#pairing: price & athena

[priceseyes]

sgt. athena 'birdie' kallis and capt. john price - commission done by @felrija

enjoy the silence, cod-verse: a masterlist.

-

AHHH!!!! I've been excited about this for a while now, OMG!!!! LOOK AT THEM, MY BADASS BABIES!!! OHHH, they look so wonderful and in loveeeeee!!!! I love the way @felrija, they did an absolutely lovely job at portraying both my COD!OC, athena, as well as the relationship she has with price. GAH! they look so lovely together, I can't thank @felrija enough, seriously.

them, my babies.

[persevereforahappyending]

Maybe in Another Life |4|

Pairing: Clarisse La Rue x Hunter of Artemis!Reader

Summary: You are a Hunter of Artemis, but you start to question what you truly want when you meet Clarisse and get to know her.

Warnings: Slight Titans Curse Spoilers

Word Count: 2.6k+

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist

ch. 1 | ch. 2 | ch. 3 | ch. 4 | ch. 5 | ch. 6

“Just let me come,” you whisper yelled at Zoe. The sun had just started to come up and though all the Hunters were awake, the rest of the camp wasn’t.

“No,” Zoe whispered back harshly. “We went over this. You are needed here; you are in charge when Artemis and I aren’t around.”

“That was before Phoebe got sick,” you pointed to the bed where the other Hunters were taking care of Phoebe. The shirt the campers had gifted her had been laced with something making her sick and it was going to take to long for her to recover, the others needed to leave for the quest now.

“This doesn’t change anything. We’ll just do it with four.”

“The quest demands five.” You crossed your arms, daring Zoe to argue with you. The prophecy said five and though prophecies could be miss leading the one thing they tended to get right was the number of people involved. Trying to defy a prophecy tended to not work out.

“I need you here and I’m not taking anyone else. Now, we have to go.” Zoe nodded at Bianca who quickly grabbed her bag and went out the door to wait.

“Zoe-”

“My decision is final,” Zoe snapped. “Am I clear?” she stepped closer, looking up at you. You were taller, you were older, but that didn’t change the fact that Zoe was in charge.

“Understood,” you said.

With that Zoe swung her bag over her shoulder and marched out the door. You unclenched your jaw and slowly breathed out through your nose before following after her. You might not have been allowed to go on the quest but that didn’t mean you weren’t still going to see them off like you always did. You were silently hoping the dread you had been feeling ever since Artemis left on her mission was you just being paranoid and now with Zoe you wanted to write it off as being petty about not being able to go on the quest yourself.

As a daughter of Nike you desired victory, almost above all else, it was an issue many times. You had gotten better since joining the Hunters and Artemis helped show you victory wasn’t everything, though you still desired to win and be on top at the end of the day. Winning wasn’t the only thing being a child of Nike gave you though, you also could usually judge who would come out victorious in certain situations.

Whether it be watching a game, a sparing session, or watching two sides fight a war, Nike was always there. Nike could sense which side would come out on top. It’s one of the reasons, while Nike was seen with both Ares and Athena, she was usually more connected with being at Athena’s side. Ares loved a good fight and though he enjoyed winning, he didn’t really care one way or another, as long as the fight was good. Athena, however, was all about strategy and that usually led to her victory. Nike chose whose side to be at based on who was more likely guaranteed victory, she could sense it.

With this quest, a feeling had brewed inside you and had since stayed there. If you were to focus on it, you would find that you were sure that the quest would be a success. You could sense that the group would be victorious in their mission. However, you knew the victory, like most victories in time of war, would come at a great cost. Winning was usually everything, but there was something tugging at the back of your mind telling you that this time, despite the victory that loomed ahead, you’d rather take the lost, for you did not want to pay the price of this victory.

You followed Zoe and Bianca up to the entrance of Camp Half-Blood, seeing Thalia standing next to the tree she once was. “Reminiscing about old times?” you snarked unable to help yourself.

Thalia turned, taking her hand away from the tree it had been resting on. She only offered a glare before dismissing you and solely looking at Zoe. “Are we ready?” she asked, her arms crossed.

“Yes,” Zoe answered.

Zoe turned to you, ready to say something, but you were looking around at the group before you. “Aren’t you missing-”

“I’m here!” Grover yelled, running up to all of you as he struggled getting his bag over his shoulder. “I’m here,” he said again. He rested his hands on his hips as he began taking deep breaths after running all the way from wherever he had come from.

Zoe looked down at the wheezing satyr. You were starting to think maybe you were lucky for not going on the quest. “Let’s move,” Zoe said, turning on her heel and already marching off without the others.

“Zoe!” you called out. She turned, looking up at you from where she stood on the hill. You stared at her, trying to find the words you wanted to say. You ended up not needing to say anything, Zoe already knowing what you wanted to say gave you a nod.

You stood at the top of the hill, watching them set off until they disappeared from your line of sight once they hit the woods. You let out a sigh before turning and making your way back down the hill into camp. You didn’t bother going back to the cabin, you already knew you wouldn’t be any help to Phoebe so you might as well stay out of the way. Besides, you needed a distraction, your mind was already spiraling with what could potentially happen on the quest, what might happen to Zoe, and what Artemis must be going through.

You made your way to the training area, picking out a dummy on the far end. You unsheathed your sword and swung, nailing the dummy in the neck. You dealt blow after blow onto the poor training dummy, the wood was beginning to splinter.

“So, they left for the quest,” a voice interrupted your training dummy demolishing. You spun around, slashing the blade down onto the dummy’s neck causing a crack to echo throughout the still sleeping camp. With your sword still in hand you turned to see Percy standing there. He had wide eyes as he looked behind you at the nearly decapitated dummy. “Chiron won’t be happy.”

You rolled your eyes, the last thing you cared about was what Chiron thought. “It’s a training dummy, it’s literally what it’s meant for.” Percy didn’t say anything, he just stood there shifting from one foot to another. “What are you doing here? It’s barely morning.” You gestured around to the still dark sky; the sun was just beginning to peak up over the horizon.

“Look, I get you’re a Hunter,” he said defensively, waving his hands around, “and you hate all men.” You rested the hand still holding the sword on your hip as you raised an eyebrow at him. “But, you don’t even know me! We’ve never even had a real conversation. I don’t think it’s fair to judge me based on-”

“Have you ever considered,” you interrupted him. “That I don’t hate all men and me not liking you, is solely to do with you?”

Percy opened and closed his mouth a few times before settling on a frown. He looked up at you with wide eyes as he pouted. You rolled your eyes; it wasn’t like you were going to take it back or apologize. Percy was a tad annoying when you first met him and then the other day, he had the audacity to question your shooting skills, he might as well be an enemy for life after that.

“Not everyone likes you,” another voice interrupted the two of you. You looked up while Percy whipped around, nearly tripping over his own feet. “You should be used to that by now,” Clarisse looked Percy up and down as she approached you.

You looked at Percy as he just stood there staring at Clarisse, pouting. You raised an eyebrow wondering if he would get the hint, but you got the impression he was rather oblivious. Clarisse crossed her arms and continued to glare at him. “Why are you still here?” she snapped, causing Percy to jump from the sudden outburst. “Bye!” she gestured away with her hand which Percy took as his cue and ran off back towards the cabins.

It was still dark, the sun taking its time to rise. Percy never managed to answer you as to why he was wandering around so early. You didn’t really care; you wouldn’t be surprised if Percy had been intending to sneak off. He was bummed, he couldn’t go on the quest and the only thing on his mind seemed to be rescuing his friend.

Clarisse glanced over your shoulder at your mostly decapitated dummy. “Not bad,” she shrugged. “But a training dummy isn’t exactly a moving target.”

“Is that a challenge?” you questioned, your eyes lighting up with excitement. A fun and intense sparring session is exactly the kind of thing that could get you to stop thinking about Zoe and the quest.

She cocked her head to the side with a smirk. “Think you can keep up? This isn’t going to be some fun little,” she wiggled her hand, “bow and arrow trick.”

You chuckled, knowing she had no idea what she was getting herself into. “I thought you would have learned your lesson during capture the flag, guess not,” you sighed. “I’ll even give you an advantage,” you smirked. “You can choose the weapons.”

Clarisse clenched her jaw; you wouldn’t be surprised if she was grinding her teeth. You awaited her response with a smirk. “Swords,” she finally said through gritted teeth.

You silently laughed. “Okay.” You gestured for her to lead the way and you followed behind her. You were surprised she didn’t argue with you about you kicking her ass the day before. You were going to take it as her knowing you were right.

When you got to the sparring ring Clarisse walked to one side while you walked to the other. You watched as she pulled out her sword, examining it and twirling around in her hand. You looked down at your own sword, extending your arm as you played with the balance until Clarisse was ready. You turned to check on her to see she was turning to face you. You both stood across from each other at opposite ends before you each took a step into the ring at the same time.

You and Clarisse circled each other in the sparring ring. You twirled the sword in your hand as you watched her movements carefully. Just because it was sparring didn’t mean you’d let her win. A bow and arrow might have been the preferred weapon of Artemis and her Hunters but all of you were skilled in a variety of weapons. You might not have remembered much about your time before you became a Hunter, but you did remember the first weapon you ever picked up, the first weapon you ever killed a monster with was a sword. The bow and arrow was an extension of yourself now, a second arm, but picking up a sword was like greeting an old friend.

