#/slight/ anti Percy

[bookworm-2000]

I really just saw a post that said Percy would beat Jason in a sword fight unless Jason dropped to all fours and went absolutely feral.

Like bitch?

Please. (In the nicest way possible ❤️)

My baby’s been training since he was two years old. You think CJ would accept anything less than complete perfection??

Yeah, no.

Jason would /cream/ Percy in a fight, with or without their powers, which EVERYBODY would know if Rick had written Jason to his full potential ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you for coming to my TED talk xx

[oneknightstand-if]

Man, sure seems like there's been a lot of werewolf attacks here. Looks like you might need to implement some anti werewolf measures!

Speaking of, are there any little superstitious routines or habits the ROs have?

Like me, I never leave home without my silver... wait, where did it g

Tsk, tsk, another victim of fae-napping. Which means... werewolves. Probably.

Merlin: What superstitions? They only know cold, hard facts! *sets up wards everywhere*

Adrian: He read & watched all those parapsychological things. That counts, right?

Arthur: Iron & cold steel, check. Crystals, check. Sweets, check. The fae are coming for him, all right.

Percy: There is a very good reason he's leaving gingerbread everywhere.

4̶0̷4̸ ̸E̷r̴r̸o̵r̷ ̸N̸o̶t̶ ̵F̶o̴u̴n̴d̸: Really?

Gwen: D-does not breaking mirrors or walking under ladders count?

Cassandra: BRB setting up mirrors all over the motorhome.

Gwen: Eep. Merlin: *poses* Gwen: . . . . . *also poses* Adrian: Wait a minute, Merlin. Where did your reflection go?! Merlin: *glides off stage left* Gwen: *still posing*

Vivian: Quadruple really?!

Lorelei: Replacing salt loss in an athlete's diet is a necessity, it has absolutely nothing to do with superstitions.

Merlin: ( ,,⩌'︿'⩌,,) Salt does nothing to the fae... particularly the ones who live by the sea. It only works as a slight magicry boost due to its crystalline structure. Lorelei: Who says I'm using salt for the fae?!

Broderick: You know you're all fruitloops, right?

[whattraintracks]

Touch and Go

anti-mutant panic following an alien invasion? who'd've thunk

here comes Mikey looking for some cartoons, or maybe just attention

aww Leatherhead plays along with Mikey's antics

oop and then he gets pissed

"it's his secret mutant power" lol

I'd tell Donnie to be nice but Mikey looks very proud about this

not even five minutes in and everybody's Mikey-bashing

oh gosh April and Casey are fast approaching unbearable territory

Raph is very offended that only Casey was thanked for helping with the shop

what is vegetarian chopped liver? this feels like the kind of inside joke when someone in the group is vegetarian/vegan

Leo trying to imitate Raph (or anyone for that matter) is hilarious (he's not very good at it)

ah the Mssrs Touch and Go I've heard about these guys

focusing makes Mikey hungry

honestly same

Mike is getting verbally and physically pummeled today

Raph talks a big game about being faster than Leo

slight problem

Leo is, in fact, faster than him

20 bucks Leo keeps shouting lame insults (snail boy pfft) behind him after Raph takes off for his shortcut

could be why he's so annoyed when he gets back to the lair and Raph's not there! he's a little embarrassed

"man, I'm good" and "like a boss" and "I'm awesome"

Raphs are their own biggest hype man and I love that for them

he's so polite, he can't not introduce himself

the woman the myth the legend, Mrs. Morrison!

Raph looks so flabbergasted, this is adorable

Mrs. Morrison, who most certainly knows something is up with this kid who has scaley three-fingered hands and a shell, laughs and then slams the door in the angry mob's face

Mikey, who has an idea: gasp! I'm using my brain!

Splinter, concerned, in pain, and skeptical: are you though?

the plan is "fake our deaths"

classic

the animators really wanted you to know that Leo was annoyed about Raph not making it back to the lair

'great. he's in trouble'

cut to Raph having a tea party with an old blind lady and her cat

always hilarious to me when the theme is played after a quip

oh yeah, your theme? the musical motif for the entire show? we also use it to indicate irony about your whole turtle situation

"maybe you could stop by again, Raphael...we'd love to have you"

"really?" 🥺

cries in Good Kid from The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

(no one asks me, Raphy how'd you like to come round and stay?)

room service~

Mike has such a gremlin laugh

this is the kind of kick-butt Michelangelo content I need in my life

Mikey: dad! dad! I had so many ideas!

Splinter: spirits help us

"832 consecutive days of Chinese take-out!"

this is such a specific number

which means a) Mikey is like me and throws out random numbers for fun (my go-tos are 12 or a string of three to five random digits depending on what seems more appropriate which makes it sound like I know what I'm talking about when I do not)

or b) he did some kind of back-of-the-envelope math by counting out enough of the money and knowing the price of their usual Chinese take-out order to make a solid estimate

[dynamokota]

Trouble Brewing - a short drabble with my Beetlejuice OC

Hardly any plot. Basically a drabble of Lydia's witchcraft lessons with my OC Elias Graves, with a little Graves x Beej (platonic and slight hints of a mutual attraction) at the end. Also on Ao3.

It was a few months ago that Lydia discovered some strange things about herself, things most 17 year-old girls didn't typically deal with.

In the year since her paranormal escapades, and after reconnecting with Beetlejuice, very strange and unusual things started occurring, and this time it wasn't ghosts or demons. Sometimes lights flickered when she was stressed, and also animals seemed to be drawn to her; like the stray cat who kept following her on the way home from school (who she named 'Percy' and took home after convincing her family to let her keep him).

It turned out that the paranormal events that occurred a year prior had awakened a dormant gene. A witch gene.

Lydia was a witch.

And while Charles and Delia were hesitant to accept this when a member of the local 'witch council' informed them of Lydia’s abilities (how this so-called 'council' found out about Lydia was a mystery; must have been a witch thing), they supported Lydia's desire to be a part of this world.

Lydia needed a tutor. And while most witches typically learned from their family, in this case, someone had to be hired for the job. It took a few weeks, but word got around, and eventually Elias Graves, a male witch in his late twenties in need of some extra cash, was hired for the job.

Beetlejuice, who enjoyed spending time with Lydia, wanted to watch her learn the magic he hadn't seen in hundreds of years, and wanted to ogle Graves (who Beetlejuice found, quote, "unbearably sexy"), decided to join Lydia and observe her lessons. He even began to form a fairly close friendship with Graves, despite the constant sexual comments and flirting from Beetlejuice.

It was hard for Lydia to believe it had been almost two and a half months since she started learning witchcraft from Graves, who she felt a sibling-like connection to, just like she did towards Beetlejuice.

“Now stir counterclockwise with a low flame for one to two minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.”

“Um… okay? How do I change the flame? I haven’t quite figured out fire magic yet.”

“Oh. Right.”

It wasn’t food Elias Graves and his student Lydia Deetz were cooking, but a potion. A basic one: an anti-poison, whether it was from food, toxins, venom, or other pathogens.

The smell filling the room in a thick mist was reminiscent of scented car wax; vaguely sweet and not unpleasant, but could give you a headache or make you nauseated if you stayed in the room too long.

The cauldron sat on a small metal stand, below which a green flame seemed to be emitting from nowhere. It illuminated the dimly lit room in a emerald glow, which made Graves's tired, pale face and sunken eyes look like eerily like a skull.

Lydia had her black-dyed hair tied back with her lace sleeves rolled up as a safety precaution, and as she followed Graves’s stirring instructions, Percy the cat watched the bubbles at the surface of the potion with curiosity. The shiny, dark teal mixture did as Graves said it would and thickened to a syrup-like consistency.

“Okay, it’s thickening! What’s next?” Lydia asked excitedly.

“One poisonous mushroom, any type, whole. I tweaked the recipe for use with fly agaric since it's local and what I could find at the witch's market.”

Lydia looked around for the large, bright red mushroom that looked straight out of a video game or cartoon. It wasn't with the other ingredients, and Percy couldn't possibly have knocked it off of the table.

“Uh… Eli? I can't find the mushroom.”

Graves looked up from the potion book (which was titled “Potions, Antidotes, and Elixirs for All That Ails You” by Ariadne Hargrove), confused at the question. He set down the book and looked around for a moment before he suddenly turned around and glared at Beetlejuice, who simply chuckled.

“Beej, I swear to God, if you keep eating Lydia’s potion ingredients--”

Beetlejuice laughed. “Sorry, Gravesy! I couldn't help myself! I was hoping it would give me one hell of a trip! As sexy as you are, your lessons can get kinda boring.”

Lydia rolled her eyes but smirked as the two of them bickered. This wasn't the first time Beetlejuice ruined a potion by eating the ingredients, and it probably wouldn't be the last. She had a feeling Beetlejuice did it just to get on Graves’s nerves, like a child at the playground with a crush. And Lydia thought it was adorable.

“So, what now? Do we go back to the market and buy another? I’d kinda like to finish this potion today.” Lydia asked in a slightly raised voice, trying to interrupt the bickering, as endearing as she found it to be.

Graves cleared his throat. “Um… No, I think it's too late at this point, sorry. The mushroom needs to be added immediately after the potion thickens. We’d have to make the potion base from scratch, which means even more ingredients I’d have to buy again, not just the mushroom.” Graves glared at Beetlejuice again, who just smiled playfully.

Lydia sighed. “Oh well. I got the gist of the recipe anyway. And I wrote a lot down too. I'm definitely better at taking notes here than at school.”

Lydia handed Graves the notes she took. She had written nearly everything Graves told her: The origins of the potion, what poisons it does and doesn't work on, and why a potion meant to combat poisoning used poisonous mushrooms as an ingredient; she had written ‘kinda like an antigen in a vaccine’ next to that part of the notes, which she must have realized herself, as Graves never made that comparison.

Graves read through all of Lydia's notes and gave a rare smile, which was a good sign.

“...Yeah, that’s good. And I never thought of it that way. Great job, Lydia.”

Graves stood back up and looked at his recipe book again while Lydia looked quite proud of herself.

“After you add the mushroom, which is now in Beej's stomach, it says you're supposed give it a quick stir, clockwise this time, and let it simmer until the mushroom breaks down and the potion is smooth again.” Graves stated, leaning against the counter with the potion book in hand.

“The whole mushroom breaks down? Like, it just dissolves into the potion?” Lydia asked concerningly, and noticeably inched a little away from the cauldron, as if the mixture was so caustic that it could burn a hole through anything it touched.

“It’s not like it’s acid or anything,” Graves reassured her (Beetlejuice let out a disappointed ‘Aw!’) “It’s just the reaction between the mushroom and the other ingredients; it’s not dangerous to drink. Well… no more than any other potion.”

