#the impact frames showing King growing up are just </3

[umbrace-rambles]

The animators really didn't have to pop off this fucking hard but they did

Look at these impact frames oughh

[kookiecrumb]

jjk|| Your Head

"tags": @kazthebrekkerofinej

word count: uhhhh

summary: Jungkook is the heir to the throne of your Kingdom! In this tale of duty versus heart, will love prevail victorious?

tags: Royalty!Jungkook x Peasant!Reader, oneshot, smut, fluff, slight angst, some crack, pining, forbidden lovers, Jungkookie has a sweet tooth, strangers to friends to lovers

warnings: explicit language, impact play, birthday sex (technically), fingering, oral (m receiving*), love marking, alcohol consumption, s&m themes, horny grinding, praise kink/body worship

a/n:

hey guys!

Firstly, I want to say how proud I am of myself for growing so much during this fic. I learned a lot about what I'm comfortable with, what I'd like to work on, and where my confidences lie.

I won't lie and say it's been easy, because writing this meant dealing with a lot of my fears? I'm excited for all the works that are to come.

The only thing I can do is be as receptive to growth as possible, so I'm looking forward to learning...

*I actually learned that Vaseline wasn't invented until like the 1870s? The fic is written in the 1810s, so I actually had a choice between having them do it with vegetable oil or spit. Spit won.

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5 years ago

You bend over to pick up an apple that had rolled over under your father's produce cart, praying that it isn't bruised so that you have to pay for it out of your dinner, when a crumpled piece of paper hits you in the ass.

Confused, you crawl out from under the stand and unwrap the paper.

The paper itself is of the finest quality you've ever seen. It's a sturdy cardstock, bleached white with gold etchings on the borders. The print on the top of it reads "His Highness Jeon's Royal Study," and scribbled in some kid's amateur cursive below, "Nice butt."

You directed your gaze upwards, towards the towering castle walls. Sure enough, a boy no older than 15 had his noggin popping out from the top of the rampart, with two wide eyes staring down, curious as to your reaction. This was Prince Jungkook, heir to the throne of your kingdom.

"Shouldn't you be equestrian horse riding or playing polo or something?" You shout. He furrows his eyebrows, apparently offended at your assumption, and then disappears behind the edifice.

Moments later, another paper hits your shoulder as you're practicing your caligraphy behind your cart. It lands between the apples, so you reach your hand over and fish out out.

You glance up at the anticipant, and sure enough he's there with his doe eyes and his coconut head, ogling.

"No, dumbie. That's at MID-day." Well how were YOU supposed to know the royal schedule of the crown prince, it wasn't just common knowlegde you learned from being a humble farmer's daught--

Ah!

"Will you STOP?!" You put your foot down. "Unless you're here to buy my apples, then you're not getting ANY, little Prince." Oh, shit. You gave him ideas. Now it was really over for you.

In less than half an hour, half a company of men arrived at the marketplace, asking about your little old apple stand, and sure enough, Jungkook had bought out the entire cart so that you were forced to help with the transaction.

The young prince had eyes frankly too big for his head, with the most prominent cupid's bow you've ever seen. His nose slightly outgrew his face and his ears were hidden away behind his short, black hair. "Now you can talk to me." He gave you a rose he'd stolen from the royal garden. "I am Jungkook, heir to the throne of--"

"I know who you are." You interrupt him, documenting His Highness' total in your calligraphy book.

With a hand perched on his chest from surprise, he scoffed. "And I happen to think you're really pretty, so I was going to ask you to be my very first consor--"

"You're 15, you have playmates not consorts."

"And how old are you?!" He's had it, raising his voice and taking a bite out of one of your apples with force.

"16, old enough to have suitors." You tease. Jungkook hangs his head a little. He just needed someone to talk to, it would seem. Reluctantly, you scribbled down your address down on a piece of note paper and handed it to him.

"Look, if you buy more of my apples, I'll have an excuse to tell my Dad so I can hang out with you." You spoke in a low voice as to not raise suspicion.

Your dad is standing negotiating with the guards about prices, his usual embarassing haggling gruffly overpowering the guards elegant twiddle-tones.

"Wonderful! See you soon, my sweet!" He resumes his confident demeanor, tucking the paper into his overcoat with a small smile. He salutes you boyishly and marches away with a year's supply of apples.

For the next week, the royal kitchen had baked 3 apple pies, made 5 fruit salads, 4 batches of apple muffins, and threw the rest of them in Sangria; that's the same Sangria as King Jeon finds himself drinking in his wife's drawing room on Sunday.

"Call Chef, fetch him up here." He waves to his assistant, keeping his eyes on the outside. He was deep in thought, his hands stoicly behind his back.

The Kingdom had been prosperous for over many years now, and war had not come close to threatening its borders in a lifetime. Negotiations were always successful, and quality of living was high. The work of a King, in a situation such as this, was to perfect the image of the royal family as strong rulers, and to paint his daughters as desirable to foreign heirs.

"Your Grace," the assistant called his attention, "Head Chef Sung." The dainty man bows and scurries off somewhere else.

Chef Sung is a portly man, who carries himself heaving with every step, his great belly inflating with each hefty inhale. He approaches the King, and kneels down to kiss his hand with his fat lips.

The King recoils in disgust, but quickly collects himself and his words. "Where are these apples from, is it France or Spain?" He demands.

"Neither, Your Highness." Mr.Sung lifts up his eyes. "They are from our Holy Kingdom; by order of Prince Jungkook, an entire cart was purchased of these apples and we have not been able to get rid of them." Tears threatened Chef Sungs eyes at the very mention of the fruit.

'Well, there's one thing the kid's done right.' King Jeon now faces the Chef, setting down his drink on a mahogany table, leaning against it casually. "Well! Good. I'd like to meet the owner of that cart, invite him to my Sunday brunch."

"Oh, yes, of course sir! You'll never see them in our kitchen aga--What?" Chef Sung takes out his handkerchief, waving it around in the air and drying his tears at once. "So you like them! Why...Yes! Yes, of course!"

Your father thought it would be valuable to have you around the kitchen, learning from the skilled men and women employed by the Jeon family. He only visited once a week to drop off fresh produce, (he'd been officially hired to handle restocking of goods) but you, after showing promising signs of being a gifted baker during one of your father's restocks, were granted scholarship by Ms.Kang to be her aid.

You were now, officially, a resident of the Jeon Estate, residing in the servant's quarters, immediately adjacent to the kitchen. This was convenient. It was far too convenient for a certain little Prince to get the idea of wanting a midnight snack and wandering downstairs.

One day, he does just that. He finds his way into the first bedroom to the right of the stairs facing the kitchen, and that happens to be your bedroom.

He pokes you awake. "Ow! Ow, whyyy~" You whine and toss yourself over to the other side of the bed. His irritating poking persists. You grab his fingers and your eyes shatter open.

You sit up, alarmed. "You could have me arrested, what the fuck are you doing?!"

"I wanted a midnight snack! Besides, I wanna talk to you." He pouts, still holding a small teddy companion.

"Fine. I'll bake you ONE sheet of cookies." You slip on your night shoes and shuffle to the kitchen, and Jungkook tags along.

By the time Jungkook's 18th birthday comes around, he's in the kitchen helping you whisk buttercream to top his cake while having a tease at the Austrian Princess' mole.

"You have one right under your lip, look!" You take a little buttercream from the bowl and stain the dark spot with it.

He licks it up and hastens to add, "it needs more sugar, lady!" as he turns to grab a puffy bag of confection sugar.

"You're impossible to please." Snatching the sugar away from him, you smirk. "You can gobble down as many sweets as you want when the ball commences. Remember, this is the year you're supposed to be keeping your eye out for a girl of a good fam--"

"Yada yada, must have hips for childbearing, yada yada yada..." He mocks the speech his mother had told him that morning when he got dressed.

"Exactly." You set your bowl aside to fix Jungkook's tie. "Yes, and that's your duty, as our heir."

You step back and examine Jungkook one more time. He'd grown so tall in the last year, his legs like spider's and he was just beginning to grow into his features. Handsome boy.

You, too, had grown into an elegant young woman. You had a poised complexion, ready-mannered and graceful. Your hands seemed out of place in your otherwise feminine frame, carrying an extra bit of girth from baking. You were 19 years old.

Marriage was becoming an uncomfortably frequent topic during your visits home, as your mother had married young, herself, she expected the same of you.

Truth be told, there were plenty of offers for your hand. You were a skilled and very esteemed individual, who had broken into thr artisinal class. But your father knew better than put a dowry on your happiness. So long as you worked, he saw no reason to marry you off just yet.

"Now, go. Your sisters must be worried sick! Go out there." You shoo him, pushing him out the door of the kitchen despite his flailing arms.

Throughout the party, you'd been carrying a platter of your own baked goods, serving them to the aristocrats attending the Princes' coming-of-age ball. Accents from all over Europe and some from Kingdoms as far East as Cyprus jubilantly engaged in artful conversation which filled the air with good spirits.

Jungkook, himself, was busy being introduced to as many women as possible, a medley of presenting duchesses, ladies, and even Princesses of your Kingdom. They were each more qualified than you'll ever be, ten-fold.

One was a Greek Princess, her hair cascaded in darling curls down her shoulders and her eyes were deep-set, her voice a flirtatious trill.

Another, a Prussian Princess', posture radiated excellency, and whose complexion sparkled like powdered snow. Jungkook greeted her warmly, pleased with her appearance.

Distracted, you tripped up your skirt and dropped the remainder of your pastries. With that, you stepped off to use the restroom.

The sound of Strauss' Rosen aus dem Süden faintly loomed in the air as you wiped tears from your waterline in the mirror. That was just the way it was, wasn't it? Princes come of age, and they find wives who they commit their lives to.

"Married men don't have friends who are girls." You say out loud, just to realize it. Jungkook was now expected to find a mate within the season, and he was, in fact, quite the eligible bachelor.

Little did you know that Jungkook had been keeping an eye out for you throughout the party, not only because you were carrying his favorite Danish pastires, but because he knew your company was his greatest comfort.

He's in the midst of greeting the Duchess of Kent when he excuses himself to go look for you. He finds your mess first, frowning as he realizes something has gone terribly wrong.

He catches you in the hallway, face puffy and shaky. He grabs your wrist to keep you from darting back to the kitchen.

"Please don't do this, it's my birthday, y/n." It's as if an unspoken rule had been broken between you, and he feels it. Something is making you uncomfortable. "Was it the girls? You told me about this, it's my duty to at least greet them and--"

"Yeah, you sure did greet the Prussian woman nicely." You speak through tears. "She's the girl you were born to be with, huh? Your birthright?"Jungkook is silent. "Every girl at that ball wants to be your wife, want to have your children. They haven't known you for a day and yet they're ready to be your bride."

You search Jungkook's eyes for any sign of coherence, hoping that he would defend against you, that he would speak up and tell you otherwise. No such argument comes.

You yank your arm from his grip and march to the kitchen to remake the pastries you spilled.

You had the job of clearing off all the tables upon the departure of the last guests. It is midnight, and the windows of the castle stream moonlight down on the carpet beneath your feet. The glow of candles soothe you as you hum the waltzes which echo in your mind. It's a brilliant evening.

The centerpieces of the tables were gardenias, lush rose-like flowers with yellow pistils.

Summer, 1809

"Jungkook, wait! You're going to make me trip!" You shout from the top of the hill.

"You've gotta come see before the sun sets! It's the only way we'll get there on time, now run!" Jungkook's speeding down the terrain towards the Sycamore tree which grew deep and wide beneath the banks of a great rushing river.

You groan and throw caution to the wind, rolling down the steep mount in your Sunday dress. Jungkook turns to watch you, a grin spreading across his handsome face. "Look at you!"

You land on your feet at the bottom and scurry off to join Jungkook under the grandfather tree, out of breath entirely. "Now, look what you made me do. You're such a boy, you know that?! Making me come out here just to see some bloody--"

Jungkook has plucked a gardenia and placed it behind your ear. "Would you shut up? We got here on time. Behold."

In all its glory, the sun bathes you in its vivacious rays, creating a feeling of heavenly bliss as it dips below the horizon. The sky blushes pink, its clouds mere whisps above you. Wind rustles the leaves of the grand tree, rousing the birds to chirp their afternoon song.

"Mom used to come here all the time with my Dad, because of these." Jungkook clasped the blooming flower in his tender hands.

After a while, he says "the bugs will come out soon, so we ought to go back," as if he's trying not to scare something away. He helps you up, and with one last look across the valley, you walk next to each other back to the East Quarters.

You take all the silverware and plates by the tub to the dish-washing station and toss all of the linen napkins into the washing machine. All you had left was to blow out the lights in leading upstairs.

"Prince! It is very late, and there are no guests left for you to entertain. What troubles you?" Jungkook's sitting on the stairs with his head in his hands, still wearing his best suit.

"I disappointed you, y/n...I didn't like any of them." He admits, lifting his head up to sulk at you. "I should have told you then, but I didn't want to make you upset!"

Did Jungkook mistake your jealousy for disappointment?

"I'm not upset because you didn't hit it off with the girls..." You sigh. A confession is due, and he's ready to hear the truth from you about how you feel about him.

"Well, the truth is, I didn't like any of the girls because I like you, y/n. But you know that, don't you?" You pause, asking him to elaborate.

"Remember when I bought all the apples because I wanted to be with you? Like...I told you that you were my consort and I kind of meant it?" He felt pathetic now, realizing that you weren't just ignoring his advances. "So you didn't friendzone me for 2 years, you actually didn't know that I liked you."

It was almost laughable, a situation you would read in one of your illegal novels which you kept tucked away in your pillow at night. "No, Kookie, I didn't." You admit to your insolence.

You can't bear to lead him on any longer. You needed to put duty over your own self interest for the sake of the kingdom, even if it shattered his hope. It was better this way.

"But, you do know that we can't ever be a thing, right? It's just silly." Your heart tightens with the words which fall out of your mouth. "It is. Nevermind what your parents would think, what would it do for your image? You're on the world's stage, Jungkook, and you're a selfish person if you think you can just throw all of your duties away to date a scum of the Earth like-- like me!" With your heart in your throat, dry your eyes with your sleeve. "And...I want to, I really really want to, more than anything else to love you, Jungkook. I love you! I...can't." Through the blur of your tears, the shapeless blob that Jungkook has become stands up.

Taking his thumb and swiping it under your eyes, he sighs. Words escaping him, he takes your trembling body against his chest and nestles his head in the crook of your neck. Your cold hands travel underneath his overcoat to hold his waist. The Princes' lips plant a gentle kiss on your neck, chaste yet deep and satisfying.

"I will not accept any bride if not you, my love." He draws back, meeting your fervid gaze. "To the world, I remain a bachelor for a few years."

"And after those years, Jungkook?" You ride your hands up to caress the man's jaw. "You will still love me after those years, and then what?"

"I don't know," he says, voice as soft as powder. "I don't know many things, y/n, that's why I need you to teach me." His palms are rubbing at your waist, beckoning you closer.

His breath quickening as you lean your body against his hold, and you figure it must be the wine he drank to calm his nerves. That was it, wasn't it? He was drunk.

"You're not drunk, are you?" Your face sours, really hoping it's not the case as you feel your body temperature rise.

"Y/N, I've only had a glass. You saw I was a wreck back there." His lips kept chasing yours in a dance you can't quite describe. "I have wanted to hold you like this since I saw you selling apples on the street. Give me the honor..." His forehead against yours and his strong hands supporting your back, he's already fucking you with his eyes.

"The pleasure of being your lover." He squeezes your waist tight with his forearms, planting brisk kisses behind your ear and breathing in your scent. He smiles against you. Your skin pebbles at his affectionate touch, purring softly as your eyes roll back in delight.

"Kookie..." You breathe, leaning on his broad chest. "Kook, the maids are wondering where I am, I have to go..." You slur, tugging at his collar.

He grunts in protest, taking your ear between his teeth and nibbling it.

"If you let me go, I'll steal some cake for you tomorrow at breakfast." If there's anything Jungkook likes more than Cream Ice, it was cake. He unravels you from his arms and nods, his eyes softening.

"Request my service tomorrow, from Ms.Kang. She's been sweet on me lately." You peck his cheek before stepping back. Your rouge has embarrassingly stained His Grace's cheek.

Jungkook bows and presses a kiss on your hand, eyes rising to meet yours. "Til' morrow, babe."

Jiyoo shakes you awake the next morning, handing you a cake and a note that reads: "Prince Jungkook has a commission he must discuss with you. Meet him at his chamber immediately."

Lacing on a simple corset over your nightgown, you try not to look too red in the face as you climb up the stairs to His Majesty's room. You'd be up there alone, as requested. The girls would absolutely start rumors based on that alone-- rumors which you realize are probably totally true. This was stuff of scandal, after all...

'There shouldn't be anything scandalous about love.' You decide as you rap on His Highness' door.

"Please enter...but only if you have my cake!" Jungkook says in his morning voice. He's so cute.

The simplicity of Jungkook's abode takes you by surprise. His bedroom is very well lit, a capital display of the flowered valley through his bay windows washed the room in gold, painting his porcelain white carpets and his cotton sheets a warm creme color. His drawers and vanity were etched in gold, with breathtaking detailing.

The Monarch himself was splayed across the bed, laying on his side casually. He held a glass in his hand, holding a white wine. He puts down his glass and sits up as your presence.

"We both know that you didn't come here as my servant." You lock the door behind you. "And I have no such commission to give you, darling." The innocence which undertones his usual speech is missing as he coaxes you towards him.

"This much I know, Your Majesty," You say, taking a bit of frosting on your index finger and smudging it on the Princes lips. His black eyes, as cunning as a viper, watch you dangerously as you push two fingers past his plush lips. He wraps his hands around your wrist and draws your hand away, his gaze fixating on you.

"Set the cake down." At his command, you carefully place the confection down on a nearby chest, feeling Jungkook's eyes on you, drawing you back towards his grip.

"Let me pull your laces apart," with your waist held by his Herculean hand, he hums "and then let me pull you apart. I want to memorize your pleasures and gratify your desires, I need it, y/n..." Your back flush against his chest and your thighs split, his hands knead into you as he litters your collar with his mark.

You gasp softly against the crook of his neck, giving into his hold of you. His hot tongue spreads under your jaw, closing into a hard kiss as his hands travel back up to undo your corset and free your tits.

One by one, his fingers pop open the buttons left on your gown until the collar hangs off-shoulder to expose your collarbone. At the sight of new skin, Jungkook's tongue darts to stain it.

His hands stagger above your breasts. "Is it okay if I touch you here?"

"Oh, Kookie, touch me everywhere~" Your hands form fists around Jungkook's shirt, beckoning him impossibly closer.

Grasping one ever so carefully, his thumb grazes your bud as he playfully bites under your ear. "ah-- ahh,"

Jungkook groans in response, he can't believe how cute you sound. Curious, he wants to hear more, so he traces your thighs and experimentally pushes up the outside your cunt.

You squirm, tensing up immediately in response. You bring your hands down to find the latch on his trousers and dip your hands below to rub him through his undergarments. He heatedly bucks up to meet your touch, a panting mess.

You face him now as he watches you ride his fingers while you grip his girth through his clothes. He takes you by the ass and places you on his prominent bulge, hips rolling into you as he hungrily kisses you, his firm hands grinding your core on his cock.

His face is a sinful red, panting under you desperately.

"I've been wanting to do this," His voice warbles through your touch, running your thumb along his underside. It's his turn to gasp. He sits up and collapses his lips into yours, softer than rose petals and his taste faintly like wine.

You place your hand on his chest, and his heart is pounding, a thin layer of sweat already forming on his honeylike complexion.

Hastily, you pull your dress over your head and lean back to allow him to familiarize himself with your stark form, a dainty chain hanging between your bosom. Jungkook bites his lips as he wriggles out of his clothing, desposing of it beside the bed.

He's giddy behind those sultry eyes, you know him well enough that he's overexcited to get inside of you. It goes straight to his cock, your playfulness as you feel up his bare shoulders and discover his abdominals, your fingers tracing his ridges with a sense of innocent wonder.

He takes your hands and looks at you in this way-- Butterflies fill your stomach instantly. Jungkook's thumbing at your pout with his intrepid fingers.

His eyes flutter when grip his base and submerge your upper body below his hips. You lick a long, thick stripe up his underside, causing his breath to hitch and his head to fall back on to the bed.

Those goddamn cupid's bow lips of his would whisper the dirtiest things under his breath, lewd thoughts that sounded completely alien coming from His Majesty's mouth, he said for you.

