#"Light After the Tunnel"

[watchigtbj]

The Power of Reading: Illuminating Your Path to True Purpose

The Power of Reading: Illuminating Your Path to True Purpose In a world bustling with distractions and fleeting moments, the art of reading has emerged as a timeless refuge, a sanctuary of knowledge, inspiration, and personal growth. As the author of “Light After the Tunnel: Discovering your True Purpose in Hard Times,” I understand the profound impact that reading can have on one’s life…

[fairydrowning]

in order to live a happy life, you must romanticize everything (and see a good therapist).

[foone]

Gender with a blast radius

Gender you watch from a distant cliff and the city is destroyed

Gender that leaves you naught but a shadow etched into the brickwork

Gender that can't be taken into tunnels or across bridges because the emergency vehicles would never be able to get there in time

Gender that requires its own NFPA 704 hazard diamond.

Gender that's best viewed through a mirror from down a long hallway

Gender that can't be photographed because it spoils the film or glitches the CCD

Gender that causes nearby electronics to fail. TVs fade to static. Lights flicker. Bulbs burn out. Engines stall.

Gender that freaks out dogs. All their hair goes on end and they bark at you. Cats try to look big and then flee.

Gender that makes people quote the Bhagavad Gita at you.

Gender that gives people the look of Moses descending from Mt. Sinai. Beard turned white. Face flash tanned. Eyes cloudy.

Gender that changes people, forever. They have trouble sleeping afterwards. They can't get effective therapy for what they went through because no one else can understand what they went through.

Gender that's making your eventual burial arrangements difficult for your next of kin, because the EPA is worried it might leak into the watertable.

Gender that gets assigned an incident severity by the IAEA.

Gender that causes the writing of endless new papers. There's an international scientific organization trying to get grants to build a new supercollider in a salt mine in Brazil so they can recreate, study, and hopefully understand your gender.

Your gender inspires depressed poets.

Your gender has a New York Times best selling book about it. It's called one of the scariest non-fiction books ever written.

Your gender gets talked about on a podcast about disasters, and the hosts have trouble making any jokes between the exclamations of "Jesus christ!"

Your gender is mentioned in the book of revelation, in between the beast with seven heads and the star falling to earth and turning the seas to blood.

Your gender spoils milk and destroys crops. There's European folk legends about the rituals needed to cleanse a town after your gender has cursed it.

Your gender is talked about around campfires to scare children.

Your gender keeps horror writers up at night and inspires their next work.

Your gender is yours and is beautiful and terrific.

[choppyama]

Shoyo’s feelings towards Tobio are so ridiculously apparent that it takes less than 10 seconds within a convo with the guy to conclude that yeah he’s so not casual about his rival

‘oKaY so in other words’ sugawara clocked that IMMEDIATELY I’m laughing

It’s interesting to me that when kindaichi asked hinata why he was being so desperate at training camp, his response was “well I’ve decided that Kageyama is my goal, I have to beat him OR ELSE I’LL BASICALLY DIE”

He was there bc he needed to get stronger and learn how to develop more useful skills so he can stand on his own. He doesn’t want to fall behind when all of his peers, not just at karasuno but everyone all around him is improving.

He could have said something similarly to that but instead in his response, he emphasized solely on his rivalry with kgym as his biggest form of motivation.

Another noteworthy comment is after their fight in s2 when Hinata was practicing alone once again, focusing on improving himself :

It’s basic rivals dynamic but the way shoyo strictly base his own progress and growth upon his ability to measure up to and surpass his greatest rival…

The way he’s so determined to keep up with kgym, and whenever he speaks about him, it feels like he’s doing it all (as in working so hard) partially to avoid being left behind by him in particular.

Another fitting example is how during their fight, Shoyo was filled with frustration abt wanting to grow. However, when he was with Yachi, that wasn’t the ground breaking issue. He couldn’t help but confess, be vulnerable about his relationship with Kageyama. He ended up crying on his bike on the way home, all bc he didn’t want to lose the rivalry and partnership they had built over these past weeks.

I can’t explain this better it’s just interesting to me that the underlying focus is always on being able to stand by kageyama’s side as an equal, it’s like having a tunnel vision, using Tobio as a focal point.

reminds me of when saeko said “if shoyo hadn’t ever seen you on tv that day, he never would’ve chosen to bike over a mountain to go to karasuno, and he never would’ve met tobio” SHE GETS IT

On his bike here once again just to meet Kageyama at the gym later that day. unknowingly, coincidentally chasing after/towards Kageyama. Everything about them is so meant to be

Each time the infamous 'if I'm not alone' quote is mentioned Tobio is always the first one to appear by Shoyo's side.

and there it is again, the bike imagery. Climbing a mountain while talking about feeling ‘alone.’ It’s dark, it’s a quiet, kind of a gloomy scenery, and then next clip suddenly you hear Kageyama’s voice ‘let’s go hinata’ and everything lights up. That’s his version of ‘I’m here.’

It’s very much established that hinata’s goals does not revolve solely around Kageyama. He has other rivals, other strong players he wants to beat. He wants to be strong for his own sake too, but his biggest motivation and inspiration remains Kageyama, hence why he’s the final boss.

All of these imo is best displayed through the imagery of hinata looking at Kageyama’s back, tirelessly chasing after him on his bike

finding Kageyama in his path in Brazil, seeing him on tv, a direct parallel to his first encounter with the little giant which is so underrated

“won’t be outdone” pls learn how to be normal….

>ᴗ<

If you were to ask me my favorite kagehina moment ever it would most likely be ‘I win this time too' simply bc of how unique it is and how It’s a testament to how deeply shoyo values their promise.

Hinata's world crumbling down, he desperately wants to stay on the court and no else one could comfort him with those words. No one could get him to stop crying and recompose himself almost instantly like Tobio did!

he knows hinata best, he knows EXACTLY what to say to get through to him. This time he wins but there will be a next time.

and if you heard the voice act by the VA, shoyo sounds so broken and to have Kageyama put every negative thought in his mind on hold and makes him think clearer for a moment there... It’s peak kghn.

I love how before the fated match, Furudate brought back all of Kageyama’s ‘controversial’ quotes to show that everything has been leading up to this moment while also reminding us that those words have served as huge motivations for Hinata, guiding him on his path and keeping him striving for more.

“Eating, sleeping, learning. Everything he did to live was just one long run-up towards that day. The promised day was still far, far away, but it would definitely arrive”

[bonefall]

Who’s Juniperclaw again? Also the quote about ruthlessness? Staring curiously

Canon!Juniperclaw is tigerHeartstar's nephew, son of Dawnpelt and brother to Strikestone and Sleekwhisker.

He was the first deputy of ShadowClan after tigerHeartstar's return, until he tried to pressure SkyClan into leaving the Lake in AVOS by poisoning their food. No one was hurt any worse than "bad tummyache," but he was exiled anyway. He then died rescuing Shadowkit from a flooded river QuickTime event.

We found out that he went to the Dark Forest in TBC. He was allowed to become the guardian of the tunnel between the Place of No Stars and StarClan's Hunting Grounds, in the hopes of finding redemption.

For BB this is all a bit different;

I've been waiting for a while for the perfect opportunity to rise to rework Juniperclaw's story.

I REALLY like the idea of his poisoning, his exile, and his placement in the Dark Forest... but the back half of AVoS is baddd.

Plus, it's just too bloodless. If he's going to get DARK FOREST over this, I expect a body count.

