuries but it's still trying to adjust. The pain will continue to persist for a long while."

"I feel better than before." The reply is automatic as your hand twitches in an effort to move your muscles. The recollection of what had even brought you to Baizhu's care is a slow trickle as you process his words.

Shenhe, Yelan, the treasure hoarders, the fall and Qiqi are slotted into your memory like perfect puzzle pieces. The small pitter-patter of footsteps coming closer to you and the sound of metal being set down goes unheard by you as you focus on sitting up.

Soreness and exhaustion are impossibly heavy weights as you struggle to lift your body a few inches away from the mattress. Gentle hands support your body, along with much smaller ones on your other side. 

"Thank you…" Your words are choked out between your bitten lips as a dull ache plagues your body. Clenching the blanket in your fists, you sigh in relief as a cold compress is applied to your bare back.

Wait, your bare back?

The strangeness is not lost on you as you look down at yourself. A thin hospital-like gown is all that you seem to be wearing with the blanket pooled around your waist. It takes a second for you to properly process what this means for you before you’re frantically reaching up to your face.

“No need to fret, your mask was left untouched during the treatment.”

It seems to be the truth, as your fingertips are met with cool porcelain and flaking blood. Not to mention the casual way Baizhu is speaking to you and the lack of Millelith guards swarming you.

Licking your chapped lips, you eventually arrive at the question: where do you go now? Ningguang would surely kill you if she finds out you’re still alive. Zhongli is still expecting an answer, god knows what Yelan would do and Shenhe is a wild card-

The thoughts racing in your mind are abruptly cut off as a metal tray is plopped onto your lap. A warm bowl of soup and yogurt with a soft pastel color greeted you. The refilled cup of water placed on your bedside is ignored as your mouth waters at the sight of the meal.

“Clear chicken carrot soup and fruit-flavored yogurt.” A child-like, monotonous voice comments with a deeper melodic voice following up. “I would have had food suited to your taste, but you hadn’t awoken until now. Are you allergic to anything?”

“Nope.” You replied by popping the ‘p’ before pulling the tray closer and picking up the utensils. Allergies didn’t concern your ravenous mind, as your dormant stomach awakened painfully at the smell of food. Who knows, maybe your creator buff will also prevent any allergic reactions.

An upside to being the creator was something you desperately needed after the saga of pure bullshit you’ve been through.

Baizhu gently directs Qiqi out of the room after instructing her a message you couldn’t bother to hear as you gulp down the food. When he returns, he sits next to you as the moonlight shines down from the window.

“Let me explain your previous and current state while you eat. Qiqi brought you in with multiple minor injuries, a few stab wounds, head trauma, elemental damage, with fractured and broken bones. That’s not even mentioning the severe blood loss and infections beginning to manifest on your poorly healed past injuries.” Each description is like a stab to the heart, with the visualization of your passed out body arriving to Baizhu on death's doorstep crystal clear.

“Thankfully your body reacted well with my elemental healing so the life-threatening wounds were healed, without infections, and your critical condition was toned down. That doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods yet.”

The soup and yogurt is picked clean, leading you to gulp down the water next. Looking at him, you open your mouth to ask for more food when he cuts you off firmly. “Don’t bother asking for food, the arrows didn’t hit your lungs or heart, but your abdominal organs weren’t spared. You’ll be stuck with light meals until I’m positive it’s safe.”

Resisting a scoff, you ask him. “So what’s my current condition? Will I have to stay here overnight? Hold on, can I even afford that? How much did this treatment even cost?!”

“Please calm down, Y/N.” 

“How did you-”

“Your name was etched onto the bag that Qiqi brought along. As for payment, there’s no need to worry. You had a rather generous benefactor that has given us more then enough mora to cover your total cost in every possible scenario.”

That was suspicious beyond belief, but you didn’t have a reason not to believe Baizhu either. Baizhu would have healed you even without payment, but not being in debt was ideal. 

This benefactor either wants something from you, wants to kill you themselves, or knows you personally. 

A few people come to mind that could fit your suspicions but with so little knowledge you couldn’t confirm anything. Instead, you asked. “Isn’t doctor-patient confidentiality a thing? Did they leave any message for me?”

If Baizhu was surprised, then he hid it well. “She knew your name and appearance, though I never confirmed that you were here. She simply left the money and a verbal message asking you to have dinner with her tomorrow at 1800 in Xinyue Kiosk. But please be aware that I’m not forcing this, whether you would like me to refund the money so you can avoid interacting with her or not is completely up to you.”

Shaking your head, you declined it. “I’ll go. Since everything is paid for by her, does that also include any medicine I have to take for whatever current injuries I still have?”

“That’s right. I’m mostly prescribing supplements for the blood loss and fluid imbalance. Some are for the bones that broke, even repaired they might cause problems, so calcium intake is also important. A simple drug for your immune system, as your body's defenses are relatively low from the wounds. As well as per needed fever and pain medications.”

… You didn’t want to imagine the cost of those medications, let alone the treatment. A dinner in the most expensive restaurant in Liyue within the city with an unknown woman isn't that bad. 

You've met people in worst locations and survived this long.

Pushing back the lingering worry, you focused on Baizhu’s explanation over what condition your body is in, what time to take the medicine and any other problems that could arise. It was boring, but you weren’t looking to get sick from your own stupidity.

