#might make a gold silver ver

[twistedlovelines]

who in the twst cast lets you put a ribbon on it. (Diasomnia, Rollo, Crewel)

NSFW, MDNI, gn! reader <3

(Heartslabyul, Savannaclaw Vers.) (Pomefiore, Ignihyde Vers.) (Octavinelle, Scarabia Vers.)

Diasomnia

Malleus Draconia

Of course he lets you put a ribbon on it. He would raze down entire kingdoms for you. A ribbon is nothing . The moment you mention it, ribbons appear out of thin air, dancing around you in a flurry of the finest silks procured from all across Twisted Wonderland. Whether you prefer a more simple ribbon, or one decorated with gold and jewels, he will offer you all that your imagination could dream of and more. Every single option you choose will be laid on a display with care, and he’ll be surprisingly reverent in doing so.

Genuinely treats this as an act of courtship and treasures the act of you tying the ribbon around your cock with such delicacy and tenderness. Every brush against his skin sends a heightened sense of pleasure through his body- more so than usual. The slipperiness of the silk is simply divine against his skin, but frankly, your touch is what brings him over the edge. 

Silver

Oh? He’s never really hard about putting ribbons on one’s cock, but he doesn't feel super strongly about it either way when you mention it. He does have experience making flower crowns, though, so if you want to do a styled pattern on the ribbon or want to do a particular type of knot, he’ll do his best to help! The skin of his cock does tend to be sensitive, so take care not to use a bow made of polyester; otherwise, he’ll be overstimulated and not in the fun way :(

He may or may not fall asleep with the ribbon on. It just feels so soft and nice against his skin…as aroused as he is, the caress of the fabric lulls him to the waiting arms of sleep. However, if you took precautions and worked him up a fair bit beforehand, he enjoys the added sensation of the ribbon combined with your own hand <33 Slightly tightening the bow while he’s temporarily dazed works wonders- the sudden constriction jolts him awake and makes him want to chase this pleasure until he’s spent.

Sebek Zigvolt

He’s so bewildered when you mention it to him. It reminds him of the tales Lilia told him, where royalty and maidens alike would grant knights their favor with a ribbon or handkerchief…hearing of a similar tradition in a sexual context makes him incredibly flustered. He will ask if this is an odd human courting ritual of yours. (He’s disappointed when you say it isn’t . Just a little .)

Put in so much time searching for a ribbon after you mention it tbh. It’s special to him, even if you had only brought it up as a passing interest. Of course he’s going to find one that’s made with enchanted silk, one that’s been created by nothing but one of the best. (He may ask Lilia for help in this area, as the older fae is likely to have expertise in fabrics and whatnot). When it’s actually tied around him, he feels as if his soul is going to leave his body. The soft, act of possession as you tie a ribbon around his cock make him incredibly weak, and he’s practically putty under your hands for the rest of the night <3

Lilia Vanrouge

Oh he’s having fun. He has plenty of ribbons from when he was experimenting with different fashion styles, so you’ll have a fair share to choose from!! From ribbons with frayed edges to ones with fine embroidery, the only issue you might find is having to untangle them all and pick out which one you like best ^^; He even offers a few suggestions that are more in-depth than you’d expect…

If you can’t choose one, he offers that you try multiple in one night (or even in one round!). Why not try all that you can in order to experience this kink to the fullest? I don’t think he has a particular preference for any particular fabric, although he does seem to gravitate towards ribbons that have more lace and textures to them! Will most definitely bring it up again whenever the craving strikes, and will have absolutely no shame in asking if he could do the same to you <3

Misc.

Rollo Flamme

Oh. Oh dear. He becomes incredibly fond of the thought even as he vehemently scolds you for having such perverted thoughts about him. He already carries around a handkerchief with your signature scent on it, of course he would want you to claim him properly as well. Despite this, he can’t help but feel flustered and ashamed. To do something so lewd in such a loving manner…he can’t contain how incredibly horny that makes him.

He’ll spend time with you picking out a ribbon, though he already has one in mind. One of classic silk with a bit of a lace trim- there’s simply no other ribbon that could do. When you finally tie it around his cock, it takes all of his might to not cum on the spot. The sheer intimacy of the moment overwhelms him, and he can’t help but want to have your touch engulf him wholly as he succumbs to your desires. 

Divus Crewel

You want to tie a ribbon around him? You better understand what a commitment that is, pup. He typically prefers to dom in the bedroom, and you wanting to collar him (in a sense) is quite the intimate proposition. If you ask this of him, he takes it all rather seriously. Taking you to specialty boutiques to pick out a ribbon that would symbolize your bond best, to lending you a book detailing different types of bows and styles one can decorate their lover’s cock with. 

He’s patient throughout the whole ordeal, watching your every move with bated breath. Every single loop the ribbon makes around his cock, every knot you make…he engraves every movement in his mind as he feels pre-cum drip over the edges of the luxurious fabric…He will pay back the pleasure that you will draw from him tenfold <3

a/n: Thank you for reading the final installment of my "who in the twst cast lets you put a bow on it" series! If you have any ideas you want me to elaborate on, feel free to stop in my inbox <3

[lexsssu]

Divine (Arjuna Alter | Berserker)

TAGS: Arjuna Alter/Dragoness!reader, pining, heats/ruts, pheromones, knotting, smut, oneshot Ao3 ver. | Ko-fi | Commissions (OPEN)

From the moment he is summoned in Chaldea to assist humanity’s last master, Arjuna ( Alter ), the culmination of the Indian pantheon and former opponent of said master knew what his purpose was.

He is a weapon against evil, nothing more and nothing less.

But…

“I know it’s not the same as back in your country, but I like to think my Japanese-style curry tastes pretty good. I made sure to make it extra spicy for you too!”

The god blinked at the tall pile of steaming curry rice placed in front of him, smelling the various aromatic spices and feeling the heat it gave off thanks to sheer amount of spice. Though he had no need to eat thanks to his divinity and also because he was a servant, the tantalizing aroma of the meal didn’t fail to tease his senses especially as you gazed up at him expectantly with those molten gold orbs of yours that shone and glittered like the finest of jewels. It also didn’t help that you unknowingly bat your lashes up at him as you pleaded with him through your gaze alone, the dark lush crescents emphasizing how even just a pair of eyes could hold unimaginable beauty.

You are breathtaking.

And that honestly scared him.

He, who had shed his mortal shell to embody almost every god in his respective pantheon, who had dedicated his existence to purging the world of evil, and now who’d found himself a servant to a master much more powerful than he or any servant was.

Though servants being attracted to their masters and relationships before formed between the two wasn’t anything new, Arjuna ( Alter ) of all servants felt that he himself would never be so imbecilic as to fall for his master…

And yet here he is.

Leaning forward as you’d taken it upon yourself to scoop up a spoonful of curry rice and feed it to him since he’d frozen up like a deer in headlights the moment you’d placed the treat in front of him.

“So...how does it taste? Is it spicy enough for you? Or maybe it needs more flavor? Or…?”

Normally you always wore a look of complete serenity, as if everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen was simply all part of your grand plan that no one is privy to aside from yourself...At least that’s how it looked to Arjuna and everyone else within Chaldea considering the inconceivable feats you so easily make into reality.

But now you’re gazing up at him, seemingly as harmless as a little lamb despite your ability to destroy entire worlds according to one of the other servants, Tathamet, who’d apparently been a blessed witness to all your feats before arriving in Chaldea. The primordial revered you as much as he feared you despite apparently being ‘ The Prime Evil, ’ further proof of your power.   

Despite his understanding of mortal behavior having been eradicated when he decided to ascend, there is no denying the heat that seems to engulf his whole body as you sit so close to him, serving him as if he weren’t the servant within this relationship.

“...Good. It’s...perfect…” Though an invisible lump seems to have formed in his throat, the former Lost-Belt King manages to utter the words you’ve been waiting for so patiently.

He swallows when his eyes take notice of how visibly you perk up, the ear to ear grin and the slight wagging of the glittering silver tail behind you making his own deep blue tail move ever so slowly in response to your reactions.

“Great! I was afraid that you wouldn’t like it since it’s not really the same as what you’re used to but I tried my best…” 

The bashful grin you grace him with only worsens the Berserker’s condition, his dark chocolate complexion seemingly gaining a reddish hue as he did his best to understand these confusing feelings you elicited from him.

Was this another facet of your limitless power? Or perhaps...was his body simply too weak to handle your sheer might even by just being in close proximity to you?

With the both of you off in your own world, most of the servants seem to have their gazes glued to the pair you made. Not that it was surprising, considering you were their venerated master and pretty much every servant and everyone else within Chaldea was sure you were some sort of eldritch being that came into existence and power long before any of the known gods and primordial entities did.

At this moment however, Arjuna’s thoughts have moved on from your undeniable strength and towards uncharted territory.

Namely...the reactions his physical body seems to be making in response to you.

Perhaps he should consult with someone more...adept with human emotions? Maybe it was about time he paid a visit to his brother, Karna...

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

“ KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! KNOT ME! ”

 This...was the last scenario he’d expected after consulting with Karna about the emotions you made him feel.

“ PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! ” 

He simply knocked at your door some days later after he’d digested his brother’s words, understanding for himself what his feelings meant before he made a move. So caught up in his own affairs, he didn’t notice how your natural scent seemed to become...spicier and almost cloyingly sweet until he’d fully entered your room only to be hit with your raw pheromones.

It all becomes a blur at that point, because the next thing Arjuna knows is that he’s pinning you down upon your bed in a full mating press, the entire length of his cock forcing your lower lips open as he sought to pour every drop of his potent seed into your fertile womb.

Though in human form, you were both very much in tune with your baser instincts and like any animal, there were certain times where your bodies went against your minds. 

The combined scent of your sweat and other bodily fluids made the former god purr from his chest, especially as your body secreted pheromones that told him how happy you were for him to be the one mating you. How you looked forward to the brood you’ll bear for him once his seed takes root within your belly.

“Good mate…” He rasps, ragged breaths hitting the shell of your ear when he shoved every last inch of his cock inside, the heavy knot at the base slipping easily inside your velvety depths as he began painting your hungry cunt with rivulets of white.

[celaenaeiln]

12 am anon here. okay so uh we havent talked about it cause i rly dunno how to tell them “yeah i think ur rly cute and i love it when you ramble abt the things you like and sometimes i do wanna kiss u” . anyways what songs do u think are dick grayson coded

personally some that come to mind are surface pressure from encanto, bad idea right and brutal by olivia rodrigo, and nerves by dpr ian. spring day by bts specifically when it comes to donna and wally and all his other dead loved ones

*older post I'm getting to now, 12 am anon and girlfriend are happily together, I just needed time to collate a list*

But that aside, you are literally the cutest. You make me so happy every time ;)

Surface Pressure, Bad Idea Right, and Brutal are all spot on!

I'd never heard Nerves before but now I've listened to it on repeat

Spring Day (eng ver) hadn't even entered my mind but now it won't get out.

Honestly all of Taylor Swift's and Olivia Rorigo's songs match Dick so perfectly

Orange are feel goods/exciting/dramatic story creation types

Blacks are sad/meloncholy/reflection songs about the darker side

I guess this is a Dick Grayson playlist.

Songs-

Come Hang Out by AJR - The Titans with Dick

You're Gonna Go Far Kid by The Offspring - self-explanatory.

Warriors of the Mind

You're on your own kid

This kpop song (anon knows, you might too)

My Version of You by Beth Crowley - reminded me of Tim and Dick's relationship when they fought during Dick's Batman era

Stop you're losing me by Taylor Swift - matches Dick fighting with Bruce

Unstoppable by Sia - reminds me of how the entire Superhero community relies on Dick and how he reacts in response

Let the Games Begin by AJR - is Dick constantly acting and ready for attention. Dick dealing with Gotham high society

Whatever It Takes by Imagine Dragons - embodies him in his entirety. If there's one song that defines him, it's this for me.

Toxic Thoughts by Faith Marie - Him struggling with his insecurities of breaking his own records

Welcome to the Show by Britt Nicole - Robin Dick being a little psycho and taking his team on an adventure

The First One by Astrid S - careful. It's about Nightwing (1996) Issue #134. Not sure if it can be considered canon or not, it's a gray area for me

Leader of the Landslide by The Lumineers - Basically Dick's reaction to Bruce abandoning him with all the kids and him being protective of them. Relates to Gotham War most clearly but always

Fire by Gavin Degraw - Dick's bamfness and journey

Christmas Kids by Roar - Here comes Bruce's messed up attachment issues to Dick

Million to One by Camila Cabello - Dick's perfectionist issues and dreams of being greater

If You Go Down ( I'm Going Down Too) by Kelsea Ballerini - Dick and Donna's ride or die relationship.

Don't Think Just Run by Beth Crowley - Dick, leadership, and the superheroes' reliance on him

Labour - Dick hypothically getting tired of Bruce dumping every single thing on him

Panic Room by Au/Ra - Scarecrow telling Dick in Knight Terrors that his fear may be the scariest fear of them all. I'm just imagining everyone getting trapped in Dick's head and being forced to face his fear. That would be such a fun story to write.

Rise by Katy Perry - Dick will always overcome and thrive.

Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga - Dick with the Titans just as they score a major victory

Human by Christina Perri - Dick asking for a reprieve (in his head)

Human by Krewlla - Same but sadder

Dress by Charlotte Sands - Other people falling in love with Dick

Gold Rush by Taylor Swift - How other people fall in love wiht Dick told through the eyes of Barbara or Kori

Heart of Stone by Six the Musical - Dick's unwavering love for Bruce

Achilles Come Down by Gang of Youths - Dick is Achilles.

Geronimo by Sheppard - Silver Age Teen Titans era except it's all of them.

Circus by Britney Spears - C'mon. He's performer born for the spotlight.

Je vole by Louane - Dick's message to Bruce about him leaving

Je vais t'aimer by Louane - The intensity of Dick's love that sometimes leaves his lovers entralled, breathless, and scared.

Location by AJR - Dick reaching out to someone (not necessarily romantic)

Bird Set Free by Sia - Dick lives for himself and his morals. He lives for peace.

She Sets the City on Fire by Gavin Degraw - Other people's point of view of Dick

Dark Paradise by Lana Del Rey - Dick's grief and mourning for Bruce's passing

Wonderland by Taylor Swift - Roy and Dick's relationship

Head Above the Water by Avril Lavigne - Dick being the superhero community's rock and leadership.

Nightmare by Halsey - Dick's a little wild but that's the reason he's still alive. This is just him going after Blockbuster.

Graveyard by Halsey - Dick literally keeping Bruce from destroying himself

The Phoenix by Fall Out Boy - Just Dick raising super powered team after team and yanking everyone onto their feet

Pompeii by Bastille - Dick's perspective after the bombing of Bludhaven

The entire sour album by Olivia Rodigro - To describe Dick and Bruce after Bruce fired him

Troublemaker by Olly Murs - How literally none of his exes can let him go

Issues by Julia Michaels - Dick and Kori's relationship

See You Again by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth - Dick and the Titans

Monster by Eminem and Rihanna - The amount of times people have told Dick he was crazy and he laughed and did it anyway

Superhero by Simon Curtis - Teen Titans Dick

Thunder by Imagine Dragons - Dick always takes charge of himself and his own destiny

A Million Dreams, the Greatest Showman - It literally sounds like Dick's inner thoughts to make Gotham a better place

Brave by Sara Bareilles - It's reminiscent of Dick's speech to Conner

Secrets and Lies by Death Note the Musical - This is Outsiders Dick Grayson to a T

Playing His Game by Death Note the Musical - This is how Dick solves all his crimes and mysteries

Drinking alone by Carrie Underwood - Ric Grayson

[forgottenroderick]

OOC | The Empress

felt like making crests, and so im back on this train heehee! ok so im thinking that maybe the white/silver in guin's crest is perhaps a nod to her mom's colors, so im thinking that's probs one of the main colors we're working w here and, w that in mind onto the charge!

as a reminder, doves symbolize loving constancy and peace, good tidings; represents the soul, the spirit of god; peace, purity, chastity; and argent indicates peace and sincerity

from [ this list ], the charges (in no partiucular order save the one i came upon them hahah) that felt most ~guin's mom~ lsdkjafsldkjf to me felt:

lion (probs white) -- dauntless courage; bravery, strength, ferocity, valour

winged lion (also probs white) -- prosperity, power, bravery, wisdom, royalty

golden fleece -- power, authority, kingship

pegasus (white) -- fame, eloquence, poetic study, contemplation; poetic genius and inspiration; swiftness

unicorn (white) -- extreme courage; virtue and strength; purity

sphinx -- omniscience, secrecy, mystery, guardianship, divinity, providence, intellect

pomegranate -- fertility and abundance

annulet/ring -- fidelity, mark of fifth son

fusil/diamond (probs white) -- travel, labor; industry; (of yarn) negotiation

lamp, ancient -- light, hope, purity, devotion, divinity, wisdom, intellect, good works

wing(s)/vol -- protection; swiftness; peace, flight, freedom, enlightenment

(i noted the cases in which the sigil is probs white vs the bg being white...idk if that really matters but here we are kladjsfkljsdf)

what do you guys think? (also, thinking abt this and idk if guin has any maternal family still kicking but even if they're distantly related they probs got a bigggg powerup at court the instant that woman died ironically enough lakjdsflkjsdjkf great husbanding, there, roderick! as always...)

