#wasnt planning on drawing them again so soon but i wanted an excuse to work with brighter colors

[wiltkingart]

i want a game where we can dress them up rpg style

[eclairslein]

Why Technoblade is an unreliable narrator

I’ve seen a lot of viewers idolizing c!Technoblade and saying it didn’t make sense that Tommy left him in the end. I watch Technoblade’s streams, but also everyone else’s. I think there’s a lot of overlap in viewers who idolize him and those who don’t have any context other than what comes from his character’s POV. As someone who has watched all POV’s here is why I disagree that “Technoblade has done no wrong” “Techno helps everyone and just gets betrayed” and “Tommy backstabbed Techno!”

I disagree with all of these statements and I don’t think c!Technoblade is a victim despite his personal monologue insinuating that. Let’s start at the beginning.

Technoblade joined to help Wilbur and Tommy with the intention of taking down Shlatt. He preached for anarchy and chaos. Although he was clear about the from the beginning, the people he was allied with didn’t agree with that. Wilbur was driven to that point AFTER Technoblade had already been allied with them. Tommy NEVER wanted to “destroy all government” his goal was always just to take down Shlatt and return to his home. Technoblade ignored the wishes of his only two allies and continued to entertain the idea in his own head of completely destroying L’Manberg. That was never an agreement, he made that decision on his own AGAINST the will of his only friends, Tommy and Wilbur.

Technoblade, on the other hand, was keeping secrets from them. He had withers prepared before they even put Tubbo in charge. Behind all of their backs he conspired with Wilbur and DREAM to destroy L’Manberg just as soon as they’d won it back. That is betrayal. No one betrayed Technoblade because they never promised him anarchy in the first place.

This is where his narration becomes unreliable. In his speech he brings up making all the gear for his new allies and then them betraying him when they used that gear to take back L’Manberg. He called that a betrayal even though it was CLEAR FROM THE BEGINNING WHAT THEIR INTENTIONS WERE ( the beginning being when Quackity and the others joined Pogtopia to help Tommy and the intentions being stopping L’Manberg’s destruction by Wilbur and ending Schlatt’s administration ). Technoblade calling this a betrayal is delusional.

The second thing his character is unreliable about is his “retirement.” When Technoblade set withers upon L’Manberg he caused pain and destruction, but also ultimately committed crimes against L’Manberg. He also vowed to them before disappearing into the wilderness that he would continue to destroy the government. When the Butcher Army arrived at his doorstep asking to answer for his crimes he claimed to be in retirement. Fleeing from a crime scene and then not committing crimes for awhile doesn’t excuse you from the original crime. Butcher Army coming for Technoblade was not entirely unreasonable the way c!Technoblade paints it to be. Technoblade was a war criminal and a threat and it made perfect sense for them to pursue him. Putting Phil under house arrest crossed a line, but going after Technoblade was not unreasonable for L’Manberg to do.

As for Technoblade’s relationship with Tommy in particular this is something that c!Technoblade is completely deluded about. Pogtopia days, Tommy did consider Technoblade a friend. The one thing that changed that was when Technoblade worked with Wilbur and Dream to BLOW UP LMANBERG. The ONE THING Tommy fought for, at least at the time. Technoblade dropped Tommy as soon as he realized that working with Wilbur and Dream (behind the backs of Tommy and everyone else) would get him his personal goal of anarchy. He betrayed Tommy first when he made that decision.

When Tommy holed up in Technoblade’s basement, Tommy stayed because Techno told him that he’d help him get the discs back. But Tommy was clear with Techno the whole time that he didn’t want to do anything to hurt Tubbo. Tommy always said no to plans that would hurt Tubbo, Technoblade would brush him off constantly and say things along the lines of “we’ll work out the details later.” Tommy never budged on not wanting to hurt Tubbo, despite Technoblade’s constantly insisting that Tubbo is bad and didn’t care about Tommy.

Technoblade was breeding anger and feelings of betrayal in Tommy in trying to convince him his best friend didn’t care about him, the same thing Dream was doing the weeks before while Tommy was in Logstedshire. Convincing Tommy that he didn’t really belong in L’Manberg was the only way to make him pliable and useful to both Technoblade and Dream. By pushing on Tommy that he should leave his friends (L’Manberg) behind, they were turning him into a bad guy. A person only motivated my personal gain (the discs) and that cares for no one.

After threatening Fundy, Technoblade told Tommy that he finally had respect for him. Finally believing that Tommy didn’t care about his old friends in L’Manberg anymore and was solely motivated by the discs, he revealed his plans to destroy L’Manberg. Tommy never agreed to this and was frankly horrified that what happened between him and Wilbur was happening again. He had no where to go and stayed with Technoblade but expressed clear discomfort in Techno’s plans to destroy L’Manberg.