The conversation had gone as you expected for a while until he brought up a strange topic. Flipping through a few papers, Baizhu steered the topic onto your- “Scars. Many of what you suffered from will leave new scars on your body. It’s the old scars that were peculiar.”

Knowing your luck, your scars must also be known to them. But you weren’t going to bring it up if he didn’t.

“They are imbued and cultivated with a power that is strikingly familiar, yet foreign. It actually perfectly correlates with my researched point of interest. I wanted to ask your permission on getting a sample of it before your discharge.”

That was a risky request. Your face stayed neutral as you thought to yourself. The consequences could be minor, but what if it became another situation of an accidental connection to the Creator again?

Looking back at the smiling snaked eye man, you opened your mouth to respond when he suddenly gave the fakest gasp.

“I almost forgot to mention that your old scar formations are the exact locations of the Creator’s real scars! This along with everything else I’ve seen is almost enough for me to report this to the Mille-”

“For fuck's sake just take it.” You could be excused for not playing mind games this time, being nearly dead should be enough reason for a day off. 

“I want some form of compensation, though!” Being stupidly tired is a different matter then being just plain stupid.

“That’s not a problem. I’ll most likely take the sample sometime tomorrow before your discharge. So please, tell me what you have in mind by noon tomorrow so I can fetch it in time.”

In hindsight, it wasn’t surprising that Baizhu would ask this of you. Your body has clearly undergone some changes as you lived in Teyvat and Baizhu is dead set on finding a way to be immortal. 

There was a time you had wondered if you might be immortal due to being the creator, so maybe Baizhu can figure it out with your sample.

“The last thing I want to address before you rest is-” Baizhu is cut off by a knock on the door. He glances at you, asking permission to open the door with his eyes before you nod firmly. Qiqi walked in earlier without knocking, so maybe it’s a visitor? But considering how late it is, maybe you were wrong…

“Come in Qiqi and bring the visitor in too.” 

The door opens slowly as you watch Qiqi walk in stiffly with a yawning girl following her in at a similar height. Long light brown hair is loose as the girl rubs her eyes tiredly. 

“Hello Dr. Baizhu, I came back to check one last time if the oracle- Oh!” Caramel colored eyes widen at the sight of you sitting on the bed, and the girl hurriedly gives a polite bow. A yellow plush bunny is smooshed in her arms in the process.

“Hello, pardon my rudeness. My name is Yaoyao and I was sent by my master to check on you! It’s my honor to make your acquaintance, Y/N, or would you rather me call you by the oracle title?”

The ‘little adult’ looks different without the decorative bells she usually wears in her tied up hair, but the bunny was a dead give away. You smile at the nervous girl while wondering just who told her about you being an oracle.

Baizhu was giving you a look that basically screamed suspicion.

“You can just call me Y/N. By master, you mean Madame Ping, right?” Yaoyao beams at that as she steps closer.

“That’s correct, we learned about you from the other Adepti and Xiangling.” You should have known. “When we heard that you were here, I was sent on my Master's orders and Ganyu’s concern. Visitors weren’t allowed earlier, but I wanted to check one last time.”

Ganyu too? That basically guarantees Ningguang, Keqing, Zhongli and even more knowing that you’re here. But more importantly was the fact that Baizhu investigated anything connected to the Adepti for his immortality quest. 

You could only hope that Baizhu would be happy with a basic explanation and the sample of your scar tissue as promised.

“Visitors was the last topic I wanted to address.” Baizhu smoothly joins as he gets up from his seat and heads toward a desk on the far side of the room. A small pile of letters and a pile of gifts sit on the table next to your bag. How didn’t you notice it before?

“After a patient here noticed you before she was discharged, she and her guardian left you a letter with a present. I believe she may have been the one to spread it, but I ask you to kindly not hold anger against her. She’s rather young.”

So the little leaker was a child? It could be one of the kids you saved, but none of them could really afford to go to Baizhu. Not that he would have denied them but most children in that situation don’t go unless on the verge of death or pushed by an adult.

“It’s okay, I’ll look through the stuff in the morning.” As if on cue, Yaoyao fails to hide a yawn as she walks to stand next to your bed.

“Auntie Cloud Retainer and the rest of the Adepti told Master what happened on Mt. Aocang. Master really wants to meet you, so if you have any time to spare, please pay her a visit here at the Yujing Terrace near the Yiyan temple.”

Nodding absentmindedly, you make a mental note of that before asking Yaoyao a question in return. 

“Just how many people in general know that I’m here? I know quite a few people and Qiqi being here must have been quite a spectacle… But surely it must not have been too much considering that it was the middle of the night.”

The nervous expression on Yaoyao face dashes away any hopes you had. 

“Sorry Y/N but a lot of the city was speaking about you. Even nature and the animals kept mentioning you! Though they were a little more vague. If it helps, most people know you as a masked person rather than your name.”

Sighing, you don’t even bother hiding the distaste on your face. Changing masks wouldn’t do much and you sure as hell can’t remove it either, leaving you with the sole option of leaving. 

Leaving before anyone else can attack you in this fast-pace city filled with greed and ambition. If you stayed here any longer, you’ll surely be pulled into whatever new situation happens and only get more attention. 

The dinner you had first worried about is almost miniscule compared to the threat of Yelan and Shenhe knowing your location. More so, Yelan as she has an obligation to get rid of you due to her job rather than Shenhe’s emotional motive. 

