#the phoenix

[thundertide]

Tag Drop: Kyros!

[swampstew]

𝕭𝖊𝖉𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘 𝖒𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙

Swampstew Bedtime stories are NSFW and SFW (content warnings on each individual post) posts featuring characters in the One Piece Universe. These is where I keep all the asks I receive, random events I do, and everything in between. This is the masterlist for all stories I write of other characters aside from Eustass Kid though he also has his own section here because duh😌

Raven's Silly Events - event announcements & links to fics

- Kinktober 2022 - hella spicy

- Blind Date Event 2023

- Oh Captain, My Captain Mini Event

- Buggy's Spooktacular Special Halloween Costume Contest Collaboration

- Kinktober 2023 - hella spicy

- Valentine's Day Event

- 1K follower event - Call me on my shell phone ~ 1-800-GRANDLINE BLING

Stoned Situations - random things I come up with when I smoke😌

- OP Blunt Rotation

- Period HCs - Monster trio + Law and Kid vs. your period

#StonedWitchHours

.Killer and Kid, and how their future arc will be linked to Skypeia.

.Kid & Calgara & Skypeia arc holy trinity.

.Kid hates absent pirate idol Shanks.

.Kid's Ambition.

.Killer's Laugh.

.The Florian Triangle Curse.

Character List - every character I've written for thus far.

Benn Beckman

- Taking care of sick reader - poly relationship with Benn, reader and Shanks

Black Leg Sanji

- Taking care of insecure reader - heavy themes: mental health, depression, dysmorphia - Suggestive, poly-ish relationship with Sanji, reader and Zoro

- Voyeurism/accidental walk in head canons with multiple characters - Spicy af

- Blind Date Event ~ Sanji X F! Reader - Picnic date

Buggy the Star Clown

- Oh Captain, My Captain! mini event - simple touches

Cavendish

- Blind Date Event ~ Cavendish X F! Reader - Rooftop Bar Date

Crocodile

- Pet Play HC - Spicy, pet play head canon

- Comforting depressed reader - mental health blues

Charlotte Katakuri

- Face riding - Spicy head canons with multiple characters

- All good things to those who wait - Spicy size kink

Diez Drake

- Oh Captain, My Captain Mini Event - Spicy, bulge

Donquixote Doflamingo

- Oh Yandere! - Spicy & Dark Content

Dracule Mihawk

-Mihawk Pet Play HC - Spicy pet play head canon

Eustass Kid

- Say My Name - Spicy praise kink

- Rock Star God - Spicy auralism kink

- Eustass Kid loves to touch you - suggestive at best, mostly fluff

- 200 Follower Milestone - Spicy voyeurism kink

- Voyeurism/accidental walk in with multiple characters, spicy af

- Oh Yandere! - Spicy & Dark Content

- 500 Follower Milestone - Eustass Kid deserves a day off

- Taking care of burnt out reader - head canons, fluff and spicy head canons, Shanks is here too

- Just the Tip - Spicy

- Oh Captain, My Captain! mini event - Spicy types of kisses

- Oh Captain, My Captain! mini event - Domestic intimacy + painting

- Buggy's Spooktacular Special Costume Contest - Sexy Sauron

- Lemon into lemonade - spicy, yandere-type Kid but make it dubious consensual

- Really Really - spicy/suggestive, provoking the virgin loserboy captain

- Tulips - spicy, tasty sex pollen trope

- First Date - fluffy blind date inspired by twt

- You Picked Dare - suggestive drabble inspired by art from @magnuspirate

- Eustass Kid's baby mama - comfort mostly

Franky the Cyborg

- Blind Date Event ~ Franky X F! Reader - Street racing and star gazing date

Gol D. Roger

- Oh Captain, My Captain, mini event - spicy, multi kink

Killer

- Vacation getaway - fluff

- Face riding - Spicy head canons with multiple characters

- Oh Yandere! - Spicy & Dark Content

- Spoiling Killer - Killer deserves a day off

Kyros

- Blind Date Event ~ Kyros X F! Reader - Dinner and Karaoke date

Marco the Phoenix

- Blind Date Event ~ Marco X M! Reader - Beach bar and bonfire date

- Beach road trip - fluff, poly relationship with Marco, reader and Ace

- The Best Doctor in Town - spicy, Marco x Transmasc reader

Monkey D. Luffy

- Oh Yandere!

- Oh Captain, My Captain mini event - spicy play

Portgas D. Ace

- Beach road trip - fluff, poly relationship with Ace, reader and Marco

Red Haired Shanks

- Blind Date Event ~ Shanks X F! Reader - Drive-in movie and disco club date

- Taking care of sick reader - poly relationship with Shanks, reader and Benn

- Taking care of burnt out reader - fluff and spicy head canons, Eustass Kid is here too

- Oh Captain, My Captain mini event - Spicy. Subtle intimacy + hiding in plain sight

- Oh Captain, My Captain mini event - angst, lovers to enemies

Rocks D. Xebec

- Oh Yandere! - Spicy & Dark Content

Roronoa Zoro

- BDSM Variety Bag - Spicy, multi kink

- Taking care of insecure reader - Heavy themes: mental health, depression, dysmorphia - Suggestive, poly-ish relationship with Zoro, reader and Sanji

- Voyuerism/walk in kink head canons - spicy, multiple characters

- Oh Yandere! - Spicy & Dark Content

- Blind Date Event ~ Zoro X GN Reader - Carnival date

Sabo

- Blind Date Event ~ Sabo X F! Reader - Arcade date

Silvers Rayleigh

- Dark King Brat Tamer - spicy, Rayleigh x F Reader

Trafalgar Law

- Secret Recipe - Law makes hot chocolate bombs

- Something Growing - fluff

- Face riding - Spicy head canons with multiple characters

- Oh Yandere! - Spicy & Dark Content

- Blind Date Event ~ Law X M! Reader - Coffee house date

- Rough Night - Spicy with delayed aftercare

- Oh Captain, My Captain mini event - Sleep, simple touches

- Oh Captain, My Captain mini event - Spicy, Hair

Vinsmoke Niji

- Oh Yandere! - Spicy & Dark Content

Yamato

- Blind date event ~ Yamato X GN Reader - Ramen date

[polls-showdowns]

Alright Here’s the list of characters in the DILF battle:

(Please let me know if there are misspelled names or characters on there twice because they have two names or something (mentioning the two names because I spotted a few like that))

Bob ‘Bad Bob’ Zimmermann (Check Please)

Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars)

Aragorn (Lord of the Rings)

Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption)

Asgore Dreemurr (Undertale)

Bail Organa (Star Wars)

Benjamin Sisko (Star Trek)

Bobby Singer (Supernatural)

Bowser (Super Mario)

Bruce Wayne (DC)

Bruno Bucciaratti (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure)

Cassim (Aladdin)

Castiel (Supernatural)

Cerrit Agrupnin (Critical Role)

Chris Argent (Teen Wolf)

Crocodile (One Piece)

Crosshair (The Bad Batch)

Dad Egbert (Homestuck)

Dad Turner (Fairly Odd Parents)

Din Djarin (Star Wars)

Donquixote ‘Corazón’ Rosinante (One Piece)

Duke Joren Jawbreaker (Dimension 20)

Eddard Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Elrond Peredhil (Lord of the Rings)

Garmadon (Ninjago)

Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher)

Gilear Faeth (dimension 20)

Gol D. Roger (One Piece)

Gordon Freeman (Half Life VR)

Hakoda (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Han Solo (Star Wars)

Hank Anderson (Detroit: Become Human)

Herlock Sholmes (The Great Ace Attorney)

Hunter (The Bad Batch)

Jayson Ferin (Just Roll With It: Riptide)

Jefferson Morales (Spiderverse)

Jeralt Eisner (Fire Emblem)

Jin Kirigiri (Danganronpa)

Joel Hammond (Santa Clarita Diet)

Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

Jorge (The Maze Runner)

Kaburagi (Deca-Dence)

Kanan Jarrus (Star Wars)

Kazuma Kiryu (Yakuza series/Ryu ga Gotoku)

Kozuki Oden (One Piece)

Kyros (One Piece)

Leroy Smith (Tekken)

Lestat de Lioncourt (Vampire Chronicles/ Interview with the Vampire)

Lord Asriel Belacqua (His Dark Materials)

Maes Hughes (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Mark Sloan (Greys Anatomy)

Micah (She-Ra)

Dracule Mihawk (One piece)

Mortimer Goth (The Sims)

Mr Boonchuy (Amphibia)

Percival de Rolo (Critical Role)

Phoenix Wright (Ace Attorney)

Poseidon (Riordanverse)

Pyrrha Dve (The Locked Tomb)

Roy (Don't Hug Me I'm Scared)

Ryker of Reston (Roleslaying With Roman)

Ryuuji Kawara (Hatoful Boyfriend)

Shanks (One Piece)

Tech (The Bad Batch)

Terry Jeffords (Brooklyn 99)

The Gentleman (Critical Role)

The Vampire Armand (Vampire Chronicles/ Interview with the Vampire)

Theoden (Lord of the Rings)

Tom (One Piece)

Tony Stark (MCU)

Vander (Arcane)

Vector the Crocodile (Sonic the Hedgehog)

Whitebeard (One Piece)

Worf (Star Trek)

Wrecker (The Bad Batch)

Yasopp (One Piece)

Yeza Brenatto (Critical Role)

Zeff (One piece)

Zerxus Ilerez (Critical Role)

[teatimemols]

He's the best part of the story for me! Kyros is the only main character who doesn't disappoint. Phoenix is alright, but he's not as entertaining as Kyros...And he even says stuff that makes you think.

I'm going to stop playing this game-app. It upsets me :/ I already made a huge essay about this story lol I will publish it soon.

[cheekyowldraws]

Another Sketch collection <3

[goddessofeternity]

Love Amidst the Darkness

Chapter 2: Visions of the Future

The Queen awoke that night in a cold sweat as she rose out of bed. Almost as if in a trance she left out of her room and began walking down the hall. The knights she passed by moved out of her way as she went to a door at the far end of the hall. They knew what it meant if she was going into that room. She was having a vision and she was going to go paint. The two knights opened the doors for their queen as she slowly walked inside, once inside they took position in front of it. It was important she wasn’t disturbed.

 The queen walked down the long spiral stairs and then stopped at a locked door. She pressed her hand against it and it immediately opened for her. All around the circular room was elaborate paintings both large and small. Most of them were happy and beautiful paintings on one side of the room. Although, on the other side were gruesome and grotesque paintings of death and misery. The queen had not painted anything bad in quite some time since her daughter had been born. Although, this night was different from the other times. This time it was not good…not at all. The queen’s eyes were distant as she grabbed a paintbrush and began her work. 