POTENTIAL NAMES

also thinking of naming guin's mom elaine (the og ophelia!) given the arthurian connections and also the woman dying for love of a husband too concerned w another woman (who btw ~was guinevere whom elaine greatly resembled!) to notice vibes...what do you guys think of that? this name is v ancient and has lotsaaaa meanings but that thing i did about aria and eilionora's names include most of 'em! since this is, ofc, using different base languages, a basis for eilia's name and that of her mother as well which is why ive hesitated so long to just call her this hahaha

some versions:

elaine

elena

elina

eline

eliina

ella

elli

elna

helen

helena

hella

helle

leena

lene

ilona

these are all (except for elaine which is the welsh/french arthurian vers of the name) are of scandinavian derivation, like the visigothic language

another potential is dido, a legendary carthaginian queen who cast herself upon a funeral pyre when (in some versions) her lover abandoned her to go conquering. another hella old name manyyyy meanings by now but "beloved" and "wanderer" and "god + fire + woman" and "gold/golden" are amongst the most common/recurring

dido

dino

dion

dior

diot

dye

elisa

elishat

elissa

elsa

gusta

lilli

lise

tenney

side note that tenney might also serve as her ~house name instead so that's smth too idk

there's also

ophelia

who ~also famously drowned herself after her lover betrayed her. it means "help/advantage"

or, finally,

glauke/glauce

the second wife of jason who was poisoned by medea, his first wife, and means "gleaming/bright"

also obv down for any suggestions!! these were just some ideas based on the empress's own fate hahahaah

[horn-of-leo]

i feel like i talk too negatively when going on rants here so i wanted to share good news :D

I rewatched the whole series again with my sib and it was honestly great to sort of go through the rollercoaster again, especially because she's never watched past the Sanctuary arc(I'm the only one who's watched it full through) so it was cool to experience it again with someone reacting for the first time plus we've made so many funny jokes out of the whole run

I'm gonna just be talking about the whole experience in here of what we've watched (cuz it will be the whole series)

Sanctuary Arc:

The good ol '80s anime, my sibs and I grew up with the English dub(the ADV one), and sometimes I see people saying it's bad but I don't think so, honestly tho this dub was probably the reason I had no clue everyone was supposed to apparently be young teenagers/adults since everyone voicing in this ver is obviously a 30+ year old man, I mean some characters do sound like they recruited the first guy they found at the office to fill in for the role and probably only told them the name of the character but never showed them what the actual character looked/should sound like(*cough* Camus) but other than that I think everyone does a great job. idk probably bias since I grew up with it but I'm telling you that no other dub will go as ham as the ADV one. It's such a shame they didn't at least get to finish the Sanctuary arc and only got up to 60 episodes. I actually got a little sad when we finished out the eng dub episodes too lol and I know there's the other one but I ain't watching it

ANYWAYS, it's honestly very funny to look at all of the fillers for this arc and just know the anime did not know what type of series it was going to be since the beginning, it's like they tried to do a villain of the week format since they had the basis of the mad grab for the Sagittarius helmet that was also apparently the most powerful cloth in the world and it turns you into a super saint that could destroy the world if taken into the wrong hands, and it's the only gold cloth in the world...until like another 20 eps in where they have to start writing around what they had and go with the manga continuity as best as they could

I really do enjoy the fillers that they have for this tho, because it not only gets the main five to like chill from doing the main plot for five seconds but it gets to add more character/bonding between them. One thing I really liked is that there is more development of Saori reaching out to them and making up for how she's treated them in the past since they're all already on edge with her since she was so spoiled and treated them like garbage when they were all kids. So to see them all gradually warming up to each other is great and it makes it more plausible that they'd want to still keep fighting for each other (as compared to the manga where they still hate her even into the Sanctuary arc and they only arrived to fight for their own personal reasons and tolerate her at best because she's Athena, it's so disheartening to read actually, like WHAT'S THE ACTUAL POINT THEN IF THEY DON'T EVEN LIKE HER???)

Another thing is that I really like is how they handled Shiryu's character arc when he lost his sight. As compared to the handwave from the manga, he's greatly affected by what's happened and might have to come to terms that he'll never be able to fight again beside everyone when something like the fight against the Sanctuary is so near. And it's a huge blow to the team as well that they basically just disband right there for a couple of seconds (but then get back a few eps later since the Algol vs. Shiryu fight was earlier and they still had a few more silver saints to get through).

So when the anime cuts back to Shiryu, it's shown he can't adapt to his life right away and is still suffering from ptsd of both losing his sight and the fear of being left behind that he's honestly lost hope that he'll ever recover. But after having his fight with Ohko(anime-only guy he's trained with as a kid) it kickstarts him find his drive to fight again and that even if he is blind, he's found out that it's not the end for him as a saint and his life in general too.

I did enjoy the other fillers about the others doing stuff too, though poor Shun having nothing to his name tho😭(he deserved to have something at least but I guess his character arc is a slow burn since he doesn't really develop as a character until near the end of the arc itself/later arcs)

Anyways on to where the ball really drops at the 12 houses arc:

No need to individually talk about every single battle lol cuz that would get so long and I don't really have anything else new to add while rewatching.

Personally, I think there's quite a dip to where the arc kind of peaks the first time around the Leo-Virgo temple where I start to tune out then basically get interested back around the last three houses where everyone starts to die for real. It doesn't help really that before Shaka's fight, we just have two long episodes of Ikki getting his ass beat and Shaka personally making sure Ikki is getting his ass beat which is a little funny and he was so petty for that.

But anyway after Shaka, it starts to drag a little going on with the Libra house then with Milo having the best anime original fight against Seiya/Shiryu to having the ugliest episode of the whole series.

Also sorry, I only liked the part where Seiya and Shiryu fight him, the actual fight between Hyoga and Milo I start to tune out. Honestly though, while the Milo vs. Hyoga is definitely one of the most disconnected fights of the arc, I did appreciate the fight cause it still is good for Hyoga's development (plus its probably to make up for him doing basically nothing the whole arc until now).

Skipping ahead to the fight against Saga, I remembered that Seiya has basically checked out since Aioria's fight(which I cannot blame since he did get super fucked up during so) but that last hour really hangs on for a good 6 episodes.

I think it was sad we didn't actually get to have the flashback where Saga turns evil since the anime team(godbless them) had to make up the craziest shit to fill in for the story, only for Kurumada to cancel out every single story plot they wrote so they couldn't possibly ever really try to even say it was Saga who was the pope for the last 13 years. Since they introduced Pope Ares as the first Pope's evil brother who has just recently took over shortly after Seiya left after earning his armor and was straight up evil for no good reason that it seems almost stupid any of the Gold Saints could even think he was a good person when the first thing acknowledged by both Aioria and Marin when he was introduced is that he was pure evil. Which isn't even the start of how they tried to write around that plot point for the anime afterwards where it gets even more confusing of where Saga really comes in the picture and basically settling that since it was a good 60 episodes ago, you'd basically have forgotten the lore they've written up to let it slide, which is fair tbh.

Also, I think the anime has a better conclusion to this arc since everyone joins up together to jump Saga at the end. Plus Saori got to roast him too so that was cool.

Asgard Arc

It felt very bittersweet to move on from the Sanctuary arc into Asgard. I wanted to give this arc a chance, unfortunately I still couldn't find myself really getting into it. Plus the subs are very bad around this part so it was hard to know what the characters names were and ultimately we just skipped around until there was scene that was either originally in the manga/final parts of the arc that carries on into the next one.

I guess it's not great for group watching when none of us are really interested since the changes of the artstyle/armor designs is a little disheartening to see. Plus the pacing was kinda of not great(?) like the cuts were way too fast or skipped to a wildly different scene from the last that we couldn't tell if we like missed an episode or it was the opposite where we just sat simmering at a scene of the characters acting like dragon ball characters for a good 5+ minutes for padding.

Personally, I do think the character designs are super great though and probably the only thing I wished that happened was that they all lived so their back stories wouldn't be completely useless to know (tho ig Siegfred could die since it had some reason to it, tho it's still kind of dumb how it happened) but I'd maybe have to go back to watch it myself to maybe appreciate it more but who knows? I just wish there are better subs out there that I could probably stand watching it.

Poseidon Arc:

Kind of a lukewarm arc tbh, I don't feel like I have anything else to add really on this rewatch.

I have my gripes about certain characters/stories in this arc and they've made some changes I definitely don't like. Main offender is the scene where Seiya take Poseidon's trident to shield Saori when this scene was originally supposed to be Kanon's redemption scene and ultimately it adds nothing because Seiya just walks it off. Though the only reason why I can guess they made this change was because I assume it would confuse people when Kanon comes back in the Hades arc and it turns out he survived but it wasn't known then and that arc wasn't animated until a good 10 years later. And I'm pretty sure the anime already knew it was wrapping up by then, so they chose to have Seiya take the blow and not seemingly kill Kanon and instead just left it more ambiguous if he was able to make it out of Atlantis or not when they sealed Poseidon. Though it's just my speculation.

It was a little sad to finally finish the whole 80s anime but I think it's good they at least got to finish up til the Poseidon arc. But other than that I think that they had a good wrap up with everyone being happy in the end and they gave Shaina great drip when they're all out in their normal clothes again, so bonus for that ending.

Hades Arc:

Man, this one was super long to get into. Gotta divide them up for each OVA. We're getting into the 2000s babey!

Sanctuary OVA:

I'll be real this one is literally so good. The opening, the animation, added scenes are super cool. The op definitely has that sad 2000s vibe but that's what makes it really good and it really captures the feels of the whole arc too and the song slaps so hard. I'll be real the 3D is a little cheesy and off-putting but they tried so I'll give it to them. I wish the OVAs all had the same quality as this one, it's really such a shame this one was basically as good as it gets Hades arc-wise. Personally, I think everything was done really beautifully during this arc, and I guess it helps that this part is mostly Gold Saint-focused. I really liked watching this part honestly, idk why it has this sentimental value to me, I guess it was just the opening lol. All the scenes just hit and its sad to me ;w;

It was a great comeback tbh, though I guess it's too bad that it's only downhill from here...

Inferno + Elysium OVAs:

I'll just combine the last two OVAs together, because not much good things to add afterwards. It's more of just getting through with it unfortunately. By here, I really can't get invested since technically everyone's character arcs are basically over other than just pointlessly fighting because they need to do so.

I think it was said that the animation studio changed or at least it wasn't the same one like in the first one, and it's super noticeable with how static everyone is and it really only gets worse in the Elysium chapter with its cheesy ass google slides transitions.

Personally though, I like the new voice actors (even if it's kind of sad we don't hear the old ones) but I don't think there's really a problem they've recasted them. I just think there is a point where it's very noticeable that the voice actor is too old for a role and it really doesn't fit anymore. Though the only one I actually have a problem with not fitting at all is Takahiro Sakurai as Shiryu(plus the guy sucks now apparently, but his pitch never fit Shiryu in the first place and that's my main argument).

I thought the opening is great and goes hard. I think it was good they decided to go for at least one upbeat song since most of the tracks are all basically ballads. Also the ending song for the Elysium OVA is so amazingly good, it's such a shame they didn't actually make a real animation to go with a song like that until the last episode(I mean if you just kind of count the slideshow of the characters as animation). This one plus the Inferno one didn't get an ending either unfortunately.

Maybe this was still kind of critical lol but it doesn't mean I hated it or anything, and honestly I think it's good I've found myself invested in something again after a really long time. I think honestly this show has really influenced a lot of stuff about my interests/my own art style too so I'm glad to rekindle my love for this series again!

Overall is the ending of Saint Seiya good? Absolutely not. But did I enjoy rewatching the series again? Absolutely :)

[kokorozasumono]

[mobagehelllocal]

“i can hold the world in my hands” ver ii - deuce, jade, floyd & silver

A/N: Hello hello I finally finished farming the FGO event. I’m continuing the “i can hold the world in my hands” series with some self-indulging choices~ I won’t write anymore for this series unless people request for it. For the ones who have sent in requests, please do not worry! I will get right on it since that will be my next writing priority~! :)

Now! Without further ado~ Let’s get some fluff!

other versions: ver i (dorm leaders), ver ii (this), ver iii (jamil), ver iv (ruggie, rook, lilia), ver v (trey), ver vi (ace, jack, epel, sebek)

--

Underneath his breath, Deuce rapidly muttered out the magical theories written in Riddle’s notes. His brows furrowed, and his mouth, pouted--a soft giggle escaped your lips because you can’t help admire how genuinely adorable he was being. 

You knew about his past--he had already told you that he used to be a delinquent, and that he worried his mother so much so that he wanted to change his image in high school. He was doing his best to be a model student--the type of student he thought, would make his mother proud. It was sweet, and it made you want to cheer him on as much as possible.

You quietly slid a drink his way, just something he can use to refresh himself with--studying magic theory was difficult. It wasn’t exactly for everyone. It was something you couldn’t help with either, because regardless of how much you tried to understand--you had no magic. You would never be able to really comprehend the topic. So, the most you can do was sit by his side, give him a drink and maybe snacks when he looked really stressed.

Seeing the drink at the corner of his eye, Deuce closed the notebook and leaned his head back against his seat.

“My head hurts.” he whined, and you laughed.

“But you’re almost done.” you placed a hand on his shoulder, and he hummed as you rubbed it gently, “just a little more.”

“I might need a break.” he said after a moment of silence, the faintest glitter of mischief in his green eyes was definitely the delinquent in him. You smiled, you loved this about him too-of course.

“Hm...” you tapped your lower lip, “then let me tell you a trick I learnt back home.”

He tilted his head in interest, and you shot him a grin.

“Did you know, I can hold the world in my hands?”

“What?” he gaped, you chuckled at his expression--leave it to Deuce to actually believe you meant it--literally. “Wait, how? Like is it magic? But no it’s not magic, you don’t have magic--so wait how does that work--”

Your hands land on his cheeks, and you squished his face.

“What are you doing?” he shot you a quizzical look.

“Holding the world.” you winked. He stared at you confused.

“I...” you tilted your head, patiently waiting for him to respond. “I don’t get it.” he said finally, and a snort slipped out of you, followed by a guffaw. In fact, you’re so amused, you begin to tear up, and your hands slip away to cover your mouth.

“What? Why are you laughing Prefect? I really don’t get it!” He had a genuinely frustrated expression on his face, and it makes you laugh even harder.

“Oh you adorable boyfriend of mine.” you pinched his cheeks, and he lets out a yelp. “I mean that you’re my world.”

“Oh.” his eyes are wide, and you give him several more moments to understand what you tried to convey to him. “Oh... you mean... I’m your... that is...”

“Yes.” You nodded firmly, “you’re my world Deuce.”

He stared back at you, genuinely amazed, as heat crawled up his face. “I’m-- that is--eh--you” he shakily cleared his own throat, before his hands moved to cup your cheeks as well.

“You...” his face turned a brilliant shade of red reminiscent to a certain dorm leader’s. “you’re my world too.”

When Ace and Grimm returned to the dorm room bringing even more snacks, they’re met by the sight of the the two of you sitting a space a part, with beet red faces. Ace and Grimm shared an expression of disgust.

“Eww.”

--

When Jade couldn’t entertain you because he was busy doing errands for Azul, or working at Mostro Lounge--he would calmly slip an arm around your waist, and lead you off to relax in his bedroom. He would usher you into his bed, wrap you tight in his blankets, before leaving to go back to whatever he was doing.

So here you were, wrapped snugly in his blankets, blinking slowly as you had just awoken from a brief nap. The door opened, and Jade slipped in with a tray of your favourite drink from Mostro Lounge.

“Good afternoon my flower,” he greeted softly, “did you have a good nap?”

“Mhm... yeah.” You blinked rapidly, trying to shoo the sleep away now that your beau was here. “you spoil me too much Jade.”

“Ohoh... I’ll have to disagree,” his lips curled into that familiar smile that made your heart skip several beats. The same smile that made you fall head over heels for the merman. “I do not believe I spoil you enough.” He gently gave you your drink, and placed the tray down onto the bedside table. You take the straw, and slip it between your lips as you watched him undress his outer layers, at a slow pace. He put his hat down, carefully folded his scarf at the end of the bed, and slipped off his outer blazer. When he looked up, and caught your gaze, his smile widened.

“Oh my. Is there a reason you were staring, my flower?” You felt your whole face flush red at that.

“N-no!” you stuttered out, and his eyes slid shut, making him all the more devious looking.

“Please stop teasing me Jade.”

“I can’t help it. It comes naturally to me.” He chuckled lightly, as he removed his bowtie, and took a seat next to you. He noticed you were done with your drink, and without saying anything, grabbed it, to put on the bedside table. You couldn’t help but pout a little.

“Jade--I want to do something for you too.” ‘Or rather, I wish I could fluster you the way you do to me.’

“Hm?” he wrapped an arm around your waist before he gently pulled you up against him. You basically slackened in his arms, and his smile had a glint of amusement. What people seemed to forget was that as Floyd’s twin brother, Jade gave some pretty great tight hugs too. You could spend all day in his arms if you could.

“This is enough for me, flower.” he said, as he rearranged the two of you to be lying down on his bed--with you halfway on top of him.

“Yeah but... I feel like you’ve given me so much--and I don’t give back a fraction of what you do.” He tilted his head, his gold and olive eyes glimmered with affection. “You can try.” He said, his lips curled. You puffed your cheeks, and he chuckled as he stroked your back, while you buried your head in the crook of his neck.

‘What can I do for him?’ You nuzzled your head. ‘Or rather--I want to him to be flustered. I want him to blush. What can I do?’ Sensing that you were deep in thought, his lips curled even more, before he shut his eyes, waiting patiently for whatever it was you would throw at him. That, was what was fun with you after all. You weren’t very predictable, and it gave Jade a thrill.

When you suddenly moved away from his hold, he opened his eyes, to find you staring at him determinedly from above.

“My my...” his lips curled, “isn’t this a sight I can get used to?”  You feel your flush rise all the way to your ears.

“Jade!” he chuckled in response.

“I do apologize flower.” he quirked his brow. “so what are you planning on doing now?”

You steadied yourself above him and took in a deep breath.

“Jade, do you know I know how to hold the world in my hands?” He arched a fine brow at that. You could tell he didn’t think it was possible, but that he would humor you for now.

“Oh? I haven’t heard about this before.” he looked at you thoughtfully, “how exactly would one go about holding the world?”

When he feels your fingers slide across his jawline, and curve around his cheeks--he blinked in wonder.

His normally heavy lidded eyes went wide, his brows raised, his lips were parted ever so slightly and the slightest rush of pink rose to his cheeks.

Jade--startled and flustered--you had rarely seen such a face.

“I’m holding my world in my hands.” you said, with such a beautiful, tender smile that Jade’s heart instantly fluttered in excitement. His smile bloomed again--except this one wasn’t sly, or amused--but sincere and filled with love. His blush was still there, just the slightest shade of pink--but you can see it--and you couldn’t help but bask in your success.

“Oya... you remain the only one who can surprise me like this.” he chuckled softly, as he reached out a gloved hand to pull your face closer to his. He pressed a soft, but heated kiss on your lips. Once he pulled away, you regarded him with a pink face.

“How cute.” he muttered, and the next thing you knew--was that he flipped your positions.

“Jade!” you squeaked lightly, and he smiled in response. With his bigger frame, it was easy for him to grab both of your hands and keep them beside your head. Meanwhile his other leg moved between your thighs. “Jade!” your breath hitched in response, and this time for sure--there was a very satisfied smirk on his lips.

“I do apologize my flower, but I couldn’t help myself with you being as cute as you are.” He leant down to kiss your forehead, then nose, cheek and finally lips. “Won’t you show me cuter expressions?”

“--!”

“Yes,” he mused “just like that...” he trailed off as he moved to kiss you once more.

--

When you enter Mostro Lounge in search of Floyd, you’re immediately greeted by Azul.

“Ah, you’re here.” Azul nodded in acknowledgement, “Floyd is... having one of his terrible moods...”

“Say no more.” Azul breathed a sigh of relief, thanking the Witch of the Seas that you were always willing to reign in your boyfriend--especially when Jade was out, busy. “I’ll handle it. Is he in his room?” When he gave you an affirmative nod, you went on your way. The Octavinelle students parted around you--all shooting you thankful expressions in the process.

You knocked gently on his door, only to hear incoherent grumbling. You giggled to yourself, pushed open the door, and playfully peeked in. Floyd was hidden underneath his quilt--making it look like there was a huge mound just shifting around on the bed.

“Azul go away.” the mound shook, and you almost let out an ‘awww.’

“Nope~” you said in a sing-song tone. “Guess who?”  

The mound paused, before Floyd’s head peaked out of the covers. The lifeless frown on his face immediately turned into a smile often reserved only for you. Your heart melted at his change of expression, and the gleam of adoration on it--but you also felt a little sad, it’s not as bright as it normally was.