Lydia almost laughed, but then she realized that, knowing Graves, it probably wasn't meant to be a joke. She hoped she'd never have to drink an anti-poison just in case it could dissolve her insides.

“Well, if we can't finish the potion, I guess the lesson's over, right? I think I'll head home. See you next week, Eli.” Lydia gathered her things, gave Graves a quick hug, and picked up Percy.

“You coming, Beej? Or are you gonna stay a bit longer?”

“Nah, I think I'll hang here with Gravesy for a little while. See you in a bit, kid.” Beetlejuice said as he flung his arm around Graves's shoulder. Graves rolled his eyes while Lydia smirked at them.

“Alright. Have fun, you two. Make good choices. Use protection.” Lydia said as she winked at them.

Graves groaned while Beetlejuice laughed. Lydia definitely started making dirty jokes more often because of Beetlejuice, to the dismay of her father (and the amusement of her stepmother).

“We're not--!” Graves began to protest before Lydia interrupted with “I know, I know! It's just a joke!” as she left.

Beetlejuice remained quiet for a moment before speaking up again.

“I think we both know I don't use pro--”

“Shut up, Beej.”

Graves tried to sound annoyed, but he was clearly trying to stifle a laugh, and his ears turned bright red. Beetlejuice was probably the only person that could make Graves almost laugh, as well as blush, which made it all the more fun for the demon.

“Aw, come on, Gravesy. You know you wanna.” Beetlejuice teased.

“Laugh? It wasn't that funny.”

“I wasn't talking about laughing.”

Graves rolled his eyes. “...You're a pain in the ass.”

“Heh, being a pain in your ass sounds pretty good to me!”

Graves let out another groan of annoyance, but playfully elbowed the demon in the ribs, though forcibly enough to make Beetlejuice recoil a little in pain.

“You want a drink or something, Beej?”

"Definitely. That mushroom didn't do shit.”

[sophiesbookishthings]

September Reads

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

I love this little magical family. They're so sweet. I really enjoyed the addition of David in this book. He was super fun and I liked the way he challenged Arthur's perception of the word monster. I thought that was a really interesting point to make both within the context of this book and in the way that the fictional magical community is a metaphor for the real life lgbt community. In that same vein I loved that this book was very very blatantly anti-JKR. It did make the book a bit harder for me to read personally, since it's so upsetting to see what JKR and other terfs are doing irl, I don't always love to see such hatred depicted in fiction as I use it as a bit of an escape from the horrors of reality. That being said, I don't think it should have been done any differently because I do also believe stories like this are necessary and that TJ Klune told exactly the kind of story that he wanted to and needed to. My only slight critique of this book was that with the themes present and the dedication in particular, I was hoping there would be a more central trans character in the book. There was a nonbinary side character (which was great!), but they weren't there very long and I think the anti-terf message of this book could have benefitted from a more prominent trans character. All in all though, a very sweet book. I love the Baker-Parnassus's and want only good things for them forever.

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

The sequel to Belladonna. I liked that this book set up not only 1 but 2 more supernatural beings. I'm very interested to see what exactly Life is in the next book. I also liked that this book let us get to know Blythe more since she was dying for most of the last book. I enjoyed Signa getting to settle into her own at Foxglove as well, even though it wasn't in the vest of circumstances.

4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️

Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan

Woo-hoo! Percy Jackson book!!! Look, I am 25 and have been reading these books since I was like 10. As long as there's books being released, I will be reading and loving them. This book was literally just Percy, Annabeth, and Grover pet sitting. Like idk but it's such a fun concept to me. And the fact that they bond with said pets by the end? I love it. Also, Hecate's cool af. Idc that she was supposed to be kinda scary, I think she's neat. My main complaint about this book, though, was that when they knew they were having to deal with ghosts, they should've called Nico. At least for like a consultation or something! Like c'mon. Y'all have a friend that's called The Ghost King, and none of you think to call him??? But anyway... This series is just little (relatively) low stakes mini quests, and I'm having a great time.

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

This is probably a top 5 John Green book for me, but I don't know that I can really articulate why. This book made me pretty anxious. The main character has OCD and the way her intrusive thoughts were written (while very well done) was a lot for me to read. And yet, I still really liked this book. I also actually enjoyed the romance arc in this book because it doesn't always go where you'd expect, and the male love interest is really sweet and respectful and actually kinda interesting. I appreciated that while there was a romance arc, the main characters friendship with her best friend was equally important to the story. And I'm sure it probably wasn't intentional, but the whole book felt very ace-coded to me. Although what read as ace-coded to me was probably definitely mostly due to the main characters difficulty in her relationship due to her OCD. But two things can be true I guess.

4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️

[brotherhoodoftheblade]

I posted 205 times in 2022

That's 130 more posts than 2021!

39 posts created (19%)

166 posts reblogged (81%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@andrasta14

@tangentsandbubbles

@narastories

@lordjohnwgrey

@britishguyslover

I tagged 203 of my posts in 2022

Only 1% of my posts had no tags

#lord john grey - 159 posts

#outlander - 115 posts

#percy wainwright - 100 posts

#lord john series - 84 posts

#john x percy - 84 posts

#david berry - 38 posts

#my random ramblings - 36 posts

#random nonsense - 21 posts

#jamie fraser - 20 posts

#anti diana gabaldon - 15 posts

Longest Tag: 133 characters

#given the distant state of his relationships it's not at all surprising that he formed such an unhealthy lifelong attachment to jamie

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Hot take: the majority OL fandom derides Percy as not being good enough for John, but the John I’ve seen in the OL books has had me progressively feeling that it’s really John that doesn’t deserve Percy. 

Because the LJG I saw in Bees? That is not the John I loved from the LJG series. That John was flawed and hard-headed, too, but he still had a heart. 

I don’t know that I like who John has become over the years (and not just in regard to Percy). 

11 notes - Posted October 13, 2022

#4

So I’ve been a huge writing slump for basically the last two months and was reading some stuff from my wips in hopes of sparking some motivation (and I’ve fallen down the Star Wars hole again and am still weeping internally about the Obi-Wan series around the clock so I’m trying to distract myself T_T).

 Anyway, this future scene from my fic Quicksilver in the Sun gave me a chuckle so I thought I’d share it. It’s not like it gives away any spoilers, after all. lol

~*~*~*~

“Right on time I’d say,” Sir George said, relief evident in his voice as he consulted his timepiece.

Four minutes remained until noon after Percy and the general had shed their winter accoutrements and allowed themselves to be led down a hallway by a liveried servant.

“Hold on,” Percy murmured, glancing surreptitiously at the awaiting servant as he reached out to straighten Sir George’s slightly askew wig. He frowned slightly as he cast a critical eye over his stepfather’s form, even as the general wordlessly did the same for him. “Good. You’re good.”

Sir George reached out and brushed lightly at his shoulder, adding with some amusement, “Bit of rogue powder. Very smart otherwise.”

Percy craned his neck to try and look at his shoulder in concern but the general assured him all traces of errant powder were gone. “I wish I had my wig. I do hope I am not dressed too informally.”

“Nonsense,” the general dismissed evenly. “It is only luncheon. You look very well. I, on the other hand...the late Duke of Pardloe cut quite a trim figure, you know.”

“Did you know him?” Percy asked, curiously.

“Oh no, no, not really,” Sir George said, tugging a bit on the front of his tastefully embroidered waistcoat. “I knew of him, of course.”

The servant cleared his throat quietly. “Shall I announce your arrival, sirs?”

The general’s eyes widened slightly and he stood up straighter. “Yes, yes, please do.”

They briefly exchanged glances, offering each other small smiles of encouragement, as the servant moved to the threshold of the library and bowed. “Sir George Stanley, my lord. And party.”

Percy trailed behind the general as he crossed the turkey carpet, drawing up short as his stepfather paused to bow to the pair of awaiting men in greeting. Percy froze – was he meant to bow as well? He continued to stand there awkwardly, feeling vaguely like an out of place pustule that had come unwillingly attached to the general, as the man stepped forward to shake hands with the younger men in turn.

No one could have mistook the pair for anything other than brothers. They possessed the same slightness of build and stature – they were perhaps an inch shorter than General Stanley, who was himself of average height – and the same finely-boned facial structure. One was dark and the other was fair though – both wore their long hair in the same style, powdered and tied back with a ribbon – and there was several years age difference visible between them even at a distance. They were elegantly outfitted in suits of silk velvet – in shades of deep plum and a striking French blue respectively – and undeniably quite handsome as well.

Well, at least I’ll have something pleasant to rest my eyes on while I’m here, if nothing else.

“It is kind of you to invite me to luncheon,” Sir George was saying, smiling warmly. “I cannot say how greatly I appreciate your welcome. I feel most awkward, then, to begin at once with an apology – but I am afraid I have imposed upon you by bringing my stepson. He arrived unexpectedly this morning from the country, just as I was setting out. Seeing that you will in some sense be brothers...” the general faltered slightly, giving an awkward little laugh as he coloured. “I, er, thought perhaps you would pardon my liberty in bringing him along to be introduced.”

Surprise rippled briefly over the Grey brothers’ expressions. The elder, dark-haired one – Harold Grey, Duke of Pardloe, no, Earl of Melton – tightened his lips. The younger, fair-haired one – Lord John Grey – recovered rapidly, an affable enough expression appearing.

“Of course,” Pardloe – Melton – said, managing to at least sound cordial even if the sentiment didn’t quite reflect on his face.

“Most certainly,” Lord John echoed, gaze shifting to Percy.

He stepped forward quickly to stand beside Sir George, flicking a glance from one brother to the other as the general’s broad hand settled warmly on his shoulder. “My Lord Melton, Lord John, May I present Mr Percival Wainwright?”

Melton’s mouth was tightly drawn and Percy could practically feel the barely suppressed waves of irritation coming off of him. He cringed inwardly, the knot in his belly tightening. He knew he shouldn’t have come, but it was too late now.

As long as they liked Sir George that was all that really mattered, he reminded himself. The general was the one marrying their mother, after all. All Percy needed to do was remain polite and try not to say anything terribly stupid. The general’s hand squeezed briefly in a reassuring manner before sliding away.

Lord John was holding out his hand and he took it quickly.

“Your servant, sir,” the young man said – and he was young, Percy could see now that he was standing so close. He was around Percy’s own age, perhaps a few years older at most. And he was...lovely. His features were delicately wrought and...

Percy had seen him before somewhere. Not just on the street, they’d met before, he felt sure of it. He had an excellent visual memory and never forgot a face. Where though...? The young lord felt it, too, he could see it. The man’s fair brows were drawn together slightly, studying his face with wintry blue eyes -

And then it flashed before his mind’s eye: the mysterious, standoffish young man at Lavender House, with the terrible suit, resplendent blond hair, unresponsive hand in his, and the exquisite blue eyes.