Your mind replays the last bit of your fight where you had touched the waypoint and- Oh fuck. Groaning, you dumped your face into your hands as Yaoyao watched you worriedly. Her worried calls rolled off you like waves as you remember how the teleport waypoint glowed in front of everyone.

That’s a complete group of people, treasure hoarders nonetheless, that saw you activate it. Yelan could use that information and the witnesses in whatever stupidly clever way she wants!

Yaoyao looks back at Baizhu confused as he shakes his head silently. Qiqi picks up a glass of coconut milk and begins to walk towards you with it before Baizhu blocks her way.

Fingers digging into your scalp, you resist the urge to pull your hair as you bite your still slightly bruised lips. The realization of what kind of ammo you gave Yelan was killing you. 

Baizhu takes the glass from Qiqi and puts it back down before handing her a glass of water. Qiqi stares blankly at Baizhu before switching the glasses again. As the two continuously switch cups, Yaoyao rummages in her bag.

A sting of pain begins to grow as you get dangerously closer to the recently healed head wound. The smell of something sweet yet earthy snaps you out of your stress-fueled self depreciation as small hands pry your rough ones away.

“Please be careful Y/N, Dr. Baizhu is a great doctor but you shouldn’t hurt yourself like this. Have a candied date, it's golden honey flavored and works great to get rid of the bitter medicinal taste that he prescribes.”

It didn’t smell too bad, so you hesitantly took it from her hands and glanced back at Baizhu in case he tries to confiscate it. With his back safely turned, you pop the candied date into your mouth.

It’s a nice taste and it does work well as a distraction from your worries. “Thank you Yaoyao.” Your hand reaches out instinctively and pats her head. “The Creator views you fondly and one day your fate will intersect with the creator’s just like it did with the Adepti.”

The lie flows smoothly from your mouth as she smiles brightly up at you. Her eyes move down to the blanket as she responds. “I still don’t quite know what that means, but I’m sure I’ll be able to properly appreciate it once I’m older.”

Qiqi joins you both and hands you a glass of water that you take from her gratefully. Your hand leaves Yaoyao’s head to rest on the bed, making Qiqi look away with a pout. Before you can question the unexpected reaction, Baizhu redirects the conversation.

“I understand that you hold some valid concerns over your safety, Y/N. This situation isn’t one we deal with frequently, but we do have measures in place.”

The look you send him speaks a thousand words as he sighs and adds. “Free of charge, of course, as it counts as patient confidentiality.” 

“Bubu’s Pharmacy has tight security measures and Millelith frequent the area due to it being near the Yiyan Temple and the Welkin Temple.” You were 100% sure that the second temple did not exist before you came here. “Me and Qiqi both reside here and as experienced vision holders, you’ll be in safe hands.”

Nodding in understanding, you can’t deny that it felt safer knowing you weren’t going to be left alone. Your body was still exhausted and in the midst of healing so you didn’t have much energy to defend yourself with if Ningguang were to send another person after you.

“Qiqi doesn’t sleep much, so she’ll keep an eye out for anything amiss.” And you were right back to feeling anxious. Baizhu was relaxed as he tidied up the room, while Yaoyao spoke softly to Qiqi.

Glancing at the zombie child, you repeated the mantra to yourself that anyone could be a DPS in Genshin. You just needed to check her equipment before bed.

Yaoyao turns back to you with a sleepy smile. “I’ll be taking my leave now. I wish you a swift recovery, and I look forward to seeing you again with my Master.” With a casual wave, you let that be your only farewell as you drink the glass of water Qiqi handed you earlier.

Baizhu pats his clothing down as he calls out to Yaoyao right as she opens the door.

“Oh Yaoyao, since you’ll be relaying the message to Madam Ping and Ganyu, please have Ganyu tell Ningguang about Y/N’s acceptance to dinner for me as well.”

The water you were drinking goes down the wrong way at those words. 

Coughing, you yank the glass away as you look back up to the surprised Baizhu. “Did you say Ningguang? Was she the one who paid for everything and asked for the dinner?”

Baizhu smiles pleasantly with little regard for your shaky tone as he nods. There goes every flicker of hope you had that Ningguang wasn’t your benefactor.

Every drop of blood your body synthesized to restore you back to normal is drained as you pale at the confirmation. Just how the hell did you manage to meet Zhongli, Yelan, and Ningguang!? 

They are all people you wanted to avoid, and you definitely shouldn’t have met, considering the fact that people pay to even get an hour with Ningguang, let along a whole ass dinner invite!

Was there some stupid rule that goes along with being the creator making you meet nearly every acolyte that exists?

So busy cursing yourself and the entirety of Teyvat out, you don’t notice how Baizhu corrals Yaoyao out of the room before heading to you, as Qiqi watches from the sidelines.

“My, my you’ve gone pale at the news Y/N.” Baizhu’s glasses glint a little from the flickering lantern illuminating the room. He smiles down at you with half-lidded eyes that stare at you strangely.

“I didn’t realize that I forgot to tell you who it was. If you decide to, we can always cancel it and send a priority letter before discussing a payment plan.”

Squinting your eyes, you shake your head ‘no’ as you try to read the simultaneously shady yet reckless doctor. It didn’t seem like he had any malicious intentions, as he very much did mean to hide it. But you can’t be sure that he had any good intentions either.