Now for what Techno calls “Tommy’s final betrayal.” When Tommy stands by Tubbo at the community house and leaves Technoblade. To show why this was completely justified on Tommy’s part I’m going to draw comparisons to one of my favorite works of fiction: Avatar The Last Airbender. At the end of Book 2: Earth Zuko betrays Iroh and returns with Azula to the Fire Nation. Zuko’s time there makes him realize that he cares more about doing the right thing and being the PERSON HE WANTS TO BE than staying with his family and hurting people. Tommy leaves Technoblade for the same reason Zuko leaves Azula. Tommy does not want to be the type of person that would stay with Techno.

Tommy and Tubbo were in a screaming match. After Tommy regurgitated line after line that Dream and Techno had been feeding him. “You left me to die!” and all that jazz about choosing L’Manberg over him. The thing that stopped it was Tommy saying “ Those discs were worth more than you ever were!” Everyone went silent. Tommy stopped everything and realized that he had become a deplorable person and he was saying things he didn’t really mean. Caring more about discs than his friendship w Tubbo was Dreams plan all along and exactly what Technoblade had been feeding him. Tommy dropped everything to stand by Tubbo because he was mature enough to realize that he was the farthest he had ever been from the person the wanted to be, and the closest to being the villains he had been fighting his whole life. Whether it was intentional or not, Technoblade was the person who drove him to become that person. Dream started it, but Technoblade finished the job.

Technoblade felt betrayed, Tommy left him. But it was the only thing Tommy could do and still hold on to the person he wanted to be. Tommy cares about his friends, Tommy has been with L’Manberg since the beginning and has always done what he could to save those he cared about even if it meant personal sacrifice. That’s who Tommy is. The Tommy that Technoblade wanted to be allies with was a person who would help hurt and destroy L’Manberg. Someone who cared more about discs than his lifelong friends. That Tommy never really existed, he was always uncomfortable with Technoblade’s revenge plans. If Technoblade really listened to Tommy, and cared about what he thought, he would know that Tommy could never be the cold heartless person that Technoblade could use to achieve his personal revenge on L’Manberg.

Ultimately, the Tommy that Technoblade needed to help him and/ or stand by and watch him destroy L’Manberg doesn’t exist. It goes against everything that has been established about who Tommy is and what motivates him. To stay true to himself, Tommy could not possible stay with Technoblade and become a stubborn, cold hearted, vengeful person.

That “betrayal” was the most mature decision Tommy has ever made in canon and I WONT STAND BY AND LET YALL SAY IT WAS UNJUSTIFIED JUST BECAUSE IT WASNT WAHT TECHNOBLADE WANTED.

Technoblade is a villain, just because he has a reason for wanting to blow up and destroy everything doesn’t make him a better person for it. He is not moral and never has been. His goal from the beginning has been taking something so many people cared about, L’Manberg, and destroying it because he, personally, is an anarchist. That is an ideology, but it is not the only one. Technoblade wanting to destroy L’Manberg is pushing his values onto others through force and makes him more of a tyrant than every leader of L’Manberg combined. He is flawed just like every other character. The difference that I see is that his character never reflects and admits any wrongdoing on his own part, only blaming others for not agreeing with him and ultimately leaving him.

[modern-vellichor]

Just Like Her Mother

Chapter One

Summary: Charles begins his new life only to find his soon-to-be bride is never home and the house is run by her daughter.

Warnings: smoking, cigarettes, explicit language

Pairing: Charles Blackwood x Reader

Charles stalked the airy halls, inspecting every corner. This new house was much like his old house, but, softer. Soft light filtered into the house freely through large windows, a pleasant breeze filled with the sweet smell of an early summer garden wafted through the house. The halls were more airy, the entire house was brighter and more welcoming.

Statues and totems lined little shelves in the hall, romantic era paintings adorned the walls, portraits and photos of his soon-to-be wife and her grown daughter decorating the pale wallpaper. Postcards and letters pinned to fireplaces.

He settled himself at the head of a long mahogany table, sun shining down upon him. He ordered the staff to bring him a coffee and sat happily watching the bustling of the kitchen behind a little counter. Then he heard it.

Joyous laughter and thunderous steps echoed above him. He craned his neck to peer out into the entry hall through the huge archway, and he watched you as you slid down the banister and slipped into the kitchen. You say on one of the stools at the counter, and routinely, a steaming mug of coffee was placed in front of you, and a packet of Marlboros, and then today's edition of the newspaper.

"Hilda!", you chirped to a short, plump woman who was wiping the surface of the counter. "Tell us the goss!"

"Well", she sighed. "Oh, I really shouldn't say!", she joked.

"Ah, go on"

"Well, you know little Daisy of the Cromwell family"

"Of course", you took a drag of your newly lit cigarette. "Everyone knows the Cromwells"

"Well, rumour has it she's with child", Hilda chided knowingly.

You screeched, taking no notice of Charles who fumed silently over his coffee.

"Pregnant?", you gasped. "Shes not even turned seventeen! Who's the father?"

"That Dempsey boy"

You rolled your eyes and pulled a disgusted face before turning to your paper. You flicked through it silently for a few minutes, finishing your cigarette in the meantime.