 The queen had steadily worked for a solid 5 hours on the canvas. After 5 hours of painting the queen slowly regained her focus and stood to look at what she had painted. She shakily raised her hand to her forehead to wipe the sweat away from her brow. The enormous canvas told a very dangerous story, one she did not like at all. All she could see in the painting was death and sorrow. Her kingdom, her beautiful kingdom was…destroyed. People were dead on the ground and others dying. The kingdom was in ruins and the skies were dark. On the ground, an enormous dragon was rampaging through the kingdom, shooting an icy frost across the kingdom. Queen Hestia peered closer at the portrait and she could clearly see her daughter in a tower in a window. The mere sight of her made queen Hestia’s heart ache in pure fear. Her beloved daughter was in danger…and she didn’t know when and how to stop it. Although, she had a strong feeling it would happen soon. As she stared at the portrait something else caught her eye. Another smaller portrait caught her attention. The portrait was…strange to say the least.

 In the painting there was a girl with her back to the viewer in a field of sunflowers. The girl in the painting had long dark brown hair and she appeared to be wearing a short dress or skirt of some kind. The girl’s hair was blowing in a breeze enough that queen Hestia could see some sort of tattoo on the back of her neck. Queen Hestia couldn’t recall if she had ever seen the girl before, but that also might be because she couldn’t see her face. The queen heavily sighed and buried her face in her hands. When she lifted her face, she saw a note on the ground in her handwriting. In confusion she picked it up and read it.

 “This girl is important to our daughter and she must seek her out. She will be of great importance to her. Althea must find her. She is her destiny.” The note ended. There was nothing more behind it either. If she wrote it though, queen Hestia knew it was of great importance. So she put it in the pocket of her nightgown. Seeing that her work was done queen Hestia left the room. She nodded at the knights and went back to her bedroom. Queen Hestia climbed in bed and king Kyros put his arm around her waist and kissed her neck.

 “Is all well my queen?” He asked as he kissed her soft hair.

 “No...no it’s not my love,” she sighed. “Our beloved kingdom is in serious danger.”

 “What?! What happened?!  King Kyros was immediately on edge and alert as he sat up in bed. 

 “Please my love…can we discuss this in the morning,” she asked. “It would be better to speak with the council about it.” Queen Hestia could feel the headache beginning to grow in her head. The king sighed and rubbed his temples as he laid back beside his wife.

 “I will have to assemble the knights in the morning,” he whispered to her. “As well as new recruits, they must be trained as soon as possible. Whatever this threat is…we must be ready for it.”

 “Must we train children? Teenagers?”

 “It must be done Hestia,” he answered sternly. “They must be prepared to fight for their kingdom.” The queen stayed quiet for a moment as she realized it indeed had to be done.

 “Althea….”

 The king sat up once again and walked to a balcony and opened the doors letting the cool breeze waft around the room. He walked back to Hestia’s side and held his hand out to her. She grasped his hand and he led her to the balcony. Hestia could only smile as she took in the beauty of their kingdom. She had a clear view of the rolling hills and the mountain ranges just east of the kingdom. A great lake was shining under the moonlight just a 10 minute walk from the palace. The castle courtyard was being tended by the gardeners, and knights were patrolling. Queen Hestia smiled and laughed as king Kyros walked behind her and kissed her neck.

 “Our daughter will be safe, my queen. She will be protected at all times. I promise you.”

 “Will she really?” Queen Hestia asked looking deep into his eyes. King Kyros brushed a lock of her long hair behind her ear and smiled.

 “I promise you always.” King Kyros leaned down and kissed her lips softly. The queen sighed softly as she kissed him back. King Kyros deepened the kiss as he pulled her closer to his body. His hands slowly traveled down her waist as he pulled her even closer till he could feel her heart beat faster against his chest. He pinched her on her rear and smirked into the kiss as she gasped. He gave her one last deep and passionate kiss before he picked her up into his arms. He carried her back into their room and laid her in their bed. They both looked deep into each other’s eyes and smiled at each other with a love stronger than anything in the world.

 “I love you Hestia.”

 “I love you too Kyros.”

 Queen Hestia decided to forget about the horrible things she had painted…just for this moment. All that mattered to her in this moment was her husband. His love would be enough to get her through anything. She pushed her thoughts away as they made love without a care in the world.

♛

Althea woke up the next morning feeling terrible. She hadn’t gotten much sleep last night after the conversation she had with her mother. A fiancé was the last thing she had expected to hear about. The thought made her sick to her stomach and she was very unhappy. Marina had asked her what was wrong but Althea wouldn’t answer her. Marina just sighed and brushed Althea’s hair and helped get her dressed for the day. Althea silently left her room and walked down the stairs and into the throne room and curtsied to her parents. They both looked at each other and then back at Althea. Queen Hestia gave king Kyros a look and he immediately stood up and walked over to Althea.

 “My princess…don’t look so down,” he smiled. “Especially when I have something that will make you smile.” Althea raised an eyebrow as she looked at her joyful father. He grabbed onto her shoulders and led her out to the castle stables. Althea didn’t say anything as she stood with her back to the stable doors. Her father sure seemed excited about something, she however wasn’t. Her mood was incredibly sour right now.

 “Father…I have my lessons to go to soon,” she sighed. “Is this really that important?”  She didn’t get an answer and she huffed angrily. She was about to turn around but felt something brush her shoulder. She let out a startled yelp as a beautiful white horse nuzzled her dress. Her expression softened as she reached out to pet his soft muzzle.

 “There’s the smile I was expecting from my rosebud,” he smiled at her as she hugged the horse around its neck. 

 “May I ride him Father?”

 “Of course, just make sure you ride with someone, and come back in time for your lessons.”

 “Of course Father.”

 Althea giggled in joy as some knights fetched her riding gear and her new horse nuzzled her face. He was a very pretty horse and he was sleek and muscular. Her father always got her the very best. 

 “Princess…” Althea turned and saw Marina in her riding gear and her hair back in a slick ponytail. She always looked great in her riding outfits. It was like she was born to ride, she was like a streak of red blazing across the fields. She was graceful almost like she was dancing. Althea was a good rider but nothing like Marina was. “You’re riding with me Marina? I thought you were going to visit your family today?”

 “I was...but I thought I would spend some time with you instead.”

 Althea couldn’t help but smile. Marina hadn’t seen her family for a few months now, and she was choosing to spend more time with her. Althea’s heart was sent into a flutter as she watched Marina hop onto her horse. Althea quickly got dressed and some knights helped her onto her horse, who she named Stardust. Althea rode behind Marina as they made their way to the lake. Althea couldn’t help but stare at her back, watching how perfect her form was. Althea sat up straighter to mimic her form a bit.

 “We can stop here princess!” Marina said, pulling her horse to a stop near the lake. Althea stopped beside her and got down from her horse.

 “That was fun,” Althea smiled sitting on the grass looking at the crystal clear water. “Riding always feels like you’re flying and it’s amazing.”

 “Yes but you can already fly though, your grace,” Marina smiled. 

 “I can...but I just get scared sometimes,” Althea sighed. “Like I might fall or get tired...being too high is scary sometimes. Being a Phoenix would be more fun if I wasn’t scared.”

 “Oh princess...I have no doubt you’ll be fine,” Marina said. “You’re a strong girl.”

 “But will I be a strong queen?” Althea sighed sadly. “I’m so clumsy and I can’t even give orders to people without stuttering.”

 “Those types of things will come to you naturally,” she said sitting in front of Althea. “That is why you have your lessons...you are training to become the queen your parents know you will be.”

 “You...you think I can do it?”

 “Of course I do Althea.”

 Althea giggled and sighed as she looked back over to the lake. The morning sun was reaching its peak, and it was looking to be a beautiful day. Marina was talking to her, but Althea stopped listening as she thought back to the conversation she had with her mother. Getting married to someone she didn’t love terrified her. It was a very troubling thought, one that she wished would just go away. Now, she didn’t even want a birthday ball. Althea knew she would be dreading the days leading up to her birthday. She still had a year...and she had the feeling it was gonna be a dreadful one.

♛

 “Sit up! Don’t slouch! Elbows off the table! Really princess...you have to at least try to be a proper young lady!”

 Althea blushed in embarrassment and anger as her instructor yelled at her...again. She was a proper young lady….albeit a clumsy one. Today she just wasn’t in the mood, and the seats were uncomfortable after riding back to the palace. Her instructor was really getting on her last nerves though. Marina was standing in the corner of the room giving Althea encouraging smiles and nods. 

 Althea straightened up then and figured she’d make the lessons go by faster if she just listened and stopped daydreaming.

 “You are free to go, Your Highness...and please make sure to pay attention next time.”

 “Hmm? Oh yes of course.” Althea quickly rose from her desk and Marina followed her out. Althea sighed as she looked over at the open courtyard and saw the knights going through their daily training. Althea stopped and leaned against the pillars of the courtyard entrance as she stood to watch.

 The knights looked amazing, their armor glistening in the sun, the insignia of the kingdom bright on their shields. The knight commander was yelling out orders to them, and they followed them without hesitation. They were all moving in perfect synchronization, and it was absolutely mesmerizing. Their armor clinked and clanked as they faced one another and began sparring. The swords always came dangerously close to some of them, but the knights were trained well enough to block them effectively. The knight commander didn’t seem too happy about their performances though, he kept yelling out orders angrily.

 “Are they not doing good, I think they’re doing wonderfully…” Althea wondered aloud.

 “Well princess...Sir Luke is a hard to please man...and he wants only the best knights in the kingdom.” Marina answered, gently coaxing Althea away.

 “Has anyone lived up to his expectations?”

 “Oh yes some definitely have...I hear this year's recruits are quite special.” Marina answered opening a door for Althea. 

 “Wow that sounds exciting!” Marina laughed at her excitement.

 “Yes, well the tournament will soon be upon us...so you can see the new recruits there.” Marina said.

 “Oh I almost forgot about that...they are so much fun to attend!”

 Althea cheerfully skipped down the halls and hummed a tuneless tune. Marina just smiled and shook her head at the princess and her childlike innocence. Even as she tripped over the carpets and tumbled to the floor. Marina gave her a sympathetic smile as Althea looked back at her with tears in her eyes. Marina just helped her up and dusted her off and wiped away her tears. 

 “You are a hazard to yourself princess….”