"Oh, such a pretty mouth~ It's so good, y/n, you swallow me so good--" he moaned like a mantra, trying to keep his hips from snapping up into you. Your hot, wet tongue wrapped around his throbbing cock was only a fantasy to him for years.

He fills your throat with his girth, his taste tantalizingly smooth. It leaves your mouth with a 'pop.' You struggle to keep your legs apart as you crawl up to kiss him.

He takes those fingers of his and slides his index and middle into you and languidly thrusts them, smirking against your lips. "Shit, you liked that, hmm..."

"Kookie...please," you whine as he squeezes your ass hard before smacking it. You yelp, the sting of his fingers radiating from your skin.

"I like it when you beg, y/n, it's so cute..." He pulls your ass up to his thighs. He's flush hard against your abdomen, already sticky with his precum and your spit. You marvel at the self control he has.

You don't finish your thought before he has his head inside of you, impaling you on his cock and stretching your entrance, hissing at how incredible it felt to have you around him.

His shaft reached pleasure points within you had yet to discover. You clench, feeling his tip brush against your cervix. "Wh... hngh," he groans, "how did you do that, do it again--" You wrap your legs around his thighs and clench around him, biting your lip. You watch as he shivers from pleasure, feeling his skin horripilate under your touch.

His thumb is softly circling above your clit as he pulls out of you carefully. He swirls back in, nestling himself inside your heat, hissing. "Ahh~ Jungkook~!" At the sound of his first name moaned out of your mouth, he groans and rolls his hips up to create messy friction. That familiar knot in your stomach tingles as he plays with the bundle of nerves buried within you.

He glances up at your ruined lips, clashing with them again as he lifts your knees up with his hands and thrusts nice and rough, making you yell with every jolt of his cock. The smell and sound of sex fills the room as he experiments with positions, laying you on all fours.

"Get your ass up for me." You obey, ever servile. You're reminded-- you're his servant. He owns your work, he owns your services, and now he wants you in the most lucrative way, he wants your soaked cunt around his imperial cock. He gets what he wants.

Jungkook's palms smack against your ass one more time, just to watch the way it jiggles for him. He smirks a little before he shoves himself into your pretty little cunt. You bury your face into the pillows in pelasure as he chases your orgasm with vigor, fingering your clitoris while you move your hips back to meet his hard thrusts.

You whine like a harlot, his cock allowing you every satisfaction as he works a head-spinning orgasm out of that cunt. "I'm gonna cum, Kookie~!" you warn as you spasm against his length, moans ripping from your throat as you coat him with your thick juices.

His hips stutter up and he just barely pulls himself completely from you as he paints your back white, a guttural groan escaping his mouth.

After a while of loud panting and scattered giggling, Jungkook reaches over for a wet cloth and cleans the both of you gingerly. You trail your hands up to caress his jaw and kiss his lips softly.

"You need to tell everyone that I had a long and extensive request for the Harvest party, that I wanted a lot of fall fruits and vegetables featured in the baked goods, make it as specific as possible and make sure that you mention that I want to meet with you again, over dinner." His labored breathing punctuate his words, as youd kisses consume him. "And..."

"And?" You cock an eyebrow, simpering.

"Doyouthinkmaybeyoucouldbringmesomemilktogowithmycake?" He mumbles, eyes glued on the bed.

"What?" (If you give a Kookie a Cookie...)

Disgruntled, he sighs and repeats: "Milk! Milk for my cake. I know it's moist cause you made it but I'm really thirsty, especially after..." His cheeks flush a cute pink. You wait for him to continue just to fluster him a little more. "Y/N, just please!" You can't ever refuse his pouty face.

Next week, Jungkook's got you pinned against the hallway wall, making out with you hungrily as his hands ride up your dress. Just across the hall, his Dad is negotiating war with Portugal over land in the West.

The next month, you have his cock buried in your throat underneath the table at an important conference about how to create jobs.

All this while the pressure for Jungkook to find a bride continues to rise as he reaches seniority, and as his father's grey hairs pronounce themselves.

Warm touches are always hidden away to the public eye, but often shared between two kindred spirits underneath the man in the moon's watchful eye. Jungkook, as he reaches his maturity, grows strong. His jaw sharpens, and his eyes darken. His hair grows long, and he gains weight. Now at the proud age of 20, Jungkook had become a man before everyone's eyes, including the eyes of foreign monarchs and their eligible bachelorettes.

One day, you're serving the Royal family at a private dinner, when the topic of marriage comes up for the first time since his birthday.

"Your mother has made friends with the mother of the Austrian Princess, and she's invited you to the cordial ball to introduce yourself to the Princess. An allyship with Austria would prove advantageous for our relations with France, so you are to make your best impression." The King wipes his mouth. Setting his fork down, he continues: "It is in the family's best interest for you to marry her, if the French Princess, Anastasie, does not present this season or the next." The Queen holds the King's hand firmly, reassuring him from his shoulder. She wears a slight frown on her face, her eyes worrisome, somber. The King hides his anxiety, as he's been accustomed to from decades of responsibility. Would this be the face of Jungkook soon?

For now, Jungkook's face is scrunching at the thought of marrying Anastasie. She's not the most delightful young woman, her imprudence ruined her enjoyment of any event. She couldn't keep an intuitive conversation about regional politics and domestic policy for the life of her. Her people were on the brink of overthrowing the aristocracy, he was sure of it.

"Yes, father," is what you hear from him before you disappear down the stairs to fetch desserts.

Jiyoo interrupts your quest for sweets with a letter, signed by His Grace. She has a naturally innocent demeanor, her cheeks rosy and her frame as delicate as a feather. "Y/N, you have another special request from His Majesty...can I ask you why you get so many of these?" She looks genuinely curious, not a single menacing thought behind those eyes.

"It's because the Prince really really loves his cake." I mean, technically it was true. Jungkook never passed up an opportunity to squeeze, smack, or dig his fingernails into your ass during your sessions.

"Oh." Jiyoo pouts. "So it's not because you're like, in love or anything?" Her eyes are glued to the floor. You were expecting this question eventually, as the other girls in the kitchen were already suspecting it. It was only a matter of time before word slipped into the girl's ears.

"As much as I enjoy the Prince's interest in my baking, it isn't my place to confess any sort of feeling for him." Your answer is straightforward enough, so Jiyoo nods and hands you the letter. Another request.

Outside the Palace, Winter came like the wind. Lakes froze over, and couples tied up their skates and danced on the ice. The trees were bare and brown, not a single leaf persisting through the chilling breath of Jack Frost.

Jungkook had left for the Winter Palace, to volunteer and raise spirits up in the North. As heir to the throne, he was to be Commander in Chief of the Royal Armed Forces, and therefore needed to undergo intensive training in order to boost morale.

You're back home, and in your wake is your father, who has now grown tangibly tired. He's been on a strict diet of warm vegetable soup for about three months, now. His eyes are sunken, but he still wears a subtle smile even during his most trying days.

Match girls make their rounds at night, you watch as the lamplighters illuminate the streets with their tall ladders and their taller peacoats. Shop windows glow warm shades of yellow and creme; inscriptions on the glass create shadows on the white snow.

"Wow. It's almost as cold as the King's heart out here." You step outside one day with a cup of tea, sneaking in a cheeky smirk. Yeah, good one.

"I heard that!" You turn towards the little voice. A child, maybe about 9 or 10 years old is pointing at you. You squint at it.

"Well, it's true..." You mumble. You have a bit of change in your pocket, so you walk towards a stand to buy a hot bun and a paper.

"Chilly today, hon...Best you take this on the house." The tenant hands you a steaming cake wrapped in a simple cloth and your paper. You stick the paper in your dress pocket and take back your change. You nod a 'thank you.'

You spill the contents of your pockets on the dining table and snatch the paper, snapping it open. Your eyes eagerly skim the headline: "Prince Jungkook Fires Up Royal Army." Below is an article detailing the happenings of His Majesty. All of it sounded very intense, the running, strategizing, first aid training...Was there anything Prince Jeon couldn't nail on the first try?

You set the paper down and pick up your now lukewarm tea. In the back of your mind you're coping with the fact that the Spring Solstice is next week, and that marks the beginning of Jungkook's last season as a Prince.

The King is ill with tuberculosis, and recovery is unlikely. If Jungkook is to marry, it is next season and that was final.

Sitting at the window of his Winter Castle study, Jungkook plays with a ring nestled between his fingers. He looks out onto the lake, as if he's trying to reach you with his gaze. His heart is tight knowing that it would be the season he chooses his bride. Actually, he'd already made up his mind long ago. If his duty was to marry, there was no way to evade such a responsibility. He had to fulfill it, despite his anxieties.

He straightens up and walks out of the hollow room with a firm step.

You awaken with the sound of horse's hooves thudding against the Earth. It is yet to be dawn, and in the distance, thunder roars mightily.

A figure wearing a long, black hood hoists itself off of the animal, tying it to a nearby post. It walks towards an obscure entrance, unknown to many staff.

Intrigued, you wrap a blanket around yourself and peek out at the stranger. His fingers are shorter than his palms, and that's when he tosses of his hood, his eyes set on you. "Y/N..."

You're bewildered by his guise, questions filling your head.

"I was horny, so I left camp" He sits down at the counter, catapulting a cookie into his mouth.

You roll your eyes. "And the guards let you?! Jungkook!" You whisper-yelled at him, readjusting your makeshift blanket-dress.

"Obviously not!" He puffed out his chest with pride. "I bribed them," he smirks.

"You're insufferable," you scoff, your eyes wandering down to observe his physique. His shirt is anything but conservative, highlighting the muscle he'd earned through laborious, sweat-inducing drills. You can feel his eyes on your face as you observe him.

"You can't hide it either," he crosses his arms. "You're standing in the kitchen with a blanket around your naked body." He flicks his tongue. He steps forward, putting a finger under your jaw so you're looking him in the eye.

Your eyes fill with lust as he speaks over your lips. "Look at yourself..." A crash is heard in the other room.

Jungkook's head darts up and in a flash, he disappears into the night.

'Fuck.' You gather your dress from the floor and shuffle back to your chamber.

The first event of the season commences with the most exaltant of spirits as friends of old greet each other with youthful smiles. Juicy exposés, enticing tales, and thoughtful greetings are exchanged in the most formal manner, and the conversation is lively; the most controversial topic of conversation, however, is the rumor that Jungkook is to marry this season.

So far, he's been to four different private residences within his own Kingdom and has been invited, by the secretary of King Louis XVII to meet their daughter. It would be an understatement to say that stakes were high for the pending King.

You were kneading your dough a little too hard thinking about it. "Not so rough, y/n!" Ms.Kang snatches the mixture from your hands. "What is up with you lately, you're so tense! It's really disrupting the kitchen's dynamic."

You shrug it off. "It's going to be hard sedating Anastasie's sweet tooth, I suppose."

"Well, you seem to be doing just fine dealing with Jungkook's addiction to cakes...She's perfect for him, really." Ms.Kang throws more flour on your kneading table and steps off. You give up on the dough, covering it with a cloth and letting it rise.

Jungkook is tapping his feet, munching on finger sandwiches as he waits on you to make an appearance.

"Dearest Prince, look, I am wearing Mediterranean violet!" A duchess shouts as she passes by him, to which he raises his eyebrows at. Another, with dark green eyes approaches and begins speaking rapidly in French at him. Frightened and undereducated, his canned response was: "Excusez-moi, Pouvez-vous répéter plus lentement s'il vous plaît," to which the duchess furrows her eyebrows before something else catches her attention, elsewhere.

Truth is, Jungkook is incredibly shaken at the thought of announcing his engagement tonight. Well, that and the fact that you had yet to pop out of the kitchen. Man, those finger sandwiches were good.

As the night progresses, Jungkook realizes that if he doesn't get up on that platform and say what he needed to say, he'd have to say it in London. Setting his fears aside, he plants himself on top of the orchestral stage and taps a champagne glass with a cheese fork. The music comes to a stop.

With conviction, he begins: "The time has come that I announce my engagement. To all of my beloved friends, who have introduced me to the most beautiful, talented, diverse, and benevolent ladies I've come to get to know over the years, I thank you from the depths of my soul." He swallows and continues, his confident voice masking his trembling. "The life of a Prince is defined by the virtues presented to him at birth. Those virtues are: duty, responsibility, grace, kindness, mercy and integrity." Here comes the part, oh shit.

"I am abdicating my throne to my Cousin, the Duke of Namseong."

Silence sweeps the room. You poke your head out to see what was going on.

"...to marry the love of my life, y/n." He points at you. Your face is cherry red, and you find yourself dropping those same Danish fucking pastries all over the carpet.

"Shit," you fall on your knees, plucking them from the ground one by one. You don't know whether to run as fast as you can or to present yourself, but your body seems to be currently doing the latter. You go along with it.

Jungkook takes your hand tenderly on the stage. "I am unable to perform my duties as King, and therefore am ineligible for the throne." His touch gives you the will to continue beside him. You feel the pure fear rushing through your love's veins, and he knows that this is the hardest thing he'll ever have to do, yet he stands by his announcement.

So, if Jungkook doesn't get to be King of this World, he at least will forever be the King of Your Heart.

But all this, of course...is all in Your, dear reader, Head.

~

a/n:

hope you enjoyed.

[sidespart]

The Fall of King Romulus part 4

Summary: Twin Princes Remus and Romulus are cursed at birth with Honesty and Obedience. When Romulus, who cannot disobey any order, is told to kill his brother the next time he lays eyes on him, he changes his name to Roman and runs away. Roman joins up with a misfit group of adventures and plans to never return to his homeland. But the fae have other plans for him...

Warnings (for whole fic not necessarily individual chapters): Violence, mind whammying/memory altering, curse of obedience related consent issues, references to sex, references to war related injuries/PTSD, references to child abuse/neglect (YMMV on that one but just in case), antagonstic-but-not-exactly villian!Janus, Extremly-moraly-dubious-but-not-exacty-unsympathetic-Remus

Pairings: Mostly Platonic LAMP and all the found family feels. Could be read as pre-slash.

Feedback appreciated.

NOW ON AO3 :D

Prologue     Chapter 1   Chapter 2  Chapter 3

“I will grant them handsome features and beguiling voices,” the maiden whispered, her own voice dripping with honey “that all who great them will be blessed from the meeting.”

“I told you it wouldn’t work!” Remus grinned smugly when Romulus was deposited back in in their room, their nanny shutting the door firmly behind him.

“Urghh.” Romulus whined as he hurled himself face first onto Remus’ bed, making his giggling brother bounce from the impact. “But it should have! It always does in the stories!”

What was the point of having a twin, Romulus wondered if they couldn’t even switch places to get him out of boring geography lessons?

Remus poked him until Romulus rolled over onto his side to pout at his brother.

“It’s because I’m better lookin’ than you.” Remus told him cheerfully.

Romulus thwacked him with a pillow. “We’re identical!”

“Doesn’t matter,” Remus grabbed a second pillow from the floor, “I’m still the cute one!”

“Are not!”

“Are too!”

“Are not!”

“Are to – oof!”

The pillow fight soon descended into a wrestling match, their shrieks and giggles echoing through the bed chamber.

Eventually they ran out of breath and Remus flopped back down on the bed, his legs hanging over the edge. Romulus collapsed on the floor amongst the fallen pillows, batted Remus’ foot away from his face and gazed up at the family portrait hanging above their fire place.

They were identical. The artist had taken care to draw the crown prince a little bigger than his brother, closer to the forefront of the picture, but even so; their hair, eyes, nose - everything was the same.

Romulus glanced up at his brother, who was currently digging snot out his nose with every sign of enjoyment. Romulus gagged. They were not the same -Remus was gross!  

Except.

Everyone said what a handsome young man Remus was growing up to be. How brightly his eyes sparkled.  How confidently he held himself, even as a child. They never said that stuff about Romulus.

Remus shone, even when he was being gross.

“Your voice is better.” Remus said suddenly, snapping Romulus out of his sulk.

“What?”

“Your voice.” The older twin lent over the bed, staring his brother in the eye “It’s nicer than mine, ‘specially when you sing.” Romulus beamed, showing off his gap toothed smile. Their parents had hired teachers to drill both boys on the lute and harpsicord, but Romulus’ talent for singing was all him.

“You think so?”

“Yeah.” Remus smiled back at him. He’d lost a baby tooth that week too – one of his canines, giving him lopsided fangs. “And you’re way better at crying.”

“What! Well – your feet are stinker!”

“You’re worse at pranks!”

“Well you’re worse at fencing!”

“But l I’m the best at tickling!” declared Remus and leapt from the bed, pinning Romulus with his knee whilst his fingers attacked his brothers armpits.  The younger prince’s peals of laughter and cries for mercy were so loud nanny came rushing back to check on them, finding the future rulers of Notaleveale wrapped around each other on the floor, covered in dust and wearing matching smiles.

“I will grant them strength and creativity.” The mother smiled, she had a thousand eyes and all of them twinkled under the halls many candles “so that their rule will never be questioned.”

“Lord Venchi?”  Romulus asked.

The royal treasurer, normally one of the more composed members of his father council, was pacing the entrance hall alone, what little hair he had left sticking up in all directions as he tugged at it.

“Oh, Your Highness!” The he gasped when he caught sight of Romulus, “oh thank goodness! He-“

Romulus sighed. “What has my brother done now?”

Romulus had spent the morning on a rare visit into town, missing the days council meeting. It was completely unfair -  Romulus attended meetings almost daily, under Julius supervision, as part of his training to one day take over managing whichever aspect of the kingdom bored the future King Remus the most. They were mind numbingly dull sessions and it was only Julius’ steady glare that kept Romulus’ eyes open and his face attentive.

But today, visitors from the far south were attending. Which meant the session might actually be interesting. Which meant Remus got to go, and Romulus was immediately barred from entry. Instead, his father had asked him to represent the family at the ceremonial graduation of the latest batch of city watch recruits. So, instead of hearing tales from beyond the kingdoms borders, he had spent most of the day on a podium waving dispassionately at a crowd of braying onlookers.

It was always daunting, being around so many common folk. They lacked the decorum of the nobles at court. Whilst most seemed content to gape and sigh at him from a distance, there was always one who would shout out ‘my prince, look at me!’, ‘come here!’, ‘kiss my baby!’

Even with his fathers voice ringing in his ears – “no matter what you hear, stay by your guards side until you are back in the palace.” – Romulus had spent the day tense and unhappy, pinpricks of pain dancing in his skull. By the time he was allowed to speak he had quite forgotten his prepared speech and been forced to make up a quick poem on the spot. The crowd had seemed happy enough – the watch captain had tears in his eyes - but he knew neither Julius or his parents would be happy with his improvising once his guards had reported in.

He had hoped to get a few hours alone before the inevitable lecture, and were it anyone else he might have tried to sneak by without getting pulled into whatever chaos Remus had caused.

But Venchi was an old ally, one who had served his father wisely for years and who always took the time to compliment Romulus on his few measured contributions to the councils discussions, or to explain carefully any point he had missed.

He had also seen Remus at council. There shouldn’t have been anything left that the older prince could do to shock him to this extent.

“He-“ the old man looked like he couldn’t quite believe his own words, “He flipped the table.”

Romulus stared at him. The council table was ancient and enormous, made of a stone so old it’s real name has been lost. Moving it was impossible, the palace had practically been built around it.

“The Arkazeii  ambassador is being seen by a healer.” Venchi continued, “but I believe his foot Is broken, I-“

The side door behind them slammed open suddenly, crashing into the wall with enough force to make the hanging portraits shake. “I said.” Remus roared, a snarl on his handsome face, “Leave me alone!”

His voice was so forceful Romulus found he had taken three steps towards the main door before he stopped himself, face flushing. The order hadn’t been meant for him. Julius, who had clearly been chasing after the young crown prince, was now openly glaring down at Remus, two spots of colour high on his cheeks.

“Your highness I must insist-“

“Seriously?” Remus cackled, “You’re insisting?  Juju, honestly, I am not interested in what you have to say.” He barred his teeth at the King’s advisor, eyes wild,  “If my father wants me he can come get me himself but if not you can go and -oh.”

“Hello Remus.” Romulus sighed, giving the shortest bow he could get away with, “I hear your meeting went well.”

Remus eyes narrowed “Hello Romy, have fun getting your butt kissed in town?” he slug his arm around his brother’s neck, adopting a high pitched, sing song tone in apparent impression of the townsfolk “Oh Prince Romulus, you’re sooo clever and handsome and perfect. Won’t you pretty please sign an autograph and let me suck your di-“

“Your highness, please!” Venchi looked disgusted “There is no need for vulgarity.”