Your sword was one of the only things you carried from mortal life to your immortal one. You left everything behind, only taking the sword you now currently held in your hands. The sword was a relatively simple thing, well simple compared to something like Percy’s, yours didn’t turn into a pen at your convenience or reappear in your pocket no matter where you seemingly lost it. The blade was celestial bronze, like most demigod weapons, the hilt was steel, with a golden laurel wreath on each side of the pommel. You had it specially made from a blacksmith or maybe it was a child of Hephaestus, you couldn’t really remember, it had been a thousand years after all. Whoever forged it, you had them place laurel wreaths to represent your mother, to represent your impending victory.

You knew you wouldn’t have to wait long, children of Ares were impatient, as well as cocky and arrogant. Clarisse would make her first move and that would set your eventual victory into motion. As if on cue Clarisse swung her sword, you smirked as you brought your sword up, your blade meeting hers in a loud clash. You gripped your sword tightly before pushing back, forcing Clarisse to step back. She glared at you before making her next move.

Clarisse swung, you blocked. She swung at you, you blocked again. The two of you fell into a dance of slashing and blocking each other. You eventually gave in, swinging at her occasionally, you didn’t always play the defensive. You knew Clarisse was good in a fight, she had a powerful swing, but you were curious if she was just as good at defending herself. Being good in a fight was meaningless if you couldn’t protect yourself. You could be the best fighter in the world, but it didn’t matter if you couldn’t block a simple attack.

“How long have you guys been out here?” a feminine voice asked.

You and Clarisse just clashed swords, holding them against each other as both of you turned to see Silena approaching you. You and Clarisse each released your hold and turned to fully greet Silena. You and her had apparently been at it for a while, the sun had fully risen and there were other campers beginning to walk about around camp. You glanced at Clarisse to see she seemed just as shocked, neither of you had been aware of the passing time, the two of you were so engaged in your sparring match.

“It’s time for breakfast,” Silena said. “And you have to eat something,” she pointed an accusatory finger at Clarisse.

Clarisse rolled her eyes but nodded, nonetheless. She had her sword resting at her side as she tried to catch her breath. You didn’t realize how exhausted you were until the two of you stopped. You looked over at the daughter of Ares then down at yourself seeing that both of you were dripping in sweat.

“Uh oh, someone’s in trouble with the girlfriend,” you joked, not able to help but take another shot at her.

Clarisse flicked a glare at you. “She’s not my girlfriend.”

“You too!” Silena moved her accusatory finger towards you. “Breakfast important! And she is not my girlfriend,” she looked at Clarisse as if the idea of dating the girl horrified her.

“Yeah, cause she’s to busy being in love with Beckendorf,” Clarisse teased, smirking at her friend’s reddening face.

“I told you that in confidence,” Silena stepped forward, slapping Clarisse in the arm. There wasn’t enough force in the slap to hurt Clarisse, but she did stumble back, but not without laughing at Silena’s antics. “Let’s go,” she demanded. “And you’re joining us,” she pointed at you, narrowing her eyes so you knew there would be arguing or getting out of it.

You and Clarisse both shared a look, having the same thought about Silena. Regardless the two of you followed Silena to the dining pavilion. All of you gathered up breakfast on your plates, making your offering to the gods before taking a seat at one of the tables. It was still early enough that the pavilion wasn’t filled with campers. It almost felt weird how normal it felt sitting at a table other than the one designated for Hunters of Artemis. You had planned to sit quietly as Clarisse and Silena talked but Silena kept including you in the conversation until the three of you eased into a discussion, both of them asking about your travels with your goddess, the adventures you’d been on, and all the monsters you’ve slayed.

Taglist: @cxcilla

[akwolfgrl]

LFT PART 38

Sanji wound down the street, hands full of bags. He may have gone a little overboard while shopping. He wore a new shirt the Nami had insisted he get. It had multiple colored fishes all over it, a favorite of the new shirts he had. None of the fishes were realistic but they were still cute.

Sanji wandered over to the fish market checking if there was anything he hadn't already spotted when he noticed a large crowd. He slid through the crowd of people stopping at the front as some fishermen discussed their catch.

“Amazing, that's an elephant bluefin tuna!”

“That's right it probably got mixed in from the south sea, I caught it with a pole and line.”

“A pole and line? No way get outta here!” People laughed but Sanji had tuned the other men out.

“Elephant bluefin tuna,” Sanji would pay whatever the price to get that fish. He remembered looking at it in his second favorite book when he was younger with Zeff. He of course had packed that book and kept it in the galley. The fish was absolutely beautiful, its dark blue scale and silver underbelly, the two tusks coming up from about its large lips, and its long athena. “How much for the fish!” Sanji called out, stepping forward.

“Ahh, what parts of it are you looking to buy?” The fishermen who caught the fish asked.

“All of it, I can take it apart myself. I'll use every part of that beautiful fish,” he gushes excitedly.

“Ahh are you a cook?”

“Chef, I used to work at the Baratie,” he states offhandedly, trying to show pride but still remain humble.

“That fish shaped place, I knew I recognized ya! Love that place's great food and there's alway a fight to watch. I'll tell ya what I'll give you a good deal.”

He had so many ideas buzzing around in his brain. Such a good quality of fish could be eaten raw or cooked. He could make stock from its bones, soup from the head, he was dying to try the bone marrow or spinal jelly.

“Fantastic!”

“Yah if you want we can deliver it to your boat of want? I've got plenty more to look at, at my booth if you'll follow me,” he offered.

“That would be great actually.”

“That's a big ass fish,” Zoro's voice came outta nowhere right next to his ear.

“Shit!” Sanji jumped; he had been so focused on his new fish that he didn't hear him arrive. “When did you get here?” Sanji asked him.

“I noticed you drooling over that big ass fish and came over around the time that guy said he recognized you,” Zoro replied, shrugging slightly to cover a chuckle. “So what are you even gonna make with it?”

“Well I have lots of plans, for today I need to see who all had lunch and see how much sushi I should make, this is a great quality fish so it can be eaten raw. Then of course I want to extract the spinel jelly, I've heard it's delicious,” Sanji was eager to talk about his plans as they walked to the fishermen's booth.

“I like sushi, Luffy and I already had lunch, but we all know Luffy could eat more,”

“How did you pay for it?”

“Some guy in a cloak paid for us, I've just had the best of luck today,” Zoro gave his blond man once over and smirked. “I'm hoping that luck continues tonight.”

“Hmmm,” Sanji pretended he had to think about it, but he too was looking forward to tonight. “I'll tell you what, help me with the dishes and maybe you will,” Sanji began to browse the selection picking out what he wanted.

“I'll also have to think about that, might interrupt my nap time,” Zoro taunted back, only causing Sanji to huff and roll his eyes.

“You and your naps, Marimo,” Sanji handed over the money for his purchases. “Our ship is the Going Merry; its figurehead is shaped like a sheep, pier 40.”

“Do you like alcohol? My wife makes mead and I have some for sale,” the man offers with a gentle smile at the pair.

“Got anything that's not sweet?” Zoro asked.

“Yah, this strawberry one is pretty dry, also a Ginger Matcha Mead, and a Cranberry Mead,” he offers.

“I'll take them all,” Zoro also paid for his mead, happy to not only have two new swords to tame and some hopefully good homemade mead with his (hopefully) boyfriend. “Ready to go curly?”

“Yah, should we find the others?”

“All right,” he states with a shrug. As they turn to go, Zoro brushes his fingertips against Sanji’s, the cook barely keeping their hands touching in some form. It made Zoro’s chest feel warm, everything was going good for him right now.

[twogyuu]

We Were Destined to Fall (But I'll Catch You)|| Eight (1/2): 1500 B.C., Greece

Pairing: Jeonghan x fem!reader

Synopsis: In which he traded the fate of humanity for your love.

Genre: Angst, betrayal, greed, fallen angel!jeonghan, sinner!reader, blacksmith!seokjin, F2E!seokmin, one-sided pining, angel!joshua,

Warnings: Reader is a thief. Contains inaccuracies regarding Greek mythology.

WC: ~1.4k

A/N: Part 1 of 2 of the origins

Taglist: @yoozuku​​ @sleeplessdawn​ @listxn @paintedstarres @knucklesdeepmingi @nanamioo​ @bibinnieposts

previous || masterlist || next

Thief. 

Swindler.

Pickpocketer. 

Criminal. 

Delinquent. 

As uncreative as they were, these were the names you were known as in your first life when Jeonghan first heard news of you.

Several, but none being your own. 

Perhaps you preferred it that way in your line of work, however. 

Merchants who didn’t believe in the gods casted curses upon you for stealing their stocks of grain. Jewelers prayed every night for the safety of their stalls when rumors of you being in town again began to ruminate. Even warriors wished for your downfall when they found their horses missing at the early mornings of dawn again. 

As the cries of the people grew loud, Zeus’s growing a headache worse than when he birthed Athena from his head, naturally, he appointed his most clever angel to punish you for your sins – or better yet, banish you to the underworld with Hades if your crimes had deemed you worthy. 

Jeonghan had watched you for many days before confronting you. In order to defeat your enemy, you had to understand them, and this required observation – attention to detail. What made you tick? What were your habits? Where did you hide? What routes did you take?