“Shrimpy!” He quickly sat upright, and opened the blanket in invitation. With a smile, you took off your shoes, before Floyd impatiently pulled you into his arms, and underneath the blanket. He repositioned the two of you so that you were sitting on his lap, with your legs wrapped around his waist, his arms around your own waist, and his face nuzzled into your neck. You could also feel the way he wrapped the blanket around you, and the following squeeze he gave.  

“Hello Floyd~ how are you?”

“Better now that you’re here.” was his muffled reply, and you felt your face warm.

“Why, did something happen?” You felt him shrug.

“Nothing. Just sad.”

“Aww.” you reach up a hand to brush through his hair, and he hugged you tighter in response.

‘How could I cheer Floyd up?’

The thing with having Floyd as your boyfriend, meant that you often had to come up with different ways to cheer him up. Often, a method you used once wouldn’t work twice. The one method that always worked was if you submitted yourself to his cuddles for as long as he wanted.

The reason you came up with different methods was--

Well.

You loved him. Truly. Even if you knew it was normal for him to be as moody as he was--you never wanted to see Floyd sad. So you were always just willing to come up with ways to cheer him up.

‘So what could I do...’ While you were thinking, Floyd rubbed his cheek against yours absentmindedly, and your eyes widened in realization. ‘I can do that!’

“Floyd, baby, can you look at me?”

“Hngh...”

“Come on, just a second okay?” you coaxed gently, until he pulled back and stared at you with a confused pout.

“Shrimpy... why... I want to keep cuddling...” he whined softly.

“Listen to this Floyd.” You slid your arms away from his waist, at which he made a mournful noise that broke your heart.

“You know, I can hold the world in my hands.”

“I don’t care.” his pout grew severe as his hold on you tightened.

“Come now, let me at least show you how I can do it--then we can go back to the cuddles.”

“... Fine... just so we can cuddle fas--”

When he feels your hands slip to cup his face gently, he stared at you in surprise. Your eyes grew tender as he finally met your gaze.

“There we go. I’m holding the world in my hands.”

“Shrimpy...” he stared at you, awed, ‘for you to think this of him... he feels....’

‘He feels.’

His face lit up with the big smile that you’ve come to so ardently love.

“And there’s the smile I love!--” you let out a yelp when you’re suddenly tackled down onto the bed.

“Floyd?”

Floyd looked down at you, and you gulped a little at that gleam of mischief in his two-toned eyes and that slight curl on his lip...

“I too~ Will show Shrimpy... how important you are to me...”

“Wait--mhm!”

“Mhm~ I love you too Shrimpy~”

--

Silver was asleep again.

You smiled wryly to yourself, as you carded your fingers through his hair. When he hadn’t picked you up after class, you knew you’d find him here--in this meadow. His last class for today was flying, with this meadow being at the midpoint between the field and your classroom. This wasn’t the first time he hadn’t shown up to pick you up, only to have fallen asleep here.

You were always worried about Silver--worried about where he might accidentally fall asleep, and in the chance he gets endangered by it. You tried not to--after all, you knew he was a knight, and how well he did his job when... well... when he was awake.

Whenever you conveyed your worries to Silver, he always dismissed it--saying that he had gotten used to it, and that he had never gotten in danger before.

But what was he expecting? For you to be able to completely stop worrying?

You cared about him very deeply--after all, you loved him.

So you did what you could do given the circumstance--you tried to see him as often as possible. Just to make sure he was awake. He had originally raised a brow at your sudden... well... clingy tendencies... but all in all didn’t seem to be suspicious.

Lilia knew though, and the old man laughed.

“He really should stop making you fret... it’s not very knightly of him.” Lilia’s smirk revealed the tip of his fangs.

“It’s really not because of the sudden sleeping,” you confessed, “either way, I’ll always be worried for him...because...” you flushed red, and Lilia’s smirk widened. “I really do love him.”

“It makes me happy to see you so devoted to that child.” he mused. “I genuinely am... but”

“But?”

“But little one, you really should explain it to him--your worry that is.”

“I’ve tried Lilia.” you frowned, “I can’t seem to get it across to him.”

“I’m certain you just haven’t tried everything you can do.” he gestured for you to lower yourself so he can pat you warmly on the head. “Why don’t you tell him how important he is to you?”

“I’m sure you can do something about our Silver.”

You idly wondered how to go about Lilia’s advice, when you noticed movement on your lap. You looked down to see Silver’s pale, tangled lashes flickering ever so slightly.

“Good morning Silver...”

He blinked blearily up at you.

“Ah... did I... fall asleep?”

“Mhm.” you hummed, his eyes slipped shut again.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” ‘I’m used to it.’

“Your lap is comfortable.” he murmured, and the light flush that had already been in your cheeks since you decided to put his head on your lap--darkened considerably.

“Why don’t you tell him how important he is to you?”

You weren’t very good at serious things, but maybe that played a part in why Silver didn’t really understand your worry.

“Hey... Silver?”

“Hm?”

“Did you know... I could hold the world in my hands?” His nose scrunched up, and he opened his eyes to gaze up at you.

“Is that... possible?”

“Yeah.” you hesitated as you stopped stroking his hair. “can I show you?”

He nodded his head as well as he could from his position when he felt the way you place your palms against his cheeks. His eyes widened as he stared into your own glimmering ones.

“You’re my world, Silver.”

He exhaled at that, and he momentarily shut his eyes in irritation at himself. ‘I’ve made her needlessly worry about me, haven’t I?’

“I... I don’t know how much I can promise you.” He started, “Lord Malleus... even my old man... they don’t fully understand my condition but... I’ll try to stay awake more.”

“If you can’t... can you sleep in a more crowded place? Like maybe where people will see you at least. So they know where you are.” He blinked at your suggestion before he nodded.

“I think I can do that.”

“That’s good.” you sighed in relief, and just as you were about to move away, Silver reached for your own cheek. He stroked it, before he guided your face closer to his own.

‘From this angle--’

“You know, from this angle...” he smiled very gently, and you felt hot, all the way to the tips of your ears. He was so beautiful--his features so delicate--he was like a prince. “All I see is you. You’re my world to you know?”

His grip tightened, and he used his other elbow to slowly raise himself to give you a light feathery kiss.

--

[saphirered]

Fight For Dessert?

And here it finally is, part two to the last Essek x Eldritch Knight reader request. 

A walk through the streets of Rosohna did you good but Essek was still refusing to let you go anywhere isolated with him without supervision besides his home or the Xhorhaus after the whole ordeal with the Volstruckers. The presence of the Aurora Watch brought him more comfort than it ever had done. Not for himself but the sense of security that you wouldn’t be alone if trouble found you. 

The two of you walk or float perhaps a little bit closer than may be socially acceptable but neither of you seem aware or care enough. A guard of the Aurora Watch rushes over to you a little out of breath and gives a short bow to both you and Essek. 

“What is it?” Essek asks in a tone befitting of the Shadowhand, demeanour changing to a more cold and distant one at the approach of the guard. 

“A message for you Shadowhand. And one for the Knight.” The guard holds out two delicate envelopes stamped with a deep purple seal, names written in beautiful cursive. You take the one addressed to you with a confused look and can see a hint of annoyance from Essek. 

“You may go now.” Essek dismisses the guard who keeps waiting. 

“My apologies, Shadowhand. I was instructed to await your answers.” The guard looks to the envelopes. Essek takes his and opens it as well reading it. His expression does not change. 

‘You have been graciously invited to attend a formal dinner in your honour at the estate of Den Thelyss tonight.’

“Essek?” You give him a glance allowing him to see the invitation. Essek shows you his invitation too. His has and additional note; ‘bring your friend’. You see Essek lift his chin with a deep sigh giving the guard a bit of a glare.

“Please tell my mother-“ Seeing where this is going you cut him off.

“-that we accept her gracious invitation, isn’t that right, Essek.” You would have stepped on his foot to shut him up if he weren’t floating. Essek gives you a surprised look as the guard nods, excuses himself and hurries off. 

“Why would you…” Essek doesn’t finish the question. 

“Because even I know you simply do not refuse an invite from nobility let alone a Denmother, your mother no less.” He can’t deny. You have a point. 

So there you are, dressed in the fanciest clothes gold could buy in such a short period of time, courtesy of Jester and her impeccable taste. The fine silks in hues of purple, dark blues, black and silver made you stand out in the crowd for sure if it weren’t the design itself, like it was made for you. Many garments were tried on. None but this passed Jester’s approval. Luckily for you the outfit wasn’t so heavy or tight you couldn’t even lift your arms, or would feel like you were carrying both Fjord and Caduceus on your back. You had your full range of motion and a perfect fit. 

Essek escorted you to the estate which is every bit as grand and impressive as you expected it to be. You’re a bit on edge and nervous. It’s not every day one gets such an invitation, let alone one by the family your ‘friend’ belongs to. 

“You are calmer ahead of battle than you are attending dinner. I do not think I have ever seen you this on edge.” Essek couldn’t keep his observation to himself. It’s quite a funny one in his eyes. You’d be prepared to walk into a moorbounder nest no hesitation and no fear yet a social gathering is enough to nearly throw you off your feet and have you panic. 

“Don’t laugh! Not all of us have spent our lives making friends with the leaders of nations.” He stops, you with him and turns to you. 

“And yet I doubt that’s what unnerves you so.” He places his hands on your shoulders as you take a deep breath. 

“What if she doesn’t like me? Or if she doesn’t approve your blatant admiration of me?” You manage to lighten the mood with your last question. 

“If my mother didn’t approve of you she would never have invited both of us to dinner. As for my ‘blatant admiration of you’, as you put it, I think it is more than deserved after everything.” Essek looks around seeing no one but the guards in front of the estate and pulls you into his embrace. 

“You’ll do perfectly. My mother will love you just as much as I.” He speaks as you return the hug. Pulling apart he offers his arm and the two of you make your way through the gates. 

“You’re biased.” You whisper as the guards open the doors for the two of you.

“I am. So what?” You scoff at the wizard’s answer as you enter Essek’s childhood home. 

Worked stone, stained glass windows and geometric designs make up the majority of the structure. It’s quite beautiful and comes close to what you expect a private palace might look like. Though, you didn’t expect any less from one of the most prominent and well respected Dens in the Dynasty. Your eyes wander taking in the beautiful art work displayed within the foyer alone. You can’t begin to imagine what the rest of the building looks like. 

Walking down the stairs as the servants take your and Essek’s cloaks, is the Denmother herself in all her glory. You can see the family resemblance and are taken aback by the sheer presence the woman radiates. Sensing you panic as you resist the urge to gulp Essek pats your arm leading you forward. 

You take a deep breath. For the first time you feel like the roles are reversed, Essek being your support and saviour when you’re in need instead of the other way around. He keeps you grounded. You squeeze his arm linked through yours in a quick thank you. 

It’s no different from a battle. Except your sword has been exchanged for your wit and your words are your weapon and shield. The strategy remains. You can do this. You got this. The words echo in your head only to realise Essek whispered them. You nod. You got this. 

Essek and you meet Deirta at the bottom of the stairs. You offer a brief bow in respect, returned with a bow of the head and a smile. 

“Welcome. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. My son speaks very highly of you. I am Deirta Thelyss.” Deirta takes the lead, you and Essek following into the dining room. 

A large table enough to fit half the court alone, houses only four chairs, one at the head, two on one side and a single one at the other. The table is set for four, plates, cutlery, beautiful glasses and everything. Leaning on one of the chairs is a handsome drow, dressed appropriately for the dinner bearing the vestiges of a Taskhand, or at least so you’ve been told. This drow, while elvish age might be more difficult to pinpoint seems to be a bit younger than Essek and shares similar features. A sibling perhaps? Essek doesn’t really talk about his family much. 

Essek guides you along to the two chairs next to each other, one of which the other man is leaning on. The man raises to a more proper stature and bows to you. 

“My, my, you must be my dear brother’s heroic saviour. Taskhand Verin Thelyss. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Verin pulls out the chair next to the one he was leaning on and offers it to you. You unlink your arm from Essek’s and take a seat thanking the Taskhand. Before Verin can, Essek takes the seat next to you at the right hand of the Denmother. Verin sends him a glare but Essek looks on innocently. Sibling rivalry? You’ll never let him hear the end if this goes on.

“Don’t look so glum, Verin. It doesn’t suit you.” You raise an eyebrow at Essek’s comment as Verin takes the seat opposite of his brother and Deirta takes hers. 

“And pomposity suits you perfectly brother.” Verin raises his glass.

“Children. No bickering at my table. We have a guest.” Deirta smiles at you as servants fill your glasses and uncover the plates set out in front of you to reveal a delicious looking meal. 

“Thank you for joining us tonight. I’m grateful you were able to accept my invitation on such short notice. When my son speaks about your exploits he tends to leave out the mortal danger of it all and I have to learn from others the details of the risk you put yourself at to keep him safe. You have my eternal gratitude.” Deirta places a hand over her heart. 

“You talk about me?” You give Essek a look and can just see the tiniest of blushes creep on his face for just a second as he tries to repress it. 

“Gushes on about you really, singing your praises. ‘Such an intelligence, a fast learner, strong and clever’. It never ends.” Essek glares at Verin as you lean into the arm of your chair giving him an ‘oh really’ look waiting for him to come up with some clever comment or witty remark in return to deflect from the fact he’s not been subtile about his affections towards you around his family. 

“I only shared my conclusions based on the information and evidence provided to me first hand.” 

“I believe that’s what us common folk would call ‘an opinion’, darling.” You laugh amused by the whole situation. You earned a snort from Verin with your comment. Deirta looks between the three of you before turning her attention back to you directly.

“I heard you had gotten rather seriously injured. I hope you’ve recovered well enough?” Deirta asks. 

“I have thanks to my rather talented healer friends. Though if it were not for Essek’s quick response getting them, things may have played out very differently.” You praise the wizard next to you trying to put him a bit more at ease and give him something to return fire if he has to against his brother, letting him know you have his side still. Esseks gives you a thankful smile. 

“So you’re recovered then?” Verin’s expression turns a bit more mischievous and you can see Deirta giving him a scolding look. 

“I am according to my clerics, though I feel they held off on my release from bedrest and confinement to the house for several days. It’s good to be out and about again. I’ve missed it, even though the company has been good I definitely missed being allowed to swing a sword and throw a  proper punch.” Verin’s smile grows. 

“Since you’re good to fight again, how about you show me what you’re made off? How much of my brother’s opinions prove true?” 

“Verin.” Both Essek and Deirta warn each for different reasons.

“Oh come on, I’m merely joking. Unless you’d take me up on the offer of course.” Verin gives you an innocent look you’ve seen so many times on Essek. Plausible deniability apparently runs in the family. 

You lean your elbows on the table, clasping your hands together. Essek mutters an ‘oh no’ under his breath and takes a big gulp from his drink as you grin. 

“You want a fight? I’ll give you a fight.” You wink. 

“Verin need I remind you of your manners. We do not challenge guests to a fight over dinner.” Deirta scolds her son. 

“It’s just a bit of fun, mother.” Verin complains and where he not presenting himself as a renowned official and the person he is, it might have sounded like the plea of a child being told no. 

“I would not wish to overstep any boundaries and forgo all rules of social engagement. Nor do I wish to ruin a perfectly pleasant evening, Denmother. Perhaps another time, Verin?” You earn the Denmother’s approval as she says something to Verin in Undercommon you do not understand but by the tone of her voice alone and Verin’s response you can tell it’s probably not positive. 

Essek sighs deeply next to you pinching the bridge of his nose as Deirta and Verin continue their argument. 

“Oh for the love of… Can you two please cease this useless fight. I’d much rather see Verin being put in his place than listen to this endless argument one more second. Thank you.” The two of them slowly quiet down when Essek speaks up. Verin gets up from his chair.

“It’s settled then, we’re all in agreement.” 

“We are not all in agreement but to cease this argument, very well. You have my permission.” Deirta concedes despite all better efforts.

“If you wish to take my son up on this fight you have my permission.” 

Before you know it you’re outside in what you can assume is Den Thelyss’ private gardens. It’s simple and large enough of an open space to not break anything in the near vicinity should things get ugly. Both of you drop the heavier and unnecessary layers of your outfits. You’re pulled aside by Essek before you walk into the fighting ring. 

“Not that I do not have full confidence you’ll win, but please do not get injured or I fear I might find my next cup of tea poisoned or my books desecrated.” Essek worries taking hold of your hands giving them a brief squeeze. 

“I’ll do my best to protect your precious books and keep any attempts of poisoning at bay. Now please excuse me while I go kick your brother’s ass.” You pat his cheek as you step back and into the makeshift fighting ring. Verin offers you a sword but you don’t take it. 

“I’ve brought my own.” You summon your trusty sword and earn a nod of approval from the drow.

“Nice trick.” The moment you’re ready Verin swings at you but you’ve lived this long thanks to your reflexes and step to the side with ease. You tap the blade of your sword against his to inch it out of your way as you go for a high strike giving Verin enough time to counter block. 

This isn’t a fight to the death and you’re not deliberately trying to seriously injure your opponent so you both hold back but you do get a glimpse of the soldier within Verin and see where he gets his reputation from. It’s earned. The ‘dance’ between you and Verin continues until it gets more competitive and the both of you come to a nonverbal understanding to find out who’s going to be the clear winner here. 

Verin summons his echo letting it come at you while putting some distance between you and him to give him the advantage. You’re quick to respond with a lightning lure. A satisfying grin visible as you pull Verin back within your range. You deflect a blow from the echo while kicking Verin’s wrist preventing his sword from striking you. Bringing your own sword around you cut the echo in half, turning it to wisps of shadow. You strike back with a hit directed at Verin. He dodges and comes around with a hit you use your blade to parry. Another echo comes in play but you pay it no mind having had enough of this back and forth. You grab the blade of Verin’s sword, not nearly tight enough to pierce your skin but just enough to hold it in place, drop your own sword and reach into your component pouch. 

You speak the familiar words and release the gold dust you re-summon your sword back to your hand and point it at Verin’s chest. Verin tries to pull the sword from the air but is unable to move it. 

“Do you concede?” Verin holds up his hands in surrender but you notice a glint in his eye. He quickly moves around the other side of the sword frozen in the air kicking at your leg. You toss your sword to the side, punch once to break his defence and another directly to the chest. Verin’s breath hitches and you kick his legs from under him. He groans, the air is knocked out of him as he lands on his back. You put your foot on his chest standing over him. He grabs it purely by instinct but loosens his grip quickly. 

“Very well. I concede.” Verin speaks out of breath. You remove your foot and offer him a hand pulling him back to his feet. From the stairs you hear a slow clap. Both of you look over to see Deirta standing next to an amused Essek. 

“Impressive. My son’s words have proven true. You have my approval.” The Denmother speaks rather indifferently but offers a smile no less before retreating back inside. 

“Perhaps one day we might fight side by side. I look forward to seeing you around more often.” Verin slaps a hand on your shoulder before he wanders off to clean up. Essek joins you, the two of you left alone in the gardens outside the building. 