 “I...I know…”

 “I will always be here though,” she smiled. “To guide and help you. And to wipe away your tears. And catch you when you fall.” Althea blushed deeply and smiled in appreciation at Marina. Her truest friend in the entire kingdom. Always had her back, and always by her side to make her feel better about all the stupid things she did.  If Marina was going to always be by her side then Althea knew she would do just fine in her life. Her life was only just beginning and she was excited to see where it would take her.

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

Next: https://goddessofeternity.tumblr.com/post/647184108647235584/love-amidst-the-darkness

Previous: https://goddessofeternity.tumblr.com/post/646833075847888896/love-amidst-the-darkness

Thanks for reading!

Comments and reblogs are appreciated! Likes are welcomed!

[mooshs-crack-headcanons]

Top 5 thirst characters you can't believe you thirst for. And top 5 characters you can't believe people thirst for 😱

Characters I don't know why I thrist for but I do:

Kyros

King

Fukaboshi

Puzzle the Phoenix (character from a filler)

...Marco, I didn't see it for a long time then I was like: "Oh fuck that's hot." Once when I rewatched Marineford

Characters I can't believe others thirst for:

Buggy. (Cham and Buggy anons I'm looking at you)

Daifuku

Perospero

Kid? just a tiiiiny bit?

Luffy...mostly because he's so child like I don't see how it's like attractive?

[sammyb2012]

I’m already getting behind. Bless it anyway! Happy (really late) release day Stephany Wallace and J.L. Weil

Mystique Blaze, Supernatural Taskforce Academy, Mission 2 it's finally here!!

1-Click! 📚😍➡ http://mybook.to/SupernaturalTaskforce2

*

What does an ex-military, a vampire, a witch, a phoenix, a fae, and a wolf shifter have in common?

Nothing… other than being handpicked to save the word.

May the Gods save us all.

*

Catina Whitlow got the shock of her life when she found out she was a witch. Now a student of the Supernatural Taskforce Academy, she is once again forced to find her place among strangers, and to adapt to this new reality of magic and mayhem. The stakes become higher than life, when she’s destined to save the world among other incredible beings. But how can she be the savior they need, if she struggles to balance the raw power consuming her?

Not to mention, no one even gave her a choice… Is this what she wants for her life?

Kyro Cox, has been many things—car thief, scoundrel, troublemaker, tease… unwanted—but never, NEVER, a hero. After a group of supes pulled him from a sweet heist that promised a warm place for the night—thrusting him into a battle of good vs evil—his whole life flashed before his eyes. Even the deadly flames that haunt him since he was a child, and he’s asked to be just that, a hero. Yet, in order to help humanity, he must embrace the fire that destroyed him… and brought him back to life.

There is only one person who might give him the strength to embrace this messed-up fate, the question is, can she overcome what he is?

*

Check out the Series 😍➡ http://mybook.to/STASeries

Exclusively on Amazon, FREE on KU!

*

Supernatural Taskforce Academy is full of magic, mythology, college drama, and romance. Scorpion Blood is the first book in the addicting upper teen fantasy series that will keep you glued to your kindle!

16+ Recommended due to strong language and sexual content.

#Vampires #Fae #Witches #Phoenix #Magic #Action #Romance

[asongstress1422]

Ripples into Riptides

Zutara Fanfic – Part 8 of Bride from the Water Tribe

Summary: Katara was taken to the Northern Water Tribe by her grandmother; she was to be protected at all cost, for she was the last of the Southern Water. Once they got there, the North refused to teach her trying to strip her of her worth and turn her into what they wanted, a calm biddable healer to birth the next generation. They failed. And so as punishment they sent her to be a political bride to the Fire Nation.

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4 Part 5 Part 6  Part 7  AO3

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

“Prince Zuko,” a feminine voice purred, “am I boring you?”

Zuko blinked, snapping back to himself. Lady Zemara, last evening’s absentee dinner partner, sat across from him, her chin rested on her cupped hand as she looked at him expectantly.

“Of course not,” Zuko reassured quickly, picking up his tea and gulping down a hefty swallow. Strong and rich in the morning, his uncle’s personal blend for him. The perfect thing when he spent his allotted time for sleep tossing instead of resting. “Please continue with your story.”

Her lips pouted prettily, sheet of inky black hair pulled back in a high phoenix plume to show off the long line of her neck and to emphasize the cut of her jaw. The day’s hanuf a soft coral that laid perfectly against her skin, embroidered with thousands of olive green dragonflies. A summer cold that was making its way though the palace was the cause of her absence yesterday, the only lasting effects of which seemed to be the always-at-hand handkerchief and a slightly red nose.

Dark eyes remained flat as she slipped back into her tale. She was a swordsmith in the Tamahagane style, a delicate blend of functionality and beauty. It was a topic Zuko could normally listen to for hours but his mind refused to focus on the woman in front of him.

Instead it kept turning to the book that had spent the night on his bedside table. Flora and Fauna of the Fire Nation, the economic cover proclaimed . Meant as a field guide for university students it made for a very dry read with only a few accompanying sketches to break up the monotony of the alphabetical listings. Zuko grinned, remembered how intrigued Katara had with the plants in the garden during their walk. Did she fancy herself a hobbyist after just one walk in the gardens? Whatever had drawn the water nation girl to the volume, it now resided in his pocket waiting for the opportunity to be returned.

“You find it amusing that I injured myself?” Zemara broke in hauntly.

Right. He was supposed to be paying attention to the woman breakfasting with him. “I’m impressed that you were able to hone such a sharp edge at so young an age,” he said pulling out pieces of the partially heard story. Her glare said he was not forgiven so he added a more sincere bit of praise to cut the flattery. “Master’s spend years learning such a craft.”

She preened at the complement as she continued, his slight pardoned for the moment.

With a sigh Zuko shoved all thoughts of the blue eyed woman out of his head. With so many backing the Lady Zemara he needed to focus on getting to know her while he had the chance. A forty-five minute breakfast wasn’t ideal to learn the nuances of a potential spouse but it was what he had so he made the best of it, peppering her with questions but hiding them in polite conversation.

The Lady was up to date with current events, not just in the Fire Nation but globally. Able to ask thoughtful questions and make intelligent replies. She wasn’t rude, wasn’t hot tempered and didn’t complain. Besides some obvious jealousy between her siblings when Zuko tried to bring up more personal matter she marked off several of the boxes on his checklist. All in all, she was nearly perfect.

So it irked Zuko that when a servant came to inform them it was time to meet the other Candidate for their group session he let out a sigh of relief. She was beautiful, cultured, and knowledgeable; all things necessary in a Fire Lady. So why was Zuko so repelled by her presence?

“Why do you frown so, Prince Zuko? Have I displeased you?” she asked, voice like honey and smile just as sweet, as he offered his arm to lead her to the meeting area while he tried to sort out his feelings.

“No,” he smoothed out his features. “Thinking of some business I must take care of before the end of the day.”

“You shouldn’t be thinking of business with a woman on your arm,” she teased, laying her head on his arm and looking up at him with her large doe eyes as they walked.

Insight struct like a rocksnake bite.

She was too perfect.

From her beauty, to the repeated emphasis of the Ohisama family’s backing on his rights to rule the Fire Nation, to her flirting now; it was all a deliberately constructed ruse. Her every action calculated to entice him. Her every word weighed to make him want to hear more.

“You’re right, Lady Zemara,” Zuko said, hiding his groundbreaking revelation behind a charming enough smile. Agni, he hated being manipulated. “Please, excuse my bad manners.”

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

The rest of the candidates waited for them in the southern courtyard. They were all making the short trek up to the University District that surrounded the Fire Sage’s Temple of the Mind, the cornerstone of learning in the modern. Scholars from all over the world traveled to study there. It was one of the reasons the palace library was so vast. Students were asked to bring some form of knowledge, be it a book, scroll, or personal research paper, to add to the school. The temple kept the original but the palace got the first distributed copy.

The field guide weighed heavily in his pocket. Zuko clenched his fist, memories tied to why it had been forgotten making his stomach roll. He would return the book and apologize. Except that proved more difficult than anticipated. As they made the journey to the temple when ever he made a move to walk close to the water nation girl another candidates would throw themselves in his path. For her own part Lady Katara kept as much distance between them as wouldn’t be commented on, choosing instead to talk to one of the men in the ring of guards that flanked the party.

As they marched through the main gate, a long figure waited for them on the giant stone steps that led up to the temple proper. Sage Gyatso’s customary long red robe and pointed leather skullcap making him stand in sharp relief against the beige of the monolithic building. There was a quiet grace about that man, who Zuko knew was of a similar age to his deceased grandfather, though the Fire Sage did not look it as the aging Fire Lord had.

Gyayso’s bright eyes looked over the small crowd and they all quieted instantly at his wordless entreaty.

Impressed despite himself, Zuko wondered if the elderly man gave lessons. It would definitely come in handing during council meetings if he could get people to listen to him without having to shout himself horse first.

“My Ladies, Prince Zuko,” the Sage bowed, his voice kind and engaging coming from behind his white mustache. “I am pleased to welcome to the Temple of the Mind. While we go about our tour please keep all sound to a minimum. The temple plays host to students year round and we want to disrupt their concentration as little as possible. If at any time you have a question, please raise your hand and wait until called upon. Also, ask before you touch. Some of the items we store are one of a kind and extremely delicate. When we come to the science wing, this warning because dire. Please head posted safety instruction at all times.” His voice deepened as he eyed everyone seriously before blipping up to his normal cadence with a smile, “now, if you will all follow me inside.”

Skipping up the stairs in the manner of a much younger man, the group quickly surged after him. The way their guide laid out the itinerary, with the possible hint of danger and whimsy, left everyone intrigued to know more.

Before Katara could follow Zuko waylaid her before she could make the steps. The guard she had been talking to early, seeing two of his charges having stopped, paused before going inside. Keeping a respectful distance but a watchful eye.

Zuko pressed the book into her hand. “You forgot this. Yesterday.” With a raised brow she looked down at the item then back up at him. He swallowed. “I wanted to apologize for the way things went last night.” When she just continued to look at him, he fumbled looking for anything to say, not knowing what she was after. “In light of that, I would like to offer you another dinner. With me. Tonight.”

“No.” Tucking the book in her sash she stepped around him making to follow everyone else into the temple.

The guard made to fall into step behind her but seeing the Prince still at the ground level, mouth agape, the man paused to wait for him. He came out of his stupor as soon as the Lady was out of sight, charging up the stairs after her.

