#[He'll give people tasks or leave instructions but with no reasoning as to why he's done what he's done]

[amischiefofmuses]

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[yumeka-sxf]

A chronological analysis on Twilight and Yor - Part 22

*This is part of an ongoing post series. If you missed the Introduction/Part 1, click here*

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The highly thematic and well-choreographed scene of Yor slaughtering one assassin after another as fireworks dazzle the night sky, reminded me of this fascinating post by @crunchcrunchteacakes. The post theorizes about the origins of Yor's incredible strength, particularly how she uses some form of altered state of consciousness (ASC) to achieve such a powerful command over her physical abilities. This is why her expression always seems "darker," almost like she's in a trance, whenever she's fully concentrated on feats of strength, not just during assassin work, but similar tasks that require the same strength, like when she subdued the Eden cow.

The post goes on to speculate that the reason she often seems ditzy or "spaced out" is because that's a way for her to disengage from her conscious mind, allowing her to channel her strength as needed. She's almost fully in her trance-like state at the beginning of the series (her "robotic" look that annoyed her coworkers). But once she joined the Forgers, taking on the role of Loid's wife and Anya's mother, the desire to concentrate on that mindset more often overrides her need to keep her strength peaked. Thoughts of Loid and Anya are now what can pull her out of her ASC, as we saw previously when she was keeping watch over the room at night, only for her "trance" to break when she thought about meeting up with them. But unfortunately, those thoughts can also be a hindrance when she's deep into a fight with a powerful opponent. This happened to a minor degree when she realized she was dragging her feet when fighting Barnaby, but as she fights the swordsman assassin, her lapse in concentration allows him to get the upper hand.

The moral ambiguity I mentioned in Part 21 is highlighted further when the assassin leader tries to call a truce with Yor, saying that he'll give her a share of the bounty money. Yor requests that he give up on Olka's bounty so there won't be any further bloodshed, something I find interesting since she didn't hesitate to kill all the other assassins without any negotiating. So the fact that she's willing to let the leader go proves that she doesn't just mindlessly kill everyone on a mission (even though that's what she was instructed to do). She's also staying true to what she said before that if you point a weapon at someone, you shouldn't complain if one is pointed back at you…since the leader wasn't on the attack in this case, she was willing to hear him out.

However, when she refuses his deal, he reminds her that they're all just people hired to fight on someone else's behalf, and her reason for killing – to put food on the table – is the same as all the other assassins. As Yor fights the swordsman, the thought that's holding her back this time is not only that a serious injury would mean she'd have to leave Loid and Anya, but how cruel it would be to them for her to suddenly disappear without a word. While the assassin leader continues to try and negotiate with her, she can't help but keep questioning her own reason for fighting – she doesn't want to believe it's for money, the same as theirs, so then it must be for her country…but she never thought she had some higher calling like that.

All these uncertainties distract her, resulting in the swordsman being able to knock her against the side of the deck. Surprisingly, as he stands poised, ready to cut her down, all Yor can think of in her dazed state is not her assassin job that's currently being sabotaged, but her mother/wife jobs of picking up Loid's shirts from the cleaners and returning Anya's books to the library…a clear indication that, when it comes down to her final moments, the responsibilities of Yor Forger have become more of a priority than the responsibilities of Thorn Princess. As Rebecca Silverman put it in this ANN article:

"She's more than just a big sister and an assassin now; she's a mother, a wife, and a person in her own right. Yuri's grown up, but Yor has too, and it feels like this is the moment when she realizes that she has a say in her own life. And if she wants to focus on being Mrs. Forger instead of Thorn Princess? That's a choice she's allowed to make."

When she comes back to reality for a moment, wondering why there's a man pointing a sword at her, what flashes in her mind is the reason she's in this situation in the first place: Yuri. But once again, the realization that's been hitting her over and over since getting the cruise assignment comes back one last time…Yuri is indeed all grown up and does not need support from her Garden work anymore. What's extremely tragic when this fact finally sinks in is that she's ready to die then and there…she decides not to resist and just end it all now that her main reason for fighting is gone.

As I've mentioned several times before, especially in Part 8, Yor dedicated her life to ensure Yuri's happiness, which resulted in her inability to consider her own worth besides being useful to others. Now that no one needs the one thing she excels at, she can't find any reason to keep going. Whether Garden brainwashed her into deeming her life meaningless without a reason for fighting, her crippling lack of self-esteem, or some combination of both, it's even more tragic that she can't even comprehend how sad certain people would be if she died. However, when it appears as though she's completely given up, upon hearing that the assassin leader is about to go after Olka, she throws one of her earrings at him to stop him.

She had just decided to stop resisting upon realizing that Yuri doesn't need her work anymore, so why would she suddenly care to stop the assassin? She seems confused about it as well, as she questions herself why she's even protecting Olka. I believe at this point she's formed a genuine bond with Olka as more than just a client to protect. So, despite still being dazed, she instinctively reacted upon realizing Olka was in danger. But the true reason why she hasn't completely given up becomes clear to her when she remembers Olka's words: "I just want to live a quiet, peaceful life."