“What just happened?” You ask confused about how you just gained the approval and respect of Verin and Deirta Thelyss. 

“They saw exactly why you have my affection.” You bump into Essek’s shoulder in a ‘shut up’ and he offers you a genuine smile. 

“I am that great, aren’t I?” You joke as the two of you begin making your way back inside. You’re still processing unsure of how to take and handle all of this. This was unexpected to say the least.

“And I’ve told you many times. I don’t plan to stop doing so either.” You give him a little side hug as you look around the abandoned remains of dinner being cleared off the table by the servants. 

“Is this how fancy dinners always go?” 

“Certainly not. Though, I can say watching my brother be put in his place certainly has been the highlight of my day, second to you showing off.” You both laugh as you’re ready to head back leaving the Thelyss estate behind you. Perhaps it’ll become a place you’ll visit more often. Though you’ll still always prefer the towers. And feeling some bruises form already, you have some books to protect from the wrath of a doodling tiefling. 

[wosofan14]

Jackie Groenen House Tour Interview - 22/10/20 (Rough English Translation)


Little note - The format of the interview was a little weird. The interviewer guy was very random with what he said, so some things in the translation are very random. But other than that, the video was super interesting. Hope you enjoy the translation :)


Interviewer: Welcome to a brand new episode of “Inside”, a show where we get an inside look into the houses of professional footballers, e-sports players, Youtubers etc... I’m very excited about today’s guest, as we get to go international on this episode. We are going all the way to Manchester, England to get an inside look in Jackie Groenen’s house.

*On screen text*
Woonkamer = Living Room

Badkamer = Bathroom

Slaapkamer = Bedroom

Logeerkamer = Guest Bedroom

Balkan = Balcony

Interviewer: There is an Easter egg hidden in this video, so if you pay attention, then you can spot it, then you’ll have a chance to win some cool prizes. If you’re as excited as I am about this video, don’t forget to like this video and subscribe to the channel to not miss any cool videos. Hopefully after this video, there will be more people that will want to give house tours. Or not, I’d also understand if no one wanted to show me their house. Haha just joking. Now let’s ring the (imaginary) doorbell, or we can knock. Please ignore the huge headphones I am wearing.

Jackie: Hi Matthy (interviewer’s name) and viewers of this show. Welcome to the tour of my crib and welcome to Manchester!

Jackie: Come on inside, this is the hall. I can’t show you too much of the guest bedroom, as my dad is currently visiting. He is also currently filming this video and he’s filming for the first time, so don’t be too cruel on him.

Interviewer: I think your father is doing very well to be fair.

Jackie: Because of the current situation we are in, I’ve frequently had people sleep over and it’s been fun, as it’s meant that I haven’t been alone very often. Now here is my fantastic closet with, if I’m being honest, way too many clothes in it. And I see my father is already looking a little bored behind the camera, as this is his least favourite part.

Interviewer: Yes, I could hear him sigh deeply or take a deep breath behind the camera. You could also see him in the reflection of the closet.

Jackie: This is Mimo (it’s a cushion of a bunny) and he’s my best friend’s bunny. I’ve been able to take this cushion of with me so that I can always think about Mimo and Jenny because I miss them a lot when I’m here in Manchester. I also have a sweater here from training with Manchester United. As most of you will probably already know, I’ve always played with number 14 and I’m lucky enough to be able to play with that number here at Manchester United as well. That’s something I’m very proud of if I’m being honest. I’ve always been a huge fan of Johan Cruyff and I’m always very proud whenever I get to wear the number 14.

Interviewer: Very cool.

Jackie: Alright, here we have the first bathroom. I’ve never actually watched MTV Cribs before, so I don’t really know how people present their bathrooms to the camera.

Interviewer: I’ve never watched MTV Cribs either, but I can tell you that this is a very nice bathroom.

Jackie: People brush their teeth here.

Interviewer: (laughs). I hope that people brush their teeth in the bathroom. People at home, if you don’t brush your teeth, then start now!

Jackie: One of my favourite things about my apartment is obviously my bedroom.

Interviewer: If you have the same bed in your own bedroom as you do in your guest bedroom, then you know that the guests are really well cared for. That is really good to see. I’m adding points on for that!

Jackie: Another of my favourite things about my house is the view. At the moment, you can’t see too much because of the rain. That gives you a good idea about what the weather is like in Manchester.

Interviewer: I was just about to say, that’s typical in Manchester. The view is really pretty though.

Jackie: And here is my very very first guitar. I began playing on this guitar in Frankfurt. I take this guitar with me if I ever go with the girls to the park or somewhere like that. I’m still very careful with it though, as it’s my first ever guitar

Interviewer: I used to play guitar as well. The fact that you have the courage to play the guitar in front of a crowd of in public is very impressive and something I never would have done. I am intrigued though to know how long you’ve played the guitar for.

Jackie: Ummmm I think I’ve been playing the guitar for around 3 years, but I’ve only started taking it more seriously in the past 6 months or so with taking lessons. In Germany, I also had some lessons, but there weren’t very many of them. At the moment though, I play a lot and take a lot more lessons than I used to. I try to have 1-2 lessons every week and I try and play as much as I can before I go to bed so that I can keep improving. I’m still not very good, but I can play some songs. For example, if my dad is sitting on the couch in the evening, or if we are sitting by the heater, I always find it fun to then play a song on my guitar. Slowly but surely, I’m getting better and better at playing.

Interviewer: *says something about the Easter egg in the video and not wanting to spoil anything*

Jackie: Moving on, this is my record player. I’m obsessed with LPs and I find it lovely to put some music on in the evening before I go to bed. Because of my dad, most of my LPs are from the 70s and 80s.

Interviewer: *sees Black Stories in the cabinet* Black Stories is a fantastic game. It’s good to see that you play that game too. But LPs are old music aren’t they? I see and LP of the Beatles, which I like listening too as well. No modern music ever comes out on LPs though, so what do you listen to? Do you only listen to older music?

Jackie: There’s a bit of everything here. 80s music, Beatles, Queen, Jeff Buckley. My absolute favourite LP though is this one of Jim Croce. My dad first introduced me to his music and now I listen to it nonstop. I also love Fleetwood Mac, which is in the record player right now.

Interviewer: I think that most of the people watching this show will have never heard of Jim Croce. This type music is really not something I would enjoy listening to. But I do like that you have such a specific taste in music. You could have also listened to the Top 40 or Despacito.

Jackie: This is something that might be nice to show everyone. I feel like I don’t look at it enough, but I always enjoy holding it. This is the medal from when we became European Champions in 2017. I also have the silver medal from the World Cup in 2019 here where we got 2nd place and lost against the USA. Hopefully now everyone has forgotten about that though (laughs).

Interviewer: That’s still super cool though. A silver medal from the World Cup and a gold medal from the Euros is something that not many footballers can say they’ve achieved.

Jackie: Moving onto my nightstand, I have a picture of all my friends. One of my friends made this painting of us. She’s a very good artist. This is actually my friendgroup, and this painting reminds me of them a lot. And umm... (picks up book of crossword puzzles)

Interviewer: Yes! Zweedse Puzzelboekje (crossword puzzles). Those puzzles are so fun people!

Jackie: I know, I’m old (I guess because she likes doing those types of puzzles that makes her old).

Interviewer: If you’re old then I’m old too.

Jackie: Alright, on to the second bathroom. I think they call this an en-suite. Here is also a place where people brush their teeth.

Jackie: Alright, moving on again. Welcome to my living room/kitchen. This is the room where I study a lot. I also have my Player of the Match award from the World Cup semi-final game against Sweden.

Interviewer: A Player of the Match award is so cool to get, and especially in the semi-finals of a World Cup. It doesn’t even seem that much smaller than the trophy you’d get if you won the whole competition. Obviously they can’t give the big trophy to everyone though. That award is still super cool though.

Jackie: This is my most recent player of the match award from last Sunday from the game against Tottenham.

Interviewer: I think they have those awards in the Premier League for every game as well. Super cool that you have one of those.

Jackie: Someday I’ll make a nice decoration with all these Player of the Match awards.

Jackie: Welcome to my kitchen! I’ll give you guys a small look at what’s in my refrigerator. There’s not too many interesting things in here. I have some fruit and some yoghurt in my fridge.

Interviewer: I think I see some vanilla yoghurt or honey, one of those two things. There are lots of Dutch foods in the fridge though, which is good to see even if you’re in Manchester.

Jackie: Something that is more fun to tell you about is my guilty pleasure. I am obsessed with beschuit met muisjes (a sort of cake like thing with sprinkles - it’s a little hard to explain, so here’s a link to a picture: https://www.iamexpat.nl/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/strange-and-funny-dutch-traditions-beschuit-met-muisjes). I always have some beschuit and some muisjes here, as my dad always brings them for me from the Netherlands.

Interviewer: I assume that they don’t have De Ruijter (company that makes muisjes and hagelslag) in England, so it’s good to see that there’s still lots of Dutch foods in your kitchen in England.


Jackie: On to the living room, and this is where I relax a lot. I lay on the couch a lot to recover after trainings. For me, this is the most comfy part of the house. I’m always ver relaxed here.

Interviewer: I see another guitar there.

Jackie: Now, this second guitar is one of my most prized possessions. I bought this right before the lockdown and I am really proud of this guitar. I try and play some songs on it as much as I can in the evening.

Interviewer: Now this is the third or fourth time that music has come up on this tour and the second or third time that the guitar has come up. I don’t know if I dare to ask you this, but Jackie, I think that you should play a little bit of a song for the viewers of the show and for me.

Jackie: Now, I don’t play very much on camera because I’m not very good yet.

*plays song and sings*

Interviewer: I did not expect this at all! Jackie can sing! You acted as if you were shy and didn’t want to play the guitar, but then you started singing as well.

Jackie: The song goes on like that for a while, and for the viewers, anyone who can guess that song has a good taste in music.

Interviewer: Unfortunately, I do not know that song. Clearly I don’t have much knowledge about music.

Jackie: Another fun little thing to know is that since the lockdown, I have a Nintendo switch. I must say that I’ve used this quite a lot. Especially when some of my teammates where living with me in my house and we all played Mario Kart. A little secret about that that I have to tell you as well is that we always used the Player of the Match award from the World Cup to hold conversations and give a little speech (thanking your parents friends, etc - think about thank you speeches after awards ceremeonies) thanking people after someone won a game of Mario Kart.

Jackie: This is my balcony.

Interviewer: That’s really high up.

Jackie: It’s really nice to have. I’ll point to some things now.

*points* Here are some restaurants that I would usually eat at frequently.

*points again* That’s one of my dad’s favourite restaurants.

Interviewer: I’m not very familiar with the city of Manchester and I don’t recognize the area that you live in, but is the stadium close to your apartment?

Jackie: *points towards stadium* The Man United stadium is right over there behind that building. It’s about a 10 minute walk away from my apartment. I go there quite a bit as well.

Interviewer: A 10 minute walk?! That’s so nice to have the stadium so close.

Jackie: So, from rainy Manchester, I’d like to say thank you for watching my crib tour. I hope you enjoyed watching, and I hope to see everyone very soon again in the Netherlands. Bye!

Interviewer’s report of Jackie’s crib tour:

Inside Challenge: 5/5. I think that everyone who saw that was flabbergasted by your singing.

Football Factor: 3,25/5. The location relative to the stadium is perfect for a footballer. The fact that you can walk 10 minutes to the training as well is so nice to have as a footballer.

Food: 5/5 I saw a lot of Dutch food there, and you also get some bonus points for the beschuit met muisjes.

Chill area: 2,75/5. The chill area was okay. I don’t think you need much room for a chill area as long as there is somewhere to brush your teeth (laughs).

Final score: 4,5/5

[muthaz-rapapa]

PreCure stock footage

More pointless ponderings.

This is a comparison count of all the recurring attack animation sequences (meaning excluding one-time attacks) we’ve seen so far in Precure’s tv series. Done mainly because I wanted the numbers all on one page. :P

Of course, as I haven’t watched all the seasons (Futari to Splash Star) and my memory is crap, this should not be considered accurate. So any help correcting would be appreciated.

Originally, this was supposed to focus only on sub-attacks but that term’s definition seems to vary widely from season to season. So let’s not confuse ourselves with what counts as a “finisher” and what doesn’t and just stick with the general words “stock footage”.

Futari wa [3?] - Marble Screw, Rainbow Therapy, Rainbow Storm

I’m reading here on the wiki that Rainbow Therapy is “hardly used”...I don’t really know what that means, hence the question mark if it counts as a recurring attack or not.

I also don’t want to include upgraded attacks as separate entries if there are hardly any significant differences between the original and the upgraded one (like StarPre’s) but when I compare it to Marble Screw...it seems okay in my book? Since I haven’t watched this season, I’m not confident enough to make the final call so I will leave it at 3 for now.

Futari wa Max Heart [2?] - Heartiel Action, Extreme Luminario

Alright, Marble Screw Max is pretty much the same as the original with a little extra tacked onto the end. So technically, if there’s nothing else I’m missing, the count for this season should be 2. But still gonna leave room for debate.

Splash Star [3?] - Twin Stream Splash, Spiral Heart Splash (2)

The two versions of Spiral Heart Splash are distinct enough from each other to count as separate.

Spiral Heart Splash Star is a one-time, final boss group attack so not gonna include it.

Yes! 5 [7]

Individual Attacks [6] - Dream Attack, Crystal Shoot, Rouge Fire/Burning, Lemonade Flash/Shining, Mint Protection/Shield, Aqua Stream/Tornado

Group Attacks [1]: Five Explosion

Yes! 5 GoGo [7]

Individual Attacks [6] - Shooting Star, Fire Strike, Prism Chain, Emerald Saucer, Sapphire Arrow, Milky Rose Blizzard/Metal Blizzard

Group Attacks [1]: Rainbow Rose Explosion

Fresh [5]

Individual Attacks [4] - Love Sunshine Fresh, Espoir Shower Fresh, Healing Prayer Fresh, Happiness Hurricane

Group Attacks [1]: Lucky Clover Grand Finale

Not going to include Triple Fresh since it’s just a mash-up of three individual attacks.

Heartcatch [10?]

Individual Attacks [7?] - Pink Forte Wave, Blossom Shower, Blue Forte Wave, Marine Shoot, Gold Forte Burst, Sunshine Flash, Silver Forte Wave

Group Attacks [3?] - Floral Power Fortissimo, Shining Fortissimo, Heartcatch Orchestra

This is where things start to get confusing with the introduction of sub-attacks. I’ve only included Blossom Shower, Marine Shoot and Sunshine Flash because it’s obvious they were meant to be shown as a set for the initial trio while everything else was done in real time.

And after debating about the Fortissimo ones, I decided that I’ll keep Shining as its own entry for now. Not quite happy about it (Shining is just old attacks laid out on top of one another with some minor new animation in between) but it doesn’t seem entirely right to call it just an upgrade either......I dunno.

Suite [10]

Individual Attacks [7] - Music Rondo (2), Miracle Heart Arpeggio, Fantastic Piacere, Heartful Beat Rock, Sparkling Shower, Shining Circle

Group Attacks [3] - Passionato Harmony, Music Rondo Super Quartet, Suite Session Ensemble/Crescendo

...I think Suite has everyone else beat on having attacks with the longest names.

also, it’s a travesty that there is no HD video of Session Ensemble uploaded to youtube.

Smile [7]

Individual Attacks [5] - Happy Shower, Sunny Fire, Peace Thunder, March Shoot, Beauty Blizzard

Group Attacks [2] - Rainbow Healing, Rainbow Burst/Royal/Ultra

Can’t remember how often the upgraded individual attacks were used but to my knowledge, there are no stock footage for those anyways.

DokiPre [17]

Individual Attacks [14] - My Sweet Heart, Heart Shoot, Heart Dynamite, Twinkle Diamond, Diamond Shower, Diamond Swirkle, Rosetta Reflection, Rosetta Wall, Rosetta Balloon, Holy Sword, Sparkle Sword, Sword Hurricane, Ace Shot, Ace Mirror Flash

Group Attacks [3] - Lovely Force Arrow, Lovely Straight Flush, Royal Lovely Straight Flush

*whistles* Quite a jump in number of unique attacks. Just wait till HaCha.

HaCha [20]

Individual Attacks [17] - Pinky Love Shoot, Passion Dynamite, Poppin’ Sonic Attack, Lovely Powerful Kiss, Blue Happy Shoot, Arabesque Shower, Hawaiian Alohaloe, Princess Windy Wink, Sparkling Baton Attack, Ribbon Heart Explosion, Maracas Rhythm Spark, Honey Temptation, Stardust Shoot, Starlight Ascension, Oriental Dream, Sakura Blizzard Dance, Emerald Illusion

Group Attacks [3] - Twin Miracle Power Shoot, Happiness Big Bang, Innocent Purification

Oh yea, if this wasn’t stock footage-restricted, HaCha would still go home with the prize and the cake because of the sheer number of sub-attacks not listed here.

Go!Pri [18]

Individual Attacks [14] - Floral Tourbillon, Rose/Lys Tourbillon, Sakura Turbulence, Mermaid Ripple, Frozen/Bubble Ripple, Coral Maelstrom, Twinkle Humming, Full Moon/Meteor Humming, Galaxy Chorus, Phoenix Blaze, Scarlet Illusion, Scarlet Spark, Scarlet Flame, Scarlet Prominence

Group Attacks [4] - Trinity Lumiere, Trinity Explosion, Eclat Espoir, Grand Printemps

A lot of the secondary attacks are essentially the same thing but with different effects. Scarlet Spark and Flame almost look identical but the movements diverge once the attack is released so I consider them distinct from there.

Trinity Lumiere and Trinity Explosion would’ve been under just one entry, too, but the CGI animation leading up to the attack are different.

MahoPre [9]

Individual Attacks [4] - Linkle Stone Spells (Miracle ver, Magical ver, Felice ver), Emerald Reincarnation

Group Attacks [5] - Diamond Eternal, Ruby Passionale, Sapphire Smartish, Topaz Esperanza, Extreme Rainbow

I’m glad that I changed it from sub-attacks to simply stock footage. Counting the same animation sequence thrice would just make my head spin worser.

KiraPre [10]

Individual Attacks [7] - Whip Decoration, Custard Illusion, Gelato Shake, Macaron Julienne, Chocolat Aromase, Un - Deux - Tres Bien! Kirakuru Rainbow, Parfait Étoile

Group Attacks [3] - Three-2-Wonderful A La Mode, Animal Go Round, Fantastic Animale

Hugtto [13]

Individual Attacks [9] - Heart For You, Flower Shoot, Heart Feather, Feather Blast, Heart Star, Star Slash, Heart Song & Dance, Macherie Poppin’, Amour Rock n’ Roll

Group Attacks [4] - Trinity Concert, Twin Love Rock Beat, Cheerful Attack, Tomorrow with Everyone

I know Heart Song and Heart Dance can be standalone attacks but since we didn’t get to see much of either of them before Macherie and Amour got their Twin Love Guitars not long after, then I count them as one. Also, Macherie and Amour are considered as one Cure split into two anyway so there’s that.