For such being such a nuisance to society, you were . . . actually quite obvious. It took Jeonghan only two days to learn that you roamed the streets in the guise of a noble lady: a white tunic with your face hidden behind a lavender cloak pinned to your tresses by crystal and silver encrusted clips. You came when the sun was highest in the sky – when the market was at its busiest hour. On the third day, he noted that if you looked close enough, the hem of your cloak was frayed and dirt stained the edges of your tunic. Your shoes were made of leather, but were scratched and seemingly worn, as if you took a brush to clean them nightly. The gems that framed your face were dull. Not to mention, for a seemingly noble lady, you were awfully left on your own often. Jeonghan knew any princess from the palace would be accompanied by a maid at the very least. 

You never bought anything, but you still steadily walked the streets with your head held high, your hands clasped against your abdomen. Every now and then, if something caught your eye, you’d stop by the stall, flashing the owner with a kind, girlish smile and thumbing the product before setting it back down and going on your way. If the owner stopped you to try and bargain a price, you’d play along, eventually waving them off and telling them you’d have to consult with your mother before purchasing such a pretty thing. 

You were gorgeous and charming. It was hard to refuse you – hard to suspect you. 

The day after, the item would be gone from the stall. There was not a hiccup in your technique.

Yet, when the sun began to fall towards the horizon, you’d disappear into an alley at the other end of the town square. It was as if you slipped through the cracks of the city – not a single trace of you or even your footprints left in the dirt for him to follow. 

You were clever and unlike most times, Jeonghan had to try a little harder than he did with other humans. 

People often say the best place to hide a leaf is in the forest – and that, you did well. 

Jeonghan, just had to do it better. 

. . . .

“M’Lady!” Jeonghan waved a yellowing handkerchief at you from behind the crooked wooden table. Your eyes flickered in his direction, briefly stopping in your tracks. Jeonghan’s lips lifted in a friendly smile and waved again, “Yes, you! Would you care to look at some jewels? For an exquisite madam like you, they’d go lovely with your cloak!”

You quirked an eyebrow, glancing down at the canvas material that shrouded your shoulders. He was strange – perhaps new to the marketplace? Indeed, flattery brought in customers, but his compliments were unreasonable. 

Nonetheless, there was an aura to him that was alluring – as if he had casted a trance about you. Not wanting to visit his stall, but a force that took over your feet and led you towards him.

Upon arrival, Jeonghan greeted you with a warm smile, gesturing a hand to all the jewelry on the table. 

Though you pretended to be busy examining the silver and gold encrusted gems, you snuck glances at the owner of the stall. Again, there was that twisting feeling in your gut – something about this merchant didn’t add up. Not to say that merchants weren’t allowed to be so, but he was . . . beautiful – ethereal almost, as if he belonged in the heavens, not the dirty streets of Greece. His blonde hair was neatly combed over his forehead, the ends skimming across his seemingly wide and innocent eyes. They were merely just brown, but you swore you saw a golden glint rimming the iris. Unlike most stall owners, his face was clear and his skin was fair and milky. 

It was almost as if . . . he dropped from the sky and never rode a horse or a camel along the trading trails to get here. 

As carefully as you watched Jeonghan, he did the same. 

He noted the way your fingers hovered over the stones, calculating which ones were of value and which were not worth your while. As expected, an amethyst stone embedded in a gold pendant caught your eye. He smirked, watching you raise it to the sun, watching the light refract through the clear cut stone, a greedy glint reflecting in your eye. 

As you set it down, he offered, “I’ll sell it to you for two gold pieces.”

You scoffed, turning the jewelry in your hand. “Two gold pieces?”

“I think that is a rather fair price for a fair maiden,” Jeonghan reasoned. 

At this, any trace of smile fell. You set the pendant down in its original velvet chest with a soft ‘thunk.’

“Flattery will only get you so far, merchant,” you commented, raising your gaze to meet his own.

“I will see how far it shall take me then,” Jeonghan chuckled chummily, offering you a friendly smile. 

He continued to hold your stare, not showing fear nor surrender to a mere human girl – let alone, a conniving thief of the good people of Greece.

After a moment of silence passed, you straightened your back, folding your hands behind your back. 

“It is not this piece that I am interested in,” you finally spoke again. In one swift motion, you raised a finger pointing straight at Jeonghan’s neck. “It’s that one.”

The key to the Pithos. 

For a second, Jeonghan’s composure faltered, his hand flying to his neck to clasp around the heavy metal key. The brass it was made of was already rusted, purposely to avoid drawing unwanted attention. However, a shining sapphire sat in the center of the bow. It was no ordinary stone – it was filled with the heavenly energy from Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon, supposedly to protect the key, and therefore, the Pithos. Humans were never keen enough to notice it, but alas, you were no ordinary human. 

“This is not for sale,” Jeonghan announced curtly. 

You tilted your head and replied monotonously, “A shame. I would’ve paid five gold pieces for it.”

Jeonghan gave you a tight smile. “Do you even have that much to barter, my dear?”

“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” you stepped back, folding your hands behind you once more. You smiled wider, satisfied. You did not know what he was, but you knew for a fact: he was no merchant. Most would’ve sold you the key necklace off immediately. This design was no fancier than the amethyst one – there was no reason to pay five gold pieces unless you were a fool. 

“G’day, merchant,” you bid him goodbye.

Jeonghan watched you carefully as you rejoined the stream of people in the crowded streets, his eyes lingering on the back of your hooded head until you became nothing but a dot. 

Only then did he notice that the jade ring on the table was gone. 

Jeonghan snorted.

Clever.

You distracted him in order to snag at least something of value. 

Fortunately, Jeonghan was the slightest bit more clever – or just blessed with the powers of an angel. 

They say an invisible thread connects those who were destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. 

Jeonghan’s thread was silk gold, gifted from Athena, herself.

[hyakinthou-naos]

Theoi Info Sheets Series Part 4: Divinities of War - Ares & Athena

"Ares there – and for all his war cries Diomedes shrank at the sight, as a man at a loss, helpless, crossing a vast plain halts short at a river rapids surging out to sea, takes one look at the water roaring up in foam and springs back with a leap. So he recoiled.

– Homer; The Iliad, Book 5, lines 684-689.

"Her gray eyes clear, the goddess Athena answered, 'Down from the skies I come to check your rage if only you will yield. The white-armed goddess Hera sped me down: she loves you both, she cares for you both alike. Stop this fighting, now. Don’t lay hand to sword. Lash him with threats of the price that he will face.'"

– Homer; The Iliad, Book 1, lines 241-246

In all honesty, I have never worked with or worshipped Ares or Athena. As an individual who is extremely conflict avoidant, I believe I would be ill fit as a devotee of either deity.

In my youth I felt those around me drawn to Athena. Many of my friends associated Her with being a goddess of wisdom - and so my "nerdy" and "book smart" friends felt very connected to Her. She was often paired with fictional alignments like Ravenclaw (Harry Potter) and Erudite (Divergent) - neither of which appealed to me (I personally align with Slytherin/Hufflepuff and Dauntless/Candor).

Meanwhile, Ares was always portrayed as an evil and violent god in the media I consumed. In stark contrast to Apollo, who was always portrayed as a god worthy of praise and adoration, Ares was seen as a bad omen - an energy to be avoided at all costs. Now that I am older, I can see the passion and wisdom that comes from Ares. I can see how he is a god of protection, of social justice, and of protest.

While neither of these deities hold a spot in my personal pantheon - I believe they are worthy of respect, and I wish all their devotees nothing but the best.

*You may have seen this info sheet before on thewitchfarhan.tumblr.com - that is my old Tumblr. These info sheets are my own creation - please do not repost without credit.

[imachaoticghost]

Snippet n°1 (previously prologue)

Summary : a little snipet and insight on reader’s (who will. Mostly be addressed by their call sign Karma but also by their old name Athena, their new name is reader’s name) mentality and past. This is set a few months after she’s picked up, so probably after chapter 1 or 2.

Pairings : platonic! gaz x reader; platonic! Price x reader

Reader is AFAB but uses all pronouns, female parts aren’t mentioned so it an be thought as a gn!reader

Tw : Gore, swearing, violence, may be ooc, child death mentioned, mention of past trauma, mention of manipulation if you squint, mention of blood, no beta we die like men

Karma masterlist

"I'm gonna watch them burn, and I don't care anymore if I burn with ‘em" She snarled at the woman standing in front of her. She may be in her knees, bleeding from a gash on her side, and on the losing side, but she'll never give up. No matter what, she'll keep spitting her venom and biting, until the day she dies. Because she isn't a widow, she isn't a reaper, she isn't a spider, she's a snake.

The man behind the woman, her handler, laughed. "Make a God bleed and they'll stop believing in him. We have done the impossible and yet look at you, you refuse to acknowledge you lost. What's it worth Athena?" He sounded cocky, of course he did, he wasn't trained like the two in front of him. He was weak, merely the man behind the weapon, he didn't do the dirty work. He didn't watch his sisters and brothers die. He didn't learn through blood and fire.

But the woman that held the blade did. And she looked at the other with so much compassion as she spat that that wasn't her name. Athena, or however she was now called, was the generation right over her. Where instead of six, they were two, two reapers, two shining children amongst dull followers. Athena and Ares.