“What do you mean ‘no’?” Zuko demanded nipping at her heels.

She shot a sour look over her shoulder as she power walked down the halls. “It is a simple enough word, Fire Prince. N-O, no. Noun, a negative answer.”

“What are you reading the dictionary now?” he asked incredulous, one of his steps eating up two of hers.

Katara glared as he fell into line with her. “Some,” she growled putting on a fresh burst of speed to put distance between them when she spied the tail end of their tour group.

Sage Gyatso held the room entranced as he pointed out the towering architecture of the antechamber. “--- blocks were brought all the way from the Great Divide Canyon in the Earth Kingdom back in 17AS. Official complete of the temple was in 93AS but every few decades saw other Fire Lords add their own mark by adding on some small addition or sanctioning repairs that were long overdue.” Seen that the Prince had finally caught up, the guide gestured to him in respect, “Prince Zuko has commissioned an upgrade and expansion to the dormitories that haven't been touched since Fire Lord Kyro’s time.”

There were murmurs of praise that Zuko acknowledged with an awkwardly raised hand and a smile.

Seeing the prince’s shyness the Sage pressed them along coming into an even grander room. “Here we have the Library.”

Zuko had been here countless times but it was still impressive. The central tower rose over a hundred feet in the air. Multi level walkways encircled the area all the way up to the soaring ceiling, hallways branching from each level like spokes from a wagon wheel. Man size windows at roof level let in floods of sunlight at all hours of the day. It had been an architectural achievement when it had been built and even now, four hundred years later, it was awe inspiring.

At the ground level, rows of people sat an angled desks in the middle of the room. The soft scratching of quills and the occasional rustle of paper almost deafening in the hush.

“The Palace boasts a more formal library,” Gyatso nodded deferentially to the prince, his voice soft out of respect for the people busy at work, “but, as this area has the best year round lighting, we also use this area to make copies of books. Students are required to give ten hours a week to community service projects.” His hand wave encompassed the working people, “transcribing is the most popular.

“The books we have here are from all over the world and the first time some of them had ever seen them.” Noticing Katara’s distinct blue eyes in the crowd he nodded at her with a kind smile, “we even have a few water tribe scrolls.” He turned back to the group at large. “If you all want to take a turn about the place, maybe pick out a book or tried your hand at transcribing, please feel free.”

A few of the women broke off in small clusters to go exploring, the rest descended on the prince asking for him for book recommendations or to personal show them around. Out of the corner of his eye, Zuko saw Katara stepped forward to the Sage. One of the students had also seen this as an opportunity to talk to his Master and, with an armful of notes, he intercedes, getting the older man’s input in hushed whispers. As soon as Gyatso noticed her waiting, though, he quieted the young man with a touch on his shoulder and smiled in her direction.

Zuko was too far away to hear what was actually being said but after a few exchanged words he watched as Katara nodded her head in thanks before breaking away, heading for one of the several wrath iron staircases that led to the upper levels. After making his excuses to the several candidates that had congregated around him he slipped away to follow.

There was no way she didn’t know he was behind her. But as she stepped off the landing and into the rows and rows of shelves, the height of which required ten food ladders to reach the top most books, Katara ignored him, keeping her eyes on the little iron markers as they passed. 440, 485, 510.

“Last night, I didn’t mean frightened you,” he finally spoke up when is seemed likely she would continue to pretend he wasn’t there. “That was never my intention.”

“You did not frightened me, Fire Prince,” she said.

“Well, you’re actions state otherwise,” he pointed out, stepping out of her way as she back tracked and slipped into the isle she’d been looking for.

Her long fingered hands skimmed the spines of books and she walked down, eyes racking the titles. He moved to brace her as she stepped upon one of the ladders to get a better vantage on the higher shelves.

He frowned, eyeing his hand on the small of her back. “Was it because I grappled with you?” he asked, thinking back, as she shifting through a tangle of scrolls. “Because I would like to point out that you started it.”

“Like I said,” she half unrolled one of the scrolls, scowled, then rolled it back up before picking out another one, “you did not scare me.”

“Then why don’t you want to have dinner with me?” If he had requested any of the other Candidate to eat with him they would have jumped over themselves to accommodate him, be them fire nation or earth kingdom. Somehow that made it worse that this particular blue eyes woman was rebuffing him at every turn.

“Because once was enough,” she huffed, jumping from the rung in a dexterous manner and gliding down in a swish of blood orange silk, landing with feline grace.

“Lady Katara,” Sage Gyasto said, suddenly looming at the mouth of the isle, interrupting Zuko before he could continue pressing her. “Did you find what you were looking for?”

“Unfortunately no, Master Gyatso,” she said.

“Then if I may?” The man scurried up the ladder on the opposite side, using the shelves to propel himself half a row down before climbing nearly at the top. Tucking several scrolls under his arm he retracted his route and slid down the wooden rungs to float to the ground. He offered the scrolls to her with a bow. “Here you are, My Lady.”

She accepted in kind. “Thank you.”

Setting them on a partly cleared shelf behind her she unfurled one. “What is this?”

Gyasto peaked over her shoulder. “That would be Foggy Swamp style.”

“Swamp style?” she questioned, fingers tracing the sketch of the bending mannequin.

“Yes, a small hamlet of water benders thrive in the nearly uninhabitable tracked of land in the southwestern range of the Earth Kingdom.

She looked up at the Sage, her blue eyes brilliant. “May I borrow these?”

“Not these ones I’m afraid. They are much too precious to leave the building.” He saw the deep disappointment in the girls eyes. “I’m sorry.”

Zuko had seen it too.

“What if I,” he found himself say, laying a hand on the pile of scrolls, “take possession of them?”

Gyasto wince but bowed to his Prince, “then I would gladly release them into your care. I only asked they be returned in the same condition as they are now.”

Zuko frowned, confused at the strange request. “Of course.”

Katara turned reaching for the scrolls. “Many thanks, Master Gyatso.”

Zuko slid the scrolls away, a beguiling smile on his lips. “You may looked at them after you have dinner with me tonight. Let’s say six?”

She blinked, spine snapping straight, blue eyes going steely. “So you would bribe me with my own people’s knowledge, that you stole from us, to get what you want.” She huffed a disgusted chuckle, shaking her head. “I should have expected it.” Without another word she turned and walked away, leaving him there with a worthless pile of water scrolls.

What was he supposed to do with them now?

“Ah, to be young again.” Zuko turned to the Sage, mouth still half open. Gyasto returned the gaze with a wry smile. “Would you have me return those, Your Highness?”

“I, uh-- No, I’ll still take them. It’s good to learn about the other nations,” he said to save face.

Gyatso nodded sagely. “Then may I suggest ‘The Birth of Tui and La’?”

“I already know that story,” Zuko said.

“You know the Fire Nation version. This,” he pulled a scroll from his sleeve as if by magic, “is the Water Tribe telling.” The old man set it with its brethren. “I think you will find it … enlightening. If you are ready to carry on, your highness?” The Sage asked, gesturing for the Prince to precede him from the shelves.

“Yes, of course,” Zuko said, slipping the scrolls into his front of his robes as they made their way back to the waiting candidates.  

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

Later that evening, Zuko was in his in-room office tackling the ever present pile of paperwork. He had forgotten about his plans with the water nation girl, having thought she had rather pointedly declined, so it was rather shocking when a servant came to inform him of the Lady Katara’s arrival.

The first thing he noticed was that she hadn't changed her hanfu, the copper fans marching up the blood orange fabric being the same one she had worn to the temple. The second was that she stood just inside the door, arms crossed, looking more hesitant then he’d ever seen her.

All that vanished when she saw him walk in though, shoulders going back and chin up.

He bit his lip against a genuine smile when she made no further move to interact.

“I’m glad you decided to come.” He came up beside her and offered his arm. With an eye roll she sidestepped it, going straight for the ground table and plopping herself in the pillow she had occupied once already. He took his own place.

Digging in the satchel at her side she unearthed a slip of paper and slide it across to him.

“What’s this?” he asked picking it up.

“Your uncle’s note.” There was a snide cadence to her words as she laced her fingers atop the burnished wood. “You demanded to see it yesterday.”

It was written neatly in his Uncle’s hand. Asking the Water Nation Candidate, Lady Katara, to take the recently open dining spot and apologies for any inconvenience that abrupt shift would cause.

“I’m sorry for insinuating I didn't believe you.” Disgusted with himself he flipped the page over so he wouldn’t have his faults staring him in the face any more then the woman across from him would supply. “I hope this second meal doesn’t interfere with your schedule.”

“Does it matter?” she snorted. When he made no reply, she glanced up to see his arrested look. Puffing out a sigh she hung her head as if asking for patients. Sitting up she met his eyes. “No, Fire Prince, you did not mess up my schedule.” Her lips pinched as she continued dryly, “if anything you were the better of the two options for my evening. Now, where are the scrolls you promised me?”

Oh, right. “I’ll get them after dinner.”

Her eyes were as sharp as her fanged smile. “I would like them now.”

Feeling like enough of a heel already, he stood and retrieved them. Sliding them across the table as the servants began ferrying in dishes then quietly departing.

Taking up the duty of host again, he poured both their tea. “I would also like to apologize for how my actions came across last night. I don’t want you to be scared of me.”

“Do not flatter yourself,” she chuckled, the sound cold and dark as she took up her cup and sipped. “I have far worse things to fear than you.” Setting down the drink she turned her attention to the scrolls she’d just been given.

"Those are bending scrolls. What use are they to you? I thought there were no female benders in the water nation."

"It is true that the North does not train their women, but this is still apart of my history. It is a part that I would like to know more about."

“I would take it as a great honor if you would eat with me.”

“I already told you I do not like your spicy food.”

“The more I think back on it, the more I remembers that it was Arnook that claimed you liked it in the first place. Why would he do that?”

She shrugged eyes still on the scroll in her lap. “Because he could.”

"I see." And he did. It was strange how those three little words, said in just that way, could change Zuko's fundamental understanding of the woman that stat across from him. Changed her from the blue-eyed girl from the north to a person he could relate with. He, too, had spent his life up to a year ago under the rule of someone who believed he had the right to control him.

Carefully spooning out a couple chunks of chicken that was swimming in an almost glowing orange sauce into his napkin. He felt her eyes on him as he diligently blotted off the sauce til the remaining chicken was only slightly tinted. “The chicken is precooked,” he explained as he worked, “and added after the sauce has a chance to thicken, so most of the heat is on the outside. The spiciness does need some getting used to, especially if you are to be able to enjoy some of the delicacies of the nation. But there are many dishes that have reduced heat versions or even some with no spice at all. But there is something that can be done with the rest.” He then transferred the bits to her plate. “It won't be as hot, but it still might be a bit spicy for someone not used to it.” He set a shallow dish of something thick and white next to the plate. “If you dip it here it will cut the heat even further.” She just looked at him. “Go ahead,” he encouraged.