So now, his actions lead to at least 3 deaths. Leafstar is one of them, Sparkpelt was ALMOST another but Hollylark uses xeir powers to die in her place, and Flickerkit dies shortly before his birth.

ANYWAY JUNIPERCLAW

I feel like he wasn't expecting the death toll to be so devastating.

This event is being moved to Squirrelflight's Horror. Juniper's plot was that he was going to do this poisoning to blame it on The Sisters.

He just wanted SkyClan off ShadowClan land, he figured if he convinced Leafstar that the Sisters are a threat that needs to be dealt with that she'd move

He didn't think it would kill three people, just make them sick! Maybe just ONE of Leafstar's lives! And how was he supposed to know ThunderClan's leader's daughter would have a bowl?!

This plan probably works, but the guilt EATS Juniperclaw alive. He got exactly what he wanted-- a battle patrol against expectant queens.

I can't see this secret going on too long, someone rats him out and he crumbles. He can't live with it anymore.

But in Waspstar's eyes, an exile was a light punishment. Exactly what xey expected out of Heartstar, so openly biased for her family, not taking the death of SkyClan's leader as the murder that it was.

Xey dealt with this by sending a message; all "honored" guests could come and pay their respects to Leafstar.

Juniperclaw isn't invited explicitly... but the message reaches him. It is implied. So he comes, hoping to offer his sincere regrets.

I'm trying to figure out the cat equivalent of "Being taken out back and shot" is lmao

Professional mob boss kind of hit. Someone takes out the pistol with a silencer and ends his existence in the back alley as the loud party inside drowns out the sound of the shot. Do you understand me

Whoever the "hitman" was, Waspstar is the one who ordered it and xey take full responsibility.

The kill was clean. Not messy. Juniperclaw didn't suffer-- unlike his victims.

Juniperclaw goes to the Dark Forest like canon, but in BB he isn't the only border guard. He's buddies with Mudclaw and Appledusk.

The line about ruthlessness I mentioned offhandedly is this one from KA Applegate. I'm pretty sure it's from Animorphs.

"People don’t understand the word ruthless. They think that it means ‘mean.’ It’s not about being mean. It’s about seeing the bright, clear line that leads from A to B. The line that goes from motive to means. Beginning to end. It’s about seeing that bright, clear line and not caring about anything but the beautiful fact that you can see the solution."

It's become a popular paragraph as of late, because it slaps.

[wilcze-kudly]

I've honestly always loved the scene between Zuko and Katara in the Crystal Caves during the Crossroads of Destiny, even though it's been kinda diluted by shipping discourse.

I love how this scene showcases how far Zuko's story has come, but that it still has a ways to go. It's also a great moment from Katara, showing off her compassion and kindness, despite her rightful anger at Zuko. And this moment of "reaching across the aisle" between two children who were forced into something much bigger and crueler than they could ever be apways makes me quite emotional.

But I'm kinda tired of seeing this scene in just that vacuum, when looking at it in relation to two other scenes makes it so much more interesting.

The first scene we can compare this interaction to is pretty obvious, since it's basically "the other half" of Katara and Zuko's moment. It's Iroh and Aang's conversation in the tunnel.

I adore this scene it's just such a vibe I too would like to walk through a tunnel with a nice old man who gives me good advice (even if said nice old man is a war criminal)

Of course the first obvious parallel between these two converastions is a member of the Gaang (two members who have been most affected by the fire nations actions btw) having a genuine, deep conversation with a banished member of the Fire Nation royal family.

I also think this conversation contrasts Katara and Zuko's conversation very well. It juxtaposes Iroh and Zuko, showing us how far Iroh has come and how far Zuko still has to go.

I think it's very symbolic that Katara and Zuko connect mainly on their pasts, while Iroh and Aang do about the present and future.

Two quotes in this conversation stand out to me particularly.

Iroh: Perfection and power are overrated. I think you were very wise to choose happiness and love.

It not only relates to Aang's current predicament, but it also foreshadows Zuko's dissatisfaction with his life after he returns to the Fire Nation at Azula's side. After Zuko helps "kill" Aang and take over Ba Sing Se, he has acheived what he believed would be his version of perfection, while also getting back the power he was born into. But he is miserable. He's dissatisfied, wracked with guilt and constantly second guessing himself and the world around him. He even says this: During the meeting, I was a perfect prince... the son my father wanted. But I wasn't me.

But Zuko was also unable to fully choose a simple life of peace and happiness in Ba Sing Se, choosing to fight Azula when she attacks him and Iroh. Because he still subconciously was searching for that feeling of power and wasn't ready to allow himself to prioritise things other than his honour. He wanted to fight Azula and prove himself, but he just eneded up allowing himself to be captured by the overwhelming force of the Dai Li.

While Iroh has learnt to see the merit in a simple life and actively rejects the power (for better or for worse) that comes with his status as a member of the royal family.

Iroh: I don't know the answer. Sometimes, life is like this dark tunnel. You can't always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving, [Aang earthbends the rocks away one last time. Iroh's fire blows out. He smiles.] you will come to a better place.

Of course, this quote could relate to many things, including just the whole story of the show, but it also obviously relates to Zuko's redemption arc. Zuko's story is the epitome of continuing to slowlu crawl through a dark tunnel until you reach a better place. He stagnates and stumbles occasionally, but he keeps goingm and eventually gets there.

He reaches his better place.

It's interesting to see the contrast between Zuko and Katara's interaction and that of Iroh and Aang.

I think the scene in which Aang and Katara split off from Zuko and Iroh.

Aang and Iroh maintain eye contact, and Aang even gives a respectful bow. While Katara tries to make eye contact with Zuko, but he turns his gaze away, as if ashamed of his moment of weakness. Eye contact is very important is ATLA's visual storytelling, as I've spoken before in my post analysing the mutuality of Kataang's gaze.

I believe this scene foreshadows Zuko siding with Azula and Iroh siding with the Gaang at the end of the episode. Iroh and Aang have reached an understanding, and therefore, they are represented as facing each other and parting on good, respectful terms.

While in Katara and Zuko's case, Katara tries to make a similar connection with Zuko, however he rejects that connection. Ultimately this forces Katara to turn her back on him too, which may foreshadow her rightful anger at him in B3.

Ok, so the first interaction I want to metion gives us a bit of insight to Zuko, but what about Katara?

For that we have to go all the way back to B1, to an episode that I don't really see talked about in relation to Katara's story. Jeong Jeong is only the second friendly firebender Katara has encountered in probably her entire life, the first being Shayu, with whom she had very little interaction. Of course, I think this would at least give her pause.

Jeong Jeong and Katara's conversation is very short, but I think it had a great impact on Katara.

Jeong Jeong : You have healing abilities. The great benders of the Water Tribe sometimes have this ability. I've always wished I were blessed like you - free from this burning curse. Katara: But you're a great master. You have powers that I will never know. Jeong Jeong: Water brings healing and life. But fire brings only destruction and pain. It forces those of us burdened with its care to walk a razor's edge between humanity and savagery. Eventually, we are torn apart.

Jeong Jeong is the polar opposite of the firebender archetype Katara had in her head. He's thoughtful, disciplined and very careful with his firebending. Jeong Jeong's hatred of his own firebending also stands as a contrast to Katara considering her waterbending a vital and beautiful part of who she is as a person.

I always found it interesting that outside of Aang, Jeong Jeong was one of the first people in the series to respect Katara as a waterbender and see her potential, as he even connects her abilities to great waterbenders. It's especially a stark difference to how he treated Aang, the literal Avatar.