Lilith had a sort of respect and admiration for them. And it grew when Athena fled. But now, she looked at someone that refused to give up, to let herself be drowned by the river, because she knew she was stronger than it. And it only made Lilith's respect grow. If only she was just as strong as them.

Karma remembered her, the little Lilith. She had gained her name from refusing to get paired with the spider she was given. She chose the 'devil' over her pairing and left him. She gave the Hunstman the name of Adam and the Widow the name of Eve. As for the spider she left Adam for? He was named Lucifer. He didn't fail to follow through and take Eve from Adam. They became an unstoppable trio. Yet here she was, alone in this fake heaven that was The Program. A spider in her silky web.

"You'll see," The man spoke up as he motioned for Lilith to hold the gun towards her teammates. "Once we'll give the council your blood, they'll send more spiders behind you."

Lilith frowned, so if she didn't speak, and he didn't have any proof, Karma would live? She made a mental note to get rid of the knife later on.

Karma could see the gears turning in her head and silently thanked her. Lilith nodded. "You will be their fall" She mouthed as she turned around. "I'm sure Ares will adore being the one to cause your death" She smirked. Shortly after her and her handler left her to bleed out and take care of the rookies behind her. They were frightened, they now knew that the only thing keeping their country from falling to enemies hands was able to be hurt.

"Stop gushing and call for exfil" She grounded sternly. The rookies nodded and called a car. The woman sighed and sat up, pressing at her wound. It seemed deadly, but it wasn't. Guess she still had some friends inside.

A car rolled up besides them and Gaz came out, looking worried. "Are you okay?" He kneeled besides her as Price took the rookies in the car. She nodded and held her hand up to him. He pulled her up with a smile. Until he saw her wound. She cut him before he worried. "It's superficial" He shut up immediately, she seemed pissed.

The car ride was silent, and she was the first to get down when they reached base. Kyle followed close behind, making sure she wasn't pushing herself too much.

They got to their barracks and she threw her gear on the floor, frustrated. "What's up ?" He asked, worried. "It's just blood, you said it yourself, so what's got you so worked up?"

She turned around, looking even more frustrated. "It's not just blood though" She argued. Something in her eyes seemed distressed, she wasn't the reaper anymore, she was the girl, the girl that was afraid. "Bleeding means being weak, it means being reachable, it means I'm losing something, it means I'll lose someone, because it means I'm growing soft and complacent and I'm losing what makes me a spider, it means I can't protect you from the widows and reapers and huntsmen and any other spider the program decides to birth!"

"It doesn't mean being weak." Kyle argued, reaching out to her as she trailed her hands in her blood colored hair over and over again. "It's okay"

"It does, it means being reckless and inattentive and complacent. And complacency leads to death, it means being mortal. It means being weak." She repeated, sounding more angry than distressed. Angry at herself and her weakness.

"It means being human" He answered sternly. Why couldn't she see it was fine to make mistakes?

"But I'm not human!" She shouted, breaking from her normally calm demeanor. "I'm a spider, I'm a reaper! I'm flawless, bent into perfection by fire and metal! I'm not supposed to bleed!" Her voice broke slowly to something soft and thin. The voice of the child she was. "I'm not supposed to lose" Her posture was angered, but her eyes were panicked, scared.

"You won't lose y/n. You're not alone." He answered softly, reaching towards her hands that tugged at her hair and pulling them away, wrapping them around him instead as he wrapped his own arms around her shoulders. "It'll be fine. We won't lose." She buried her head in his chest, hoping to believe his words. Even if something deep down in her knew just how fake they were.

[wutheringhearts2275]

Requests and asks info

All my writings will be fandom based. I will be taking requests as I receive them and can think of something to go along with said request. My writings will be x reader unless otherwise specified.

When writing requests please specify your chosen character, readers gender, readers relation to character (platonic will be assumed if not specified) and your story request (if not in enough detail I will fill in the gaps)

I will also do headcannons and headcannon requests. For these please specify the fandom and your chosen headcannon you want

All characters are assumed pansexual unless otherwise specified.

Fandoms i’ll write for:

CoD

John ‘Soap’ Mactavish

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley

John Price

Kyle ‘Gaz’ Garrick

Kate Lanswell (WLW ONLY)

Alex Keller

Farah Karim (PLATONIC ONLY)

Alejandro Vargas

Rodolfo ‘Rudy’ Parra

Valeria Garza

Marvel

James ‘Bucky’ Barnes

Steve Rodgers

Sam Wilson

Tony Stark

Wanda Maximoff

Natasha Romanoff

Yelena Belova

Carol Danvers

Marauders

James Potter

Sirius Black

Remus Lupin

Regulus Black

Narcissa Malfoy (formerly Black)

Belatrix Lestrange (formerly Black)

Lilly Potter (formerly Evans)

Peaky blinders

Thomas ‘Tommy’ Shelby

John Shelby

Arthur Shelby

Michael Grey

Ada Thorne (formerly Shelby)

Isiah Jesus

Polly Grey

Greys Anatomy

Christina Yang

Merideth Grey

Alex Karev

Marc Sloan

Jackson Avery

Nathan Riggs

Derek Shepard

Addison Montgomery

Stranger Things

Robin Buckley (WLW ONLY)

Steve Harrington

Jim Hopper

Joyce Byers

Fast & Furious

Letty Ortiz

Han Lu

Brian O’Connor

9-1-1/Lone Star

Evan ‘buck’ buckley

Eddie Diaz

Howard ‘chimney’ han

Athena Grant

TK Strand (MLM ONLY)

Carlos Reyes (MLM ONLY)

Please note that this list will be added to as time goes on and if you have someone else from a listed fandom you wish to request please do so and i’ll consider it.

What i’ll write

Fluff

Angst

Heavy angst

Violence & Gore

Romance

Polyships

Platonic pairings

What I outright refuse to write

(NO EXCEPTIONS)

Non-con (I may imply it but it will never actually be written)

Age gaps (Characters will always be close in age)

Explicit smut (I have nothing against it and I do read it but I am not comfortable writing it)

There is very little I won’t write for but I expect this list to grow as (if) I begin receiving requests and such.

[symphonic-scream]

Oh boy it's a ML PJO AU

So I'm just gonna list like the cabins and shit I have a bunch of other shit but I wanna keep this short, I'll only do like light blurbs (feel free to ask me more hehe)

Marinette is totally a daughter of Demeter. She spends all her time in the fields, and will go ballistic if anyone messes with her plants

I've got Adrien as a son of Aphrodite. I've also given him charmspeak, though he tries not to use it. He loves love, big match maker

You cannot tell me Alya isn't a Hermes kid. She's the ears of the camp, if something happens she knows about it. You can know too, for a price

Okay here me out. Nino, son of Tyche. I can't really explain it, he's got them vibes to me okay? But in like a film kid way. He's always trying to like see things brightly, he wants to highlight the luck in everything

Rose is a daughter of Hades, BUT WAIT. Blessed by Persephone. Her mom seduced both of them. I'm sick of kids if Hades hated by Persephone, so. Rose has this affinity for flowers and life, and the beauty in death

Juleka is totally an Aphrodite kid, can see the strings of love but is cursed to never be able to speak about them. Oh and she's a legacy of Poseidon; Anarka was a Poseidon kid for sure

Luka is another Poseidon legacy, but he's a son of Apollo. That's right Anarka bagged two gods! Luka can hear people's life stories through their soul songs and can vaguely interpret what will happen to them

Nathaniel is a son of Iris. I have nothing for this just. He's an Iris kid.

Anyways Alix is a daughter of Athena but she hates it. Jalil is a Hecate kid and she's so jealous- she managed to get Hecate's blessing, she's known as Hecate's Champion, and since there's currently no one in the Hecate cabin she begged her way into getting to be head of that too. Hecate gifted her with a charmed hat that allows her to see through all illusions

Marc is also an Athena kid!

Now for Kagami, she's an Ares kid. Got that battle rage, and a blessed sword that bursts into flames when she enters that state

Kim is another Ares kid, he's all brawn, no thoughts. He's got a pair of sweatbands from Nike, they might not even be magical but he thinks they'll bring him victory

Max is a Hephaestus kid, but he's a tinkerer. Works more with modern tech, he even set up wifi at the camp and everything

Now. Sabrina. Dionysus.

Anyways next up, Chloe is a daughter of Zeus. When she's angry a little storm cloud appears over her head, she has lightning powers and is always a little staticy

However, she has a twin. Zoe somehow ended up at the Roman camp, and eventually goes on a quest to find Chloe. She has more windy powers, like flight

Oh I put Aurore in Apollo

As for Lila, I'm giving her Nike. But she's also a Hunter of Artemis. And a little shit, causes chaos when she's back at camp for a visit

I put Mylene in Hypnos, she falls asleep in the strawberry fields, just a little sleepy gal

And I said Hebe for Ivan. I think it's funny

And I couldn't help it, Ondine is a Poseidon kid. But she has a matching set of the sweatbands Kim got, also from Nike

Now for some Romans :)

Jess is a daughter of Vesta, got a blessed guitar from Apollo. She's on Zoe's quest, she volunteered for gay reasons

And Aeon is a daughter of Vulcan, with a pair of winged shoes from Mercury. She went along so Jess wouldn't die from gay ignorance

--

Anyways I'll be posting about this for a long fucking time now ask me about it tell me your thoughts

[viscountessevie]

Dark Olympus #0.5: Stone Heart by Katee Robert

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Summary:

In the city of Olympus, people hardly dare to say Medusa's name aloud. She is Athena's agent, the one she sends when she wants someone to disappear. Medusa owes her life to Athena, and if staining her hands with blood is the only way to repay her debt, it's a small price to pay. Until Athena sends him to find Calypso, the mistress of wealthy politician Odysseus. Calypso has done nothing worthy of a death sentence, and her conflicting feelings only worsen when Medusa first sees the woman behind the name. Calypso is beautiful, cunning and above all ready to do anything to save her life, including seducing her potential assassin. But what begins as a ploy to escape quickly turns into a real attraction. Because Medusa is not the cold killer that rumours suggest, and Calypso is much more complex than it seems...