“That’s a shame, I was looking forward to discussing alternate ways of paying that don’t require mora.” …Yeah, no matter what way you put it or how clean Baizhu keeps his reputation. One can not simply not be seen as shady while going around saying stuff like that.

So not only is Baizhu showing signs of that strange attachment in a matter of hours, but Ningguang decided to suddenly switch her tactics. From ‘investigate and kill if deemed a threat’ to ‘generous wealthy person that totally isn’t covering up a crime’.

Could you possibly get Yanfei to sue Ningguang if you aren’t poisoned at the dinner?

Maybe, but that’s all riding on the chance that you aren’t killed in some coincidental accident before then. Waving away the pessimistic and slightly comical thoughts, you look up at Baizhu as he dims the lantern. 

“The pharmacy opens at 0900 in the morning. Are you willing to take visitors from that point on till your discharge at 1300?” Briefly looking at the letters and gifts, you nod silently.

Baizhu’s smile doesn’t waver as he responds casually. “Many people will be happy to hear that Y/N, you seem quite popular.”

He opens the door before kneeling to Qiqi’s height. “The last order I have for you tonight is to keep watch over Y/N and protect them if need be. Understand?”

Qiqi tilts her head at that and blandly states. “Order received. Order cannot be processed. Original intended function still active and in place.”

Baizhu frowns at that as you look at Qiqi curiously. His expression quickly smooths back to a calm smile as he stands up. “As long as the ending is the same, then I don’t mind.”

He glances at you one last time as the door creaks open to show the dark hallway. Slitted eyes meet yours, full of curiosity and intrigue. They almost glow as he steps into the hallway with Qiqi in tow before the door closes softly.

Sighing in relief, you flop back onto the bed and roll in the covers for a position that won’t put pressure on your aching muscles. Baizhu’s increasingly strange behavior slithers back into your mind as you close your eyes.

Just why didn’t he ask you about being an oracle yet? Is he planning on getting the Millelith? No, he would have done so much earlier. Maybe he’s trying to gather some blackmail on you? 

The possibilities torment your exhausted mind as you finally settle on just explaining yourself tomorrow when you get the scar sample from you. When you open your eyes, the flame has already burned away, leaving your only light as the moon. 

Staring at it, you think back to the waypoints. Are they finally fixed? Can you use them again? You couldn’t test it out now, but you could do so when you leave after the dinner with Ningguang. 

Which region should you travel to next? There was no may you could stay or go back to Inazuma, so it’s either Mondstadt or Sumeru as they are the closest. 

Closing your eyes, you try to imagine what traveling through the terrain would be like to arrive in the city. Frowning, you continue by imagining what it would be like traveling in that region for the weekly commissions.

It’s a simple decision really as Sumeru had a wide range of animals and poisonous plants to fight past. While Mondstadt had that sweet peaceful greenery from being the starter city with the lowest amount of treasure hoarders thanks to a certain Cryo user.

Deciding that you’ve picked your brain enough on the topic, you shut your eyes for some actual rest.

A moment passes, and then another, as the wind rustles the leaves on the tree outside the window. The faint sound of a sweet croon reaches your ears as you stubbornly keep your eyes closed.

As your mind is slowly consumed by the heavy exhaustion and the dimness of the room, two thoughts come to mind.

One, you forgot to check Qiqi’s equipment. Two, just what made you be locked out from the teleport waypoints if it counts as a game mechanic from Genshin Impact itself?

—---------------

“The moon is quite beautiful at this time of night.” A kind and knowing voice says as wrinkled hands pick out the bits of leaves from long white hair. The moonlight illuminates the silvery strands as it gradually is picked clean to its former glory.

“Child, just what has happened that you come to me out of all the Adepti for assistance?” A red rope is cut into perfect portions and tied to form the perfect braid. A Cryo vision sits innocently as the centerpiece, while a monochrome ornament adorns the top.

“I cannot advise you on the matter that troubles you if you do not speak, Shenhe.” Iridescent eyes finally move up from the ground to meet the elderly woman’s warm ones. Shenhe struggles to speak as her head dips forward.

“I… I hurt someone badly. But they hurt me too.” Shenhe holds her hands together in a prayer like motion as her eyes flutter close. “But at the end, they showed me something I couldn’t believe. No. That I refused to believe and even helped me.”

With a hunched back and patience learned over thousands of years, the old woman stays quiet. Giving the oh-so apathetic disciple time to put her thoughts into words.

“I don’t know what to do, and master isn’t the most adept when it comes to humans. But you, Streetward Rambler are, in more than one way. You constitute as a human more than me.”

Shenhe closes her eyes as she thinks back to her encounter with you. The truth you didn’t hesitate to spit in her face, the raw anger you expressed at her delusions and denial.

“I just want to understand these emotions. Are they a witch’s, an Adepti’s or a human’s emotions? Not even these ropes are stopping them!” Shenhe tugs at the newly bound rope in frustration but stops at the touch of light fingertips.

Madam Ping smiles warmly down at Shenhe. “None of those answers are correct child. They are simply your emotions. And I believe deep down, you already know what you feel. You just don’t know what to do with them.”

Shenhe looks at the ground with a mixture of guilt and self-loathing swarming inside her. It was true, wasn’t it? That day you spoke her feelings in the bluntest way possible, but here she was, still trying to deny it.