“Aww hey Vee! Wow, your hair is really going, you know the balder you get the more you look like my ballsack? Romy – I’m serious, picture him with two heads”  he held up his thumbs and index fingers and positioned them in front of the red-faced treasurer like a frame “I can’t be the only one that sees this.”

“You are.” Romulus snapped, shrugging his brothers arm off of his shoulders, “Did you really break the Arkazeii ambassadors foot?”

“The Arkazeii ambassador deserved it.” Remus snarled, good humour vanishing instantly. “They want to dig up Orenlla till it’s hollow. Use the rock to turn their sky black. Have you heard the stories outta that place? All the chickens are dying, ’s a travesty.”

“The chickens are- what? Just. Whatever. Not liking his trade ideas doesn’t mean you can hurt him!”

Remus eyes were always sparkling. Like a man on the brink of madness. “I can do whatever I want little brother.” He grinned at him with too many teeth, “you should try it sometime.”

“Your sons have all the makings of rulersss” the final fae smiled, her one golden eye glinting in the depth of her cloak. “My gift is for you. I give your children honestly and obedience.” She smiled sweetly, “May they bring you joy.”

“Your father is sick” Julius told him.

I know that Romulus thought but didn’t say. Watching the old man carefully.

They were in Julius practice room, at the top of the northmost turret, where Romulus had spent so much of his childhood.

“There is of course, still hope. And we have the finest healers, from every corner of the Kingdom.” Julius was pacing as he spoke, wringing his hands. It was profoundly odd, to see the old man so unsettled. But he had known Romulus’ father from when they were both boys. He loved him, as much as he was capable of loving anyone, and he loved the kingdom that he helped rule.

So Romulus found he wasn’t as surprised as he should have been with what Julius said next.

“Your brother cannot be allowed to take the throne.”

Since Romulus curse had been recognised, his parents had taken great pains to limit the brothers’ interactions, for both of their safety.

Remus could not keep a secret.

Remus was honest. He was honest at their mothers funeral when he’d announced to the mourners that she was ‘a bitch by anyone’s definition’ and honest later than evening when he’d sobbed into Romulus’ shoulder and cried that he would miss her.

He was honest when he announced to Romulus causally, over are rare shared meal, that he dreamed about killing him. “I’d do it with a morning star” he told him, slapping his spoon down onto the head of a roasted tomato and watching the red pulp fly about his plate. “Just like that.”

He was honest when he forced his way into Romulus’ room at night, shook him awake and told him, shaking, that the palace was haunted. That voices whispered to him from every corner - so loud that he couldn’t sleep.

He was honest when Romulus asked him, baffled, why are you telling me this. “I trust you.” Remus admitted, his voice thick, “You’re the only one I can trust.”

Just because he was honest, didn’t mean he was right.

Romulus gazed at Julius, his face carefully blank – a skill he had perfected over many council meetings.- and said “I don’t think you can order me to change our birth order.”

“No.” Julius smiled, and had the decency to look pained. “That’s not what I’m going to ask.”

In this room, Julius had tried every trick to strip Romulus of his curse. And when he failed, he’d dedicated himself to learning every possible way it could be exploited. In order to help protect him, of course.

“Sit there and listen to me until I finish.”

If Romulus didn’t hear an order in full, even if he could guess it, it could be ignored. As a child he’d sometimes escape his teachers simply by running away before they could give him the next task.

“The next time you lay eyes on your brother, kill him. Ensure no one can trace it back to you.”

Vague orders were still orders, and often more effective than those that were too direct. If he couldn’t prevent someone from seeing him, then he would have to kill the witness too in order to obey the instructions in full.

“Let no one know you did it. Tell no one of our conversation”

There was, by now, a long list of things Romulus was forbidden from talking about. It was one of Julius’ favourite orders to give.

“If anyone contradicts this order, ignore them.”

Contradictions were tricky. Normally the most recent order would take precedence, but often enough once the newer order had been completed, the old one would return.

“Do you understand me, Price Romulus?”

Romulus nodded and some of the tension left Julius’ shoulders.

He smiled at Romulus then, and lent over the bush back a strand of hair that had fallen across the young man’s face. He left his hand on Romulus cheek and gazed at him like he really was a kindly old mentor and Romulus his favoured pupil.

“This year, it will be the rise of King Romulus. You will be a just and fair ruler. I’ll make sure of it.”

***

As the second son of a King, Romulus future had never been certain.

His parents discussed it often. He should have become a commander in the army, or a leader of the church or married off to a neighbouring princess and become king in his own right. With all options too likely to lead to discovery however, it had been decided he would stay home, construct a reputation of studious detachment and become his brothers distant advisor.

Help him. Protect him.

Like Julius protected them.

Instead, Romulus ran away and became Roman.

Roman was loud and confident and sprouted poetry and song without hesitation. He basked in the attention from crowds and flirted  with every pretty face who crossed his path. He worked and earned for himself and argued back with anyone who disagreed with him and never sat still if he could help it. He kept Romulus and his memories of home buried so deep sometimes he forgot he’d ever had another name.

Even so, there had always been, at the back of his mind, the paranoia of this day. When he would be found. Recognised. Forced back to Romulus life.

He just didn’t think when it happened it would be so embarrassing.

They’d reached a fork in the road. The Marquis paused and whipped his head from side to side, presumably checking for witnesses although it looked more like he was trying to shake water free from his ears. He stepped in front on Roman.

“You.” He enunciated slowly and loudly “Turn left. Okay? Le – e -e f -t”

Roman stared at him.                                  

He had been kidnapped by an idiot.

With great deliberation he rested all his weight on one foot and turned left. And then kept turning, spinning in a circle a few times until the Marquis hissed “no!” and grabbed his arm.

And then dropped it immediately, wiping his hand on his sleeve.

“You. Just – follow me, alright? This way.”

Roman rolled his eye but did as he was told.  The man could have just told him in the beginning to follow him to wherever their destination was, and Roman would have done so. There was no need to give him a new instruction every few paces. But if the Marquis – what was his first name? Romulus must have known at some point – didn’t know the ins and outs of his curse then Roman wasn’t going to be the one to tell him.

They continued on, the Marquis stopping every three feet to stare at him, or repeat some instruction, or glare at a crumpled map in his hands. Roman despaired. Romulus had had a crush on this man.

At first, Roman assumed he would lead him towards the Royal Palace and present his find to the Princess or to whatever other Notalevealian nobles were already here for the coronation. But instead he tugged him away from the wider streets, back down hill towards the main sprawl of the city.

“Where are you taking me, villain?” Roman asked after twenty minutes of marching “because I’m pretty sure we’ve passed that street lamp three times already.”

“Somewhere where your little friend won’t be able to help you.” the Marquis muttered, glaring at the lamp in question.

Roman felt his heart freeze. His friend?

He supposed it made sense. There was no conceivable way they could have been followed in the woods. Not without Patton or Virgil noticing. The Marquis must have spotted him in the market and followed from there, which means he would have at least seen Logan, perhaps the others too since he had been at the tavern…

Although why would a noble be at the Stevangie street market?

He tried not to let his anxiety show on his face, puffing his chest out and summoning his most haughty glare.

“Listen to me, lordling, if any harm should come to them I will personally-“

“Them?” The Marquis stumbled, map fluttering to the floor. When he spun to glare at Roman his eyes were enormous. “How many are there?”

Roman blinked, haughty glare ruined by his genuine confusion. “Erm,” he tried “lots?”

The Marquis audibly gulped, but before Roman could even attempt to interpret that the man’s face brightened, his gaze caught on something behind Roman. He smirked, some swagger returning to his step.

“No matter.” He said and grabbed Romans arm, dragging him towards a nondescript building in the centre of the street, unlocking the door and shoving the bard through.

It was a bath house. The back entrance, perhaps, but the damp in the air and smell of scented soap was unmistakable.

Roman tried, in his sleep-deprived, underfed, over-stressed state, to come up with a reasonable explanation for this.

He had nothing.

“Why-“

“Shut up” The Marquis snapped. “Walk that way.” He pushed Roman down a long corridor, past arched doorways through which he caught a glimpse of the bathhouse proper, and into a dusty looking stairwell. He had produced a candle from somewhere, but the dim light did very little to illuminate anything as they gingerly picked their way down.

When they finally reached the bottom floor Roman squinted to see boxes and crates of empty bottles– a storage room? But he had no time to take it all in before he was being dragged through another pair of doors. Two more rooms and another set of stairs later and the Marquis finally stopped.

The room he’d led them to was hot and humid. Sweat dripped down Romans nose after only a few seconds. At first he couldn’t work out what the noise that filled the room was, until his eyes adjusted enough to see the tubes running from the floor to ceiling.

“You’re lucky to see this.” The Marquis had to raise his voice over the rush of running water to be heard “This room is a modern miracle – the lifeblood of the city!”

Steveange’s heated bath houses were famous. So much so even Virgil had heard of them, and he seemed to take pride in knowing nothing about the outside world. Roman had assumed the city must have been built on hot springs or some other natural source, but this was something else.

“The furnace is below us.” The Marquis explained, as he propelled Roman towards the back wall. “The pipes bring water from the river, it’s heated and pumped up and out to every bathhouse in the city.”

He grinned with something like pride as he tapped one of the  pipes above Romans head, making it sing, “Arkazeii engineering and Orenllan iron. Lined with Orenllan copper of course…give me your jacket.”

“But. Notaleveale doesn’t trade it’s ores” Roman blinked rapidly, trying to remove the sweat from his eyes, as he shrugged out of his jacket.

Jacket was a generous term – it was a silken red thing, better suited to performances than travelling. But he enjoyed the way it billowed as he walked. The Marquis took it and without so much as a moments respect for the garment, ripped one of the sleeves clean off.

“Hey!”

“You’ve been away a long time.” the Marquis snarled, “you little fae touched traitor.”

Roman gaped at him, even as the man grabbed his right arm and began attempting to tie it to the nearest pipe.

“I used to look up to you” the Marquis continued, “you were everything a Prince should be. But you betrayed your father and put a curse of madness on your brother - all because of your own petty jealousy!”

He squeezed Romans wrist with enough force to leave bruises. And stepped back to admire his handywork. The silky material had no grip and it was painfully obvious the man was not used to getting his hand dirty. The resulting knot looked more like a bow. “You are no prince of mine.”

“Lucius.“ Roman knew he’d known his name. “That’s not true. That’s- that’s not even a clever story! Who came up with that?”

“Shut up.” Some of the panic from the journey had come back to Lucius’ eyes but it faded quickly “And don’t think you can scare me with my name, there is more iron in this room then anywhere else in the city.”

He grinned at Roman nastily. “Your little friends aren’t coming to save you.”

Roman stayed quiet, mind whirling. They thought Remus was cursed?

Well. He was. But not in the way Lucius seemed to believe.

They wouldn’t send a mad man to another kingdoms coronation would they? Had the seller actually been certain Remus was coming?

Tied up, exhausted and with a man who seemed to hate him glaring down, Roman started to giggle in giddy relief.

Lucius stepped back, looking unsettled, before reaching out, roughly grabbing Romans chin and shoving the remnants of his jacket into his mouth. “Stay here,” he told him, slowly and clearly “until I come back with your transport.”

He stood, taking the candle with him to the door. He paused for one moment before leaving, the flickering light illuminating a cruel smirk. “You had better hope I can arrange it before the furnaces come back on.” And he was gone.

Roman glanced above himself into the darkness, where his wrists were strapped tight to the currently cool metal. A rush of fear went through him, finally bringing him down from the giggling hysteria.

Alone In the dark, tried to think.

Roman was a bad friend. He lied to his companions as easy as breathing and took his own fears out on them.

Romulus was a bad prince. He had abandoned his kingdom and his subjects and allowed some sort of conspiracy to spring up in his wake.

But he was a good brother. Remus was alive. And he would stay that way.

After all, this afternoon he thought that Remus was here. That he would have to confront his past, escape the city, evade every member of the Notalevealian court and his  own friends and steal a horse.

Now all he had to do was get out of this basement and outwit one idiot who could barely tie knots and hadn’t even thought to pat him down to check for hidden daggers.

Easy-peasy he thought, his eyes fluttering closed as exhaustion finally overtook him.

Part 5

[tomorrowsdrama]

2020 Year in Thirst Pt. 2

Sometimes, I will watch a drama for the plot/premise/substance and be rewarded with a surprise hottie, and it’s the best feeling ever!  It’s like finding money in your pocket that you didn’t know about.  The following list of dramas can be described as:

Came for the plot, was rewarded with a surprising side of thirst

1. Flower of Evil

Brief Summary: Lee Jun Ki plays Baek Hee Sung and Moon Chae Won plays Cha Ji Won, his wife who is also a detective.  What Ji Won doesn’t know is that her husband, Hee Sung, is actually Hyun Soo, a man on the run from a murder that he did not commit and also a suspected accomplice to a series of murders committed by his father in the past.  Oh yeah, his dad secretly tried to groom him into being his protege/murder partner.  Because of how he was raised, HS believes that he has no emotions and is simply putting on an act as the perfect husband and father.  His “parents” are in on the ruse and are actually the ones who forced him into assuming their comatose son’s identity.  Anyway, of course things from the past start to catch up with HS and his wife is somehow assigned to investigating his old murder case.  She of course feels betrayed, but also conflicted as she discovers her husband is not who he said he was and a prime murder suspect.  Things get even more complicated as the real murderer re-appears with fabulous long hair and tries to frame HS for the murders.  In between all of this are delicious make outs between the couple and at least one instance where they banged so hard, HS was wiped out the next morning.

Surprise Thirst Factor: I checked out this drama fully expecting to drop it because the promos were so misleading and unappealing. But boy was I in for a pleasant surprise!  Not only was the drama super addicting, it also had some nice eye candy in the form of Lee Jun Ki being a completely unrealistic house husband who satisfies in the housework (The man cooks and does the laundry!), childcare, and bedroom and Kim Ji Hoon’s glorious mane of beauty making viewers have a moral crisis over lusting after a homicidal maniac (who turned out to be a real loser without murder daddy around to clean up his mess.  It’s ok, we’ll always have his hair).

Yes, work that hair honey.  It’s the only good thing you’ve got going on for you (the character, not Kim Ji Hoon)

The chemistry between Lee Jun Ki and Moon Chae Won was fire and the make out scenes were soo believable.  Like yes, these two beautiful people are really into being married to each other and understandably want to make out all the time. 

He’s the primary caretaker for their daughter and it’s just *swoons.*  Not all thirst traps come in the form of sexy abs (although I would not mind if he wanted to flash some).

2. Six Flying Dragons

Brief Summary: The story of young Yi Bang Won (who later becomes King Taejong) and the founding of the Joseon Dynasty.  As short as it sounds, that really is an accurate summary of the drama haha.

Surprise Thirst Factor: I started watching this drama because I heard it was a great sageuk and I’m a big fan of Yoo Ah In.  Even though I’m a fan of his acting, Yoo Ah In doesn’t necessarily get my hormones raging so I wasn’t expecting to be so thirsty while watching Six Flying Dragons.  But then.  BUT THEN.  Byun Yo Han showed up in all his scruffy tortured deadly killer glory and my hormones woke up and said hi, hello, who are you, what’s your name, what’s your sign, can I get your number?  The deadlier and more tortured his character got, the sexier he became to me.  Sorry Yoo Ah In, you’ll always be my acting boo, but Byun Yo Han’s got my thirst.  Byun Yo Han looks so good when he's sad and/or covered in blood, it makes me feel like a sadist for thinking that I wouldn’t mind if the drama made his character cry some more.

3. Ever Night S1

Brief Summary: As a child, Ning Que witnessed his entire household get massacred because of a prophecy that the child of Hades will be born from the house and bring about the Eternal Night.  Somehow, he managed to escape and was the lone survivor.  He finds a baby buried in a pile of dead bodies as he’s fleeing and names her Sang Sang.  The two orphans grow up inseparable from each other and do whatever it takes to survive in the harsh, cruel world.  Ning Que earns money by becoming a deadly mercenary and Sang Sang takes care of the household affairs.  At one point, Ning Que becomes a disciple of the powerful Fu Zi and somehow gets entangled in the struggles between the Holy Sect and Demon Sect.  A bunch of beautiful women fall for Ning Que, and the drama tries its hardest to convince us that he has chemistry with and reciprocates the feelings of one of them (i.e. Mo Shan Shan), but anybody who was even half paying attention knows that the only one for Ning Que is Sang Sang.  They are the OTP of all OTPs and take “ride or die” to a whole other level. Oh also, their height difference is the stuff manga dreams are made of. Ning Que is a “good guy” but also not a “good guy” in the sense that he is not above doing whatever it takes to seek revenge and is only out for himself and Sang Sang (and later, his older brothers and sisters from the academy).

Surprise Thirst Factor: Chen Feiyu is an attractive person but I could not in good conscience thirst after him because he was literally born in the year 2000.  It did not help that he was only 18 when he filmed Ever Night and looked every bit his age.  My thirst may have no shame, but it does have its own set of principles and one of those principles is thou shalt not lust after those born in the new millennium!  Luckily for me, Second Brother is played by Dylan Kuo who is a beautiful, elegant, tall man

and Brother Chao is exactly the type of rugged and manly that I am into.  

(you don’t have to be)

who looks better when wet

AHEM. Yeah.

Sixth Brother is also not so bad with his scanty pounding work attire,

4. Novoland: Eagle Flag

Brief Summary:  Asule is the prince of a tribe in the grasslands who is held as a royal guest (i.e. hostage) in the Eastland Empire.  There he meets his two future best friends, Yu Ran, a free spirited princess who is descended from a race of bird people, and Ji Ye, an emo neglected/shunned son of a concubine who is probably the best fighter in the empire.  Ji Ye loves Yu Ran who is a ball of sunshine to his Johnny Raincloud dark emo self.  Yu Ran loves Ji Ye back.  Asule loves both his friends and will do anything to protect them.  The world decides to fuck over best friends Asule, Ji Ye, and Yu Ran for no reason as they try their best to just live a peaceful life away from all the political scheming and fighting.

Surprise Thirst-worthiness: I was completely content with enjoying Eagle Flag purely for its story and substance.  It’s seriously a wonderful, yet heartbreaking drama and the scale of the production is amazing.  No cheap $10 costumes here.  Also, the direction is beautiful/artistic and not the run of mill “let’s shoot it and complete it as fast as we can.”  The two main actors were cute, but not really my type.  Then the drama decided to give Ji Ye the “Sexy Bloody Tormented Killer Makeover” and all of a sudden your girl was rushing to MDL to check Chen Ruo Xuan’s birthday and calculating his age.  I am simple, predictable, and consistent when it comes to my thirst and give a character some scruff, long hair, angst, and some bloodlust and I’m all yours.  I am literally:

Is it wrong that when Ji Ye showed up looking like this ready to kill his mother’s torturer

I thought, yes, can we have him kill another? 

5. Run On

Brief Summary: Im Siwan plays Ki Seon Geom, a national track runner from a rich family who is a bit of an oddball and marches to his own beat.  Although his words can sometimes be construed as rude since he has no filter, they are also completely honest and have no hidden meaning.  He also has his own personal code that he lives by and he will stick to it no matter how negatively it may impact himself.  He meets Oh Mi Joo, a translator with her own strange quirks and sparks fly as Mi Joo is assigned to be his interpreter.  

Surprise Thirst-worthiness: I kind of watched this drama by accident.  I had read about Im Siwan starring in a new drama but nothing I saw from the description or promos for Run On appealed to me.  Nor did it give me any information about what the drama would be about.  Then one day, I just happened to be browsing Netflix for something to play in the  background and decided on Run on since I thought I wouldn’t be that invested.  What a happy accident that turned out to be because I’m so in love with this drama right now.  This is a case where the thirst does not stem from the character’s physical appearance, but from the intensity/charisma the actor brings to the character and the character himself.  Ki Seon Geom is so odd, but so appealing at the same time and Im Siwan is so magnetic in the role.  Prior to Run On, Im Siwan wasn’t really my type physically.  In fact, I always scratched my head whenever people called him handsome in dramas (I know, I know, forgive me).  So color me shocked when I found myself swooning all over Im Siwan in the second episode of Run On.  Now, it’s like I have “Im Siwan is attractive” glasses on and he looks attractive in everything to me.  I want to gobble up all the dramas he’s been in.