"Oh, Hilda! They're to be married!", you yelped, chasing after Hilda who was now wiping down the table in front of Charles, and only then did you notice him.

"Who are you?", you asked dryly. Your tone turned from childish and loving to something cold and much more sophisticated, to something that he would expect from a woman of your status.

Charles stood and smirked maliciously. "I'm Charles, your new stepdaddy", he sneered, but you only scoffed, and that took him aback.

"Please, do you even know where my mother is?", you scoffed. And Charles realised he didn't, in fact, know where she was.

"Didnt think so", you sighed. "Shes in Italy, probably finding some prettier, younger new beau. She'll have you replaced in a week."

"I doubt that", he stated cockily, finding himself once again. "I'm the best your mother will ever have, and besides, I've already moved in"

"Fine," you huff.

The shrill call of the phone suddenly sounds through the tense air of the kitchen. Hilda answered it, and then called out for you. Charles followed you to the phone just outside the kitchen.

"Y/N, dear, it's that prince boy," she muttered excitedly, handing the phone to you.

Your eyes widened as you took the phone. You stared at Charles as you spoke, who's ears had perked up at the word prince.

"Andrew, hello! Yes, we're all ready for you and your father...And very excited for your visit yes. Unfortunately Mother had some very important business in Italy, but we have a different guest that will be joining us, one Charles..."

You widened your eyes and gestured at Charles frantically.

"Blackwood," he whispered.

You repeated the name and it felt at home on your tongue. You ended the call and suddenly spun on your heel and marched into the staff's kitchen. The amount of people there was small, but it was a Sunday so it was understandable. You dealed out instructions and waited for the crew to disperse before turning to face Charles.

"Mr. Blackwood. I am being very gracious in letting you stay here, so I hope you'll return the favour."

He nodded but he had a mean and serious look on his face.

"Andrew and his father are extremely important and could bring a lot of money into the family so please behave when they arrive. I'll fetch you before I answer the door. We'll take tea in the west wing drawing room, okay?"

He nodded and you excused yourself. Picking up a broom before you walked out.

You were sweeping the hallway outside his bedroom when Charles opened the door. The leaned on the door frame and took you in. You were wearing slacks and a button down that was definitely a little sheer and had your sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Your hair was messy and you looked tired, Charles loved it.

"Doing the help's work, are we?"

"yeah, the sooner it gets done the better," you say nonchalantly as you continue sweeping.

"I hope you plan on changing before out guests arrive," he sneers.

Your tone is unchanging at the remark, you don't even look at him.

"yeah, I do. Have to impress these people"

As soon as Charles realised he wasnt going to be able to provoke you further he sighed and slammed the door shut again.

At four o'clock you knocked on his door and asked him to be ready for five. And at five you rapped on his door and Charles nearly choked when he saw you. You looked like a totally different person. Charles could smell the air of old money that radiated off of you. A nice dress, just below the knees, a set of pearls. Charles's jaw nearly dropped, and it would have if you hadn't opened your mouth.

"hurry up, they're at the door"

Charles huffed and followed you down the stairs. He watched as you greeted the two men with too much comfort and led them all to the drawing room where tea was already sitting and waiting for them. Charles was relatively silent for the whole ordeal, only spoke when spoken to. Then you were standing up, inviting Andrew for a walk. And Charles was stuck with an old man he didn't want to talk to.

You and Charles regrouped after your guests had gone to bed. The two of you sat in what used to he your fathers office.

When you were young you would sit here with daddy dearest and he would read to you.

The office contained two extremely cozy armchairs, a large fireplace, and a small desk, on top of which sat a vinyl player.

The fire roared, the record hummed quietly, you and Charles curled up across from each other, suppressing your disdain.

"Cigarette?" You asked, raising your brow.

Charles shrugged and muttered a yes.

You lit the cigarette for him and passed it to him, before lighting your own.

"How was Andrew?" He asked smugly.

"Oh god, he was so fucking boring!" You exclaimed with a playful smile. "He never shuts up about his stupid car, I nearly fell asleep while I was walking"

Charles chuckled at your answer, the two of you spent the rest of the evening in silence. Until the phone rang.

You stretched over the back of your chair and brought the whole phone to sit in your lap.

"its mom," you whispered to Charles before continuing to talk.

"Oh, they'll be here tomorrow, if you're coming home"

You spoke to your mother with a bored and disappointed expression on your face as you took a lazy drag on your cigarette.

"Greece? Do you have enough? I can send some money"

Charles listened intently to your side of the conversation. It didn't sound like your mother was coming home any time soon.

You turned your gaze to fall on Charles. Smoke spilled over your lips as you took him in.

"What about Charles?"

He raised his eyebrows at you. Half out of curiosity, half to give a warning.

"Oh, yeah. He's nice. Stays out of the way. Its nice to have someone new around. Yeah, you talk to him, I'll put him on"

You handed the phone to Charles and stormed out of the room. Cigarette still smoking in the ashtray. Your mother definitely wasnt coming home as planned.