A quiet, peaceful life…this is exactly why she became Thorn Princess. Not for money or for her country, but because she wanted to ensure Yuri could live a quiet, peaceful life, the same life Olka is currently seeking. Her epiphany continues as she realizes her desire to cleanse the world of needless tragedies hasn't changed, despite none of her loved ones directly benefiting from her work anymore. Yor may be naive about many things (due to her upbringing), but she's not ignorant about the sadness that exists in the world around her. And here is where she makes her decision to keep doing her assassinating, not because she enjoys killing people, not because she needs money, and not because she feels some higher sense of duty to her country – but because the result of her work will make the world a better place...because now, she has even more people whose happiness she desires to protect.

This renewed sense of purpose gives her the strength to fight back. As she goes full assassin mode on the swordsman, she tosses aside all of her previous worries about her profession and her own personal well-being – she doesn't care if she has to keep living a dangerous life, nor if she has to leave the Forgers (both of which were things she was concerned about while on the cruise). All that matters to her now is making the world a better place for others. It's also worth mentioning that Yor's inner monologue in this scene is one of the rare times I mentioned in Part 19 where she doesn't use keigo (polite speech). That's another clear indication of what a truly emotional revelation this moment is for her.

Her new resolve is fully solidified when she remembers that Loid complimented this aspect of her personality way back when they first met. She's grown to trust him so much that she confidently states he would acknowledge and understand why she does what she does even if she can't ever tell him about it.

Interestingly, she thinks of Loid in this situation instead of Yuri, who's the original reason she became an assassin. She knows that Yuri, being her (obsessive) brother and only "true" family member left, would forgive her no matter what. This is why acknowledgement from someone else, especially someone she respects as much as Loid, is so meaningful to her. And, unbeknownst to her, her reason for being an assassin is the same reason Twilight became a spy…to make a world where those they care about can live a peaceful life, where needless tragedies can be prevented, and children won't have to cry.

Continue to Part 23 ->

<- Return to Part 21

[devvelle]

All Mine

Genre: fluff

Characters: dorm leaders (Riddle, Leona, Azul, Kalim, Vil, Idia, and Malleus) x gn!reader

Scenario: what makes your boyfriend jealous and what he does about it <3

Notes: none!

Riddle Rosehearts ; when you're having fun with someone else.

Even as your boyfriend, Riddle can’t do things with you that would go against the dorm rules or hurt his image—which you totally understand. But when he sees you laughing with someone else, doing things he can't partake in... it makes him really jealous.

Eventually, once it gets to him, he really won't want you hanging out with those people anymore.

He knows they probably aren’t being bad influences, but he will act like they are. He'll give them unimpressed stares when you're not looking, and if they're in his dorm he’ll use his unique magic against them to keep them away from you.

When you two are in private, he'll try let loose more. It’ll feel unnatural for him, but he wants to have fun with you, too. He’s afraid you’ll get bored of him.

If you play along for his sake and try to bring him out of his shell, he'll appreciate it. He might even be honest about his feelings once he’s comfortable telling you the truth.

But if you tell him that he doesn’t need to change for you, he'll get really shy. He'll deny feeling jealous, but reassurance of your love would mean a lot to him in the moment.

Ultimately, he just wants to be the one making you smile the most.

“As long as you’re sure you’re happy… Yes, I love you too.”

Leona Kingscholar ; when he sees others trying to take care of you.

Leona is a gentleman. Maybe everyone else has trouble believing so, but he's incredibly attentive once you're together. He escorts you places, buys you things you need, and comforts you when need be.

But if he happens to see someone else trying to do any of that for you, he will not be happy. He sees it as disrespectful, like they're trying to tell him he isn't doing a good enough job. To make it worse, you’re too kind to refuse these gestures from others, which sets his jealousy off.

With his temper, you will know immediately. Leona doesn't like to play games. He will tell you what’s bothering him and ask why you’re entertaining that behavior when he's right there. If you can’t give him an answer, he’ll stick himself to you like glue and won’t let anyone else near you for the day.

Assigns Ruggie to the very important task of keeping tabs on you afterward. Gives him specific instructions to monitor your conversations; if you’re talking to anyone for too long or if they try to do something for you, Ruggie is to interrupt and say you’ve been summoned by Leona.

Mandatory cuddles and telling him you love him is your punishment. He hates feeling jealous.

"You know what you signed up for with me. Now, come here. You’re mine."

Azul Ashengrotto ; when he becomes aware of the options you have.

Seeing how popular you are among the student body makes Azul particularly jealous.