“Then what do I do? Is it really okay to love someone that hurt you? I don’t want a repeat of my childhood… I just want to treasure and use this new chance at connecting with my entire self that the Creator has graced me with.”

The hand that pats her head is familiar and warm. Childhood memories of her shedding those human emotions she once thought weak come to mind before Madam Ping’s voice brings her back.

“Trusting in the Creator and following the path they opened for you, no matter how scary or concerning, is always the right path. Follow me Shenhe.” 

Madam Ping is quick to walk away toward the two temples, as Shenhe follows her swiftly. The Yiyan Temple for the Geo Archon is laughably small in comparison to the huge Welkin Temple behind it.

They climb the stairs past the Yiyan Temple and enter the luxurious archway leading into the Welkin Temple. Decorations laced with jewels, paintings of the highest caliber, and statues of the rarest minerals are a common sight in it.

As Liyue Harbors sole temple, the city and its citizens spared no expanse in making sure it was top-notch. That included the deceased Geo Archon who left it in the care of the Liyue Qixing before his passing.

The pair walked through the halls as many people prayed and worshiped within the dead of the night without care for the passing onlookers.

Everyone gathered here at this time of night is here to do the same thing after all.

A couple of people amble past the determined Adeptus and disciple into the barren clinic as physicians begin to care for them. The blood, bone, and missing parts of skin are applauded before quickly being catered to. 

Madam Ping enters the hallway where many citizens wait outside the rooms for their turn. Yet instead of stopping like Shenhe expected, the old woman brings her to a hidden staircase around the corner.

The two climb up and up, till they reach the rooftop where an alter sits. Shenhe is well aware what she must do for the answers she desires. Kneeling before it, Shenhe gratefully takes the ceremonial spear handed to her by Madame Ping.

“You have matured enough to earn the privilege of giving a piece of yourself to the Holy One. I can only excitedly wait for the day my own disciples can have this honor.” With a calm yet cheery chuckle, Madame Ping moves away from the grave faced Shenhe.

“Oh Holy Creator, God of all that has lived, lives, and lives on. Listen to this acolytes prayer and grant me but a crumb of your wisdom. Though I am foolish and mortal, your mercy shines down on in the form of that person.” 

The spear is raised into the air as Shenhe stays kneeling and points the spear down.

“Please, Divine One, show this wretched girl just how I’m supposed to make it up to Y/N.”

The spear drives down and the crimson droplets stain the altar like a dazzling flourish of rose petals.

Well this took a long while. This time it wasn't school but just personal stuff. Between house hunting, family feud, car problems, and just trying to keep up with school. I haven't got much of a break. But things have finally calmed down somewhat so I used it to get this done. What also helped was making the outline for the 1k special. I think I should have it done for the next update instead of the regular chapter. But I did notice that a good chunk wanted regular chapters instead so I got a compromise. The special features Mondstadt (as most sagau start in Mond so I thought it would be fun) and it'll be a teaser to what Mondstadt has in store for you all. I'm not sure how many of you have noticed but each region has a certain theme when it comes to worship. Inazuma with sacrificing, Liyue with self mutilation, and Mondstadt will be hinted at in the special. My editor, @serpent-benediction, did this super late last night so props for once. But if there are claims to being anything more than an editor then don't listen. I keep basically everybody in the dark. Kinda feel like death so if you have any questions or comments I will answer them as soon as I can read again. Taglist: is open for anyone so just comment if you want to join <3

@vvyeislazzy, @nikqi, @the-dumber-scaramouche, @etherisy, @yourlocalstranger123, @ra404, @iruiji, @goldenglow149, @haru-tofuu, @lsleepysimpl, @bebobeboben, @yuyuzi-ling, @amidst-the-tempest, @resident-cryptid, @mxd1zzy, @mochicurls21, @nervouseaglelover, @thedevioussmirk, @yumuramma, @kwqsla, @undecidingfate, @ehjane, @game-savvy, @akiramirae, @liansh3ng, @fluffy-koalala, @formacoon, @sxftiebee, @khxii-i, @ursinaw, @chuuya-brainrot, @sweetbills, @kazuchaos, @snowfoxnix, @bluebelony, @shellofthewell, @pencil-of-ashes, @ghostlyintervention, @taiformaifoe, @goaudduck, @carminerin, @maddysflowers, @zenith-of-all-zenith, @crazydreamcat, @leafanonsforest, @grimreapersscythe, @leylanx, @sapphireknown, @help-whatdoimakemyusername, @zhonglisfruityass, @mer0n37, @victoria1676, @mochinessss, @sinnful-darling, @emilymikado, @pix-stuff, @esthelily, @luxie963, @emmbny, @millienolife @kbar1013, @xxblackroses623xx, @chxrlxtteee, @aludicpoet, @yandematic, @atrcclovsxoxo, @0lshadyl0, @esthelily, @t-rex-red, @ck123, @steadybreadbluebird, @118gremlin, @stratonia, @time-shardz, @farelady-fate, @valeriele3, @francisnyx, @byakuren100, @waveto-earth, @flyingpansaurus, @silverstarred, @iamapotatoe

[dent-de-leon]

You know how Mollymauk will stack the deck when he’s turning cards?? How he’ll use little tricks and sleight of hand to make sure fortunes fall in a person’s favor? But then, how he also tells Jester under Zone of Truth, “I use fortunes to tell people what I see in them. But sometimes, sometimes…I feel like there’s something that tickles the back of my head, I will admit.”