My Review:

So it's been a week since I first read this and these two are still stuck in my head. I just adored this interpretation of their respective myths and how well they meshed well together. We've got disaster lesbian Medusa who thinks she's a monster and no one will ever desire her paired with cool and elegant pansexual Calypso who has only ever been desired in a transactional sense paired together. My my, IS IT BEAUTIFUL!! I seriously needed a full length novel of them exploring the themes of their characters and how true it rang with their original myths. Katee really knocked it out of the park with these two.

I really enjoyed the set up for these two. Like just the hunter and the prey but when they actually meet, Calypso flips the trope on its head. There's just many instances throughout the novella where you think it's going one way and we're given something completely unexpected.

Their sex scene(s) were top tier and it really hits you in the feels which is why I gave the book a full spice rating. It just added to their love story and elevated both their characters since their backstories were a lead up to the scene.

My main complaint is that's IT'S TOO SHORT AND WE DESERVED A FLESHED OUT ENDING. That's why they've been burnt into my brain. The book's ending was a little bit of a cop out and has a very powerful God playing their ex deus machina. So I kind of felt cheated out of the girlies fighting for themselves and their happy ending. Lowkey makes me wanna write my own ending but I don't think I can pull it off to match this book's calibre.

Overall, I'd say this is my fave book of my series so far which surprised me because I did not think anyone could beat Eros and Psyche in Electric Idol! I think anyone who is into romance novels and Greek myths can appreciate this one. The way Katee interwove both Medusa and Calypso's OG myth backstories into a great modern adaptation hit really well. 10/10 would recommend and happy reading!

[fymbmangaboys]

FYMB BLOGS: #3 Latest Light Novel and Manga Volume Releases (English)

-----------------------------0------------------------------------------

I have ten of the newest and hottest releases for your reading pleasure.

Grab your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and dive into the amazing world of light novels and manga!

Pre-order and Order them now!

Links are available for US and Canada.

-1-

Raven of the Inner Palace (Light Novel) Vol. 1

US / CANADA

Deep within the palace’s walls lives the secluded and mysterious Raven Consort. Some say she is an old woman, while others claim she is young and beautiful. What all stories agree upon is that she has the power to exorcise spirits, lay fatal curses, and find lost objects—for a price. When the young emperor arrives at the door of the Raven Consort seeking magical assistance, his request could shake up the palace…or perhaps even the entire kingdom.

-2-

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi (Novel) Vol. 4 - December 2022

US / CANADA

History stands poised to repeat itself as Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are besieged by walking corpses atop the Burial Mounds. It is here fate offers them a second chance to protect their loved ones and unmask the true instigator of this grisly onslaught. As shocking revelations shake the cultivation world to its very core, the unlikely couple becomes preoccupied with other matters--like an evening of drunken impulse that may push their budding relationship into bold new territory.

-3-

BARBARITIES I

US / CANADA - BL Romance

When Lord Montague’s life is threatened, Viscount Adam Canning is assigned to be his bodyguard. Adam is a blond, dashing nobleman who is able to woo anyone who catches his eye. When he sees Lord Montague’s nephew, Joel, Adam is immediately smitten. But Joel is too busy rooting out crime and corruption to fall for Adam’s charms. Of course, that just makes Adam want him even more! Can Joel stay focused, or will he fall for the devilishly handsome viscount?

-4-

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: Fafnir the Recluse Vol. 1

US / CANADA

Fafnir is a dark, brooding curse dragon from the same world as Tohru, Kanna, and their friends. He’s also an otaku who’s as obsessed with games, merch, and doujinshi as he is with gold, jewels, and destroying all humans. This latest spin-off from the highly popular Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid offers a peek into the timeless bromance of Fafnir and Takiya, two otaku sharing an apartment. The life of a recluse is busier than you might expect!

-5-

Does a Hot Elf Live Next Door to You? Vol. 5

US / CANADA - Ecchi / Erotic

Inudou’s dream of becoming a mangaka hits a roadblock when his editor tells him that he needs experience with romance to write something that doesn’t stink! And speaking of romance, his hot-blooded neighbor, the elf knight Surt, has just returned to her home world to marry a mythic being! Can Inudou win her back? What about his local magical girl? His succubus of a landlord? All the other hot yet weird and dangerous chicks he’s met recently? Someone’s marrying somebody, and someone’s gettin’ their heart broke! Find out who in this final volume!

-6-

Saint Seiya: Saintia Sho Vol. 16

US / CANADA

While the fight rages on between Ares and the Saints, Shoko and her fellow Saintia race to reach Athena! With a meteor plummeting towards Earth, every second counts. When it seems like all hope is lost, the Saintia must perform one final ritual to save the day. As the war reaches its crescendo, Shoko faces her sister, Kyoko, one last time! The action-packed conclusion to Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō!

-7-

GUNBURED × SISTERS Vol. 3

US / CANADA - Yuri

The pureblood that Dorothy and Maria encountered spoke of another half-vampire, offering an invaluable clue to Maria’s sister’s whereabouts! But this turns out to be a short-lived victory for the pair, whose relationship runs into its first major roadblock over Dorothy’s treatment of Shannon. Will they be able to reconcile their differences?

-8-

Sakurai-san Wants to Be Noticed Vol. 3

US / CANADA - School Life

Mako and Sakurai have been spending a lot of time together after school, and even ended up alone together in her room! Mako thinks she’s behaving a little differently than usual…during a moment of silence, she stares right into his eyes. What could this possibly mean?

-9-

Headhunted to Another World: From Salaryman to Big Four! Vol. 4

US / CANADA

Salaryman-turned-heavenly king Uchimura leads the Demon Army against a horde of invading wyverns. The army struggles valiantly but is overwhelmed by the appearance of a titanic dragon -- that is, until the Demon Overlord arrives. After dealing with this threat, the Demon Overlord makes the following unexpected announcement: "You, Uchimura, shall become the next king of the Demon Army!! "While striving to deal with this unexpected promotion, Uchimura heads to his next mission, where he faces a new, severe problem.

-10.-

Adachi and Shimamura (Light Novel) Vol. 10

US / CANADA

It’s the start of a new year, and Shimamura has finally come to terms with what it means to be Adachi’s girlfriend. As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s time to stop running away… Can Shimamura find the courage to do the right thing?

----

Check out these other juicy posts: blog 1, blog 2

Hope you'll save this list! I'll be checking out Barbarities for sure.

Until the next post!

Any list you want to see? Message me.

-fymb

[priceseyes]

john price and athena 'birdie' kallis beach aesthetic - enjoy the silence, cod.

enjoy the silence, cod masterlist.

[harryissuchalittleshit]

I know you've mentioned Charlie having numerous partners, how many do you think he's had? Is he a hot comity in Romania?

Well Charlie is great at entertaining, and by that I mean he’s great at getting drunk and having a good time. He’s had a few significant partners over the years, most of them visiting friends or researches or healers.

Avery Cole - they were friends at Hogwarts that always had a bit more of an attraction to each other. He made a point to visit a few times a year until his own life settled down back in Dublin. He and Charlie are still pen pals and Charlie is the godfather to one of Avery’s sons.

Madison Lee - she’s a researcher from Canada that visits twice a year and stays for at least a month at a time. She and Charlie were paired up her first time out in Romania, and well things progressed. They still write one another, but Madison spends most of her time traveling through the America’s than Europe.

Athena Diaz - she’s also a researcher, but from Argentina. She was backpacking through Romania when she got attacked by a mama dragon, Charlie saved her and helped nurse her back to health. She lived with him for about six months, they write often but she hasn’t visited since. Her only daughter is Charlie’s goddaughter, Charlie sends her an English and Romania book every year for Christmas and her birthday.

Asher Price - he’s also an American, he came to Romania to practice his healing abilities and fell in love with Charlie. Charlie had to be the one to send him back home as he was much too young for Charlie at the time and also didn’t understand why Charlie longed to stay with the dragons.

Kali Hahn - she’s a healer that grew up in Germany and studied at Beauxbatons. She moved to the commune while pregnant with her oldest daughter and became great friends with Charlie. He’s the closest thing any of her children have to a father (as three of them are his kids). When she gets a position at St. Mungo’s, Charlie follows her back to England, becoming the Head Zoologist for the magical zoo in London.

Charlie and Kali live together in a small house in London, the family don’t really know about her or their kids and that’s the way Kali likes it. She’s happy not being part of the Weasley collective and all that entails, also she doesn’t want her children to take Charlie’s last name or ever get married again.