[fizzingwizard]

So I’m sure you’re ALL on tenterhooks to find out what I thought of episode 36... the answer is.... LOVED IT!!!! No I really did. If you like Taishiro friendship, this is an essential episode to watch. Doesn’t blow me out of the water, but still just good.

Although Taichi has a big something to do as usual, it’s still very much a Koushirou episode. FREAKING YAY. I have a dozen thoughts about it, and what bugs me the most, of course, is how we needed this episode AGES ago ugh. But we’ve now had two or three episodes in a row that have actually felt like Digimon Adventure, so perhaps all that finger-crossing is working?

They could unravel all that good work in a minute by never addressing it again... or not letting Koushirou show his personality unless it’s his “turn” for an episode from here on... but you know, I will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Pic of the day:

“I don’t like people. But they are occasionally useful.” - 2020 Izumi Koushirou’s life lesson, lmao

*The red strip at the top is about the big earthquake that hit Eastern Japan yesterday. It’s annoying to have it there for the entire episode - usually they only stick around for a couple minutes - but this WAS a large earthquake. It caused many people to lose power. So making sure everyone knows what’s going takes precedence over Sunday morning cartoons. (I’m in Osaka and didn’t even feel it, but my friends in Tokyo prefecture very much did.)

Lots and LOTS of ranting from a rabid Taishiro fan under the cut!

(also I didn’t check for typos so. yeah)

The episode starts right off by assuring us this is a Koushirou episode. We get the trademark Izumi Koushirou floating in the void of space sequence, which is excellent and very encouraging framing.

Koushirou Kenobi: “Use the force, Taichi.”

Taichi: “Use it yourself.”

(the episode in a nutshell)

The initial thing that bugged me - okay, so the kids got separated for the umpteenth time many episodes ago, and since then we’ve stuck to Taichi like barnacles. The only glimpses we’d get of the other kids showed: Yamato running towards something, Koushirou flying towards something while researching the satellite malfunction, Jou in the hot springs, and Mimi at the crystal caves. For Jou and Mimi, I don’t care, because they never tried to move, but Yamato and Koushirou were constantly moving. Yet, in the end, it’s Taichi’s group that catches up with Koushirou, rather than the other way around. It DOES make sense - it seems like Koushirou told them to “meet at the giant gold pillar” because that’s where they needed to be to save the world, so it became the rendezvous point. But it just bugs me because, once again, all the activity is on Taichi’s side. But that’s a minor quibble. The end result is still THIS:

More of the team is together!!! Taichi and Koushirou are together!!! Yaaayy!!!

... the betting pool for how long it will be till the next separation is now open >.>

Poor Komodomon’s long mop dog fur is so dirty. “Fizz his fur always looks like that.” He’s tracking mud everywhere. “Fizz look at his ears his fur is supposed to look that way.” Next episode - everyone gives Komondomon a bath.

So the start of this episode is just a bunch of talking about how dire things are with the satellite situation. I’m not gonna bother translating. Watch the sub when it’s out if you really want to know :P The important thing is, the gold pillar is directly causing the malfunction, no one on Earth can stop the satellite from plummeting to Tokyo, the city is being evacuated, and there are only 20 minutes till impact.

Koushirou has an elaborate plan which Sora adorably sums up as “So, we’re gonna shoot it out of the sky *makes punching motion*”

The crux of Koushirou’s plan hinges on a repeat of how Omegamon saved Tokyo from the missile way back in like, episode 2 or 3. Taichi says, “Yeah, but I barely remember how we did that.” Which is hilarious because I don’t remember either because it was 30 EPISODES AGO. Once again this episode feels like it was meant to happen WAY EARLIER THAN IT DID. It’s just weird to be referencing something that happened 30 episodes ago after everything else that’s happened, AND on top of that, there are many references in this episode and none from later than like, episode 10 or 12. Making this all seem very oddly timed.

I’m not quite sure if, within the story itself, it matters that Taichi “doesn’t remember well.” He also doesn’t remember the Devimon battle where he and Agumon were infected with dark energy. That one makes sense for him not to remember. If that hadn’t happened, I would just take his “I don’t remember how we stopped the missile” to just mean it was so long ago. But together, it’s making me wonder if something else is going on.

Or maybe Taichi’s just been hit on the head one too many times (okay, that seems the most likely of all, haha)

People of Tokyo: Is it Godzilla again? I heard he’s itching to fight King Kong. You know, given how often our city is attacked by kaiju, some might wonder why we haven’t moved away by now. But home is home, ya know?

The group sets up to fly to the peak of the gold pillar. Obviously, without Yamato, there’s no Omegamon. No one points this out, but Koushirou seems very stressed with his plan, and it seems that he contacted Taichi in the first place because he thought “Taichi’s the one who can pull this off.”

After hearing the plan, Taichi shoots him through the heart with another “Koushirou, you’re so awesome!” and YAY I MISSED THIS SO MUCH!!!!!! *sobs*

Then he does his best to reassure Koushirou by remaining positive and determined that they can and will do this no matter how much Koushirou waves. The majority of the episode is them flying up the pillar while being assaulted by enemies trying to stop them, so it’s not like they get to talk about their feelings (lol). But at least we get a bunch of close ups of Koushirou’s and Taichi’s expressions, and that’s how we see this dynamic in play. Yes, Koushirou is the brainy one who made the plan, but he doesn’t have the confidence to take the lead, so he handed the reins to Taichi. As for Taichi - yes he has the confidence, yes he can do it... but he also has absolute faith in Koushirou. So that’s why this episode makes my little Koushirou fanatic heart skip a beat.

First of the enemies is this guy, aptly named BladeKuwagamon.

They’re actually pretty scary! They do real damage. (Blood in Digimon word is glowy unicorn-like stuff haha). Birdramon gets stabbed, but before Sora can get too upset, she just yanks the blade out of her chest...

... and then crushes it into dust with her beak.

Sora: Holy crap, my partner is metal AF.

Forgot to mention earlier but 5 whole minutes of the 20 minute countdown are used up just by digivolving apparently xD Taichi keeps asking Koushirou “how much time is left” and Koushirou’s panic grows more visible with each passing second...

MetaLiffeKuwagemon looks cooler than he is. Supposedly he’s there to bring out the big guns, but to be honest...

... the BladeKuwagamon don’t seem to need the help :P The enemy’s strategy is obvious: isolate each member of the team to prevent anyone from getting to the top. This is why Koushirou’s so stressed: he’s got a plan that is totally reliant on there being a leader strong enough to pull it off AND there being enough backup to protect that leader from the large number of enemies. And Koushirou doesn’t like these odds.

Garudamon gets stabbed AGAIN

Sora: Go on, we’ll be fine.

Taichi: Are you sure??

Garudamon: *DESTROYS EVERYTHING WITH FIRE*

I MEAN HONESTLY! Garudamon is not only my favorite of Piyomon’s evolutions, it’s pretty much my favorite Adventure evolution. Always has been since I was 11 years old. And she (and Sora) NEVER get that credit. Like. Growing up, with US dub Adventure, I interpreted Sora as more of a straight up tomboy than she is in the original. That’s okay, that’s whatever, but what was most important to me was that I saw her as the third “strong” member along with Taichi and Yamato. Those two were clearly in a class above her, but I saw her as being in the same “Taiorato” league. Garudamon seemed to prove that: she was so cool, so powerful, and... yeah, I just always thought she had so much potential to be awesome and never got why it wasn’t used. That’s also why I was disappointed in Tri - like, I liked Soushitsu, but I just wanted more from Sora’s arc. Same thing in Kizuna: I understand Sora’s arc, I don’t hate it or anything - I think it makes sense for her. But since I wanted something different for her all those years ago, it just left me feeling a bit flat.

but enough about other Digimon series :P Garudamon gets to be super cool here and I only hope we get to see more of it in this reboot. I’ll forgive it some of its other mistakes if we do :D

With Takeru/Hikari and Sora isolated by the BladeKuwagamon, it’s up to Taichi and Koushirou alone to race against the clock! Their teeth are clenched, sweat runs in rivulets down their skin, their hearts are pounding in desperation...

Koushirou: Taichi-san! If we don’t get to the top soon it’ll be too late!

Taichi: Just don’t call me late for dinner!

Koushirou: ASDFGHJKL;’ DAD JOKES NOW?? REALLY????????

MetaLiffeKuwagamon makes life that much harder by knocking them against the pillar. However, this is a pillar of data, which enabled the BladeKuwagamon to evolve into MetaLiffeKuwagamon in the first place. Bugs aren’t that bright.

Taichi and MetalGreymon are nearly submerged inside the pillar as a result, and then we get this sequence of red and black. The pillar had been emitting dark lightning, so I started to think... omg... is MetalGreymon gonna get a Dark Evolution???????

.... Nah. That would have made sense, but.... nah :P

Overall I’m glad though, because that would really have turned this into a Taichi episode instead of a Koushirou one.

I’m not personally certain what the point of bringing BlitzGreymon out was. I had figured he would be like, a super fast evolution that would enable them to make it to the top. That would also have turned this into a Taichi episode. But...

... Taichi tells Koushirou that he will have to go divert the satellite because Taichi has to deal with MetaLiffeKuwagamon.

I was both really pleased and really surprised. Because, again, now what’s the point of BlitzGreymon...? Why did we need a new Agumon evolution? There’s no particular reason why they couldn’t have just isolated Taichi with the enemy the same way the others were and had him tell Koushirou to keep going on his own then. They did do that, but first they gave him a new evolution. Why? Just because it’s cool?? I assume that must be the reason but we don’t even see BlitzGreymon fight xD It’s... it’s weird. But whatever.

Taichi: Go, Koushirou!!!!! You can do it!!!!!

Fiz: *dies a thousand brilliant deaths*

So, Koushirou tells Taichi that he can’t do it - he can support Taichi, but he can’t take the lead. Taichi’s just like that’s wack, dude, of course you can do it. What I LOVE about Taichi and Koushirou’s dynamic is just that: Taichi never sees Koushirou as a weakling. The fact that he’s small, or that he’s brains over brawn, or even that he’s kinda antisocial - those are all reasons an energetic, extroverted kid like Taichi might bully, or at least think poorly, of Koushirou.

But Taichi values Koushirou. He knows how hard he works and is impressed both by that hard work and his talent. What’s more, he doesn’t see Koushirou’s brains as his support system. The whole time Koushirou’s thinking he’s there to support Taichi with his plan, Taichi was thinking, “I’m here to support Koushirou’s plan.” That is SO, SO important. And that’s why I LOVE this episode. The one thing the reboot seemed to really understand, that hooked me from the start, was the way it just GOT Taichi and Koushirou. They each support and follow each other, while each feeling like the other is better than them. Ugh I could like, cry over Taishiro now... omg....

Taichi is successful in pushing Koushirou to go on, but of course Koushirou himself is still plagued with doubts. He reflects on how he’s always been fine being alone. He hasn’t particularly wanted friends and didn’t mind not having them, even though adults worried.

(Side note: this is a normal, if kinda rare, personality trait. I have it too. I always score Koushirou on “what Digimon character are you?” tests too lmao. Just like some people feel the need to be surrounded by others at all times, there are those whose social needs are very very low. I’m one of them. There’s nothing wrong with it except that even those people can get lonely and it’s easy to misunderstand them as shy or snobby. So what I love about Koushirou is, yes he learns to value his relationships more, but also learns to value himself. He is Koushirou: a brainy kid who’s happy on his own, but also happy with friends. While some people, like Mimi, struggle with that aspect of his personality, others, like Taichi, just accept it. To me that’s the best life lesson there is: there are always people who can and will be friends with you. Yes, I’ve lost friends because I just wasn’t social enough for them. But I have other friends who I’ve known for literal decades now. And I REALLY love those friends.)

Koushirou feels grateful that he has AlturKabuterimon, and also that he has Taichi. So... here he is, reflecting on the last time he had meaningful interaction with that great friend Taichi... back in episode three. -____________-

Seriously, this would mean a lot more if this dynamic had been built on continually until this episode...

Koushirou then briefly reflects on each of the other Chosen. Notably, every single solo image of them is from an episode that Koushirou either wasn’t in or wasn’t with them at the moment. Then we get this group image. It’s from EPISODE 12. (I’m actually not sure of the episode number but the point is, it’s from A LONG LONG TIME AGO. I think it’s the swamp episode??) That drives me NUTS. We shouldn’t have to reach soooo far back to find meaningful moments!!! Urk.

Koushirou makes it to the peak of the pillar and AlturKabuterimon attacks the satellite to drive it off course. We see the impression of what looks to be HerculesKabuterimon and I really thought we’d get an evolution - it seemed way more appropriate than freaking BlitzGreymon - but nope.

Oh well. Koushirou still saves the day. The people at home get to see the Crest of Knowledge take over their screens, hopefully giving rise to the idea that a nerd superhero is protecting them. Koushirou is the hero we deserve.

The satellite falls into the water. I was like, shouldn’t that cause a tsunami lol?

... be careful what you wish for >_>;

fortunately people were evacuated soooo things will be okay.

He did it!! He’s so happy! AlturKabuterimon’s triumphant holler is adorable.

Taichi and BlitzGreymon fought hard OFF SCREEN!! OFF SCREEN!! HIP HIP HOORAY! And then we get to see him leaning on Sora T_T could this episode give me any more perfect moments?? Looooove it

So yeah, if you can’t tell, I’m thrilled with this episode. There are just a couple things I would have liked to improve: better animation, at least one palpable heart to heart between Taichi and Koushirou, or just a bit more time spent explictly in Koushirou’s head - but honestly we got something that is pretty darn good, especially for this reboot. I hope we do get more like this, both for Koushirou and for the others. I hope the growth here isn’t forgotten moving forward. I really, REALLY want to see more of that “I lead, you support me - you lead, I support you” mutually beneficial relationship that is the foundation of Taishiro <3

So next week! Mimi’s back and the heads are gonna roll!

Lmao!

My theory that she’s finding crystals to make Crests seems unlikely to be the case now that we know the rocks constract the rock Digimon. But... hey, we’ll find out next week.

Also Taichi’s gonna make this face after talking with Mimi bahahahaha. I can’t wait.

[scribblewriting65]

Owl House Season 2 Hype/Speculation!

The Owl House (one of my favorite cartoons of recent memory/maybe all time) has been given a season 2 teaser (in the form of a new intro) and Season 3 Greenlight! Obviously I’m over the moon (like many others) and I thought it’d be fun to give some thoughts and speculation on what’s coming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYqzwDPczqs Link to the intro, follow along for a full understanding!

Luz Noceda

Our favorite bi protagonist has been through a lot, but she still shines bright, literally. Her abilities have gotten a small but noticeable upgrade in the intro, able to conjure multiple objects from one glyph. First off, look at her go! She’s killing it! As for speculation, I’m curious (and it seems likely) that she’ll learn more glyphs, maybe even get another upgrade or two alongside the above? She’s a quick learner, so I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Willow Park

Willow didn't have too much in the ways of development in the first season, but she's still got a lot to work with in terms of both powers and friendships, especially with Amity. The undisputed master of plant magic from the cast, this friendly face looks as adorable as ever, even when she conjures gigantic vines with awesome green glowing eyes. She's made massive vines already, almost spreading out like spider webs, but the likelihood of seeing her work magic (Ba dum tsh) with other plants and fauna would be incredible.

Augustus Porter (Gus)

He may be the youngest, but Gus has more than enough heart to make himself known. His optimism shines through as he uses illusion magic with a smile(s), but he also has a touch of snark via his wink, a cool little detail. As for the book, my best guess would be that it's a sort of illusion spellbook (and magic itself will be covered later). He took a sort of backseat amongst the Hexside friend group, but I'm still looking forward to seeing what he can do!

Amity Blight

Once a normal bully, but now a full ally to the whole OH crew and love interest for Luz, Amity has had good steps in character progression, and the tidbits we've seen from press releases have me very excited. In her shot of the intro alone, she exudes confidence and grace, pulling off one of my favorite poses ever as she summons her trademark Abomination Goop. 

While it is true that she took on a more lovestruck personality as the first season went on and she talked with Luz, it's important to remember that she has plenty of power at her disposal, being a top student and Grudgby player even after quitting. And she comes from an abusive home, which we'll be seeing more of (including meeting her parents), giving me both nerves and excitement to see her grow even more into her own. If they can balance her personal and romantic growth, Amity has potential to be a truly standout character.

Eda Clawthorne

While she's been stripped away of her magic (I'll get to that later), Eda still has her trademark snark as she uses Owlbert. While Lilith only got two still frames, I still wanna point out how the sisters could interact. Eda will likely have uncertain feelings throughout the show possibly even to the point of those feelings being her second arc for the season, with the first being learning glyph magic from and with Luz. King also gets a shoutout from being in Eda's hair, but he could have an interesting arc if previous promo materials were anything to go by. Either way, Eda has a lot to unpack and learn, and I very much look forward to it!

Extras

Since they didn't get much attention, I'll go through the other important characters relatively quickly. First and fastest is Kikimora. She has a wicked design change when she's enraged, with her hair growing larger and exposing her other eye, which has inverted colors from the one we normally see. As for her role, I'm thinking she'll take Lilith's normal place, being Emperor Belos' public face/representative even more now that Lilith's defected.

Along with Kikimora, we have the Spy (no official name given). He looks cool in his robe and mask, and it'll be interesting to see if anything comes about when he fully reveals his face. As for his role, we already know that he's spying on the Owl House from the end of Season 1. However, I believe there's at least a bit more to him. With his robe, mask and staff being very similar to that of Belos, I'm thinking that not only is he Belos' best spy, but possibly his best and/or favorite apprentice or something similar, with a slim possibility of him being Belos' successor, should that come up.

As for the Emperor himself, he's patched his mask back up and is looking to be much more involved this season. There isn't much to go off of with what we got from Season 1, but I'm interested in seeing just how else he does magic differently, and whatever's going on with his staff that seems much more mechanical than other staffs we've seen.

Details/Final Thoughts

One element that was common with all the moving characters in the intro is the lack of magic circles (a cornerstone of magic in The Owl House), instead using glowing parts (like Willow's eyes or Amity's hands) to convey magic being used. I saw a theory that this could lead to an evolution in their abilities, and while that would be cool, I'm not sure that'll apply to everyone in the intro. Maybe Luz, but the others I'm not sure.

Speaking of magic, Eda shouldn't be able to use magic with her curse still in effect (even if it's only in half). My best guess? She's drawing from Owlbert, her living staff. She'll be much more limited with what she can do, but it would be a good way to show that she isn't completely powerless, but still needing a whole new education with anything beyond the bare essentials of magic. With the colors being much darker and more detailed than the original opening, we're going to be getting, well, darker with the tone of the story, which I very much look forward to. 

I already touched on Lilith and Eda's relationship, but now it's also a race between the Owl House and Belos to finish a portal to get Luz home, which I think will have big effects on the world. Even smaller things like meeting Amity's parents will have impact, and as someone with an abusive father, I'm interested in seeing how they expand on what Amity's parents are like beyond what we got in Season 1, and how her friends will help.

Overall, I’m extremely happy with what we’ve gotten here! Dana Terrace and The Owl House crew, you guys have done fantastic work, please feel proud of yourselves as you keep it up! Season 1 was great, and I’ve got high expectations for Season 2. This is gonna be good!

And please, tell me your thoughts below! Got any good theories? Hopes for the coming episodes? Let me know!

[ohnobjyx]

A snowy summer

Part 5: June + Part 6: July

Wow, rl has keep me occupied so much that I almost forgot that I haven’t finished this series yet. I think I intended to make June and July into a single post and separate April and May, I don’t know it ended up like this, but let’s roll with it.

Disclaimer: I try to keep things objective (if I include my personal opinion, it’s in cursive and in brackets), but I’m biased because of the XZ friendly content I’m usually exposed to and by my own views of their situation. Open to discussion, but please make sure you’ve enough information to do so.

In June and July there were some incidents that really had me staring at my laptop speechless, brain completely fried by what I was reading. I suppose I don’t have so much energy to invest myself in issues like those (I have enough with my own rl problems, thank you very much), but still... wtf.

School uniforms

In recent June, the welfare project done by his fans got questioned for a project. It was about some school uniforms that they donated to a school, in collaboration with another organization (BYH Foundation).

However, it was questioned because the uniform has the letter 赞 (zan) in it. It means “to approve, to support or to praise” and it’s also the internet slang for “like” (thumbs up). Because it sounds similar to xz’s name, it’s often used as a substitution for his name in internet posts. In fact, in an interview, he was asked if he preferred “xiao (little) zhan” or “xiao zan”, and he said both were fine. Some commercials use phrases with this character to refer to him.