“You have a feeling?” “Some days—”

Thinking about those little moments when he’s manipulating the deck, but still feels a certain pull toward something. And given that Lucien is fate touched…I like the idea that whenever Molly’s turning cards, he’s subtly pulling at those threads of fate, actually changing a person’s fortune.

Thinking about how Molly gave Yasha a four leaf clover so that she’d have a little luck. So that she’d find happiness and feel loved. And she was—

[wondersinwaynemanor]

Girls day out with Babs, Cass, Steph and Izzy

Babs: I hope you enjoyed the spa, Izzy.

Izzy: It was lovely. Thank you for the treat, Babs.

Steph: Thank God, we have a new girl to add in our squad.

Cass: It's mostly just with little brothers.

Izzy: Aww, I'm honored.

Izzy: Wait. How about the rest of your brothers' girlfriends? When will they join us? I don't recall Duke telling me-

Babs gives a soft smile, Cass giggles and Steph snickers.

Babs: I think you missed the memo.

Cass nods enthusiastically.

Izzy: Oh. I see. You mean your brothers are-

Steph: Yuppp, they are.

Izzy: That's so adorable!

Steph: Wait till Sunday brunch at the Manor and it gets corny when they talk about their bestfriends.

Cass nudges Steph's shoulder and Izzy doesn't miss when Steph gives Cass' hand a gentle squeeze as if to apologize.

Izzy: Now, I know I wasn't hallunicating or anything.

Babs: What do you mean?

Izzy: Well, that night when Duke took me home from the Manor, I swear I saw Superboy outside Tim's bedroom window and they kissed.

Cass: I knew it! I knew it!

Babs: And I knew it when Tim was lying. I called it when he deleted some footage from the camera at the garden facing his window.

Steph: Looks like we owe Cass cus she was right all along. Man, why didn't I get that???

Izzy: Do you often do this thing about your brothers?

Cass: You should join!

Steph: And we can use this information to blackmail them for something.

Cass nudges Steph's shoulder again.

Izzy: Count me in! Who we betting on next?

Babs: Well, did you know Jason's been having a crush on Roy Harper since he was a kid and we think they're together now.....

[thenonbinarydetective]

There's something that always bothers me about people saying "Barbara going back to being disabled" doesn't matter if it's positive, negative, or neutral. It's the "going back" part because it's just not true. She wouldn't be going back, she would just be without assistive medical technology.

In the closest real-life example, not everyone who uses similar technology is considered "cured" as the removal of the device would mean they are no longer enabled. In only a few cases have I ever seen "cured" but that's potentially dependent on injury/cause of disability where it was possible the device just made recovery easier and there are many different causes to SCIs/paralysis/similar conditions. Others have no chance of recovery but have a chance of being enabled. But still not fully becoming an able-bodied person. Even some of the ones who recovered their ability to walk were still limited in what they were capable of (and therefore still disabled)

So honestly now, it's just coming to me how bad representation the chip is of similar realistic treatment and disabled people who use that treatment. Before anyone is like "But Barbara's isn't real" I know that, but now I'm literally seeing people say the same shit about REAL PEOPLE who have had nearly THE SAME TREATMENT because they're letting poor representation in a comic book determine how they view this course of medical treatment.

TLDR: No Barbara Gordon wouldn't "go back" to being disabled without the chip. Writers and fans aren't good at writing disability and it shows

[knight-engale]

a strange request.

pairing: kuras/oc, kuras/mc

words: 1.6k

summary: after receiving an odd request from morgan, kuras decides to check on her, concerned for her safety.

warnings: accidental/involuntary voyeurism, references to religious guilt

a/n: inspired by a prompt @popcornaddict500 mentioned to me a while ago. i would have made this an "x reader" sort of thing but due to the nature of the fic, it just didn't work out without being awkward, so instead enjoy my mc i guess lol

Kuras quietly flipped through his patient notes, occasionally writing something down. He was always so busy tending to the sick and injured that it was rare that he had a moment to thoroughly review and update his records. There was always so much catching up to do…so much work to be done.

He was so absorbed in his record-keeping that he almost didn't notice the sound of someone knocking at the door. Only when it became more insistent did he look up. He quietly tucked his notes away and went to answer it.

“Good afternoon, how may I help you…” His golden eyes turned downward, his eyebrows lifting slightly when he realized who it was. “Ah, hello Morgan. Come in.”

He stepped aside, allowing the young woman to enter. She looked rather embarrassed, pulling her cloak a little more tightly around herself as she came into the office.

“Hello, Kuras… Thank you for letting me in.”

“Of course. How are your accommodations at the Wet Wick treating you?”

“It's been fine… Relatively comfortable, though I do wish I had ear plugs.”

Kuras gave that comment a small smile, his eyes shining pleasantly. “Is that why you've come to me?”

“No… I, um. You said I could see you if I needed anything, right?”

“That is correct.”

“Then…could you tell me if there's any…sources of water near the city…?” Morgan fidgeted with the hem of her cloak, her pale green eyes fixated on the floor as if it was the most interesting thing in the room. Kuras looked at her in surprise for the second time today.

“Sources of water? There is the river, I suppose… Why do you need one?”