Hesitance clear in her movements, she set aside the scroll and picked up a chunk with her fingers and dunked it in the paste, drowning the small bite. Quickly as if to stop herself from reconsidering she screwed her eyes shut and popped it in her mouth, chewing quickly. Once … twice…

“Oh,” her eyes popped open and she just let the flavors sit on her tongue. The spice was just enough to hint at and added perfectly to the chicken. The white stuff was some kind of milk base, whipped thick and chilled. It was fantastic. She quickly ate another piece.

“Do you like it?” Zuko asked, amused simply by watching her enjoy.

She nodded, mouthing her last piece. She looked at her empty place with something painfully close to longing.  

Smiling he picked up the bowl of saffron rice.

“I had a sister,” he shared as he scooped some the the rice onto her plate and picked up another dish to serve her. “She was thirteen months younger than me.”

Katara paused in shoveling food into her mouth to look at him as if he grew another head. “Yes, I know.”

“Her name was Azula,” he continued, serving himself as well.

“I know,” she said again. “Why are telling me this?”

“Just talking. Giving you information to get to know me in hopes of getting the same in return.”

She looked suspicious. “Why?”

He was at a loss as what to say to that. “It seems like the thing to do.”

Her head tilted to the side. “What if I do not want to get to know you?”

He barked out a surprised laugh. “Then why are you here?”

She raised a brow and picked up the scroll that was in her lap.

"Oh, right," Zuko snorted with a self deprecating smile. "I bribed you."

An awkwardness descended over the table. Katara fiddled with her fork staring at her plate. “Sokko. My brother. Older.”

“There,” Zuko said cutting into his komodo-rhino steak. “Was that so hard?”

“Yes.”

Something in her tone triggered him and he asked softly, “why?”

“Because the fire nation killed him and I’m sitting here eating with its prince.” Each word was punctuated with a controlled stab of her fork as she speared more and more food on its tines. “Is that enough ‘getting to know you’, Fire Prince?” She shoved the full utensil in her mouth as if to keep herself from saying any more.

She wasn’t angry. There was anger in her voice, yes, but it was deeply banked, leaving only deep barely held together sadness in its place. Zuko set his on utensil down and sat back. Her pain made the air hard to breath. “I’m sor--”

“Don’t.” She cautioned very softly, scooping in another bite. “I do not wish to talk about this any more.”

“Alright,” Zuko said, licking dry lips.

They finished the rest of the meal in near total silence.

[thelaughingmagician]

tagged by @fanfictionfridge

Last sentence tag

“She was a Phoenix.  One of the last.  One of the worst.”

WHAT IS YOUR TOTAL WORD COUNT ON AO3?

127,985

HOW OFTEN DO YOU WRITE?

Every day one way or another.  I think it was Stephen King who gave me that idea--if you’re a writer you should either be writing or reading something all the time.

DO YOU HAVE A ROUTINE FOR WRITING?

I don’t do well with scheduled writing sessions because of my ADHD, so I write when I feel inspiration.  Unfortunately that’s usually between 12am-4am and I have to wake up for a day job most days ;_;

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE KINKS/TROPES/PAIRING?

Polyamory is something I’ve enjoyed exploring.  Fated connections are another, especially where reincarnation or alternate realities are involved.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE FIC OF YOURS?

I’ll always be proud of The Boy Who Destroyed The World - It was my first novel length completed fic, and I wish I had the inspiration to finish the sequel.

YOUR FIC WITH THE MOST KUDOS?

It’s hard to tell because a lot of my fics were just copied over from the dreaded ff.net (yes I’m old)

ANYTHING YOU DON’T LIKE ABOUT YOUR WRITING?

I think I’m horrible at writing action sequences, but my editor has assured me this isn’t the case so idek xD

NOW SOMETHING YOU DO LIKE (ABOUT YOUR WRITING)?

It allows me to explore parts of my personality that I don’t have the means to in real life, and I’ve met some AMAZING people through my writing in fics and rp.

First ship you ever read fic for:

Rachel/Tobias from Animorphs.  No regrets, still one of my first OTPs.

First ship you ever wrote fic for:

Probably Dramione from HP.  Still a shipper, no shame.

Ship you write the most now:

In RP it’s actually an OC OTP with my bff (here’s lookin at you @sidleupandsmile), but in fic I guess I wrote the most with Kyro (Kitty/Pyro from X-Men)

Ship you read the most now:

Reylo and Stackson.

Newest ship:

Reylo

Rare ship you want to read more of:

Steo

Your taboo ship:

Reylo I guess.  Steo can be considered taboo too, tho it’s practically canon with how those boys played it on screen and no one can convince me otherwise.

Also Sif/Loki (hey thar @wheremermaidsdwell)

They never met in canon ship:

This is gonna sound weird but Molly (from Heroes) and Griffin (from Jumper) (shoutout to @zaiatzgeistbeth)

Your unexpected ship:

John Constantine/Oliver Queen tbh (blaming @castellans for that one ;) )

The ship you always forget to give love to:

Sciles.  I love them so when written IC.

Ship your OC with a canon character (if applicable):

Well, I mean, that’s a tough one, but I guess Richard fanboys hardcore over Chris Redfield in my canon novels.  He mentions him in the first two like at least once that I remember.

A ship you’re embarrassed to ship:

I don’t really have one I’m embarrassed about?

Your most romantic ship:

This is gonna sound weird because of how fucked up their background is but BuckyNat

Your sexiest ship:

Stackson by far.  (aside from some OC ships)

Your most tragic ship:

Probably Percabeth and Luke/Thalia from PJO.  I still get the feels sometimes.

A ship you want more content for:

Clint/Nat, Stackson, Loki/Sif

Tagging anyone who wants to do the thing!

[rise-abxve]

Name of Your Character: Arden Kel'Izen(birth name), Rocket(claimed name) One Picture You Like Best of Your Character: There exists four pieces of art of my child. By far my favorite is the one I use as my icon. Two Headcanons You Have For Your Character You Never Told Anyone: 1. Rocket has actually met one of his blood siblings. A brother who was a caretaker at Phoenix Down, before it got destroyed. Technically speaking he had been raised by his brother. He never knew. 2. Rocket was born on a dry dock colony, a community entirely centered around building the massive Galra fleets. His mother being an engineer who built the engines. Three Things Your Character Likes Doing In Their Spare Time: 1. Reading 2. Cleaning 3. Studying Seven People Your Character Loves/Likes: 1. Thace( @lieutenant-thace) 2. Kyro( @galranfighter 3. Repard( @galranrepard) 4. Annalese( @voltron-united) 5. Throk( @galrannoodle) 6. Mina( @sweetheartmedic) 7. Keith( @redgalrapaladin) Two Things Your Character Regrets: 1. Not telling Glory how he felt. 2. Letting Kyana get away. Two Fears Your Character Has: 1. Being abandoned again. 2. Failing those he loves. Tagged by: @lieutenant-thace Tagging: @galrannoodle, @galranininterrogator, @galranrepard, @galranfighter, @voltron-united, @sweetheartmedic, @knifetastic, @where-lies-the-dust,

[videomesumcutsyahraimeldaputri]

Seperti yang kita saksikan, Kaido telah membunuh Orochi di One Piece 985. Namun, banyak penggemar yang meragukan kematian Orochi ini!

Biarpun sekilas, One Piece 987 ternyata memberikan petunjuk lain bahwa Orochi masih hidup! Di mana? Simak ulasannya dalam artikel berikut ini!

1. Luffy menyatakan perang pada aliansi Kaido!

mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/One Piece

Di One Piece 987 kita menyaksikan salah satu adegan terkeren yang dilakukan oleh Luffy sepanjang arc Wano ini, yaitu pernyataan perang pada seluruh aliansi Kaido dan Big Mom!

Tanpa takut, Luffy mengatakan bahwa dia akan menghajar seluruh pihak Kaido meskipun yang dia lawan adalah kelompok Yonko!

Tapi apa hubungannya pernyataan perang Luffy dengan kematian Orochi?

2. Orochi juga disebutkan oleh Luffy!

mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/One Piece

Seharusnya Orochi sudah mati terbunuh oleh Kaido di One Piece 985 dan adegan pemenggalan Orochi oleh Kaido itu jelas diperlihatkan di bab tersebut.

Namun anehnya, Luffy tetap menyebutkan nama Orochi sebagai pihak Kaido yang akan ia hajar. Luffy mengatakan bahwa dia akan menghabisi Kaido, Big Mom, anak buah keduanya, dan juga Orochi beserta pengikutnya.

Apakah Luffy tidak tahu bahwa Orochi sudah mati?

3. Ingat, Kenbunshoku Haki Luffy tingkat tinggi!

Toei Animation/One Piece

Jangan lupa, Luffy memiliki Kenbunshoku Haki tingkat tinggi. Aneh rasanya kalau dia tidak menyadari bahwa "suara" Orochi menghilang, apalagi ditambah dengan pengumuman besar sebelumnya.

Ada dua kemungkinan terkait ini, yaitu (1) Luffy tidak mendengarkan dan tidak peduli; atau (2) Luffy sadar "suara" Orochi sempat menghilang namun kembali lagi.

Jika kalian yakin bahwa kemungkinan pertama yang benar, kalian bisa berhenti membaca artikel ini di sini dan tetap beranggapan bahwa Orochi sudah mati.

Namun kalau kemungkinan kedua tepat, artinya ada sesuatu yang terjadi pada Orochi yang membuatnya bangkit kembali.

4. Orochi pemakan Buah Iblis Mythical Zoan!

crunchyroll.com/One Piece

Jangan lupa bahwa Orochi memakan Buah Iblis Mythical Zoan, yaitu buah Hebi Hebi, model: Yamata no Orochi!

Buah Iblis ini memberi kemampuan pada Orochi untuk berubah menjadi ular berkepala delapan dan seperti Mythical Zoan lainnya, aneh kalau Buah Iblis ini tidak memberikan suatu kekuatan tambahan bagi Orochi.

Contohnya Marco dengan kekuatan regenerasi Phoenix atau Catarina Devon dengan kemampuan berubah wujud, semua Mythical Zoan punya kemampuan tambahan di luar transformasi Zoan mereka.