The way Jeong Jeong talks about firebending also reflects what Katara has seen herself of it.

Yet she pushes back at his self depreciation, showing that she still sees the value of his abilities. This foreshadows Katara's compassion for the people of the Fire Nation, especially when paired with Sokka's distrust of them.

I also think it's quite interesting that healing is often involved in Katara's attempts to connect with Fire Nation people. Her first connection is with Jeong Jeong, then she offers to heal Iroh, later Zuko's scar, she heals people in the village during the Painted Lady incident. Finally, the crowning jewel of this series of events is her healing Zuko after the Agni Kai.

This is especially poignant in the story of her and Zuko's relationship, with Katara offering her healing services to him twice, but being either rejected or interrupted. And finally she does heal him at the very end of the show, after he took lightning for her, symbolising a "bridging the gap", so to speak.

I think Katara and Zuko's conversation ties back to Katara's interaction with Jeong Jeong for a few reasons. Firstly, there's the obvious of Katara having a moment with a firebender with a facial scar. Also Katara's wording when she offers to heal Zuko's scar: instead of saying that she's a healer, she says "I have healing abilities ", which is exactly how Jeong Jeong described her power.

Ans once again, Jeong Jeong is the one to protect Katara and buy her time to escape, ehile Zuko betrays her. This once again just shows how far Zuko has yet to go before B3.

I've always thought that the way ceratain Avatar scenes intertwine with themes and similarities is very fascinating and fun to pick apart.

The scene between Zuko and Katara is profound, but I think it's often viewed in isolation, be it due to people wearing ship goggles or it just standing our more. But I think one of the reasons it's so wonderful is that it interweaves into so many other events of "reaching across the isle", of our protagonists connacting with firebenders. It's not just a good character moment for Zuko and Katara, it's a mark that connection and peace with the Fire Nation is possible, that it can be acheived, that it slowly is being acheived. Every one of these interactions is unique, but they all form a good foundation for B3, when we really get into humanising the Fire Nation civillians.

The scene between Zuko and Katara is beautiful not only because of what it is, but also because of what it symbolises: the hope of peace.

Ok this was "stating the obvious", once again brought to you by Quill in their pretentious humanistics student hat. I like to vomit words and some of you like to read them! So thank you if you have read them

[smalltownrobin]

Robin Buckley in ST5 - what we know so far

Decided to make a comprehensive post of everything we know about Robin in s5!! A little for my own benefit but I'm sure something like this won't be unappreciated? I have checked with others for details I've missed or gotten wrong and all seems to be correct, but if anyone thinks I have missed anything please feel free to let me know!! (this well ofc be added to if we get more info over the rest of production)

POSSIBLE S5 SPOILERS BELOW (OFC)

Confirmed details:

“more involved than ever” (Maya quote)

Makes friends with characters she hasn’t interacted with yet (confirmed by Maya)

Loads or unloads groceries from Bradley’s out of a lorry with Steve, Nancy, Jonathan and Murray (paparazzi)

Has a kiss scene (most likely with Vickie) (confirmed by Maya as a “spoiler”, further hinted at by Amybeth)

There is a shot where Robin is stood in a line with Nancy, Joyce, El and Will (El says “there’s too many”, Will looks nervous) (ST staff)

Is in the centre of a birdseye shot with the whole group lying down next to Will (Vickie is also possibly there next to her) (ST staff)

Acts as a mentor figure for one or more of the party (most likely Will, also possibly Mike) (confirmed by Maya)

Shares scenes with Will and Mike (could be separately and together) and Joyce (ST staff)

There is a small painted figurine prop possibly related to Robin that Maya wants to keep after filming (confirmed by Maya)

Has a scene helping someone called Debbie (presumably a child) out of or into a tunnel (Debbie asks if she works for someone, Robin lies she is “one of his elves”) (script page leaked by Maya)

Has a scene inspecting a fuse box with Joyce (ST staff)

Has a scene with Mike by (or even possibly in) the WSQK van and a car covered in upside down vines (paparazzi)

Has filmed on a blue screen set with Mike (ST staff)

Gains bruises/marks on her face (unknown how) (ST staff, paparazzi)

Drives Joyce's car with Lucas to the hospital and runs inside before the military storms (paparazzi)

Runs down the hospital corridor with "another character" (seemingly Vickie) while the lights are flashing multicoloured (paparazzi)

Rides in the Bradley's lorry with Steve driving through downtown Hawkins (possibly before a bullet hole appears in the window) (paparazzi)

Confirmed filming locations:

WSQK radio station (exterior) with Steve, Nancy, Jonathan, and Murray (paparazzi)

a separate instance with Mike (ST staff)

WSQK radio station (interior) with Joyce, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Nancy, Jonathan and Steve (ST staff)

Hawkins Memorial Hospital (interior, specifically a patient room, possibly also the waiting room) with Vickie (ST staff/Amybeth)

a separate instance in the corridors with Vickie (paparazzi)

Hawkins Memorial Hospital (exterior) with Lucas (paparazzi)

McCorkle Farm (presumably) with the whole cast (Will, Mike, Erica and a new character confirmed) (ST staff)

Hawkins National Lab (exterior) with Mike (paparazzi)

Hawkins National Lab (interior) with Mike, Lucas, Hopper, Max, Murray, Erica, Vickie + unspecified cast (ST staff)

a separate instance at the WSQK radio station with Joyce, Will, Mike, Lucas, and Vickie + military (and possibly Linda Hamilton's character) (paparazzi, confirmed by Maya and Amybeth)

Downtown Hawkins (in the Bradley's lorry) with Steve (paparazzi)

Outfits:

(a long blue coat on top of what looks like a plaid shirt and black trousers) (the pattern/mark on her shoulder is interesting... all I will say)

This outfit is seemingly from the first episode, and she has worn it at both the radio station and the hospital sets!

(a blue jumper possibly with a white graphic or pattern on the front and black trousers with a black watch)

I believe this outfit is from the second episode! So far we've only seen it at the radio station set, there's a chance she also wore it at the hospital set (instead of the first outfit) but it's so difficult to tell since they're similar colours.

(a white graphic t-shirt over a purple jumper, with light blue jeans and a belt, black converse and a mid length black leather jacket which she removes, with her hair half up with a blue bow, silver rings, a black watch and a silver chain necklace) (she also swaps the leather jacket for a military looking vest much later on (possibly similar to the one from the end of s4), but I can't share those pics, so you'll just have to take my word for it!)

I believe this outfit appears in either the third and fourth episodes and onwards until idk, which she has worn at both the radio station and farm sets! The image on her t-shirt is of Tom Waits:

He's a musician mostly known for folk music in the 70s and 80s. This photo specifically was taken in 1983 and was printed in russian and dutch magazines. (a side note: Maya Hawke loves folk music and is most likely a fan of his, and Winona Ryder owns and has famously worn a Tom Waits shirt over the years!)

(there is another photo of Maya in the Robin wig wearing a triumph motorcycles t-shirt, but as far as I know that t-shirt is Maya's own, so I'm assuming she is not in full costume in that photo!)

I also wanted to point out the marks on her face that she seems to have for a lot of filming:

It looks like it's on both sides of her face; the left side of her face has a very big and definite bruise, while the right has a slight reddish mark. It's difficult to see in a lot of photos (since they're seemingly hiding the bruised side of her face and the mark is much less noticeable?), the paparazzi photos from outside the hospital showed it best, but you can somewhat see the red mark in some photos if you look hard enough. As I said earlier, it's unknown how she gains these marks, however it seems to correlate with when Mike and Will also gain red marks on their face (and not with Dustin, who seemingly gets beat up by the jocks in the first episode, the others' show up after), so whether it's upside down related, military related, or possibly even homophobia related, isn't certain.