“Ah…just…just because. It can't be the river, though… I need it to be more private than that. And cleaner.”

“I see. Unfortunately, I cannot recall any other water sources… There are public wells scattered around the city, which are free to anyone. Could you not use one of those?”

“No… It has to be bigger than that, and private. Please.”

Kuras considered her for a long moment. She was clearly distressed about this issue. He felt bad about disappointing her, but there wasn't much of a choice. He eventually let out a quiet sigh. Words came from his mouth before he could stop them.

“...There is one place I'm aware of that may provide the privacy you desire. However, I cannot in good conscience recommend it to you. I highly doubt it would be…safe.” He regretted speaking even as the words left him.

Morgan looked up. A few locks of her dark blue hair fell in front of her face. “What is it? The spot you're thinking of?”

He sighed quietly. “There is a freshwater spring outside of the city, to the west. It is fairly secluded.”

“That's perfect! To the west, you said?”

“Yes…but Morgan, I cannot stress enough that the safety of this spot is dubious. There is no shelter there; it is open and exposed to anything that may be nearby. Soulless are more common outside the city. I ask you to not go there.”

“If you didn't want me to go there, you shouldn't have told me about it.”

Kuras didn't have a good response for that. She was right; he shouldn't have mentioned it. But he couldn't retract it now. She looked determined to go out to the spring regardless of his warnings.

“Unless you have anything else to tell me, I should get going now. Thank you for your help.”

“...I've nothing else to tell you. I only request that you think about this. Lowtown may not be the safest of places, but it's still better than being alone and exposed out in the wastes. For your own well-being, I urge you to reconsider. The wells and river may not be ideal, but-”

“I appreciate your concern, but I can't do that. I'll be fine. Won't be outside the city very long at all.” Morgan didn't give him a chance to respond to that before leaving. Kuras stared at the door for a while after she left.

She was going to get herself killed, and it was going to be his fault. More needless death that he had failed to prevent.