StarPre [8]

Individual Attacks [6] - Star Punch, Milky Shock, Soleil Shoot, Selene Arrow, Rainbow Splash, Cosmos Shining

Group Attacks [2] - Southern Cross Shot, Star Twinkle Imagination

Again, how ironic is it that the season that touts the theme of imagination has the least creative stock footage across all variations in their attack arsenal?

HealPre [tbd]

Individual Attacks [4?] - Healing Flower, Healing Stream, Healing Flash, Healing Hurricane

Group Attacks [1+] - Healing Oasis

Since the secondary elemental bottles barely have any animation sequence and don’t even include the Cures in them, they won’t be counted. 

That said, with the upcoming super form upgrade (new promo art has already been released), we know there will be one more group attack to be added. I suspect there might be another upgraded version of that super group attack as well so perhaps a total of 6 formal attack sequences for HealPre altogether.

Unless they plan to give the Cures individual attacks with that...needle arrow weapon whatever it is but I somewhat doubt it.....we’ll see.

~~~~~~~~~~

Season with the most attack sequences: HaCha [20] Season with the most individual attack sequences: Hacha [17] Season with the most group attack sequences: MahoPre [5]

Top 5 Seasons w/greatest total # of attack sequences: HaCha [20], Go!Pri [18], DokiPre [17], Hugtto [13], Heartcatch/Suite/KiraPre [10]

Again, if I’m missing anything, let me know.

----------------------

Updated 9/10/20

[agnezztealeaf]

To Unmask a Witch - AroWriMo 2020

@arowrimo

Language: English (though not my first language so sorry about potential errors)

Category: Short story

Prompt: Friendship/Week 3

Genre: Fantasy

Word count: 4457 words

CW: Discussions around amatonormativity and heteronormativity, references to blood and violence

To Unmask a Witch

It wasn’t that the cottage at the outskirts of the village was actually run-down or dilapidated, but if you squinted and looked at it through your eyelashes in dim light, you could imagine that it could be. It wasn’t that it was a ruckle, it was that the children thought it should be one.

You see, if a witch lived in a cottage, then that cottage should be falling apart, its windows murky with mould, the roof broken and roof shingles scattered on the garden path and in the flowerbeds, and the garden a mess of weeds and rotting greens. It felt insulting, the children thought, that an otherwise perfectly scary and threatening witch should live in such a charming and well-kept little house. So, when they hid in the forest near the cottage, staking it out, or walked past it on their way to a friend’s house, they squinted and imagined what should have been there, instead of what really was.

The children were lying on the ground, stomachs flat against the musty dirt of the forest floor, wet, brown leaves sticking to their clothes. Five of them there were: William – the team leader, Siv – the clown of the group, Vers – the sensible one, Ty – the troublemaker, and Mouse – their newest recruit. Mouse was seven years old and had quite recently lost both her front teeth on the upper row, a fact she was secretly delighted by. Her sister hade bestowed the name Mouse upon her, courtesy of her greyish-brown hair and her big grey eyes. Mouse hadn’t yet decided what she thought about this nickname.

“Look!” William exclaimed. He pointed excitedly at the cottage that they all wished was a ruckle. In the garden, they could see the old witch moving about, poking at flowers, pulling up weeds, gently pushing her cats away with her feet when they ran in front of her. The children all watched her intently – they wanted to see her do something witchy, something that would once and for all confirm their suspicions about her being an old, evil hag. She was peculiarly dressed. She seemed to be wearing multiple skirts, all made from fabric of different material and colour, her neck was heavily weighed down by a cluster of necklaces – chains made from silver and gold, wooden balls of various colours and sizes, and some that looked like they were nothing more than string. Under all the necklaces she was wearing a tightly laced tunic, and on top of them, she was wearing a cloak in a mild, green colour, though she was predisposed to take it off if the sun as much as showed its face through the clouds. Her long white hair was pulled into a sturdy braid that snaked down her back. They watched her as she once again discarded the cloak on a nearby tree branch.

Ty claimed that she lured children into her cottage to cook them up in her cauldron and eat them (Ty had no basis for this statement, but he felt like it was probably true. That was what witches did, after all, wasn’t it?). Siv claimed that she had once seen her dancing naked at midnight under the full moon out on the moors north of the village (Siv had not, she wasn’t allowed outside after nine o’clock in the evening). Vers claimed that she had isolated herself from society when she at a young age had realised that magic was far better than having friends (Vers wasn’t sure she disagreed with this sentiment). And William claimed that she had turned to dark magic after she turned down a man’s romantic advances and he cursed her to never find love (William’s parents owned the village grocery store, and as with a lot of small villages, they did not only offer goods, but also a friendly face to exchange a few words with. It had become one of William’s favourite pastimes to sit hidden under the counter, listening to the local gossip. The rumours that reached his ears were many, but that did not mean they gave an anywhere near accurate account of reality).

Mouse claimed nothing at all about the witch. As a newcomer to the group, she held no authority on what the witch might or might not do. Not that she minded, she was thrilled to hear what the other children had to say about the witch. Every time they told Mouse a new story about her-

(“Do you remember Hugo, the kid that disappeared last year, that they said got lost in the woods? Well, I saw the witch talking to a toad that she kept in a glass jar on her windowsill, and she called it Hugo. She totally turned Hugo into a toad!” This was also a story brought to her by Ty, who seemed to take great delight in the concept of the witch turning her evil tendencies towards children, which was peculiar, as Ty himself was a child. Hugo had indeed disappeared in the woods a year prior, though whether any witches or, in particular, this witch, had had anything to do with it was dubious. To be fair to Ty, the witch did have a toad called Hugo. She did not, however, keep it in a glass jar.)

-Mouse could feel her stomach curdle up with excitement and fear – a delightful feeling to have as long as she was on a safe distance from the witch.

They watched the witch walk back into the house, open one of the windows, apparently to put a batch of pastries out on the windowsill to cool, and then exit the cottage with a handwoven basket rested in the crook of her arm.

“She’s probably left to collect toadstools and wasp stingers for the potions she brews at night,” Siv said with an excited grin.

Ty’s eyes were firmly on the open window. “We should break in,” he said suddenly, impulsively. “Find evidence of what she’s doing in there.”

“Don’t be daft!” Vers replied without even really listening to what he was saying, that was just her standard response to anything Ty suggested.

William looked at Ty, and then back to the open window before looking at Mouse, a wicked grin spreading over his brown-freckled face. “Mouse,” he said in a very serious voice, “for you to be a part of our gang, we need to know that you’re brave.” Mouse’s stomach lurched, but she sucked in her lower lip through the gap in her teeth and kept her big grey eyes firmly at his. “We need you to break into the witch’s house and find evidence.”

Siv laughed a burst of delighted, shrill laughter, and Ty made an exasperated gesture with his hands. “Come on! There’s no way she can do it! I mean look at her!”

William silenced him with a look. “If you really want to be a part of our gang,” he told Mouse, “you need to do this.”

Mouse swallowed and looked at the open window. It wouldn’t be very hard for her to slip in through it, she was slight, and the window was big, and they’d all seen the witch leave, there was probably no risk of being discovered rummaging through her drawers. “Fine,” she said. “I’ll do it.”

Both Siv and Ty laughed uproariously. William nodded, clearly pleased, though whether it was with himself or with Mouse was hard to tell. Vers was twining a blade of grass around her index finger, her attention placed firmly on the ground (if you knew her, you would be able to tell that this was a sign of discomfort on her part – a sign that she didn’t agree with the plan being made – but no one asked her what she thought and she kept silent).

Since waiting would only increase the risk of the witch returning from her errands, Mouse slowly pulled herself up to her feet and started moving down the hill, from the edge of the forest towards the cottage. She could feel her knees shaking under her, but didn’t dare to stop, in case one of the other children would think her a coward. She reached the window, and after firmly lifting a cat away from the windowsill she nimbly slipped inside, making sure not to touch the pastries lined up on the plate on the windowsill (though she was pretty sure the cat had already gotten to them).

Who would have known it would be that easy to break into a witch’s house? As Mouse looked around the kitchen she had just entered, she was first struck by how tidy the room was. She’d thought a witch’s home would be grimy and gross. Imagined tables covered in burn marks and blood, the walls lined with jars filled with things of dubious origin, like dead frogs and eyeballs floating in transparent liquids, and maybe a few dried up fingers hanging from the roof beams. At the very least she’d have thought there should be some dust and dirt, and maybe the occasional spiderweb in the corners.

But the cottage was tidy and as cosy on the inside as it was on the outside. The floors were covered in maroon-coloured stone tiles, in places covered up by hand-woven carpets in natural colours, and the biggest window had an almost excessive amount of plants in front of it. The bookshelves were filled with books and teacups with floral patterns, and an orange teakettle stood on the stove. There was something hanging from the roof beams, but it seemed to be dried plants and flowers, rather than something interesting to Mouse.

Looking around the room, Mouse realised that she had not asked what kind of evidence the other children required her to bring back, as she had thought it would become obvious once she discovered what devious plots were taking place inside the house. As it was, the most devious plot there seemed to be, was a teacup sitting on the table without a coaster, and a book lying next to it, its spine bent completely backwards as if the reader had been holding it open with one hand.

She swept her gaze over the kitchen, wondering where she should start looking for the requested evidence. Her friends seemed to have very clear ideas about what made a witch a witch, and Mouse felt sure that they would have known where to look for corresponding evidence. As it was, she timidly walked over to one of the kitchen cabinets and pulled it open. It held nothing interesting, just jars of flour and sugar and conserved beets. She opened another cabinet, this one filled with spices. In a third, she found a book with recipes, and she opened it in the hopes that they would detail some wicked witch-potions, rather than normal human food. (They didn’t, though it could be, and had been, argued that the chicken soup on page 37 was more poison than food). Chewing on the tip of her braid, she flipped through the book, her gaze skipping over the longer, more complicated words – her reading wasn’t that good, and she just needed to find some suspicious words or pictures to prove her theory.

She didn’t hear the door open behind her, or the floorboards creak under the weight of a person, but she did hear the startled “Oh! Hello.” Mouse spun around where she squatted on the floor, the recipe book falling from her grasp with a dull thud. In front of her stood the witch, a surprised crease between her eyebrows and her mouth hanging slightly open. “I’m sorry,” she said, still looking confused. “But what are you doing in my house?”

Mouse shrank back against the cabinets, trying to distance her body as much as possible from the witch. The witch put down the basket she was holding and hung her cloak on a hook by the door. Then she took a hesitant step towards Mouse.

“My friends say you’re a witch!” Mouse squeaked out, sounding about as brave as she looked. To her surprise this made the witch laugh. A big, burly laugh that seemed to start in her stomach and run through the entire length of her, before tumbling out of her mouth in a series of short, powerful thrusts.

She bent over her knees, laughter shaking her body, and when she straightened again, she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Oh really? Is that what they’re saying about me nowadays?” she asked, still chuckling.

“I’m here for evidence,” Mouse said, stubbornly sticking out her chin and slowly getting to her feet.

“I’m sure you are,” the witch replied with a smile, raising an eyebrow. “So,” she walked over to her kitchen table and started picking green, fresh-smelling herbs from her basket, “what’s your name then?”

“Mouse,” Mouse said. She wondered if she should make a run for the door, but the witch fascinated her, and this close up, where she could see the crow’s feet around the witch’s eyes and the dimple in her wrinkled cheek when she smiled, she found that the threat of the old woman cooking her and eating her didn’t feel as present as it had in the company of the other children.

“Mouse!” the witch said, sounding delighted. “That’s a solid nickname right there!” She reached out her right hand towards Mouse. “Nice to meet you, Mouse, I’m Amica.”

Timidly, Mouse took the witch’s hand in her own, shaking it once before quickly letting go. Amica chuckled. “Well, Mouse, do you want some raspberry juice?”

Not knowing what else to do, Mouse nodded.

“Sit down.” The witch pointed to one of the chairs at the wooden table. Slowly Mouse walked over and sat down on the edge of the chair. It was a bit low, so the table reached all the way up to her chest, but she leaned her arms against it and watched the witch pour two glasses of juice.

Resting her chin on her arms, Mouse asked, “Did you turn Hugo into a toad?”

“Who?” asked the witch, looking mystified.

“The boy that disappeared last year.”

“Ah. No. He managed to disappear all on his own.” The witch’s mouth became thin, thoughtful. “It was all a very sad story.” She put a glass in front of Mouse. “Do you want a Danish pastry too?” she asked, waving towards the pastries on the windowsill.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, Mouse was sure someone had definitely warned her about this exact type of situation – something about not taking sweets from strangers – but she still found her mouth forming the words “Yes, please,” before her brain had had any say in the matter.

The witch put a plate with a Danish in front of each of them, and then sat down opposite to Mouse.

“So,” she said, looking serious, “did your friends put you up to this? Breaking and entering?”

Mouse squirmed in her seat, “A bit,” she admitted, but then, because she didn’t want to pin all the blame on her friends, she hastily added “but I wanted to, too. I-” She looked down. “I just wanted to know if you were really a witch.”

“Well. You can’t let your friends bully you into doing things that are illegal.” Amica bit down into her Danish. She did not add that she herself had partaken in more than one illegal activity when she was young. And in a few of them when she wasn’t that young anymore. “Oh, go on,” she said, waving towards Mouse’s plate. “Take a bite, I’m not trying to poison you.”

Timidly, Mouse took a bite of a corner of the Danish (her thoughts brushed briefly against the memory of the cat she had lifted from the windowsill, but what child would say no to something sweet, just because a cat might have stepped on it?). She had to angle her head in an awkward position to take the bite, as half of her front teeth were still missing. The Danish tasted sweet and greasy and wonderful, and she hastily took another bite. The middle of the pastry had a hollow filled with jam (also raspberry, Mouse noted), and Mouse stuck her tongue into the jam, revelling in the taste it left in her mouth.

Amica smiled at her. She reached for a napkin and handed it to Mouse. “You have some jam on your cheek.”

Mouse reluctantly took the napkin and patted it to her cheek. “My dad says I’ll never find a husband if I don’t learn to eat like a lady.”

“Dear Lord. You are a child. The prospect of finding a partner should be nowhere in your mind. Honestly, I think everyone would do well if they thought a bit less about finding a spouse.”

Remembering what William had said about the witch, Mouse dug deep into her courage and asked, “Is it true that you can’t fall in love?”

The witch looked surprised. “Who told you that?”

“One of my friends,” Mouse murmured. “William Steel.” She added when her first answer felt inadequate.

The witch laughed her deep belly-laughter again, wiping her mouth on her shirtsleeve. “William Steel, of course! That boy needs to learn to be more source-critical when eavesdropping on his parents’ customers.” When Mouse kept looking at her, she continued. “I’m in love with so many things it’s hard to keep track of them. I’m in love with how dew-wet grass feels under my bare feet. I’m in love with how the earth smells after it’s been raining all day. I’m in love with the way ice crackles under my feet when I walk an unthreaded path in the winter. I’m in love with mist, and deer, and the moon, and mushrooms, and bugs. I’m in love with the way my friends laugh, and the way cats always move around to find sunny spots to sleep in and the way the plants in my garden grow even when I’m bad at taking care of them. I’m in love with the entire world!” She finished, her eyes shining.

Mouse frowned. “That’s not what I meant! I meant, like, with a person! Don’t you have a husband?”

The witch laughed again. “Oh, dear Lord, no.”

“A wife? You have to have someone.”

“My dear girl, in this world, everyone will always tell you that you need to find someone. Someone who will make your half a whole, as if you’re not a whole person on your own. And I want you to hear me when I tell you that they are wrong. There are more things to life than romance.”

Mouse was not ready to let the subject go. “So, you’ve never been in love with someone then?”

The witch smiled kindly at her. “No. I haven’t.”

“Because you were cursed?”

“Dear Lord. Is that what they’re saying about me? That I’ve been cursed to never fall in love?”

Mouse just stared at her intently, her chin resting uncomfortably against the edge of the glass in front of her.

“I haven’t been cursed. That’s just how I am. I don’t fall in love.”

“Doesn’t that make you… sad?”

“No! I find happiness in other things. Like my friends, and nature, and my cats.”

“And you’re not lonely?”

There was a beat of silence, the witch’s eyes fixed at Mouse, and for a second Mouse wondered if she had pushed too far. Then Amica gave her a tight-lipped smile. “I wouldn’t say that I’m lonely, no. I have a lot of wonderful friends, and my cats, and sometimes,” she leaned closer, her smile growing, “a child breaks into my home when I’m out.”

Mouse flushed and hastily took another sip of her juice, but Amica just laughed her burly laugh again and leaned back in her chair, the sombre expression gone from her face.