The antis accused XZ’s fans of trying to use the students to promote their celebrity. After this, BYH Foundation issued an apology, because of “their lack of consideration”. They had wanted the word to mean “positive”, and as a wish that the children grow up healthy and optimistic. But because of the misunderstanding, the foundation expressed their regret and took back all uniforms and other materials.

Faced with this, netizens again expressed their disagreement. “Why take away the clothes if the children liked them? Why must people who complain always be right? How disappointing!”

(Personal opinion time: so… giving the uniforms is criticized. Taking them away is criticized. Can someone tell me what can they do that it won’t be criticized?)

Charity in Yunnan

In mid-June, XZ participated in a charity event in Yunnan, promoting agricultural products. XZ’s fans support association changed their name to XZ Audio and Video official w/ibo, centering their efforts in promoting his works.

His activities in Yunnan were accompanied by an interview.

Offering legal help to those affected by cyberbullying

On July 1st, XZ studio issued another statement. I think we are familiar with this one, since it’s quite recent.

This issue began on June 22nd, when a w/ibo user berated XZ for not “controlling” his fans: “… and, by letting them do as they please, you let them think that there was nothing wrong in what they were doing. Today is Fathers’ Day, and your fans dare to curse my mother and my late father. I’ll not let this go. I’ll boycott you, and if I consider it necessary, I’ll report it to the police. I’ll leave this post here, so we can come back to it and look at the source of the problem. You reap what you sow, you can’t blame me on this.” She posted a few screenshots of some people insulting her parents.

A few fans wrote to her:

“Excuse me, I’m sorry for disturbing you, I know you don’t like XZ, but XZ has been leading us fans, and I’ve seen that your account isn’t XZ friendly. Every well intentioned critic, we’ll take it, but I hope you won’t involve XZ because of the words of others, there are a lot of rational fans out there.”

The user answered:

“From the beginning to the end, he has never said: ‘don’t report maliciously, don’t insult and humiliate others, don’t curse other people’s parents, don’t look for others’ private info, don’t threaten others’. Has he said them? He hasn’t. He never elaborates, hums and haws, pass over these topics. I’ll tell you, today’s matter, I must see an apology. Either from the ones that cursed my parents or from XZ on their behalf. If there’s not apology, I’ll chase this matter to the end.”

This user released a week later a document called “Assessment on the value and risk of XZ’s fans”. She took the data from several platforms, and analysed them, getting statistics about the type of XZ’s fans. This report depicted a very negative view of his fans.

This was a very controversial issue. The heart of the controversy is that there’s no evidence that the netizen who cursed her parents is XZ’s fan. And even if they “were”, nowadays many people are deliberately posing as XZ’s fans to insult and abuse others in order to frame him.

However, with her report, the people who don’t know the heart of the matter got more ammo to insult and humiliate XZ. She updated her post, saying that she had been being investigated, that someone had tried to get her address and name, so in the comments, more and more people blamed XZ for the issue. XZ’s teams then offered their help in the form of legal advice and lawyers to help her get legal support.

The user took the offer and agreed to receive legal advice. XZ’s studio then posted their update (the one linked in the first paragraph of this section), rejecting all king of cyber bullying and offering help to protect the rights of the netizens affected by cyber violence. The Studio also spoke clearly: they won’t tolerate XZ’s fans abusing other netizens, nor people posing as XZ’s fans to attack others.

The “stolen” account

On July 11, XZ’s Audio and Video official w/ibo posted an official apology. This time, the issue was this one: a w/ibo user had “passed away” due to mental illness (depression, the user followed the supertopic about this particular ailment and had posted a few times about it). However, after their death, their account was active again, and began posting about XZ.

People attacked the user for using a deceased person’s account (comments were like “don’t you know the history of the owner of the account you’re using?”), and consequently, all of the content in that account was deleted.

The same afternoon, XZ’s Audio and Video official w/ibo issued their apology. They contacted w/ibo, and asked the user to restore the deleted content and to respect the deceased.

This was also controversial, since they couldn’t know for sure that the one who bought the account is a fan of XZ. Because of this, XZ’s fans were attacked again. W/ibo issued a post declaring that the account had been accessed through the same device from last year to present, so the account hadn’t been stolen, and they continue to investigate it.

In summary: this time, XZ’s fans had apologized too quickly. This user was someone who used 3 different IPs and 3 different accounts. They had followed the “depression” topic, posted a few things and went silent for a while, making people think they had succumbed to the illness. Then, using the same account, they started posting about XZ, making people think that the account had been stolen, and manipulated other people’s sense of justice and compassion to defame XZ.

W/ibo took the initiative and blocked all of their accounts.

(Okay, when I actually read about what happened, I was like... wtf. Seriously wtf. This is some plot going on over there, I thought this kind of defamation plots only happened in Chinese historical dramas. I... really don’t get it. I’m speechless still.)

W/ibo and XZ Studio Conference

The topic of w/ibo and XZ studio conference went on hot search on July 14, in which, they talked about fan guidance and management:

“W/ibo believes that influential public figures and celebrities should bear the responsibility of guiding and restraining fan’s behaviour, essentially through the fans’ group. But in last months, because of failed guidance and reactions, all kind of fan groups had a disruptive behaviour online, causing a harmful impact on society.

W/ibo believes that celebrities’ studios and companies should reinforce the guidance and restrain over the fans. To those who pretend to be a certain person’s fan, they should be reported and people should collaborate with the platform in its management of the issue. We can’t ignore them if these people’s actions are suspected to be illegal, and protect our rights, fulfilling legal responsibilities.

XZ’s studio has expressed their agreement with W/ibo’s recommendations, and expressed their intention to increase their level of collaboration and support of this platform’s management.”

The announcement was ended by a statement on how the latest incident has showed a very ugly and harmful part of the society, and that everyone should collaborate to improve the society and Internet. It also included a list of accounts that were banned for fake rumours and leading other fans to arguments. 

This was accompanied by an apology by XZ Studio.

(This is what some anons asked me about on their asks. I hope you can all read between the lines to get what was the deal about this one.)

From start to finish, we all can see that the platform has a lot of responsibility to bear here. That’s something people in China have also pointed out. However, XZ and his team can only nod, and bear with it, because while there is only one platform that has all the right conditions, there are a lot of more celebrities. They have to rely on it for a lot of things, so they can’t just end things with them.

So last week, his studio issued a statement that said:

“This studio appeals again:

NO entering any kind of votes, control ourselves with our comments and not calling other to participate in events.

We reject mutual insulting and abusing, don’t start group conflicts.

Don’t go over your own economic possibilities to support projects, works and commercial products.

Make sure to take care of your studies and jobs first, before following a celebrity’s projects or music.

We hope that everyone can make the most of their own lives, have independent thinking. We hope that we can all go together towards a brighter future, and give more positive energy through our actions.”

The studio called the fans to stop voting him and placing him at the top of the charts for a while, so things can cool down definitely, in my opinion. And yet, he still topped as one of the most successful endorser, from March to July (it’s really a trend that hasn’t stopped, even after 2/27. In March, two weeks after 2/27, he even topped as one of the top celebrities in w/ibo anyway). 

I heard that people kept voting for him like crazy, because they didn’t want the general public to think that he wasn’t popular. However, facts remain that he is popular among his fans, but less neutral in the general public (I’ll explain this in my last post).

That’s why it’s going to be very important how his next project is received by the general public.

←Part 4(II): Plum blossoms in the snow (II) | Part 7: To the snowy summit side by side

[alansimpson]

That red is not from cold.

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[fivenightslaughter]

Wicked Serpentine (Part 2)

Part 1

pairing: draco malfoy x femravenclaw!oc

summary: slowburn enemies to lovers fic, multiple parts. <3

warnings: use of m*dblood, malfoy being mean

word count: 2,174

taglist: let me know if you’re interested in being added!

I knew nothing of this school I was willingly sending myself off to, nothing of this world. Other than the fact that I was severely late. I felt stunted and out of place. I couldn’t decide if this was some crazy, hyper-realistic dream or an even more unfathomable reality. But yet, I was standing here, at King’s Cross station.

“You look rather lost, love.” A voice rang.

Another chimed. “Mighty lost, really.”

Two voices on either side of me interrupted my contemplation and quieted the thumps of my palpitating heart. My palms felt clammy.

I had briefly considered asking these two ginger strangers about platform 9 and... ¾ , but ultimately I’d decided to hold my tongue from uttering such an outlandish thing.

“I, well… I’ll find my way, thanks.

”They looked at each other and seemed to jest before looking back at me.

The one on the left introduced himself.

“I’m George.”

The other followed swiftly, gracefully nabbing my trunk from my betraying slippery fingers.

“And I’m Fred.”

They gave each other a glance again before one pointed at the other.

“No, you’re George, I’m Fred.”

Their playful bickering lasted a few seconds before they had spoken to me again, this time about the platform. I had resolved already that these two must be quite familiar with young or lost wizards attempting to find this mystery location? They seemed eerily comfortable in this situation.

“Here, let us show you to the train. It’s just through this brick.”

I nearly gaped, incredibly unsure of this new situation or how to handle it. Was I being toyed with? I decided to give them more merit than I should a stranger and did as they gestured. I aimed to go headlong through a brick wall.

I braced for impact.

There wasn’t one.

Instead, I was met with a completely new sight of bustling students and their parents waving them off. Kisses and hugs goodbye. Yells and whispers, people filing onto the train. It was brighter, much brighter than the train station I had arrived at.

Following shortly behind me were clearly twins I’d now attempt to recognize as Fred and George, not respectively however, as I couldn’t exactly tell the difference yet.

I could swear I felt a fleeting pang of despair as my eyes trained unnecessarily long on two parents who had wrapped their daughter in a hug before she scurried off. My parents had no desire to be here, not with me, not in this world.

That was okay though. I tried to soothe my racing mind by turning to face one of the fiery-haired boys I’d just met, to attempt conversation, but they had busied themselves as pests to some other small, first year looking students. They seemed like a funny pair, maybe I’d unknowingly made my first friends already.

‘Fred and George’. I turned their names over in my head. Friends. I liked that.

I shuffled towards whichever was closest to me, needing a shield from the busy platform. Tapping him on the shoulder, I tried my hardest to gather my thoughts.

“I don’t mean to sound thick, but what do I do now? I mean, at all? I know I need to step onto the train but…” My face flushed as I admitted myself to someone I’d just met, “I don’t know anything about magic, or… Or this place.”

His jubilance eased into faint seriousness. He smiled genuinely at me.

“Oh, we could tell.” He let out a warm laugh.

“Also, I really am George. Don’t tell Fred I told you, though, …?” He trailed off as I assumed he realized he still didn’t know my name. No, there hadn’t been time for that yet.

I answered the question that lingered after his sentence. “Eris. Woodwork, if it matters.

”He seemed to enjoy my full answer, turning to look at Fred not far off behind him, I looked with him, noticing Fred hanging around other red haired kids dressed in robes. I made eye contact with George again and he nodded knowingly.

“Weasley. My last name is Weasley. And to answer your question, you’ll catch up easily and it will all make sense. I promise.”

Lingering kids rushed onto the train like lightning bolts and I took that as a cue to board immediately. I went to wave but noticed George had already taken back up with Fred and the other bright headed kids he had confirmed to be his family.

I suppose that meant I’d be navigating my way into this solid metal contraption alone. I didn’t much mind, though. Deep down I was glad, because I’m sure if I spent any longer with someone so nice I’d bare my whole soul before I could even think about the consequences.

I made my way on and took it all in rather slowly. It’s just a normal train. How curious it was, to be just a normal train. I began searching for an empty compartment from which I could stare outside in awe from without judgement. But it was proving to be more difficult than I thought. Everyone seemed well acquainted with one another, squeezing in with their friends and taking this as a chance to lightly doze before going back to school.

My head began to spin uneasily and my resolve was beginning to fade. Without the twins, or at the very least someone to guide me, I felt as helpless as when I arrived blindly at King’s Cross.

My helplessness only amplified when I felt an aggressive impact with my entire left side, followed by snickering.

“Out of my way, mudblood.”

Mudblood? What did that even mean? I stared back at my aggressor in confusion and it seemed to spark an odd glint in his sharp grey eyes. I took in his features. Pale, blond hair tossed over his forehead and ears. Pink lips pressed in a tight line, lifted into a slight smirk. He was rather attractive, though it was offset by a radiating malice that seemed to course through his very veins. I wasn’t expecting a negative encounter so soon. 

He examined me up and down, finally settling on the door behind me. I knew he could see through the window into the empty compartment, as I had nearly moments before. I knew where he was looking and yet it felt like he was looking over me into nothing, in a way that made me feel small and invisible.

“You’re so stupid you don’t even know what it means, do you? How pathetic I have to explain. It means your blood is dirty, filthy really, and you’re inferior for it. You’re lowly. Like dirt. Get it now?” He had a haughty air about him, as if explaining his insults was below him.

That was my first introduction to a... word of that manner in this brand new world. No good without the bad, I rationalized. I suppose there wasn’t much I could do about that.

“I see, thank you for explaining.

”His lips curled in response and I assumed it wasn’t an answer he heard often.

“Yeah, you should be thanking me. You’ll do well to mind your manners.” He was almost spitting his words as he started off in the direction my presence had halted him from, followed by two others I hadn’t noticed before.

I opened the door of the compartment I had just been pressed against, sliding into a seat. This had been easy enough so far, save for the mark of impurity that I was now aware danced above my head.

My thoughts flurried as I gazed out of the window and with a jolt, the train began to move. Fast. I was determined to take in the scenery passing on the ride but the speed turned it all into an amassed green blur that allowed me to be lost in thought again. The ride was eerily smooth and calm, save for the quick succession of grassy hills and trees I could make out, and it seemed to lull me into a quiet comfort.

I opened my bleary eyes slowly. Without even realizing I had, I'd dozed off. I frustratingly berated myself for allowing myself to miss out on my surroundings, but I was cut short as I noticed a figure in the seat across from me.

She… stared. Right into my eyes, into me. She bore into my very soul. A soft, knowing smile lifted her features up.

"I've interrupted a deep thought, haven't I? I can see it growing smaller in your eyes." Her bluey grey eyes looked dazed and vacant, as if she were talking to herself as much as she spoke to me. Her hair was long and blonde, falling against her almost ghostly frame. For a real, palpable person, she seemed almost see-through.

“Ah, no. Not too deep.” I managed to smoothly answer, much in contrast with my nerves. The only other blond-haired person I’d encountered thus far had been rather harsh. There was something about this girl, though, that felt eerily still and yet pleasant; very much unlike the writhing, seething heat I’d received from the other boy.

“Luna Lovegood,” she began. She structured her sentence as if there was more, but blatantly said nothing. Simply smiling, the action lifting her eyes. What an odd girl, very odd.

“Eris Woodwork. Nice to meet you, Luna.”

I wondered if sharing my name over and over would get old, as it already had bothered me this second time over. It felt intensely personal, despite being the most impersonal part of me yet.

She nodded and I finally noticed an odd looking magazine resting loosely in her hands, upside down. She looked through the window to my left and back at me, then to her magazine cover.

“We’re here.” She seemed to always have a faint smile affixed to her face as she spoke.

She silently slid out of her seat, opening the compartment door. She didn’t look at me, but I was too nervous and out of place to be left alone again. I swiftly followed her, my mind at war with my legs, which threatened to buckle and lock me on this train.

A large man covered my field of vision, Luna had floated off to wherever she saw fit. I looked up, and up a bit more before I found a face under a large, dark beard. He had a positively emanating grin as he clamped a warm hand on my shoulder.

“You must be Eris now, aren’t ya? Woodwork?” He offered, inquisitively. I felt my eyes widen a bit, my eyebrows now drawn together in confusion. He chuckled heartily, a booming and yet, sincere sound.

“Ah, ‘course ye are. Well, on now! Let’s get going ‘for yer late.” He shrugged his large hand from my shoulder and motioned for me to walk in front of him.

“This ‘ere is the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; though I’m sure you knew that much at least. You’ll get yer house sortin’ with the other wee first years and we’ll be on from there!” He shined another pleasant smile while leading me to the school, among some scattered first years from the train.

It was beautiful. Extraordinary, really. A steely grey, old castle. It felt archaic in a gorgeously antique way. Elegance and, dare I say, magic, radiated in waves from the architecture. I felt safe enough with the rather large oaf guiding me to begin asking questions. Although, I could barely find my footing, causing me to stumble embarrassingly over what I wanted to know.

“So, where… What; no, who... “ I stammered out stupidly. I tried to focus on the immediate things I didn’t know- like that boy on the train.

“Is mudblood a dirty word?” I finally managed. I knew it was. I had just wondered, well, if it were a popular or well-accepted ideal.

He took in a sharp breath, leading me to assume it wasn’t.

“Now where ‘ave ye heard that already?” There was a short pause as he continued, almost defeatedly.

“See the thing is, Eris, there's some wizards, like the Malfoy family, who think they're better than everyone else because they're what people call ‘pure blood’.”

It was my turn to take in a sharp breath. The boy on the train must have been a Malfoy, who else could taunt that word so carelessly and be so well-known for it? The large man continued, passively angered.

“And it's codswallop to boot. ‘Dirty blood’. Why, there isn't a wizard alive today that's not half-blood or less.” He finished off his rant with that, looking back at me. My eyes were searching the dirt for some sign of life, the buzz of the magic that I knew scattered this place.

“Ay, but I’m Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds here at Hogwarts. An’ I’ll be right willing to help with anything you need, lass.”

Relief flooded me to know that I wouldn’t be as openly hated or condemned for coming from two muggle parents. I also felt satisfied in knowing the last name of the blond from the train, as it hadn’t been so hard to piece together from Rubeus Hagrid’s small bout.

‘Pure blood’.

I mulled the words over in my head, wondering how much that word would fit in this new world of mine. If it were something important to remember, because it surely seemed like it was.

[raeynbowboi]

Dating Disney: Tangled

So, let’s just rip this bandage off quickly. This movie is not set in Germany. It simply doesn’t fit. The film is set in France. And before you get your torches and pitchforks, allow me to lay out the evidence.

Persinette

In the movie, Rapunzel’s hair has magical properties. Now the problem with that is, Rapunzel in the German version doesn’t have magic hair. But fret not. For there is a version of her story where she does have magic hair. The French story of Persinette, written in 1698 by Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force. In the tale of Persinette, her hair has the magical power to change shape, length, and density at will, allowing her to turn her hair into a shield or wings. The witch was also named Dame Gothelle, which the Brothers Grimm used for their 1812 version.

Corona

The Kingdom of Corona’s design was inspired by Mont Saint Michel, a commune in Normandy, France. Even the name, Corona, comes from Latin for “Crown”. Latin is a Romance Language, just like French. And what is the French word for Crown? C’est Couronne.

The map above shows where Hazelnuts grow in Europe. If Mother Gothel can find them in three days, then she must live in one of the green areas where the common Hazelnuts grow. Originally, I wondered if she might live in a white area near the green border. However, with all of the evidence pointing at Normandy, France, I was willing to argue that they live in Normandy, but that at the time, there are just no wild hazelnuts in her local vicinity. Just because apples can be grown anywhere doesn’t mean they’re growing every 5 feet apart.

Fashion

Rapunzel’s gown takes on a Jane Austen aesthetic, her novels set during the Regency Era of English history from 1811-1820. This is not a guarantee of a period as Mother Gothel could very well be dressing Rapunzel in out of style dresses she’s collected over the centuries.

Mother Gothel’s attire is a combination of a Rohan gown and a girdle belt. While I could not find an exact era when these fashion elements emerged, I could find this image of a 12th century Norman Noblewoman. While it’s not perfectly hard evidence, it’s sufficient. The look is often labeled as a medieval celtic outfit. Although people often associate the Celts with the British Isles, but there were European mainland Celts in Gallo-Roman France. So whether it’s a 12th century Norman dress from medieval France or a celtic dress from Gaul, she’d still be wearing a very old dress that could be found in Normandy, France.

Rapunzel’s parents seem to be wearing 16th century clothes, with her father really channeling Henry VIII who ruled from 1509-1547. Their clothes are almost as out of date as Mother Gothel’s, but it is possible that they’re wearing “traditional national costumes”, as we only see them during important events. Only in formal portraits and when making public appearances, which might encourage them to pull out very old-fashioned costumes. Otherwise, I have no real excuse for their clothes.