And that's everything!! There is of course supposed leaks floating around, but for the moment I'm not including them as most of them appear to be fake so would be a little pointless? There also just hasn't been that many for Robin so this seems to be it for now!

[jonsnowunemploymentera]

Winter is coming... All men must die... But I don't necessarily think that makes it a pessimistic world, or perhaps not any more pessimistic than the real world that we live in. And we're here for a short time, and we should be conscious of our own mortality. But the important thing is love and compassion and empathy with other human beings is still possible. Laughter is still possible, even laughter in the face of death. The struggle to make the world a better place. We have things like war and murder and rape, horrible things that still exist in the world, but we don't have to accept them. We can fight the good fight, I think, the fight to eliminate those things. So there is darkness in the world, but I don't think we necessarily have to give way to despair. One of the great things Tolkien says in Lord of the Rings is despair is the ultimate crime, that's the ultimate failing of Denethor, the steward of Gondor, is that he despairs of ever being able to defeat Sauron. We should not despair, we should not go gentle into that good night. So winter is coming, but light the torches and drink the wine and gather around the fire, we can still defy it.

So Spake Martin 2013, Sydney Opera House

I remember a poll on here a couple months back asking how people interpreted the title ‘a dream of spring’. I was among those who had a more positive interpretation of that phrase. I still think that’s meant to be more positive than negative; more hopeful than bleak. To me, ‘a dream of spring’ is like Bran’s last ACOK chapter. The world is burning, a little boy is dispossessed, but he still lives. And there’s something defiant about that. It’s the perseverance of the human spirit, even if it’s just the little hope of an 8 year old boy. It seems bleak at first, but Bran said it best when he recognized that while Winterfell may be burned, it still stood. And while he may have been a “broken boy”, he still lives; plus I think there’s something sweet about that scene because from a Doylist pov this is Bran officially starting his hero’s quest so we know upon reread that there’s a light at the end of this dark tunnel. ‘A dream of spring’ to me is like a continuation of that ACOK ending. Winter doesn’t mean that human beings, even in weakness, can’t be defiant in trying to love or hope. Nor does it mean that they can’t find fulfillment in whatever little life they have for however long they have it. IMO the above quote from GRRM also highlights why characters like Jon (spring deity), Bran (the personification of summer and boyhood), and Dany (fire and light and passion) are especially important to the thematic and magical ending of this series. Winter is coming, but spring comes after it. And what is spring is not the renewal of life? And what is a dream if not hope lingering?

[thegalaxysedge22]

Evol

This is the first part in my collection of lore from love & deepspace.

important info: anything that is italicized (after the quote) is conjecture based off of what we do know

masterpost

CONTAINS SPOILERS

"A special superpower only possessed by a small portion of the human population. Those who have Evol are called Evolvers. After many studies into the field of Evol, scientists can now extract its power, create new weapons, and use it to improve daily life." - Spacepedia

*Even compiling all traces of Evol lore, it still is not explained that well so this has more conjecture than normal.

Despite nearly every person we meet having an Evol, they are supposed to be rare. There is not really any information on how they evolve. They could have existed before the Catastrophe, which would make sense because everyone we meet is older than it, or be a mutation/effect of some sort from the presence of Metaflux. It is likely the former as Ever, a research company who seems to be older than the Deepspace Tunnel, was at least at some point, and perhaps still is, researching them. We know for certain that Ever has been around for a while researching Evols as there is abandoned equipment on the rooftop of the Solon Hotel, a place in the N109 Zone.

Due to this superpower, Evolvers excel in fighting and combat, which explains why Deepspace Hunters are also Evolvers.* We know that Evols grant their owners an array of different powers. Examples of different Evol powers that are cannon include; fire (Rafayel), light (Xavier), ice (Zanye), telekinesis (Caleb), energy manipulation (Sylus). It is unclear if Evols are unique to each person who has an Evol or if they come in various types (like benders in ATLA).

Evols can also be used to craft powerful weapons or have their power extracted from them, although it is unclear how either of these would happen. Ever, a powerful big name tech/research company, is the leader in Evol research and weapon development. 

On the note of energy extraction, a flux stabilizer (not to be confused with a flux nexus) is a tool that can use “stored Evol Energy to balance out Metaflux,” and is the primary tool for controlling the presence of wanderers. You can often find flux stabilizers in areas open to the public. It is unclear how many exist or how far their reach goes, but it is reasonable to assume that there are multiple, especially in any heavily populated areas. It is also reasonable to assume that there are redundancies too (multiple flux stabilizers with overlapping fields). Evol weapons, like the ones that Hunters use, also appear to utilize the energy of a Protocore, which reportedly strengthens Evols and Evol Energy. The Evol-enhanced weapons that Hunter’s used are designed to eradicate Wanderers without harming humans; how they do this is unclear. Hunter Weapons come in a wide variety (all of the weapons you can choose from are, including the one that Sylus tries to gift to you).

* In the Spacepedia entry for Protofield, it mentions how the Hunter’s Association requires two Evolvers for field work, which implies that only Evolvers are able to be part of the Hunters Association, or at least they are the only ones who are allowed to actually be UNICORNS or doing field work

[adorationmajestic]

Cypress' TLT Fic Recs (October '24)

Aight. I've never made a rec list before but imma give it a try. No ratings, just praise. No, it's not just halloween/fall themed stuff, that just happens to be what month it is right now lol. Visit the whole list on Ao3: here (link to the bookmarker tag).

I have a few categories for you! Something Hot, Something Long, and Something Still Going.

These are from a variety of years and sizes. Most of them are Griddlehark, but I sprinkled some other pairings in like salt bae.

Next time I'll give something a little more organized and varied. Probably.

First category: Something Hot

Hungry Like the Wolf by Slaycinder - GriddleHark (2 chapters, approx. 13k words) There's two tags that stuck out to me, upon first glance. These were: Local Woman Nearly Dies for the Vussy: Says it Was Quote "Worth It", and Unrelated: have you ever seen needlessly badass artwork of wolves and naked women? I think these two tags do, indeed, sum up what happens quite well. Very hot. Gave me those very special spine tinglies that once upon a time told me that I do in fact like women, vampires, and werewolves. You are never gonna guess what three things this fic has.

Between the Lines by Rohad - Griddlehark (8 chapters, approx. 30k) A modern AU: a stunning look into the life of editor Harrowhark Nonagesimus. She's been assigned to work with one of her publisher's favorite little meow meows, Gideon Nav (an erotic fiction author) (who Harrow hates) (even though they've only ever spoken via email). Harrow accompanies the awful horrible Nav to a few conventions for book signings. This one, in as much as I've tagged it as belonging to the "Something Hot" category, is honestly packed full of feels as well. Harrow and Gideon have to learn how to communicate effectively, and how to interact respectfully, and they learn a lot about each other as well. Rohad's reworking of their respective backstories to fit into the modern day has me FLOORED.