Charles did go looking for you, but he couldn't find you. And so he went to bed, alone.

[lilywily143]

Pressed Down Love

Part 2/3

Takes place inbetween season 4 and 5. Tw; Toxic Masculinity Mindset

Parts: 1 2; you are already here 3; N/A

Edit: All chapters are on Ao3

It was an.... eventful day.... to say the least.

Wu woke up everyone to announce him and Lloyd leaving for Ignacia. Ensuring that the ninja had to make their meals tonight.

And hopefully keep doing that every day.

And after his speech, he and Lloyd left.

"Ok. Me and Zane are gonna get ready to leave to go to the store." Cole announced.

Zane tensed up. "Yes.. We need to get ingredients."

"Ok get ready you two. I would like to try and make this recipe." Jay said pointing at a page on ends phone.

"Yeah! Be quick, too. This oyakodon sounds delicious." Kai added.

Cole let out a chuckle and gave a gentle pat to Kai's head.

"Of course, you impatient kids." Cole replied.

"Heh! I'm not a impatient kid!!" Kai rebuttled. While they argued, Zane went to his room and put on his disguise for the day.

It was a simple outfit.

Zane owned a white sweater that had the arms fade into a dark blue. There was a pair of jeans that went with the top. And lastly, a white mask and beanie to cover their head.

Zane sometimes wishes that he could own something with a splash of color.

But his friends wouldn't-

"Are you almost done Zane?"

"Yes! Be patient, please!"

"Ok..."

Suddenly, the plan Zane had to do tonight was all he could think.

Zane didn't want to leave.

Sure, he wanted an excuse to stay away from the ninja today.

But now he had to stay with Cole while they were at the store.

Just go with Cole! Stop stalling!!

I just don't want to Pixal..

Ughhhh, if you really don't wanna be with people today.

Then you should help get the food, then say you need to buy supplies for Cyrus so you can stay back in the store.

...

Ok, that's a good plan.

I know (》D

Zane walked out of their room with their outfit and was confronted with Cole in front of the door.

Cole was wearing a solid black hoodie with the hood up, black jeans, and a mask that was orange and black.

Cole looked up and down them.

"That's a good disguise for tonight." Cole commented.

"You have a good one too" Zane responded. "Let's go and get the ingredients."

"Alright" Cole then started to walk towards the exit with Zane right behind.

"Bye you two! We'll get the cookware out for the oyakodon!" Kai yelled at Cole and Zane before they left the house.

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

Somehow, through out the entire walk to the grocery store, there was no people who recognized Zane or Cole while they were out.

Definitely an accomplishment for the both of them.

They soon made it to the store. Cole walked to the carts and rolled one into the store while Zane grabbed a basket.

They made their way though out the store and grabbed the ingredients they needed to make oyakodon.

They were both pretty quiet while they went through the store so they couldn't alert the citizens who they were.

But by the time they gotten two thirds of the ingredients, Cole decided to start a conversation.

"Have you ever tried this recipe before?"

"....I have no memory of this dish before today."

"Really? It was a pretty popular dish that kids made at my school."

"You do know that not only do I not have the need to eat, but I also never went to school."

"Ah. Right. Sorry. I forgot."

"It's alright."

It was silent again, as they got the rest of the ingredients.

They soon got all of them.

Better say your excuse now

I knowwwww

"Hey, Cole?" Zane whispered, to not draw attention from citizens.

"Yes?" Cole whispered back.

"I, unfortunately, can't come back to the monostary immediately. I...... have to grab supplies for dinner later tonight for Wu and Lloyd."

"Oh. Well, I can take the basket and bring all of the ingredients back home."

"Are you sure it isn't a problem?"

"It's not a issue. I promise."

Zane set the basket into the cart and Cole left for the cashiers.

That wasnt the excuse!!

Well it worked!!!! >:(

》| Fine....

Do you have any ideas on what to do now?

Well, I thought it would be nice to buy some clothes to donate to the villages Lloyd goes to.

That sounds nice.

While Zane walked to get another cart, Pixal felt bored and went to observe his files.

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

"Hey guy! I'm back!" Cole announced. Jay walked over.

"I'm happy that you're here! I'm really hungry."

"Woooooooow. You weren't a worry-wort for me while I was gone?"

"Look. I can't think straight when I am hungry."

"You never think straight, ADHD boi."

Jay shot a look of hurt. "Ouch...." Cole then fluffed up Jay's hair.

"I'm sorry Jay. I don't think well when I'm hungry too."

"Hey, I'm fine."

"Can we cook now?!" Kai yelled from the kitchen.

"Yes! Of course!" Cole replied. Then he looked around the room. "Wait. Is Nya here?"

"She's just in her bedroom having a nap." Jay responded.

"We can wake her up when we finish lunch you guys!"

"Now... let's cook, Cole!"

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

Dinner is served.

....Why are they just staring at me....

Laughter filled the room

What's so funny?

Z-Zane.. Hehe

You're wearing a-a

I'm wearing clothes??

Heheh

Even I wouldn't wear that!

