#the normal maps on those pillars get me every time

[thecardinalsims]

Just some of my favourite cinematic screenshots to link as an example of my graphics/lighting setup.

[nice-kill-tanaka]

🌄Hikaru + Tease Crush🌌

Summary: Aaaa idk tsundere hikaru brain go brrrrrr,.

A/N: Lowkey, I’m not too sure about this one. But, how good it is comes down to how well it’s received by you guys. It’s in your hands now tumblr!!

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

🌗Hikaru Hitachiin🌗

You, a new second year at Ouran Middle School, happened to meet Hikaru and Kaoru in a once in a blue moon situation

✨Separately✨

You and your parents were commoners from another region of Japan. But, due to trying times, you were sent to live with your impossibly wealthy grandparents to finish your education while your parents got back on their feet

So, you clearly had no idea how to navigate what felt like the world’s biggest campus

Taking initiative, you decided to take a free period to mentally map out at least the middle school campus. You were not about to be late to every single class again, lest you start getting detention

You were somewhere near the courtyard when you heard soft, delicate sobs from around the corner, followed by fast footsteps leading away from you

You quickened your pace to at least see what was going on, and the scene you walked in on told you everything you needed to know

The sobs were coming from a girl in your year, who seemed eager to get away from the courtyard. And leaning on the pillar on the bend, was a tall redhead who looked far too satisfied with himself. At least if your assumptions were correct

You decided not to go off on the boy right away, so you wouldn’t embarrass yourself

“Ah...Did I intrude on something?”

The boy apparently hadn’t noticed you until you said something, but quickly regained his composure

“Nah, you had good timing. We were just finishing up.”

“...We?”

Hikaru suddenly remembered

You were new to Ouran. And at this point, you probably haven’t memorized faces yet. Even if they were identical

That, and the fact that Kaoru was still behind a bush watching everything play out, was enough for Hikaru to try something new

“Me and that girl you saw, I mean.”

“Yeah, alright. What’s your deal with her, by the way? She didn’t sound too happy.”

Hikaru shrugged, “Dishonesty, disloyalty, stuff like that. I just gave her a piece of my mind and she couldn’t handle it.”

“Hm, I figured she couldn’t. She’s crying pretty hard.”

“Then she shouldn’t have been trying to sneak around with other guys.”

Alright...you halfway understood the guy. If you were in his shoes, you’d at least want to do something similar. But, going out of your way to emotionally decimate someone that clearly isn’t worth your time? Seems a little excessive

‘But, hey,’ you thought. ‘To each their own.’

You kept your composure around the boy, shrugging and turning to walk away. “I get that. What did you say your name was?”

“Mm? Hikaru.”

“Hikaru. If that girl’s really as horrible as you say she is, I think it’s hilarious that you’d give her pathetic ass the time of day.”

That jab technically wasn’t aimed at Hikaru, but the way you said it. The way you turned back slightly to flash a shit-eating grin at him. It was clear your comment was meant to say more about Hikaru than the girl he told off

In short, Hikaru ended up not liking you

Meeting Kaoru went a bit more smoothly

Since you were in Class B at the time (you were to transfer to Class A next semester), you didn’t actually gather that the asshole you met the other day had a whole brother. So, that case of whiplash was particularly strong

During a lunch period within the same year, you decided to sit alone. Nothing personal really, but being around twenty-four other kids your age with such a high amount of tunnel vision gets suffocating at a certain point

Not too far away, Hikaru had gotten up to use the bathroom, leaving Kaoru to his own devices for a bit

It wasn’t long before he found a familiar face in you, sitting alone and looking rather bored

Of course, Kaoru hadn’t personally talked to you yet. The only things he heard about you were from Hikaru, which still wasn’t much, considering that his brother seemed too embarrassed and pissed to say anything beyond: “They’re an asshole. They’re not worth talking to.”

But, regardless of Hikaru’s first impression of you, Kaoru thought it would be fun to mess with you for a bit

I’m fully convinced you have the eagle eye, because you noticed Kaoru before he even said anything

“If you’re still pressed about what I said the other day, Hikaru, trust me, I was just messing with you.”

Damn at least let him speak 💀

Kaoru noticed that even though you thought he was Hikaru, your posture and tone held no animosity. You seemed relaxed, even sending a half smile Kaoru’s way

Your aura felt overall likable, so what could you have said to Hikaru to tick him off so much??

“Oh, don’t worry about it. I actually almost forgot about that.”

Immediately, something didn’t click with you

“You sound different today, man. Everything okay?”

...What??

Kaoru wasn’t sure how you figured it out, but no one was usually able to tell the difference between his and Hikaru’s voices and speech patterns, period. Let alone upon hearing both twins once separately

“What do you mean...? I’ve always sounded like this?”

“Hm, must be a bad case of laryngitis then. How’s your twin doing, by the way?”

Kaoru’s expression didn’t betray much, but your knowing and lighthearted smile sure did

He originally wasn’t going to tell you the whole truth. But, you seemed like you’d be too much fun (given some time) to pass up getting on your good side!

It almost felt strange, inviting someone else into his and Hikaru’s little world. But, even if you were just a toy for now, you were someone Kaoru wanted to keep around 

Kaoru introduced himself with his real name while he explained his relationship with Hikaru, and your face was priceless

Sure, you knew that the boy in front of you wasn’t acting like the Hikaru you met a few days back. But, the twin brother thing was a complete shot in the dark!!

But, Kaoru laughed and dragged you and your lunch to his and Hikaru’s table

Ooh, when I say Hikaru was NOT thrilled??

He was seething when you gave him that same look as before

“Hey there, Heartbreaker. Nice to see you again.” 😊😊🙃🙃

Hikaru flushed as Kaoru tried to hide his giggles behind his hand

Yeah, that kind of sums up your dynamic 😂

From then on, whenever you were around the twins, you drove a clear wedge in their “identical” personalities. Just by the fact that you treated them both differently

Kaoru was your partner in crime, playing along with your jokes and often taking more agency in making decisions than usual. You were both mature, yet mischievous, so you were often on the same page

We stan compatible friends 👏😌

Hikaru...was kind of your sentient punching bag

From your first conversation with him to now, you gathered that Hikaru had a weirdly prominent petty streak, with some emotional constipation on the side. All of this, manifesting in a semi-childish, stubborn mess with a hair-trigger temper (At least, when it comes to you and Kaoru poking at him)

You weren’t exactly intent on improving those flaws (Since it’s technically not your job to fix the vices of others), but you most certainly let Hikaru know that those qualities weren’t something to be proud of. Especially when he let them get the better of him

And you did just that by teasing the hell out of him

“Aww, is little Hikaru upset that Italian isn’t being served at lunch today??”

“Ooh, don’t get too angry! You might pop a vein.”

“Y’know, you’d think a normal human being wouldn’t blush as much as you do. Are you really that bothered by me?”

Yes! He was!

He felt bothered and threatened because you dragged out every single flaw that no one (not even Kaoru) dared to call out until now. Not that he could give a name to that feeling an the moment

You were surprisingly clairvoyant for someone that strategically abused that fact. You always had an upper hand, and that wasn’t something Hikaru was used to

But, after a while, his frequent showcases of embarrassment began happening for a different reason

In between all of the teasing, you were never downright mean to Hikaru. You were just as nice to him as you were to Kaoru

Hikaru often enjoyed the bentos you made the twins on random days (Though, he failed to admit it on a regular basis)

When the teacher was going a little too fast, you’d always let Hikaru copy off of your notes

And man, you sure did look good at the beginning of the day...when the morning sun lights up your eyes, and-

Oh...

Oh no.

So, that’s why every time you’d get on Hikaru’s case, he would get flustered and look away. He liked you??

Hikaru can’t let anyone know about this. Especially you.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

[🌌Take this for your travels, bud. Don’t worry about paying me or anything, everything’s on the house! Though 🍁likes🍁 and ☘️reblogs☘️ are appreciated!🌄] — Reagan

[beautifulterriblequeen]

B2:S - Chapter 3

Much of this series will be about the differences and additions in the novel version, and how they contribute to my understanding of story canon. But there will be character appreciation, the odd theory and headcanon, and suchlike as well.

Here be Lujanne, Callum, Rayla, Ezran, Bait, and Soren goodness!

Spoilers for Book Two: Sky below.

Lujanne having excellent fitness for all her walking around the Moon Nexus, and she's so energetic that Callum has trouble keeping up with her! She seems like those active grandmas who almost never stop moving, who have a lifelong supply of endless stamina. It makes me wonder if Lujanne will need that level of fitness for some upcoming conflict.

Callum feeling really hungry over not eating grubs and then still deciding he'd rather be hungry. It makes me wonder all over again how Lujanne got to the point where she eats grubs, considering that other Moonshadow elves we know of back in the Silvergrove don't. I still love my hc that the giant leech ate all of Lujanne's moonberry bushes and she's taking her revenge. Whatever's going on there, Callum is definitely not at that point yet.

When Lujanne asks Callum how he knows she's real, he thinks to himself that he'd put up with just about anything from someone who was going to teach him magic. That's a great parallel and foreshadowing for Viren's student/master relationship with Aaravos! And it's telling that neither student gets exactly what they hoped to get. Lujanne doesn't actively teach Callum any spells, because she believes he can't learn Moon magic at all. Aaravos does offer Viren power, but it takes him to some very dark places - literally and figuratively - and the cost is terribly high.

Callum sees a moon shape among the ruins, and Lujanne explains that the Moonhenge layout is an intricate rune that uses the structures themselves as part of its symbols and power. That's apparently a thing even with ordinary Moonshadow villages like Hollow Wood in the east, which is the coolest idea I've seen in a while: city planning as magic runes!

Yes, that's the same shape as the pendants Ethari made for himself and Runaan. Protection? Home? Feelsiness? A sense of safety and belongnig for all cycles and seasons?

Wonder what this Moonhenge rune stands for, then, and how much of this landscape is included in that rune. I bet it's more than we think!

But it makes sense now, how toppling the stone pillars would disable the spell the druids would cast to connect with the Moon Nexus lake. Breaking the infrastructure of the Moonhenge breaks the rune.

There's a physical sensation involved with the visuals that Historia Viventem brings up! When that one ghostly druid walked through Callum, he felt icy cold. Like in ghost stories. I really wonder about what exactly Historia Viventem is doing when it activates. It shows truth, "what really happened here?", so it must have some kind of time-related element, maybe tied to how the moon always repeats the same cycles or something. But it also seems to draw on the spirits of any living people involved in the flashback, because Callum could physically feel that wispy shape passing through him. So very interesting!

Orrr... is that all wrong, and there's something else at work with this spell than time? Maybe the world beyond life and death can act as an imprint of the things that have happened in the living world, and the spell that Lujanne (and later Callum) casts taps into that place, with perfect recall. I'm looking really hard at the sentence that says "dozens of translucent elf ghosts" and "phantom Moonhenge" and "lost in their own world" here.

Lujanne says more here than in the show about the world beyond life and death, being her mysterious Moonshadow-mage self. She says that "beyond" and "between" might both apply to where this other plane of existence is, and she doesn't much care which. With all the relativity swirling around this place, and not much in the way of empiricism, it's sounding like perhaps multiple conflicting ideas might actually coexist in such a place, allowing more ideas to fit there than we might normally believe is possible. Which is a fascinating bit of worldbuilding. Basically, every headcanon anyone has ever had about the Moon Nexus could all be true at the same time, for all we know.

Oh oh oh, Callum coming in soft with a secret wish! He takes one look at the Moonhenge and immediately thinks of finding a way to see his mom again! Poor boy, my heart! I'd say that could be another interesting parallel with Viren, but then, who wouldn't hold that sentiment?

Oh my, is this another breath of life into Ye Olde Ley Lines headcanon? Lujanne mentioning the Nexuses again, so soon after talking about the runic design of the entire Moonhenge, makes me wonder if the six nexuses are in fact giant runes. On Earth, the places where ley lines cross are called nexuses, and there are those who believe those points got marked with ancient structures, like Stonehenge and many many others. If Xadia were crossed with magical lines which naturally formed nexus points where they met, and if powerful magical runes were built across those entire areas, well. That would be cool beans, fams. Can I smack a map of Xadia and release a spell like Luz Noceda does? Because ngl that is my first instinct here.

Lujanne has got to be missing some grandkids to spoil, right? The way she's always whipping out cake and ice cream for Callum, and she's so grandma-ish about it. Headcanon about her being Runaan's mom aside, she is canonically lonely and she's very sweet to Allen and Ellis and I think she's missing whatever family she once had in the past. She may never get to have that family back, so she's finding a new one among the humans who live nearby, and I think that's sweet. Found family isn't just for the young.

But Ellis is straight up gonna be her fave, I bet, because she didn't turn up her nose at Lujanne's illusion food!

Ezran and Bait have a lot more to their relationship than was visible in the show, and I'm so excited by it! Ez can tell by looking at Bait's colors that he's not truly jealous of Zym, even if he's really grumpy about the dragonling taking up his favorite human's time.

And Ez thinking a lot about his dad and the things he's taught him. They're soft leadership material, and I love that so much! "Pick your battles" and the importance of encouragement. Ahh, my heart. Ezran, you're going to be such a good king.

But wait a second: both times that Bait gets extra grumpy in Zym's first training session, Ezran has just mentioned something about flying. Guys, I think Bait wishes he could fly, really badly. And that's his biggest problem with Zym, and with Ezran teaching Zym to fly, instead of Bait who doesn't have wings so. Bait is so old that his secrets have secrets, and I'm really curious how flying fits into them now!

Rayla, Dramatic Assassin: "I need to patrol for dark forces." That's what Lujanne called the source of the purple wisps that found them. I wonder if that's an official term all Moonshadows know, or if Rayla is just taking her cue from a veteran Moon mage. And I wonder how far Rayla is falling into the apparent pattern of "one mage, one assassin", since she does spend a lot of her time patrolling without being asked.

When Callum tells Lujanne that he was bad at prince stuff, and she asks if he didn't give up and got good at those things anyway, it's an opportunity for Callum to embrace subverting his parents' expectations in favor of seeking his own path, which is a primary theme of the show. But Lujanne is a couple generations older than Callum, at the very least, and I have to wonder what her upbringing was like. Is her version of success the one she took? Was she bad at magic once too, but she persisted? She is very soft and doesn't want to kill anyone.

Maybe Lujanne had dreams of doing something else with her life, but she felt she had to pursue the destiny that others handed to her, so she studied magic as hard as she could, and she did get good at it, but using it to defend Xadia from humans is not what she wanted to do with her life. Whether there's a parallel between her and Ethari on that point, there's one between Callum and Ethari, I think. How much of your life are you willing to let others direct for you?

LISTEN I WAS DYING AT THE EAR BREAD SCENE OKAY

This is my new favorite Soren and Claudia moment ever. Soren loves him his bread, okay. Even as earplugs for Claudia's sleep ocarina tune. The fact that it's "super effective" makes me think of a Pokemon defense. The fact that he learned it at camp, where he also learned about Moonshadow Madness, is hilarious. Later on, Corvus doesn't know Soren by name, but I still love the idea of Corvus being a kind of Strider-esque camp instructor, filling the ears of his young charges with all kinds of useful tactics like ear bread for magic spell songs (which actually seemed to work as intended), and warnings about the enemy elves' blood-themed tactics (which may or may not come back around in BH)

I thought they were gonna go in a kind of deep direction when Soren still wanted his ear bread back, but then he just. Eats them. Just noms them. I love this kid. Give Soren all the bread!