Good God.

He drew breath sharply and his hand clenched involuntarily on the other man’s, an action that was mirrored by Lord John half a heartbeat later as the same realization flashed in his momentarily widened eyes.

See the full post

11 notes - Posted June 23, 2022

#3

Currently taking a little procrastination break from writing and randomly ended up looking up buttercups, ie. LJG’s codename in the Black Chamber. So yeah, buttercups symbolize neatness, childishness, charm and humility - all things that often apply to John’s general personality (yeah he’s not great at the neatness bit in terms of keeping his clothes clean God (and Tom) knows, but in his preference for orderliness and structure in general).

But the thing that has me laughing right now is that all buttercups - despite their small, pretty, and harmless appearance - are actually poisonous when eaten fresh, blistering the mouth, leaving an acrid taste, and causing gastric upset. Was THAT bit of symbolism also intended for John...because honestly, it seems like it could be?? 😅

 Just ask ANYONE who’s gotten on John’s bad side - whether it’s Malcolm Stubbs’s cheating ass getting the shit kicked out of him in an alley, that woman who pissed John off during the Battle of Krefeld and got punched and fell off the bridge, or John’s father’s murderer getting stabbed in the eye - he may be small, pretty and charming but he can also be a straight up savage at the drop of a hat. 👀💀😂

17 notes - Posted March 30, 2022

#2

Oooh, I’ve never seen this bit of BotB discourse by DG before! ✨👀✨

Ah, Percy’s “spiritual fractures”, his fear that he’s damned and there’s something “wrong” him, coupled with his earlier experiences as a whore, had “a lot do with his eventual betrayal” - that’s similar to what I’d guessed earlier about the psychological underpinnings behind Percy’s actions. 

(I’d link that post but I don’t have time to hunt it down right now - have to get back to work soon. I really need to make myself some sort of table of contents at this point, it takes forever to find things. Mostly because I’m so damn long-winded, no doubt. lol Also, titles, labels? Never heard of them. xd)

And yeah, I’d doubted Percy really thought John would care enough to be hurt by him sleeping with Michael - especially when he himself knew it meant nothing - but to see it confirmed from the horse’s mouth is additionally sad. I will honestly never forgive her for what she did to Percy. smfh

“John’s never seen himself as anything but [an honourable man]” - pffttt, yeah, I can tell. 🙄 And it’s a huge part of his problem, the way he can’t even see the way his increasing rigidity and narrow-minded ideals are actually fetters obstructing him from emotional and mental growth. But that subject could be it’s own rambling post and I have to go! ^_^;

23 notes - Posted October 14, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Funny how people are always talking about how much William takes after Jamie, but barely anyone talks about how much he’s like John. Because the first time I read that scene - in Echo was it? - where Willie was running around and fending off a snake with a frying pan, the “OMG, he really is John’s son!!” feeling just smacked me in the face. Chaotic trouble magnets, the pair of them! lmao

Not to mention John seems to have hit Willie with his perpetually-horny-stick, wherein he’ll lust after and unadvisedly become infatuated with any attractive person who happens to cross their path. 

Ridiculous -- like father like son. 

26 notes - Posted October 11, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[chudleycanonficfest]

Day 28, Post #1 by @floreatcastellumposts

Title: The Argument Author/Artist: FloreatCastellum Pairing: Gen Prompt: “Siblings: The only enemy you can’t live without” -Anonymous Rating: T Trigger Warning(s) (if any): Mild language

When he was a child, Ron had sometimes sat secretly on the stairs, feet in slippers too big for him, teddy tucked under his arm, listening to the goings on in the kitchen. Often his sister or a brother or two would be with him. This was especially the case when there was an argument, because they were a nosy bunch of kids, and they would grin gleefully at one another as they heard their mother roar over some issue, like when Bill came home with his first tattoo, or Charlie had done something dangerous like climb on the roof, or the many, many, many things that Fred and George had done. They would gather on the stairs and snigger and delight in their siblings being in trouble - that it wasn't them, and usually it was over something hilarious too. 

Today was quite different. The stairs were narrow, so Ginny was pressed right up against him, but she was gripping hold of his arm too. Behind them, Fred and George sat in grim, stony silence, their knees occasionally knocking the back of Ron's head, but, remarkably, none of them were squabbling.

'Is it so hard to just be happy for me?' Percy was bellowing, and that in itself was unusual, because it was never Percy in trouble. 

'It's not about that,' Dad was bellowing back, 'are you so naive? Are you really so foolish-?' This was unusual too, because it wasn't usually Dad bellowing. 

'Percy... Percy, we're just worried, we're just concerned...' Mum was sobbing. This was unusual, because she usually had a bit more fight in her, not this desperate pleading. 

'You're so cynical, the pair of you-'

'We're realistic! You've been promoted well above your grade before the dust has settled on the inquiry-'

'STOP BRINGING UP THE INQUIRY!' Percy sounded quite deranged; the ferocity of his voice made Ginny jump slightly, and grip Ron's arm harder. 'That - wasn't - my - fault! That was the point of it! That PROVED I wasn't to blame, I was acquitted-'

'Yes, and we were delighted,' said Dad, and to Ron's astonishment, his words sounded bitingly sarcastic, 'but even so, you have to see that mass scandal is not usually a precursor to promotion!'

'He SAW something in me!' 

'Yes, he did! He saw a potential spy! On our family - on Dumbledore-'

Percy let out a maniacal laugh, forced and sneering and sanctimonious, it made Ron wince as he heard it. 'And you say I'm arrogant?' 

'We've never said you were arrogant-' Mum tried to chip in desperately, but Percy continued talking over her. 

'You think you're important enough to warrant the Minister for Magic spying on you? You think he considers you in the same circle as Dumbledore? More to the point, you think Dumbledore truly respects the likes of you?'  

'Fudge has been going round making it more than clear that anyone who supports Dumbledore can clear out their desks-'

'Utter rot-'

'-He knows I'm friendly with him, he knows I have advised the school on muggleborn inte-'

'No one cares!' Percy screamed. 'No one cares about that stuff! You're ludicrous!'

'Ludicrous?' Dad echoed, with an uncharacteristic scoff to his voice. 

'Ludicrous! Not everything is a conspiracy, not everything has an anti-muggle agenda - I know what this is really about, you're embarrassed that your own son is rising above you, is succeeding where you haven't-'

'Percy!' Mum's gasp was so clear that Ron could easily imagine her hand leaping to her chest. 

'I've had to struggle against your lousy reputation ever since I started! Do you know how embarrassing it is? Do you know what it's like having people ask if I'm related to the muggle-mad Weasley on Level Two-' 

'That's enough,' said Dad coldly. 

'I lie to them, d'you know that? I tell them we're only distantly related.' 

'What the fuck?' Ron heard one of the twins whisper behind them. 'Is he serious?' 

'I never imagined I had raised you to be so small-minded-' Dad was spitting back.

'It's baffling that you raised me at all! You, who has no ambition, no sense, no idea of how ridiculous you come across with your obsession with muggles - is it any wonder you've always been passed over for promotion-'

'-Because of bigotry!'

'-Any wonder you've left your children to grow up in poverty? To be humiliated by the failures of their father?' 

'Stop it! Percy, stop it!' Mum was wailing, and whether it was Fred or George directly behind him Ron didn't know, but their knee was trembling against the back of his head. 

'It's not failure, it's a matter of principle and integrity!' Dad roared back. 'There are more important things than gold, that's what we've always-'

'You are deluded! You are so blinded by your persecution complex, by your victimhood, that you cannot be happy for your son!' Percy’s voice was hoarse and raw, whether from tears or overexertion, Ron wasn’t sure. 'You can't bear to see him succeed where you failed! To see him make something of himself!'

'Why would I be happy watching my son be manipulated and used? Make no mistake, Percy - this is no achievement, this is Fudge playing you as a puppet - if you're ashamed of your background, that's your prerogative, but there's no denying this family is known to be close to Dumbledore and Harry, and Fudge is waging a vendetta against-'

‘You’re an idiot to run around with Dumbledore!’ snapped Percy. ‘He’s heading for trouble - gone completely power mad the last few years - you know full well his glory days are over. You’ll end up going down with him-’

‘Fudge is fighting a campaign against Dumbledore when he should be-’

‘I know where my loyalties lie, and it is not with my old teacher! It is with my employer, the leader of my government, with people who look at the facts!’

‘The facts are that Harry-’

'Yes - Harry - here we go,' snapped Percy. 'You rank the word of a child above the expert testimonies and mountains of evidence brought up by the inquiry, above your own boss - no wonder he thinks you're cracked. You’re determined to see conspiracy everywhere-’ 

‘How can you say that? You saw the aftermath of what happened, you saw him-’

‘I saw the actual dead boy, I saw Diggory!’ snapped Percy. ‘Think what his family is going through, their child’s death being used as a political quaffle-’

‘That is Fudge’s doing! That is his choice! He has chosen to make a mockery of Diggory, to disregard Harry-'

‘To question the story of a teenager,’ corrected Percy. His tone was cold and quiet, the kind of sanctimonious "I'm being the grown up here, actually" patience that Ron found unbearably aggravating. ‘The only evidence is his word, it’s not unreasonable to question a witness. In fact, it’s a perfectly standard part of due process.’

Ron’s growing anger was now twisted with a kind of lurching dread. The snide little comments in the Daily Prophet, which they had all blustered and raged and gasped in revolted disdain at over breakfasts for the past week, suddenly felt sinister. As he thought about it, Percy had never joined in… had always been silent… 

‘Percy…’ said Mum, so faintly that, as one, Ron, Ginny, Fred and George all leaned forward to listen. ‘Percy, surely you… surely you believe him? Surely you can’t believe he deserves what they’re saying about him? He’s just a child - it’s like the whole world’s forgotten that he’s just a child.’ 

'Yes, he's just a child - so why should he be the centre of everything?' Percy demanded. 'Why should he shape our family? Impact our careers?' 

'Percy… if you had seen him in the hospital wing, if you had looked into his eyes…' 

'Mr Fudge was not convinced,' said Percy, as though that settled the matter.

‘Has he asked you about Harry?’ Dad asked abruptly. Beside Ron, Ginny was shaking. ‘Casually?’ 

‘I - no more than is to be expected when you have someone famous living under your roof-’

‘What did he ask? What did you say?’ 

They heard a brief, thick silence, and a sharp exhale of air. ‘He… he’s not relevant to this discussion. This is beyond - this isn’t the issue - the only evidence is his word, as I said-’ 

‘You don’t believe him.’ Dad’s voice was blank, stunned, quiet. ‘You… you know that boy, Percy.’  