Jadi mengingat Orochi adalah ular berkepala delapan, bagaimana kalau ternyata Orochi masih punya 7 kepala cadangan?

Dengan kata lain, ada kemungkinan memenggal Orochi sekali saja tidak akan cukup untuk benar-benar membunuhnya!

Baca Juga: Prediksi One Piece 988: Sulong Inuarashi dan Nekomamushi Lawan Kaido?

5. Lalu kenapa Kaido tidak menyadarinya?

mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/One Piece

Ingat, tak lama setelah Kaido menebas Orochi, Akazaya Nine mendadak muncul dan menyerang Kaido dari belakang!

Haki, khususnya Kenbunshoku Haki memerlukan kondisi mental yang stabil dan berkonsentrasi. Jadi berhubung Kaido saat itu sedang fokus pada hal lain, dia mungkin tidak menyadari bahwa Orochi kemudian bangkit kembali!

Namun bisa juga orang yang merasa dirinya adalah makhluk terkuat di dunia seperti Kaido memang sengaja tidak mengaktifkan Kenbunshoku Haki setiap waktu.

Pada dasarnya, Kaido sangatlah kebal terhadap serangan. Jadi tentunya bukan hal yang aneh kalau Kaido tak takut pada serangan mendadak.

6. Bukan pertama kalinya hal ini terjadi!

crunchyroll.com/One Piece

Kematian yang "dipalsukan" oleh Oda ini bukan pertama kalinya di dunia One Piece, apalagi jika kematian tersebut akibat dipenggal.

Contohnya pada saat Kyros menebas Doflamingo, ternyata berikutnya diperlihatkan bahwa itu hanyalah duplikat benang yang diciptakan Doflamingo.

Atau saat awal kemunculan Buggy, Zoro diperlihatkan membelah tubuh Buggy dengan percuma karena ternyata Buggy memiliki kekuatan Bara Bara. Adegan begini bukanlah hal yang baru bagi kita yang sudah terbiasa, bukan?

Jadi bisa saja Orochi nanti diperlihatkan masih hidup dan menyelinap ke luar Wano agar tidak terlibat dalam pertempuran Yonko, entah di tengah peperangan atau nanti di akhir arc Wano!

Bagaimana menurut kalian? Kira-kira apakah Orochi benar-benar sudah mati ataukah masih hidup? Kalau kalian punya pendapat sendiri, coba sampaikan di kolom komentar ya!

[pequeninafangirl]

Olá, doramores! O Playlist TOP 10 é uma coluna trimestral do Drama Castle que consiste em enaltecer minhas osts favoritas durante todo o ano! Teve tanta ost boa no final do primeiro semestre que burlei as regras e selecionei um TOP 15. Me julguem! Confira o episódio a seguir para conferir a playlist especial e descobrir quais músicas que me conquistaram até Junho de 2019. No final você pode conferir menções especiais que não entraram na playlist devido a limitação. Ouça também pelo spotify, google podcasts, anchor, etc, clicando aqui. Músicas tocadas no episódio: 1. Elaine - Search (SEARCH WWW) Nada mais justo que um drama sobre mulheres empoderadas que lutam contra preconceitos tenha uma ost que transborde isso.  A escolhida foi Search porque simplesmente sou destinada amar todas as músicas que a Elaine canta, mas, gostaria de declarar todo meu amor por WOW que é cantada por um quarteto de divas empoderadas da vida real, MAMAMOO!   2. (G)I-DLE - Help Me (HER PRIVATE LIFE) Meu coração é todo desse drama, só digo isso. MUITO AMOR! 3. Solji - Close Enoug to Reach (PERFUME) Perfume foi aquele drama que, embalado em uma trilha sonora formidável, surpreendeu ao tratar um tema polêmica ~gordofobia~ de forma inédita na dramaland. 4. Wang Yi Bo -The Most Burning Adventure (GANK YOUR HEART) O dorama chinês é uma ótima opção para passar o tempo ao trazer uma trama que faz você conhecer sobre o mundo da indústria dos e-sports e suspirar pelo Wang YiBo! 5. Aye Sarunchana - Wonderful or Deceptive? (BOY FOR RENT) Lakorn ótimo para passar o tempo!  Badz & Smile >>>>>>> Kyro & Lisa, okay? 6. Lee Hae Ri - Maybe (HER PRIVATE LIFE) 7. CHAI - Oh My Angel (ANGEL'S LAST MISSION:LOVE) Esse é daqueles que nadamos nas nossas próprias lágrimas levantando a plaquinha: eu sofri, eu chorei, mas eu te amei!  8. The Barberettes - What A Meaning (POSSESSED) 9. Janett Suhh - Shadows on the Wall (HE IS PSYCHOMETRIC) 10. Shin Ji Hoon - Tick Tock (PERFUME) Eu já disse que amo toda a ost desse drama né? Essa é a minha música favorita! 11. Kim Bo Kyung - You, Like, Me (KILL IT) São muitos sentimentos sobre Kill It, eu sofri tanto esse drama que sinto os resquícios até hoje. É só ouvir a ost que as lágrimas surgem. OCN quero uma idenização por esse trauma, sua bandida! 12. Sonnet Son - Close To Night (ITEM) 13. Seol Ha Yoon - Forever More (WELCOME TO WAIKIKI 2) 14. Hoody - Eyes (DOCTOR PRISONER) 15. Song Ji Eun & Basick - Let Me Hear (CONFESSION) -ESPECIAL- Gostaria de deixar menção especial para as ost de Kill It, pois o que eu passei para eleger apenas uma para entrar nessa playlist não foi brincadeira! Se eu pudesse colocava o álbum completo! Mas, para isso, eu disponibilizei a playlist do drama no spotify, apreciem sem moderação, por favor!  E também para a ost de HIStory3 Trapped que veio com duas músicas de melodias opostas mas que me conquistaram igualmente: a de abertura e encerramento! Para finalizar segue a ost de Legend Of The Phoenix! É claro que não iria faltar drama chinês épico por aqui, né? Acompanhe a playlist com todas as osts favoritas de 2019: Beijinhos sintonizados!

http://pequeninafangirl.blogspot.com/2019/10/podcast-7-playlist-top15-osts-favoritas.html

[moodybidoof]

Okay I accidentally stayed up till 3 am but I wanna write down some thoughts about.my Fatebinder cause I know I'll forget by the morning

He's obviously ambitious but even now he doesn't seriously think he could challenge Kyros, even though other people seem to think he'sa threat. His powers are a literal shadow of her's, his magic uses sigils empowered by past Archons, he knows nothing about the Spires...It's foolish to even think about if he can't even create something of his own.

On that note, he thinks it's wild that people think he outsmarted Kyros by letting what's her face abdicate her baby's throne. He's pretty certain that Kyros purposely phrased the Edicts to allow for wiggle room.

Idk exactly how his body might change as his power grows but it would for sure have something to do with fire. He proclaimed the Edict of Fire, uses mostly fire magic, his banner is a phoenix - it's his thing.

He didn't want to push his luck and try to implicate both Ash and Nerat in court, but it was easy to choose to go after Nerat first. Anius has a lot more respect for Narat and the Chorus than the Disfavored, so ofc he needs to get rid of the bigger threat asap.

At one point Nerat says smth like, he would have preferred you in red, and Anius would have ended up in the Chorus if the Court hadn't handpicked him first, so now I can't help but wonder about that au. I might have to replay and do a Chorus run at least.

[goddessofeternity]

Love Amidst the Darkness

Chapter 12: Allied Kingdoms

The following weeks in the palace were quiet and uneventful, the attack at the tournament was still fresh in the minds of the king and queen. So, Queen Hestia traveled to the far kingdom of Kastria to seek help from their southern allies. The lush forests and swamps were a sight to behold in the kingdom of Kastria. Queen Hestia peered out the window of her carriage as her advisors spoke beside her. The kingdom of Kastria was different from every other kingdom she traveled to. While other kingdoms were built on stone and fine bricks, Kastria was not. Most of the homes were built in trees and made out of branches and other earthly materials. The people of Kastria lived off the land around them. The only pieces of architecture that were made from stone and brick was the palace, their place of worship, and places of shelter from their seasonal storms. The climate was quite hot here, even though Melodia was starting to get chilly. As such, queen Hestia found herself in a summer dress, with a thin shawl over her shoulders. Her long hair was slicked back in a ponytail, a modest crown on her head. Queen Hestia rolled back her shoulders as the carriage pulled up to the front of the palace. Stepping out, she was greeted with flowers and welcomes from the people. 

 “Thank you….thank you so much…” Queen Hestia smiled graciously as she accepted the flowers. The people of Kastria were always so gracious.

 “Welcome to the kingdom of Kastria, Queen Hestia,” a guard bowed to her. “The emperor and empress are eagerly awaiting your arrival. Allow me to escort you to the throne room. Please follow me.”

 “Of course lead the way.”

 Walking down the long halls, Queen Hestia gazed at the paintings of the emperors and empresses of the past. There were many great men and women but were a problem in the past. Queen Hestia could remember clearly when the current empress' ancestor had tried to conquer Melodia over 290 years ago.

♛ 

 “Our emperor demands that you surrender your kingdom to him, or face the destruction of all you hold dear.” The messenger looked at the royals' reactions carefully. “You have one day to answer this message.”

 “I will answer this message now.” King Kyros rose from his throne angrily. He walked toward the messenger and glared down at him. Fire rose from the ground in his anger, the messenger flinched away from the intense heat. “Tell your emperor that I will not surrender my kingdom! I hereby declare war on the empire of Kastria! May the gods have mercy on the bloodshed that will be spilled between us. Now get out of my sight.”

  The messenger quickly retreated to relay the message, almost tripping over his own feet.  King Kyros sighed deeply as he looked back at his wife. Her worried expression softened his features considerably. Walking back to her, he gently kissed her hand and sat back on his throne.

 “Kyros….war….I never thought it would come to this.” Queen Hestia sighed sadly. “Why couldn’t the emperor just accept our messages of peace? War is never good for either side, it just brings pain and death.”

 “Sometimes to bring about peace...there must be war,” King Kyros gently explained, patting his wife’s hand. “We have tried many times to reach out, but it appears the emperor is past mere words.” 

 “I don’t like it.”

“Neither do I, my queen.” He kissed her head tenderly as he stood back up. “I must ready the soldiers at once...we mustn't delay.”

 “Kyros…”

 “Hmmm?”

 “I don’t want to bring a child into this.”