[bigkyloenergy]

𝙃𝙊𝙉𝙀𝙔𝙀𝘿 𝙑𝙀𝙉𝙊𝙈

a witcher!kylo x reader fic. dark themes, smut ahead, my first fic so please leave me alone. 

summary: you are a barmaid / stablewoman at an inn in toussaint, kylo ren, one of the last of the witchers from the school of the viper regularly stays at the establishment. you wonder what keeps him coming back. 

read on ao3.

For some reason, you found yourself waiting for him. 

You’d noticed a routine in his travels, the Viper routinely found rest at the inn you worked at every 3 weeks. Nearly on the dot, which was odd to you. Most of the stories you’d heard of witchers told of contracts in kingdoms you didn’t even know how to pronounce, and The Phesantry wasn’t the most comfy place in Beaumont. Maybe it was because it was close to the palace, maybe he had someone there. You wondered so many things about a man whose eyes were the only thing you’d ever seen of his face. Deep yellow, piercing as the blades he kept, ones to match his title. 

The wind warned of a storm as you kneeled at the stables, changing the water that one of the helper boys promised he did. Of course you couldn’t count on them, no one in the damned inn seemed to know any responsibility beyond serving ale. 

  “Room for one more?” You nearly dropped the rag onto your shoes, not that they weren’t dirty enough. There the Viper stood, holding the reigns of his steed that was as dark as the cloaks he wore, one of the most beautiful you’d ever laid your eyes on. 

  “For Luxe? Always, she’s the sweetest girl I ever took care of,” first, your eyes went to the mask he donned — one that you swore was carved intricately by a blacksmith, but you’d never gotten close enough to be sure. He didn’t answer you, leading her into the remaining stall you’d just cleaned. His head nearly hit the top of it, and you had to stifle a grin as you looked back to the bucket. Speak, figure out something to say. Anything to say. Keep him out here with you.

  “The storm bring you this way?” 

Turning to you, he ducked under the archway this time, a raven lock escaping his hood in the process. You forgot how your lungs worked for a moment. 

  “No. Monster’s nest nearby causing trouble.” 

You stood now, still feeling dwarfed in his presence, having to tilt your chin slightly in order to meet his awaiting gaze. Nodding, as if it was a normal day in the neighborhood. “Lucky me then,” shit, you did not just say that, shifting on your boots, you cleared your throat, “more business.” 

It wasn’t just how big he was, that you had gotten past — or at least, that’s what you told yourself. Men, normal men, weren’t nearly as tall as your mutant guest, they all still barely met his shoulders in comparison. But the energy, the way the air got thick made you feel aware of each nerve under touch starved skin.

  “Business? Ah, for my coin, hm? Not the gwent players I’ve brought you?” You grinned this time, genuinely, circling him only to meet the horse with the cloth you’d been wringing out. Slowly you brushed the journey’s dirt from her eyes, it being much easier to speak with the witcher when you weren’t making eye contact. 

  “You may as well be some use to me, haven’t you noticed that you have a room now specifically made for you? Do you know why that is, Mr. Viper?” You waited for his response, turning back to him when you didn’t receive one only to find a curious, orange eyed man doing the same, so you continued, “Imprints on the mattress, only a man at a stocking six foot giant can be comfortable in that bed. And do you know how many of those I get here?” 

His eye twitched.

  “One. Who doesn’t come nearly enough to have a special bed of his own.” He stepped closer, one step, but enough to feel like your vision had suddenly been suffocated by nothing but him.

  “And what would I have to do to earn my place?” Fuck. What? Why did his voice sound so damn enticing. You swallowed the saliva collecting in your mouth, trying to grasp a response. A gloved hand reached up, leather skating over your lower lip, edging you further.

  “Uh — I’m sure I can find... some work... something,” as your mouth parted with your words, he forced his thumb in, and you gladly took it. Your tongue curled as he pressed down, heat siphoning between your legs while he watched you. Awaiting. A serpent with his prey. 

  “I’m sure you can,” You wanted him to touch you more, so badly. and if you knew more about his kind you’d know that he could hear every single pump of your heart — note every restriction of breath, “I think we’ve figured it out, haven’t we?” 

You sucked in a lungful, the brisk air not the only thing to blame for the gooseflesh that riddled your body. Nodding, this time not being hesitant in your determination to study his eyes — ones carved with violence, promises of death. He collected your skirts in one hand, enough have your legs completely exposed. “Dirty thing. You want this, don’t you? You want me to touch you out here, make you cum in these stables? 

Nodding so fast you could of kinked your neck, your supple thighs parted in invitation. Which wasn’t enough for him. 

  “Say it.” 

God damn it. This had to be something out of your dreams. A fantasy you conjured submerged in slumber.  

  “Yes,” you purred, heavy eyelids fluttering shut, his thumb still hindering your speech, “I want you to touch me, right now, please.” 

  “Good girl.” 

Within a literal blink of an eye, your bodice was torn directly from your chest. Greedy hands found your breasts, leaving your mouth empty and gasping while the harsh leather rolled your nipple between the pads of his digits, earning a soft moan. This only seemed to enable the Viper, hitching one of your legs onto his waist, forcing you onto your toes while your back hit the angled wood that made up the horse-keep. Even in the dark, his hues shone like the sun itself, refusing to break under the moon’s pressure. 

Curling into his body, your ankle made like an anchor at the back of his solid thigh, wishing you weren’t wearing shoes so that you may be able to wiggle your toes and feel his length. He gave too much restriction to allow you to push yourself against him, leaving you aching to know if he was hard under the light armor he dressed in. 

A finger dipped into your underwear, peeling them from your cunt, hearing a hiss from under his mask when he finally met the saturated folds under them. Swallowing thick, you didn’t even bother to attempt to look behind him — let the boats on the dock have a show, not that they could see anything but your leg past his broad frame. You never thought leather could feel so good, the seam of it meeting your clit in the most delicious way. 

  “Fuck. You’re so wet. Filthy whore, have you just been waiting for someone to come lift your skirts back here?” His chest pushed you harder against the pillar, your jaw slack with carnal pleasure while he began to circle, tight motions, listening to your body through it. His other palm was secured against your hip, keeping you where he wanted you, now noticing that this was just leaving a better view for him. Your thigh hit the hilt of the dagger at his side when you writhed, hissing through your teeth at the contrast from the warmth radiating from your body. 

  “Hm.” Your eyes jerked opened the moment he stopped, then his fingers were plunging into you — sending speckles into your hindered vision. His thumb kept within the territory of absolute euphoria, finding a rhythm with the tiny bundle of nerves that had you babbling nonsense, please and yesyesyes wondering how someone could even feel this good. By just using their hand.

The one that kept you still promised bruises into your soft curves, the strand of hair you cherished earlier being met with more as he craned over you, discovering a braid in the mix of tendrils that somehow turned you on further. 

  “I’m close,” you warned the moment he curled his fingers into you, sweat beading on your bare chest, eye contact much easier when the Viper was lulling you over the edge of an orgasm. Again, your nipple was being stretched, pulled, twisted as an act of further drowning you in this primal delight, this personal gratification right outside of the place you worked. 

And it worked, you were plucked at the center, coming completely undone under the stranger’s will. “Fuck, so tight, slut.” He shoved another finger into you for good measure as your ribbed walls clenched around him, a frenzy of motions from your climax descending you into another reality, your moans enough to alert the guests inside of exactly what was being done to you. 

Removing himself, you watched him under thick lashes while he mapped out your body, as if he needed one last image for memory before he continued on with his business. But not before his fingers were returning to your mouth, forcing you to taste what he’d just conjured from you, and you sucked every bit off of the rough material as a reward. 

  “Kylo.” He finally spoke, taking a step to free you from your position against the stables.

  “What?” You hadn’t even had time to collect yourself, the skirts falling back over your legs as you attempted to close your bodice in a way that was modest enough to get back to your room. 

  “My name,” the Viper explained, “I want to hear it next time I make you cum.” 

And with that, he was off, leaving you with a muddled mind and swollen cunt. 

[havetheavengersdoneanythingwrong]

An Interlude — Warmth Under the Covers

The Master of Chaldea — Ritsuka Fujimaru — checks in on his allies, only to find them slacking off yet again.

What’s a Guda to do?

[POV-Ritsuka]

—

I am a Master of Chaldea.

That is what I am — nothing more, nothing less.

The guy operating the summoning system most of the time — one of the two guys who keeps the contracts between the Servants that Chaldea summons.

Mash’s Senpai.

I’m a Cause, and so is my coworker.

“...That’s right. That makes me a badass now, sort of!”

I can feel my fingers run through my hair as I wink at the mirror before me. Comparing my two options to figure out which one I preferred in the Combat Uniform, I ran over my daily routine.

Step one, of course, was figuring out how much I wanted to do myself up in the morning. The Chaldea bathrooms had the perfect lighting to check my face and skin, ensuring my skincare routine was up to snuff. Making sure my eyes weren’t bloodshot from the two hours’ sleep — making sure the bags under my eyes were concealed with a little bit of makeup.

“It’s like every day, Suzie’s training becomes a little more useful.”

That’s right — a closer look, and my cheeks were smooth as a baby’s bottom — my eyes as normal as they could get, considering their bright orange shade. At least the curtains matched the windows — always something that did bother me about my other look, that my hair wasn’t blue.

“...Then again, that would look awful with the uniform.”

The thought made my spine shiver. Like a genderswapped Rei — not bad, but not exactly the visual I liked seeing.

Truly, it was preferable to have that set form — anything else would be nauseating to even think about.

“...That should do it.”

Yes, truly — I looked perfectly fine, now. Care had to be taken to ensure I looked like my best.

That, of course, was easier than worrying the others.

...

...The bathrooms led to the Chaldea halls, just as well as they led to my quarters. Why the creators did this always confused me — even moreso, that the doors were one-sided, and were flush with the wall, so you couldn’t even get back in.

“Goddamned mages and their one-way bathroom door magic.”

Adjusting the plugsuit that never failed to get bunched up near my arm, and trying to imagine the map of Chaldea in my head, I put one foot in front of the other and started course to the cafeteria. Simply a hop, skip, and approximately twenty-five different hallways that look exactly the same away — my only saving grace being how many times I’ve made this journey before.

That, and the burning Olive Garden due east of the Cafeteria, whose smoke signalled the food area from a mile away.

And for much of the trip, it was the same as it always was — simply my footsteps echoing in an empty hallway, the only accompaniment being the odd intercom message from Da Vinci letting the staff know of a Singularity that had only recently cropped up.

“Just calling to let you all know that we will begin our scheduled Rayshift in four days~! Prepare yourselves for it!”

...We never really had a break. Even walking down these empty, empty halls, my footsteps served only to momentarily break up the endless thoughts of what came next.

‘A mystery Singularity. Is that what it is? I’ve never heard of it. We had the four Pseudo-Singularities handled already. There shouldn’t be any Pillars left! On top of that, we still don’t know the first thing about its location, and even if we did...’

Tap.

‘...It’s not like we can do anything to stop it. All my research, and nothing about this makes any sense at all. Maybe a Foreigner could do it, but—‘

Tap.

‘—Why? There’s no reason to make a Singularity anymore. No Demon Pillars left. The Lostbelts are already destroying mankind. There’s nothing left to do. And—‘

Tap.

‘...We need a break. We need a break from this — from ALL of this. Cadence needs a break, and that’s to say nothing of myself. Can’t we have a moment to sleep..?! Can’t we have even a second to rest our eyes, snooze, and..?!’

The smoke overwhelmed my thought. Against the harsh fumes of a burning building, and the strange smell of spice, rational thought was impossible to maintain — and the growing headache of a nightmare-riddled sleep wasn’t exactly helping matters.

Tap.

It wasn’t far now, surely. Another step forward, and —

...

...Between the tables of the cafeteria, there lay a kotatsu.

I made it with Da Vinci’s help just a few days before. A little wooden table, at least compared to the surrounding cafeteria tables — a red blanket sort of thing, and a heater underneath that Da Vinci cleverly placed carefully to avoid burning oneself. It could sit, I reckoned, four people on a good day —

—I didn’t account for Gorgon, clearly.

Finally directing my gaze to what was coming out of the blanket of the kotatsu — and moving forward as to get the damned Olive Garden smoke out of my eyes — I was met first with the ever-clear figure of Gorgon. Eyes just barely shut, a hand positioned to form a makeshift pillow, and a tail surrounding something out of view, she drew a figure much unlike what I’d previously seen — only made a little more curious with the resting Lobo just behind her, which made its resting spot close to her in order to be as warm as possible. Hessian, for what it was worth, was still awake, sitting at a table nearby — offering me a wave of recognition as I returned my gaze to the table.

Jeanne Alter lay — more accurately, sat — at the kotatsu, almost as if she were awake, her hand still gently grasping a bag of chips that had by now spilled across the oak surface of the table. If it weren’t for her loud snoring, and her face smushed against the table, she would’ve had me convinced she was still awake.

Circling around, I found an Artoria that seemed quite familiar — Lancer, clad in a black turtleneck sweater, dark grey jeans, and her esteemed headpiece, resting her head on her hand and looking almost wistfully at whatever Gorgon had wrapped up in her tail. Even as I approached, she didn’t even look back in recognition — as if I never existed at all, or as if she were staring through a window that wouldn’t accommodate for anything Ritsuka-shaped.

And as I followed her unshifting gaze, I found —

—Wrapped in Gorgon’s tail, a young lady, sharp black hair tied up in an impressive style I couldn’t quite describe. Her face, uncovered by a mask I’d grown accustomed to seeing, seemed at peace — eyes gently shut, arms wrapped around...

“...Cadence, you motherfucker.”

The careful, wistful gaze of Lancer Alter, the comically tight squeeze of a sleeping Gorgon, and the gentle hold of Ushiwaka, all contained a cowardly Master that somehow bonded with the most hateful, evil beings alive.

In a sense, it would bring about the ultimate safety, being around those that would always fight to protect that which they care of — even if their ultimate fate is to burn all that lives, surely some safety remained in keeping close to those who would protect you from anything they hated most.

“...This guy claims he’s a one-on-one sort of guy, yet he ends up like this.”

...It wasn’t like I had any right to complain — I did have Mash, and that was utter perfection, so I supposed he had the right to find a portion of that.

“...I’m never letting him live this down.”

“...Ritsuka.”

...I glanced over to Lancer Alter, who seemingly only now clued into my existence — her almost hazy eyes, as if overlaid with a world both like and unlike reality, gazed both at me — and through me.

“What is it?”

“...Rest well. Your journey will not end so easily — you would do well to follow his lead.”

...Her gaze moved back to Cadence, who hadn’t moved a muscle. If not for the subtle sound of his breath, I’d have presumed him dead — though he wouldn’t have much room to move, the way he was.

“...I don’t think I can rest that well, Lancer. He’s got two ladies keeping him warm, and a third keeping an eye on him. Can’t tell me I’ll ever rest like that.”

...At that, the Lancer only smirked.