‘You don’t believe in me,’ said Percy, and Ron could hear his tears now, the slight thickness to his voice, the sniffs between words. ‘You’d rather believe in some ludicrous conspiracy theory from a teenager who thinks he sees You-Know-Who around every corner than believe that your own son might have worked hard, might be talented, might deserve his career. You’d really think so little of me.’ 

‘That’s not it. That’s not it at all,’ Dad said quietly, and Mum was crying loudly. ‘We just-’

‘I don’t care!’ said Percy harshly. ‘I don’t care what you think! Not any more! Years I’ve put up with it, years! I’m going - I’m gone - I don’t want to see either of you again - you’ve made it clear that you don’t have my interests at heart, this was your choice-’

‘What do you mean?’ Mum shrieked, and they could hear the scraping of chairs being moved aside, thundering footsteps, Mum begging-

The door was thrust open, and Percy stood for a moment in the hallway, looking up at the four of them sitting on the stairs. His expression was unreadable. Tear tracks shone from beneath his horn-rimmed glasses, and his mouth was a thin, grim line. 

‘Move,’ he told them. 

‘You’re being a right bellend,’ said Fred at once. 

‘MOVE!’ 

They did not, and Mum had come running after Percy, hanging desperately onto his arm though he tried to shake her off. ‘Come on, Perce,’ she pleaded. ‘Come and sit down, let’s all cool off and talk about this-’

‘Get out of my way,’ Percy told his siblings once more, and now Ron stood. 

‘Harry’s part of our family,’ he blurted out furiously. 

 ‘He’s not, Ron,’ Percy growled. ‘He’s your friend, that doesn’t mean everything he says is right - move out my way.’ 

‘How can you say that!’ Ginny demanded. ‘What’s wrong with you? How can you say all these horrible things?’ 

Percy started climbing the stairs, pushing Ron aside and stepping over Ginny, furiously struggling past Fred and George who immediately made their bodies as big and awkward and gangling as they could imagine, shouting colourful insults at him as he pushed past and thundered up to his room. 

‘He just needs to calm down,’ Mum was squeaking. ‘Go - go to your rooms, let me and Dad talk to him-’ 

‘No chance!’ 

‘I haven’t said my piece yet!’ 

He returned just a few moments later, carrying a bulging bag with a jumper sleeve trailing out, a little line of abandoned socks and a pair of underwear left on the stairs. ‘I’m going to stay with friends,’ he said. 

‘You haven't got any,’ goaded George. 

‘Be quiet, George!’ Mum wailed. ‘Percy-’

‘Then I’m getting my own place, I’m not staying here anymore - I’m not letting you all drag me down with you. If you’re all going to be traitors to the Ministry I’m going to make sure everyone’s well aware that I don’t belong to this family any more-’

‘You do, Percy, you do - you’ll always be my son-’ Mum’s words were barely audible beneath her crying. Percy pushed past her, and stormed towards the door. 

‘Percy!’ Ron shouted, and to his surprise, Percy turned and looked at him. 

Ron could not find the words for his contempt, could not find an insult strong enough, could not decide what to do with the rage that was coursing through him. All he could hope was that Percy could feel it in his cold, hard stare. ‘How could you?’ 

Percy said nothing, simply looked back for a moment, and then turned his back and strode swiftly to the door. Mum was running after him, and though they heard the ear-splitting crack of disapparation, she stood in the doorway shouting his name. 

Dad had not followed, and with a creak, Ginny rose beside Ron and descended the last few stairs. She peered through the doorway to the kitchen. ‘Dad?’ 

Ron heard a splutter, and then dry, heaving sobs. Ginny vanished into the kitchen. Behind him, Fred and George were muttering mutinously, swearing and cursing. 

‘What’s he playing at?’ 

‘He’s an idiot. A big-headed, pompous, ridiculous idiot, we’ve always said it, we were right.’ 

‘Who does he think he is? Does he really think that promotion is normal? Does he honestly think he’s that extraordinary?’  

‘Moron…’ 

Ron’s jaw was aching from gritting his teeth so hard, his heart was trying to break through his ribcage and go after Percy to beat him. 

‘Do you really think he meant that stuff he said to Dad?’ George said. ‘It’s just…’  

‘I bet he does, the git,’ said Fred. ‘I bet he really does pretend he’s not part of the family. He’s ashamed of us. Slimy, brown-nosing prick…’ 

‘All that stuff about poverty? So uncalled for.’

‘That’s it, really, isn’t it? He’s a greedy arsehole.’ 

‘Well, he’s certainly written himself out of the will now, hasn’t he?’ 

‘He won’t care, nothing for him to inherit anyway, apparently.’ 

That prickling, heated anger was back - his very ears were hot with it, he wouldn’t be surprised if steam had been bursting out of them. The memory of Harry, pale and shaken in the hospital wing, his hands gripping Mum’s robes as she hugged him, was lingering in his mind. ‘Did you hear all that crap about Harry? Did you hear what he was saying about him? Harry!’

‘Yeah,’ muttered George. ‘Pillock.’ 

‘Why would he say that? What the bloody hell is going on with him? He’s gone bonkers. When did he turn into such a - a -’ He still could not quite find a word strong enough.  

‘Berk?’ suggested George. 

‘Something along those lines…’  

‘Easier than admitting he’s horrible, selfish, idiot snob, I suppose,’ said Fred. 

‘Money’s always been an issue, but blaming Dad like that is just…’ 

‘Nasty,’ said Ron, simply. 

‘You can make money without completely selling out and betraying your family,’ said Fred seriously. ‘You can do it and keep your integrity.’ 

‘He’s acting like we weren’t fed enough,’ said George spitefully. ‘Percy didn’t even get that many hand-me-downs, really - Mum and Dad were doing all right before they were hit with twins, and we all know Ginny was probably unexpected.’ 

‘Was she?’ said Ron distractedly.

‘Are you joking, you were only about eight months old, who picks then to decide to have another baby?’  

‘Mum.’ 

‘Fair.’ 

‘Anyway,’ said Fred, ‘Percy’s not exactly been hard done by, not really. He’s just always been ashamed we’re not as well-heeled as his smarmy new colleagues at the Ministry.’ 

‘It’s childish,’ said Ron, who was feeling another lurch of guilt as he thought back on the previous year. ‘It’s really petty…’ 

‘We’ve all wished the family was better off now and then,’ said George fairly. ‘Who wouldn’t? But that was a seriously low blow. God, poor Dad,' he added, his voice lowering further. 'I'm glad Ginny's gone in to comfort him, I don't even know where to begin.'

‘Do you think he’s really gone for good?’ asked Ron.

‘Hope so,’ said Fred viciously. ‘Hey - one less mouth to feed now, maybe the family’ll be better off.’ 

'You know what else,' Ron said sharply, his brain whirring, 'did you hear him dodging Dad's question about what he's said about Harry? Good thing he's buggered off before we go to the Order Headquarters, isn't it? Who knows what he would have blabbered about?' 

Fred was looking at him as though in a new light. 'You know what, Ronniekins, that is a really excellent and disturbing point. You're a bit of a bright spark at times, aren't you?' 

'Brighter than Percy,' Ron muttered.

[incorrect-riordanverse]

Things the fandom forgot in the riordanverse:

At the end of the Magnus Chase trilogy, Magnus calls Annabeth and finds she is crying. She doesn’t tell him why, but after the drop of TBM, it’s most likely due to Jason’s death

Set was never evil, he was an anti-hero, not a villain.

Back when Rick Riordan was writing Nico as someone with the mindset of him being straight, the series may of hinted that Nico had a slight thing for Juniper, as he was always blushing and stuttering around her.

Annabeth considered joining the Hunters of Artemis before Thalia did.

Will and Leo are friends

A goat tried to give Magnus mouth-to-mouth CPR

The same goat tried to disguise as a human by wearing a trench coat, hat and sunglasses and met up with Magnus in a cafe

Reyna and Hylla’s confrontation with Orion in BoO

Alex literally stepped on Magnus in cheetah form, the first time s(he) got in contact with him

There’s a whole trilogy of The Kane Chronicles crossover with Percy Jackson

There’s also two books in the perspective of Percy, telling the lives of the Gods of Olympus, and the Heroes of Olympus

There was a period of time where Reyna considered trying to date Octavian

Nico tells Frank in THoH that animals generally hate him because they can sense death around him

Kayla Knowles is said to be the biological daughter of Apollo and her other father, Darren. How she was birthed is never explained, though.

Paul Blofis tried to enroll Percy into his school

Cecil Markowitz played a significant role in Heroes of Olympus (BoO) and Trials of Apollo (THO), even if that role was getting kidnapped 😌✨

When Nico conjured Bianca up for the first time since her death, she lowkey wanted to talk to Percy more than her own brother 👀

Though the general representation in the riordanverse is amazing, the Native American representation through Piper is stereotypical and kind of inaccurate, what with the misuse of her feathers and ending up with a white guy and all (but she did break up with Jason so there’s that).

Jack and Magnus defeated villains to the beat of Funky Town by Lipps Inc.

Percy met one of Poseidon’s sons in BotL, and had to murder his half-brother. This is also one of the first times Gaia is mentioned

Khufu from the Kane Chronicles. You know, the basketball-loving baboon?

Also Doughboy from the Red Pyramid

Daedalus literally let his nephew die (you may even call it murder by omission)

[knightsimp]

Just a Little Bit of Blood

Pairing: Vampire!Percival Graves x Reader

Summery: Percival comes home late at night, injured. He needs a little blood to be able to heal.

Genre: Tooth-rotting Fluff, but spicy tooth-rotting fluff.

Word Count: 1600+

Date Posted: February 22, 2021

Warning: Definitely spicy (no actual smut in this, but it alludes to it and is still pretty suggestive), blood talk

Note: Oh god I have never posted any of my suggestive pieces. We were talking about Colin Farrell in Fright Night (2011) and this happened.  

Requested by: @sugarbloomart​

Percival landed in his apartment, apparating from the MACUSA building. It was late at night, around an hour past midnight. The bustling city was starting to go quiet, though New York never seems to go completely quiet. Percival took off his coat, hanging on the coat hanger near the front door. He pulled off his tie and waistcoat and placed them on the dining table. He did the same thing with his belt.

The blood from the injury on his side had stained his white dress shirt. When he moved, it felt like pins and needles. The man had gotten injured during a mission with a trainee. This trainee had a lot of promise but clearly needed more experience. Unfortunately, Percival paid the price of that inexperience with getting injured.

Percival getting hurt was always a concern. He did not heal like any other human wizard. 

“Percival?” Percival looked towards the bedroom door, where (Y/N) was standing. Clearly, his return had woken her up.

Her hair was tossed from whatever sleeping she had already done. She was only wearing a pair of underwear and one of Percival’s dress shirts. Simply said, she was not put together in the slightest.