You laugh because I take steps to insure that I'm clean after cooking?

HaHa

No!

We're laughing because you came out in that ridiculous outfit!

I... guess we dont share the same sense of humor....

More reasons to why I'm different. I guess...

Well, how about this?!

Food started to be thrown from everyone.

Everyone, but Zane.

The food he worked so hard on kept landing on all of his friends, and unto him and his ridiculous pink apron.

I guess they don't like my cooking.... I'll keep that in mind....

Zane started to walk out of the room, they wanted to go outside, away from everyone.

I wouldn't want my friends to suffer because of my awful cooking....

Zane looked down at their apron.

Seems they didn't like this either...

Zane took the apron off over their head and folded it up.

He was already outside, near the trashcans.

Zane walked to it, lifted the lid, and they shoved it into the can, slamming the lid back down in anger.

I'm such a idiot for wearing something so obviously ridiculous....

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

Zane walked down another aisle with a new cart halfway filled with a variety of kid clothes. He was just happy being productive without anyone to distract him.

Well..... expect for....

Hey!! Get that one!! It's so pretty!! Some kid would love it!!

Zane sighed as they grabbed another pair of pants and set it in the cart.

You know... it may actually be a good idea to grab more food for dinner today for us and Wu & Lloyd.

Eh, you're not wrong.

They then walked down to the food aisles again. He thought about what the dinner could be as he walked.

As they thought about it, they stopped in front of one of the first aisles for cooking. It was filled with with cooking utensils and cleaning supplies.

While he and Pixal talked about their options, he noticed something in the aisle. He walked down the aisle and looked at the hung up aprons.

The first one hung up was an especially pretty one.

It was colored with beautiful shades of pink.

Specifically, it was decorated with taffy pink flowers on a hot pink background. And a pale pink ribbon that could wrap around the waist of whomever wore it.

Zane found himself being compelled to grab the apron and observe it. They drapped it over their body to observe how it looked on their tall figure.

It looks very pretty on you, Zane! Maybe you should get it???

Zane dropped the apron in surprise. They scrambled to grab the apron off the floor and hang it back up in a frantic state.

I-I-I.... forgot you were in my head....

Hehe

Well?

How about we get it??

No. No. I shouldn't. It's not like I'm gonna be the one cooking...

But you could...!

Pixal!

I'm not a good cook!

Can you accept that?!

Your memories say differently!!

Stop refering to my past experiences!!!

They shouldn't be accurate now...

Even if I were going to cook, I would not wear this stupid apron..

It would help keep you clean, despite the color.

...

How did you know I hated it from the color?

...well....

Did you look at my memory files again?!??!

I was bored!!!

That shouldn't be a reason to look into my personal files!!!

What. The. CURSED REALM?!!?

Zane felt literally, mentally exhausted from this conversation. He realized that his body was just standing up and staring in front of this stupid apron.

They backed away and grabbed their cart...

What the fuck can he do now??

They felt... something.. Just.. no idea on how to describe what was going on in his head.

It was a mess of old memories flashing in his head, a bubbling anger for Pixal, but also relief that they didn't need to explain themselves for why they didn't want to cook, fear that the information could slip to their friends...

Do I need to do this???

I think so...

...you could get Nya that apron.

Zane could barely stop their racing thoughts to reply to Pixal.

I-I could...

They would like it.

Zane reached for the apron again and set it into the cart.

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

Knock knock knock

"Coming!" Cole announced, getting off of the couch and went to the door, opening it.

"Zane!"

"Hi, Cole." Zane replied, walking into the house with a load of groceries.

"How you holding up with our lunch?" They questioned. Cole reached over to grab some of the grocrey bags as he answered.

"Well, I'd say-"

"No!! No!! No, damn it!!!!"

"It said 7 minutes if it was the thighs of the chicken!!! Cole bought the breast!!"

"I get that now!!"

"Nya! Get in here!!"

Nya ran into the kitchen.

"Bad..."

Cole and Zane dropped their bags and ran behind Nya to the kitchen to see a fire in the pan that was cooking their dinner.

"What the fuck?!"

She brought a gallon of water and splashed it over the pan, smoldering the food. Everyone soon started to calm down.

Zane tried to break the silence.

"Okay. So you left the food in the sauce pan for too long. Honest mistake."

Kai tried to stutter out a reply. "I didn't mean to... I just...."

"It's okay, Kai." Zane started to look over the ingredients fallen over the counter and the pan.

"Seems you used too much sour ingredients as well. It would have been better to control the proportions by not using that sauce on the counter."

"Ugh... Maybe you should cook lunch instead of me.."

Zane didn't know the best way to respond to such a request.

"....I doubt I could do better than you."

"Ohhh Come on! You were an amazing cook!" Jay complimented.

"I really wasn't..."

"Stop being modest-"

"I. Wasn't. A. Good. Cook. Jay... It's obvious that no one liked my food..."

Nya leaned up against the doorway from the kitchen to the living room.

"We liked the food you made."