 “Hestia....we talked about this. A child isn’t necessary for us, you know that. The fact that either of us exists is strange. Two phoenixes….Hestia we live forever. My grandfather had my father because he was bored. I have no grandmother or even a mother. They are probably long gone. My father had me because he wanted a child, yes...but he didn’t want to rule anymore.”

 “I know I know Kyros it’s just...it’s always on my mind.” Queen Hestia sighs sadly. “Ophelia told me that she and Zacharias have thought about it. They are gonna try one day.”

 “Hestia...we are the only phoenixes on the entire planet. I fell so madly in love with you, you are the most perfect woman on this planet. We ourselves are a symbol of love, a child just...Hestia we don’t need to.”

 “......” Queen Hestia stood from her throne, looking away from him. “Very well my king...I have a meeting to attend to.”

 “Hestia-”

 “You have an army to prepare Kyros.” She states coldly. “I will see you at dinner.” 

 The king let out a frustrated sigh as she walked away. The hurt in her voice broke his heart. He quickly set out to prepare. This was a conversation that he knew would just continue another day. For now, he set about preparing for a bloody war that would last for the next 30 years.

♛

 “Welcome to Kastria, Your Majesty.”

 Queen Hestia tore away from her thoughts as the emperor and empress sat before her. Queen Hestia gestured for the guards to bring forth her gifts. New medicines, herbs, flowers, and different books for education. 

 “It is always a pleasure to see you both Your Imperial Majesties.” A noise at the base of the thrones drove queen Hestia’s gaze downward. Like Dragleic, the kingdom of Kastria’s residents were also in the company of large companions. A lion and his lioness were nestled at the feet of the emperor and empress. The large predators were making grunts at her and walked towards her. Queen Hestia smiled and knelt down as they brushed against her and licked her hands. Normally these magnificent beasts would be aggressive, but around their masters and people they trust, they were like kittens. Speaking of kittens, Rion and Lyna, the lion and lioness respectively, had four kittens playing under the thrones. 

 “It is always wonderful to have you here Your Majesty.” Empress Yvette smiled kindly as she adjusted herself in her seat. “We have your room prepared if you’d like to rest before we have our discussion.”

 “Yes please rest the journey here is quite long,” Emperor Klein says as he stands and walks toward her. “We can speak later into the evening after dinner.”

 “Thank you...I think I will rest for a bit.”

  “Tia!”

 Everyone looked to the far left door as a young boy ran into the throne room holding a fifth lion cub in his arms. His tousled blond hair suggested he just woke from his sleep. A few maids were chasing behind him frantically and out of breath. The young prince ran up to Hestia excitedly and she knelt and held her arms open to him. He jumped at her with a bit of force and she let out a small breath as she lifted him and the cub up. She adjusted them both as he giggled and held onto her tightly. 

  “Good morning Your Highness.”

  “Morning!”

 “Matteo...you mustn't run from your maids and you are still in your night clothes.” Emperor Klein sighs as he looks at his son. “Queen Hestia is tired from her journey, she has to rest my son.”

 “No! Tia has to play with me!” Matteo pouted adorably as he buried his face in her neck. Queen Hestia chuckled lightly as he held on tighter. 

 “It’s quite alright...I enjoy seeing the young prince.” Queen Hestia smiles as she sets the cub down. “It has been some time since I was last in Kastria.”

 “Yes but he needs to learn his manners.”

 “Klein let him be...he’s only three years old...let him be a child.” Queen Hestia and emperor Klein both look to the throne as Empress Yvette stands. Queen Hestia’s eyes widen as she takes in her appearance. The empress was pregnant again although it was small, her stomach was slightly protruding. “Besides it has been quite some time since he has seen her. If she wants to entertain him I don’t see the harm.”  

 “Oh! You...if I had known I would have brought more gifts.” Queen Hestia says as Matteo jumps from her arms to run to his mother. “Congratulations to you both.”

 “Thank you for your kind words but…” Emperor Klein looks at his wife apprehensively as she holds her stomach. “We haven’t let out an official announcement yet since…”

 “Since our past miscarriages..” Empress Yvette finishes sadly. “We just want to make sure and not get our peoples hopes up or our own.”

 “Yes of course I understand.” The royals of Kastria were very unfortunate in the child rearing area. The empress had two miscarriages before Matteo was born. She also suffered from terrible morning sickness, and was bedridden for months. Queen Hestia felt incredibly bad for Empress Yvette, she was lucky enough to have Althea without much issues. The world could be very unkind to those who have done no wrong. Queen Hestia said nothing further as she continued to converse with Emperor Klein. After being shown to her temporary bedroom, queen Hestia sighed deeply. She hated having to tell them about a potential threat after so many years of peace. With the empress pregnant, it made telling the news harder. Stressing her out could cause her to miscarry. It was a hard task, but regardless she had to do it. So after resting for a few hours and eating dinner, Queen Hestia joined the royals on a balcony overlooking their empire. Pulling her shawl around herself tighter, Queen Hestia sat beside the royal couple. Although the sun was setting, a few rays of sunlight were still beaming. Hestia reached a hand out and pulled the warm rays onto herself and the royal couple.

 “It is always amazing to see you do that.” Empress Yvette sighed as she enjoyed the last few minutes of heat the sun provided.

 “Yes it does have its uses.” Queen Hestia snapped her fingers and set alight candles that were sitting on the balcony. 

 “I’d imagine being a Phoenix is spectacular,” Emperor Klein chuckled as he pulled his wife close. “Being able to soar in the clouds and make fire...it's all very extraordinary.”

 “I might take a morning flight before I head back home.” She smiled at the couple as the emperor rubbed his wife’s stomach. “Kastria is very quiet...I’m surprised by that.”

 “Everyone is preparing for a storm. The cats are restless so we are taking precautions.”

 “If we can help with anything please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “Of course thank you….” The three of them sat in comfortable silence watching as torches lit up on the empire’s streets. People were still walking about and laughing with neighbors. Children chased after cubs and more big cats lounged in trees.

 “Hestia...what’s wrong?”

 Queen Hestia blinked out of her thoughts as she looked at Empress Yvette. Hearing the worry in her voice made her uneasy. She looked at emperor Klein and they both looked worried.

 “We heard of the attack at the tournament...we never got much details of what happened. I feel as though you have something terrible to speak with us about.”

 “Is Melodia in danger? Are we in danger?” Emperor Klein’s demeanor changed as he frowned.

 “I do have news to speak of. I just don’t wish to put stress upon you Yvette. I would hate if the issues in my kingdom cause...something unfortunate.”

 “We appreciate your concern up Hestia,” Empress Yvette smiled and relaxed into her chair. “Honestly I always feel a bit of stress, especially with a storm coming soon. If your news is worrying your kingdom then it will also be the concern of ours.”

 “If you and Kyros need assistance of any kind then we shall back you up. Your family is more than just our allies, you are trusted friends.”

 Queen Hestia sighed deeply as she looked at her dear friends. In her heart she hoped that maybe the threat was dealt with when the creature was slain, but that was just a foolish thought. Her visions proved otherwise...her vision showed a greater threat to her family and kingdom. If it wasn’t stopped then it would be the end for them all.

 “At our tournament...it was infiltrated and attacked by a single man. He looked sickly and weak, but he had somehow made it quite far into the tournament. One of the knights fighting him drew his blood, and that was when he transformed into a grotesque creature. It killed many of our soldiers and almost...it….it almost killed Althea. I was leaving the arena with her and Ophelia and the children, and it killed the knight traveling with her.”

 “Oh Hestia! I am so glad she is alright now.” Yvette held a hand over her heart as she leaned back. She placed her hand on her stomach and Klein put his hand over hers. 

 “How did you kill this creature?” Klein asked with clenched teeth. His grip had tightened on his wife’s hand as she patted his to calm him down.

 “I killed it…” Hestia held out her palm, a small fire formed in the center. Klein and Yvette could feel the intense heat as she compressed it. “I set it alight with the hottest flame I could muster. I was so afraid that Althea had been killed that I charged right for it.”

 “So they can be killed with flames…” Klein stood and paced around the balcony. “Do you believe that there are other means to battle this creature?”

 “I think so...I’m positive that it can be killed in other ways. Its blood soaked appearance when it reached us told me enough. It was also quite sluggish.” Yvette sighed and sipped her water and her lioness Lyna slinked up with a cub in her powerful jaws. Matteo was holding her tail and rubbing his eyes. 

 “Matteo…” Klein sighed as he lifted his son into his arms. “You are a terror to put to sleep son.”

 Yvette and Hestia smiled and laughed at the young prince. Especially when he tried to fight his growing sleepiness. He played with Lyna and her cub and Yvette patted his unruly hair as he giggled and laughed. “I wish to apologize again for bringing such awful news to you both…”

 “You’ve warned us about an incredible danger...I know you were worried about informing me, but I will be fine and I’ll be better when we have properly prepared ourselves.” Yvette looked over the empire as the people started to retire for the night. Hestia smiled as Matteo climbed into her lap and immediately fell asleep, she ran her fingers through his hair as he drifted off. “Klein I wish to speak with Hestia alone for a bit, we can put Matteo to bed.”

 “Are you sure? I’d rather you get some sleep…” Yvette smiled and laughed at his worry.

 “I will join you in our bed soon my lion…” The couple exchanged a few more words before they kissed and Klein left. Hestia stood and carefully handled Matteo as she walked the halls with Yvette. 

 “There is something else that is bothering you…” Hestia looked at Yvette with a frown. “You seem a bit distracted. You’re worried about what is going to happen aren’t you.”

 “Yes I...if what happened at the tournament can be avoided...then I wish to make sure that we are prepared. I also want that for our friends.” Hestia shook her head as she laid Matteo down on his bed. Turning toward Yvette, Hestia rubbed her temples. “I’m sorry for the sudden news. I would hope that next we meet I’ll have better news.”

 “Regardless, Hestia...we appreciate your concern and I hope that we can stop this problem before it even begins.”

 “I do as well Yvette...I hope Kyros is having more luck with the empire in the east.” Yvette agreed as they left Matteo’s room to chat. Hestia grew a bit worried as she thought about her husband. Their allies to the east were closed off and rarely communicated with them. They were a mystery to the other allied kingdoms as well. They remained friendly enough, but their behavior was concerning. Nevertheless, Kyros and Hestia agreed that it was best to inform them of any approaching danger. Time would only tell how they would take the news.