[xluna-reclipse]

Ghost in the heart 1

Ghost in the heart[1]

Meng Yao was silent, not because of fear, but because his heart was beating fiercely, trying to decide whether to face Jin Zixun alone, or risk being discovered by Lan Xichen.

Lan Xichen raised his eyebrows suspiciously, released his hand, kept a distance from Meng Yao, and asked politely, “Are you really his girlfriend?”

Meng Yao bit his glistening red lips and made a choice immediately. He raised his slap-sized face, looked at Lan Xichen with big watery eyes, and said pitifully, “Da-gege, I’m not his girlfriend. Please save me. Don’t let him take me away.”

Of course, to add a pair of cat ears, you had to add an extra 3,000 to the introductory fee.

Chapter 1

Meng Yao, that night, wore a tight, skimpy, black leather sling dress, put on golden colored contacts, and donned a fluffy wig. He used make-up to make his slap-sized face even smaller and his chin more pointed. At the special request of Eldest Young Master Jin, he also wore a pair of cat ears to masquerade as a “little wild cat”.

Here, he was a commodity, clearly priced from head to toe.

The cold wind of the air conditioner blew steadily. Meng Yao was forced into a one-armed embrace by his own cousin. Jin Zixun aggressively slung his arm around Meng Yao’s shoulders. To reduce the amount of contact he had with Jin Zixun, he raised his shoulders like a small bird. He held the microphone and sang sweetly with a well-trained voice:

“Although hundreds of flowers have bloomed, don’t pick the wildflowers on the roadside, remember my feelings, remember my love, remember there is me waiting every day. I am waiting for you to return. Please don’t forget me.”

In her early years, Meng Shi was the queen of love songs in the nightclub. Meng Yao watched her closely since he was a child and studied all the different methods of voice control. After all those years, he was able to flawlessly switch between keys and even in conversation could mimic and maintain a higher octave.

Relying on this oily sweet sound, he wasn’t at any disadvantage wading amongst the cloudy waters of the rivers and lakes[2].

Men, whether they were working class or billionaires, all had surprisingly consistent tastes. They all loved the wildflowers on the roadside.

At first Meng Yao couldn’t let go and was often disgusted by his own voice to the point of goosebumps rising all over his body. With the passage of time, now he could completely separate the identity of “Venus” and “Meng Yao”, whining and pouting, acting spoiled and coquettish without any psychological burden.

In the face of reality, integrity and the illusion of a bottom line were old practice books filled with poor scribbles. Even dignity was just a commodity. If you decided to sell it, just sell it, don’t stress about it.

Right now, he was just “Venus” of the nightclub Olympus, there was nothing to be ashamed of.

The light in the box was dim, filled with the choking smell of cigarette smoke and alcohol, as well as the fragrance of men and women. These scents mixed together, combined, and rushed into Meng Yao’s nose, making him nauseated.

After Venus sang a song, it was changed to Athena. Athena grabbed the microphone. Her phoenix eyes swept over to Venus, full of provocation.

Eldest Young Master Jin had a lot of money and tonight he ordered all five of the top princesses of Olympus in one breath. The five goddesses were lined up on the leather sofa, radiating beauty, giving the eldest son of Jin a lot of face.

The Eldest Young Master Jin and his friends added up to exactly five. Five people sat in a row to eat fruit and each person claimed a princess. The eldest son of Jin had the greatest rank and most money, so of course he chose first. However instead of choosing Athena who ranked first on the Olympus Hot List, he chose Venus, who was ranked second. This made Athena jealous, and she looked at Venus with a bad complexion.

Venus didn’t care about Athena’s tantrum. He was well aware of the intentions of Eldest Young Master Jin. Athena wasn’t chosen because she’d already been conquered by Eldest Young Master Jin for a while now. The eldest young master simply did not think she was fresh anymore. Venus had never appeared on the scene[3]. Eldest Young Master Jin wanted to be the first person to taste him and win bragging rights.

Athena danced and sang like a water snake, waist twisting wildly, raising the lively atmosphere to the sky. Eldest Young Master Jin was drunk. His impertinent hand planted itself on Venus’ thigh, occasionally squeezing. He cheerily took out a cigar. Venus immediately picked up a lighter and lit it.

Eldest Young Master Jin inhaled deeply, turned his head and blew the smoke directly into Venus’ kitten face. Venus lowered his head and coughed twice, then raised his head again with a sweet smile on his face.

Eldest Young Master Jin poked the little vortex on Venus’ cheek with his little finger and asked casually, “How old are you this year?”

“Twenty.” Venus gave a false age.

In fact, he just turned eighteen this year and only entered university last month. In order not to reveal his identity, Sisi made him a fake ID card listing his age at twenty.

“Quite young,” Eldest Young Master Jin said, with a full smile on his face. “Have you gone to college?”

“Yes,” Venus said sweetly, “a junior this year.”

“Which school are you at?”

“Aiyo! Young Master Jin, don’t ask any more!” Venus raised a small fist and smacked Jin Zixun’s chest. “Don’t expose me! I still want face[4]!”

Many of the princesses working in Olympus were female college students from art schools. Because they couldn’t stand the temptation of money and went out to sea[5] most of them didn’t want to be known by their true identities. No matter whether you appeared on the stage[6], or not, being a princess[7] was just being a princess and it was a stain that could not be washed away.

“You came to sell yourself, what kind of face do you want?” Jin Zixun patted Venus’ cheek with a look of disdain.

Fortunately, he knew the rules and did not continue to ask about Venus’ identity which relieved Meng Yao.

Venus just smiled and chatted with Eldest Young Master Jin, accompanying him to play dice and drink wine. Colorful lights danced across “her” face, like paint from an overturned palette, colors mixing into a mess, just like his life.

Jin Zixun played for a while when a call suddenly came. Jin Zixun got up and went out to answer the phone.

Venus’ patience had reached the limit, and he used the pretext of going to the bathroom to slip out of the smoky box.

--

At the same time, 20-year-old Lan Xichen was in the box next door. Beside him sat a gorgeous girl with heavy makeup and big wavy hair. She couldn’t resist stealing secret glances at him.

Lan Xichen didn’t know her, only heard that she was a popular movie star who had just won an international film festival. Although Lan Xichen had never heard of this film festival, he still politely expressed his congratulations.

Wen Ruohan, the chief executive of Qishan Group sat in the main seat with a cigar in his mouth, smiling at Lan Qingheng next to him.

“Qingheng, I envy you very much. You have a good son like Xichen, not like the two prodigal sons in my family. In addition to eating, drinking, and having fun all day, they keep[8] female stars. I don’t know how much of my hair had turned white because of them.”

Lan Qingheng lifted a cup of Mingqian Longjing tea and took a sip, saying modestly, “Everyone else’s sons look good. Xichen also has Xichen’s faults, and I am also very worried. This child is too unsocial and awkward. Without the ability to socialize and entertain, it will be difficult to gain a foothold in the market in the future.”

He glanced at Lan Xichen, smiled and joked, “Look, it’s been so long since he came in and he’s still sitting on pins and needles.”

“He’s only in his third year, how can he compare with us old fritters?” Wen Ruohan looked at Lan Xichen with admiration, “I saw your latest award-winning architectural work. It’s very good. I have a hunch that an international master architect is on the rise.”

“Thank you, Uncle Wen, for your affirmation. Master architect is too much, I don’t dare. I will just continue to do my best,” Lan Xichen said politely.

He suddenly felt a touch on his ankle. He knew that the female star next to him was rubbing his leg with her foot. Lan Xichen had a habit of cleanliness and didn’t like physical touch with strangers. He suppressed his inner disgust, pretended to adjust his tie, stepped aside, and sat down in a different seat.

He really didn’t like socializing. He didn’t smoke nor drink. Which was an abnormality in the business world. Lan Qingheng felt that this character of his was not conducive to take over the Yunshen Group. Recently, he often took him to various functions. Lan Xichen believed that in this era, the old-fashioned liquor-based social gathering method of business was no longer in line with the trend, and the core of competitiveness between enterprises in the future was technology and innovation.

Although he had his own set of ideas, he did not go against his father’s wishes and obediently participated in various wine parties. It was not good for him to be a rebellious child. It was better to follow the wind so that they could both live in harmony.

Wen Ruohan and Lan Qingheng quickly shifted the topic from their children to health preservation. Lan Xichen had a sensitive sense of smell and couldn’t stand the stench of cigar smoke, so he left the box on the pretext of going to the bathroom and took the opportunity to go out to breathe.

--

Venus—No—Meng Yao sat on the toilet lid in the men’s room and whispered on the phone, “Si-jie, Young Master Jin’s intention is very strong, I’m afraid he will come hard.”

“What?” Sisi’s voice on the other end of the phone rose, she said sternly, “He dares! He doesn’t even look at whose territory this is? What are you doing? I’ll call Zhao-ge and have him protect you.”

“Okay,” Meng Yao hung up the phone and felt more at ease.

He was a little regretful, why wasn’t Sisi his mother? His own mother was very weak. Even when a shrew pointed at her nose and scolded her with “bitch,” she didn’t dare to retaliate.  But his real mother was his real mother, and he couldn’t bear to watch her die.

There was a sound of rustling footsteps. Meng Yao hurriedly retracted his feet in high heels so that no one would know he was in the men’s toilet.

“Pfff!”

It sounded like a champagne bottle opening.

Who would run to the men’s bathroom to pop champagne?