I am a conversation by sluggg - PaulDve (1 chapter, approx. 5k) This work caught my eye with the tag Paul stop quoting Steven Universe it is making everyone uncomfortable and honestly I probably wouldn't have noticed the quotes if I hadn't then actively been looking. Sluggg fits them in just perfectly. There are a precious few Paul/Pyrrha works (and they are ALL bangers actually) and this is for sure one of my favorites.

put some goddamn moves on you (god knows you need it) by hoteyedwraith - CamPal (2 chapters, approx. 23k) This one has a very simple premise, but it really hits home for me. I can relate to Camilla in this modern AU in a very real way, and it felt very very good to reach the end of this work and see the metaphorical light at the end of the tunnel. Cam has a bit of an issue, but she doesn't know what the problem is. But it is fixable, and Palamedes lends a hand.

If you've noticed a theme so far, yes. I like my horny with a pinch of sad. What are you gonna do about it.

Second category: Something Long (For those of us who like em big)

The Process of Elimination by zoicite - GriddleHark (8 chapters, approx. 122k) That Regency AU from HtN! The two tags I would like to highlight are; Season 1 of The Bachelorette: Canaan House and Fake/Pretend Relationship. It is probably a general fanfic staple that every pairing MUST have at least one fic where they pretend to be in love and then slowly fall in love for real. It's a classic, and it never fucking gets old. I stayed up til about 4am reading this for three nights in a row. I'm not a slow reader, by any means, but this one hits different after 10pm honestly (when my emotions are at their easiest to sway) and if you can handle that sort of sleep gymnastics (and you brain works similarly) I would recommend giving that a try.

Cataclysmic Variable Star by Elldritch - GriddleHark (101 chapters, 190k exactly) I stayed up reading this one until I passed out about an hour before my alarm went off. I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THAT. This one, you want to have full command of your faculties because this one will make you think. It is a Harrow Nova AU rewriting of GtN and HtN (written before NtN released!) and is a beautiful piece of literature. You want a full night of sleep before grabbing this one by the reins! It is fabulously put together, drawing everything that needs to happen from each of its sources, but with a twist at each turn that you certainly won't see coming.

orbits, eccentric, on course for collision by Stacicity - DiosApate (9 chapters, approx. 76k) The timeline of HtN as told by Augustine Quinque. I might have gone slightly insane and left 800+ word comments on each chapter, which goes to show just how invested I have been in this. Looking at that word count, you might go "Huh. That's not that much, Cy. That's less than half the size of the last one." You would technically be right. But the way with which Augustine perceives time might change how you feel about that. Even if you aren't writing whole essays in the comment section, this one goes by slower somehow. I recommend pulling it up and then having an extra tab open to look up a few of these words in a dictionary. Stacicity has (correctly) decided that Augustine would use a lot of high-level words. This is, frankly, above my reading level (/joke).

Third category: Something Still Going

God Is Dog Spelled Backwards by labyrinthineRetribution - GriddleHark (more than 8k) As of writing this list, this work has 2 chapters. The plot has just gotten started, and I'm intrigued. This title stands out from the crowd in terms of the way it handles the setting (modern AU, somewhere in Aotearoa). Gideon really is the saddest girl in the world, I think, in a very complicated sort of way. I will wait patiently for as long as it takes to see this story develop.

Dividers by enchanthings

[tiredsurvivoronmain]

A few reasons why I love Chrisker is because there's so much to explore with them and years after RE5 (the last they were in together) there's still little connections to each other and new details being found; the photo of Chris on Wesker's screen in RE4R, the similarities with RE8 Chris and UC Wesker, Chris keeping Wesker's STARS knife in Darkside Chronicles (and likely still keeps it after Wesker died), both of them having quotes about 'fate' in regards to each other, Chris using a replica of Wesker's samurai edge in Death Island etc. There's many versions/eras of them to enjoy and mix (RE8 Chris and RE1 Wesker for example) and there's a ton of AUs that can be created, there's a lot you can do with them.

And there's depth to their relationship (in canon) it's not just a simple 'they are enemies that hate each other', both are complex characters that supress feelings/emotions and trauma they've endured. Wesker has an obsession, hatred and tunnel vision for Chris yet despite the many opportunities he has to kill or seriously hurt him, he doesn't. Whether it's because he merely enjoys toying and tormenting him (by hurting and killing those connected to Chris and even killing many innocent people to specifically make a BOW to kill Chris which of course fails like every other attempt) more than the idea of killing him, or there's something else that hasn't yet come to light. He's surprisingly easy on Chris with his attacks and doesn't fire his gun whenever it's aimed at him, and Wesker isn't shy about killing for Chris whether it be innocent people or to save his life (killing Enrico who was going to shoot Chris).

And there's then this strange need for Chris to understand him and his motives. He doesn't seem to want this for anybody else like Jill, Sheva or Ada (afaik), only Chris. Surely he must know that Chris doesn't care, why would he? Yet he persists.

[watchigtbj]

Navigating Challenges: Maintaining Focus on Your Goals and Purpose

[youling-the-ghost]

sfth incorrect quotes pt.5 because who needs a normal hobby anyway (the generator I used)

Luke: That's a nice arguement, Sam. Why don't you back it up with a source? Sam: My source is that I made it the fuck up! Luke: How high are you? Tom: Mm, I don’t know how to say it in feet. Sam: No, he's asking what drugs are you on. Tom: Oh, antidepressants, why? AJ: Where the devil is Tom? Luke: Well, it is raining outside… Maybe he melted? Sam: Shall I look outside for a tiny, ill-fitting hat?

Sam: If bees can be fish and boys can be girls, then why can't my dad love me? Tom: I thought I was going to have to yell at you, but now I think I should hug you.

Luke walking into the kitchen and seeing all their limes peeled: Tom, I love you but, what the h-e-double FUCK. Tom, sipping coffee happily: I love you too :) Sam, after sneaking into AJ’s bedroom: Hey, wake up! AJ, half awake: Huh!? Sam: I just murdered your entire family! AJ: …But I live alone. Sam: Huh? Then who are these people in your house??? AJ: There’s people in my house? Sam: Well not anymore! Dumb bitch! You could’ve died! You’re welcome! AJ: They… well, I wouldn't call it inheritance per se. What do you call it when you kill someone and get their stuff? Tom: Um, murder??? Sam: Adventuring! Luke: Tuesday. Luke: You can de-escalate literally any situation by asking ‘are we about to kiss?’ Luke: Doesn't work with getting out of speeding tickets, though. Luke: How do tall people people possibly sleep at night when the blanket can't possibly cover you? Tom: Luke, it's four o'clock in the morning. Luke: So, you can't sleep, huh? Is it because of the blanket? Tom: Sam gets offended by everything. Sam: What did you say about me?!? Tom: Tom: Case in point. Luke: wow you and Tom are home early from the movies. What happened? AJ: We got kicked out because Tom wouldn't stop yelling diving scores as people jumped off the titanic. Tom: That last guy had a solid 8, I'm telling you! Sam: The best part of an oreo is the cookie part, not the frosting. Deal with it. Tom: Darkness without light is an abyss. Light without darkness is blinding. You cannot have a coin with one side. Luke: YO SOCRATES! IT'S A FUCKING COOKIE! Sam: What are your three best qualities? Luke: I’m hot, I have soft hair, and sometimes I cry because I love my friends. Sam: A pessimist sees a dark tunnel. AJ: An optimist sees light at the end of the tunnel. Luke: A realist sees a freight train. Tom: The train driver sees three idiots standing on the tracks. Tom: Luke! Have you no dignity? Luke: Of course not! How long have we known eachother? Tom: AJ? What are you doing here? AJ, wearing a hawaiian shirt, sunglasses and holding a gatorade: My best. Luke: A stake to the heart won't kill a vampire if their tits are big enough. AJ: Yeah, you just catch it. Tom: Nah nah nah, deflects it. Stake? Just bounces right off. Done. Back to doing hot girl shit. Sam: Then I just use a spear instead. Luke: You are trying so hard to kill a vampire with big bazongas, and for what? Why would you do that to the ecosystem? Tom, cowering in fear: What do you want from me?! Sam, standing in front of Tom: *bites into the whole KitKat bar like a heathen* Tom, crying: Please...stop...