“...It shocks me as much as any other, Ritsuka, that this has happened. But... You have your own who would be all too willing to provide, no?”

I could hear myself let out a snort in a desperate attempt not to laugh.

“Only one with Ritsuka cuddle privileges is Mash. Serenity gets a pass, but the others terrify me.”

“...So be it. Find those two, and rest. If that is how you rest best, then so be it.”

...Keeping a close look at her eyes, the fog faded ever-so-slightly as she kept watch over the other Master. I reckoned it was probably due to the contract being transferred to him — though Cadence did always have the strange habit of bringing Alters down to earth. If he weren’t so scared of the others...

“...You do the same, Lancer. Don’t watch over the guy forever. If you wanna get in there, Gorgon could probably fit you, too.”

As I briefly procured me phone to snap a picture of the scene before me, to tease Cadence with later, Lancer only laughed back.

“I am already dreaming, Ritsuka. I have no need to rest.”

“Right, right.”

Even as I turned around, and began setting foot outside the cafeteria with a wave Lancer’s way, my eyes remained on the photo of Cadence.

A lot had changed — a lot would still yet change.

Friends had been made in unlikely places, enemies made of friends, and friends of enemies.

But in all this, even a guy as paranoid as Cadence found time to rest — he found company with Avengers, and those more evil than he could even hope to be, and he found safety in their loyalty and affection, so it seemed.

...

“...I guess I don’t need to worry about him, hm?”

...It was best to listen to that Lancer while I still had time —

—while, instead of the ceaseless nightmares, I would dream instead about teasing the coward that remained so affectionately in such a silly place.

...Perhaps it was time to dream.

[gothamsglam]

How Wonder-land-a-ful!

Transferring to SHIELD high did many things for Tony, one of them was reuniting him with James Rhodes. Just not how he wanted to.

Ever After High/Marvel Fusion. Ironhusbands, of course. (You don't have to know much about Ever After High to read this, think just some fairy tale AU and you'll be fine!)

AO3 LINK IN NOTES

I wanted to churn out one more story for the end of 2020, I thought something more silly would be a great way to end this uh year.

This idea has stuck with me for a while, and I finally wrote it.

Hope you enjoy!!!

~Vix

SHIELD High was so bland . Yes, it was grand of course, structured like the classically large fairy-tale castles of Ever After. The hallways were marble with lockers and vines lining the walls and trees and plants growing willy nilly around the school. Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, and large arched windows showed off the beauty of the lands around them. In the distance, Tony swears he can see Sleeping Beauty’s castle.

But SHIELD high was just bland in comparison to home. To Wonderland . Not even the personalized dorms could make up for the fact that school was all year long— ew , who made that rule—instead of one day a year. Tony missed the nonsensical beauty of SI High, where the hallways ran instead of you, where you had to find the paintbrushes in passing period to paint the doors—free art credits!—, and the cafeteria that was switched with the auditorium.

But the castle-teria at SHIELD was just a long hall with rows and rows of marvel benches, pillars in the corners to honor the greek storylines and pay tribute to the last generation of Fairytale legends.

It was so boring. And just looking at it made Tony want to *poof* right there and then.

“Hi Tony,” Steve Rogers asked, coming behind him in the castle-teria, “Need a place to sit?”

Oh and this, this was another thing Tony wasn’t fond of. Transferring to SHIELD high meant he actually was walking among the children of fairy tale legend.  Disgusting.

Father was too fond of them, far too fond of them. Back when Wonderland and Ever After had many open portals between one another—back before the curse on Wonderland by the Evil Queen of the HYDRA family. Howard was an ambassador , the git.

Howard didn’t get the White Rabbit legacy as Tony did, no, Uncle Jarvis had. Howard was a part of the Wakandan court, one of many peace ambassadors to the other royal families, particularly the ones in Ever After. Oh, the tales Tony was told as a young bunny, of the Rogers Family’s legacy brought forth by the apple, of the Red Hooded Romanoffs, and the Rose pricked Wilsons.

Tony was glad he didn’t have to walk among them at SI High, he was content to only have to see them in the crowd at Legacy day. Tony was actually really excited for Legacy day, his own legacy wasn’t following his father, but rather his mother and Uncle Jarvis. Signing his page in the Storybook of Legends was a milestone Tony didn’t mind looking forward to.

However Tony also understood why James Barnes, heir to the Evil Queen, wouldn’t want to sign. To each their own, he supposes.

But ugh, SHIELD high had too many Princes, he hated it.

His nose twitching, Tony ducked away from Rogers—who was bigger, blonder, and oh the clocks was that a red crown on his stupid head? “Thanks, but no thanks, golden boy. I’ll just—uh—”

He looked out at the rows and rows of tables, at the heads of up-dos and flower pins, and the sea of gelled down curls and impeccable sleeves. Seriously how does no one have a stain on their shirt? It’s mud-loaf day!

There! Out in the crowd, a hand popped out waving him over, Tony grinned, popping up a bit and rushing away from the other guy, “See ya, Rogers!”

“Bye…?”

Resisting the urge to stick out his tongue, Tony padded away with swift steps, the click of his shoes drowned out by the noise of the castle-teria. Reaching the table in the back, he grinned at the sight of familiar friends.

He wasn’t the only one apart of the exchange program of course, in fact, he was the second wave of students, prepared by letters sent by the other students. Tony had his own assigned group of the next exchange student. A lovely little trio of kids. Peter would not stop asking about the royal classes offered at SHIELD and MJ was more interesting in the classes offered by Maria Hill. Tony wouldn’t know, of course, he switched out of those classes the second day after running into pig shit mid-chase. For a house on chicken legs, it was surprisingly very fast.

Virginia ‘Pepper’ Potts was donned in swirls of light peach and blue with subtle armor around her waist and shoulders. Her hair was curled, pinned away from her face in a half updo, with the rest falling around her and nearly touching the table as she leaned in to pat the now empty spot across from her.

“Tony!” She exclaimed, freckles dancing across her face as she broke out into a smile, “got lost?” She teased.

Tony blew a raspberry, “Pssht, no, How could I get lost here? Wonderland was more interesting, this place is just boring,” he waved, twirling his fork in his food.

T’challa laughed, the matte gold detailing on his black jacket catching the light beans from the windows, it covered his purple and black card-like patterned dress shirt “That’s what you think, Stark. But with everything looking the same, you’ll pass by the same five classrooms over and over without noticing.”

Tony also laughed, “True. Remember, how—when you missed the upside-down sidewalk outside of bio-mechanics—you could end up in fishing class because of the fountain step? Every time the freshmen would come in dripping halfway through class.”

“Oh, does everyone still call them fish?” Sharon asked, pulling out Earl the dormouse from her empty teacup. He hopped up her shoulder to hide in her mini top hat. Her suit jacket was draped over her shoulders—rather than it being on the bench—and her cream shirt had mini hats detailed, blending in with the folds as it was only a few shades darker.

“Classically,” Tony replied with a wink. They turned back to their conversations, gossiping about their peers such as Maximoff—from Cinderella’s line—who was enamored with Vision—from the hunter’s line. Scandalous.

Tony halfheartedly listened to the discussion but was really on the verge of nodding off. His roommate—Justin Hammer, stupid son of the Cheshire cat—kept playing pranks on him and ruining his things with paint bombs. He almost got a fairy fail in physics because his latest essay had swamp goop over it! He had to stay up rewriting it, which wouldn’t be a problem normally but he had stayed up trying to make weld a new type of gear for his pet project.

Tony must have dozed off for a bit, because when he blinked open his eyes, he was resting on his elbows, folded under some familiar fabric. Blinking blearily at the side of his tray, Tony sat up. Well, that’s embarrassing, so much for his reputation. Pushing a hand through his hair, he avoided glancing around and instead went to look at his lap and pull out his pocket watch. However, someone else reached out to poke his side, resulting in a leap and an ‘eep!’.

“Hey there, sleeping beauty!” Rhodey smirked at him, “I think you and Wilson were supposed to have each other’s destinies. That was some impression you were doing.”

Damn him, Damn it all. Of course , Tony would fall asleep right then and there, drooling over his arms in front of James Rhodes . Of course the first time he’d see the precious son of the Alice bloodline—after literal years in different worlds—would be when he’s conked out in front of his dripping mashed potato tray in the flipping Greek castle-teria. Unbelievable, Tony.

And Rhodes— Rhodey —has the literal audacity to sit there with a playful smirk on his face. Sit there in his v-neck— v-neck!!! —map patterned shirt that should make him look like a dork but he doesn’t , and a necklace that dips over his collarbone —and oh stars —his hair .

Tony really should say something, “Uh—Hi, honey bear?” His voice cracks, because of course, it does.

“Hi, Tones,” Rhodey replies with a smile, and it’s dazzling . Tony just might scream.

Everything is muted, he couldn’t tell you if Pepper and Sharon were still talking, if T’challa had left the table or if lunch was even over. It feels like, for a brief moment, there’s only Rhodey.

Rhodey, who’s turning around to address someone else. Tony also looks away, trying to keep his ears from burning up and turning red.

“Tony, were you drawing in your mash potatoes?” Rhodey looks over, pressing slightly against Tony to peer over at his tray.

Which prompts Tony to dart out and pull the tray towards him with a, “Nooooo?”

Rhodes looks back at him, raising an eyebrow, “Really?”

“Maybe~?”

That prompted a laugh out of him, gaining the attention of Pepper sitting a bit away from them. “Oh, Tony’s still doing that? I thought that was only a Wonderland thing.”

“Hey!” Tony wrinkled his nose and glared at her, silently grateful at the fact that pulled him out of mentally gaping like a fish at his best friend—are they even best friends anymore? Rhodey probably has like a billion of them at SHIELD. “I can do it anywhere. It’s called art.”

“You wouldn’t know art if it slapped you in the face.”

Tony opened his mouth, literally about to say, ‘I mean if Rhodey slapped me in the face I would say he’s art.’ before he’s stopped by the one jellybean of a brain cell in the back of his mind.

Well that and Rhodey’s “If anyone can bring wonder with them to SHIELD, it would be Tony.”

Which, oKAY , Tony needs to stop exploding inwardly and actually say something, “Um, speaking of wonder, does anyone know anything about that one well myth?”

“The well of wonder?” Sharon asked, polling her hand from her mouth where she was probably stifling giggles, which rude, ok.

T’challa also answered, “I believe I might be of help. Why are you asking Tony?”

Tony darted a look at Rhodey—he can’t see his face because he’s looking at T’challa, but he swears that under the table his fist clenches. Weird—before looking at T’challa, “It’s a surprise,” He winked.

And it was! But for Rhodey. He was supposed to have it done pre-meeting him at lunch, but thanks to Hammer he missed his mental deadlines. It wasn’t like he had sought out Natasha Romanoff beforehand to ask about James’ schedule so he could know when they had lunch together or anything, absolutely not.

See—back when in Wonderland—, Tony and Rhodey would galavant about, exploring the lands and falling down many rabbit holes, quite literally. Tony remembers how in his workshop, Rhodey would always love seeing Tony design the swords and spears for the Wonderland card-guards—the Dora Milaje. However what Tony specialized in was watch-making, specifically enchanted watches. Watches with personality, with faces that weren’t just hands and numbers or mini mirror-pods, but near people like. Pixel-faires born of Tony’s creation. DUM-E was his first.

‘You’ was meant for Rhodey, he’d been making them ever since he heard he was chosen for the second era of exchange students. It really shouldn’t have taken so long, but without the wonder of Wonderland and his workshop, it was harder.

So when he heard about the well of wonder, the last remain flow between the two worlds, he knew he had to find it. Too bad it disappeared every night, popping up all over Ever After.

“It would be best to go with someone Tony,” Sharon said, “The well likes to frequent the forest.”

“I could go with you!” Rhodey exclaimed, well not exclaimed, that was just Tony projecting. Mostly... Maybe? No, probably.

“Really?” Tony asked, “You don’t—?”

“It’s my free period anyway," Rhodey shrugged, “Besides you’re already using my jacket, so now you can wear it in the forest too!”

“I—” Tony looks back at the table, and oh.

Oh , that’s what he was sleeping on.

T’challa mentioned stopping by their—his and Rhodey’s—dorm so they can get directions. There’s more regaling of the well, and mentions of seeing Bruce Banner and Thor frequenting the area, which ooo? But all Tony really remembers is seeing Rhodey reaching over, draping his jacket over Tony’s shoulder.

“It’s a date,” Rhodey grinned with a dazzling smile.

~FIN~

So do you like who is who? I didn't recast everyone, but I might continue this AU so maybe I will later down the line! Please let me know what you think in the comments and leave a kudo too! Love you all!!!

[yetremains]

♡ + both blurred lines & fire-threaded please =DD

SEND ME ♡ + A SHIP AND I’LL TELL YOU…

This will be long So I am putting it under a read more! You get both as you wished~

BLURRED LINES

Who is the most affectionate? They are both affectionate when given the chance, and I can see this switching between who is more so depending on the situation. But there is no denying that Yang and Hanzo will take the chances they can to give little ghosts of touches or kisses through out the day.

Who initiates the handholding? Yang more than likely would most times, reach over and thread her fingers with Hanzo's. But on the flip side he would be the one to pull her in closer and enjoy her warmth and feeling her pulse beat.

Who worries more for the other? While Yang will always worry about Commander Hanzo, knowing what he has gone through, she wants nothing more than to help him be safe and feel content, it is most likely Hanzo that worries the hardest. He has already lost far too much, and will not loose another. Soldiers for war or not, he's going to worry and hate circumstance.

Who is more likely to ask for help? Being still eager and gungho, yet wise enough to recognize when she is in need, Yang can definitely ask for help more often than Hanzo. He is quite stubborn, and she has learned to recognize through body language, his shifts in gaze, and the small tells to inform her when he needs help and support.

Who is the one always losing the keys? Both of them wouldn't be loosing much of anything. Being hard trained as they both are and always aware of their important items, loosing keys is a very low likely hood on either side.

Who leaves little love notes for the other? Hanzo no doubt starts it. I feel this would turn into exchanging love notes back and forth here and there. But in the end, Yang might write more little notes. While Hanzo would respond verbally in kind or with his actions

Who can’t sleep unless the other is there? Sleep isn't easy for either of them and no doubt wouldn't sleep well without one or the other there. When being able to be together, it's so much easier to sleep peacefully, because waking up with nightmares means there is an immediate hold of warm arms and comfort waiting, safety.

Who is more likely to propose to the other? Being in a very unknown state of danger since they are Special Forces, it might not entirely come up as a priority thought. But seeing as Yang was engaged before, and Hanzo actually married, they might both end up talking about it some day down the line.

Who introduced the other to their family first? HAH, WHAT FAMILY? If you count close friends and other protectors, then I feel this has been Hanzo, considering the joint training with Lin Kuei and Kuai Liang.

Who is more likely to play with the other’s hair? I'm going to say Yang, since she has already helped Hanzo with his before and does quite enjoy playing with his hair more often. This is just a fact, Yang likes running her fingers through her partners hair.

Who makes sure the other has meals/stays hydrated? Please take better care of yourself Hanzo, Yang is going to worry more, staying up late is bad enough. While Hanzo cooks special meals for the others, Yang would make sure to always check and double check that he is at least hydrated.