Pop Culture

While in the Snuggly Duckling Tavern, one of the patrons mentions Mozart, who started composing music at the age of three in 1759. Because Rapunzel’s dress is a regency gown from the 1810s, Mozart has already died long before her dress would have been made. Even if the dress is old and out of date, Mozart has already impacted the musical world.

Technology

The fact that Flynn Ryder has mass produced wanted posters, this either means that people are hand-drawing every single poster, or they’re being mass produced with the 1439 invention of the printing press. While the noses change between posters, the sheer quantity suggests mass printing, especially the use of colored dyes in the red text. We also see the queen reading a printed book toward the end, which helps support the time period.

The modern shape of the guitar was invented in 1850. However, since Frozen takes place in 1840, and canonically after Tangled in the timeline, this guitar is an anachronism. However, not entirely. There were other guitars. Just not shaped like this. Pictured below Rapunzel is a Baroque Guitar from a 1672 painting. However, if we choose to ignore the cameo of Rapunzel and Eugene in Frozen, then an 1850 time frame is otherwise perfectly logical for this movie.

Rapunzel can be seen reading Beauty and the Beast (1756), Sleeping Beauty (1812) and The Little Mermaid (1837).

Conclusion

All of the evidence is pointing me to declaring definitively that the movie is set in Normandy, France in the year 1850. Much as I’d like to keep the headcanon that Frozen happens after Tangled, the inclusion of the Guitar says otherwise, and her cameo in Frozen is just that: a cameo. Most crossovers and cameos are second tier canon, and I must go by the evidence in the film. If you simply cannot part with that headcanon, the film could take place in 1837. it’s still 3 years before Frozen, and keeps it plausible for Rapunzel to read The Little Mermaid. Otherwise, I have to go with the primary canon of the film and its stand-alone context to decide its time period. Of course, now we run into the problem of the French Revolution because literally every part of this movie is screaming Normandy. Then again, the king and queen are dressed from the 16th century, Eugene’s jerkin is straight out of the 17th, while his white rolled up sleeves are much more modern. Simply put, this movie just takes place Once Upon a Time, and is a bit of a temporal headache. So, I’m just going to say 1850, Normandy, France. Just block out the people screaming “but the revolution” because this movie is kind of a hot mess when it comes to time periods. Honestly, if you have a better suggestion for how to make sense of this movie’s time period or placement, be my guest, cuz this one is a bit of a headscratcher. We can’t even argue that the French Revolution never happened in the Disneyverse because Napoleon was referenced in Beauty and the Beast. So hit me with your own theorizes because your guess is likely as good as mine on this one. This one may end up getting a second post if I find better evidence.

Setting: Corona (Normandy), France Kingdom: Kingdom of Corona Year: “1850″ Period: Victorian Era Language: French

[gofancyninjaworld]

The Changing Structure of the OPM Story -- and the Challenge of Adaptation

I've been thinking a lot about the structure of OPM and how it's been changing as we get into the story. I really don't envy anyone who has the task of adapting OPM for screen, particularly as the story advances.

Something that Shingo Natsume says in his interview with AnimeLab Australia really brought it home for me.  He says that it's not correct to call the characters around Saitama a 'supporting cast' as they all have their unique roles (start around 2:30).  And that got me thinking.

I think we can broadly divide OPM’s story so far into four phases (the divisions are arbitrary, but I hope useful)

Phase I: INDIVIDUALS

When OPM starts, it's all about the individual characters and there's little focus on the world in which they exist in.   It's natural, because we're just being introduced to them. We start out, it's just Saitama, wandering around in splendid isolation. He’s in a world that’s bizarre with giant brothers and underground civilizations, but nothing is explained to us. He exists.

Then it's Saitama and Genos, and it all gets very cosy. Then we add another character. And a few more.  We see how they do, we see what some of the people of the world make of them, but we have to take everything on face value, we don’t have a lot of history or context. 

Still even at the end of the first phase, we've got not that much context other than that the Hero Association exists to deal with the monsters and threats we see, we've met the Class S heroes and the wider world isn't really in focus as to what their relationship to it means.

The alien invasion really marks the end of this phase as we can’t help but hear what the world makes of the world-shaking fact of having been contacted by aliens and the tragedy of the destruction of a major city.

To adapt it, Shingo Natsume decided to frame the story as a drama first and then a superhero story only secondarily.  By doing so, he really made the best of the characters as individuals.  We didn’t know why they were the way they were -- in fact, we still don’t entirely know -- but we could come to understand who they were and care about them and be bothered by their relations with the world.   We see a lot of it from Saitama’s place and the inhabited world looks remote, fickle, difficult to understand and even hostile.  And yet, we get lots to laugh about too.

 Interview with Shingo Natsume - Animation Director [Episode 3] 

It’s only a couple of minutes long, you’ll want to watch it all.

Phase II: INDIVIDUALS and the world

When King gets introduced, things change.  Unlike all the other characters, we don’t get to know King himself, what he says, what he does.  Rather, we get what other people around King see in him.  What he means to them.

This is where I start not envying people.  The first phase, if you’re doing an adaptation, you can largely get by by focusing on the individual characters and their interactions with each other. The second phase is a lot more balanced between the individuals and the world.

As Garou starts cutting a swathe through the heroes and the Monster Association makes life hell for people, the world shares importance with the individuals we're following.

I think that's where season 2's adaptation really struggled.  It didn't do such a good job of portraying what all that strife meant to people, the terror and confusion they were feeling, and what a threat to the reputation of the Hero Association it was.  Every corner JC Staff cut in not showing the crowds of people, in not showing the extent of destruction or public consternation, every last bit hurt the impact of the story.

When the Monster Association directly challenges the Hero Association, they’re not just out to destroy a group of heroes.  We started this phase understanding how people have been able to trust that even in this chaotic world, there are heroes who can end the evil threatening them, or else save them from the danger.  And that faith is what is very directly under attack now.

Of course, a certain teenage jerk thinks he’s got what it takes to be the most important individual in the world.

If I were thinking of a frame for this phase, it’d be the loss of innocence and really made the linkage between Amai Mask’s yelling at the heroes at the end of the last season, the faith we saw people have in King and the growing sense of dismay and even betrayal as monsters arose and heroes were nowhere to be found.  It’s an increasingly urgent background against which to set the very personal struggles of the various characters we’re following in this part of the story.  One that will have a lot of relevance later. 

Phase III: Individuals in the World

Whoever takes OPM forward, that problem is only going to get worse.  The story moves around ever more relentlessly from scene to scene, from individual to individual and along with it, the world does too.  Where to place the weight of our attention is a matter of choice and mastery.  Succeed, and we have an epic conflict.  Fail and it’s ‘all these things are happening and I can’t keep anything straight.’

Some of that weight needs to be put on the world. Almost from the start, the story frames the individual actions in the context of what it means for the world.  We've got the Monster Worship Party, the people so scared of what's happening that they'd rather limit the damage than risk being all destroyed.   Garou’s dismay when he realises that he’s not going to be the biggest thing in the world is sobering.

reality, it bites

It’s in this phase that world-building gets serious.  We learn about what monsterisation is, are introduced to the concept of a limiter and how individuals may gain power.  The manga also builds out more in terms of just why the conflict is happening in City Z, linking together the apparently random dreams of Saitama to the location and the history of just why that part of the city was deserted.

The stakes are clearly drawn by the manga.  We literally have two towers rising out of the ruins of a city opposing one another.  The Tower of Justice built out of the ashes of City A and the Tower of Despair hauled up through the ruins of City Z.  It’s not just the physical struggle between hero and monster that we get, there’s also the philosophical and even spiritual strife between them. A struggle seemingly for the well-being of humanity.  All with bonus Garou going through both like a wrecking ball.

and of course, set against all the titans battling, the ordinary little man who has broken past the rules of the world

Phase IV: THE WORLD and its individuals

And now, after the Monster Association, we have the WORLD and the individuals are much smaller. It's become about the movers and shakers and the organisations that influence the world and the individuals are actors going about this changing world.   The Hero Association has come in for a critical re-evaluation by the media and public.  A rival organisation has arisen.  Other organisations start to flex their muscles with varying degrees of covertness, all looking for power and influence.

The history of the world starts to come to view. We learn about the peculiar physical and human geography of this world and a lot more about the role monsters play in the world. 

Individuals aren’t forgotten. We start too, to get more background on many characters whose behaviour had hitherto been rather difficult to understand.

It’s been interesting to see Garou’s actual impact.  He never became the greatest monster the whole world knew and feared.  Rather, he served to potentiate the resentment and strife between the various classes of heroes.

to be fair, this has been a long time coming

We started OPM with all these weird individuals and we loved them as the slightly crazy eccentrics they were. Now one by one, we're getting the contexts they come from and it's beginning to make sense. 

all those crazy individuals -- the insecure and empire-building Fubuki, the needlessly antagonistic and over-possessive Tatsumaki, the obsessive ninjas -- all of them are starting to look a lot less crazy.  even the cyborg ranting and raving about a mystery cyborg who devastated his life isn’t looking quite so far-fetched any longer. Their truths look to be sadder and wilder than we’d imagined.

The world of OPM is bigger and weirder than any one person within it is able to experience or understand.  ONE so far is doing an interesting exercise in telling us about the world, but showing us what it means for the individuals affected by its various aspects.

How an adaptation will keep the story interesting and human and focused while bringing in the sense of scale and context is going to be a real challenge! I do not envy the director. But it's going to be so worth taking on. 

[pastelbatfandoms]

Tarot Readings- Peter Hale and Marianna Mccall

Deck used- Throne of Glass playing cards (OwlCrate) Web of Connection Spread ......6....... 4...........5 ......3....... 1...........2

1. Why did you meet? King of Swords 2. What were/are you suppose to learn from the relationship? King of Wands (How to be a leader,strong,authoritative,to be bold and even competitive. How to grow and mature but still be fearless. ) 3. Why are you connected to them? Knight of Cups (Aside from them having a Soul Bond...Out of love an affection,strong emotional connection) 4. What did/do you gain from being connected to them? King of Pentacles (Hard work,dedication,Financial security (which is very prevalent in the next reading I do with Peter) a loyal,protective partner.) 5. What will you loose if you remove the connection? Knight of Pentacles R (Money,Ambition,start to feel a lack of motivation and missed opportunities in a sense you've lost your good luck charm. An obvious disconnection from nature,becoming bored and unadventurous.) 6. General Advice/outcome- Page of Cups ♥ (Emotionally immature to begin with the knights indicate that Peter will help Marianna mature and become more grounded. This card also indicates engagement and or pregnancy,both that do happen down the road! They must follow their instincts and sixth sense and not let others make up their minds for them. Also yes it's obvious when Peter started liking her as it was pretty obsessive but page of Cups says to be open to his advances,but be aware that once she's committed Peter will be highly sensitive to her needs,and vice versa,therefore easily upset (comes with being a territorial Werewolf...)which will end up in moodiness,but lots of compassion and cuddles on both their parts can remedy that.)

Soulmate Past life/present spread (Using My Dragon Deck) --3------6 1--2---4--5 -----7 ----8--9 -13-15--14 --10--11 ----12 You= Peter SM=Marianna Past Life 1.aspect of you- Three of Wands (Traveler,possibly somewhere hot and sunny I’m thinking a desert to India,an exciting new adventure and letting go of the past (Which ironically he needed to do in this life as well),possibly met Marianna well traveling and immigrating to India,I view him as a Seer in that life as well.) 2.aspect of sm (soulmate)-6 of Swords (breaking away from her family,maybe she was indian royalty and wanted to get away from the turbulence and restrictions,traveled overseas,possibly where she met Peter on the way,he became her spiritual guide through these dark times and taught her how to meditate.) 3.outcome- Ace of Pentacles (Wealth,abundance,happiness,I’m thinking Peter married into her family as a Seer/advisor,where Marianna inherited a palace.) Present 4.aspect of you- King of Swords (Fearless Leader,logical,intelligent and formidable but not above coercion or bribery,an avid reader,Though there was a time when he did not think so clearly and had a troubled past (more then likely indicates the fire)  5.aspect of sm- Four of Wands (Stability,Family,protection,may indicate marriage or the soul bond) 6. Outcome (influenced by past life experience)-Ten of Wands and (Clarifier) Ten of Cups R (Connects to 6 of Swords) (The hardships they’ve both faced on their own,especially family wise,Marianna’s family left her and she was adopted,The Mccalls divorced which Mari could partially put the blame on herself by thinking she was a burden.)  Meeting 7.path to meeting (what you need to do) 5 of Swords and (Clarifier) Six of Wands (Through alot of hardships that will eventually lead to success and happiness.) 8.condition of upon meeting- Two of Pentacles and (Clairfier) The Lovers (Well I feel like Peter was going through financial hardships even though he was hoarding it...then got it stolen out from under him. Maybe The Mccalls are going through the same,I mean there’s only one parent supporting them. Love at first sight,attraction,they did meet when they were teenagers.) 9.time frame (pay attention to card number; mentions of cycles...etc...)- The Hanging Man,Number is 3,looks to be Midday,Symbol is a Triangle,Sign of Neptune and a Crescent moon. (Marianna did seem to think that love was evading her and,even though she didn’t know it att,the Peter that she saw was a spirit of sorts. It was midday when they officially met,the number 3 indicates how they should embrace their destiny instead of fight it.)  Relationship 10.potential problems- Three of Cups ( too much group socializing and partying or the group itself could affect the relationship) 11.solution- Eight of Swords with The Tower and (Clairfier) High Priestess  12.influences- The Moon (Clairfier) The Hierophant (Pretty obvious now that one of Marianna’s powers is prophetic dreams.This may also be when Peter turns her into a Were which definitely has an influence over her. Definitely Peter or even Derek or Scott,as Alpha’s or Omega’s really as Were Packs are all about control,territory and leading as well as listening to your Alpha (Which in Mari’s case would be Peter. Also Peter’s past life as Mari’s guide could influence this life as well.)  Results & Guidance 13.message from angel/spirit- The Star (A Message to both of them that after The Tower and Moon comes the calm after the storm. A release from the past,a time to be true to themselves and for others to just accept them as themselves and a couple,A great freedom and real love for each other,a karmic link.) 14.message from Goddess/God- Eight of Cups (Soul searching,leaving behind what once she or he thought they needed,for Mari I feel like this is about any lingering feelings over Stiles or in finding her biological family,In Peter I feel like this is his family from no longer trying to be accepted,of them both leaving home together and moving on.They can find what they once needed,a family,together.) 15.final outcome- Five of Wands (This is so about them leaving for The Desert,leading their own pack,living in peace for a time and then having to deal with hierarchy issues as well as The Hunters coming for them again,trying to bend them to their will or killing them,wanting Marianna’s unborn child and them standing up and not allowing this.Fighting for their freedom and supernatural justice.) 

Mother Daughter spread for Mari and Malia ..5...9...6.... <--rid of condition 1...2...3...4... <--impact ..8...10..7..... <--views 1. 1 and 2 are positive impacts. 1 is the 'what I know'- The Empress (Mari) 2. 1 and 2 are positive impacts. 2 is the 'what I don't know'- 9 of wands 3. 3 and 4 are negative impacts. 3 is the 'what I don't know'- 8 of pentacles (Malia) 4. 3 and 4 are negative impacts. 4 is the 'what I know'- 10 of pentacles 5. What to do to rid of past conditioning- 9 of cups (Mari) 6. What to do to rid of past conditioning- 3 of swords (Malia) 7. How you view entire situation- The Sun (Mari) 8. How she views entire situation- King of cups (Malia) 9. Solution/resultant of 'ridding past conditioning'. Can also be advice.- 5 of swords 10. Solution/resultant of combining views and coming to understanding. Can also be advice.- 2 of pentacles and The Tower.

Personal Destiny Spread

Card #1 describes the “present” environment or personal reality that is ripe for change. Card #2 shows the “heart of the matter,” or what the querent feels about the situation. Card #3 shows “state of mind,” or what the querent thinks about the situation. Card #4 shows “desire,” or what the querent wants from the situation. Card #5 suggests motivating challenges or opportunities that may appear in the situation. Card #6 shows how likely “getting clear of the past” is for the querent. Card #7 summarizes the outcome of the querent's efforts in creating a new personal reality. The two numerically derived “quint” cards show the influence of a higher order of understanding.

Card #1- (Marianna) The Hierophant with The Knight of Cups (Ego) (Marriage,as well as Tradition and rite of passage which makes me think of either Derek’s pack or Her and Peter’s. The Knight only confirms the marriage part as well as love and romance but also unpredictability and negotiation. Maybe the pack mentality needs to change.) Card #2- (Both) Five of Swords and The Magician (This reminds me of what happened when Alison died so this could represent the past or because I haven’t written that part yet,the future. Or since Peter wasn’t really involved in that fight,it could represent Derek and Scott setting him on fire and almost killing him.The Magician has Peter all over it!) Card #3- (Peter) The High Priestess R With Strength (Spirit) (Less aloof,seeking a relationship,more social,still vengeful but biding his time,which very much describes Peter in S2. Inner strength,needs to temper his anger,difficult for a wolf,may be facing off against an old enemy (The Argents),prideful,brave and bold on the outside,fearful on the inside,strong relationship that has weathered many storms.)  Card #4- (Peter) The Fool R With Strength (Desires Freedom from convention and responsibility. Don’t we all...But Strength indicates he may very well do something foolish to get it and not let fear hold him back.) Card #5- (Marianna) Seven of Wands with The Knight of Cups (Indicates her becoming Pack leader in Arizona along with Peter which may cause conflict between them and the group but The Knight of cups indicates that Mari’s more loving and romantic nature will come out and soften things with Peter and therefore the pack.) Card #6- Ten of Cups (Family,the birth of Malia)  Card #7- Four of Wands R and King of Wands (Going it alone,lack of stability,wanderer,seems likely this is after what happens with the hunters but it is only temporary. Both Peter and Mari take on leadership roles and are independent and assertive,once they come back together,and Peter forgives her for stealing his memories,they will enjoy a dynamic relationship once again.)

[scumerage]

How could "World War I" actually happen in One Punch Man? A social, legal, and military breakdown:

[Credit to /u/shadowii66 on reddit for all his great insight and debate regarding what many, myself included, believe to be an upcoming Superhero Civil War (even if he disagree and argues it won't happen). Much of this will be a rehash of our long in depth discussion, so I will try and summarize.]

#I. What is necessary for a civil war to happen?

(A) Both sides need to be partially justified/have partial public support:

If one side is presented as too unjustified/too univerally hated, then they can't actually fight, example, if the HA or Neo-Heroes attacked the other simply to seize power, not only will society turn on them, but most of their own heroes will refuse to fight on their behalf. Remember, the majority are not soldiers but heroes, they fight for individual reasons, not blind obedience.

(B) One side needs to declare war on the other:

Even if both have justification and at least some public support, one or both sides needs to take the step to act on it, to decide that, else it will simply continue to compete with popularity, funding, and public discourse. They need to take matters into their own.... and destroy the other Association by force.

(C) The majority of heroes on both sides need to fight:

Even if both sides are partially justified and one side makes the daring to declare war, the heroes still need to fight. If one sides heroes refused, it would simply be a coup, a manhunt, or a bloodless revolution and political takeover. Not a real war.

(D) Both sides must rival each other in military power:

If one side has an insurmountable and overwhelming power advantage, the war will end the minute it begins, with one side demolishing the other in a single battle. So the only way a war can actually be waged is if it is competitive, if victory and defeat hang in the balance for each group of heroes.

#II. How COULD the Civil War happen?

(A) Neo-Heroes declare war on the HA on charges of corruption, inefficiency, and endangering humanity:

The Neo-Heroes claim the HA leaders are criminals that need to be arrested for their crimes (and they would be right): money laundering+bribery+monster black market trade/putting a donor's son before humanity itself/nearly all their best heroes defeats by a single human teenager, the hero hunter/heroes like Bofoi and Tornado causing massive collateral damage through incompetence/any heroes who defend the HA are supporting the corruption and criminal collaborators.

 The Neo-Heroes march on City A to arrest the HA execs, the "Old Heroes" refuse to let them, an all out battle breaks out. Presumably the Neo-Heroes are driven back (else the HA would fall and the war would be over), maybe the HA launches their own attack on the Neo-Hero HQ, in any case, the war continues.

(B) Either Metal Knight is framed as a villain, or the Organization/Neo-hero ties are made public:

If the Organization can frame Bofoi as a villain, either by having replica Metal Knight drones attack the Neo-Heroes or even civilians, or better yet, frame Child Emperor as a HA terrorist seeking to destroy the Neo Heroes. Since Child Emperor is too smart to eat up the war propaganda of the Neo-Heroes (Edit 1), AND he will be investigating the Neo-Heroes from the inside, which the Organization does NOT want.