But to him, she was quite the sight.

(Y/N)’s bare feet did not make a sound on the dark, hardwood floor as she approached him. 

“You’re late.” She stated, putting two hands on his chest and dragging them to his shoulders. 

“I know, darling.” He gently held her left wrist. He watched as her eyes slowly wandered to his injury. 

“Percival!” She gave light pressure to the wound, making him hiss from the sharp pain. “Is this why you are so late to come home?”

“Yes.” He grumbled, running his hand through his hair. “The boy has potential, but...” Percival rubbed her arms, up and down. “I must ask something of you.” (Y/N) is quick to agree, knowing what he is asking of her. 

“You need blood, right?” She asked, clarifying.

“Yes.” Percival brushed a little bit of her hair out of her face. “The blood supplements won’t help here.” The blood supplements were just that; they were what Percival can take instead of hunting and taking blood from humans and survive off of that. However, they were not enough for him to heal. While he can heal rapidly, he could not heal at all without real blood. If he were to let an injury go unattended long enough, he would bleed out, regardless of any medical treatment. There was already an anti-wizard growing sentiment growing and a vampire getting spotted would not make matters better. 

She sat on the kitchen island, pushing her hair away from the left side of her neck. 

“Come on.” She encouraged. Percival smiled, seeing how ready she was for him to take blood from her when he needed it. He stood in between her legs, hands instinctively on her waist.

“As much as I appreciate your kindness, my dear, taking from your neck will be too visible. We both must go into work tomorrow.” (Y/N) hummed, looking off to the side.

“I guess you’re right.” Percival took her left wrist, gently rubbing his thumb over the visible veins. She looked back at him, staring into his dark eyes. 

“You’re wrist is another viable area for taking blood.” He suggested. “Not an area you are used to but would make for another spot.” (Y/N) shook her head.

“If secrecy is your concern, my wrists will seem even more suspicious if someone notices. The neck is something more explainable, but the wrist would asking to be found out.” She thought for a moment. “My thigh is always an option.”

“As much as I do love getting in between your legs like that, you don’t need to be limping or in any pain when you go to work.” Now, this was getting frustrating. What would be an area that Percival can take from that would not hinder her as an auror or risk Percival’s true nature as a vampire from being found out? 

“What about my chest?” She inquired. “It would be under my clothes and it is not an area that is very mobile during the day.”

“It is not an area that will produce a lot of blood, nor will it be comfortable for you.” Percival gently held onto (Y/N) arm, sliding his hand down to meet hers. 

“Well, how much blood do you need for an injury like that?” She gestured to his injured waist.

“Not a lot.”

“Then, let’s do it!” Percival seemed hesitant. “Percival, it is our best option right now.” He takes her cheek in her hand, lips close, and his other hand holding her thigh.

“Are you sure?” He whispered. “This will not be pleasant and I will need to expose you for a moment.” She nodded, still sleepy.

“We’re both adults. It’s not anything you haven’t seen before.”

He popped a couple of buttons on the shirt and pushed the left side of the shirt down her shoulder, just exposing the top of her breast. Of course, she was not wearing a bra underneath.  His hands slithered on her body; one on the side of her neck, his thumb under her ear, and the other holding her ribs, just under the breast he was about to take blood from, thumb massaging the side of her breast. His lips were so close to her body.

“Are you ready, darling?” She nodded, biting her lip to prepare for the pinch. When he went in just above her breast, she realized what he meant when he said this was not going to be pleasant. The muscle in the chest is tight, making it painful. The puncture was not pleasant, but otherwise doable given the circumstance.

Oh, but the sounds Percival was making. 

To get whatever blood he could from the area, he was sucking on her skin hard. The sounds he was making were absolutely sinful. Not only were the sounds slightly wet, but he was also panting slightly. And the occasional grumble from his throat came through. If he was not trying to get blood to heal his wound, this moment would have taken a very different turn. It was enough for (Y/N) to make a couple of noises of her own which were not from the pain. 

Once he was done, he pulled away. Both of them were breathing heavily. Blood had dripped from the wound on her chest to the once-pristine dress shirt she wore. 

“Percy, you’re shirt.” She whined, feeling a little lightheaded.

“It’s okay.” He went to her chest once more, licking off the dripping blood from her skin using the flat of his tongue. He put the hand which was sitting on her side on the side of her neck with his other hand. She leaned in, letting her forehead rest on his. The red around his mouth did not scare her in the slightest. No one spoke, but it was very clear how thankful Percival was.

He wrapped her legs around his waist before picking her up. She loosely put her arms around his shoulders, unable to cling on harder. Percival carried her to their bathroom, setting her in the bathtub and sitting on the closed toilet seat. He took his time when stripping her of her chosen nightwear, gingerly unbuttoning the shirt completely and pulling her panties off from under her. 

When she was completely naked, he took the time to strip himself. In all honesty, he was ready for the shower after a long day. When he shrugged off his shirt, he saw the tail-end of his injury rapidly healing. He looked down to (Y/N) only to see her smiling up at him, eyes on the verge of closing. She was happy that he was no longer injured and that was all that mattered. 

He held her up as warm water from the showerhead poured onto them, each movement of his hands so gentle and full of adoration. One hand rested on her back and the other held her head to his chest, keeping her upright. The blood on both of them was washed off and went down the drain. As much as they both wanted to stay in the moment, (Y/N) was slowly falling back asleep and the slight loss of blood was not helping. 

Percival sat her on the bed, putting a cut-out J&J band-aid onto her chest before dressing her in one of her more comfortable nightgowns. It was not until she was lying comfortably on her side of the bed, duvet over her, when he started getting dressed for bed.

He dragged his feet back to the bathroom to freshen up before joining her. 

As he was brushing his teeth, he caught a glimpse of those slightly elongated teeth of his. The red had slightly stained his teeth, but a quick brushing washed it away rather quickly. 

He rinsed his mouth out completely before looking at his reflection in the mirror. 

For years, Percival thought of himself as a monster. He never found someone, in all his years, who was as accepting as the beautiful woman currently in his bedroom. Sure, he should have told her earlier than he did in their relationship, but even then she was so accepting of him. 

He pursed his lips, still tasting her blood in the back of his throat. Like her, it was sweet. 

Before returning to the bedroom, he drank a glass of water to wash down anything that was left. (Y/N) was already fast asleep when he laid down on the plush mattress. Facing her and entangling his legs with hers, he gently slid his knuckles over her cheek before pulling her into his chest. 

Moments like this, he almost felt human again.

[thetruecthulhu9]

So I’ve been reading anti solangelo posts and now I’m in the mood for a quick rewrite.

Nico waked back to Will with his heart racing. He though he could have handled that a little better but hey, he still had a bit of a grudge with Percy, even if he thought the older boy was a hot pice of ass.

His hand stung a little too, annabeth was MUCH stronger than she looked, and he appreciated it, it gave a distraction from the potentially disastrous admission and got his mind back to Will.

Will, who was currently glaring at him, arms crossed and tapping his foot agitatedly. Nico opened his mouth to speak but was cut off immediately.

“What was that about?” Was the quick demand. Nico was definitely right in his second assumption, Will solace was aggravating, made more so by the older boy roughly grabbing his arm and marching him to the healing tent. “You know what? It doesn’t matter.”

Nico tore his arm free and turned on the blond with a harsh glare, somewhat pleased to see that he flinched this time round, “what the fuck solace?! Stop dragging me round like I’m some sort of doll!”

Will had the gall to look confused as he stared down at nico, before slowly letting out, “I’m taking you, my friend, to the infirmary, where you are going to help me for the next three days, just like you promised. Maybe you *are* an idiot” It was patronising really, and as pretty as the boy might be, it seemed his attitude didn’t reflect that.

Nico let out a insidious snort, leaning away, “who told you we were friends? Yesterday was the fist time we even interacted and all you have done since then was *insult* me. All I promised was that I would rest for three days, and being your nurse isn’t exactly resting.”

Will was the one to look shocked this time “but you said you were staying at camp! Death b-”

He didn’t get to finish, nico cut him off, spitting at his feet, “Vafancullo stronzo! I told you not to call me that! I am not your friend and you are not mine. Yes I’m staying at camp because you’re right! There are people here who want to be my friends, and I will not let my cousins, my sister, down, because they are worried about me!”

By this point the pair had attracted a crowd, and nico noticed Percy jogging over with a slight frown, and annabeth on his heels out right scowling. The older couple made a b-line for nico, and as soon as they were in hearing range Percy spoke up, “nico, one of the Apollo campers mentioned you were having sone trouble with your powers, thought it might have something to do with,” percy’s eyes flickered between his cousin and his girlfriend, “downstairs, ya know?”

Nico rounded on will once again, “have you been telling *everyone* that I’m sick?! That I’m weak?! What else have you been saying about me solstice!” He felt a hand rest on his shoulder, Annabeths, he noted, and turned back, the blond was out right glaring at Will and Percy had settled piercing green eyes on the son of Apollo.

“We thought we should take a trip to see your dad,” annabeth said in an overly cheerful voice, Percy twitching ever so slightly at the mention of Hades, “ask him if this has happened with any of his other kids”

Nico jerkily nodded, before marching over to Thalia’s tree, Percy and annabeth trailing behind. He turned and held his hands out to the two people he had idolised ever since Bianca died, before Percy scoffed. He quickly stuffed his hands in his pockets, prepared for another fight, before the older boy spoke up, “nico I hate to say it but they are right, you shouldn’t use your powers for a bit, annabeth convinced me to do the same” he drew his hand out of his pocket and flicked a dramchma onto the road, “hope you’re ok with grey cabs little cousin, I’ve been told I have a good singing voice, so we are off to central park.”

Nico looked behind him, before nodding resolutely, walking towards the Misty taxi, feeling just that little bit lighter.

[antiloreolympus]

7 Anti LO Asks

1. does ... does anyone on the LO art team know anatomy? why does daphne look like that? (also im p sure the flower petal hair idea was stolen from punderworld and/or hades game, because all flower nymphs before in LO never had that feature but now do?)

2. Weird thing but Daphne was/is a health it. She runs, is a yoga teacher, and probably more since she has a lot we “don’t expect” yet Apollo is just following behind her, like not flying not some weird god power, just chasing after her as she runs from him. Sure the dress might slow her down but she tied it. I feel like she could have gotten farther faster.

3. i kinda get what LO is doing by trying to make Demeter "redeemable" by making her a victim too, but that shouldn't be via depowering her so much to where Zeus and Leto and even Hecate can push her around, but also we still saw Demeter was emotionally and mentally abusive to Persephone, that doesn't just go away over the span of a stressful month. I get LO is doing this so Persephone isn't stuck with an abusive mom half the year, but this is the worst possible way to do it.