Who is more likely to stand up to anyone for the other? Oh the both of them. Nothing is going to get in their way of the other if one is in peril, two very feral fighters that go the extra mile above and beyond what should be deemed sane. But in the end, Hanzo would probably take far more steps to ensure this.

Who is the most likely to prepare a surprise for the other? Considering both of their personalities, there would no doubt be surprised from either for one another. Both extremely heart felt and carefully thought out.

Who makes the other pinky promise not to do certain things? While Yang has been through a lot already and lost much, there is still that bright eyed hope and eagerness. Which can sometimes become her having Hanzo pinky promise to take more careful choices when on a mission to protect their world. On the turn around, it would be Hanzo to make Yang promise not to take unnecessary risks.

Who puts a blanket over the other when they fall asleep on the couch? Taking into account how the two of them can not sleep very well alone, this would be rare. But in the end, on the rare blue moon, I can see that it would be Hanzo to potentially fall asleep on the couch being a workaholic, and Yang putting the blanket over him. Followed by sitting next to the couch to lean against it and nap too. Hanzo waking to see her curled up next too him peacefully.

-

-

FIRE-THREADED

Who is the most affectionate? Once the love is known and accepted as it is now, there was gently touches, desperate holds and embraces, lots of soft kisses that can easily turn passionate. The affectionate damages hearts need an outlet and have found a hearth in each other. There is no 'most' here, just need and more. And when cuddling, it is very tight holds and Scorpion will bury his head into Yang's neck, while hers in his shoulder, height difference.

Who initiates the handholding? If it is not a hug or embrace, then holding hands is the next wanted thing. Yang would probably reach over more often to entwine their fingers, but Hanzo would be the one with the tighter hold and to keep the hands close too him.

Who worries more for the other? There is no more, there is only Worry and Concern, because the two of them are absolutely risk taking fools that do not know the meaning of back down. However, seeing as Hanzo is at an advantage of surviving seeing as he is an undead of a sort, his worry would burn far more for Yang who is very mortal, despite not aging at all.

Who is more likely to ask for help? In this particular verse, it would be very tense when one or the other asks for help. And when it comes down too it, both of them would be reaching for each other when finally cracking to ask. Yet again here, with how empathetic Yang can be and her understanding, she can see when Scorpion/Hanzo needs something, and will always ask what she can do for him. On the flip side, Yang tries to keep it together so hard to be his support and pillar- but when shaken he can tell fairly quickly when she needs him. And will ask for help when approached, even if just for an embrace.

Who is the one always losing the keys? More than likely Scorpion, since Yang would have many keys too different locations all over. Since she has quite a bit of sway. Then again, when the hell does he need keys when he can teleport directly? This is partially just to see Yang's expression when spooked, as well as exasperated.

Who leaves little love notes for the other? Hanzo without a doubt hands down. But eventually Yang would start composing small lyrical poems or short songs to write back in return for those love notes.

Who can’t sleep unless the other is there? With absolutely terrible sleeping habits they both have, and Hanzo/Scorpion being as he is, it's him that sleeps less. While Yang does go for long periods with maybe a small nap, she manages a more peaceful sleep for longer with he's present. Yet still he doesn't sleep as normally as her, staying up to watch her sleep sometimes.

Who is more likely to propose to the other? When I think about it and how they both can be, perhaps one day this may happen down the line. It's far too soon just yet. But between the two of them it would most likely be him to do so. Engaged or no, Yang is the type to play everything very close too her chest in personal matters, and over think for ages. Often locking herself in a mental loop.

Who introduced the other to their family first? I think that between the many people both of them have met, it is a mutual introduction too the friends found family, and in Scorpion's case, his actual family and descendants. Just happening as they forge their relationship closer and continue to strive to better not just the world but them selves.

Who is more likely to play with the other’s hair? This is possibly a flip of the coin that changes, who does this more. Sometimes it is Yang who plays with Scorpion's hair, or it is him that strokes his fingers through hers.

Who makes sure the other has meals/stays hydrated? As much as the cooking is an enjoyment from Yang, considering she is mortal and has a higher than normal metabolism, I feel Scorpion would be the one making sure most often. But Yang will continue to go out of her way to cook meals and tea from his ancient era, just for him.

Who is more likely to stand up to anyone for the other? So not sure if you know this but there is a thing called 'self control' and another called 'feral'. If one or the other is in danger or needs help, then the feral switch is turned all the way up with the knob broken off. Hanzo will take the more dangerous route every time without a doubt, as incredibly protective as he is, but Yang does not have a bitch pedal either if she has to throw down.

Who is the most likely to prepare a surprise for the other? SCORPION. While gifts left out for him or offered freely are common, the true surprise happens when he just suddenly warps in and appears from no where while Yang is relaxing or doing something quietly. Even reading, or reviewing maps and notes. He will surprise her by just appearing and making her jump three feet in the air and yelp with a shriek. There goes the pencil across the room.

Who makes the other pinky promise not to do certain things? Both of them do more than likely, in their own ways. Having come across horrifying events of loved ones and knowing that each other will walk headlong into the worst of dangers. Promise not to leave the other alone in the end.

Who puts a blanket over the other when they fall asleep on the couch? While the sleeping habits are complete garbage, it can not be helped that more likely it is Yang that falls asleep on the couch even if she tries to maintain awakeness. So it'd be Scorpion/Hanzo to put the blanket over her and make sure she stays warm.

[honeyhan-123]

Patience is a Virtue

Summary: Steve is done being patient and decides just to take what he wants.

Warnings: This is non-con/dub-con - if you don’t like please don’t read it - dark!Steve, slight name calling, cheating and some good old sex pollen. 

AN: Okay so this was written for the amazing @darkficsyouneveraskedfor #inthedarkchallenge. Congratulations again for reaching 3k followers, I’m so happy for you. Please check out some all of her work, she truly is incredible. My prompt will be in bold.

My Masterlist 

Word Count: 2.5k

Gif Source

The mission started like any other. Steve was flying the quinjet as you sat next to him, the familiar bunch of butterflies fluttering about in your stomach. It didn’t matter how many missions you went on, you were always nervous in the beginning. Normally however you were the only one of the squad who was antsy, but it didn’t escape your notice that Steve was acting a little different as well, constantly glancing at you out of the side of his eyes. 

Flipping the jet over to auto pilot briefly, Steve stood up and headed towards the back before chucking his water bottle at you. ‘You should drink something, it might help you calm down. You’re even stressing me out.’ 

Something that felt like guilt flooded your system as you hastily drank some of the water. ‘I’m so sorry Cap, I just can’t help it. It happens every time.’ 

‘Trust me, I know Doll, but there’s no need to stress we’ll be in and out real quick.’ Feeling slightly reassured by his words and accompanying smile he flashed in your direction,  you just focussed on drinking some more to help put you at ease as you watched the little red dot get closer and closer on the map, nearing your destination.

+

Steve landed the quinjet in a nearby clearing, just under a mile out from the building you were meant to search. Apparently someone had tried to hack into the Avengers computer files that morning from this place. Grabbing your gear you disembarked, switching on the heat sensor as you started trekking towards the building. 

‘Are you sure Tony said the source was coming from here?’ You asked Steve as you approached the worn down pillars where a gate would have once stood, the heat sensor in your hand still not showing anything. 

You thought it was kind of odd that Tony didn’t say anything directly to you, seeing as you had spent the morning cocooned in each other, but you just shrugged the thought away,  it had probably happened after he had left for Washington. 

‘Yeah he definitely said it was here. I know it doesn’t look like much but keep your guard up.’ Steve confirmed, passing through the gate and up the short driveway only pausing briefly to check that you were still with him before kicking the door open. 

Just like you had expected it was empty, not a soul in sight as you cleared floor after floor with Steve covering your six. You only stopped moving when you had reached the top floor which seemed to be some kind of bedroom.  

‘According to this the source came from here, have a look around, see if they left anything.’ You nodded, following Steve’s orders as he headed to the other side of the room searching for something. 

Sweat had started dripping down your forehead, your face was flushed as you made your way towards the adjacent bathroom. Whoever had been here before had clearly cranked the heat up, far too high. 

There was still no evidence that anyone else had even been there, and as you walked back to the bedroom to tell Steve you thought the mission was a bust, you found him sitting on the bedspread, unstrapping his shield from his large bicep before taking out his earpiece. 

‘Uh Cap, what are you doing? Shouldn’t we be focussing on the mission?’ You remained motionless in the doorway of the bathroom as he raised himself to his full height, his large, perfect body coming closer and closer to you with every stride. 

‘How are you feeling Doll?’ He asked, ignoring your confusion as he came within arm distance. ‘Not too hot?’ 

‘Well, I mean I feel a bit hot but I’m pretty sure it’s just nerves. Something about this doesn’t feel right though, I mean it’s obvious no one has been here for at least a week. I think we should leave.’

He let out a laugh at your reply, shaking his head. ‘But we can’t leave yet Doll, not when the fun is just about to start.’ The sinister look in Steve’s eyes held you fixed in place, terror slowly suffocating you. Something was definitely not right.

‘Steve what do you mean? What’s going on?’ 

He just smiled mockingly at you as you tried to pull your arm out of his unyielding grip. ‘Do you know how long this took to set up?’ He asked, running a hand through his golden locks.  Finding that stuff isn’t exactly easy you know? Most of it was incinerated when we raided all those Hydra bases last year but I finally got my hands on a small little sample. Had to call in a lot of favours but at last, here we are.’ 

You had no idea what on earth he was talking about but you were starting to become genuinely concerned about what was going on. 

‘Do you know how long I’ve wanted you for? How often I’ve thought about fucking your sweet wet cunt as I came in my hand. Even while I was with other women it was always you. You invaded my mind took a hold of me and I tried waiting, being a good guy, hoping that you would eventually notice how much better I am for you than he is. But you never fucking did and I’m done being patient.’ 

As Steve spoke you could feel yourself really starting to panic now, on the verge of hyperventilating as your skin continued to heat up, pain erupting in your abdomen. 

‘What are you doing Steve? What have you done to me?’ You managed to rasp out between deep breaths, the room swimming behind your eyes. 

Steve just laughed at your fear, stepping even closer as he wrapped an arm you. ‘I see it’s already starting to take effect. Come here and I’ll help you deal with the pain.’ 

You knew that you shouldn't but feeling his arm around you had alleviated some of the agnony so you stepped even closer, pushing you front against him. A moan escaped your lips as the relief came just from being so close to him but you wanted more. You wanted him, you thought with a start as you realised just how damp your panties were becoming underneath your combat suit. 

‘You want me don’t you? Don’t bother trying to deny it, I can smell it on you.’ Shame filled you as you knew he was telling the truth, what with his super senses there was no way he couldn’t smell the traces of your liquid arousal. 

But still you resisted, trying to twist out of his embrace, thinking of Tony, the love of your life. ‘No, Steve, we can’t. It’s not right.’ 

He paid your refusal no attention as his steel grip tightened even further, his fingers bruising your hips even through the padding of your combat suit. ‘Oh Sweetheart, it’ll be so much easier if you just stop resisting and accept it. This is going to happen whether or not you admit you want it.’ 

With that he started pulling the zip at your back down, forcing your arms out of the material until it was pooled at your waist, exposing the bra you wore underneath. It wasn’t anything special, just a basic black sports bra yet the way Steve was devouring it only added to the ache between your thighs as he pulled it up, over your head and pushed your suit down, stooping to free you from your boots. 

He paused, stepping back to observe you, standing in front of him, more perfect than he could ever have imagined. He could really smell your arousal now with just the scrap of lace covering your heat as he watched your pert nipples moving slightly as you breathed deeply. He wanted this image in his mind for all eternity, you desperate, yearning for him, for the relief only he could give you. Waiting had been worth it. 

Steve wasted no time in freeing himself from his restricting uniform as you stood there, your need clear in your eyes as you caught sight of his perfect chest and the sharp v that lead down to his little happy tail. You knew it was wrong, that you had a boyfriend but the voice telling you to lick that trail of hair was far too overpowering. You needed him. You needed him now.

Once he was out of his uniform he was on you, touching, feeling, kissing, every inch of skin that he could. His mouth met yours, teeth clashing in his desperation to taste you, shoving his tongue inside your lips as he lead you back towards the bed, shedding his boxers in the process and ripping the lace covering your modesty. 

You back bounced against the soft pillows at he threw you down, climbing on top of you as a hunter does their prey. Hip lips met your skin again, starting down at your ankles, making a tantalizing slow ascent up your leg as you writhed underneath him, pure unadulterated want flowing through your veins. 

When he finally reached his destination, your pussy was sopping with your juices, shining even in the dim light of the bedroom. ‘Steve please… I need you.’ You tangled your fingers in his hair, trying to push him down on your cunt but he pulled away, far stronger than you and smacking your inner thigh. 

‘Oh no Sweetheart, you don’t get to make the demands around here. And you will call me Captain.’ You clenched at the authoritative tone he used and he gave you no warning before pushing a finger in your tight wet heat while his mouth descended again, attaching itself to your clit. 

His fingers curled inside of you, providing some relief from the ache you had been feeling but not enough as he searched for your g-spot while his tongue flicked over your clit mercilessly. You wanted him, his cock buried inside of you. 

When you let out an inhumane moan he knew he had found it and being the perfect marksman, hit it with every thrust of his fingers, driving you closer and closer to the edge. ‘Captain, yes! Right there. Oh God Captain.’ You were a mewling mess as he pleased you, finally coming apart with one last flick of his tongue. 

He finished lapping up your juices and sat up on his haunches, teasingly raising his fingers up to his mouth, sucking on them as he watched you, coming down from your high. ‘Oh sweetheart, you’re just too tasty. I could eat you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My god, how Tony ever leaves your side I have no fucking idea. When you’re mine I’m going to chain you to my bed.’ 

He lent back down, his lips covering yours and you could taste the slight remnants of yourself on his lips. You felt him prod at your entrance as you raised your hips, coating him in your slik as he moaned above you before thrusting into you feeling a little resistance despite your desperation. He was much larger than Tony and oh god did it feel good.

He started thrusting, not quite giving you enough time to adjust but you liked the pain it caused. It grounded you, telling you that this was real and as wrong as you knew it was, it just felt so right. 

Once again finding your sweet spot, Steve started picking up his pace, his skin slapping yours as he delved deeper and deeper into you. ‘You feel so good, so tight baby, the way you take my cock; god it feels so good.’ 

He fucked you relentlessly into the mattress as your hands ran down his back, fingernails leaving little red scars as you clung to him, pulling his body closer chasing the new sensation building within yourself. 

The speed and strength at which he snapped his hips into yours had you turning into a mewling mess as he continued growling in your ear all the dirty things he wanted to do to you. 

‘Come on baby. I know your close, cum for your Captain.’ 

The friction of his pelvis against your clit had you coming undone underneath him, fingernails drawing blood as your cried out. ‘Captain yes oh god yes.’ 

Not even bothering to give you time to calm down, he pulled and flipped you around, forcing you onto your hands and knees as he rentered you, getting even deeper in this new position. His hands gripped your already bruising hips as he pummeled into you, abusing your hole as he saw fit. 

One hand escaped and trailed around your stomach to your clit, rubbing your over sensitive bundle of nerves with his fingers. ‘Tell me Sweetheart, does he fuck you like this? Does he know how badly you need to be controlled? How you crave it?’ 