Tom: Be right back, gonna hit the toilet for a quick power sob. AJ: I did it! I memorized everything in the book! I'm gonna ace this test! Sam: Ok, AJ, I'll give you one more question before you go. What ended in 1918? AJ: 1917. Sam: ...You're ready. Luke: Welcome to my very first vlog, in which I try different hair products! Luke: *sprays hairspray in his mouth* Luke: Well, right off the bat I can tell you this one is not very good. Tom: Sam just said "I have an appetite for destruction" and then he reached down and untied my shoe. Luke: I'm going the fight the next person who insults Sam. Sam: I hate myself. Luke: Alright, square up. *AJ is considering cancelling plans, and Tom and Sam are advising him on what to do* Tom: Just don't go. Sam: Say you’re ill! Tom: Pretend to break your leg. Sam: Really break your leg! AJ: Remember that time you dared me to lick a swingset? Luke: No, I said "AJ, don't lick that swingset" and you said "Don't tell me what to do" and licked the swingset. AJ: You fuckers don’t know about my knife stick. It’s a knife taped to a stick and it’s the ultimate weapon. Tom: Spear. AJ: BLOCKED. Sam: Quacking in my boobs over this Sam: QUAKING* Sam: BOOTS* FUCKER.

+ Bonus message from the programmer of the generator:

Congratulations! You've stumbled upon a secret message from me (the programmer of this generator): Remember to drink water. And also take your meds if you have those and are supposed to take them. Also, have a nice day if that's a possibility. I hope y'all are doing great, and remember: Happy pride month! Always respect eachother's pronouns! (sadly it's no longer pride month but that that doesn't mean that we shouldn't continue to respect each other's pronouns)

[savemeafruitjuice]

Tickletober Day 22- Role Reversal

This is a Rise fic! Also, it's based off of the intro to Smart Lair! (The episode starts with Donnie screaming, with Leo and Mikey chasing after him. Raph comes in and stops them, then Donnie complains about never being a mummy. I wanted to explore why he's never able to, and how he would act if he were to be a mummy.)

Lee: Mikey, Leo, Raph (implied)

Ler: Donnie

TW!: SOME SWEARING! SUSPENSE! (Dark rooms, shadows in doorways)

I split the fic into parts to help it go faster, so if there's any misinterpretation as to what's happening, feel free to ask for clarification!

"Can I please be the mummy this time?"

Raph sighed, Leo groaned, and Mikey pouted. "Donnie, if Raph lets ya be a mummy, do ya promise not to get all of of control again.. like.. that time?" The softshell straightened his posture, hands going behind his back in a neat clasped form. "I promise."

The red-themed turtle squinted at his little brother, nodding slowly. "Alright, then.. You can be the mummy." Donnie grinned sweetly, uncrossing his fingers and taking them from behind himself to do a fist-pump. "Oh yeah!"

Leo and Mikey looked on nervously.

-----

The Lou-Jitsu movie had begun playing, and the four sat down on the ground, going over rules. This happened every time they turned on the film, and they had all seen the movie enough times to remember the intro word-for-word anyway.

"...And no toilet paper wars. It is to be used strictly for costume."

Leo gave a sharp look to Mikey, who only shrugged. "Don't look at me! Raph started it." The slider waved him off, then tossed a roll of toilet paper to his twin.

Donnie almost caught it, sighing as he picked it off the ground. "Just so we're clear, this is directly from the packaging, right?" Leo rolled his eyes, but nodded. "Yes, you maniac-" There was a creaking door from the movie, making each brother perk up. "Shhh! Guys, Lou Jitsu's entering the tomb! Donnie, go get ready!" The purple-themed turtle got to his feet, scurrying off into the other room.

"So!" Mikey clapped. "Who's scared for their lives?"

All three of them raised their hands.

-----

The lights were turned off, and Leo started standing on Splinter's armchair, quoting along with the scene as it played. "And I, Lou-Jitsu, will defeat you, mummies!"

A metallic sound came from the sewer tunnel. Mikey flinched, turning around, but he saw nothing. He was standing on the ground beside the slider, and gulped, grabbing onto the blue-themed turtle's arm at a flash of silver in the doorway. "I don't mean to break character, but.. I don't think Donnie's keeping his promise.."

Leo gave him an uneasy glance, turning around just in time to catch a glimpse of purple, much closer than a couple seconds ago.. He missed his next line, trying to get back into the rhythm of the movie. "Uh- and.. If any of you try any funny business, I'll.. send you crying to your mummy.."

When the elder turned to his brother, he saw that Mikey's face was pale, and he was inching away from the dark doorway. The sword-wielder turned, only to be met with red eyes staring at them.

"Donnie?.."

"EEEK! SHIT!"

A robotic noise came from behind the two, and the younger jumped up onto the armchair as well, almost causing the both of them to go toppling down as the other wobbled. Leo jumped at a noise behind him as well, the two silently waiting for their brother to enter at his cue. The movie had its cue pass, but nothing happened. A minute went by, the Baha-Blast duo whispering fearfully at each other.

Soon enough, the cue for the main mummy came, and the turtles held each other's arms. Donnie should never have been allowed to be anyone other than the side character who almost dies every movie..

The cue passed. Donnie didn't come.

Leo looked at Mikey, and Mikey kept staring at the doorway. "Dee?.." Another moment passed, and the two almost relaxed into the silence, except each of their sides were latched onto from behind.

"AHH! AHAAH- HAHAH!"

Leo winced at his baby brother's loud screaming, but yelped as well, hands launching down to push away the attacker. "AH! Noho!- DohOHONNIE!"

The blue-themed turtle whipped around, and was met with his twin, eyes staring blankly ahead as his hands dug into their sides. "I am a mummified Egyptian body, I am not Donatello.."

Mikey squeaked as his ribs were dug into, squatting on the top of the armchair when his knees buckled. Donnie only sat on the armrest, squeezing Leo by the thigh, effectively sending him down as well. Leo screeched, writhing on the cushion, trying to dislodge the fingers at his leg. "STAHAHAHAP! KCCH- DOHOOON!"

Metallic spider arms suddenly shot out of his battle-shell, capturing the two's arms in a hand each. Leo squirmed, eyes wide with panic, just above his knee being squeezed at. "HAHAHAH! FUHUCK, STAHAP! HEHAAH!" Donnie gave no response, tickling harder.

Mikey squealed, trying to pull his arms down, but they were pinned high above his head. He wriggled about, trying to twist his ribs out of the elder's grip. "DohoHONNIE! Ihi cahahan't-"

"Groan. I don't care~" The scientist continued to make onomatopoeia sounds, his brothers squirming and flailing. "You're both doomed to face the wrath of the tickle monster! Ghastly noises."

"RAHAHAHAPH! RAHAPH, HEHELP US! HEHE'S- HE'S NOT PLAHAHAYING RIGHT!" Leo screamed, head thrown back in hysterical cackles as his thigh was only tickled at faster in retaliation.