But if the Organization/Neo Hero ties are made public? The HA can justifiably say the Neo-Heroes are working for villains, allies of the MA, AND illegal arms dealers/criminals. The corrupt, desperate HA leaders would be all too willing for an excuse to attack the Neo-Heroes, who threaten their very existence, especially by stealing donors and hero recruits. Same scenario of one association attacking the other, just with attacker/defender reversed.

(C) [Argued by /u/shadowii66] A Civil War cannot happen:

 The Old Heroes won't fight to protect the corrupt and criminal HA execs.

The Neo-Hero members won't attack other heroes on false charges.

The Old Heroes saved the world from the aliens and MA, so they cannot simply be labelled as criminals and villains to justify fighting them.

[/u/shadowii66 If there are any major reasons I mistated/left out feel free to correct me]

#III. What events CANNOT happen, which would nullify the Civil War?

(A) Blast, Tornado, or Metal Knight join the war:

They are too powerful, and would give the HA too great an advantage. Thankfully, Blast has chosen to remain absent so far, and the other two have been discredited and will likely not take action.

(B) The Organization launches an attack on the world prematurely:

That would unite the heroes against them, and force them to overcome their differences and work together to fight them. Also, the Organization would lose the brilliant strategy of using the Neo-Heroes as cannon fodder to take down the HA/gather battle data on all the Old Heroes+Neo-Heroes+human fighters in general (and maybe have the Neo-Heroes go after Bofoi to force him to reveal his robot army prematurely).

(C) God or the Ninja Leader become public villains too early:

While they very well may be playing a large role on the sidelines, perhaps manipulating the war for their own benefit, and may even show up at the end, there can’t be a main villain too early. They are in a similar bind as the Organization, if they are too open and threaten the world too greatly, the heroes would ally to fight them (though it would still be glorious if one of the battles between several S-Class and Neo-Leaders is cut short by the Ninja Leader showing up and curbstomping all of them in an instant... they wouldn't even know how they were defeated).

#IV. How COULD the Civil War end?

(A) The Hero Association falls:

This is the Organization's whole purpose for the Civil War... to destroy the HA with humanity's own fighters, and also gathering a complete database of all the strength, style, and abilities of every hero. Meaning that even the S-Class will be utterly crushed by whatever perfect matchups the Organization creates to defeat them (not simply mix and matching random monsters like Psykos did). With all the heroes, both Old and Neo, as good as defeated, only Bofoi and Blast (maybe King as well?)(Edit 3) will be left to oppose them. and then... THEN they will strike.

(B) The Neo-Heroes fall:

The Organization's plan fails, the HA remains standing, though obviously greatly weakened, multiple cities in shambles, the heroes even more demoralized and worn out than they were from fighting the monsters. Still beneficial to the Organization, but not the great victory they had hoped for.

(C) A Third Side defeats/unites both HA and Neo-Heroes:

Could be the Hero Name Victims Association, could be the Ninja Leader, could be Blast, could be a disciple of God, could Blast, hey, crazy idea, could be the Organization or Bofoi for all anyone knows. The main issues is that the Third Side can’t take the spotlight til late in the Civil War (preferably when either it is clearly a stalemate or one side is clearly winning/losing). That way the Civil War conflict can actually be fully fleshed out. And either has an army wide reaching and effective enough to defeat both groups, or does not and the heroes on either side align.

(D) The HA and Neo-Heroes make peace:

Errr... possible? But both the HA and Neo-Heroes are hopelessly corrupt in their very structure.... based on support from either opportunistic morally unscrupulous businessmen... or foreign technological civilizations who have their own ends in mind. They cannot accept the degeneracy they both share, deny responsibility for... and accuse the other of having. Even a theoretical alliance in corruption would be doomed to fail sooner rather that, when their usefulness for each other is gone.

#V. What will happen after this Civil War Saga is over?

By “over”, what is meant is simply that the themes and story of the Civil War is fully tied up, that would include, say, when the Ninja Leader returns or the fallout from one or both Associations falling has had its impact. That the Civil War Saga is over, and a new saga is beginning. And the next saga is obviously the Organization Saga. The Civil War, successful or not, is over, there is no more use to be gained out of staying in the shadows. The time has come for machines to overshadow mankind, all the squabbles between chaotic monsters, naive martial artists, arrogant heroes, and greedy mercenaries will be nothing compared to the two greatest military powers the world has ever seen (Edit 2): Dr. Bofoi/Metal Knight, with his legions of mass produced, stockpiled, and obedient battle drones… and the Organizations elite, freshly upgraded, and intellectually genius AIs and cyborgs. Oh, and Genos is there too!

#VI. Final Notes:

Edit 1: Child Emperor explicity stated he doesn’t trust the Neo-Heroes and wants to keep an eye on them.

 Edit 2: The HA, MA, and NHA were all mostly dependent on random, biological prodigies. Which is great in the short term, they collected the best fighters they could find available and put them to work doing what they do best. However… they can’t actually produce talent reliably (even Psykos was lucky to get Orochi and then Garou to grow exponentially, just as the HA was lucky to get Genos). Whereas Bofoi and the Organization? All the need is data, raw materials, and time… and they can produce an army. And they both have had plenty of all three.

Edit 3: The Organization may decide that King is purposely hiding his fighting style, therefore they don’t seek him out... and lo and behold, he doesn’t come after them and wipe them out!

[fal-carrington]

Just The Two Of Us Pt.5

Pairing: Kamilah x Mc x Adrian

Disclaimer: The characters are not mine

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part.3 // Part.4

Prompt: After the last night fighting against Gaius, before his fall, he puts his plan into execution, changing the lives of Adrian, Kamilah and Mia forever. Friendships may end, a heart may be broken and a new love may arise. In the end who will win the girl's heart?

Tag list: @rocket-scientist07 @galaxyside-0 @gavryllo @zoe6111 @iam-the-fuckin-queen @bucket-harrington @scarlet-letter-a0114 @delphinusbae @ilovekamilahsayeed @jellymonster @deereboy97 @justejuste727​ @thepotatobleh​ @jen825​ @whoinvitedalx​ @rubyheartjane​ @desiree-0816​ @sleeping-with-her06​ @riyalovestaylor​ @pizzapyjamas​ @thecleveridiot09​ @demonknightrevelations​ @dragonaceflamez​ @garlickk​ @ella-raines​ @spacecarrousel​ @walking-mess-talking​ @nydeiri​ @tigerbryn11

Michigan, 8h40pm

Mia’s pov

As the big house appeared at the end of the street and the car slowed, the air caught in Mia's lungs. Being back home after so long away was surreal. She couldn't help, but wonder how much everything had changed. Memories of her past invaded her mind, good memories, memories of her childhood and adolescence in that old house with a large garden. Throughout the trip to Michigan, she kept her eyes locked on the window, little did she know the overwhelming longing would come. “Are you alright?” Kamilah asked as she stopped the car. Mia turned to her, seeing the look in those brown eyes, something was bothering Kamilah, she could tell.

"I'm fine, it's just... It's been awhile." She admitted looking out the window again, the lights were on, several cars surrounded the block, family cars, which she recognized perfectly. “Wow. My whole family is here. At least it's good to know my dad hasn't gotten rid of the truck yet.” She laughed pointing to the window. “Why are you nervous? You told your mom we were coming, right?” Kamilah asked with a frown.

“Of course. Everyone is very eager to meet you.” Mia said. “I… When I left home and decided to move to New York, my parents didn't really like the idea, but they supported me. I think my family settled into living a simple life, I wanted more, so I left. I've always been the most adventurous in the family. Now I'm coming back, and not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd be married. Especially with you.” Mia said taking a deep breath, looking deep into Kamilah's brown eyes, noticing that they stared back at her with sympathy. “I mean… I'm still getting used to all this, with you, with our life together. We arrived in Michigan by private jet, and you just parked a Mercedes on a street full of minivans, have any idea what that sounds like?” She laughed earning a half smile from Kamilah.“ I just don't want to look like a failure, you know?” "You're far from being one." Kamilah said attracting the blonde's attention. “I mean, anyone who gets me out of my building and makes me cross the country for a meeting of mortals deserves the credit.” Mia laughed at those words. “I'm about to meet your parents, and thats you who are nervous. This is the first time I will ever meet the parents of someone important in my life.” "Sorry about that. I know, It's bullshit... Wait. ”Mia shook her head and looked at her, confused. “I´m important now?” Kamilah rolled her eyes.

"No. Your parents are proud of you, I know that.” Kamilah gave a half smile before getting out of the car, leaving Mia smiling like a fool in the vehicle. Kamilah took the baggage, while Mia took her grandmother's gift. As they walked across the lawn toward her old house, the blonde looked appreciatively at the clothes Kamilah had chosen. 

“What?” Kamilah frowned. "Nothing. I guess I'm not used to seeing you without your suits on.” She laughed with a shrug, making the CEO look at her own look. She was so... casual and elegant. Her shiny brown hair was flawlessly as ever, Kamilah wore a large overcoat and navy blue sweater with jeans and heeled boots. Kamilah was wearing jeans. Which was new, and also very attractive. Mia noticed how the jeans further accentuated the CEO's body. It was unbelievable to see, the first thought that occurred in the blonde's mind was to take a picture and immediately send it to Lily. She would love to look at that. Kamilah rolled her eyes, walking ahead and not even noticing the blonde taking a picture of her on her back.

“Okay, let's do this.” She took a deep breath, and rang the bell, giving Kamilah a reassuring smile. "Just so you know, my parents can be a little... limitless." She smiled awkwardly. “What should this mean?” Kamilah asked without understanding. In a matter of seconds, the door opened, giving way to a blond woman, Kamilah couldn't help, but notice how Mia looked like her mother, and how the familiar smile on the corner of her mother-in-law's lips looked so much like her. “Miranda!” She spread her arms, smiling, pulling Mia into a tight bear hug. "Hey, mom." Mia grinned awkwardly, clutching her mother's arms. “Bill! They have arrived! ”She shouted. "Finally! Awn, my baby! ”She pulled away from Mia, pinching her cheeks, leaving a kiss on each. “We miss you so much!” "Me too, Mom." Mia tried to smile, her face growing redder with her mother's attention. Kamilah tried to keep the serious expression on her face, avoiding laughing at the situation, but seeing Mia, who always managed to embarrass her - ashamed of something, was extremely hilarious to her. “Mom, this is...” Mia stepped away, touching Kamilah's arm, drawing her mother's attention to her.

“…Kamilah.” Mia's mother looked her up and down with a wide smile on her face. Kamilah held out her hand for her mother-in-law to shake, just as she always greeted her clients and executives. But she clearly dismissed that, pulling Kamilah into a tight bear hug, surprising the CEO.

“Mom, Kamilah is not a big fan of hugs.” Mia laughed awkwardly. “Kamilah, this is my mother, Theresa.” “Nonsense. We are family, and we hug.” Theresa ignored her daughter. She pulled away after a few seconds, clutching Kamilah's cheeks. “But you're gorgeous, I'm impressed. I've heard so much about you.” “Good stuff, I hope?” Kamilah frowned. "Mostly." She laughed waving her hand. “Mom, can you let Kamilah breathe please?” Mia touched her arms. "Oh, sure." She pulled away. “Please come in.” She gave them room to enter. “BILL! Get your ass off this kitchen, they're here! ” Theresa walked out leaving both. "Sorry about that." Mia smiled awkwardly. “Are they all like this?” Kamilah whispered looking around. She could see how many of Mia's relatives were in the back of the house. Mia smiled with red cheeks, letting Kamilah believe that was a yes. A golden retriever emerged from the back of the house running to the front. “Holiday!” Mia shouted, getting to her knees to greet the dog. "Oh God. You have a dog too, perfect.” Kamilah rolled her eyes. Theresa had come back again, and this time she was with a man, as tall as Kamilah, she could see perfectly the small white strands beginning to appear on his blond hair. “Hey, dad.” Mia threw herself into the man's arms, who was beaming with his daughter in his arms. "Hey, big city, finally show up, huh?" He grinned and touched his daughter's cheeks. His eyes turned to Kamilah, the same green eyes. “So this is where they come from.” Kamilah thought to herself. “So this is my daughter-in-law, huh? Wow,” He approached Kamilah, Kamilah thought of reaching out to him, but he wrapped her in a hug before she did. "I'm Bill, I'm pretty sure Theresa has already explained our hug policy, right?"

“Yes, she did.” Kamilah smiled with a wide, beautiful, charming smile, leaving Mia knocked out as she watched. She saw the impact it had on her parents.

"We're so happy for both of you," Bill said with a wide smile on his face. "My little bear wouldn't shut up about you for weeks." He pointed at Mia.

“Dad!” Mia shouted with red cheeks, Kamilah bit back a smile. A particular joke forming in her mind to torment Mia when they were alone.

"What?" He shrugged.

"Ah, that reminds me." Kamilah opened a bag, revealing two bottles of Merlot. "I thought you both would like it."

“Oh, thanks, honey. This is so kind.” Theresa took one of the bottles and Bill the other.

“She's beautiful and has great taste for expensive wines, I like her. Maybe you should keep her, Miranda.” He pointed at Kamilah, Mia's cheeks got even more red.

"Dad!"

"Alright, alright. Why don't we let them pack up and then we catch up, huh?" Theresa touched her husband's arm. "Kamilah, I hope you don't mind staying in Mia's old room." "Of course not." Kamilah nodded.

“When you're done upstairs, come see the people. Nana is crazy to see you, Mia.” Theresa said with a smile on her face, touching her daughter's cheek before going out with her husband. 

Mia led Kamilah up the stairs, Kamilah noticed the selection of picture frames scattered around the house attracting the CEO's attention, as she followed the blonde through the house. Mia took a deep breath and opened the door of her old room. The walls were pink, with butterfly stickers on the walls, the furniture was white, a king bed took the center of the room, not as big as the bed where both used to sleep, it was smaller. Kamilah watched from the books to the boyband posters. 

"It's quite... Feminine." Kamilah managed to say. 

"I was fifteen when I decorated." Mia said with red cheeks. 

“If you say so.” Kamilah exchanged glances with the blonde before leaving her suitcase on a small sofa in the corner of the room. 

“Oh, you have no idea how much I missed my room. Everything is exactly the same as I left it.” Mia said holding one of the photographs in hand, a smile on her face. Mia glanced over her shoulder and noticed that Kamilah kept her eyes glazed on her cell phone.“Hey. You promised. No work this weekend. It's family weekend.” Mia pointed at her and crossed her arms. Kamilah rolled her eyes impatiently. “It's just Karen, about some contracts that we'll close at the end of the month. That's important, Mia.” Kamilah said, Mia could feel some of her authoritative voice, she knew that voice. It was the way she talked to her employees at work. "Family weekend, Kamilah." Mia insisted, making Kamilah put her cell phone in her pants pocket.

Kamilah spent most of the night meeting Mia's uncles and aunts, cousins, which luckily for her, she ended up liking Mia's parents, but for her, the best person in the whole house was Mia´s grandmother, eighty years old, but she could still make Mia smile like no one else. Kamilah eventually discovered how perfect the wine was for the occasion. It made it so much simpler and easier to deal with her wife's relatives and their stupid questions. Alcohol was always the best solution, she couldn't get drunk, but Mia could. She noticed how many beers her wife had had, and how sleepy that made her. “Wow, is that mercedes out there yours, Kamilah?” One of Mia's teenage cousins said with wide eyes and a silly smile on his face. "Do you think you can let me drive any day?" "Absolutely not, you idiot." Mia said "So, Kamilah." Theresa said smiling at the table. “Mia mentioned to us that you work at a finance company.” "Yes, I work." Kamilah said shaking a glass of wine in her hands. "She's a workaholic," Mia said with a smile. "Always busy." "What do you do over there?" Bill asked curiously. "Uh... Kamilah actually owns the company." Mia admitted with her eyes on the dinner table sheets, her cheeks burning. “She has numerous offices spread across several capitals.” "So you're fucking rich," one of Mia´s cousins said. "Oh, shut up Ricky" Mia hid her face on the table. “Yes, I am.” Kamilah shrugged. “Damn, Mia. Hot and rich, you have style. ” "Oh, god." Mia rolled her eyes. “So, you have thirty years old. Wow. So young and with an empire in your hands. And to think that my own daughter can't even do the laundry by herself.” Theresa said. "Mom!" "And your parents? Mia told us that you were born in Egypt. I bet Mia loved meeting them.” "Uh..." Mia looked at Kamilah not knowing what to say. “She didn't know them. They died a long time ago, it used to be just me and my brother, but he also passed away.” Kamilah said truthfully.

"I'm sorry, my dear." Mia's grandmother said at the end of the table. "It's alright. It's been a long time.” Kamilah said shrugging, at that moment, she felt Mia's warm hand on top of hers, stroking her hand lightly, she looked at the girl with furrowed brows, the girl's dimpled smile somehow it was comforting. While Kamilah listened to some of Mia's uncles who were suddenly interested enough to want to handle their own finances, Mia got up to pick up the dishes and help her mother in the kitchen. As Theresa washed the dishes, she dried them, silently watching Kamilah talk to her grandmother. "I like her very much." Theresa suddenly said too close to the girl. "Jesus, Mom." Mia touched her chest, startled at the sudden approach. "Just saying. I like her very much.” She shrugged. "She's beautiful, smart, elegant and very polite." She smiled. Mia gave her a shy smile. "You like her too." "Me?! No! ” Mia stammered, but seeing the strange look her mother shot her, she finally came to her senses. “O-Of course I like it! She is my wife after all, right? I… I love her,” Mia stammered red. The last words still hot in her mouth, saying that out loud made her even more confused, couldn't tell if it was a lie or a truth in disguise.

“I saw the way you look at each other. I'm just saying, I recognize love when I see him.” Theresa said with a smile, touching her daughter's cheek. "I'm glad you found someone who loves you, who will take care of you, my dear." Yeah… thanks, mom.” Mia returned her smile, unable to tell her mother of her forced marriage, that Kamilah didn't love her, and probably never would, that behind it all, Adrian was suffering so much as both of them. Her eyes turned to the window, watching Kamilah engaged in conversation with her grandmother, a smile forming on her face. She left the kitchen and approached them, sitting next to Kamilah. "What are you two talking about?" She asked with a smile on her face. “Mia, did you know that your grandmother served as nurse at the WWII?” Kamilah looked at Mia, she was different, had a sparkle in her brown eyes and a smile… A beautiful smile on her face. Mia silently admired Kamilah's animated face, she looked happy. "Of course! Nana always had great stories to tell about it.” Mia said smiling. “It was a difficult time for all of us, I was so young at the time.” She smiled fondly at her granddaughter, her green eyes sparkling. “I was telling, dear Kamilah, from my days when I helped the wounded soldiers coming to the hospital. Your grandfather, as you well know, was one of them. When I met him, I fell madly in love, Benjamin was as charming as troublemaker.” She laughed, her eyes far away remembering her days. "We promised each other to always be faithful, and that our love will last for the rest of our lives." “It's a beautiful feeling.” Kamilah smiled slightly. “You don't know how happy I am to know you found love, honey.” Mia felt the tightness in her chest and her throat dry again. “Now, you're married and in love, finally, I can give you my wedding gift...” She reached from under the woolen blanket, two golden bracelets with a small pendant of halves of a heart that completed each other. "Your grandfather and I used to use it, in fact, it was his first gift to me." She laughed.

Mia's eyes filled with tears as she saw the present. Kamilah stared at him, unsure of what to say, the CEO didn't know how to respond to a gesture of love as unexpected as that. “When you both wear it, never forget that your love can be overcome anything.” Kamilah took the bracelets, hesitant. “Thanks so much, Nana.” Mia wrapped her arms around her grandmother. “We appreciate the gift and we will take care of it”. Kamilah touched her hand. Mia sighed and excused herself, her head was full of things. She needed some time alone. She grabbed her beer as she walked out the front door, she was greeted by the cold and snowflakes falling from the sky, forming a large white carpet across the street. Kamilah's mercedes had some snowflakes on the car's glass, Mia leaned against the vehicle and pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. Trying to warm up in that useless leather jacket, it wasn't working.

She noticed a new message. Adrian. Her heart skipped a beat at the message.

“I miss you, I think about you every day. Call me as soon as you can, I love you.” 

She read that with anguish in her chest, as she was about to answer the message, Kamilah came through the door.