You knew that you would be betraying Tony if you said no but it was the truth. He never fucked you like this, with such pure passion. You two always made love which was nice but sometimes you needed to be treated like a dirty little slut and Steve was showing you just how well he knew the real you, the version you kept hidden from everyone.

You felt his hand smack your ass, pushing you forward, your face shoved into the pillows. ‘You will answer when your Captain asks you a question.’ 

Shaking your head in a frenzy you replied that Tony didn’t, he never touched you like this. 

Steve was clearly happy at your confirmation and continued toying with your clit, pulling you closer and closer to the edge, his hips slightly stuttering and you knew he was as close as you were. 

As if sensing your impending release, he smacked you again, ‘you can’t cum. Not yet.’ 

A whimper fell through your lips at his denial of your pleasure, the wave slowly rising in you as you tried to hold back, tried to be a good girl, but it was becoming increasingly harder as he continued pumping into you, his fingers matching the pace his hips set. 

‘Please Captain, I n-need to cum. Please!’ You practically screamed as he shoved you down, lying you flat, the silk sheets replacing his hand at your clit. 

‘Okay baby, now. Cum now.’ His tone alone could have had you cumming and you could faintly feel his own release coating your insides as wave after wave of pleasure crashed through you. 

Remaining inside you, he gently rolled you over on your side, his arms wrapping around you, squeezing the buds of your nipples and you could feel as he started to get hard again. His tongue licked a path from your shoulder to the base of your ear, tasting the sweat that covered your skin, a sound of contentment escaping his lips. 

‘You’re my dirty little girl aren’t you?’

He didn’t even need to prompt you for a response as the words tumbled out of your mouth before you could stop them. 

‘Yes Captain.’ 

[cicada-bones]

The Warrior and the Embers

Chapter 13: Letters

Masterlist / Ao3 / Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

Rowan lived up to his word and forced the princess to pull double duty in the kitchens. So she worked both the breakfast and the dinner shifts that week, leaving her exhausted and aching and irritable. But she took to the work well, not seeming to feel the punishment as it had been intended. Which irritated him.

Though he had a much better understanding of the girl, he still hadn’t figured out a way to turn that knowledge into anything useful. Therefore, every afternoon they sat for hours in the pouring rain while the princess tried and failed to find a way around those iron bars in her mind.

The girl was still infuriating, still arrogant and impudent and wild, but he didn’t hate her as much as he had before. If he had cared to think about it, he would have probably characterized his feelings as an antagonistic dislike.

She still aggravated him, and he still goaded her right back. But he understood her better now, and found that he couldn’t hate her.

No more dead demi-Fae turned up, but Rowan still spent every morning searching the woodlands and digging through papers for leads. He didn’t make any progress. The maps and missives just stared back at him, blank and unhelpful, while the forests remained infuriatingly empty.

But one morning, Rowan received news through the fortress courier.

Fenrys was back in Doranelle, having finished his assignment in Varese. And apparently, he missed irritating Rowan to death.

Rowan –

I arrived in Doranelle just this week. I didn’t realize you would still be at Mistward, or I might have stopped there on my way back. Not that I miss your pretty face – I just need to collect on the favor I did for you in Varese. You owe me.

Connall and I are the only ones currently in the capital, so there won’t be much help coming your way (we drew straws, and I received the absolutely wonderful pleasure of responding to your very thoughtful and not-at-all-grouchy message).

Lorcan is now with fleet along the southern coast, pushing east towards the rebel camps. As you know, it’ll be unlikely that he responds in time to actually be helpful – if at all. Vaughan is still on the other side of the world, doing whatever the hell Maeve asked him to do there, so there’s almost no chance of you reaching him. But I’m sure you knew that.

Gavriel on the other hand, we just got word from – he will be returning within the month, back from the outpost on the northern edge of the Cambrian Mountains. The soldiers he was stationed with were all killed – slaughtered by a band of rogues sometime after midwinter. He tracked the killers to their base, and executed their leader. But still, those were soldiers Gavriel had known for decades, some even longer. You actually probably knew some of their names, but I don’t, so I can’t relay them to you.

In his message, Gavriel said that he was looking for you, and had visited Lord Siarill’s court in the east where he thought you were still stationed. But of course, you weren’t there, and after checking with Lorcan in the south, he said he would be returning. I tried to send a letter his way, but we’ll see if he gets it.

Neither me, nor my brother, know anything – there have been no reports here of any strange bodies, missing people, or of whatever that dark creature was.

Are you sure that the bodies aren’t just from normal crime? Fae gone bad? And about that creature – you never actually saw anything, right? Just a weird darkness?

Maybe another Fae has been blessed by Hellas and is raging across the countryside. Though it’s hard to imagine anyone more unstable than Lorcan. Perhaps he’s just in a mood and decided to take it out on his demi-Fae cousins. I certainly wouldn’t put it past him. Lorcan could probably dry someone up into a husk if he wanted to.

I refrained from asking our dear mistress, assuming that if you got that desperate, you could very well ask her yourself. Good luck with that.

I will, however, search through the library for you, but I doubt I’ll find anything helpful. What you had to say was too vague, and far too reliant on your own experience with the creature, rather than its identity, characteristics, or history – and you know what it’s like in there. Impossible to find anything you’re looking for even under the best of circumstances.

Let me know if anything interesting happens, its dead boring here – as per usual. Could use an evil demon creature to spice things up. Perhaps I could even set it on Connall – he certainly could use a good sharp shock. Brooding bastard.

Hope you’re enjoying training that pretty princess, because if you aren’t, I’d be glad to take your place. I’ve heard she’s fiery. Sounds like fun if I’ve ever heard of it.

Let me know of any developments, I will do the same –

Fenrys

Rowan’s jaw was clenched the whole time he read the letter.

Even so, he knew that the boastful male did actually care about the lives of the demi-Fae, and would help him if he could.

Not that it meant that he was excited to repay the favor the male thought he was owed – the last time Fenrys had called in a favor, the pair of them had woken up in an abandoned cottage nearly ten miles away from where they’d been staying, soaking wet, short two purses full of gold coin, and absolutely no memory of the night before.

Fenrys still told the story at every possible opportunity.

Rowan growled at the paper in his hands, forcing his thoughts away from the infuriating male. Instead they fell on Gavriel. Which honestly wasn’t that much better.

Rowan had known many of the soldiers in Gavriel’s company. Many of them had families, had mates that would now be mourning them. The emptiness in his chest twisted.

Rowan drafted a quick reply, relaying the information he had gathered on the appearance of the new bodies, as well as the inferences he had been able to make about the dark creature. It wasn’t much.

A few days later, another surprise. Lorcan had also received his letter, and bothered to respond.

Whitethorn –

So you ended up training the girl. My condolences.

I’ve never heard of anything remotely similar to whatever this creature is. It doesn’t sound like anything blessed by Hellas, or by any other of the gods. Are you sure that it isn’t just the skinwalkers?

I am still in the southeast, the rebels are proving harder to put down that originally thought. Don’t bother me again for anything unimportant.

– Lorcan Salvaterre

Rowan’s face twisted into a frown. Well, at least he’d responded at all.

Each evening he listened to Emrys’ stories, usually hidden beneath the stairs just out of sight. The girl's black eye and split lip had begun to fade, while her limbs had strengthened, her skin regained some color, and in general, she began to look healthier. More human.

Perhaps because of that fact, he didn’t overhear any more worried conversations between Emrys or Malakai, nor did he catch any strange looks from them. Though the girl still kept away from others in the fortress, it seemed that she was settling in to life at Mistward.

Nightmares still plagued Rowan, and every morning he was jerked from sleep well before dawn, sweat coating his limbs and images flashing behind his eyes. But occasionally, something different flickered through his mind. A set of lips, the taste of jasmine, a flicker of flame –

Whenever that happened, Rowan threw himself into the misty wind, coating himself in its icy touch and locking those thoughts away where he didn’t have to deal with them.

A week after the incident with the skinwalkers, Rowan collected the girl from the kitchens at noon as usual, and they made their daily trek up the mountain to the temple ruins, the girl’s mortal pace somehow having become even more irritating with time.

It was unusually sunny that day, and the echo of the power within the temple stones felt stronger, richer than usual. As did the girl’s. Not that it seemed to make any difference with her shifting.

They sat for just over two hours, mostly silent among the glowing stones, before the girl stood, groaning. She paced for moment, her hands on her hips, studying the stones.

She looked around as if she could feel the effect of Mala’s touch as well, could hear the whispered prayers of long-dead worshippers, begging the goddess for her blessing.

She broke through the heavy silence. “What was this place, anyway?”

Rowan dogged her steps, leashing his irritation at the impertinent question. “The Sun Goddess’s temple.”

She cocked her head. “You’ve been bringing me here because you think it might help with mastering my powers – my shifting?”

He nodded faintly.

The girl turned and placed her hand on the stones, soaking up their warmth, lost in thought. Only the vague outline of the temple remained, the barest imprint of a brick path, crumbling pillars strewn about like abandoned toys.

For some reason, its loss saddened him. An ancient place of fire and worship, destroyed and forsaken by time.

The princess broke through his reverie unexpectedly, “Mab was immortalized into godhood thanks to Maeve,” she ran a hand down the jagged block, musing aloud. “But that was over five hundred years ago. Mala had a sister in the moon long before Mab took her place.”

Deanna and Mala, sisters and eternal rivals, keepers of the sun and the moon. “Deanna was the original sister’s name. But you humans gave her some of Mab’s traits. The hunting, the hounds.”

“Perhaps Deanna and Mala weren’t always rivals.”

Rowan cocked his head. “What are you getting at?”

She just shrugged, running her pale fingers over the white granite. “Did you ever know Mab?”

He was quiet for a long moment, considering.

“No,” he said at last. “I am old, but not that old.”

“Do you feel old?”

The question was pointed, but not aggressive. She wasn’t asking as a challenge, or a taunt. For some reason, she wanted to know. It was a question to seek understanding, not dominance.

So he answered. “I am still considered young by the standards of my kind.”

She did not relent. “You said that you once campaigned in a kingdom that no longer exists. You’ve been off to war several times, it seems, and seen the world. That would leave its mark. Age you on the inside.”

Curiosity broke though him, threading its way through his ice like roots pushing into the earth. He turned his gaze towards her, “Do you feel old?”

She met his gaze calmly, measured and quiet as she considered the question. “These days, I am very glad to be a mortal, and to only have to endure this life once. These days, I don’t envy you at all.”

Her words were heavy things laid at his feet. But still, that curiosity did not let up. “And before?”

She turned away, looking at the distant horizon. “I used to wish I had a chance to see it all – and hated that I never would.”

The burden of royalty – of an heir. A burden he had never felt, though he was a prince. Before Lyria, he had passed his life attempting to escape just such a trap as the princess had been born into. But after her death, he had sold himself into his own gilded cage. It was strange - in a way, they were almost similar, both trapped.

Rowan formed another question, but before he could ask it, the girl spoke again, sidetracking him. “Is this where the stags were kept – before this place was destroyed?”

Just last night, Emrys had told the story of the sun stags, ancient beings who held an immortal flame between their massive antlers, so similar to their cousins in the west. The stags of Terrasen. They had once been stolen from a temple in this land, never to be seen again.

“I don’t know. This temple wasn’t destroyed; it was abandoned when the Fae moved to Doranelle, and then ruined by time and weather.”

“Emrys’ stories said destroyed, not abandoned.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Again, what are you getting at?”

She paused. Then shook her head at the ground and said, “The Fae on my continent—in Terrasen … they weren’t like you. At least, I don’t remember them being that way. There weren’t many, but …” She swallowed hard. “The King of Adarlan hunted and killed them, so easily. Yet when I look at you, I don’t understand how he did it.”

His mouth twisted into a frown. All those lives, snuffed out, because of one man’s cruelty. For the first time, he was angry at his queen for her pettiness, for her refusal to send aid. It wasn’t only this girl’s fault that Terrasen had fallen – he should have been there. Should have helped.

“I’ve never been to your continent, but I heard that the Fae there were gentler – less aggressive, very few trained in combat – and they relied heavily on magic. Once magic was gone from your lands, many of them might not have known what to do against trained soldiers.”

“And yet Maeve wouldn’t send aid.” Her jaw was clenched, her brow furrowed.

“The Fae of your continent long ago severed ties with Maeve.” He paused again, unsure why he was justifying, but still unwilling to admit to this foreign princess that his queen had been wrong, and needlessly cruel. “But there were some in Doranelle who argued in favor of helping. My queen wound up offering sanctuary to any who could make it here.”

She seemed to sigh, closing her eyes for only a moment as she stepped away from the ancient carvings and back to her usual spot, the scent of her boundless grief and guilt and ache wafting from her like a perfume.

They sat in silence until twilight descended and they returned to the keep, night blanketing them in its heavy folds.

···

Masterlist / Ao3 / Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[scribbling-stiks]

Puppets - XXXIX - Desperate Ease

Russia limps alongside Texas. He felt so tired. He drags his feet forward, and Texas shuffles beside him. He begins nodding off, and his head dips forward. He stumbles, and his arms flail out. He squints at the light blue light reflecting off the wall.

'Rest,' his mind demands.

'Walk,' he responds.

He's tempted to ask America to stop for a moment but initially shakes it off. His leg throbs and his arms hang at his sides. The world blurs to black. He forces his eyes open.

With every step, it gets harder to keep his eyes open. Soft dripping echoes from somewhere below. He blinks sluggishly. He swallows.

"America?" Russia mumbles. His voice is much quieter than he expected.

America doesn't respond.

"Meri?" Russia calls.

"Huh?" America replies, turning his head.

"Can we rest? *Please?*"

"Yeah. I... yeah."

"But we have to keep moving," Finland argues.

"We ain't gonna get too far if Ruski over here passes out," Texas retorts.

Finland scoffs. Russia wants to glare at her, but he doesn't have the energy to hold his head up.

"I think we should take a bit of a break," Canada agrees.

"If we are going to stop, we should do it somewhere less visible," Finland relents.

Russia stumbles after their talking. When they stop walking, he squints and meets America's eyes. Scanning around, he sees Canada setting Massachusetts onto the ground next to Texas and Philippines.

He falls to the ground and slumps back against one of the rock pillars behind him. He winces when his head hits the stone. He sinks back. He hears someone sit next to him. He opens one eye and sees America sitting beside him.

Purple overtakes blue, and Louisiana stands up with Finland.

"We will keep watch," Finland says.

"Us girls got it from here. Get some sleep. Y'all need it," Louisiana adds.

Russia shifts. He kicks up and pushes against the pillars. He pulls his legs up to his chest, and he hugs them. He tries to doze off, but his mind focuses on the rocks prodding his back. He grits his teeth. He drops his arms and kicks his aching legs out. He feels too exhausted to find a better place to sit, but he feels too restless to sleep.

"Are you okay?" America asks quietly.

"I'm just uncomfortable," Russia mumbles back.

"Come 'ere," America says.

Russia feels his face grow a little warm. He meets America's eyes. America smiles. America leans into a corner between the strange pseudo wall and the wall of the cave. Russia leans over, and America pulls him in. Russia tenses when America hugs him to his chest. His eyes shoot open, and his face burns. He couldn't help noticing that he's positioned in America's lap.