Mouse thoughtfully swirled her glass in her hands, making the juice still left slop against the sides of the glass. “I don’t think I want to marry anyone either.”

“And you don’t have to,” Amica said decisively, emptying her own glass.

Mouse finished her Danish, and dried off her hands on her trousers, leaving streaks of powdered sugar and grease down the length of her thighs. “You know what? I like you.”

The witch laughed again. “So, you’re not thinking I’m a witch anymore then?”

Mouse bit her lip. “I don’t know… but I don’t think you’re an evil witch, even if you are a witch.”

“That’s good,” Amica said with a chuckle. “So, what about your friends? Are you going to tell them that I’m not evil?”

“I suppose so…” Mouse said hesitantly.

“Or,” the witch said, a conspiratorial smile spreading over her face, “we could play a little prank on your friends…” She laid out a plan that was far too cruel to be justified, but Amica had never really managed to get rid of that mischievous streak that had made her such a menace in her youth. Faced with Mouse’s big grey eyes staring into hers, she winced, and her smile disappeared in a blink, replaced by a worried and slightly bashful look. “Oh Lord, I’m sorry. Is that too ghastly? I forget that you’re a child.”

But an excited smile was taking over Mouse’s face, her cheeks turning flushed and alive, and her eyes shining with an impish glint.

Up on the hill, the other four children were arguing. They had seen the witch return home, and no Mouse emerge from the house, and they were starting to get worried.

“What were you thinking, sending her in there alone?” Vers asked, pushing William in the chest so that he stumbled backwards.

“She’s probably dead by now,” Ty muttered, his eyes big and anxious.

Vers swirled around towards him. “And you! Why did you even think breaking into the witch’s house was a good idea? You’re all idiots! Now our friend is gone!”

“I’m sorry!” Ty cried. “I thought it would be funny!”

Siv stood clinging to a big oak at the forest’s edge, her brown eyes wide and white in her tanned face, her gaze almost compulsively fixed on the witch’s cottage. Her lips were pressed tight, and she had been silent in a very un-Siv-like manner ever since Mouse had entered the house.

William sniffled. “I didn’t think she’d actually do it.” Tears were clinging to his eyelashes and as he spoke again his voice broke. “Now she’s dead, and it’s all my fault!” This took them all aback enough to stop the arguing. They had never seen William as much as second-guess a decision, much less cry. He looked past the trees, to the house, his shoulders shaking.

Vers took a step towards him. “Okay, that settles it. We need to get the police.”

“What?” Ty said, questioning. “We can’t go to the police! We’re the ones who broke into her house!”

Vers turned towards him, her eyes burning with intensity. “Ty, she might be dying in there! We need to get some adults here!”

Siv suddenly gasped. “Wait! I can see someone moving down there!” They all ran out to the edge of the woods and screamed with delight when they saw little Mouse running towards them, her braids bouncing against her back with every step she took.

“What is she holding? Why are her hands all red?” William asked, confused. It was true, her lower arms and her white shirt sleeves, all the way up to her elbows, were covered in red, and when the thing in her hand glinted in the sun, they realised that she was holding a small pocketknife.

They all startled when the door to the cottage opened with a slam, and the witch stumbled out, clutching her stomach, where a great, big, red stain tarnished her tunic. “Get back here!” she growled, panting as she stumbled after Mouse.

Mouse was already almost at the other children, the knife still clutched in her hand. “I stabbed her! I stabbed the witch!” she screamed. “She wanted to cook and eat me, and I stabbed her to get away!” The other children stared in horror, at the blood and the knife, and the witch, now on her knees in her garden, panting heavily. Then the witch threw her head back towards the sky and started chanting, a low guttural song that seemed to come from deep in her throat. She reached out her hand, covered in red blood, towards the children and Mouse bellowed “RUN!”. Without further questions, the children all sprinted into the forest, howling with fear.

In the garden, Amica chuckled and slowly got to her feet. She was too old to be playing these kinds of theatrics anymore. She looked down at her ruined tunic. Turned out that in a pinch, raspberry juice worked as a rather convincing substitute for blood. The juice would probably be a pain to get out of the fabric though. Now that she considered it, she would probably be receiving a stern telling-off by Mouse’s parents for ruining Mouse’s white shirt sometime in the foreseeable future. Not to mention the rest of the parents of the children she had probably slightly traumatised.

Oh well, she didn’t like bullies and found that she didn’t feel too sorry for them. Either way, apologies would have to wait. She went back into her cottage, exchanging her stained tunic for a clean one, and leaving the old one in a bucket in the washroom to soak. She fastened her cloak around herself and put on a hat, making sure that all loose strands of hair were firmly kept out of her face. Picking up her bag, she for a second mourned the loss of her pocketknife – she’d need it the next time she wanted to pick mushrooms – but maybe she could convince Mouse to return it when she got back. She grabbed her broom from the closet and went out into the backyard. The thought of her friends – sweet Valter with his crooked grin and endless nonsense-monologues, Farah, their bag always heavy with books and their thoughts with knowledge, and wonderful, wonderful Gwen with her long spindly fingers tracing lifelines in palms and pulling tarot cards from hidden skirt pockets – sent joy singing through her. The broom handle was firm and polished in Amica’s hands, and as she swept one leg over the broom and soared up into the air, she felt her stomach surge with excitement. Her heart swelled with the thought of seeing her friends again, and she felt like despite what she had told Mouse, she might be a little bit in love with all of them after all.

[rynli]

Here’s a random scene showcasing the boys I’m always doodling, and Verno’s ridiculous disaster dialect. Verno has just learned that his father’s found success working for the mob, and is furious about it. Also a bit of oblivious gay fluff (Verno, pls clue in already). 2600 words.

______________________________________________________

Done set himself up right well, he has. The Jaxter woman’s words dogged Verno like a hungry gull, swooping in his thoughts. They’d returned home from visiting Murrock, and Ellie had left for the night, and Verno had gone to bed, or tried to. Ever since he’d turned out the lights, the woman’s comments had begun replaying nonstop. That milch-heart? He’s a fixer.

A fixer. Done well for himself. Always haring after money, selling his family to his own greed. And now he’d gotten it, in service of the very mob that had tried to take Tala and Verno into servitude. Verno paced round his room, near wore a hole in the carpet, seethed. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t right. Got me running jobs not fit for a gutter-grub, Daran Mayford had said, when he’d come crawling to Verno. The moment he learned his son wasn’t dead, what did he do? Came looking for money. Not oh son, I hear you’re alive, no. Oh son, I hear you’re rich. Verno had waved him off to waste away in ever-increasing debt. But seemed he’d found his niche after all that. All it had cost was his wife and children.

I thought you cared about us. I really bought it. His father had only ever cared about his own hide.

He had to do something. He couldn’t abide an injustice like this. He was putting Murrock on hold while Ellie hatched up a plan, while he gained the strength to stand against a bonder like him. He didn’t need that sort of strength to deal with Daran, though. The milch-muck didn’t have Lumelles, only fists, and he’d always been a milch-heart. Well, Verno had fists, too, and he was itching for a brawl.

He wheeled. Wheeled again. Snatched up his coat and slammed out.

The moon was high, the stablehands abed. That was fine. He wanted to storm, not curl up cozy in a carriage. The warm summer night embraced him, stroking a breeze through his tangled hair, as he stomped his way down the winding path.

“You alright, Ver?”

Verno whirled to face the soft voice: Rupert, tousled, brows drawn. “Aye. Cooling my head.” As if.

Rupert shook his head, falling in beside him. “Looks like you’re fanning it.”

Verno huffed, hunching his shoulders and resuming his frenzied storm down the mountain. “We were in the city today. Ellie and me.”

“Oh?”

“Did you ever hear straight what happened to my family? I mean, why?”

Rupert crunched along beside him, silent, gaze steady on him.

“My father was always chasing gold. Cheated Murrock. That’s why they came for Ma and Tala. Said his debt roped him in and he couldn’t cut Murrock’s chain. Figured I’d let him strangle on it. But he’s set himself up rich, Ru. He’s flourished. He sold his family down the sewers and finally got his gold.” He ground his teeth. “Murrock called him his man. He’s a valued employee. Not a debtor scrounging to stay alive.”

“So you’re storming down the mountain at two in the morning to… what?”

“Punch him? For being a milch-muck?” Verno trotted faster, adding gravity to his steps. “I’m not asking you to come with me.”

“I want to. Keep you from doing something stupid.”

Verno snorted.

“Watch your back if you’re walking into organized crime.” Rupert’s tone said clear how stupid he thought that was.

“If you’ve got a better plan, I’m all ears. Would love to tumble down his little empire, but I don’t got the strings for that. Ellie’s yet to teach me how to scheme, anyhow.”

“Punching seems good enough.” Rupert darted close and lifted Verno’s left hand into the space between them, prizing his thumb free of his fist. “Just keep your thumb on the outside. I don’t want to have to set a dislocation.”

Verno looked at him, astonished. “You’re not talking me out? I know you don’t think bright on brawling.”

Rupert raised an eyebrow. “Why ever would you think that?”

“You’re posh. Rich folk don’t fight. They just… write nasty letters.”

Rupert laughed outright. “My older sister’s a scrapper. Someone calls me a name in front of her, they get no mercy.”

“What names could anyone possibly call you?” Verno blurted.

Rupert’s grin broadened. The moonlight seemed to glance off him stronger than before, lighting him silver. “What, there’s nothing wrong with me?”

“Nothing,” Verno insisted, too ardently.

Rupert turned away, aura flickering oddly, still grinning. “If you’d rather talk about how great I am than fight your father, I can’t say I’m opposed.”

Verno flushed. “I want to scrap my father and whoever your sister’s scrapping. No-goods, the lot of them.”

Despite his intent, the long hike did cool Verno’s head, and by the time the first houses scattered about, his boiling rage had faded to a simmer. He no longer wanted to punch the man.

He wanted to ask him, was it worth it?

Dawn was paling the sky when they maundered up the road to the Jaxter woman’s house. Verno slipped around back and knocked on the fence. “Mistus?”

Silence. Rupert raised a brow at him. Then the gate rattled, deadbolt dragging back, and the woman squinted at him in the dimness. Memories of his mother reared again, rekindling his rage.

“You again?” she asked suspiciously. “Didn’t get into enough trouble with the mob first time round?”

“You mentioned my father,” Verno said, letting his accent slide full Jaxter. His voice was embarrassing rough. “Do you know where I can eye him?”

“Looking to cozy back up?” she sneered.

Verno swallowed hard, hands clenching at his sides. “Looking to crunch his face in, just. For falling in with the mob what drove us to—to this.”

“To setting yourself up posh?”

His teeth ground. “I’m hatching to set this right, mistus, I swear sure. I won’t be like him.”

She hummed. “He sets up at the Chuntery Chockers mornings.”

“Thank you much, mistus.” Verno hurried on down the road.

“Chuntery Chockers,” Rupert mused at his side.

Verno shot him a glare. “What?”

“Reconsidering the validity of all those words I thought you’d made up.”

“I don’t make things up!”

“You called a sparrow a hedge-poker the other day.”

“Aye?”

Rupert laughed, jostling him with a shoulder. “Thought you’d forgotten the word for it.”

Verno cuffed the back of his head, sticking out his tongue. Ru made a face back and shoved him off the road. For a moment, Verno’s upset vanished behind a laugh, the simple rightness of talking and tussling with his friend.

Then the tavern came into view. Its windows were dark, the patrons gone with the dawn, but a familiar shape slouched against the wall, gray in the morning light, a spot of orange glowing from the cigar in his fingers.

Verno charged up and slammed him into the wall.

Daran Mayford gaped at him. There was gold at his ear now, the hollowness gone from his cheeks, a silk scarf around his neck. Verno sneered, fisting one hand in the man’s ascot. “See you managed to turn a profit off Ma and Tala’s corpses. Proud of yourself, are you?”

Daran’s expression shuttered. “I made the best of a muckish situation, son. I didn’t plan this.”

“You don’t get to stop punishing yourself. You can’t move on. You were supposed to crawl in Murrock’s gutter for the rest of your sorry life.”

Daran sneered. “You can’t say aught. You’ve made out sore better than I.”

Verno hauled off and punched him. It was fair more painful than he’d expected; he hissed, shaking out his aching hand, and then Daran drove a fist right back at him, and his vision whited out. Next thing he knew he was on the ground, Daran’s hands around his throat, gray eyes frightening flat, and Verno choked, thrashing, clawing at his wrists. His Lumelles itched at the edge of his mind. He wanted to take them out, hurl Daran through the wall, show him what he could do. But he’d come to use his fists.

Then Daran flew back, suspended between a trio of Lumelles. Ru stood off to the side, one palm upraised, eyes narrowed. The rising sun caught him in fiery orange.

“You stay out of this, boy,” Daran snarled at him.

Rupert leveled a supremely unimpressed look at him as Verno scrambled to his feet. “If you tell Verno again how much he’s benefited from that day, I might hit you myself.”

“I got hauled out of death begging not to be spared,” Verno spat, stalking over to his father. “I kept my post in Lasien so I’d have the power to save others from that fate. Not for the money. Not for the position. What did you do? Came crawling to me begging for my coin. I told you, get free of Murrock yourself. Didn’t tell you to get in bed with him. So tell me, does that make Ma and Tala’s deaths worth it? Are you proud?”

Daran’s face twisted. “Aye. What else could I be?”

Verno itched to punch him again, but with Murrock suspended midair, it seemed unsporting. He reached up and tore the scarf from his neck instead. “Could try being ashamed, mayhap. Could try not being a traitor to your own kind. Why’d you tell the Jaxters I was up to save them? You’re the one with Murrock’s ear. See, if you’d worked your way up to bring the mob down, I could forgive it. I might fair call it noble. But you’ve done naught of the sort. You’ve left it up to me, and you didn’t see fit to tell me so, just let the folk hate me for doing naught.” He paused for breath.

“Are you done?” Daran asked, straightening his collar. “I got schemes to fix.”

“Stun him,” Verno told Ru, turning on his heel. He couldn’t haul Daran out of the mob, didn’t have the strings to ruin him. But he could ruin his schemes for the day.

Ru smiled, then clenched his fist. The Lumelles blazed with a near-deafening buzz, and Daran went limp, falling hard to the road when Ru stowed them.

“Let’s go,” Verno said, every muscle strung taut.

Ru held up a staying finger and produced a pair of handcuffs. “Think we can make his day a bit worse, don’t you?”

“Why do you have those?” Verno sputtered as Ru slung Daran over his shoulder and made for the back of the tavern.

Rupert grinned. “It’s policy to take cuffs into town. Never know when a call might come through.” He cuffed Daran to a drainpipe, and Verno gagged him with his own scarf. No one would find him until the tavern opened that afternoon. He’d have a fair bodge of explaining to do that night. Whatever mob fixers did, Verno was sure it was time sensitive.

The fury drained from him with every step they took away from the tavern. Ru ambled at his side, humming to himself.

“Still don’t get why you supported me in that,” Verno mumbled as the sun cast its first rays onto the streets.

“You’ve never said a word about your father. That told me plenty on its own.” Rupert shrugged. “You said you wanted to scrap with whoever was rude to me? I feel the same.”

“Well… thanks. You saved my hide back there. I don’t know when he learned to scrap like that.”

Rupert paused and touched cool fingers to Verno’s swelling eye, a slight smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “Want me to heal that for you?”

Verno snorted. “By all means. Don’t want Ellie asking questions.”

“As if she won’t know what happened the moment she sees you.” Rupert steered Verno into the shelter of a bookstore doorway, fingers resting against his cheekbone. Prickling burned through the area as Ru healed away the swelling, then trailed his fingers down to the marks Daran’s fingers had left on Verno’s throat. “Surprised you didn’t try to land more hits on him.”

Verno hitched a shrug. “Wanted to. Wouldn’t have solved aught.”

Ru looked at him for a long time, that inscrutable smile still flickering in and out. He was golden again, even though they were both draped in blue shadow, and the sun was only just painting stripes of orange down the street. Come to think of it, the sun hadn’t been up earlier.

“Wait,” Verno said. “Are you doing that with the light?”

Rupert’s smile turned sly. “Doing what?”

“Making yourself…” He fumbled, but there was no other word for it. “Pretty.”

“I always do it, thanks for noticing.” Rupert’s smile broadened. “Wondered how blatant I’d have to get before you caught on.”

“You always…?”

“You thought I was just that perfect?” Rupert patted his cheek and returned to the street. “I’m flattered.”

Verno fell in beside him, stifling a yawn.

“Feel any better?” Ru asked softly.

He shrugged. “Not really. But I think I can leave him be. Ellie and me, we’re gonna take down the mob. Then they’ll all go to prison.”

“If it means anything,” mused Rupert, “he didn’t look happy.”

“He said he was.”

“He said he was proud. But that was a lie, too.”

Verno wasn’t fair sure he believed that. The man had finally gotten the money he’d been chasing his whole life. Why wouldn’t he be?

“I hope you’re proud of yourself,” Rupert said, almost too soft for Verno to hear.

He blinked. “Why? He’s right. I profited off Ma and Tala’s deaths fair as much as he did.”

“No,” Rupert said fiercely, seizing Verno by the shoulders. Now the sun was over the housetops, shining bright behind him, edging him in gold. “Not profit. Opportunity, maybe. You grew. You’re taking your tragedy and making it mean something. I know you think you’re like him. You’re not.”

Verno gaped at him, strangely touched. “Did Ellie tell you what that woman said yesterday?”

Rupert smiled softly. “She’s not a gossip, Ver. I’m just getting good at guessing at what’s in your head.”

Warmth kindled in his stomach, sparking a smile. Rupert knew him well enough to know his thoughts. He cared enough to want to. Daran Mayford wasn’t worth Verno’s time, not when he had Ru and Ellie and his impossible quest to lawmake the mob into submission. Let the man have his cold wealth. “I’ll get to know you just as well. You just watch.”