"You're doing a terrible job getting out here and leaving me alone with your relatives." Kamilah said standing in the doorway with her arms crossed, attracting a smile from the girl, who put the phone in her pocket. "I needed some air." Mia smiled. Kamilah approached the girl. "You're freezing, you'll catch a cold." Kamilah said noticing Mia's red nose and skin. Kamilah took off her overcoat and wrapped Mia around it, pressing it against the girl's body. It was so warm and had Kamilah´s amazing perfume on it.

“You're very sweet, you know that?” Mia frowned, a playful smile on her face. “I don't want you to be sick. Medicines are expensive.” Kamilah shrugged, drawing a laugh from Mia. “And you already give me enough expense.” Mia held back a laugh looking at Kamilah. “Sorry about my relatives. I know they can be a bit intense, but they have good intentions.” Mia said awkwardly. "That´s alright. I enjoyed it, it was different.” Kamilah half-smiled with a frown. “It's been a long time since I've done anything, but work. Thank you for making me leave home to meet your family.” Kamilah said quietly enough that Mia could hear, attracting a smile from the girl. "So you liked it." She said smiling. “Don't push it.” Kamilah scowled, but noticing the captivating smile on the girl's lips, she smiled back. "You're impossible, did you know that?"

“That's why you like me.” Mia gave her a wide smile in response. Kamilah rolled her eyes with a smile at the corner of her lips. “And yet, daring." She said softly, Mia laughed at those words. She barely realized how close she was to the CEO, the cold air coming out of her breath  and the warmth that Kamilah emanated from her body. Kamilah was the one to take the first step, her warm, delicate hand touching her cheeks, sending a shiver up Mia's spine. The mesmerizing brown eyes burned the girl's green eyes, that attraction had come back even stronger. “What am I going to do with you?” Kamilah asked softly.

"What do you want?" Mia asked, lost in those beautiful eyes. "So many things I shouldn't." Kamilah said staring at the girl's lips, moving close enough to break the distance between them, Mia longed to kiss that damn mouth again, so much that she felt her whole body begging for it. But before she could even kiss Kamilah's mouth, the CEO's cell phone vibrated in her pants pocket, preventing them from sticking together. Kamilah stepped back, as did Mia, as if regaining their senses. "I should answer that, forgive me." Kamilah said taking the phone from her pocket. "Alright." Mia waved her hand dismissively. Her face red enough, her eyes glued to the floor. Kamilah nodded and walked away. "What is Karen?" She said as she returned to the house. “Don't be out here too long.” Kamilah looked over her shoulder and Mia nodded. When Kamilah walked through the door, she let out a huge amount of air she barely knew she was holding. “Fuck. What am I doing? ” She asked herself in agony, running a hand through her hair.

One week later

"A gala?" Lily asked excitedly sitting in one of the leather chairs, waiting for Mia to come out of the dressing room with her dress. the vampire geek's mission was supposed to help her best friend find the perfect dress for the gala, but she was too busy chattering excitedly about the event. “Hell yes! You raised your level too fast, Mia. I loved it!" Mia rolled her eyes with a smile on her face as she straightened the dress over her body.

"It's the least I can do for her, Kamilah went to Michigan to visit my parents and meet them." She said as she tried to unzip herself. “This gala is very important to her company, and it's our first appearance together as a couple before the media.”

"She seemed to have enjoyed meeting your parents, from what you told me," Lily said. “I told you, Kamilah's thick wall is just something shallow, inside, she has a good heart.”

“I… I know that. But, I felt horrible lying to my family about us. They really believe we are living the biggest love story,” Mia said, upset. "Maybe you are and don't even know." "Oh shut up." "I'm serious!" "But things are so difficult, you know?" Mia emerged from the dressing room, a designer waiting for her with Lily, who hurried to help with the dress. “There's all this tension between us, when I'm by her side it feels like my whole body starts to catch fire and burn… But then I remember Adrian, I remember everything we went through together, how much I love him. And I feel horrible.” A broad smile appeared on Lily's face, Mia rolled her eyes already predicting her best friend's next words. "You're divided between the two." Lily crossed her arms. "I'm not!" "Of course yes! The two are practically fighting for your attention, you just don't see it because you don't want to, I bet Kamilah is already falling for you.” “Stop, Lily! She's not ok? Kamilah and I live together out of obligation, she endures me, just that. There is no feeling between us, no love, affection, nothing.” Mia said sadly.

"Alright, alright." Lily raised her arms in surrender, sighing. “Well, can I at least tell you how hot you look in that dress? Kamilah and Adrian will drool when they see you tonight.” Lily looked her up and down with a smug smile on her face, making Mia's cheeks flush.

Kamilah´s pov

Kamilah silently admired her from across the room, she was different. Maybe it was about the punctuality she showed up at the exact moment they agreed, or the stunning dress that valued every part of that unexplored body, or the bright dimpled smile on her face as she chatted with guests. The perfect wife. It was almost ironic to think that a few months ago Mia would do anything to embarrass her to potential investors, her executives, everyone. But now... She was there, laughing gracefully and talking, the way she dealt perfectly with the sudden questions from reporters that approached both of them as soon as they arrived at the event was unexpected, taking Kamilah by surprise. She was a box of surprises. “She's gorgeous, Kamilah. Congratulations on the wedding.” One of her executives touched her shoulder, both of them at the bar, surrounded by executives of her company. Kamilah was looking at her from across the room, too distracted with her eyes on her wife than paying attention to the conversation. 

“Oh, thank you.” Kamilah smiled appreciatively at the comment, but the smile on her face faded the moment her eyes spotted Adrian approaching Mia, Kamilah narrowed her eyes, suspicion beginning to surface in her mind. At first it was just a few minutes of conversation until Adrian reached for her and tilted his head to the dance floor. Mia looked around hesitantly, but finally nodded and took his hand.

Kamilah's jaw clenched, her chest began to burn, she tried to control herself, the red blood wanting to manifest in her eyes and her fangs begging to appear, a feeling until recently unknown to her, beginning to emerge. Jealousy. She would never admit to herself or Mia, but to see her wife dancing with her old boyfriend, laughing in his arms, and too close... It was revolting. The grip of her fingers on her glass made him crack, and the sound of the glass caught her attention, she needed to compose herself. She was in a public environment, and her anger at the scene before her made her forget it. The mask of perfect indifference returned on her face, watching them dance. Her attention returned to her executives, and she kept her for the brief twenty minutes, but it was long enough for Adrian and Mia to let go of her line of sight on the dance floor. Seeing that they were no longer there, the anger had returned, stronger than before. Kamilah excused herself and went looking for Mia around the room, she wasn't anywhere. But after ten minutes of unsuccessfully searching for her, the CEO had found her on the balcony of the building, Mia and Adrian talking quietly. She stopped and watched them in the shadows.

"...You know, these days I was remembering the dinner we had at my restaurant " Adrian said with a smile on his face, holding the girl's hand. Mia laughed softly. "It was a wonderful dinner, I miss eating at your restaurant," she said. "You know you can go anytime you want, don't you?" He said approaching. "I miss it, I miss our moments together, our conversations, touching you..." He said with sad, vacant eyes, his hand lightly touching the girl's face. "Adrian..." Mia said hesitantly, the girl looked disturbed. “I know you miss me too, our nights, our love. I can see it in your eyes, Mia.” He moved closer with his eyes on the girl's lips. They were both inches from each other, Mia didn't move away, nor did she try to push him away, and that was enough for Kamilah.

"I've seen enough," she said in the shadows, drawing their attention. Mia gave a startled jump back, and Adrian stepped away, but didn't let go of the girl's hand. “I turn my back for a minute and are you ready to cheat on me with my best friend, Miranda?” She stepped out of the shadows, her eyes red, fangs showing from the red lipstick of her lips. Mia looked speechless, her face red, her heart racing. "Nothing happened, Kamilah." Adrian said through his teeth. "I'm not talking to you." Kamilah said with her eyes turned to Mia. "Let's go. Now.” She said with the authoritative voice coming back. “She´s not going anywhere. You can't talk to her like that, Kamilah!” Adrian said, his eyes going red too. "She will." Kamilah approached. “We're going home, Miranda. Let's go." Mia was looking between them, both staring at each other, ready for anything to come, the apprehension evident in the girl's face. "I'm going, Adrian!" She said after she couldn't take the tension between them anymore. Adrian opened his mouth to argue, but she cut him off. “You two are not going to fight here, we are in a public environment and it will be horrible for both company's image. I'm going home with Kamilah.” Kamilah was the first to turn her back and walk away, Mia hurried to follow her.

As the elevator doors opened, giving way to a Kamilah who immediately headed for the bar, the only thing on the CEO's mind was to drink a big sip of whiskey at that moment. She needed to get it out of her head, that damn girl out of her mind, she almost ruined everything, her image and the image of her company because of a girl. A mortal. She was angry, angry with herself for letting it happen and things got to that point. Angry with Adrian for letting his feelings blind him, leaving him ready to betray her confidence... And with Mia, for simply existing. Kamilah filled her glass with that amber liquid and turned in one gulp, refilling again.

"Now that we get home, could you explain..." Mia said behind her back. "WHAT IN HELL WAS THAT KAMILAH?" She shouted angrily. Kamilah's eyes glittered with hatred.

“Explain?” Kamilah turned to see her. “I believe you owe me explanations, Miranda. Since you were so ready to betray me.”

"Nothing happened!" The blonde approached her, confident enough to face her. “We were just talking! If I hadn't stopped you two right there, god only knows  what would have happened! Did you forget that it was the image of your company that was at risk ?!” Kamilah laughed, a sharp, mean laugh that made the hair on her arm lift.

“Don't mean to mind my company, Miranda. Because I know you don't care, you give a damn about this marriage, you're just a child!” Kamilah raised her voice, but Mia didn't back down.

"Oh fuck you!" Mia shouted. “I care, I care about you, and I care about your stupid company! Why would I bother to go there with you if I didn't mind ?!” She screamed, pointing a finger at Kamilah. “And you told me right at the beginning of all this shit that it was just a contract marriage, and you didn't care who I slept with!” Tears began to well up in her eyes, threatening to fall on her cheeks. “Adrian was the exception!” Kamilah shouted. "I believe we are both liars, then." “It's none of your business who I sleep with, Kamilah!” Kamilah approached her enough.

“It's my business. You are my wife! You are mine and  I am ours! ” “I'm not your property and don't even think of treating me like one!” Her green eyes sparkled with anger, the girl seemed about to jump on the CEO's neck, even though she knew it would go terribly wrong. She turned her back and walked away.

“Where do you think you're going ?!” Kamilah shouted as she walked away. "What do you think?! I'm going out!” “Do it, get out. You're great at doing this!” Kamilah hurled her glass against the wall, making Mia shudder.

"Are you crazy ?!" Mia shouted angrily. The elevator doors opened, Mia threatened to enter, when Kamilah spoke.

"Miranda, if you get in that elevator... Don't  even think about coming home anymore." Kamilah said, standing in front of her, the anger, the tension and the hurt between them. Mia looked into those red eyes one last time before entering the elevator.

...

24 hours had passed, 24 hours with no call, no message. Nothing from her. Maybe she really had taken all this talk seriously and would never come back, as Kamilah had told her never to return. Somehow the idea of the girl not coming home anymore... It hurt her. The CEO went back to her company to work, the idea of burying herself in a mountain of paperwork might help, distract her and take her mind off events. The comforting thought that maybe when she came home, Mia was there invaded her mind. 

After midnight, when Kamilah decided to return home, she found the penthouse empty. Mia wasn't there, to her disappointment. Kamilah took off her overcoat and left it on the couch, as well as her bag, followed by the heels and went to her bar. She filled a glass of wine, followed by another sip, and minutes later she had finished a bottle. Not getting drunk had its advantages. Sitting in an armchair in the living room, a glass in her hand, her hair usually neat, untidy from the way she ran her hand, her social shirt with a few buttons open, she twirled the gold band in her fingers. Looking closely at the ring. Her attention drifted to the elevator as the doors opened revealing Mia. Her eyes lit up at the sight. She no longer wore her dress, but a leather jacket and jeans. Her eyes met of the CEO, who rose from the chair. Mia ignored her and continued walking around the house. "Look who arrived... The perfect wife." Kamilah grunted looking at her. "I thought I told you never to come back here." She set the glass of wine. "Oh, fuck you." Mia snapped. “This is still my home whether you like it or not, and I just came to get some clothes.” She headed for the hallway intending to go to the bedroom, but Kamilah blocked her way. "Kamilah, get out of my way," she said wearily, crossing her arms. “No.” Kamilah frowned. "You and I have to talk." "We've talked enough already." Mia sighed turning to the kitchen. “I won't argue with you about anything else, about us or about Adrian or whatever. I got tired of it. ” "Oh, did you get tired?" Kamilah said approaching. “Kamilah, don't start.” Mia shook her head.

“You were the first one to start, you can't do that, you can't decide to leave like this and come back when you want!” “You sent me away!” Mia shouted back, Kamilah laughed at that. "You left because you wanted to!" She said approaching the girl, looking at those furious green eyes. "I got tired! I got tired of it all! I'm tired of you acting like you don't care, you're a hypocrite Kamilah, you act like you don't give a damn about me, but you fight with me when Adrian and I are together, I don't understand you! ” Mia shouted with tears in her eyes, rubbing her hand over her blond hair. “Am I the hypocrite ?!” Kamilah brought her face close to hers. "You are!" Mia shouted angrily, but her frown broke when she realized how close they were. “And don't even think…!” Before Mia could finish her sentence, Kamilah kissed her, crashing her lips together, both CEO's hands on the girl's cheeks, Mia started slapping her chest trying to push her away, useless seconds... until she surrendered to the kiss. Surrendering to that feeling that neither of them was ready to assume.

Kamilah pulled away after seconds, looking straight into the girl's green eyes, she noticed how red Mia's face was. Mia was gasping for surprise and shock. "Oh fuck it" Mia said breathlessy, pulling Kamilah by the shirt collar again, starting a slow, wet kiss. Her fingers tangled in Kamilah's hair, she nibbled on Kamilah's lower lip making a moan escape from the CEO, taking advantage to invade her mouth with her tongue. Kamilah was damn good kisser... Mia could tell, her tongue and Mia's curled together, the CEO's scent inhibited the girl's senses, suddenly that connection was back, that heat, she felt the room swirl around her.  

Kamilah's hands come down to her waist, and scooped her up easily, her legs pressed against the CEO's hip, which sat her on the sink.Mia's hands shook, as she began to unbutton Kamilah's shirt. Kamilah parted her lips from hers briefly. The panting girl looked into those brown eyes that burned with desire.

“Are you sure?” Kamilah whispered against her lips. Mia answered that by kissing her again, a warm, passionate kiss, the CEO took that as a yes.

[shitsha]

76 thots ahhhhhhhhhh

cin looks so good with black gloves ahhh what the FUCK we love a goth icon!! love the new bigger iris look too they look so good i love shinsha so much also they combed out their ahoge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!a growing king! a queen of intelligence! that close up of thier 3/4 profile is GOD SENT! michealangelo wishes his twink statuses had what cin has!!! I swear my sinus is clearing up cin can summon metaphysical POSITIVE impacts to us and for that i am grateful im gonna do a frame by frame analysis later when my neurons stop firing at the speed of light! anyways i love shinsha so much they are so good looking but not only that cin is an observant intellect! they said keep them pieces separated! the strategy and brain power! the self-assertion!!!!!! the growth!!!!!!!!AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SHINSHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA these 5 panels can last me thru 2019 thank you 

rude tile needs some milk are they like ok?? :( we love a feral doctor with unsterilized surgical instruments tho! very cool and fresh aesthetics (not irl tho hep b is NOT sexy)

bortz’ weapon choice is the epitome of weaponized bottomry we love it! also thank you ms ichikawa for cinnaboxing i owe u my life

i know ms ichikawa is going to change up cin’s look next time they show up but listen this version of cin is my fav everytime i see them they look better let me see them again in april pls i love you shinsha pls just guide me thru these shit times ichkawa lemme see them again in april 

[kingoftheoffroad]

Introducing Soilforged Racing!

Soilforged, formerly known as Dirt Devil, is a racing supergroup specializing in offroad and “fringe” racing sports. It was started by our boy Dirt Boss, and has grown over the years. Racing teams are ubiquitous on Velocitron, so it’s not unusual. What IS unusual is that every member of the Soilforged fabricates and uses their own components, and they outright refuse any sponsors. Every single credit (currency) they earn goes right back into their sport. Almost nothing is kept as income or profit.

Although Soilforged specializes in the offroad and fringe sports, the Fanmily (referring to the fanbase of the team, mostly fans of Dirt Boss) is open to anyone. There is no frame or caste bullshit in the Fanmily, and if Pops (Boss’ nickname to the Fanmily) catches anyone doing that, they’re gonna find themselves booted. The Soilforged has a growing following, and all racers make every effort to connect with their Fanmily. Meeting one of the Soilforged is drastically different from meeting most other high profile racers These guys listen to you, treat you as an equal, and they don’t judge (unless you’re a lousy race cheat :P But that’s more Pops’ pet peeve).

With all that being said, let’s actually meet the Team!

Dirt Boss (Planet Cup League #53, King of the Offroad #15, Founder of Soilforged Racing, Undefeated King of the Offroad, trophy truck)

We all know this guy. :P He never intended on actually forming a racing team; it was the idea of his lifelong friend and technician, Roundabout. He really has no regrets though doing this. He won’t admit it out loud, but he is really happy that he’s forged a home for all the “misfits” and “freaks” of the planet...

Roundabout (Tri-Track Drift League #3, Co-Founder, personal technician to Dirt Boss, turbo-charged moped)

Roundie is actually a year older than Dirt Boss, even though he looks eternally young due to his small frame. Once he talks though, the illusion is broken. XD He has a voice that’s been so graciously described as, “a diesel engine trying to start while in the process of self-combusting”; a gravelly, always hoarse voice with a stutter to boot. He is smaller than Ransack, being a moped rather than a motorcycle, but he’s FASTER. He’s known Boss since they were younglings; was forged in the same city as him, and followed him into “relocation” to the Wastelands. Roundabout is a total motormouth; you get him talking and he will. not. shut. up. Whether that’s just his personality or the sheer amount of turbocharging he’s subjected his systems to, remains a mystery.

Helterskelter (King of the Offroad #67, Popularly dubbed “Heir of the Offroad”, pro oil derby fighter, monster truck)

People have called Override the “First Lady of the Track”, admired her fiery spirit and dedication to the sport. Wastelanders and non-standard frames consider ‘Skelter all of these things. She’s just entering adulthood, but could literally crush a bot into the ground with her monstrous tires and sheer weight. She has two loves: Offroading, of course, and oil derby (think Monster Jam but the vehicles are alive and every single show ends with some gnarly injuries, which are considered the “best part” of oil derby). She is a massive slow frame, considered a member of the rare “Deluxe” class of bots on Velocitron, which refers to the largest citizens on the planet.  If you think Dirt Boss is obnoxious and loud, Helterskelter is worse. She is the pinnacle of obnoxious, unhinged sportsman types. Despite that, she’s actually much more approachable than her mentor, and she LOVESSSSSS having her picture taken with fans.

Chromedome [completely unrelated to any canon Transformer named Chromedome] (Showster, King of the Prerunners #85, muscle car prerunner)

This dude is literally blinding when you first look at him. He is completely coated from bumper to aft in the shiniest silver Chromapaint he could find, and then polished to be EVEN SHINIER. Even though Chromedome is the only standard frame in the team, he’s considered “non-standard” by general society because of a severe lisp. He can technically participate in any of the standard-only racing sports, but he chooses not to because of how people have treated him for having a trait that has NO IMPACT on his racing. Chromedome and his conjunx (though they aren’t out as conjunxes to the greater public) Hi-Fi are probably the most chill of the team, though they can be a bit... Stoner-esque in their mannerisms at times. They are music hobbyists and actually have a few albums made that are free to download. Mostly electro-funk (Chromedome’s preference) and rave rap (Hi-Fi’s preference).

High-Fidelity, AKA Hi-Fi (Tri-Track Drift League #10, Boss o’ the Shop, low-rider motorcycle)

This guy speaks the least of a family/team that love to talk. He prefers to listen, and to let Chromedome do the talking. He has that much of a bond with his conjunx that he doesn’t really need to talk when he’s got Chrome. He’s actually first-generation Velocitronian, as he was forged on Cybertron alongside his brother Lugnutz (yeah THAT Lugnutz), but was sent with the Ogygia to Velocitron. He has no connection or relationship with his brother, even if they have VERY similar personalities.