Russia takes a deep breath and tries to distract himself. He stares up at the purple-tinged ceiling. He leans his head back onto America's chest and listens to his heartbeat. He closes his eyes and listens.

Strong.

Steady.

Warm.

Rest.

Russia groggily opens his eyes when someone gently shakes him awake.

"Hey, You gotta wake up."

America's chest vibrates as he speaks.

Russia shifts. His mind feels fuzzy. He feels warm. He pulls away and sits up.

"Come on. Louisiana wants us to keep watch."

Russia looks around and realizes he's sitting against America's leg. He scrambles away, feeling flustered. He hurriedly stands up and dusts himself off. America stands beside him.

"Hey, I'm not that scary," America teases.

Russia laughs nervously.

"Come on," America says with a smile.

They walk around the pillars, and Russia sees Louisiana sitting on the floor and Finland standing nearby.

"You guys can go get some rest. We got it from here," America says, summoning a ball of light.

Russia paces around the area and grows antsy. He hasn't heard anything strange, but the lack of conflict feels out of place. He also notices that America nervously fidgets with his clothes.

"Ya know, with all this. There was one thing that I didn't realize would be a big deal," America says suddenly.

"What are you talking about?" Russia says, eager to take his mind off the unnerving silence around them.

"I knew I would miss the kids—God, what I wouldn't do to get out of here and go home. I'd bring those dumb***es with me, of course. I knew when I left that I would miss them. But I didn't realize how much I would miss the sky."

America leans against a cave wall, facing the states, but looking up. Russia walks closer and stands nearby, listening with interest.

"'cause I miss it. Not just the sky, though. Just.. everything about it. Outer space is so free. So open. And the stars are beautiful."

America goes quiet for a moment before continuing.

"And the moon. I always loved the moon. It was amazing. I'd watch it every night with Canada until one of us falls asleep. Canada never really liked it too much, but he didn't wanna be alone."

America chuckles.

"My people made it up there."

Russia doesn't miss the tone of the wonder in his voice.

"But mine were the first ones in space," Russia replies with a smirk.

"Oh shut up," America replies, shoving Russia's shoulder. Russia laughs.

"I'm sure your dad hates me for being the first one on the moon," America reflects with a grin.

"No."

"Really?"

"Well, he was mad, but not really at you or your people. He was more frustrated that he couldn't do it first. He took it out on you."

America laughs.

They fall quiet. Russia scans his surroundings and strains his ears for out of place sounds, but static-y fuzz fills his mind, and his eyes cause shadows to dance.

"Do you like the stars?" America asks, his voice slicing through the static.

"Not as much as my father, but I did find them interesting. The constellations were fun to map out."

America chuckles. Another thought comes to mind, and Russia almost immediately dismisses it for his pride's sake. But after a short pause, he finds himself blurting it out to fill the space in the conversation.

"The only reason I started mapping out constellations was because my Papa loved mapping out the stars, and I wanted to be just like him when I was young," Russia admits, averting his eyes. He feels an embarrassed smile creep across his face.

"Awww! How cute!" America coos playfully.

Russia feels his face grow even warmer, and he tucks his head against his chest. He regrets saying anything.

"Speaking of your dad, how old is he anyways? He said something cryptic before, something like 'I'm older than you know,' or something like that."

"It is complicated."

"What do you mean 'it's complicated?'"

"Well, most countries are 'born' shortly before they are established."

"Yeah... and?"

"Well, my father was one of the exceptions. He was... 'allies' with the Russian Empire, but I think the Russian Empire was older than him. I believe the flag he wore at the time was that of the merchants. I'm not sure about the details. My father doesn't speak much about when he was young, but he was at least a few hundred years old before he took the 'USSR' flag and emblem. I only have fuzzy memories of what we looked like when I was young. But the old portraits do show that he didn't always have his current flag."

"Huh. Never would've guessed."

Russia shrugs.

"I've asked about his changing of flags, but he always said that it was normal for a country to go through a few flags," Russia comments.

"Huh."

Russia glances at America's face, and he doesn't seem so happy anymore. America's face looks sad. The expression reminds Russia of children orphaned in war times. A look of loneliness and longing.

"What's wrong?"

America looks over and offers a grin.

"It's nothing, Russ. Don't worry about it. I'm just gonna sit down if that's all good with you."

"Go ahead."

Russia remains on his feet and paces around the small area that America illuminates.

'It's too quiet.'

He supposes he should be grateful, but suspicion and anxiety grow in place of terror.

'I want to see my family again,' Russia thinks.

'I have to get out of here.'

He looks back at America and the people sleeping just behind the short rock wall.

'I have to get us out of here.'

~

Next

Previous

Table of Contents

[krizaland]

Hey so like you can completely ignore this but I just wanted to share an idea that I think would make a cool fic. So Dib’s best friend has a huge crush on him and wants him to notice her, but of course Zim is always in the way. She is like hella jealous of Zim and decides that the only way to get Dib to notice her is to try to take over earth before Zim. I know you normally don’t write (Y/N) being an antagonist but I thought it was a cool take. Sorry to bother you💕💕💕💕

Oooh! Sounds spicy! I LOVE IT! Let’s shake it up!!

You and Dib have been friends since you were kids. As time went on, your feelings blossomed into a huge crush.

Everyday you tried to tell Dib how you felt but he seemed oblivious every time.

You tried to give him meat on Valentine’s Day, Dib assumed it was a friendly gesture.

You asked him to go to dinner at a fancy restaurant, he assumed you wanted to go as friends!

It felt like no matter how hard you tried, you could never escape the friend zone!

The only one that seemed to catch Dib’s full attention, was Zim.

You knew Zim was an alien from the start. His disguise was terrible! It was just contacts and a wig!

He wasn’t even subtle about his plans! He was always talking about how humans were inferior and how he would take over the Earth!

You thought Zim was a terrible Invader but Dib was convinced that he was humanity’s greatest threat.

Every conversation with Dib was always ‘Zim did this’ or ‘I’m gonna expose Zim like that’.

Eventually even just the mere mention of his name was enough to make your blood boil!

Why was Zim the only thing Dib could focus on?! He should be focusing on you, his soon-to-be lover!

The last straw was the day before the Skool Dance.

“Hey Dib! I’ve got a question for you!” You chirped as you gave Dib a wink.

“Sure, what’s up?” Dib asked as he raised a brow.

“I was wondering if…You’d like to go to the dance with me?” You tried to give him the most flirty expression you could muster.

“That’s a great idea, Y/N!”

The sound of Dib’s excitement made your eyes light up.

“Really?!”

“Yes! If we go to the dance, we can expose Zim in front of the entire Skool!”

Your face fell the moment those words left Dib’s lips. You knew that Dib’s response was too good to be true.

“Dib, look, I know that you want to expose Zim a-and I’m totally supportive of that It’s just…..Wouldn’t you like to take a break from all that? Just for one night?” You asked as you tried remain calm.

“Heroes never take breaks, Y/N! I won’t rest until I’ve saved the world! I’ll see ya at 7!”

And with that, Dib trotted off to class.

Your left eye twitched as your face turned bright red. Your fists coiled into tight balls as your breathing grew heavy.

Why was everything always about saving the stupid Earth?! Other humans were terrible! They bullied and belittled him everyday! Not to mention other humans have already destroyed most of the planet.

The rain was so polluted that the puddles were brown! The Skool straight up served toxic waste for lunch that day!

The skies were yellow and the air was hard to breathe! What was so special about the Earth?! You started to wish Zim would just take over already so Dib would stop caring so much about the Earth and instead, focus on you!

It was then you had an idea. An awful, nasty idea.

Why should Zim be the one to take over the Earth? Even if he’s successful, Dib will still be more focused on him than you!

If Dib only cared about the one who wanted to take over the Earth, then you would be the only one allowed to do so.

Heck, it could even be for the best! Maybe you could finally clean up the Earth and make it a better place to live!

You let out a maniacal laugh as you began your mission to take over the Earth.

You tried your best to remain as subtle as possible. After all, you didn’t want Dib to hate you!

You decided to listen intently whenever Dib rambled about Zim’s latest plan.

You even hacked into a few of Dib’s cameras so you could spy on Zim and steal his ideas.

“Yes! My plan to pollute the Earth’s atmosphere with Hot Cheezo dust is almost complete! All that’s left do to is attach the tanker of dust to the Voot Cruiser and launch it into the Earth’s atmosphere!” Zim cackled as he threw his arms high into the air.

“Really? Polluting the Earth’s atmosphere with Hot Cheezo dust? That’s his plan? That’s just stupid,” You looked over at one of your favorite pictures of Dib sitting on your desk, “Still, if this is what I gotta do to make you notice me, then by god this is what I’m gonna do!”

And with that, you slipped into your closet and put on your darkest clothes. You then threw on a ski mask, packed a black backpack, and prepared to infiltrate Zim’s base.

You stormed over to Zim’s base and dove into the bushes.

“Alright, I hope Dib doesn’t notice that I stole his map of Zim’s base.” You whispered to yourself as you pulled out a map from your backpack.

After carefully studying the map, you discovered your way in.

“Aha! There! A blind spot in his gnome field! All I gotta do is dig behind that gnome and I’ll be set!” You whispered as you pointed to the blind spot on the map.

You let out a giggle as you put the map back into your backpack and crept out of the bushes.

It didn’t take long for you to find the blind spot.

After what felt like hours of digging, you finally managed to make it inside the base!

However, you didn’t have time to celebrate for the moment you climbed out of the hole you dug-

BREEEP! BREEEP! BREEEEP!

“SECURITY BREACH! INTRUDER ALERT!”

“Oh god, could this get any worse?” You huffed as you felt sweat pour down your cheeks.

“AN INTRUDER?! How can this be?! Computer! bring the intruder to me!”

The sound of Zim’s angry screeching made your blood run cold.

“I should’ve kept my mouth shut!” You grunted as you frantically looked around the room.

You let out a sigh of relief when you noticed a large pillar behind you.

Wasting no time, you climbed the pillar and dove into the sea of wires on the ceiling.

The base’s tentacles tried to grab you but you were much faster.

You swung from wire to wire like a rabid monkey looking for a banana.

It wasn’t long before you reached the Voot Cruiser landing pad.

There you found Zim, angrily pacing around the Voot Cruiser and muttering what you assumed were Irken profanities.

“ARGH! What is taking my computer so long?! Normally the intruder would’ve been captured by now!” Zim ranted as he continued to pace.

You stifled a giggle as you slowly crept towards the Voot Cruiser.

It seemed that Zim was so focused on capturing you that he had left the Voot Cruiser open! What luck!

Wasting no time, you hopped into the Voot and locked yourself inside.

“What the- HEY! GET OUT OF MY SHIP!” Zim snapped as he zipped over to you.

You blew Zim a raspberry as you pulled out more notes you stole from Dib.

“Let’s see, how to fly an Irken Ship. How to fly an Irken- Ah! there!” You squealed as you pointed to the instructions.

“GET OUT OF THE SHIP OF ZIM!” Zim commanded as he banged on the Voot’s windshield.

You simply rolled your eyes and continued to read as Zim continued to bang away at the windshield.

“Alright! I think I’ve got it figured out!”  

BEEP!

WHIRR!

CRASH!

You turned on the Voot’s engines and blasted out of the base.

You and Zim screamed in unison as you struggled to control the ship.

The Voot was swerving and shaking as the tanker of Hot Cheezo dust waved in the air like a flag.

You began to press as many buttons as your fingers could find.

BREEP!

HONK! HONK!

CLANG! CLANG!

The Voot’s lights flashed and its horns honked but it refused to slow down.

“C’mon! C’mon! Slow down! Slow down please!” You begged as you continued to press buttons.

“I COMMAND YOU TO SLOW DOWN AT ONCE!” Zim roared as he held onto the Voot for dear life.

As you and Zim continued to panic, you managed to find one last button.

BEEP!

SCREE!

You slammed down onto the button and the Voot screeched to a stop.

Both you and Zim let out a sigh of relief.

However, it was far too early to celebrate-

CRASH!

The Voot plummeted into the ground, right in front of Dib’s house.

CLANG!

BOOOOOM!

The tanker of Hot Cheezo dust collided into the Voot and exploded in all directions! Coating everything in a bright orange blanket of dust.

“EJECT PROTOCOL INTITATED!”

FWOMP!

You were ejected into the sea of Hot Cheezo dust.

The sound of all the commotion caused Dib to rush out of his house to investigate.

“What the- What’s going on here?!”

Zim let out a weary groan as he poked his head out of the sea of Hot Cheezo dust.

He coughed up the excess dust and started to scream as the Hot Cheezo dust begun to invade his eyes.

“Zim! I should’ve known you were the one behind all this!” Dib growled as he snapped a finger in Zims direction.

“NOOO! NO! ZIM DIDN’T DO ANY OF THIS!”

Dib let out a gasp as you jumped out of the Hot Cheezo dust.

“I was the one who did all of this!” You snarled as you ripped off your ski mask.

“Y/N?!” Dib and Zim exclaimed in unison.

“That’s right! I was the one who stole Zim’s ship and….covered your house in Hot Cheezo dust!” You announced as you gestured to yourself.

“B-But why, Y/N?! Why would you do something like this?!” Dib asked with a hint of sadness in his voice.

“Because…It was the only way to get you to finally pay attention to me for once!” You cried out.

“What?! What are you talking about?” Dib blinked in surprise.

“I thought that if I was the one who took over the Earth…You…You’d finally start paying attention to me and maybe even….Want to be my boyfriend.” Your voice shrank as you spoke.

“What?! You were going to take over the world….to impress me?” Dib couldn’t even believe what he was hearing!

“Yes! Because Ever since Zim said he was gonna take over the Earth he was all you could talk about! It was always ‘Zim this’ and ‘Zim that’ It was driving me crazy! You rant and rave about how no one ever notices that Zim is an alien but look at you! You never even noticed that I was in love with you! Not once! I almost outright told you but stupid Zim got in the way again! So I didn’t have any other choice!” Tears poured down your cheeks as you ranted.

“Y/N I….”

“You know what? Forget it! Forget all of it! I was such a fool to think that this was a good idea! I’ll just clean this mess up and leave you alone for the rest of your life.” You cried as you hung your head low.

“Y/N! Wait! Don’t leave me! I….I love you too!” Dib blurted out.

You felt your heart skip a beat. Did your ears deceive you?! Did Dib say what you thought he said.

“What did you just say?”

“I love you too ok!? Y/N I am so, so sorry. I didn’t know you were trying to ask me out this whole time! I just thought you wanted to hang out as friends….Oh man, I’m an idiot!” Dib blubbered as he rushed over to you.

“No Dib. The only idiot here is me. I can’t believe I honestly thought that taking over the Earth would be the way to your heart.” You let out a somber chuckle as you looked down at your feet.

“Yeah, that was pretty stupid. But it’s still my fault for being so blind to how you felt about me. Can you ever forgive me?” Dib sighed as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Well that depends….Can you forgive me?” You asked sweetly.

“Yes, I can forgive you.” Dib smiled as he playfully shook his head.

“Then in that case, I can forgive you too!” You squeaked as you pulled Dib into a tender hug.

“Hey! Where did all of this Cheezo dust come from?!”

The sound of Gaz’s angry voice cut your celebration short.