"But you.. you... all threw my food at each other the last time I had cooked dinner..."

The others fell silent.

"I-I.... I figured that meant you didn't enjoy what I had made... "

.

.

"I also realize, that I never apologized for that day, for what I had made...."

"I'm sor-"

"I'm sorry."

Zane shot their gaze towards Cole.

"...What?"

"I really loved your food. And I was the one who started that food fight.... I never meant to make you feel bad. I just thought it would have been funny to fight with the food. I'm sorry.."

Zane placed a hand on the counter as if he needed to keep theirself up from falling. They froze in their spot.

Why would Cole apologize to Zane for their??? mistake???

Jay spoke up next.

"Me too. I joined the fight and I was just insulting you like an idiot..." Jay walked over to Zane and hugged them.

End cried out an apology, "I'm s-so sorry... I never m-meant to hurt you..."

Everyone started to give Zane apologies for that night.

Zane wasn't expecting this to happen. They thought he had to apologize for the mistake of that night.

But... this??

Them.

All of them apologizing to him...

"It - it's okay... Th-Thank you.."

Jay backed out of the hug and stood next to Kai.

"I wouldn't want to force you to, but could you cook something for us??"

Zane took a second to think.

"... I would love to."

Words: 2,045

Okay, I could have added the ending here, but I put this on hiatus for a long time. So I wanted to get it out for you guys.

I hope it's worth it!

[chaosbcrne]

i can't stop thinking about sa2 shadow and all the shameless 'fun' he's having while setting his plans in motion.

when you think about it, he really didnt need to present himself to sonic that first night after sonic fought bigfoot. he could have just seen sonic, gone 'huh i guess thats why they're not all after me' and moved along. but he went out of his way to show himself, to show sonic he had the emerald, to show how much power that gave him. literally just to taunt him. he had no idea who sonic was, but surely anyone would get pissed at realizing theyre being blamed for someone elses crimes and cant do much about it.

he didnt have to keep provoking him either when they met again on prison island. its another instance where he could have just left it alone and moved on knowing sonic wouldnt be a problem after that because hed blow with the island.

he didnt have to let rouge on the team either. once he knew she had an emerald, he and eggman could have just hunted her down until she turned it in - or else. shadow knew who she was, or he learned it soon after anyway, long before she revealed she'd been snooping around. but he thought (or at least thats how i interpret it) she was here to spy on eggman, and not him. and that could only make things more entertaining, right ?

he didnt have to let eggman believe he was in charge. shadow was granting him "a wish", on the condition that all emeralds wound up in their possession. he could have kept both hands on the wheel to ensure that happened, but he let eggman make some decisions to spice things up.

just the lyrics to some of his ~inner soundtrack~ are so telling. 'oh yeah, hurry to the unexplored land, im not scared at all, are you scared of something ?' this is all new to him, but he has one goal in mind, he knows what he's doing and he's just boasting through the whole thing. he feels empowered, he's having /fun/.

it's a really twisted kind of fun, obviously. he knows the end goal will be the death of everyone and everything, him included. but i think that's what makes it fun for him. the lack of consequences, knowing that whatever happens now will lead to the same result. so why wouldnt he have some fun riling up that blue hedgehog, letting the bat poke around or gerald's grandson try to live up to his grandpa's genius ? why wouldnt he speed through the white jungle while singing to himself about how nothing scares him ?

it's even more interesting when you think further down the line and about his actual lineage. shadow has no interest in being a leader of any kind, but he's got conqueror's blood whether he likes it or not. so he draws satisfaction from pulling the strings behind the curtain. he draws satisfaction from having everyone under his control unbeknownst to them. he enjoys conquest without credit.

it's what i love most about how morally grey he is. he wants to do the right thing but has no natural instinct for it; nowadays it all comes from experience, and even then he still makes mistakes. so when you remove that experience, when you have him believe something is right when its not, he still works towards his goal with the same conviction.

only, when you think back on sa2, he wasnt so single-minded. or he was, but there was satisfaction thrown into the mix as well. a bonus, if you will. he was enjoying it all.

and i think it's why, even after all these years, and even after facing the fact that he was manipulated into it (not his fault, arguably, though he hates that kind of excuse) shadow can't forgive himself for what he's done. experience thought him how undeniably wrong he was, how terrible a thing he was trying to achieve, and he turned around and tried his best to fix it, and to make up for it with every year that would follow. but deep down, he knows. he remembers. he was having fun.