Meng Yao was puzzled.

“Zixun, isn’t this too much? It’s ok for us to get high ourselves. If you get her high, won’t she report us?”

“Don’t worry, she won’t dare. If she reports us, she will be exposed as a princess and be expelled from school. That little hoof[9] needs to be cleaned up. I have to take her down today.”

Meng Yao broke into a cold sweat when he heard their conversation. Jin Zixun was actually a drug addict in private and tried to pull him into the water. He was even more scummy than his father. He could be considered a champion amongst trash.

Meng Yao didn’t dare to make a sound and quietly waited until Jin Zixun and his companions finished their work and left the men’s restroom. After waiting another ten minutes, he took off his high heels and walked out of the bathroom lightly with bare feet.

As soon as he went out, he found that Jin Zixun was waiting for him at the door.

Jin Zixun handed the opened champagne bottle to the attendant, sniffed at Meng Yao and asked triumphantly, “Don’t you think it’s strange how I found out you were there?”

Meng Yao did not answer.

Jin Zixun spoke to himself again, “I recognized the scent of the perfume on your body.”

Meng Yao rolled his eyes and without saying a word, slammed the high-heeled shoes onto Jin Zixun’s face, then turned his head and ran away.

Jin Zixun didn’t expect this thin girl to be so vicious. He yelled. His eyes turned red. He looked at his face in the mirror above the sink and saw a long bloody cut on his forehead from the sharp heel.

“Fuck! Bitch!” Jin Zixun became furious, cursing and chasing after Meng Yao.

“Save me! Save me!” Meng Yao shouted and ran wildly down the red-carpeted corridor, but the soundproofing of the nightclub was so good that his voice could not reach inside the boxes flanking the hall.

No. He must not be caught by Jin Zixun. If he forcibly poured that bottle of champagne down Meng Yao’s throat, Meng Yao would never be able to turn over a new leaf in this life!

“Bitch! Stop!”

The corridor seemed to have no end. Meng Yao glanced sideways. Jin Zixun’s grim face was close at hand.

Not paying attention, Meng Yao slammed into a thick wall, the refreshing aroma of sandalwood filled his nose, a pair of warm hands grabbed his thin arms. Meng Yao raised his head and saw a handsome face. As if he’d seen a ghost, Meng Yao lowered his head in fright, the fluffy wig pressing against the other person’s chin.

He bumped into Lan Xichen, the president of the student union of Qinghe University, a man from his school.

Meng Yao had only entered university for a month. He just squeezed into the secretariat of the student union yesterday, thinking about how to make a good impression on the president and pave the way for a scholarship. He didn’t expect to meet in advance at such a place and his courage was almost broken.

Meng Yao didn’t have much time to think about it before Jin Zixun and his valet also arrived.

Jin Zixun clutched his blood-drenched forehead, stunned for a moment at the sight of Lan Xichen, then immediately smiled.

“Xichen, you’re here too.”

Maybe he didn’t come back to his senses yet, Lan Xichen didn’t let go of Meng Yao’s hand. He lowered his gaze and saw a small, round ear, with a little red mole on the back, showing through the scattered hair.

Lan Xichen raised his eyes slowly and asked, “Zixun, what’s wrong?”

Jin Zixun casually said, “It’s nothing. I just had a little spat with my girlfriend.”

He grabbed Meng Yao’s wrist and said softly, “Athena, don’t be angry. It’s all my fault darling. Come with me and listen to my explanation, okay?”

Meng Yao was silent, not because of fear, but because his heart was beating fiercely, trying to decide whether to face Jin Zixun alone, or risk being discovered by Lan Xichen.

Lan Xichen raised his eyebrows suspiciously, released his hand, kept a distance from Meng Yao, and asked politely, “Are you really his girlfriend?”

Meng Yao bit his glistening red lips and made a choice immediately. He raised his slap-sized face, looked at Lan Xichen with big watery eyes, and said pitifully, “Da-gege, I’m not his girlfriend. Please save me. Don’t let him take me away.”

“Athena, stop making trouble, okay?” Jin Zixun’s smile was strained and the strength in his hands increased, dragging Meng Yao backwards.

Meng Yao’s heart sank. He stretched out his hand and grabbed Lan Xichen’s tie, squeezed out two strings of tears and choked, “Da-gege, save me. I’m scared.”

Lan Xichen was a relatively cold-blooded person. Using another term, he was a “refined egoist”. He had no noble sentiment of being righteous and courageous. In other words, he was not prone to putting his nose in the business of others.

The situation between Jin Zixun and this beautiful woman was not simple. He was not close with Jin Zixun and the most appropriate response at this time was not to intervene. But for some reason, he couldn’t refuse this small crying kitten face.

“Zixun, you should respect the lady’s wishes.”

Unexpectedly, Lan Xichen grabbed the little white hand holding his tie and, with a force that could not be rejected, pulled the little wild cat into his arms.

[1] Alternately: Obsession

[2] Society, the world, jianghu

[3] Sold his body

[4] His reputation

[5] Go out to work; in this case, sell their companionship

[6] Sex work

[7] Cabaret girl, hostess, person paid to drink, play, sing, dance, entertain and cuddle with customers

[8] As concubines/mistresses

[9] Colloquial term for young woman

[griffintail]

I literally just had a thought-and I'm not sure which I like more. Techno brining either Phil's kid or his kid to the nether with him (probably when they're a little older) and a piglin gives them a courting gift. And they don't understand but techno goes protective. I just-the lost ones series has been so much angst lately man. You don't have to write this but at least it's a cute thought 🥰

Courting Gifts

Pairings: Parental! Technoblade x F! Reader

Warnings: None :)

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

Techno had taken (Y/N) into the Nether a few times before but it was simply to cross from one portal to another. He never had a reason to interact with the life there, other than striders when he taught her how to ride one and ghasts when they were attacked by the vicious things. They never had a reason to interact with the piglins.

So, when Techno was running out of a few things and he had a few bits of gold hoarded away, he decided to trade with the piglins.

“Hey, I need to go trading but the village is too far out. So, I’m going to the Nether to trade with piglins, want to come along?” Techno asked (Y/N) as he came outside to see the young adult laying in the snow but her head on Steve.

“Sure! I’ve never seen you trade with piglins.” She got up and pet Steve before she left the bear’s side.

“I never have much of a reason to, I usually plan a village trip ahead.” He said as he went in with her behind him. “But, with the you know what Athena, I used a few more supplies than I should have.”

“Ah, right.” She nodded.

She was truly a girl of wisdom and Techno had thought the name proper for her when he formed the Syndicate with her and Phil. They both went to grab their gear for a Nether trip and Techno quizzed her before they left.

“What do we need for a Nether trip?”

“Crossbow for ghasts,” she patted the crossbow on her back, “gold as a sign of peace,” she held up her arms to show her gold bracers, “and a couple of fire resistance potions just in case. And of course, the normal armor and sword.”

“Correct.” He nodded. “I’ll deal with all the trading today, come on.”

Both father and daughter walked to and into the portal, capes flowing behind them and crowns glinting. (Y/N) walked beside Techno as he led the way to a bastion hold.

“Piglins like the good things in life,” Techno told her as he showed her the gold he had taken. “They’ll give you almost anything for a bit of gold.”

“So would you.” She joked with him and he snorted.

“You’ve been hanging out with Tommy too much.”

She grinned as she looked around as Techno went up to one of the piglin traders. Around, she took in the black stoned building with a couple of gold inlays in its stone foundations. They must like their gold even more than her father did. She supposed that’s why gold armor was a sign of peace.

Following her father around to a few traders, she quickly found out that Techno could communicate through their snorts and such while she didn’t understand it at all. She didn’t understand the bartering either though. Techno seemed to get some decent items with just one bit of gold but what seemed like nothing at all for more gold.

“How does their trading work?” She asked him as he moved onto a new trader.

“It’s mostly how greedy they are. Sometimes I can talk down their prices, sometimes I can’t.” He shrugged. “I don’t trade with the greedier ones unless I really need something.”

“How greedy were they?”

“They weren’t bad, you should see the ones that want to trade with ender pearls.”

“Would they trade with me?”

“Eh, some of them might try to trade with you to get a steal. Some of them might be kind and actually, barter with you.”

“Huh, do you mind if I sit and write some of this down?”

Techno chuckled lightly. (Y/N) loved to take notes of things she learned and documented findings she had never seen in the many books they both read.

“Ok, just stay in my sight.” He nodded.

She nodded before leaving his side to go sit on a black stone bench. Carefully putting her crown next to her, she pulled out her journal and ink before writing down what Techno had told her. As she was documenting, she saw a small hand going for her crown in the corner of her eye.

“Hey!” She grabbed the crown and pulled it to her to see a small piglin. “That’s not yours.”

The child shrunk, giving small snorts. Shit, they were adorable.

“You shouldn’t take something that isn’t yours.” She told them, putting the crown on her head before digging through her bag and finding one bit of gold. “But here.”

They perked up at the offering of gold before happily taking it. She smiled as they climbed onto the bench next to her, playing with the gold in their hands before trying to look at her journal, making snorts.

“This is my journal; I was writing down what my dad told me.” She explained even though she doubted the child could understand her. “I’m documenting things no one has ever written down.”

The piglin gave little snorts as he pressed close to her to just stare at her journal and she chuckled, tickling the feather of her quill on the child’s nose making them give a little snort of what she assumed was laughter.