“Hey, wanna hang out at my place?” You asked nervously.

“Only if I can be your boyfriend.” Dib chuckled playfully.

And with that, you and Dib ran off to your house, leaving Zim to deal with Gaz and the Hot Cheezo dust.

[jadeile-writes]

Fanfic Progress Update 101

Hello, my readers. I’m shocked at the fact that it’s the end of January already, I swear it’s only been at most two weeks of 2021 at this point. Whoever is stealing the time, stop it. Anyway, stay tuned for a spoilery glimpse into the next chapter of Adventure Gone Mini at the end of the  post.  

Current WIPs:

Adventure gone Mini

Fandom: Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild / The Minish Cap

Summary: Sidon is given his very own Sheikah Slate, the first replica Purah has managed to make, and sets out to travel with Link with the intention of registering warp points for convenient travel in the future. However, when a malfunction shrinks them down to the size of bugs, and they meet  little people called the Minish, they have to change their plans from “fun adventuring” to “getting out of this mess”. Not that those two have  to exclude one another. Link/Sidon.

Progress: Chapter 47 is the current latest chapter and was posted on 6th of January. Chapter 48 is 2/3rds written, and the scheduled posting date is 3rd of February, if I can get it written by then. There’s kinda more left to write than usual at this point, so I may have to postpone by a week. We shall see.

I post a new chapter every three weeks on Wednesdays, except when I don’t manage to. These updates always include a sneak-peek for the next chapter, slowly getting longer over  the three weeks waiting period.

—–

Hah! Our afterlife is the most hilarious bushwa, dearest

Fandom: Hazbin Hotel

Summary: This is not a stand-alone story! This is a oneshot/drabble collection  in the universe as “Shit, the Radio Demon is a part of my afterlife”. Read the main story before bothering with this one.

I decided to give my readers a chance to throw Radiohusk prompts at me, and had the Afterlife-verse as an option to set the stories in. Everyone liked that, so this fic is now a thing. Enjoy the extra mischief from these two  dorks!

Progress: Chapter 28 is the current latest chapter and was posted on 27th of November. Chapter 29 has been started, and the  scheduled posting date is a Friday, once I get it written. There will be a sneak-peek on Thursday when I get it done. Still no progress - I will probably drop this soon to stop dragging it forever. I do still want to write at least one more chapter where I can say as much in the author’s notes so it’s not just me abruptly marking the fic as finished out of the blue. Tho that’ll have to wait until I get enough motivation to write it, because at the very least this fic deserves an inspired, lovingly written last chapter; not one that’s completely forced and bad.

I have 10 prompts left. Note to new people who might be looking at this: I’m not taking more prompts.

—–  

Other WIPs I’m not currently working on but intend to get back to someday:

PoE Drabbles (Pillars of Eternity)

DC Drabbles (Justice League)

Diaphanous Relations (Forgotten Realms, R.A. Salvatore’s books)

A bunch of Hazbin chapter fics, some started, some just on the idea phase

—–

That’s it for the WIPs! Here’s the promised sneak-peek into Adventure gone Mini (Note: the text may end up slightly different in the fic itself due  to more editing happening before publishing). Enjoy!  

Mini

Walking was tough. Not as tough as it had been right before his illness got the better of him, but his stamina was still diminished from the last dregs of said illness. The bog flippers felt familiar by now – finally – but the tiredness persisted and he definitely shouldn't be on his feet yet, much less trekking long distances. Link walked with his own two, heavy feet anyway, because Sidon was potentially worse off than he was now and he didn't think he could return the favour and carry Sidon, should he collapse. Mind, normally he most likely could – he was plenty strong – but not in his current, weakened state. He honestly wasn't sure anymore if he wanted to get out of the Lost Woods the right way or if he'd prefer to give up at this point. Giving up would mean the end of walking until they regrouped and set off again, while finding the way out meant still having to walk more, hungry and ill, until they reached the Minish city in the Korok Forest. He hadn't bothered looking that far ahead in the map when they still had it, so he didn't know how long it would take to get to said city after they got out of the mist. He could only hope it was closer to hours than days.

—–  

That’s it this time. See you next Saturday!

Links:

My AO3   My FFnet   My Ko-fi    Radiohusk Discord Group invitation

[clockworknightmares]

Luxury Item

@wildfaewhump​ is renowned for their amazing strings of tags, but these really got me thinking...

Vys leans against a wall, out of the way. He’s not looking for, nor inviting attention. With the simmering hatred raging under his skin, it’s getting increasingly more difficult to contain it, to not let it show in his eyes. He trusts his body language, his face, his voice. He’s trained himself for years to control those features exactly how he needs them to be, but his eyes- he still hasn’t mastered those. Not entirely. And he’s not quite certain he can even trust his voice right now.

It had started when Ostra Vulwen was testing his luck with the Queen again. Vys already has formed a high distain for the man, but the Ostra is too well connected, too powerful, (though Vys does enjoy snubbing him from time to time just to see the utter shock on his face that anyone would dare).

The Ostra may have been bragging just a little bit too loud in her presence about how superior to all other champions his champion is. Vys knows that’s a touchy subject with Rowena, she’s spent years on hers, personally perfecting him to her liking, a prized guard dog. And then there’s the little point that Rowena likes being better than everyone else in the room. She’s got a complex like that, thought Vys would never dare speak of it in anyone’s presence, much less hers.

It isn’t an uncommon practice to have private matches, but they aren’t typically held...

 ...in the middle of court.

Vys tries not to rub his nose in sympathy as Dray grabs his opponent by the hair and smashes her face into a carved stone pillar. He looks exhausted. Official matches had been held the day before and Vys can see the pain in the champions face as he moves, dodging hits and dealing them out. He’s at a disadvantage, the warrior he’s fighting is fresh and in peak form. 

She grabs Dray’s wrist and ducks, using her momentum to flip him over her back and lay him out on the tiled floor in from of her with a crack. He’s moving slower, his hits don’t have the same force behind them as they usually do. She’s tiring him out, playing her strengths, knowing he was already worn to a thread even before they started the fight. 

When Vys usually watches the fights in the arena, its not by choice and he’s always in Rowena’s private lounge- viewing from above- removed from the blood and brutality of the fight. It’s impersonal. But here, in the spotless beauty of the Queen’s court, he can see it as it truly is. A gruesome nightmare for all parties involved, save the ones who control that very nightmare. 

He twists the thin braid in his hair around his finger nervously as he watches, trying not to think back to only this morning in his chambers, when their reality felt paused- if only for a moment- and they could just exist. 

Callused fingers carefully parting strands of hair with as much delicateness as a jeweler twisting a beautiful masterpiece out of nothing to rest upon the neck of some wealthy Ostra or Ostress.

“Where I come from- we put a braid in our hair before battle. It’s considered bad luck not to.”

Dray’s accent always comes through stronger when he’s exhausted, Vys has noticed. A night’s rest has had seemingly no affect on his weariness, shoulders hunched and bandages from the night before still wrapped around his middle and patching up what looks like a jagged bite on the junction of his neck and shoulder, partially closed by the healers under Rowena’s employ.

“Then I should be the last person who wears that sort of braid”, Vys counters.“I haven’t fought a battle in my life.” Dray’s body is a map of the innumerable battles he’s endured. Innumerable- if one were to look past the thin rows of names inked into the skin on the inside of his thigh, the names of other champions he’s lost to. He always disliked that practice, but Vys never considered how cruel it truly is until he met Dray and sees how he can’t even look at his own body without wishing he hadn’t. 

Dray “hmms” and continues the braid, intricately twisting the strands in a pattern the fae doesn’t recognize. “That’s not true, you fight your own battles every day, with the Ostri. It may not be a coliseum, but it’s no less dangerous. Maybe even more dangerous. I could die by a sword, but you- if She was simply having a bad day...”

He doesn't finish that thought, but they both know what he means. Vys’ life hangs on the whim of the people he is surrounded by. His life is a luxury item, no more than Dray’s is. 

“Perhaps you’re right”, Vys concedes. He stretches, causing Dray to growl and tell him to stop moving around. 

“That’s not what you were saying last night.” He smirks and then laughs when Dray’s face goes completely red to the tips of his ears.

He’s been twisting the braid around his finger so much it’s losing its tight, even form. He’s not nervous, he can’t be. He has to be passive. Uninvested. Uninterested.

Dray’s regained the upper hand, as exhausted as he is. He has the other champion pinned to the floor as he cracks his fist into her face over and over until she stops trying to get up from the spotless marble floor, now blood-splattered. Ostra Vulwen looks sour, lip curled in the most unflattering manner, and yet Vys isn’t making up conversations in his head where he drops a remark about it most scathingly. No, he’s just focusing on letting his breathing return to normal as some aides rush forward to drag the unconscious champion away. 

Dray wipes the blood from his nose on the back of his hand, wincing when he brushes against his battered knuckles, and look up towards the throne for approval. There’s no nod, no verbal word of affirmation, just a look. But Dray knows that look. The look of “It’s enough”. Vys watches some of the tension slide out of Dray. Rowena isn’t generous with her approval, unless it’s to her own benefit, but it’s enough.

That’s all they have to be. Enough, so they don’t get tossed to the side for the next shiny object. Enough, so they can exist in those stolen moments. 

[incarnateirony]

Without maybe putting too fine a point on it, based on your observation of the way the show is headed, do you think we're moving to an ending that separates all of TFW from each other? I know the diverging of Sam and Dean's paths is a big part of their journeys, but do you think that applies to Cas (and even Jack), too? I think of all of them, I'm least clear on what the rest of Cas's journey looks like from here (beyond the Empty-that's pretty clear).

If you watch nothing else of my videos, I suggest taking the time to watch Galactic Grudge and Destiny’s Reflection. It takes about 20 minutes total, requires headphones and 1080P and yes, I understand people with audio processing hurdles or language barriers might struggle a bit but long term it maps out a path that would take several hundred pages or more to map out in text.

That disclaimer out of the way as to why I’ve arrived at this destination:

Yes.

Not entirely, nor permanently. Death is nothing to fear. Once they stop fearing death, and especially once they break the system so people aren’t auto-sorted into cages of passivity without their People and Families -- once All of the Heavens function on grand scale like, say, Ash’s bar did -- once humanity has reclaimed the throne/garden. What IS there to fear? That’s the real question.

With the video TLDR spec minded, my hot take:

Whether before or after Cas gets yeeted to the Empty (probably after), he’s due to mirror Rowena’s unbirthing of hell for a long, long list of reasons. Which sure, is her final death. But it wasn’t her end, was it?

But it’s Castiel most definitely arranging a home in which the Winchesters can have peace.

While I see Sam being the one to throw open all the doors of heaven as Chuck did hell and lead a giant MOL resistance through it to TAKE back the throne (another reason I think Cas won’t be until after the Empty, because taking heaven back is  one thing but actually stabilizing it in all the omens of what happens if God disappears or w/e is another -- we’re talking 15.20 here) (also a note, berens wrote 12.22 as a two parter alongside Dabb for 23, and Dabb also wrote Inside Man where the Bobbies revolt), Cas is probably the one going to end up with that throne. Very loosely.

Because they can’t just throw it to their kid and put the weight of the world on his shoulders, it doesn’t break anything. And Rowena has gone from Cas foil to Cas mirror over the years, and even as far as, say, The Things We Left Behind -- much less later Funeralia when she actually MEANT IT, or anything else to follow -- it’s about regret over a child that our stupid battles pretty much condemned. Sam and Dean also have a foot in this story pond but it most centrally belongs to Cas.

So while Cas chases the path of the goddess (Mary, Rowena, Amara), and Sam subverts the allfather he was tied to this season (John, Chuck and yes, even histories of Dean himself), where is Dean? Well one, Dean’s always been tied to someone fans aren’t asking enough questions about right now: Death. Who is very, very prominent this year, and I think everyone has to go rewatch Two Minutes To Midnight right now, too. Focus on more than the pizza or even “one day I’ll reap god, too”. Just focus on it all. Hell, focus on the inversion of Death finding them inconsequential to them being important. Focus on it all.

Dean has emotionally lensed parts of Chuck’s pillar this season, but that’s not really HIS, that’s what Sam was directly tied to. Dealing with daddy issues has always been a Dean thing, and part of his residual anger and hurt are what drove him and Cas apart this year, so the Chuckmara mirroring he kinda filled that emotional slot, sure. But his mytharc positioning, I’m gonna need everybody to think about that.

Dabb has spent like, 2 years teaching people that it’s fine to let go in a mature way and process your grief. Both Sam and Jack got passed a philosopher’s stone in order from Dean to Cas to (cursed aeonchild), once in 15.09 and once in 15.13. The magenta light of death is on both Dean and Cas, but largely avoids Sam, and Jack after his rebirth, while they stand over the christchild in place of Joseph and Mary.

Be it Swan Song “I can’t keep treating you like a kid anymore; you’re a grown--well, overgrown--man”, to modern “But now... you are a grown man, and I am incredibly proud of you”; it’s recognition of the child as a man. Be it Dean’s 12.22 “I saw you. Back there. You’re ready for this.” -- be it John’s “What next?” while moving on. Be it “go, mom, be happy.” be it even when she died, and they thought of bringing her back, “I saw your mother’s heaven. And she is. Happy. She’s... with John. And there’s no hurt, there’s no pain, guilt. Just joy.”

Sam’s place is on earth. His chance to have a home. A family. Dean... Dean has a family. And sure, Sam does as part of that family. But to even be a head of a home. To HAVE a wife. And a son. To finish leaving behind his legacy. Dean... has his I’m sorry.

So let’s play a game, presuming relinquishing the angel’s hold on heaven is done. Saving Cas from the empty is done. But Cas is sitting on that heaven throne while they all look different ways on what to do. Sure, Jack could revive Sam and Dean and bring them back to earth even if Cas is stuck glued to heaven like Rowena is hell. But if Dean’s done his duty AND is proud of his brother beyond duty, if the monsters are all but taken care of short of some stragglers Sam’s legacy system with Eileen can clean up. And ultimately... someone still needs to raise Jack, yes-- what does that give us?

I saw you. You’re ready for this. Now, you’re a grown-- overgrown-- man. I can’t treat you like a kid anymore.

It’s okay, dadmom. You fought for me, raised me, loved me. That’s enough. Go. Be happy. I’ve got him.

So back to “Dabb’s Dark Side of the Moon, Ash bar, megascale”, well. I’m gonna say. They’re gonna need a good hand on deck for that dream to let people find their people, to find their heaven, hell, to decide if they haven’t found their people yet and go back and try again.

It’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll See You Later. Because there’s still parts of earth they can make better. Every day they can make it better. And once Sam has his life, full, he can and would rejoin them all, in heaven. Be that wayfarer bars or toes in the sand, a world where people, families--they’re just as real there as they are on earth, able to make their perfect worlds. Dean and yes, Cas, can go and make that world even ahead of Sam-- with John, and Mary, and whatever old friends they choose to see again. And Sam, and Jack -- and Eileen -- can live on earth. Because for years Dean has wanted Sam to have a life. And die old of something normal and have a kids and grandkids. Trial and Error (Dabb), anyone.

The issue is letting go without it either being suicidal ideation of destructive sacrifice. And I think that’s the framework we’re going to be delivered.