4. I honestly hate Apollo’s character in lo.  He’s not a fun villain or a villain to root for. He’s not even a villain I love to hate.  Apollo’s motivations are barely even explained.  His character makes me so uncomfortable and makes reading lo harder than usual.

5. the only two times ive seen a depiction of hades running a business like LO it was HADES and Hadestown, and the former made sure to show Hades paid everyone and have them benefits like time off, and the latter was about how capitalism is a cruel and unjust system. Meanwhile LO is like "slavery is good, actually", like ...

6. I used to really love Lore Olympus - to the point where I would argue with the anti's to leave the comic alone. I'm Greek, and I hate the Percy Jackson series with a passion and I think I clung onto LO as the closest thing to what a non-Greek could produce that was actually pretty good.

And to be honest, season 1 wasn't that bad at all! There were a few funky pacing issues, and some things that needed an explanation (why Apollo was entitled, why Demeter kept Persephone hidden, a bit more on why Hades is considered a bad person, ext.) But I just interpreted that these things would come with time. After all, it's a series.

But then, season 2 actually came out. This is when I started to notice that the webtoon, even in season 1, had a ton of bad writing.

Apollo is cartoonishly and unreasonably evil. He has no nuance to him, like the other gods and goddesses. In Greek mythology, everyone did shitty things, so I guess I expected a bit more nuance to his character since Smythe had given this to her other villain-like characters - like Minthe, Zeus, even Chronos was hinted at having some emotional issues. Yet Apollo comes in and the only thing we know is that he could be being pushed by his mother - but we don't really see his side of the story - and if anyone tries to bring this up it immediately gets put down as "You're a r@pe apologist!" No, I just need a bit more consistency - you can't give Minthe a reason as to why she does what she does, make Zeus nuanced, but then treat this other character like the devil himself - especially when this God is such an important part of Greek culture and mythology.

Smythe's Demeter has become a joke. How is it, the Goddess that was once referred to some ancient Greeks as Mother Earth herself, a powerful Chthonic Goddess along with her daughters Persephone and the mysterious Despoina, was one of the most important Goddesses to date, is not a Fertility Goddess and is easily captured? I mean, ok, Leto was indeed a Titan of Night/Light of Day and considered to be one of Zeus's brides; but Smythe didn't even bother showing us the Goddesses fighting or interacting! There was no struggle at all?! On top of that, she is a perfectionist that is considered overbearing and snobbish - I don't understand how Demeter can be shown as strong and even threatening in season 1 and was even hinted at having a history with Zeus and Hades is now just....a character trope?

Why is Persephone being written as a Mary Sue? I never thought I would have to bring this word up in the Lord's year of 2021, but here we are. Persephone has too many men after her or has shown a slight interest (Hades, Ares, Apollo, Hermes, Hephaestus, and possibly Chronos? Seriously?) Like, I know that in *one* story it was mentioned that those Gods mentioned offered her wedding gifts, but Demeter turned them away- but they weren't all going after her at once. Demeter's fertility Goddess title was obviously taken from her (among other Goddesses) to make Persephone the super special one. And now her Act of Wrath is being downplayed and Zeus is being villainized for wanting to convict her...I honestly stopped feeling sorry for her. I'm at the point where I want Zeus to give her to Apollo haha.

Hades's character is inconsistent - first, he's portrayed as a 'scoundrel' CEO type that people fear - one that literally rips someone's eye out and forces the dead to pay to get into the afterlife- and then he's portrayed as a gentle and loving man? These two character types do not flow together smoothly, and Smythe has made little to no effort to harmonize them.

When I presented these criticisms to the recent fast pass chapter - I was attacked. More than 10 dislikes and fans telling me that I need to stop reading and that saying that Demeter and Apollo are badly written is me missing the point of the story. The fandom has also become incredibly toxic, and I'm ashamed to say that I even defended this comic. 

7. id be so mad if i spent years reading this comic only for them to get together off screen. i really hope rachel isnt pulling that because as much as the fans are annoying, they deserve to actually see what they've been waiting and paying for, not have it all happen off screen and rushed.

[lunashadow-bun]

★ About me ★

★ My name is Achilles or Percy, I don’t mind if you use one or the other or even both ★

★ I’m a minor ★

★ I make art, edits, and more! ★

★ This is a sfw blog! (there maybe slight suggestive jokes but nothing major) ★

★ My tags are - Percy talks, my art, my edits, fav, art inspo, shipping tag, and suggestive tag ★

 ★ My asks are open! Ask or share anything you would like! (Nothing offensive, rude or nsfw) ★

★ I’m autistic and have adhd ★

★ Below is my pronouns, sexuality and labels! Please check this out ★

https://en.pronouns.page/@Achilles_shadow

★ You can follow my Ao3 account if you want, I plan on writing some stuff but no promises ★

https://archiveofourown.org/users/Hiding_under_the_table

★°•° ★ °•° ★°•° ★°•° ★°•° ★°•°

★ Dni if you are.. ★

racist, a white supremacist, anti-vaxx, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-neopronouns, anti-mask, fatphobic, proshiper, a nsfw/k*nk blog, anti-feminist, a TERF, a MAP, ableist, or if you are heavily involved with discourse.

★°•° ★ °•° ★°•° ★°•° ★°•° ★°•°

★ I hope you enjoy my art and blog! ★

(Don’t reblog)

[dionaearps]

hi, i’m joey (25, nb, he/they) and i’m looking for some new plots! rules and plot/fc ideas below the cut!

rules.

i rp on tumblr and discord. my strict cut off is 18+ for partners but i generally prefer partners over 21. i have a slight preference for playing girls or nb muses, but mostly because i prefer f/f ships. i’m down for any pair combination, with a big preference for queer ships.

my favourite genres are fantasy, supermatural, sci-fi, dark academia. i generally don’t like plots that are solely domestic, pregnancy/parenting, or celeb/fame rps. further info such as my trigger warnings can be found here.

plots.

period vampires! i don’t have much to say for this one bc there’s lots of directions we could go, i would rly love to play a jodie comer fc for this perhaps…, kind of like interview with a vampire/anne rice style vampires maybe?

i love anything to do with fae lore, esp the rly traditional stuff. also love anything from holly blacks’ fae verses. changeling plots are particuarly *chef’s kiss*.

i have a faulty android muse that i’d love to plot with in a setting based off cypberpunk 2077 (or the original 2020 ttrpg). based on this super old comic from tumblr where the android escapes half-broken from the corp that made them and breaks into a techies’ shop to fix themselves up

fantasy mumus in settings like the elder scrolls or dragon age or a generic ass fantasy settings where we could just make a bunch of ocs and stick ‘em together in a guild like in ur standard dungeons and dragons set up. i have a lot of dnd ocs. and a lot of them will never be used in games so??

something rly cutesy and farmcore with like stardew valley/animal crossing/harvest moon vibes plot where its all whimsical and rural and fervently anti-capitalist but has maybe some soft fantasy vibes (look i just rewatched the animal crossing film and im,, in love once again, bonus for older muses looking for a city escape). i also saw this post that mentioned a witch running a cat shelter like that it’s thats the ship. cat shelter witch x former corporate wage slave turned farm girl.

girl’s. boarding. schools. enough said. could either have a dark academia vibe with a murder mystery OR ghosts/cults/general spooky stuff (or both??).

have any of y’alll read angelology? nun and a cute academic team up to stop nephilim from destroying the world with gabriel’s lyre and then it turns out nun is a nephilim and academic is like actually, nope and suddenly they’re enemies? Love that

fandoms.

generally i prefer to play ocs in fandom settings, but there are a few canon ships i’d like to do.

elder scrolls

fallout

dragon age (leliana/josephine, leliana/warden, morrigan/warden, hawke/isabela, josephine/inquisitor, sera/inquisitor)

the witcher

borderlands

stardew valley

life is strange (chloe/max, chloe/rachel)

tithe

percy jackson

magnus archives

would love a bubbleline or catradora ship as well

faceclaims.

i prefer finding the right fc for the character rather than make plots based on fcs, but here are some i’m interested in:

hunter schafer, zendaya coleman, dev patel, lulu antariksa, chella man, reece king, gabriel darku, barbie feirrera, natasha liu bordizzo, amita suman, moon gayoung, aubrey joseph, danai gurira aron piper, seo kang joon, emmy rossum, maya hawke, kimiko glenn, sophie skelton, ryan potter, michael cimino, mj rodriguez, joe keery, jonathon daviss, lalisa manoban, tati gabrielle, rachel weisz, archie renaux, alilsha wainwright, indya moore, keiynan lonsdale, taron egerton, park chae wo, madison bailey, theo germaine, haley kiyoko, kit young, summer bishil, lana condor, viola davis, vanessa morgan, medalian rahimi, steven yuen, sofia byrant, liv hewson, lucy lui, jordan fisher, avan jogia, malese jow, doona bae, alberto rosende, arden cho, jodie cormer, rudy pankow, marlo kelly, tessa thompson, lyrica okano, lupita nyong'o, anya chalotra, naomi scott, neve campbell, erinn westbrook, brianne tju, ryan destiny, bryna marquezine, maisie williams, nick robinson, jessica parker kennedy, freddy carter, kaylee bryant, millie brady, bridgette lundy-paine, oscar isaac, sen mitsuji, im jinah, jessie mei li, lee pace, oliver jackson-cohan

[dolphinleo7]

tw prescription medication, talking about abusing drugs

Ok, so this all rose to prominence in my brain when I was playing Minecraft with a friend and heard “I’ve been taking Adderall as prescribed since I was 12″ Immediately, my adhd sensor went of and I started listening more to the show. Three seconds later someone said something along the lines of “if you get addicted you’ll lose your license” and the episode ended with the character deciding not to take their medication anymore. This, got me thinking about the adhd rep, and how a lot of it is anti-medication and how I don’t think that’s the best thing. 

Take PJO for example, I love that series and relate to Percy too much than can be healthy, but they don’t show variety first of all, all the adhd characters share the same set of traits and sometimes they don’t even show them. And two, the one time adhd meds are brought up it’s for Annabeth to just say “yeah, well, literal monsters want you medicated and only them :))))” I wish I could function in normal society without taking meds, but society is built for neurotypical people. PJO expects me to be as functional as Annabeth without taking meds. I’d like to make it clear that I am about as good in society as a cactus is in the ocean and meds make me more... seaweed-y (i’m really trying with the metaphors). Like, obviously, appreciative of the rep, I know two pieces of media with explicit adhd rep and this is one of them, but we can do better than this. Let’s have variety in our portrayals of adhd and not make everything a slight change of boy-with-so-much-energy. And also maybe less demonization of adhd meds?