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS GAIDEN 7; The Rat And The Jewel King

an abridged/RP verse version of chapter 42 of BSD

girl with red hair: hmmm.... Topaz: *pant pant* girl with red hair: !! there you are! *hug* jeez, I was really worried you know =3= Topaz: *still trying to breathe* "O-Oh?" .\\\. girl with red hair: ^^ so, how did it go? Topaz: "...How did what go?" girl with red hair: the retrieval job ace made you do. >3< Topaz: "Yeah...we got him." girl with red hair: you didn't get hurt, did you? Topaz: "..." *touches a cut* "Not horribly..." girl with red hair: .... *cheek pull* >n< jeez, be more careful you goof! Topaz: "!!!" *pokes her cheek* "Garnette, what the f?!" garnette: >3< I just... 7///7 I worry about you, you know? Topaz: "...Then why pull my cheek..." =3= ace: if you two little shits are done canoodling, get your sorry asses upstairs! garnette: O.O;; Topaz: >\\\< "We weren't!" *tries to follow Ace* -upstairs- ace: I do apologize for how rude my servants were, mr....Dostoevsky, was it? FD: "...Yes." ace: it's not often I get visitors. the mafia doesn't exactly trust me, nor do I trust them. at the very least, I have my card games, my jewels, and my servants. FD: *looks around...bites his lip* ace: what I have is a proposition. perhaps you'd be willing to join us? should we work together, we'll be able to take down mori. I must say, your level of wit is outstanding, even being able to take out the guild. FD: "And if I refuse...I will never see the blue sky again?" ace: precisely. all things considered, seems you have not much of a choice. FD: "And my anemia does not help..." ace: your point? FD: "I'll kill you." ace: *glares and smacks a wine bottle over his head* how...disappointing. very well....Frederickson! front and center this instant! Frederickson: *steps forward...he's shaking* ace: *smirks as he clenches his fist tightly* Frederickson: "Urk!" *clutches his chest, falls to his knees... -several jewels appear in ace's hand- FD: "..." ace:... tch-, hardly worth anything. Frederickson: X___X garnette: mr dosto, are you alright? FD: "...Who, me?" ace: *glares and backhands garnette. hard* I WASNT TALKING TO YOU, YOU INSUFFERABLE LITTLE BITCH! consider yourself lucky I didn't make an example out of you. garnette: *wince* FD: "..." ace: just because you're a little brat pulled from the slums doesn't mean you can step out of line all willy-nilly. *smiles at Fyodor* excuse her, she's just a little brat. FD: *drenched, staring* ace: my ability wont kill you unless you wear the collar. but you'll have to put it on yourself. I'm certain it will suit you. *exits the room* garnette: ow... Topaz: "..." *offers a hand to Garnette* “And here you are telling _me_ to be careful…” garnette: t-thanks.. ^^ Topaz: "...That man..." garnette:...mr dosto? are you ok? you aren't hurt too much, are you? FD: “….” garnette: .-.; *looks at topaz* Topaz: ._.;; "D-Don't give up, s-sir..." *points to his collar* "I can never leave here..." garnette: neither can I... *points to her own collar* but seeing you stand up to mr ace like that was pretty exciting... Topaz: *nods* "These collars would kill us--" FD: *starts to laugh* " 'Don't give up'?" garnette: eh? FD: "Hah...hah..." --then sneezes-- garnette: O.O !! Topaz: "..." *takes a towel, starts drying FD's head* FD: D:< garnette: *getting a medkit out to bandage his wounds* FD: =\\\= "What's your story?" garnette: me? well, I lived in the slums for most of my life...my mom didn't exactly want to have me around anymore...eventually, the mafia found me and I was left in ace's care. although calling it 'care' would be stretching it... Topaz: "Well, when I'm in charge..." garnette: *looks at topaz* Topaz: "...Who am I kidding: I was sold into slavery. How would I ever get in charge..." garnette: ...! hey, maybe mr dosto can beat ace and save us! Topaz: OWO "Hey, yeah! Hey, Mister, why don't you--" FD: *studying his finger* "I cut my finger on that glass..." garnette: *sweatdrop* *bandages his finger* Topaz: "??? Aren't you afraid?" FD: "..." *smiles* "Of course not. This reminds me of my room." garnette: ?? FD: "I manipulate consciousness and space." garnette: wow. Topaz: "..." FD: "So...What's next?" -and so- ace: a game, you say? FD: "Yes. You want to entice me. But when enticement fails, you must get information from me about the next move from my comrades and finances. Therefore, you cannot kill me." ace: hmmm... FD: *sets out the deck of cards, pulls the ace of diamonds* "If you win, I'll wear your collar. If I win, you grant my freedom." ace: hmph. very well. however, I shall determine the game. I deal the card, and you just guess if the next card will be of higher or lower value. if you are correct, you keep going until you are wrong. then we switch hands. whomever has the most cards at the end wins. *draws the 9 of spades* your move. FD: "Hmmm...Lower." -4 of hearts- ace: hmph, beginners luck. FD: "Hmmm...Next one is low." -3 of clubs- ace: hmm... FD: "High." -6 of spades- -this continues for a while- FD: "...How many cards are left?" -none left- FD: "Well, that was fun. Who won?" ace: *speechless* I...I....y-you... -he rushes to the intercom- ace: GET IN HERE AT ONCE! CUT HIS LIMBS OFF! *Silence* ace: ?! *tries to open the door* ?!?!?! FD: "It's useless. I already suppressed your subordinates." ace: ??!! why you...rotten piece of shit! FD: "I prefer 'rat.'" ace:...hehe...hehehe...AHAHAHAHA...do you have any idea where you are? FD: "Underground?" ace: incorrect. right now, you're in a secret base, one not even mori knows about. and we aren't underground. right now, we're in the middle of the pacific ocean. *smirks* you did say your ability was to 'manipulate the conscious mind and space. as for how I know, well, the conversation had been wiretapped~ FD: "??? But how did you know I started manipulating this space?" ace: a broken communicator, a door that wont open. a clock that hasn't been ticking since I came in here. I know what you can do now. you've locked my conscious into your own head! that has to be why you won the game so flawlessly! I saw right through your tricks, you filthy rodent. FD: "Darn...I knew to expect this from a Mafia executive..." ace: but I have something to ask. why didn't you use this ability when you were captured? FD: "...So you couldn't determine how to get out." ace: oh I know how to escape alright. if I were to die in this mental space, i'll be back in the real world as you rot in your own mind. *taking a desk lamp* *smirks* as they say in your home country....do svidanya. -outside- garnette: ... Topaz: "...You think the anemia man is dead?" garnette: I don't know... ???: excuse me... garnette: hmm? Zoey: I'm looking...for someone...*holds up a picture* is he...here? Topaz: "?! How did you get here?" Zoey:...is he...here? Topaz: *sweating, looks at Garnette* garnette: he should be- -the door opens- garnette: !! FD: *exits* Zoey: !! master Fyodor! *hugs him* FD: "Omph! Oh, Zoey! Right on time." Topaz: "?!!" garnette: ?? but..h-how did you- FD: "Now, where is the room where Ace keeps his jewels?" garnette: h-his office is that way...b-but how did you get out of the room?! FD: "Simple: I lied." garnette: ?!?! FD: "My ability is not manipulation of space and consciousness. I just said so expecting a wiretap." Zoey: ... *watching garnette exit* ... Topaz: "Where is Ace?!" FD: "Just...hanging around." Topaz: "N-No..." *follows Garnette* garnette: *SCREAMS* Topaz: *enters the room* "Wh-What is it? What--" *freezes at the sight...* -ace's form hangs lifelessly from the ceiling- garnette: *wide eyed shock, covering her mouth* I....I wanted ace dead but...n-not like this...h-how is this... FD: *enters, pats Garnette's shoulder* "I broke the clock. So he thought time did not pass." *holds empty wine bottle* garnette: *staring, still in shock* FD: "And cork blocked the keyhole...The wine poured on the intercom broke that...And I did not predict the cards. I just memorized little flaws on the surface of each card." garnette:...what....even are you...? FD: "...I am salvation." garnette: .....why?...why do all this for his wealth? Topaz: "Th-That's what you wanted, right? The jewels?" FD: "...Hmph. Those trinkets. I wanted something more valuable..." *pulls out a set of papers* garnette: w-what is... FD: "The list of all Mafia members' abilities. Ace's contingency plan." garnette: !!!! FD: "With this list, I will give this world what it needs: the salvation of Death." garnette: !?!?! *backing away* FD: "And only we in this room know that Ace kept such a list...and the more people who know...the surprising it will be for the Mafia." garnette: ..... FD: "I will bless you...with the Great Silence..." *his hand approaches Topaz's head* garnette: ??? FD: *taps Topaz's head* Topaz: "..." *Blood explodes from the top of Topaz's head* garnette: *staring...eyes wide from shock...she wanted to scream....but no sound would come out* FD: "...I have released him of his sins." garnette: ah.... [topaz: hey...if we ever find a way out of this place...lets get married.] garnette:...t..to... *tears falling* FD: "??? ...Zoey..." Zoey:....those bandages....was that you, miss? FD: "It was, Zoey." Zoey:...I see...you know...im not too fond...of other girls...touching the man I love... *holds a scalpel to garnette's throat* that boy....did you...love him? garnette:....*nod* Zoey:...then....you'll see him soon... -slice- -blood sprays all over as garnette collapses, choking on her own blood* garnette: a...ah.... *weakly reaches for topaz' hand* Topaz: *struggling...coughs* "D...Des...troy..." garnette: *holding his hand* Topaz: "...If this ends the Mafia...We're free..." garnette:....*weak smile*...you'll...come find me...right? Topaz: *nods* "Yes..." *closes his eyes* garnette: remember...you...promised.... Topaz: *dead, with a smile* Zoey:....was it...petty of me...to kill her? FD: *holds up his fingers* "Tiny bit. But we had to get rid of them." Zoey:...were you...hurt too much? FD: "No. The wine bottle hurt. Got me wet. Cut my finger." Zoey: I see that girl bandaged you... *small pout* FD: "I assure you, it was simply for me to lower their guard...And besides, she meant nothing to me..." Zoey: ... FD: *strokes her cheek* "I only wish I saved one jewel for you...But none can compare to your radiance." zoey: ah~ FD: *smiles* "Shall we depart?" zoey: of course~ FD: "Good..."