Could I be wrong, sure I guess, I’m human. But as of right now, that’s what I see.

Cas has always wanted to bring his People home. But who have his People become? While yes, being seated in that chair gives chance to make things right with a few remaining angels he would no doubt give a chance, humans reclaiming the garden and planet from the divine they surrendered it to (Hammer of the Gods, Dabb, if you read between the lines on the Billions of pagan gods), or reversing various sealings (Clip Show, Dabb, if you pay attention to how and why EACH WORLD WAS MADE TO BEGIN WITH and how many Falls there have been and WHY THE TABLETS EXIST TO BEGIN WITH), whatever. It wouldn’t really be about establishing authority--and in the end, I’m fairly certain the Castiel seated in that throne would be irrevocably human. Because it’s the human soul that’s immortal. Be it using his grace to establish a spell and reversing elements like in Sacrifice, or tied into the angel blood and human heart theme that’s screaming at us this year-- that’s pretty much where I see Cas ending up. 

So Dean and Cas separate off to heaven in one way, Sam and Jack another, but still fated to come back together. Sam will have Eileen waiting for him. And Jack to raise.

Because the point is that they were here at all and you got to know them. And when they’re gone, it WILL hurt. But that hurt will be a reminder of how much you love them. But learning to let go -- it’s a part of growing up.

I’ve seen you. You’re ready for this. I can’t keep treating you like a kid anymore. You’re a grown, overgrown, man, and I am incredibly proud of you.

Go, be happy.

“See you on the other side.”

If people can’t watch my vids and pull anything out of it, my second note is to go do a Dabberens rewatch. Pull up Dabb and Berens eps on superwiki, make yourself a chain. I WILL note most of 6 and 7 has been seemingly obsoleted by Dabb, which should surprise none of us with all the ball punches at season 7 he does, so if you wanna save yourself a few hours, feel free to bypass. Season 10 also seems to have been addressed in season 14, and everything after that is the onset of Dabb era, so once you get to season 11 (where Carver and Dabb were sharing) and/or 12 (where Dabb took over entirely), just do a straight run. I also won’t blame you for bypassing Bloodlines. 

But if you do truncate 6/7, and a few eps, I suggest replacing them with the finale of each season (4-14, 6 and 7 pretty much already addressed last year), because Dabb still heavily employs those whether they were his own or not. Before Carver came back Dabb was sitting in the upcoming showrunner slot even during Gamble era. Dude has been primed and paying attention for a long fucking time. Absolutely 0% of people should have been surprised at Dabb inheriting the show when he did. And he’s been telegraphing his ideas for this show for years. Notice how many eps I cited above have Dabb’s pen all over it.

It’s where my headspace already was but damn if it doesn’t put Dabb and Dabberens’ direction in scale.

So for all my talk of philosopher’s stone and Death and all of that, if you can’t bring yourself to wade through all 20 minutes of Grudge-Reflection, I ask you to at least think on symbolism here

undefined

[kevinmax44]

I am now a believer of a thought I just had a few months back. It said

“Excess of everything is dangerous. And the boundaries you decide to not reach that excess is called discipline”

At almost every phase of your life, fate introduces you to certain people, certain things, certain powers, certain luxuries which we get used to. Everyone in this world has a right to enjoy all of these. The problem begins when after a considerable period of time, we become incapable of realizing that these people, these things, these luxuries, aren’t going to be with us for very long. Let me take you through some of these that we often experience or observe, but fail to realize.

Too much of luxuries

In a classroom discussion I had with my professor and friends, we came up with a quote. It was

“As time passes, every luxury becomes a necessity”

The above line beautifully shows that humans grow used to every luxury they have had in life for way too long. I would share the example of someone who realized the same on his own.

Just a few months back, before the lockdowns were put into place, me and my friends had visited Ahmedabad to participate in an event conducted by a reputed college. It was to be a 2-day event so we were given accommodations in the college hostel itself. It was a huge campus and we were in awe of it. We were busy admiring those big gardens, department buildings, libraries and the canteen. This is when I became a victim of something called the Halo-effect. We assumed, since the campus was so good, the hostels would be the same. After the inaugural ceremonies, we were taken to the hostel to freshen up and get ready after a 4-hour journey from Rajkot to Ahmedabad. We reached the hostel and the first thought was, “Okay. Not exactly what we expected, but this is alright”. This thought was very short lived once we entered the hostel. The room given to us was a total mess. It was to be shared with 3 other people. This was however the better part. As everybody else would normally do, the next thing we went to check were the washrooms. It won’t be an exaggeration to say anyone would faint at the first glimpse of the washrooms. Me and my friend looked at each other and without saying a word we communicated to each other “We have to run from here”. Call it good luck or anything, he told me his sister was in the same town just a little away and she would be happy to let us stay at her place. A breathed a sigh of relief, but was hesitant to stay at his sister’s. I knew her personally and called her ‘chechi’, which is Malayalam for ‘elder sister’. She was really kind enough for letting us stay at her home.

This is when I realized, that I had grown used to clean rooms, clean washrooms and good food. A lot of people don’t get these luxuries in their lives ever. The students in those hostels have been surviving in these conditions for almost 2 years now. The lesson learnt from this incident was:

“Too much of luxuries always brings down your ability to adapt to difficult living conditions”

Too much of curiosity

This is an example for the movie buffs. The 1999 Hollywood fiction movie called The Mummy is the best example of curiosity not just killing the cat, but also the people around it. The story was about a British girl, aspiring to be an Egyptologist, who lived with her brother. The brother stole a certain artifact from a traveler and sister identified the artifact from the ancient Egyptian era of mummies. The artifact also contained a map which led to an ancient city which was believed to be lost and also kind of cursed. The sister then talks to the traveler and he agrees to take them to the city. They reach the city after a lot of travelling through seas and deserts. During their excavation, the find a sarcophagus (coffin) that had the body of a priest who was mummified alive for having tried his luck on the pharaoh’s (Egyptian king) to be wife and for murdering the pharaoh. The girl steals a book from another Egyptologist while he was asleep. She figured out that the book could be opened with the artifact that her brother had got his hands on earlier, it was a key. The girl had always been curious of these stories about ancient Egypt and its kings. She opens the book and reads a portion of it and just when she finished reading it, the other Egyptologist tells her she shouldn’t read from that book. But it was too late, the reading from the book had brought back to life the priest who lay dead in the sarcophagus they discovered earlier. The girl’s curiosity about ancient curses led to the death of several other people in the movie, including that of the Egyptologist because the mummy was on a path to kill the people who had dug him up and stole some jars that probably contained his body parts.

A real life example of this curiosity would be the creation of Africanized honey bees. Sometime around the 1950s, the government of Brazil authorized a researcher to create a hybrid variety of honey bees to increase the production of honey. Some European species of honey bee was carefully bred with another species and a new variety of bees came into existence. These new ones were found to be much more defensive than their parent breeds. They were so occupied with studying and observing these new bees that they failed to ensure they don’t escape. Unfortunately, one day these bees escaped the quarantine and spread out across the country and in some years, they were able to reach the shores of USA. These bees have been responsible of around 1000 deaths since then.

The lesson learnt from this was:

“Too much of curiosity doesn’t kill the cat alone. A lot of others have to pay the price of meddling with something they are not prepared to handle”

Too much of power

John Dalberg-Acton rightly said that “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”. When someone is given the absolute power, they have nothing to fear, no repercussions to face and absolutely nobody to answer to. Absolute powers were what created the likes of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. Absolute power is the difference between leaders and dictators. Absolute power makes an individual the judge, jury and executioner with unlimited powers.

That is the reason why modern democracies around the world have made arrangements from ever giving rise to a Hitler or a Mussolini in their country. Taking the example of our own country, the Indian system has 3 different pillars, named the Legislature, the executive and the Judiciary. This is popularly known as the separation of powers. This system ensures that nobody in the system is left unchecked of his powers, authorities and jurisdictions. It ensures that nobody is ever in a position to singlehandedly seize power and inflict his/her will on the people.

The lesson learnt from all the past of having absolute powers is:

“Too much of power is just another wildfire left unchecked”

Too much of importance

The people who we consider important in our lives are usually the ones who we look up to or go to in the hour of need. They hold a very special place in our hearts and in our lives.

The instance I am going to narrate for this part is an experience/learning of my own. I had a very close friend. In my entire life, starting from the days of schooling, to my graduation and now the post-graduation, this was one friendship, I consider to be the best till date. This was one person with whom I shared lame jokes, my joys, sorrows, heartbreaks and what not. I had kept absolutely no secrets from this person and neither there were any secrets from this person’s side (not at least that I know of). I had to make zero efforts to have a conversation or to share a secret or something embarrassing with them. There came a time where we used to talk almost the entire day. I was having a great time. I had somebody to irritate and someone who would irritate me. People don’t accept it, but they like to be teased or annoyed by the people they like. This was that one person for me. For almost a period of 6 months, we were the best of friends. I may also have ignored some of my old friends once this person became friends with me. I never believed I could be this open to anyone who I had just known for months.

Things however started to change. There was one week where I hardly received any message from this person. I was a little sad but didn’t want to share this with the person; I didn’t want to look like someone who was desperate to be friends with them. I thought maybe it was just a few days and everything would spring back to normal in the future. The future however didn’t show up for the next 4 months. For reasons I don’t wish to share, the distance kept growing and today we’re just like any other friends that we have. I was sad because I lost my best friend to something very stupid, which till date I don’t understand. I don’t hold any grudges, neither I have any sort of hatred for the person. It has always been a little difficult for me to deal with people distancing themselves. I learnt the real meaning of “Never put all your eggs in one basket”. I made this person into my buddy, my confidant and best friend. I don’t regret being friends with this person at all; I had the best friendship of my life and in the end, I learnt a big lesson, which is not to be forgotten. Mathematics defines circle as a collection of infinite points which lie at an equal distance from the centre. Why should our friends ‘circle’ then consist of just one person? I made a serious error and I hope that I can help everyone save themselves from any sort of hurt in the future.

The lesson learnt here was:

“Too much of importance given to someone, is just an expectation or hope that is about to turn into disappointment”

The entire thing that I just finished writing can be summarized in a single line and that is:

“Too much of anything will hurt too much”

[jesawyer]

The Deadfire Post-Postmortem

Since the video of my Digital Dragons postmortem for Deadfire went up, I’ve seen a few questions and comments that I think are worth addressing.  If you haven’t seen the video yet, you can find it here:

First, it’s worth saying that this talk was only supposed to be 45 minutes, with ~15 minutes left for questions.  I overran the 45 minute mark, so please understand that I couldn’t address every criticism people leveled at the game.  I tried to talk about the things that came up most frequently in player and reviewer feedback.

1) Do you think the open world nature of the game contributed to the story/plot/pacing feeling weak?

Yes.  I made the choice to make the game more open and knew that would impact how tight the story and its pacing would feel.  However, even with that choice being made, I still could have done a better job with structuring and pacing the critical path.

For a while, we had a hard limit on where the Defiant could go in the archipelago.  The in-story justification was that the Defiant was damaged and needed expensive repairs that you needed to raise money for.  It could only move in the shallows, which comprised about 1/5 of the total map, encompassing Maje Island, Neketaka, Fort Deadlight, the Woedica pyramid, and some other places.  We removed that, but we weren’t really doing anything with that restriction, story-wise, other than preventing the player from sailing from Port Maje to Hasongo without stopping at Neketaka.

I don’t have hard data for this, but I haven’t seen much anecdotal evidence that many/any players actually make that skip on their first playthrough.  I think whether we (for example) forced the player to funnel through Neketaka/the palace before going to Hasongo is less important to the pacing of the story than disconnection between the factions and Eothas.

Re-working those plot elements may have required explicitly gating the player in the same way that the trial at the end of Act 2 creates a high-drama gate before going to Act 3, but then we’re really going back to the core issue, which was two disconnected plotlines.

Maybe this seems like an evasion, but I’m trying to explain that the plot was not conceived as disconnected to support the game being more open.  The game was actually more closed during development.  We did gate the player until we realized that the plot didn’t demand it.  One could say, “Then why didn’t you change it then?”  Because I made a mistake.  That’s why I cited the plotting and pacing, not the open nature of the game, as the bigger issue.  If the story had demanded more restriction and the pacing felt solid because of it, maybe I would have erred on the side of more restrictions.

And while a weak story is almost purely a negative for players, the map being almost entirely open does have positive aspects, that being the freedom to explore.  Was it worth the trade off?

It doesn’t seem like it, no.

2) Why wasn’t the Penetration system discussed?

Considering the broad nature of the postmortem, the Penetration system seemed like too fine a point to discuss in detail.  The systems aren’t easy to talk about in less than a couple of minutes, and a couple of minutes would have pushed me past the time limit.  Also, in the end, it seems like more players ultimately preferred Penetration to the previous DT system.

I’d like to step back to talk about something at a higher level, which is vertical progression in RPGs.  Most RPGs/CRPGs focus on the vertical progression of numbers: damage, hit points, armor values, resistances, etc.

These numbers feed into formulae to produce a range of outcomes.  The more inputs a number has and the wider the range of values on those inputs, the more quickly the formulae start to break down.  This is why MMORPGs often abstract values and do arcane under-the-hood adjustments or go through periods of “squish” where all of the numbers get recalibrated/normalized (in the case of WoW, both).

Penetration was an attempt to retain the transparent vertical progression of armor and weapon values while constraining/normalizing the input > output of damage vs. armor.  The Pillars 1 DT system is easier to understand on a basic level, but I maintain that’s still harder to make tactical choices based on it.  This is based on observation of players using the system.  The Pillars 2 Penetration system takes longer for players to figure out, but once they figure it out, they generally make better decisions in the system.

Is vertical progression important?  That depends on the audience and the nature of the game as a whole.  Horizontal progression (i.e., unlocking different actions/capabilities) can have much more of an impact, and I prefer games that emphasize horizontal over vertical progression.  But I didn’t make Deadfire to my tastes, specifically, and Pillars 1 + the Infinity Engine games were dominated by the importance of vertical progression.

Personally, I would like to try an armor system where you have light/medium/heavy armor and attacks simply have light/medium/heavy penetration, there is no numerical progression in that relationship, and armor and weapons (including magical ones) gain extra/additional cool abilities instead of progressing on a numbers treadmill.

3) How was ship-to-ship combat, which is seemingly not that complicated, so expensive?

It was so expensive because it was an entirely custom system that re-used almost no assets from the rest of the game.  Every sound you hear in ship-to-ship, every drawing of a ship you see at various distances/states of decay, every custom string listing actions and consequences, the cue system, every piece of user interface, was custom.

One of our system designers came up with this concept of ship-to-ship combat because he believed it would be resource-light.  I cut it after two iterations because it was very obvious to me at that point that it was going to be arduously resource-heavy.

I honestly think that if we had made ship-to-ship combat a real-time with pause system more like combat in Pirates!, it would have ultimately been less expensive and much more fun for more players.

4) Wow, you really don’t get why the game sucks, do you?

A game can suck in myriad ways for different people.  The ways I talked about are the ways that came up most frequently for players and reviewers.  I mentioned that at the beginning of the talk, but it’s worth saying again here.

If you’d like me to address the way in which you thought the game sucked, just ask me a question here and I’ll try to answer it.