Another knock at the door pulled him out of his thoughts. More work, no doubt. He took a deep, regretful breath to steel himself before answering the door again.

~~~

Half an hour passed before Kuras had a chance to slip away. He wouldn't usually leave during the middle of the day like this, but Ais was looking after the clinic for now, and…he couldn't get the idea of Morgan, alone and without any protection, out of his head. The guilt was eating him alive. He never should have told her about the spring.

His only consolation was the hope that, if she had been attacked, she'd only be injured and not killed. Injuries could be mended, but death was far more difficult to fix.

That hope is what drove Kuras as he swept through the city streets. Perhaps there was a chance that she was alright, and he'd been worried for nothing. However, if she wasn't, at least he'd likely be able to save her.

People in the streets practically jumped out of his way as he went by. Few people wanted to be in the way of someone so imposing who was walking with such purpose. It made the trek to the west side of the city much easier. He hesitated to leave it, though. The fear of what he may find if a Soulless had gotten to her was uncomfortable, to put it lightly. But he'd come so far already. There was no point in turning back…and he would surely regret it if he did. He'd rather know, even if he wasn't sure he'd like what he found.

Eventually he found the courage to continue on his little mission and left the city borders. He knew the way to the spring by heart, so it didn't take long. The little spring was surrounded by moderately sized stones and tall, if scraggly, shrubs, giving some semblance of privacy. Just what Morgan had desired. None of the shrubs or stones seemed to have been disturbed. There was no sign of Soulless in the nearby area.

More importantly, he could hear humming. It was unmistakably Morgan's voice. He took great care to be as surreptitious as possible as he approached.

There, standing in the shallower areas of the water, was Morgan, bathing herself. She was unharmed, and apparently not even slightly frightened or bothered by the riskiness of her current situation. Her clothes were neatly folded near her, and a bucket and washcloth were settled within arm’s reach. Heat rose in Kuras's cheeks as she stood up straight and stretched.

He had, of course, seen her naked body before when he saved her from dying out in the wastes. But that had been under purely professional circumstances. There had been nothing particularly attractive about cutting away her clothes and stitching her back together.

This, though? This was…different. This time, she was awake and well. This time, it was impossible to not notice the delicateness of her waist or the way her back arched when she raised her arms over her head. He couldn't help but stare a little at her generous thighs and wide hips, the way they swayed gently as she washed herself. The way the water rolled down every curve and contour of her body as she emptied the bucket onto herself was captivating. And her breasts…they were the most perfect pair he'd ever seen. Her whole body was perfect, really. It had been ages since he'd seen a body so beautiful. So divine, in the literal sense of the word; she could have been easily mistaken for one of his own kind in a human form.

The more he stared, the faster his heart began to beat. The warmer his face became. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the living work of art standing in the spring. His gaze lingered on her while she ran her washcloth along her flawless golden-bronze skin. Even her hands and forearms, discolored and crisscrossed with gold fissures, were beautiful, regardless of the curse he sensed in them. A living work of art indeed.

But she was no mere painting, either. No painting had ever made him feel quite like this. This…mortal. This fallible. If he was being honest with himself, not many people made him feel this way nowadays, either. Very few could awaken this deep, sinful hunger in him. And yet she, this woman he'd known for less than a full week…

Morgan's head began to turn in his direction. Kuras ducked down, hoping he was fast enough that she hadn't spotted him. If she had, she didn't cry out in surprise or even speak a word. He sat on the hard, dusty ground, trying to settle himself. As if accidentally seeing her in such a vulnerable situation wasn't bad enough, his mind couldn't shake the mental image of her, either. He almost couldn't help but feel…dirty. Dirty, and greatly intrigued, captivated by the spell her image put on him.

He would…have to consider these feelings more later. Privately. And perhaps, if he concluded that he hadn't done anything wrong in thinking of her in such a sinful way…perhaps he'd say something to her. He wasn't sure what he would say, but he felt the need to express his...appreciation of her beauty somehow. Perhaps this was a rare mercy, a god-given opportunity to fill the void of loneliness in his ancient heart. Only time would tell.

[kara-zor-els]

"We want more complex female comic book characters!" You guys can't even handle pre Flashpoint Barbara Gordon

[arcanusarchieves-if]

Helping us with our condition…protecting us from Solaine…is Alistair on the table 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺??????

Anon I have a piece of horrible news for you…well two pieces actually…

“Aw MC! Alas despite our limitless love for one another and fantastic chemistry, it was just not to be. My heart lies with another - my dear wife Helena. Luckily my wonderful baby brother Caspian is still on the table so if you could get to working on that…”

“Alistair has a point. The sooner you and Caspian are wed, the sooner you can have hot in-law sex with my husband. That type of video will make a killing in the porno world, you know?”

“Wha- Helena!”

Oracle Translation: Alistair loves you very much as a friend but he is happily married (and as of the main story he’s erm…dead) but luckily his wife is very supportive of your relationship.

[rocksandmirrors]

Matt is the type to lick food so no one will take it

He started doing it so steve wouldn’t take food cause ✨sibling things✨ then he does it around gus, an only child, and gus is like ????? Why ????

-🔮

ASJFAS THIS AND SNEEZING ON FOOD TOO. Gus is just staring in both confusion and disgust like babe what are you doing. you can have the last slice of pizza for all i care but stop doing this

(coming from someone who did cough and lick my food so my siblings wouldn't steal it. being the youngest (and physically weakest) is fucking wild)

[incorrectbatfam]

Jason: How much murdering do I get to do?

Barbara: None.

Jason: Your plan blows.

[theangelicstoryteller]

Reunion

Pairing: Link/Zelda, Zelink Raiting: E Words: 10,402 (ongoing) Chapters: 1, 2, and 3/? Summary:

Returning from his many adventures, Link returns to Hyrule and to the queen that awaits him. After some written confessions, Link faces his most daunting challenge of opening his heart to the one who captured it in the hopes she may love him in return.

A sequel to my Zelink Week 2023 work A Link to Romance.

This is a gift for @daemosdaen, who has been a great support of my work. More chapters work, but you can read it on AO3! Just click the title!

[percabeth4life]

And yes I do think that publicly shaming people for having fun on their fanfics and including, in a fandom where the author of the actual series is nowhere near accurate, "inaccuracy", is not only idiotic but incredibly rude.

Fanfics are for fun, people write them to enjoy their writing, they twist facts and pick myths to fit what fits their world. Let them have fun.

[legendsoffandoms]

I’m back with another Lloyd au yall :)

So Oracle!Lloyd au!

I was watching a vid and the audio inspired me lol

So basically after the whole Lloyd absorbing the dragon magic thingy, he just becomes Oracle Lloyd.

He sees the past, present, and future. And like also other possibilities that could happen. And just Oracle stuff, like having visions(that makes sense). And this other stuff, but like obviously Lloyd’s personality changes heavily because of this.

And now he has no idea how to act, because he isn’t really this all knowing wise man who’s serious and confident. He’s this anxious kid who’s a very overprotective dad and brother. He’s not always serious, he’s definitely not all knowing and wise. He’s sweet and caring, and has unresolved anger issues. He’s holding a grudge against so many people he’s fought because he’s been seriously hurt by them. He’s scared, and he has abandonment issues.

He’s not anything an Oracle would act like, he’s emotional and wants the best for everyone. He’s not an Oracle, so he gets an identity crisis. He questions everything about him, and what makes it worse is he can see what happens in the future. He knows what happens when he makes certain decisions, like this one. He doesn’t want this power. Because he can also see how much he’s hurting everyone else.

And over time he has to learn to live with it, he has to learn how to be an Oracle and not lose himself. Because he has loved ones, he has kids. He has a family, and he doesn’t want to lose them to him being an Oracle.

And that’s my wrap of this Au, my hc for it is he ends up being this really cool sensei type figure, and he’s really cool looking. But is super sweet and has your best interest at heart, and he’s a super cool dad. But he isn’t afraid to break hard truths to people. Keep in mind this is just how I see him ending up, I would love for yall to tell me how you see him ending up!

Enjoy this beautiful au, stay safe! And write some good angst!

[horsechestnut]

Reverse Robins One Shot, Focused on Black Mask Steph and Oracle Tim!

Steph's general rule of thumb when it comes to the Bats was to interact with them as little as possible. When she had to, she'd get in, make some jokes, and get out as soon as possible. The downside of that policy is sometimes the jokes would slip out before she'd fully thought them through, and before she knew it she'd gone from making an offhand joke to the most serious conversation she'd had in months.

For more information on my Reverse Robins AU you can check out this link!

Also shout out to nonbinarydelladuck for this post which inspired this story!