“You should go find your mom or dad kiddo. I don’t want to be responsible for you.”

She supposed he understood some of her words at least because the little piglin got up and wandered over to an older piglin, tugging on their pant leg. Chuckling softly, she turned back to her journal, writing down a few notes that the piglins probably understood a bit of common language as she now kept her crown on her head, despite it being annoying that it would fall forward. As she was scribbling away, even doodling a piglin, she looked up as a shadow came into a view.

It was the older piglin that the small one had gone to and she smiled up at them.

“Hello. Can I help you?” She asked.

The piglin gave a few snorts before holding a golden bracelet to her. She tilted her head, confused.

“Uh, I’m sorry. I don’t have any more gold for that.” She said carefully, hoping the piglin would understand.

They gave a few more snorts, still holding out the bracelet.

“Um…ok?” She said confused as she stood, putting her journal away then reaching for the bracelet only for an ender pearl to shatter in between the pair.

Technoblade then stood there, towering over the piglin and giving a mix of a growl and a snort as he had a hand on his sword. The piglin shrunk before scurrying off.

“What was that?!” (Y/N) exclaimed in shock.

“We’re leaving,” Techno said as he kept his tall posture while walking back towards the entrance.

“What? What just happened?” (Y/N) asked hurriedly as she followed after her father.

“Not now, back at home.” He said stiffly.

(Y/N) was very confused but she followed after him regardless. He’d tell her once they got where they needed to be. It took till they got to their portal before he stopped, relaxing his tall stance. (Y/N) realized now was he had been making himself appear tall and intimidating as he gave an angry huff.

“The nerve…”

“What was that?” She questioned.

“A piglin custom.”

“What custom? Dad, I don’t understand. All I know is you terrified that piglin.”

Techno groaned as he took off his mask so he could run a hand down his face. He stood there for a few moments before looking at her.

“It was a courting gift.”

“A what?” She said shocked.

“Piglins give gold jewelry to women they want to court. He wanted to court you.”

All (Y/N) could think was that piglin was lucky he wasn’t dead.

“Oh. Uh. What would have happened if…you didn’t come in?”

“They would have tried to court you! I was not letting that happen.” Techno shook his head as he went towards home now, (Y/N) following behind. “I was watching you as I traded though and was trading for ender pearls when I saw him trying to give you the courting gift.”

Techno had practically shoved all of his gold at the ender pearl trader before taking the ender pearls, immediately using one to separate his daughter from the piglin. He remembered the voices screaming simultaneously, but he was acting on his own instinct as a father.

“Oh, well, thank you?” She questioned.

“Yes, you are welcome. No boys, no nothing.” Techno told her as they stepped into the house. “You’re still too young.”

“Dad, I’m almost twenty.” She joked.

“No. Boys. No, nothing.” Techno pointed at her, looking deadly serious.

“Uhh.”

“What boys?” Phil asked as he came in having seen the pair come home.

She had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

[agentmonet1]

@yeehawwrites​

Timeline: End of February, 2022

Location: Chateau Devereux in Burgundy, France

After the spectacle that was the prolonged, training session in Cairo - things come to an inevitable peace. That is the wonder of gossip and scandal. All it takes is time, distance, and the next mission to dissuade even the most persistent of agents. Of course, there are some that press on Jack even longer. Her brother, Nicky, and the adamant but otherwise wordless stare of Sebastian, for example. Those that know her well (as well as anyone can known Jack), know better. They know of her professionalism, her seriousness, and her discretion. If she is to put it all to reckless abandon, then West Thompson must be someone special indeed. Like with all things, she keeps to herself. Even as her brother, or friends, needle and prod. Jack has never been outlandish with her emotions, and she doubts that is going to change just because she is happy.

The same cannot be said for Sebastian, who spends the duration of their time in Cairo staring at the back of her skull. He’s lost somewhere between petulant possessiveness, and something Jack can recognize as heartbreak. It gnaws at her, an inevitable sense of frustration and guilt. But she allows it to roll off her shoulders, best she can. Why should she dilute her glow, just so Sebastian can shine? Happiness has always been an illusive thing for Jack. Until West comes to her, an unexpected jolt of life that teases out an ease and satisfaction. The sort that Jack could only imagine, but could never feel in her arms or warm against her lips.

The separation of their crews inevitably comes. A long slew of missions await, and Jack feels fortunate to land ‘Mission Athena.’ An undercover mission with Agent Prometheus, to the University of Athens. Not all missions are necessarily volatile in nature, and this requires the pair of Apollo’s to blend in plain sight as young, visiting professors. Her expertise in Fine Arts put to good use, as she convinces the master’s students of her credibility - and leverages the University’s databases to learn more about the artifacts, linked to the attack in Peru. It certainly makes the first two months of their companionship (unsure still what she is to call it). There’s a bounty of free time. Enough to hop a Pantheon jet, for weekend visits. She even enlists West’s help in developing her fake, Instagram profile. After all, Renata Wilkins is a hip (if not eccentric) artist that should love social media. Of course, West extends his social media prowess - for the low, low price of Jack partaking in a Tik Tok challenge “for authenticity.”

She knows she’s fallen hard, when she manages to get through a Tik Tok dance with only minor complaints.

But then, it arrives. In pensive calligraphy and bold letters - Antoine Devereux’s sixtieth birthday party. Along with it, a handwritten note from her grandmother in French. A copious amount of guilt, reprimand, and harsh reminder. All packed into a single piece of stationary. Despite Jill’s even worse relationship with their father, he decides to go. “Bury the hatchet” and “claim part of his inheritance.” A move that has Jack, whose only ever admired her brother’s equally crafty mind, smirking and agreeing. She’ll do it for him, Jack decides, although regret comes instantly when Jill lets her “new lover” slip to their grandmother.

Several smacks on Jill’s head and a number of calls to West later, and she is picking him up from the private jet tarmac in Burgundy, France. Her mother vintage BMW in tow, and a set of nerves that are as uncharacteristic for Jack as the stuffy collared shirt.

“When you first meet him, it’s your grace. Every time after that, it’s sir. Never your lord, my lord, or whatever else they claim on Bridgerton. No bowing, either. But you always stand when he walks into any room, and sit only after he offers you a seat. The same for my mother - but if I know her, she won’t be seating as much as she’ll be deep into the Burgundy’s and critiquing Jill’s new beard.” Jack says nervously, right hand clasped around the steering wheel as they venture through the picturesque French roads. Her other hand, finding West’s, and unknowingly squeezing it as the tension rolls over her shoulders.

She had arrived just a day prior, and already she feels herself spinning out of control. The ‘perfect’ Agent Monet, with all of her cool nature? It devolves in her family’s company. It’s like she’s sixteen-years-old, clamoring for approval and raising her voice at the slightest of passive insults.

“He’ll want to go hunting with you tomorrow morning. He and his dreary, old friend. And Jill, obviously. Then, you’ll drive back down to the Chateau for lunch. The women,” she says with an air of derision, even as her words move a mile a minute. “Would just be returning from shopping and antiquity hunting. But, let’s put that aside for now.” She starts drifting on her lane, earning a righteous honk from the car on the opposite land. “Putain!” Jack curses, leaning into the horn of her steering wheel. “Did you see that?” She asks West, indignant and aggravated.

“Anyways. Tonight, it’s straight to cocktails and dinner. It will just be us, Jill, and my grandmother. Black tie for dinner, which is about five courses. And then cognac at the study after.” Amidst the rush of words and the pounding anxiety, she manages to glance at West for a moment of appreciation. “I’m sorry about this. Thank you for doing it, anyways.”

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb: In the city of Olympus, people only speak about Medusa in whispers. She’s Athena’s knife hand, the one sent when Athena wants someone to disappear. No one asks Medusa what she wants, but she owes Athena her life, and if staining her hands with blood is the only way to repay the debt, it’s a small price to pay. Until Athena sends her after Calypso, the mistress of the rich politician Odysseus. As far as Medusa can tell, Calypso hasn’t done anything remotely worthy of a death sentence, and her conflicted feelings only get compounded when she finally sees the woman. Calypso is beautiful and cunning and she’ll do anything to keep her life—including seducing her would-be assassin. What starts as a ploy to escape quickly spirals into genuine interest. Medusa is hardly the cold killer that rumors suggest, and Calypso is far more complicated than her reputation as a ruthless gold-digger. But it doesn’t matter that they’ve finally found something special together. Athena will have her blood, and this time not even crossing the River Styx will save them…

Review:

A deadly assassin finally meets her match in the one person she’s suppose to kill. Medusa was saved by Athena and has been working as her own personal assassin ever since. When Athena assigns her a new job: get rid of Odysseus’s mistress Calypso, Medusa already feels like it is wrong. Odysseus is married, he is the one who asked for the job, why should some poor woman who has done nothing be punished for this man’s scandal? With no choice but to do the job Medusa meets Calypso and finds that she just doesn’t have it in her to hurt her. What starts off as a ploy to escape from Medusa soon turns into something more as both Calypso and Medusa get to know each other. Will they be able to make it out unscathed? Who can they turn to? Or will they be resigned under the pressures of the gods? This was a cute and fast read. I loved this take on Medusa x Calypso, it was a unique pairing and honestly, I would love more of their relationship!!