Ru grinned. “Good.”

The sun edged higher, washing the stone-faced houses just as golden as Ru. The city came to life around them, clamoring crows and clopping hooves and the savory wafts of bread and bacon. Verno yawned again, wondering absently how Ru could look so fresh and put-together after a full night awake. His eyeliner was even still perfect. Rupert turned and shot one of those perfect grins back at Verno. “Think we can take a carriage back, sleepyhead?”

“What, your posh feet can’t hike down and up a mountain?” Verno teased back.

“My posh feet have turned into chuntery chockers, I’m afraid.”

Verno laughed—his dialect in Ru’s upper-class tones was amazing. He wanted to hear more. “If I say we can take a carriage, will you learn some Jaxter?”

“Want to laugh at me, do you?” Rupert mock-huffed, still grinning. “A fair trade.”

Verno splashed a carriage-summons symbol into the street. “There.”

“Better not teach me fake words and get me to use them on real Jaxters.”

Verno grinned back at him. “No promises.”

[lexsssu]

Same (Grima!Robin)

TAGS: Grima(M)!Robin/Dragoness!reader, enemies to lovers, heats/ruts, dirty talk, smut, oneshot Ao3 ver.

“Am I really so interesting you must pester me?”

That was the first sentence Grima had ever directed at you, which you replied to by narrowing your eyes at him as shining gold clashed with blazing red. You’d think that seeing as you both were Fell Dragons there would be a certain kinship between you despite coming from completely different worlds.

Sadly, you didn’t expect how surly and simply aggravating he was to be with when you only wanted to form a friendship with him. 

With a huff, your great wings appeared from your back and flew you away from the irritable god, intending to play with the dragon children instead or even enjoy a cup of tea with Corrin & Kamui.

Grima’s crimson eyes glowed in the dark as he stared at your receding back, a faint tugging sensation in his chest making itself known the moment you were a fair distance away from him.

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

“You are a curious one...You willingly come to chat with me? The fell dragon? Alone?”

“Listen here, mister. In case you haven’t noticed or gotten the memo yet...I’M A FELL DRAGON TOO!”

In your anger, you stepped right up to Grima until your face was but centimeters away from his, albeit you were a bit on the shorter side but your confidence and projection made you all the more taller.

The surly sorcerer surprisingly didn’t feel that your words or tone was disrespectful, nor did he feel irritated at how closely you stood before him as if you were equals. Rather, he felt quite...intrigued.

He normally had no qualms about sending anyone who irritated him a severe beatdown or even death if he was feeling merciful, but you? The silver-haired male couldn’t help but find your actions quite...endearing if he was being honest with himself. 

You bare your claws and fangs at him as if to intimidate him, but your actions proved otherwise. The fact that you always rebuked him for his “ mistakes ” only to still look back aggrievedly as if waiting for him to coax you always left him feeling VERY bemused.

Why, you were like fledgeling clumsily trying to attract a mate by acting coquettish without even knowing what your actions were suggesting!

“Be careful with your words and actions, girl. Lest someone take them as an invitation for something more.”

And he left just like that, leaving you utterly bewildered by his cryptic riddles.

“What is this man raving about again…”

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

“Will you be my mate and bear my young or must you continue this game of chase with me? Bear in mind the fact that regardless of your answer...I will have you whimpering beneath me and crying for my seed in your womb,” the male dragon growled in your ear, a delighted shiver travelling down your spine as fluids shamefully collected at your untouched lower lips.

The both of you were away from Askr’s castle, in a secluded cave ways away from any hero, enemy, or even civilian who might stumble into it by chance. Piles of fur meticulously cleaned laid on the cold, hard ground and providing comfort and warmth from the abrasive floor. 

Yet, their warmth was nothing compared to the large, strong, and practically burning hot body that caged your own against the mass of furs. However, the hottest part was the groin that unashamedly rubbed and ground itself against your soft buttocks. Even within the confines of his trousers, Grima’s cock stood tall and proud as it tented against the fabric, caressing your cunt and further ruining the once pristine pair of panties you wore. The fabric had already turned transparent with how much juices leaked out of your lewd pussy, a fact that the damned god took great pleasure in.

“Look at how much slick you drip just from this alone and tell me...does it not please you to mate with the only male of our kind? I see how you care for the whelps within the Order and thought...would it not be better to have hatchlings of our own for you to mother?”

As you ponder dazedly over his words, he takes the time to lick and nibble at the junction between your neck and shoulder. Biting at the area teasingly as he continued his ministrations, letting you feel the sweltering heat of his hard cock as he humped your pussy from behind, ready to mount you at a moment’s notice but refraining from taking that final step.

“I’ll be good to you, on my honor as a Fell Dragon. I will provide and care for you as a mate should and that extends to all children that will be born from our union. Never shall I stray and forever we shall stay together.”

“...Grima, please…”

The sound of a dragon’s roar echoed through the cave and resounded through the kingdom, alerting both citizens and the Order alike, but no one could find the source.

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

It was only until three days later that you and your new husband/mate reappeared before the shocked eyes of the heroes. A proud mark shone on your neck, looking less like a bite mark and more like a tattoo as it shone a bright red whereas Grima’s which shone like gold on his left collarbone above where his heart should be was hidden beneath his cloak.

No one made a comment about your abrupt disappearance and return together. Nor did they attempt to inquire about the slight roundness of your belly, too afraid to earn Grima’s ire which was all too easy to do and usually resulted into a none too pretty sight. 

Judging by the way the Fell Dragon menacingly hovered over you, it was within the best interests of everyone not to ask any questions.

[dacielue]

Be A Hero: Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel has recently graced the silver screen and has become one of the most famous superhero names around. Carol Danver’s is an inspiration to all girls and women, she is a woman that is sarcastic, powerful, smart, hardworking, and understanding. She is not imperfect, despite what her incredible superpowers might have you think, she makes mistakes, she trusts the wrong people, but that is what makes her such a role model. She makes mistakes and learns from them, she has goals and she works through them through hard work and determination, her imperfections are what make her human, and a great role model for all people.

In this post we shall be looking at the looks sported by Carol, and how you yourself can capture the essence of being a true hero. Her look throughout the movie is mainly based on her Kree uniform, her Air Force attire, her 90’s look, and her eventual change into her iconic Captain Marvel uniform.

Now lets take a look at how use fashion to bring about the look of Captain Marvel.

Kree

When going for the look of Captain Marvel, or Ver’s, Kree uniform, it is important to focus on the colors of the dark green and black of the uniform. This is a look that could be worn as more casual, so look for either a t-shirt or sweater in green shade, and then use the black for the rest of the look. It’s preferable to go with leather looking trousers or leggings that make the give of a shine similar to the costume in the film.

Top, Pants, Boots, Bag, Jacket

The 90’s

One of the most prominent aspects about the film, is that it is all set in the late 1990’s, a time of grunge fashion and simplicity. When Carol lands on earth she is wicked into the a 90’s world and must embrace the 90’s fashion in order to blend in. This is when her iconic leather jacket comes into play. Her 90’s style is easy to bring back into modern day, as all you need is a t-shirt, some blue jeans, and a great pair of boots.

T-Shirt, Jeans, Boots, Jacket, Hat

Captain Marvel

It would not be a Captain Marvel without looking at the iconic red, blue and gold costume. This is a glorious superhero costume that will be remembered for many years to come. This a costume that should honored and represented through powerful clothing. For this look, go all out, really become a hero. Throw on a red or blue jumpsuit or dress, and highlight the look with gold accessories. Make this outfit look like it should be worn by a hero.

Jumpsuit, Heels, Earrings, Cuff, Clutch

Captain Marvel Fashion

Romper, Purse, Jacket, T-Shirt, Dress, T-Shirt

[a-lame-constellation]

Korean MVs that came out in 2017

~Since i’m not into most kpop groups i might forget to write a comeback so feel free to tell me some that i haven’t written yet or if i have done a mistake.~

*The songs are not in order

**I’ve already made a 2016 list (and i’m making a 2018)

January:

AOA - Excuse Me

AOA - Bing Bing

Bae Da Hae - Knock Knock Knock

S.E.S. - Paradise

AKMU - Last Goodbye

INA - Rainbow

April - April Story

WJSN - I Wish

Davii - Navigation (ft. Heize)

Jun.K - Your Wedding

Minje - Our City

TopSecret - She

Varsity - U R My Only One

Mixx - Love Is a Sudden

NCT127 - Limitless

Vromance - I’m Fine

Day6 - I Wait

Ravi - Bomb (ft. SanE)

Sonamoo - I Think I Love U

Young Cream - 042

Shinhwa 13th - Touch

TRAX [STATION] - Road

Soulights - Crush

EVE - Candle

Jun.K - No Shadow

I - I Wish

Hello Venus - Mysterious

Dreamcatcher - Chase Me

Choi ye_guen Band - Adult

Rain - The Best Present

Niel - Love Affair

CLC - Hobgoblin

Seohyun - Don’t Say No

Zizo - Dynamite Girl

LOOΠΔ(Loona)/YeoJin - Kiss Later

LOOΠΔ(Loona)/Heejin, Hyunjin - My Sunday

LOOΠΔ(Loona)/Heaseul, Yeojin - My Melody

Yoon Do Hyun [STATION] - Sparks Fly

Kasper - Lean On Me

I.O.I - Downpour

40, Dasom - You&I

Park Kyung - When I’m With You (ft. BrotherSu)

Kang Sira - Don’t Wanna Forget

Jooheon - Rhythm

Luna, Hani, Solar - Honey Bee

Joo Chan, So Yoon - No One Like You

2NE1 - Goodbye

Gain, Jeff Bernat - Play

Pentagon - Pretty pretty

Yesung, Selgi [STATION] - Darling U

Jessi - Don’t Make Me Cry

San E - I Am Me (ft. Hwasa)

A.Leean - Fall Back

Suzy - Yes No Maybe

Dynamic Duo, Chen - Nosedive

Sam Kim, Loco - Think About’ Chu

MelodyDay - You Seem Busy

Ryan - Don’t Tell Me Why (ft.Addy)

Kassy - Dream

Masta Wu - Shit (ft. Dok2)

Crybaby - Paramount (ft. TakeOne)

Cheetah - Blurred Lines (ft Hanhae)

Gallant, Tablo, Eric Nam - Cave Me In

Kebee - My Foreigner (ft. BrotherSu)

Ji Hoon Shin - You Are A Star Already

HuhGak - Miss You

Zion.T - The Song

Red Velvet - Rookie

Crown J - Hajima

Lydia Lee - Blue

February:

Imfact - In The Club

Suho, Song YoungJoo [STATION] - Curtain

Masc - Tina

Block B - Yesterday

SF9 - Roar

Day6 - You Were Beautiful

Jung Joon Young - Me and You (ft. Jang Hyejin)

Rhythm Power - Bangsaneung

Cross Gene - Black or White

San E - Counselor

1NB - Stalker

NCT Dream - My First and Last

SunnyHill - Crossroads

B.I.G - 1.2.3

Bts - Spring Day

Bts - Not Today

SBGB - Card Captor Sakura

J’Kyun - Soaking (ft. Cherry Coke)

Jang Joon, Young Taek - Drought (ft. BéE)

Soyou, Baekhyun - Rain

BeautyHandsome - This Game

Skull - Crazy (ft. Verbaljint, KittiB)

Moon Kim - Dark Chocolate

BiPA - Coffee Shop Oppa

MelodyDay - Kiss On The Lips

K.a.r.d - Don’t Recall

Kim Jinho - Graduation Picture

Scarlet mojo-Pin - Ez come Ez go (Gorilla-Man)

Eden - I’m Still (ft. Kwon Jina)

Dean - Beyond (ft. Yerin Baek)

VAV - Venus (Dance With Me)

Taeyeon - I Got Love

Taeyeon - Fine

Twice - Knock Knock

100% - Sketch U

Cheeze - Love You

Solar - Happy People

Soma - Midnight In Paris

Soma - Pale Blue

HeeJun Han - Think of You

San E - What If

Junggigo, Chanyeol - Let Me Love You

Subin - Strawberry

Subin - Circle’s Dream

High4 - Love Line

gugudan - A Girl Like Me

Lovelyz - WoW!

Park Won, Suzy - Don’t Wait For Your Love

Ailee - Reminiscing

Penomeco - WTF (Went Too Far)

Code Kunst - Fire Water (ft. G.Soul, Tablo)

Most Badass Asian - MBA

Most Badass Asian - Joker

Most Badass Asian - Thursday Party (ft. Big One)

Most Badass Asian - Turn Off The Radio (Taxi Driver)

Beatwin - Don’t Leave

March:

Ovan - Virgin Love

Live - Known Me (ft. Dean)

Live - Please (ft. Kim Hyo Eun, G2, Dumbfoundead)

Victon - Eyez Eyez

Ovan - Girl You Deserve It

Kim Ji Soo - Dream All Day

Blanc7 - Yeah

GFriend - Fingertip

BtoB - Movie

Day6 - How Can I Say

Rare Potato - Starlit Night

B.A.P - Wake Me Up

LambC - Love Like That

Romeo - Without U

Jung Key - Anymore (ft. Whee In)

Eric Nam x Somi - You, Who?

Brave Girls - Rollin’

Highlight - It’s Still Beautiful

Highlight - Plz Don’t Be Sad

Got7 - Never Ever

Dorothy Scene - We Are Just..

Cherry Coke - Like I Do

Jung Joonil - Wish

MVP - Take It

Oohyo - Pizza

Cao Lu, Kisum, Yerin - Spring Again

Mad Clown - Love Is A Dog From Hell (ft. Suran)

Seven O’Clock [SOC] - Echo

Hwanhee - So It Is

Yang Hee Eun x AKMU - The Tree

Cnblue - Between Us

Monsta X - Beautiful

Pristin - Wee Woo

IU - Through the Night

BigFlo - Stardom

DJ Juice - BEATful Life (ft. Verbal Jint, Nuck)

J-Min - Alive

Lee Sun Jung Band - Because of Love

Pretty Brown - Grey (ft. Verbal Jint)

Sanchez - 5 More Minutes (ft. Beenzino)

Moon Hyuna - Cricket Song

Roydo - Rewind

Lucy - B-day

Eyedi - Best Mistake (K)

Ofa - To You For You

X.Q - Long Time

Girl’s Day - I’ll Be Yours

Seo In Guk - Better Together

D.G.N.A - Lucky Man

Owol - Nuna (ft. Microdot)

Jero - Delusional

Red Velvet [STATION] - Would You

Seventeen - Smile Flower

I’M - Save Me

OFA - Somebody

OFA - Grow Old

JK Kim Dong Uk - Universe

April:

DPR Live - Cheese & Wine

Oh My Girl - Coloring Book

Winner - Really Really

Winner - Fool

INX - 2Gether

Dreamcatcher - Good Night

Imfact - Tension Up

Taeyeon - Make Me Love You

SBGB - Ki-dult

Corona - Holding Your Hand

Hong Dae Kwang - Fall In Love

Gaeko - Gajah (ft. Rap Monster)

Day6 - I’m Serious

Okdal - Love Advice

Okdal - Intern

Ten [STATION] - Dream In A Dream

Baekhyun [STATION] - Take You Home

Jenyer, Samuel Seo - Cliché

Jeong EunJi - The Spring (ft. Hareem)

EXID - Night Rather Than Day

MiSO - KKPP

Teen Top - Love Is

Lee Hae Ri - Pattern

Lee Hae Ri - Hate That I Miss You

Unit Black - Steal Your Heart

BLACK6IX - Please

Kim Na Young - Being An Adult

Zico - She’s a Baby

Daze - Friday

Berry Good - BibbidiBobbidiBoo

Apink - Always

Kisum - Sleep Tight (ft. Gilgubonggu)

DIA - Will You Go Out With Me

Yesung - Paper Umbrella

DinDin - Super Super Lonely

Hyolyn, Changmo - Blue Moon

Minzy - NiNaNo (ft. Flowsik)

Baek Ji Woong - Your Day

SF9 - Easy Love

Laboum - Hwi Hwi

Chung Ha - Week

IU - Palette (ft. G-Dragon)

Junggigo - Across The Universe

Hyukoh - Leather Jacket

Hyukoh - Tomboy

Hyukoh - Wanli

IU - Ending Scene

K.A.R.D - Rumor

14U - Very Very Very

Varsity - Hole In One

OLNL - OYeah

Reddy - Supreme

Jonghyun - Lonely (ft. Taeyeon)

Stella Jang - Vanishing Paycheck

Triple H - 365 Fresh

Jah Vinci Skull, C Jamm, Jah Vinci - Killa Dreads

Boi B - ADY (ft. Sik-K)

Sugarbowl - Second Date

Knowing Bros - Theme song

May:

Yong Jun Hyung - Wonder If (ft. Heize)

Lovelyz - Now, We

G.Urban - I’ll give it to you

VAV - Flower (You)

JeA - You’re Different (ft. Ra.D)

Ludonph Yongjunko - Tell Me It’s Okay (ft. Luna)

Busters - Dreamer

Day6 - Dance Dance

Romeo - Stay With Me

Psy - I Luv It

Psy - New Face

Twice - Signal

Vixx - Shangri-La

Unnies - Right?

Honeyst - Like You

Urban Zakapa - Alone

Sohee - Spotlight

B.I.G - Hello Hello

IKON - Bling Bling

IKON - B-Day

Roy Kim - Egoist

Roy Kim - Suddenly

Cheeze - Be There

Dean - Love (ft. Syd)

Loco - Movie Shoot (ft. DPR Live)

Loco - Too Much (ft.Dean)

Seventeen - Don’t Wanna Cry

Dear Cloud - Silver Lining

Map6 - I’m Ready

A.C.E - Cactus

Yezi - Anck Su Namun

Yong Yong - Scribbling

KNK - Sun, Moon, Star

Kriesha Chu - Trouble

Yoo Yong Min - Nobody Knows

Goretexx, Black Nut, Han Yo Han - Silky Boys

South Club - Hug Me

Marmello - Puppet

MeiMei Jane - Forever

Shin Hyun Woo - So Amazing

LOOΠΔ(Loona)/Eclipse

Joo - Late in the Morning

Kyuhyun - Goodbye For Now

24K - Only You

Most Badass Asian - Officer

Highlight - Calling You

Sistar - Lonely

Astro - Baby

The Black Skirts - Who Do You Love

Baek A Yeon - Sweet Lies (ft. The Barberettes)

Still PM - True

June:

Elris - We, First

Suran - 1+1=0 (ft. Dean)

S.E.T - Nalari

TopSecret - Mind Control

Gummy - I I Yo

Chung Ha - Why Don’t You Know (ft. Nucksal)

Ft.Island - Wind

Day6 - I Smile

WJSN - Happy

G-Dragon - Untitled, 2014

Eddy Kim - Heart  Pound

Pentagon - Critical Beauty

NCT 127 - Cherry Bomb

Vermuda - Dream Girl

Monsta X - Shine Forever

Mamamoo - Yes I Am

Mamamoo - Age Gag

BlackPink - As If It’s Your Last

South Club - Dirty House

South Club - I Got The Blues

South Club - Liar

Henry - I’m Good (ft. Nafla)

Ahn Jung Jae - You’re Fine

Apink - Five

Heize - Don’t Know You

Heize - You, Clouds, Rain (ft. Shin Yong Jae)

LOONA/JinSoul - Singing in the Rain

BoA - Camo

Lee Hyuri - Seoul (ft. Killagramz)

Crush - Summer Love

July:

The Barbarettes - Summer Love

Favorite - Party Time

Bang Yongguk - Yamazaki

Min Chae - Latata

VAV - ABC (Middle of the Night)

Lee Hyori - Black

Hyolyn, Kisum - Fruity

Crush - Outside (ft. Beenzino)

Day6 - Hi Hello

Take - Good Enough

Yu Seungwoo, Sandeul - Oppa

Red Velvet - Red Flavor

South Club - No

Millic - Paradise (ft. Fanxy Child)

One - Heyahe

One - Gettin’ By

Urban Zakapa - Moai

Xiumin x Mark [STATION] - Young & Free

Zico - Artist

Zico - Anti (ft. G.Soul)

Jessi - Gucci

Mind U - Love Me

Park Boram - Why, You? (ft. Seo Samuel)

Voisper - Crush On You

Hotshot - Jelly

WJSN (Cosmic Girls) - Kiss Me

Exo - Ko Ko Bop

Geeks - Woo

Psy - Love (ft. Taeyang)

KNK - Rain

Kard - Hola Hola

Jung Yong Hwa - That Girl (ft. Loco)

The Night Of Seokyo - Walking in the Moonlight )ft. Dawon, Lasier)

AKMU - Dinosaur

offonoff - gold (ft Dean)

Luda - I Will Give You All I Got

Dreamcatcher - Fly High

Monsta X - Newton

LOONA/Choerry - Love Cherry Motion

JJ Project - Tomorrow, Today

Longguo & Shihyun - the.the.the

9Muses - Remember

August:

Winner - Island

Winner - Love Me Love Me

GFriend - Love Whisper

Girl’s Generation - Holiday

Girl’s Generation - All Night (Documentary Ver.)

Yoo YoungJin x Taeyong [STATION] - Cure

Samuel - Sixteen (ft. Changmo)

Eddy Kim - Now

ONF - ON/OFF

CLC - Where are you?

The Rose - Sorry

Juniel - Last Carnival

Groovyroom - Sunday (ft. Heize, Jay Park)

Raina - Loop (ft. Aron of Nu’est)

N.Flying - The Real

Drug Restaurant - Drink O2 in the water

Primary - ~42 (ft. Sam Kim , eSNa)

Day6 - What Can I Do

Boyfriend - Star

WannaOne - Energetic

Weki Meki - I Don’t Like Your Girlfriend

Pristin - We Like

Momoland - Freeze

Oguogu - Ice Chu

Sunmi - Gashina

Heize - In The Time Spent With You

Hur Young Ji - Memory Clock

Hoody - Hangang

Kassy - Let It Rain

Victon - Unbelievable

Yu Seungwoo, Younha - Can’t Stop This Feeling

Jisook - Ilhoon - Baesisi

Aleph - Fall in Love Again

S2 - Honeya

Lee Seung Hwan - God Of Money

VIXX LR - Whisper

10cm - Help

HyunA - Babe

Jackson Wang - Papillon

Good Day - Rolly

S.I.S - I’ve Got A Feeling

Rolling Paper - Polaroid (ft. DalShabet’s Serri)

Jeong Sewoon, Sik-K - Just U