Ok, but let’s go back to that show. “What’s so bad about the rep there?” Well, first of all, substance use and addiction is actually a big problem for people with adhd, but taking meds doesn’t make that problem worse. Of course, it can for some people and I don’t want to minimize their struggles, but research has been done and taking meds decreases the risk of addiction. The people who get addicted to adhd meds, are mostly people who aren’t even prescribed them. Yeah, we need to talk about addiction but can we maybe stop using a medication that helps people function in our society which doesn’t help them.

In conclusion, to sum up this mess of a post: we need more adhd rep in media, we need adhd rep with varied traits that aren’t your stereotypical hyperactive boy, we need to stop the demonization of adhd meds, my mom chooses bad shows to watch. Also watch jatp because it’s great and even though it isn’t stated, the adhd just oozes out of them.

[anendofeverything]

Kedvesszívű

Part Two of the When a Snake Loves a Lion series

Read on AO3

——

February 1994

Percy

Percy coughed violently, causing him to spit another mouthful of bile into the toilet he’d knelt over. He let out a slight whimper, tears blurring his vision, as he leant his head on his arm. His head was hurting, the start of a fierce headache plaguing him. He should be downstairs right now having dinner, but how could he sit there stuffing his face after what happened today? Hadn’t his family been through hell last year? His father had been on the brink of losing his job, and then everything with Ginny and Chamber of Secrets - wasn’t that enough? He wasn’t strong enough for this. Sure - he was Head Boy. He was of age, nearly ready to sit his exams, practically an adult.

But he didn’t feel like an adult.

He had responsibilities: his duties as Head Boy; being a tutor to his new-found friend and boyfriend; his siblings. The twins were constantly in trouble, and Percy knew, realistically, that he should try to reign them in a little, make them focus on their studies. And yet, Fred and George’s ambition to open a joke shop was something Percy knew full well they wouldn’t change their minds about. They’d made their minds up that that was what they were heading for in terms of their future career, and nothing would distract them from that goal. Percy didn’t worry about them as much as he worried about Ron and Ginny, but he still tried to look out for them - he was their big brother. After the Chamber and the effects it had on Ginny last year, and now everything with Ron - who was next? The twins were constantly experimenting to create their products. What if something went wrong? What if something happened to Charlie, with his dragons, or Bill with his Curse-Breaker work? Percy’s chest ached at the thought of something happening to any of siblings or his parents. It didn’t bear thinking about.

And then there was Oliver, Warrington, and Graham - he cared about all of them so much, and all of them were at risk on the Quidditch pitch - everyone knew it was a brutal sport. Oliver was his oldest and bestest friend. Warrington’s friendship was unexpected, but a complete breath of fresh air amongst the chaos that his seventh year had turned out to be. And then there was Graham.

He loved him.

He hadn’t said it yet, hadn’t had that conversation with his boyfriend, but he loved him. He loved him so much. Percy had fallen for the Slytherin Chaser, head first. Almost literally.

“Percy?” Graham’s voice echoed throughout the bathroom, and there was a frantic knocking against the door of the cubicle Percy was in. “Édesem? Are you alright?”

“No.” Percy coughed.

“Drágám,” Graham knocked again. “Percy, szerelmem, I’m going to unlock this door, okay?”

“No, wait-” Percy protested, trying to stand up, but it only made him dizzy. Black spots clouded his vision as he dropped back down to his knees and threw up again as his boyfriend used Alohomora to unlock the cubicle door.

“Oh, kedvesszívű,” Graham knelt down beside him, rubbing his back.

“I still don’t know what that means.” Percy mumbled, sitting up slowly.

“Mm, I’ll tell you soon, édesem,” Graham pressed a kiss to Percy’s head.

The Slytherin Chaser reached into his bag, bringing out a small vial, and pressing it into Percy’s hand.

“This is an anti-sickness potion,” Percy blinked. “Where did you get this?”

“Nicked it from Snape’s store cupboard during Potions earlier.”

“What? Are you mad-”

“Drágám,” Graham curled his hands around Percy’s, smiling fondly. “Just drink it, yeah? Makacs fiú.”

Percy did so, leaning back into Graham’s chest. “Today was awful.”

“I heard about Ron,” Graham tucked his chin on top of his boyfriend’s head. “How is he?”

“He’s okay mostly, he’s not injured, more shaken by it all than anything else. Me, Penny, and all the Prefects have been running around like headless chickens all day - I haven’t stopped. Professor Dumbledore had to write to mum and dad, and Ginny took it on herself to write to Bill and Charlie. I just… Last year was really had, what with dad nearly losing his job, and Ginny, and the Chamber, and now this? Who’s next? The twins? Bill? Charlie? What if something happens to my parents? Or Oliver? Warrington plays completely recklessly, as do you! Who do I have to fear about losing next? I can’t-”

“Percy. You’ve gotta breathe for me, gyönyörű. In and out, that’s it, there we go. You’re alright, édesem, it’s okay.”

“No, it’s not,” Percy murmured. “I take my N.E.W.T.s this year, and then I’ll leave Hogwarts. After that, I really won’t be able to keep you all safe.”

“Percy-”

“I can barely look after anyone I care about while I’m in Hogwarts, how do I take care of my siblings or you or Warrington while I’m not here?”

“Percy, elég! You put way too much pressure on yourself. Kérlek, szerelmem.”

“Îmi pare rău.” Percy whispered. “Graham…”

“Shh, gyönyörű.” Graham pressed a soft kiss against the corner of Percy’s mouth. “Let’s get you out of here.”

Graham stood up, helping the Head Boy to his feet, and keeping a hold of his hand so he could lead him out into the hallway.

“Percy… szerelmem, have you eaten at all today?”

“Not really,” Percy admitted. “I should find Warrington, he’s usually got chocolate.”

“Aren’t you Head Boy? Just go get something from the kitchens.” Graham said amusedly.

“You gonna come with me?”

“That’s a rather dumb question, szerelmem. ‘Course I’m coming with you.”

— 

Graham

The pair exited the kitchens, Graham’s pockets stuffed with full of neatly wrapped cakes for his teammates (even one for Malfoy - the git), while Percy had two wrapped cheese scones in one pocket, and a wrapped slice of Bakewell tart for Oliver in the other.

“Promise me you’ll eat both scones when you get back to your dorm, gyönyörű.”

“I will,” Percy nodded, cupping Graham’s face. “You should get some sleep, I know you’ve got practice tomorrow, first thing. Thank you for coming to find me. You didn’t have to.”

“Of course I did, I was worried about you,” Graham placed his hands on Percy’s waist, leaning in to kiss his boyfriend, who kissed back just as fiercely.

“Oh!”

The couple broke apart at the exclamation, only to find Penelope Clearwater stood in front of them, her hand to her mouth in shock, her eyes darting between her ex-boyfriend and the Slytherin Chaser.

“P-Penny,” Percy stuttered. “It’s n-not- I m-mean- we-”

“Clearwater,” Graham addressed her sharply. “You got a problem?”

“Graham!” Percy hissed.

“I, um, d-didn’t realise you liked guys…” Percy trailed off awkwardly.

“Neither did I.” Percy shrugged. “It’s not- we didn’t-”

“What Percy’s trying to say is you’d broken things off long before we got together.”

“I wasn’t going to put it quite like that,” Percy shot a glare at Graham, who shrugged. “Penny-”

“Percy,” Penelope said at the same time. “I was just… surprised.”

“Are you seeing anyone?”

“No,” she smiled sadly. “I needed to be on my own for a little while.”

“I wasn’t- I didn’t go look- I just-”

“Percy, you don’t have to explain. You deserve to be happy.” Penelope tucked a strand of her hair behind her right ear. “Montague,” she turned to the Slytherin Chaser. “Look after him.”

Before Graham had time to respond, she’d left, leaving the couple staring after her. 

“You okay, gyönyörű?” Graham rubbed Percy’s shoulder. 

“I don’t know,” Percy admitted. “We broke up a long time ago, but I feel… bad? Why do I feel like something’s off? I shouldn’t feel like that.”

“You loved her once. Do you think you maybe moved on too quickly?”

“No.”

“Do you think Clearwater wants you back?”

“No!” Percy exclaimed. “I... don’t know.”

“You’re not going to do yourself any favours stressing out about it, édesem.” Graham said gently.

“I know,” Percy whispered.

“C’mon,” Graham laced his fingers with Percy’s. “No one’s about, I’ll walk you back to your dorm.” 

—

Cordelia 

The February Hogsmeade trip fell the weekend before Valentine’s Day, and the store had been decorated with pink and red paper hearts hanging from the ceiling, and rainbow confetti suspended in the air above the customer’s heads.

“Looks good, darling.” Lark approached her wife with a smile, kissing her on the cheek. “I just dropped Frankie off with your momma.”

“Is dad not there?” Cordelia asked with a frown.

“He went to the store, they were out of milk. Don’t freak out.”

“I’m not freaking out.”

“Dee.”

“I just worry about him.”

“I know you do, and you have every right to, but he’s okay. His surgery went well, and he’s recovering well. He can get a bottle of milk from a shop that’s basically opposite his house.”

Cordelia bit her lip. “I’m being ridiculous, aren’t I?”

“No, baby, you’re not. But you need to stop stressing, it’s not good for you. Especially right now.”

“I know, I know, I- wait… what do you mean right now?”

“Dee-”

“Hello again.”

“Oh, hello,” Lark waved at the two Hogwarts students that had entered the shop.

“Hello boys,” Cordelia smiled at the Gryffindor-Slytherin pair, Percy and Graham, that they’d met in November. “How’s school?”

“Busy,” Percy said, adjusting his glasses.

“I don’t know how you’re coping, honestly.” Graham admitted. “Head Boy duties, N.E.W.T. prep, and tutoring? You’re amazing.” 

“Shut up,” Percy blushed, trying to hide behind his hands.

“Hey,” Graham cooed, tugging on the other boy’s hands. “Don’t hide behind that adorable blush, c’mon.”

“You think this is adorable?”

“I always think you’re adorable, édesem.”

Lark chuckled, lacing her fingers with Cordelia’s, leading her towards the back of the store. “You boys give us a yell if you need anything.”

“Lark!” Cordelia spluttered as her wife led into the stockroom of the store.

“Dee,” Lark ran her arms over the shorter woman’s shoulders. “I know, okay?”

“Know what?”

“That you’re pregnant. I found that No-Maj test that you threw into the trash.”

“I wasn’t-” Cordelia ran a hand through her hair nervously. “I was going to tell you over dinner tonight.”

“Sorry for spoiling the surprise,” Lark smiled, sounding anything but. “Does anyone else know yet?”

“No one apart from the medi-witch I made an appointment with. It’s perfect timing, really, ‘cause Frankie’s staying with Russ and Bette this weekend.”

“You think those two are finally gonna have kids of their own? They ask to look after him all the time.”