"PLEHEASE, STOHOHOP IT DONNIHIHIEE! NAHAH- EEEEK!-" The softshell fluttered his hand into the youngest's underarm, staring on blankly as the box turtle arched up, giggling increasing ten-fold. The movie played on in the background, but the three were not paying attention. The music escalated, almost ringing out louder than the turtle's laughter.

All of a sudden, Raph came running into the room, tackling Donnie. "Take this, evil mummy!" The softshell tumbled to the ground, almost taking the other turtles with him. Leo and Mikey, now free from his grasp, could escape, the elder grabbing Mikey's arm and rushing out through his giggles.

Donnie twisted, slipping through the snapping-turtle's arms, and jumping away. Raph whipped around, then froze at the dark glare the tech-loving teen had on. It was then that he made the connection between his other sibling's predicament, and his own. Crap..

"Uhuhm- Donnie, what- NoOHO! GET AWAY, YA DEHEMON!"

-----

Urghh, sorry I'm a bit behind, but I haven't had more than a couple minutes each day to get writing done. I'm doing my best, and as soon as I have more time, I'll get all of them done. Have a great day/night!

[seldomscilence16]

Whumptober Day 10;

Blow To the Head

Slurred words | Passing out from pain | “I can’t think straight.”

Fandom: Voltron

(I couldnt not after seeing the quote)

...

…

The mission had gone wrong almost immediately in Lance’s opinion.

They let the planet leaders give the orders, that was their first mistake, and though Lance had gone to object- quietly, to the side- he had been shut down with a look before a word had even formed. Instead the team had agreed to whatever was said, like they hadn’t learned this lesson several times over, but then again, Allura and Coran hadn’t been present to head the diplomatic side of things- their second mistake. With Allura sick- some space, quintessence, something rather flu- and Coran tending to her and the castle, they’d gone ahead with the alliance meeting to keep themselves on track with whatever schedule it was they were trying to keep- they changed it so often Lance just referred to Pidge’s program rather than try and remember it.

Mistake number three, not telling the team exactly what they should be doing down here. Instead, the team seemed to have taken it as a challenge to land this planet all on their own. And while Lance loved these losers, he’s pretty sure the shared brain cell is sick with Allura.

Long story short, the team had been split up, the cliche ‘we must test you before we join your coalition’, each being sent to a different area to find something that the leaders wanted. They were assured that their own people did quests like this all the time, and that they were sure ‘The Great Defenders of the Universe would be able to pass them with ease, certainly?’ So of course Shiro and Keith were ready for the team to prove themselves, and Pidge didn’t like being looked down on. Lance hadn’t liked the look in the leaders’ eyes, like they knew something more, like this was going to simply be an entertaining little show. It had twisted his stomach with anxiety, and Hunk had been the only one even slightly on his page- though it had been more of an uneasiness of going alone than anything.

Lance had been sent to a mine of some kind, to find a ‘large gem of immense beauty’. Everything had sounded rather trivial in Lance’s opinion, he had hoped it would be easy and quick and they could just get out of here- even if he knew that wasn’t how it was going to go.

He had gotten to his location first, the others still trekking as complaints and comments were passed over the comms- the only thing keeping Lance's heart in his chest. He’d entered with caution, the lone winding path was rather strange for a mine, no branching passageways or alcoves to speak of, simply a long tunnel with only his own wrist light to guide him. The banter is pleasant background noise, a comfort in the otherwise uneasy situation, but his shoulders remain tense, and his bayard ready.

“Ugh, how far is this stupid swamp?” Pidge bemoans for the umpteenth time.

“The planet didn’t look this big from above.” Hunk agrees with a puff of exerted air.

“Just keep going guys, Lance hasn’t complained so you guys can stick it out.” Keith’s exasperated response has little bite, but perhaps Lance is only hearing as such because he’s so focused, usually this is where they argue and throw insults.

Lance doesn’t.

His eyes are on the glowing thing in front of him.

“Lance?” Shiro’s voice is concerned, but he barely registers it.

“S’not a gem.” He gets the statement out, but despite his raised blaster, the blow across the back of his skull is hard and quick.

His world goes dark to the shouts of teammates and the glowing eye the last thing he sees.

.

“..wear to Gods Lance, if you don’t respond-”

“..Don freatenme…” It sounds off to his own ears, past the ringing and aching pounding.

“Oh thank goodness, Lance, buddy, how you feeling?” Hunk's voice comes as if through water, but Lance would know that anxious lilt anywhere.

“M’fine…” He pushes himself onto his elbows slowly, head swimming- ha, that's where the water came from… wait, there's no water…

“Lance, focus on our voices kiddo, what happened?”

“Nottaflippingem.” The mumble turns into a groan as he fully sits up, trying to focus his eyes enough to see.

“He’s not thinking straight, I can’t understand a thing.”

“Ayenever thhhink ssstraight.” Lance tries to sound proud, but at this point he sounds ridiculous to his own ears.

The silence lingers past the buzzing, his eyes slowly taking in the dark walls around him, thankfully sans a glowing eye. He brings a hand to the back of his head, feels the tacky wetness and cringes. Coran would probably insist on a pod… ugh.

“Lance, Hermano, now's probably not the time you should have come out.”

“Yeeer prbably rrright…. H’ve to gettoutta the darrk closset firssst…”

Lance scrunches his lips upwards, wasn’t his best analogy, but he thinks he has a pretty good excuse.

“You’re still in the mine then?” Shiro brings them back to topic, a breathless quality to his voice like he’d been running.

Lance examines the rock closest to him, finding the same drury and rough surface he’d been surrounded in since he’d begun the journey.

“Prbably.” He pushes back against the wall, getting slightly trembling legs to cooperate and push himself upwards. “Crrful uf the eyye… i’sss mean.” He groans as his head spins, “Stoopid plan… buut nnoonnee lissstens to Laannnce…” He mumbles grouchily under his breath, swaying a bit before he raises his wrist to try the light.

Spots dance in his vision at the sudden brightness, but he supposed there wasn’t much to see anyway. Rocks and rocks and rocks and darkness… he swallows thickly, looking up slowly like every horror movie ever told him not to, finding a hole in the ceiling but no movement. Great.

“Are you saying you’re not alone down there Lance?” Pidge’s voice comes through for the first time, breaking the silence that had befallen them again. Lance didn’t typically like silence, but he was having a hard time noticing it right now.

“Thaa gem, wassn’t a gem.” He declares again, a little annoyed at having to repeat himself so often. “Waas an eeyyye.”

“We’re almost there Lance, can you find your way out of there?”

Lance has been sluggishly making his way down the passage, having picked a direction with disturbance on the ground as his sign of his previous whereabouts, but as the path splits into four, he wonders if he’s been turned around.

“Harrderrr th’n aye th’ght…”

“It's a little glitchy, but I have you on my map.” Pidge starts, a grunt interrupting her that has Lance’s brow furrowing, “I can use it to feel our way to you, but there's no actual mapping lines on it, the mines aren’t showing up properly.”

Figures… He hears something shift behind him and tenses up.

“M’ght wanna hurrry…” He mumbles, as something wraps around his ankle and he’s sweeped off his feet.

The small passageway leaves little room to go anywhere, the long vine-like thing swinging him around and slamming him from one rocky surface to the next. From his peripheral he spots the gem like glowing eye, he reaches for his storage compartment, willing his bayard to his hand. The light glows for only a moment, a small handheld gun not unlike a pistol, a familiar weight in his hand. Despite how he's thrashed around, how his head rings and his vision spots, he takes aim as best he can.

The shot goes off, there's an ear piercing screech, Lance goes flying.