♛

 King Kyros tapped his chin while he looked outside his carriage window. The palace was a mighty sight to behold. The curved roofs and tall towers soared high in the air. Red trees were sprinkled all throughout the roads. The people stopped and stared as they gazed upon his carriage. King Kyros watched as blacksmith sold their wares and others pulled heavy carts along the road. As the carriage pulled up to the palace, Kyros narrowed his eyes a bit as an entire guard was lined up to see him. Letting out a breath, Kyros stepped down from the carriage with slow movements.

 “Welcome to the Chowa Empire, King Kyros. I am General Honghui. I will escort you to meet our leader.” 

 “It is a pleasure to meet you General. I look forward to meeting and speaking with the leader of your land.” The general looked at the king with a calculated gaze before he led him into the palace. King Kyros took the time to notice a distinct feature about the inhabitants. Each person had the ears and tail of an animal species. The general seemed to have the features of a tiger and most of the guards had dog and cat features. He smiled to himself as he thought of all the mysteries that the world of Edrion held even still. Walking into a large circular room, Kyros was greeted with a woman with dark brown hair tied up immaculately, and a sword by her side. She gripped it tightly as she narrowed her eyes at him, her tiger striped ears and tail twitched at his movements. The guards took their places around the room and Kyros had his gifts brought in.  King Kyros looked around looking for the emperor that he had exchanged many letters with, but only laid eyes on the woman.

 “Greetings King Kyros...are you looking for the emperor? You will not find one, because I am the one you have been speaking with. I am the empress of Chowa.”

 “Oh? This is a turn of events...my apologies Your Imperial Majesty. I would have hoped during our alliance that we formed some sort of trust between each other. I have brought gifts and medicine from my kingdom. My wife apologizes for not being able to come to meet you. She had prior business to attend to.”

 “......” She let out a sigh before she turned and walked toward a door behind the throne. “We can speak in here, King Kyros.”  Frowning a bit, he followed her as did the general. The trio entered a small but comfortable sitting room and the empress sat on a chair with the general by her side. Kyros sat across from her but eyed the sword she never seemed to relax her grip on. Clearing his throat, Kyros started the conversation.

 “Your Imperial Majesty, I have come to discuss a grave issue with you. It could possibly impact your empire as well.”

 He didn’t miss the agitated twitch of her tail as her eyes narrowed. “Oh? You could have informed me about this in our letters. You didn’t need to come all the way here to the empire.”

 “Our communication has been scarce. You suddenly stopped communicating with us a few months back. A formal meeting between us has needed to happen for some time. We can’t keep up good relations between each other if we can’t look into the other's eyes. It is the very foundation to be able to look upon each other and build trust.”

 “......” She remained silent as she looked him in the eyes. “You couldn’t possibly want to seek the aid from an empire run by a woman. I’m sure you don’t seek the counsel of your wife…”

 “Why wouldn’t I?” Kyros knew that she was trying to rile him up, but his temper was not so easy to flare. He could only wonder about her hostility though. Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second before they narrowed again. “I always seek the counsel of my wife. She gives me some of our greatest ideas. My wife and I rule together, not apart.”

 “.....” She scoffed and drank from a tea cup and she gestured for the general to pour one for king Kyros. Drinking from the cup, he felt that he had to get to the bottom of this.

 “Might I ask why you have been so hostile? I only wish to continue our alliance and speak with you about grave matters. You have not stopped glaring and gripping your sword since we sat down.”

 “I have not been hostile.” Her tail flickered behind her, telling Kyros that he was right. “I grow tired of men telling me how I’m feeling.”

 “I mean no disrespect. I just want to break the tension.”

 “I highly doubt that you-“ The doors behind them suddenly opened and the empress's face grew pale. Kyros stood as a pretty woman with the ears and tail of a red panda stood with a guitar in hand. She looked around the room in surprise and Kyros took the chance to greet her.

 “Hello. I am King Kyros of Melodia. It is lovely to make your acquaintance.”

 “Hello Your Majesty...I..I um...”

 “Liling! What are you doing here?!” Kyros looked at the empress with a raised brow as her hair stood on end. The other woman looked down at the ground as she gripped her guitar tight. Kyros watched the scene carefully as the empress sighed gently before moving towards the woman known as Liling. He watched as the empress whispered soft words of reassurance to her. Her features softened in the presence of Liling and it told him quite the story. The general took notice of King Kyros’s stare and cleared his throat and the woman parted quickly.

 “I think I can see why you have been withdraw from my letters and meetings with my kingdom in person. Traveling with her would be quite the scandal and it would be frowned upon in other places. It would not however, be frowned upon in Melodia.”

 All three of the occupants looked at him in surprise, but the one who reacted quicker was Liling. With a happy bounce in her step, she crossed the room and stood in front of King Kyros. She looked up at him with eyes full of hope and wonder. 

 “Really? Is that true Your Majesty?”

 “Of course. We don’t discriminate about who one chooses to love and cherish. I would have been glad to inform the empress of this if she would have come to my kingdom.”

 “You could just be saying that to appease me and get on my good side. I will not let some foreign king I don’t have a relationship with try and trick me.” 

 “Shall we get to know each other then? Trust and friendship between allies should be forged through conversations and perhaps more tea?” Liling giggled into the sleeve of her gown, while the empress growled and sighed deeply. The general led them to an indoor garden where the empress sat across from them both. Liling quietly strummed her guitar as they were served more tea and snacks. Kyros did not miss the looks the servants gave toward the couple. The general glared at the servants and they scurried away quickly. 

“How about you tell us about what isn’t frowned about in your kingdom, Your Majesty?” The empress was not afraid to speak her mind. She was cautious and she had every right to be. The world could be especially cruel to royals, and having feelings for the opposite gender meant it could only be crueler. “I’m sure your council threw up quite a fuss about “things that are frowned on.”

 “Oh they did...over 200 years ago. My wife and I certainly didn’t let the topic just get brushed under the rug.” The sudden breaking of a guitar string had both royals looking at Liling. Her face flushed fiercely as she tried to fix her string.

 “So..the royal family of Melodia really is immortal. I suppose the same could be said about the ones in Dragleic?”

 “Haha yes. Rise from the ashes and all that. My friend Zacharias wishes that he could rise from the flames like I can. The residents of Dragleic live very long lives and I think their oldest resident might still have a spring in her step.”

 “I would love to visit the other kingdoms some day…” Liling looked at the empress with sad eyes. The empress sighed and patted her lover's hand as her ears drooped. 

 “You both would very much be welcomed in Melodia. My family has many balls and we invite many of our allied friends to come. We are having a gathering in a few weeks actually.”

 “Oh!” Liling looked at the empress with begging eyes and Kyros smiled as she crumbled under her lover’s gaze. “Xiaoli….”

 “I suppose that we can see about visiting…” King Kyros chuckled as Liling clapped her hands excitedly. The empress looked him over with a questioning gaze and furrowed her brows as she spoke to him.

 “I do have a question for you King Kyros…”

 “Yes?”

 “I believe you have a child...a daughter correct?”

 “I do have a daughter, yes….” He raised a brow and crossed his arms, he tensed up a bit when the topic turned to his daughter. “Why?”

 “I was just curious what you would do if she preferred the company of women? Would you push traditional values on her, even in your progressive kingdom?”

 “......” King Kyros silently stared at the empress and realized her little game immediately. She was testing not only his role as a parent, but one as a ruler. One who assured her of something that she was sure he lied about. Empress Xiaoli was a force indeed. “My wife and I would gladly accept whoever our daughter brings into her heart, but I will not deny that some would prefer her to marry a man. To continue the line of succession.”

“If she doesn’t want it? What then? I can’t see the point in a family of phoenixes needing to reproduce…”

“Heh...I told my wife that many years ago, but my daughter has brought such light into our long lives that I wish she had convinced me sooner. As our only heir, she has no choice in the matter unfortunately. She has a duty to her people and she has known this for years, if she was interested in only women, then we would do what we need to make sure she is happy. Believe me when I say that my wife and I always consider what is best for our daughter over everything else.”

“Hmm…” The empress chuckled as she sipped her tea and crossed her legs. “I think I like you Your Majesty. Now then...why don’t we get to the root of this meeting shall we?”

♛

“So...the empress has taken your word on the matter?”

“With much scepticism she did. I believe that she was very wary of me. Her lover Liling took to me quite well though. She was vastly interested in stories about our kingdom and Dragleic. I think you two would get along well my queen.”

“I think we would as well. I think I should start planning for another ball soon.” Queen Hestia smiled as King Kyros kissed her hand as they walked through the palace. The queen had arrived back home a few days before he did, and he was more than happy to come back into her embrace. It also gave him time to relax and destress. The last few weeks had been especially tough, but he didn’t want to worry her or Althea.

“We deserve it with everything that has happened.” Queen Hestia gripped his arm tight and he stopped walking to look at her. “What’s wrong my love?”

“I just worry about Althea. I wonder if she’s really happy….ever since I told her about her fiance and then all that has transpired over the past few weeks. I just worry that she might be a bit depressed-”

“Mother! Father!” The royal couple turned as their daughter ran down the hall with her knights following closely behind her. Althea stopped in front of her parents trying to catch her breath. “I...I heard that you were back, Father! I wanted to greet you but I was wrapped up in other matters!”

“Really now? Does it have anything to do with the flour on your face?” Althea blushed as her mother wiped her cheek. “You were in the kitchens?”

“I um...well maybe. It’s a surprise!” She giggled and her mother visibly relaxed and Kyros rubbed her back as they watched her smile and laugh. She turned to her knights and their playful banter warmed the queen’s heart. It seemed that she didn’t have much to worry about in regards to her daughter’s happiness. The couple only hoped they could preserve her innocence for a bit longer, and that this growing threat would only be a distant memory.

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[mooshs-crack-headcanons]

Okay, now me! Top 5 characters you want to write more about AND Top 5 characters you wish they appeared more in general in writings on tumblr ;)

I would like to write more for:

Sabo, I like writing fluff for him.

I'll hop on any opportunity to write for Zoro.

Killer, he's an absolute sweetheart who needs even more love.

Drake, look at him:

5. And of course, the one and only wife, Nico Robin

Characters in general I would like to see written for more:

Benn Beckman, no words needed he's super underrated.

Reiju, 👉👈 I...I just think she's pretty.

(Non romantic) sfw fluff for Jimbe, he needs more love and more recognition as a Strawhat.

Cit, I know what your going to comment, but hear me out: DADDY ISSUES. Kyros. Listen, Bas. DILF.

Okay this is in fact a filler character, Puzzle the Phoenix. BUT LOOK AT HIM. I WANT TO HOLD HANDS WITH HIM.