“Oh God,” Cordelia snorted. “Mam gave Bette hell about having kids when I was pregnant last time - they’d only just gotten engaged then - this time she’s gonna be lethal about it.”

“They were an unexpected couple, no doubt about that. Who knew your old Quidditch rival would end up marrying your No-Maj brother?”

“Speaking of family…”

Lark sighed. “Let me guess - they sent yet another letter?”

“Yeah.”

“Did they address it to me, or to who they want me to be?”

“Lark… they’re your parents.”

“And I’m their daughter,” Lark said, her voice cracking on the word. “I’m their daughter, and if they can’t even acknowledge that on a fucking letter-”

“I know,” Cordelia said softly. “I know, but-”

“But nothing! They were doing it - using my name, calling me their daughter, and then they learnt I’m gay and they took all of that progress and all the learning they did away like it meant nothing to them. Like they could pick when they could and couldn’t adhere to it.”

Lark shook her head, her hands going to rest on Cordelia’s stomach, smiling sadly. “They told me I was wrong for loving you, you know that? That I wasn’t being fair to you, that I was tricking you.”

“Lark,” Cordelia swallowed around the lump in her throat, curling her hands around her wife’s.

“They told me lying to you about who I am would get me nowhere. The joke’s on them, though - you married me. We started a business together, Dee, we’re parents. You, and your mom and dad, and Russ and Bette, and Frankie, and this baby - you all are my family. Not them. Fuck them. If they don’t have the decency to acknowledge my gender in a goddamn letter, then fuck them.”

Cordelia blinked, staring at her wife in awe. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Lark bent her head down to kiss her wife softly.

“Hello?” a voice called nervously, as if the person was unsure their call would be welcome. “I’m really sorry, we, um, w-we’d like to pay for our stuff? Please?”

Cordelia giggled. “We’ve got customers who need to pay for books.”

“Mm, I guess so. You think it’s an important book?”

“All books are important, Lark!” Cordelia exclaimed, almost offended.

“Dear God, I married a nerd.” Lark rolled her eyes teasingly.

“Yeah, but you love me.”

“That I do, Dee. I love you very much.”

“Love you too, wifey.”

[aion-rsa]

What’s Happening With Marvel’s X-Men?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

This article contains spoilers for recent Marvel X-Men stories.

A long time ago, back at the beginning of the interminable, endless month of March that the pandemic has trapped us in, Marvel’s X-Men books were barrelling towards their first big post-Dawn of X crossover, X of Swords. And then the world stopped, and plans changed for the X-Men while everything was paused.

Now that we’re back, plans have changed, and books are coming fast and furious. So what’s going on with Marvel’s Merry Mutants? Which book did Storm get sick in? What book should you read for a good Laksa recipe? New Mutants, but we can answer all your other questions on what’s going on with the X-Men below. 

While we won’t rehash the entire thing, House of X/Powers of X reset the entire X-Men line. Mutants can’t die anymore (or rather, if they do, they’re resurrected from clone bodies and emergency backup minds by The Five and Professor X). The X-Men, and all mutants alive, are now living on Krakoa, a living, mutant island in the Pacific that, at some point in the distant past, broke in half, sending one part of it to a dangerous, monster-infested realm with Apocalypse’s first Horsemen standing guard making sure it didn’t return. 

Humans are back to hating and fearing mutants on a wide scale, but this time it’s mostly because the mutants are vehemently anti-capitalism, flooding markets with cheap, life-extending and health-improving drugs and vowing to take down the human world with economic weapons of their own making. This has the humans initiating some pretty intense Sentinel programs, particularly around the sun, where Nimrod – the adaptive Sentinel whose existence dooms mutantkind in one Powers of X future – was very nearly created. 

And amidst all of that, Moira MacTaggert, the secret mutant mastermind with the power of Groundhog Lifeing (when she dies, her consciousness is immediately transported back to her prenatal self to be born again with all her old memories. She’s on life ten now, btw), is frantically trying to manipulate events so that mutants continue to exist in the long run as the next phase in human evolution, averting a future where man-machine hybrids (like Omega Sentinels and the Children of the Vault) develop while humans and mutants are busy fighting among themselves. She’s also not allowing Charles and Magneto to revive any mutants with precognitive powers, expecting them to see her plan and ruin Krakoan civilization.

X-Men

X-Men, by mastermind Jonathan Hickman with art mostly from Leinil Yu, is where big ideas are being seeded for later use.

This is where the story of Krakoa and its estranged, otherdimensional partner Arakko was further developed (following its introduction in Powers of X and setting up X of Swords, the first mutant crossover of the Dawn of X era). X-Men introduced Hordeculture (think the Golden Girls if they were also ecoterrorist botanists); reintroduced the Children of the Vault; showed how depowered mutants get in line to get their powers back; and saw Magneto and Apocalypse threaten humankind with the most terrible weapon of all: finance capitalism.

New Mutants

It also, just prior to the break, X-Men had a spiritual crossover with New Mutants, initially a split book by Hickman and Rod Reis on the space issues, and Ed Brisson, Flaviano, and Marco Failla on the Earth issues. Brisson, Flaviano and Failla’s story follows a group of Earthbound mutant kids (including Glob Herman and Boom Boom) as they track down stragglers to Krakoa, like Beak and Angel.

Hickman and Reis took the original New Mutants plus Chamber and Mondo into space to go pick up Cannonball (who was living on Chandi’lar with his wife, Smasher). On the way there, they stole a King Egg from the Starjammers and brought it back to Earth, where it turns out, we discover in X-Men, the King Egg is a bioweapon created by the Kree to control the Brood for an eventual war with the Shi’ar. Broo, the supersmart mutant Broodling from Wolverine and the X-Men, eats the egg and becomes the Brood King.

Excalibur

Excalibur is the shining star of the line so far. Tini Howard and Marcus To are growing the mythos of mutant magic with a very odd team that includes Betsy Braddock (now back in her original body and the new Captain Britain); Rogue and Gambit; Jubilee and her mysteriously dragonified son Shogo; new earth mage Rictor; and Apocalypse, who is clearly up to some stuff. Apocalypse picks a fight with Otherworld and places a newly resurrected but still batshit Jamie Braddock on the throne of the magical realm.

Excalibur was one of the first books to return from hiatus, and it came back with maybe the best single issue of the entire relaunch in issue #10. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Marauders

Marauders launched as the story about the Hellfire Trading Company, the corporate arm of Krakoa that distributes the miracle drugs around the world while also smuggling mutants in trouble home to Krakoa. But Gerry Duggan and Matteo Lolli’s book quickly turned into the mystery of Kitty Pryde – why she’s not able to use the Krakoan gates that allow instantaneous travel around the galaxy, and whether she can be resurrected by The Five. That story has just about come to a head, but it is worth noting that it still contains a great deal of Hellfire Trading Company intrigue between Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw, and a lot of drunken pirate antics. The resurrected original Pyro does get a tattoo of the Marauders skull on his face at one point. It’s fun.

X-Force

X-Force, by Ben Percy and Joshua Cassara, immediately killed Professor X. He was resurrected, of course, but it served as both a notice that everyone is fair game, and alongside Marauders, keeps some slight mystery to character death alive post-The Five’s perpetual resurrection machine. It’s also the story of the Krakoan CIA, so it sets up the global threats facing the mutant nation, and then sends Wolverine to get cut in half fighting them. Also, Forge creates a bio-mech loader suit and smashes the two halves of Logan back together at one point. If that’s something you find yourself chuckling at, this book is going to exceed expectations.

Fallen Angels

Fallen Angels focused mostly on resetting the current Psylocke’s status quo. Kwannon was brought back to life and placed in her old body shortly before the reboot (very quickly: Spiral switched Psylocke and Kwannon’s bodies, then before they could be reverted, Kwannon got the Legacy Virus and died, then when Betsy used a villain’s powers to recreate her old body and reinhabit it, Kwannon…uh…got better…). Here, she teamed with X-23 and Cable, with ops backup from Mister Sinister, to track down Apoth, a technological being selling cybernetic drugs to humans.

It’s mostly setup for Psylocke, X-23 (now Wolverine again, I think), and Sinister while adding another technological foe to the mix. It leads almost directly into Zeb Wells and Steven Segovia’s Hellions, a book about Sinister’s team of mutants who are all gleefully, unrepentantly screwed up and are currently on a mission cleaning up some old clones Sinister left lying around.

Cable, Wolverine, and More…

Cable, Wolverine and the Giant Size issues, are still mostly seeding future storylines. Cable, from Duggan and Phil Noto, has only had a couple of issues so far, but it’s brought the Galadorians (the Spaceknights minus ROM, who belongs to IDW now, I think) into mutant orbit and given Nathan a sword for the crossover.

Wolverine, by Percy, Adam Kubert and Victor Bogdanove, has Logan tracking down illicit Krakoan flower dealers, and also Omega Red works for Dracula now. And the Giant Size issues are mysteries piled on mysteries piled on incredible art. Hickman has scripted all three, and so far, Storm caught a technovirus from the Children of the Vault in the Jean Grey/Emma Frost issue (drawn by Russell Dauterman); we find out what’s up with Cypher’s techno-organic arm in the Nightcrawler issue (from Alan Davis); Magneto buys Emma an island from Namor with art from Ramon Perez; and we get actual backstory and incredible Rod Reis art in the Fantomex issue. 

Empyre

The recently wrapped Empyre: X-Men’s opening scene is simultaneously one of the most important to the metanarrative of mutant struggle that’s been developing since the Professor’s “No More” scene in House of X #4 AND the best setup/punchline in any Dawn of X comic. It also starts to deliver on some of the rumored-but-never-announced X-Men ideas that were floated early after the reboot – Angel and M are two of the leads, playing out a little of the boardroom drama we hoped for after an X-Corporation book was rumored.

X-Factor

X-Factor, from Leah Williams and David Baldeon, more or less just launched. It’s about the team investigating and verifying mutant deaths, to put those lives into the queue for resurrection. This feels like the book set up to deliver on the weirdest promises of the relaunch, and the creative team are inventive, fun storytellers, so keep an eye on this. Williams has a very sharp ear for patter and knows her characters well – while it’s not an X-book, Amazing Mary Jane is a stunning accomplishment of delightful character work. Early X-Factor is more of the same, with more mutant high concept.

And all this is leading to X of Swords, the new X-writers room’s attempt to outdo X-Cutioner’s Song: a 22-part Tini Howard-led crossover where everyone swordfights over half of Krakoa. And still dangling in the ether, unannounced but long discussed, are Vita Ayala and Bernard Chang’s Children of the Atom, following a group of mutant teenagers who idolize the X-Men, and a Moira X book that’s expected to fill in some of the gaps in Moira’s many, many timelines. 

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