The air is knocked from his lungs, no sound reaches his ears as pain burns in raging waves, he impacts with the floor, struggling to inhale. As spots dance in his vision once again, and twitching limbs only worsen his ailments, his last thought is only of the team.

…

“You sent us on fools errands!” Keith seethes.

“Paladins, we were only testing-”

“This was no test! If we were to make it to our own destinations, danger would have been waiting for us too! Were you trying to kill us, or did you have some other sick motive?” Pidge spits the accusations, her scanner bleeping its warnings from her scans of their intended destinations.

“How insulting! If this is how you act-”

“This is how we respond, to one of our teammates being sent towards their death. You’d do well not to anger us further.” Allura glides into the room, skin still paler than usual, but a regal anger about her as she passes the Paladins, eyes set only on the Leaders of the planet.

“Y-your Majesty!”

“This transgression will be reported to the coalition, everyone will know how you treat potential allies and guests. We will be taking our leave now.” The promise is said with a snarl on her lips, already turning to leave.

“Wait! Please! We-”

“Paladins.” Her eyes are still set straight ahead, a cold shoulder if they’d ever seen one, but they know better than to bring it up after this end note.

“Yes Princess.”

They turn as one, glares still set in hard lines on their faces, the fumbling leaders of the planet pleading futilely. The ride to the Castle is silent, Allura fuming at the wheel, not sparing the team a glance. They share uneasy looks, and wisely choose to keep their mouths shut.

When they land in the hangar, the Princess stalks from the ship without a word, the team following with faltering steps of unease. It's only when they reach the infirmary and she sees Lance’s pod that she falters, slumping heavily into the nearest chair. Coran titters about the room, quickly checking Alluras temperature and placing a cooling cloth around her neck before moving back to the pod to check the readings again.

The tension in the room is thick, Allura leaning her head into her hands as she lets a sigh pass her lips.

“I don’t know exactly what happened, so I will ask for an explanation, despite my own hunch. One of you will speak, lest my headache worsens further.” Each word is picked carefully, said distinctly, they wonder if it's part of royal training to sound so in control despite being ill.

The team looks at Shiro, and his shoulders sag with the weight leadership has burdened him with.

“The leaders were welcoming enough, but they insisted on testing us- which wasn’t out of the ordinary- and it seemed like trivial enough tasks… so I agreed. It sounded like an easy enough challenge for us to complete-”

“Mistake number one.” Allura stops him, rubbing at her brow, “Did you ask your team if they agreed to the challenge and get a consensus from everyone, Black Paladin?”

“Well…” Shiro really thinks about it and frowns, “I… might have shut down Lance when it looked like he was going to interrupt the discussions…”

“And throughout the tests, did you notice anything odd?”

“Lance was… quiet… Until he was attacked.”

“Then I suppose one mistake may have been mine.” She says with another weary sigh.

“What do you mean?” Pidge asks with furrowed brows.

“Apparently unbeknownst to you all, Lance has been taking diplomacy lessons from Coran and myself, though he was quite adept before that. I made the mistake of assuming his team would listen to him should he have concerns about a mission that was already tremulous as it was. Lance likely was going to bring up how splitting up on a foreign planet at the behest of its suspicious leaders was unwise. Instead he was shut down and followed his orders, and look where it got him.”

Their eyes can’t help but drift towards the pod, where Corans exhausted face is creased further in worry as he stares at it,

“He is not a fan of the pods…” The advisor mumbles dishearteningly.

“He will make a recovery from his physical injuries.” Allura turns her glare on the group once more, “I expect a team effort in healing the rest of him.”

“Yes Princess.”

[promisesbutnevertokeep]

Isn’t that what he wanted? Part two

part one | part two | part three

Tags: @the-flaminhos @zer0brainc3lls

Trigger warning: Mentions of suicide, Violence, character death, sad, a bit gory, guns are mentioned.

(I have quoted parts from the death cure)

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The Flare, medical name Virus VC321xb47 was a man-made disease created by the Post-Flares Coalition after the Sun Flares. The idea was to decrease the population to a point where the remaining food supplies would be steady by systematically infecting people with the virus.

However the plan had its flaws. The disease was easily able to mutate and spread, causing a pandemic, and a desperate need for a cure, or some sort of treatment to handle it because otherwise, fatalities would outnumber those born, and humanity would risk extinction.

The last city, 23:19PM, Thomas and Newt had just found and rescued Minho from the WICKED facility. And now they could be safe and happy, just the three of them reunited and Bubbles together with no WICKED to worry or run from again, right?

If only it was that easy and simple. But life’s not fair, easy or simple, they’d learnt that the hard way.

They ran together, trying to reach the tunnels to join everyone as they went to evacuate the progressively breaking city.

Newt, however, fell behind. He couldn’t keep up, his body slowly deteriorated as the virus moved up further. Blackened, dying veins made their way up to his porcelain skin, making his features look like cracking pottery. He coughed and moved against a wall, struggling.

The others were long gone, but Thomas stayed put. He was struggling to walk or support his frame, the black liquid spilling his mouth “Tommy.. please.. I..”

It seemed like a light switch, flicked on every time the flare took a hold of Newt, he’d become aggressive and seem more like a monster. Thomas tried to grab him to carry him to the others but he pushed him away, grabbing the gun from him, more of that vile liquid spilling, he pointed it at the boy he did love so so dearly. Then the switch flicked off and he noticed what he was doing, instantly turning the barrel to face himself. He hated this creature inside him.

The brunette pushed him down, taking the gun off him so he couldn’t hurt himself. Newt frantically took his capsule necklace off, almost snapping it “Take it..” he said breathlessly, barely audible. Thomas was trying to calm him but his attempts were futile.

That switch was flicked on once more.

“TAKE IT!” He yelled at Thomas desperately, snatching his hand to give him it. He tried to find Thomas’ eyes for some clarification he was real. The switch turned off “Tommy.. please do it..” the eyes Thomas found utter comfort in we’re now pleading him to pull the trigger.

Thomas refused.

“Kill me Tommy, if you’ve ever loved me, kill me, please.” The blonde begged, the pleas became more intense “KILL ME! Please! Put me out my misery before I become like them! I don’t wanna become one..” he sobbed, he was quite literally begging for death. For that sick, twisted peace he’d sought for many years before on the maze walls. The pain he felt currently, brought back those all too familiar feelings of loneliness and despair.

Thomas refused once more.

“Do it! Kill me or I kill you!”

“Newt…”

“Do it before I become one of them!”

“KILL ME!” And then newt’s eyes cleared, filled with a familiarity, a last gasp of sanity and the aggression stopped, voice soft “please Tommy please.”

And then with his heart falling into the black abyss, Thomas pulled the trigger.

He felt guilty the second he heard the gunshot. He couldn’t even find the tears to cry, he’d just killed the one he loved, Newt, the one he did all this for, he’d just killed him.

The last city, 23:57PM, Thomas and Minho sat over the cold, cold corpse of their beloved friend. Minho closed Newt’s eyes to make it more peaceful for him, like he was sleeping.

There was movement in Newt’s satchel, a small fluffy cat crawled out, walking to her owner in confusion. The poor thing didn’t understand what had happened to her friend. She pawed at Thomas. After noticing that he was crying, she realised.

Her owner was dead.

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right so the bubbles mention at the end, I feel so bad for doing that I’d like to formally apologise to specifically @the-flaminhos and @zer0brainc3lls I will get some fluffy Bubbles content for you seen.