IZ - All You Want

Henry - That One

Babylon - Lalala

GreatGuys - Last Men

Golden Child - DamDaDi

Sanchez - Mesmerised (ft. Yong Jun Hyung)

Primary - Right (ft. Soyou)

Primary - Diet (ft.Solji)

Primary - Hello (ft.Lena Park)

Primary - Hush (ft. Jaebum)

9Muses - Love City

September:

10cm - Phonecert

Junho - Fine

Pentagon - When I Was In Love

Exo - Power

B.A.P - Honeymoon

Lee Gikwang - What You Like

Black6IX - Like A Flower

Day6 - I Loved You

Pentagon - Like This

Soyou - The Blue Night of Jeju Island

Yonko - Butterfly (Black Ver.)

San E, Penomeco, Microdot, Kebee - Fresh Up

Jeong Eun Ji - Manito

Elris - Pow Pow

Bobby - I Love You

Bobby - Runaway

Bts - DNA

IU- Last Night Story

B1A4 - Rollin’

P.O - MEN’z NIGHT (ft. Chancellor)

Day6 - When You Love Someone

U-Know [STATION] - Drop

K.will - Nonfiction

Seventeen (SVT Leaders) - Change Up

LOONA/Odd Eye Circle - Girl Front

Bolbbalgan4 - Some

Βolbbalgan4 - Blue

Bolbbalgan4 - Imagine

Bolbbalgan4 - Fix Me

Yoona [STATION] - When The Wind Blows

Koh Nayoung - Stars

Sugarbowl - A Very Special One

20 Years of Age - Not Him

October:

Stray Kids - Hellevator

TRCNG - Spectrum

Hash Tag - Hue

Got7 - You Are

Nu’est W - Where You At

Basement Claxxic - Always on my Mind

Davichi - To Me

Jang Wooyoung - Still Me

SF9 - O Sole Mio

Rainz - Juliette

Woo Seok - Lift off (ft. E’Dawn)

Varsity - Can You Come Out Now?

Up10tion - Going Crazy

Masc - Do It

Yu Seungwoo - Tonight

Paul Kim - Stranger

Mate - A Day

Mate - Baby

Dpr Live - Jasmine

Hi Cutie - Play U

HA:TFELT - I Wander (ft. Gaeko)

HA:TFELT - Read Me (ft. Punchnello)

Highlight - Can Be Better

Taemin - Move

BtoB - Missing You

Jung Jin Hyeong - Tru (ft. Sik-k)

A.c.e - Callin’

JBJ - Fantasy

Killagramz - Coloring (ft. Hash Swan)

Seventeen [Vocal Team]

Jimin (AOA) - Hallelujah

Playback - Want You To Say

Super Junior - One More Chance

Twice - Likey

The Rose - Like We Used To

Juniel - I Drink Alone

Epik High - Home Is Far Away + Love Story

November:

Astro - Crazy Sexy Cool

Nick&Sammy - Without You

Jinbo - My Love By My Side (ft. Chancellor)

Super Junior - Black Suit

Byul - Leaves (ft. Junoflo)

Minah - 11°

Mind U - If

Jeon Soyeon - Jelly

Seventeen - Clap

VAV - She’s Mine

Eddy Kim - Bet On Me

Yiruma - F r a m e d

Sonamoo - I (Knew it)

Day6 - All Alone

Nieah - Baby I

Hyeongseop X Euiwoong - It Will Be Good

Sole - Ride (ft. Thama)

Martin Smith - Season Comes Again

Park Jimin - Say I Love You

Block B - Shall We Dance

Monsta X - DramaRama

Exid - DDD

Hwang Chi Yeul - Rewind

Rothy - Stars

Victon - Remember Me

Urban Zakapa - When We Were Two

Swings - Clock Out (ft. Jay Park, Crush)

WannaOne - Beautiful

Samuel - Candy

Kard - You In Me

Kiggen - Cloudy (ft. Solar)

Soma - In My Phone

Soma - Someday + Face Me

Pentagon - Violet

Pentagon - Runaway

Red Velvet - Peek-A-Boo

Joonil Jung - I Like

George - Boat

Jackson Wang - Okay

Soyou, Sung Si Kyung - I Still

No.11 - B1 (ft. Sung Joo of Uniq)

E Z Hyung - I Feel Good

Lee Ha Rin - A Strange Day

Fly To The Sky - Your Season

Kim Dong Wan - Afterimage

Map6 - Love Is Gone

Nell, Groovyroom - Today

UV - Za Bro (ft. Choiza)

HuhGak - Only You

Kream - Photograph

Zion.T - Nu DAY

Drug Restaurant - Catwoman

gugudan - Chococo

Jeebanoff - Timid (ft. Changmo)

December:

HyunA - Lip & Hip

Han Dong Geun - Undoable

Kisses - Dead-End

Day6 - I Like You

Kard - Trust Me

Zion.T - Snow

The Boyz - Boy

Dpr Live - Martini Blue

Dpr Live - Text Me

Taemin - Day and Night

K.Will, Soyou, Boyfriend, Mad Clown, Monsta X, Wjsn, Junggigo, Brothersu, Jeong Sewoon, Lee Kwanghyun, Yu Seungwoo, Mind U, #Gun, Duetto- Christmas Day

B.A.P - Hands Up

Soyou - The Night (ft. Geeks)

Car, the garden - Island (ft. OhHyuk)

Taeyeon - This Christmas

Twice - Heart Shaker

Twice - Merry & Happy

Laysha - Pink Label

Crush - Be By My Side

Exo - Universe

Loona/Chuu - Heart Attack

Lay - Goodbye Christmas

Eric Nam - Hold Me

Younha - Parade

Sunwoo Jung A - C A T (ft. IU)

Yang Da Il - Lie

Osshun Gum - Life’s a Dream

Kim Na Young - Miss U

[queenevaine]

A ‘Entity-Never-Happened’ AU of my OC @zeka-dbd​ and @sociophobicsaboteur​ ‘s Jake!  I’m a sucker for these two.  

Zeka listened to the car’s radio as she followed the directions on her GPS.  She knew of the place she was heading to; a typically rich and prestigious family needing specific fixes and being uncaring about time or convenience.  

That was how Zeka found herself driving out with her bag of tools, albeit being well paid for her time.  The metal gates were closed, making her double check the time.  She was still early, set to arrive at 8:30 while being there at 8pm.  She looked out of the window at the gates, noting the engraving on either side stating ‘Park Manor’.  

She took a deep breath, parking her car on the side of the road, getting out and testing the gates.  They were well locked, and she debated climbing over the fence.  With her bag over her shoulder, she looked for any sort of bell or buzzer.  She nearly jumped when the gate was unlocked before her, and a man in a suit opened the gate.  

“Miss.. ‘Zeka’, yes?”

She nodded, adjusting the bag on her shoulders.  

“Yes, Zeka Kline.”  

The man nodded, gesturing her to follow.  She followed without another word, walking up the well kept pathway.  She was impressed by its appearance, nearly bumping into the man when he stopped to open a grand wooden door.  She walked in after him, suddenly extremely conscious about tracking in mud.  

“Please be sure to wipe your shoes well.”

A different man spoke up, and Zeka recognized the owner of the voice as the senior Park, standing in a suit next to his wife.  He seemed almost in disbelief, intently staring her down.  

“Am I to believe you are the one to be fixing the issues we are having with our computers?”

Oh boy.  

“Yes, I am.  Is there anything wrong?”

She couldn’t help the tilt of her head as she challenged him.  No one disrespected her like that.  

“Are you sure you’re qualified to fix this problem?  You hardly look professional.”

Zeka adopted a sickeningly sweet smile.  

“I’m very sure, sir.  I can have this problem fixed before midnight.”  

He still seemed skeptical, but instead walked to the door.  

“Very well.  I’ll be out to dinner, and when I return I expect everything to be perfect.”

Zeka nodded, watching the couple walk out the door.  She sighed, taking plastic coverings from her bag and slipping them over her shoes.  She looked to the man who guided her inside.  

“Where is the main computer and modem?”  

“Right this way.”  

She quietly followed behind, marveling at the extravagance of the home’s interior.  She was lead upstairs to a pristine office, a very expensive computer sitting on a fancy desk.  

“If you need anything, you need only ask.”

“I think I’ll be okay, thank you.”

The man nodded and left the room, leaving Zeka to herself.  She took her laptop out and got to work.  

Jake sat in the bathroom, staring down at the small, bloody edge of the blade he pressed against his skin.  Blood poured from his arms, giving some indication that he was still human.  He took shaky breaths as he sat on the tiled floor, head leaning against the wall.  He closed his eyes, fighting back emotions.  

Jake gripped the blade’s handle tightly, freezing when he heard faint singing.  He knew his parents had gone out, there shouldn’t be anyone home that would bother him.  His parents didn’t get home until past 11, and it was still 10:15.  Whoever this person was, their singing voice was beautiful.  

He realized now they were getting closer.  He stood with a jolt, frantically looking around for bandages.  He hissed when he tightly wrapped the bandages from the medicine cabinet, and the fabric made contact with the open cuts.  The voice got clearer, and he could tell now it was a higher pitch voice, and likely a woman.  

“~I will never understand the power you were holding ohh-ho-ver me~!”  

He heard the door swing open, then a loud yelp.  He turned to see a young woman turned away with her face in her hands.  She eventually lowered her heads to cover her cheeks.  

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t think there was anyone else here.”  

She turned to face him, and he immediately was taken aback by her beauty.  He stood like a deer in headlights, clearly stunned as she started to take several steps backwards.  

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude, I-I can find a different bathroom.”  

“No, it’s fine.  I had no idea there was someone else here.”

She smiled nervously, rubbing the back of her neck.  

“I thought I was pretty obvious singing to myself for the past hour.  And, I kinda thought I was here alone and was just going to use the bathroom before leaving.  But really, it’s okay!  Technically I should be going now since my job here is done.”  

Jake’s attention briefly darted to the blood on the floor, then back to her.  

“Your job?”

She nodded, adjusting a bag he now noticed over her shoulder.  She held onto the bag’s strap tightly.  

“Yeah, I came out here to fix some computer issues.  I just finished up.  But uhm, my name is Zeka.”  

“Jake Park.”  

She smiled, reaching out to shake his hand.  He hesitated, looking around to try and find some gloves to slip on.  

“Sorry, I know handshakes aren’t everyone’s thing.  I should get going now, so uh, see you!”  

She quickly turned to leave, leaving Jake dumbfounded.  He shook his head, moving to clean up the blood off the floor.  

Zeka groaned when she got into her car, pressing her forehead against the steering wheel.  God, I’m so fucking dumb.  She leaned back in the seat, rubbing her eyes.  She took a deep breath before recollecting herself and driving home, doing everything she could to avoid thinking about her embarrassment.  

She was relieved to finally be home when she pulled into the driveway, even with the return to her life as Alicia.  She sighed, letting herself in with her keys.  She knew she would have to practice singing for the masquerade party her mother would not stop talking about.  She herself had her outfit already planned out; a slim, golden dress that reached just past the center of her thighs.  Her shoes were a matching gold, high heeled boots that were comprised more accurately of thin straps.  

She hadn’t tried it on before and would have liked it more if she wasn’t being forced to go and perform.  The mask was glittery and stunning with feathers trailing off one side.  The edges were adorned with obviously fake, but still shiny and new gemstones.  It fit with the songbird motif planned for her performance.  She sighed again, putting her things aside and changing for bed.  Her thoughts spun, before settling down after easing her awkward memory of the day.  

Most of Zeka’s days were uneventful up until the day of the party.  It was online classes and work as normal, then practicing at home with her mother.  She kept her range flexible, knowing the songs she might have to sing could change.  It was hardly anything official, no set program of songs, but Zeka knew she’d be expected to sing.  Her mother was a singer professionally (when she wasn’t taking on the role of housewife) and far too good at it for her daughter to go unnoticed.

She sat still in the chair, quiet as her mother brushed her hair and removing curlers one by one.  She was making sure her hair was properly styled.  

“Excited, Ali sweetheart?”

Zeka gave a small smile, hands in her lap.  

“Nervous, mostly.”  

Her mother ran her hand over the soft, curled hair.  

“You have nothing to be scared of, babygirl.  You’re going to be wonderful.  And you are going to look stunning.”  

Zeka smiled again, letting her thoughts wander as her mother continued to style and brush her hair.  

Jake hated wearing a suit.  It was far too stuffy and uncomfortable, worn for the sake of a family that didn’t care about him.  He adjusted the star-patterned mask on his face.  With a deep breath, he walked out of his bedroom and made sure every part of his suit was pristine.  The clock on the wall read 8:30, just half an hour before the main party was to start.  He walked downstairs, silently getting into the limo he knew his parents owned.  He stared out the window at the night sky during the drive to the party.  He didn’t realize they arrived until he heard the door abruptly open.  He quietly followed his parents into the city building repurposed for the night of masquerade.  He already plotted several ways to get out of this event.  

Even with the mask, the intricate details of his suit made his identity obvious as a son of the Park family.  Defeats the purpose of masquerade.  He took the silver bird pin from his pocket and set it over the embroidery when he got inside.  It was already as he expected, and it was just barely past 9pm.  He gave polite smiles to people who walked up to talk to him, more likely because of the clear marks of a rich background.  

He kept catching glimpses of gold, always unable to see who exactly it was.  Each time, he felt his heart skip a beat.  Who was this person?  

He was thankful for the pause of music and tapping of a microphone, saving him from his thoughts and another identical conversation with a different person in a different outfit.  

“I hate to interrupt the festivities, but we have a very special guest today!  The young Alicia Kline is going to grace us with a performance.  I’m sure many of you have heard of her mother, Liana Kline, and only good marks of her daughter’s skill.  Without further ado, miss Alicia Kline!”  

Jake watched the stunning form of Alicia walk up to the microphone on stage in the same golden outfit he kept seeing.  It didn’t take him long to realize she was incredibly uncomfortable.  He also quickly noticed just how beautiful she was under the spotlights, the outfit reminded him of a canary.  She waved to the man on the piano, who started playing in a slow, gradual crescendo.  When she started singing, Jake swore his heart stopped.  

“~Fear not this night, you will not go, astray~!”

I know her voice.  The same voice he had heard weeks ago, by pure accident.  She had introduced herself as Zeka, and for those weeks he wasn’t able to get her out of his mind.  He watched in a stunned daze, the words of her singing piercing through his heart.  

“~And you, can always be strong!  Lift your voice!  With the first light, of dawn~!”  

It was as if behind that golden mask were the omnipotent eyes of a goddess; one that knew every facet of his life up until tonight, and appeared in the form of a mortal to grace him with her presence.  

He fought back tears in his eyes, grateful for the mask he was able to hide behind.  The only sounds he heard were the piano and Zeka’s voice.

“~And, though the night sky’s, filled with black-ness, Fear not, Rise up!  Call out and take my hand~!”  

She reached her hand out to the crowd, but Jake still felt like she was singing to him in particular.  Did everyone feel that way?

“~Dawn’s, just a heartbeat, away~!  Hope’s, just a sunrise, away~!”  

She took a step back, giving a small smile and bow as the piano and orchestra trailed off.  The uproar of applause drowned everything out.  He watched her be delicately lead off the stage, and near instantly be surrounded by endlessly chattering men in suits.  

Zeka wasn’t averse to the attention she was getting, but their closeness to her was starting to get uncomfortable.  She was too polite to decline offers to dance or to walk away from the crowd.  In dances, she let the other lead, as she was terribly inexperienced.  

Jake had to shoulder past several crowds of people to even get close to Zeka.  A defensive surged filled him when he saw a man tightly holding her hand, even as she tried to pull herself away.  

“My dear, won’t you at least humor me with a date?”  

Absolutely not.  

Jake edged his way between them, giving the other man a clear, venomous glare.  ‘Walk away, now’, it warned.  Zeka let out a quiet sigh of relief when he turned to leave without another moment’s hesitation.  

“Thank you so much for that.”  

Tension seemed to ease from her shoulders.  He couldn’t help but smile at her small grin, and at how relaxed and comfortable she sounded in an instant.  

“You don’t need to thank me, Zeka.”  

She blinked in surprise, gasping when she caught sight of the unique color of his eye and realized who was behind the mask.

“Jake?  Is that really you?”

He nodded once, tilting his head slightly in confusion when she laughed.  

“I had no idea, oh my God.  That’s twice now, isn’t it?  But, my name is actually Alicia, though.  Zeka’s just… a nickname I go by sometimes.”  

The hesitation in her voice felt like a knife being twisted into his heart.  

“But you prefer being called Zeka, right?”

She gave a small nod.

“I do, but-”

“Then you’re Zeka, at least to me.”

She grinned with a quick, sweet chuckle.  Jake smiled widely, suddenly entirely unsure when her comfort and happiness had become so important to him.  Just as suddenly, he had an idea.  

“Can I show you something?”

He held his hand out to her, which she took with barely a second of hesitation.  

“Of course.  What are you showing me?”

“That’s a surprise.  Just follow me.”

He led her through the crowd, taking the silver pin off to fully display the embroidered P on his chest.  Security guards simply nodded once to him when he passed and guided Zeka to the grand balcony that proudly granted a view of the night sky, music from the main hall echoing to them.  

Jake gladly watched her expressions of pure joy,  staring in awe at the rare view. 

“This is so amazing.. I’ve never seen the stars so bright.”  

He couldn’t tear his gaze from her as she stared at the sky with wonder.  

“It’s more beautiful than I can even describe.”  

She laughed, tracing patterns between stars with her eyes.  Jake watched, barely nodding.  If only I had the courage to say that to you.  He slowly turned his attention to the sky.  

“Tonight’s one of the best nights for stargazing.”  

She looked over with a wide grin, one that Jake had the sudden desire to protect and ensure she would always smile like that.  When had he fallen so hard for a woman he barely knew?  

“I’ve never really stargazed much.  I’m pretty much a shut-in if I have the choice.  I’m not a huge party person either, but here I am.”  

She shrugged casally, laughing at her own statement.  

“Neither am I.  I never enjoy wearing suits like this.”

She turned her attention back to him quickly.  

“They’re terrible.  I’ll take my robots any day, but.. I don’t have a choice tonight.”

Jake couldn’t help a laugh.  

“I didn’t have a choice either, but..  It’s not so bad.”

Because you’re here.  

She nodded as she looked around.  

“It’s not, but..God, I didn’t think there’d be so many people wanting to talk to me.  It’s exhausting.  I should head back eventually, though..”

Even the slightest hint of distress from her was too much for him.  

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to.  I’d.. be happy to stay here with you.”  

Zeka looked to the door.  

“Would that be okay?  I mean, I didn’t even think we were allowed up here.”  

She’s still so concerned about intruding.  He shook his head.  

“No one else should come up here, and I promise it’s fine.”  

She nodded, letting out a breath of relief.  

“Okay, good.  I didn’t wanna trespass by accident.”  

He admired the way she held her hands together.  After a moment’s hesitation, he held a pure white, gloved hand to her.  

“Would you like to dance with me?”  

Zeka turned in surprise, heat rising in her cheeks.  

“I’d love to!  But, I’m not actually that great of a dancer.  I don’t know how to at all.”  

“I can teach you, just follow my lead.”  

He delicately held her hands and guided her steps, enjoying the rare peace of the echoing music and slowly dancing under the bright stars of the night, all the while praying tonight never ended.