You’re friends with so many others within the walls of Night Raven College; dozens of boys with promising futures make up your circle, including several princes, and all are just one call away from coming to your aid should you ask. So it’s a bit hard for him to not feel jealous when they don't seem to back off even after you announce your relationship.

He’ll wait it out at first, but if they don’t leave you alone he’ll be really ticked off. However, Azul is aware that he isn’t particularly intimidating and can’t fight.

So what does he do? He shows you off instead, to prove to them that you're his.

If he wasn't using Magicam before, now he's posting you every day. He's posting pictures of you with new jewelry he's bought you and images of you cuddled up to him at night, even linking sweet love songs to them.

When he checks his views and finds the individuals that triggered his jealousy, his satisfaction in through the roof. Don’t question his smirk.

If, for some reason, flaunting you on social media isn’t enough, then Azul might have Floyd give your friends a scare. Nothing serious, just enough to make them delete your number and change their routes to class to avoid you. You wont even notice since Azul is now escorting you to class on his arm.

"Do you not want me to show you off? I don't see a problem with reminding everyone who you chose."

Kalim Al-Asim ; when you might be taken away.

Kalim trusts you so much, so he just doesn’t get jealous. Your relationship is so healthy and communication between you is great.

The only time he'd maybe feel jealousy would be if someone planted the idea in his head. Like if Jamil makes a joke about you and someone you're with looking quite close, Kalim might start questioning the situation.

However, he'd be more concerned for your safety than jealous. He'd approach you and drag you away in a rush with an innocent excuse to the other individual. After all, if they're trying to charm you while knowing you’re in a relationship, they have to be bad news.

He'd talk to you about it immediately, though, before any of his thoughts spiral and before you can think he’s overreacting.

Would go heavier on the PDA to remind you he trusts and cares for you. To some extent, he might be thinking he can gross that person out this way so they’ll get the hint and give it up.

Kalim is just too sweet of a guy to feel jealous honestly. There’s not much else to say. He’ll make you feel so safe.

"Just wanted to make sure you were okay! I think we should steer clear of them for now, yeah?"

Vil Schoenheit ; when you don't see what he sees.

Vil gets annoyed easily, definitely. But it would either take something truly concerning or the involvement of someone he deems a threat to make him feel jealousy.

He often acts like he knows what's best for you, so he tells you to stay away from certain classmates. Especially the ones that he sees being a bit too kind to you.

If you dismiss Vil’s concerns and the individuals get bolder with you to spite him, he’ll be pissed. Honestly, if he didn’t have contractual obligations and a reputation to maintain, he might resort to threats.

If it goes on for long enough, he’ll start feeling jealous.

The result is a super petty Vil.

If you want to spend time with him, he'll redirect you to one of those friends. He'll ask you why you want his attention now, when you clearly preferred theirs yesterday.

Though it’s hard for him to turn you away when all he wants is to hug and kiss you, his mind turns it into a silly game to find out if you love him most of all. This keeps him in a cycle of pettiness and insecurity.

Still, he doesn't want to neglect you. He wants you to see his perspective, so once he’s had enough of going without you, he’ll explain why he feels his worries are justified.

Once you exchange apologies, he’ll return all the love he withheld.

"Now do you understand? I'm only trying to protect you from ill intentions."

Idia Shroud ; when he can't be the one that's with you.

Get jealous very often, but keeps it to himself.

Idia knows you have to hang out with others a lot because of his boundaries. He doesn’t always feel comfortable enough to go out, so you ask your other friends for company to avoid pressuring him.

Still, it doesn’t make him feel great that there is always someone jumping at the chance to be with you.

When he gets notifs that you posted to Magicam only to see you looking happy with someone else, his jealousy escalates quickly.

Unfortunately, Idia isn't very good at communication especially when it comes to his feelings. So he will give you space instead, and let you enjoy yourself to prevent ruining your day with his doubts.

He will continue lurking your profiles for the next few days, but he won't like anything or reply to your messages. He'll self-isolate until you come to him, whether it be hours or days later.

When you do come see him in person to ask what’s wrong, you'll be stuck with him a while. He won’t admit to feeling jealous, but it’ll be clear from his questions that he wants to be sure you still want to be with him.

Lots of quality time will fix his mood. He might prefer the quiet of his room to the noisy outside world, but he makes it very clear that you’re always welcome to disturb him. He’d much prefer that to seeing you with other people.

"We can go somewhere together soon, so don't ask anyone else anymore! B-but for now, could you spend the night?"

Malleus Draconia ; when you give away your time with him.

Malleus loves to have alone time with you. He's very grateful that you always reserve time in your day just for him.

But on the occasion that someone seeks to interrupt this time, and you don't turn them away or happen to cancel on Mal entirely for them, that’s when he’d get jealous.

He'd dismiss himself from the situation to let you take care of your business, but he would actually just be hiding nearby and listening.

If the person seems to be taking up your time for reasons that Malleus himself finds unworthy, he won't hesitate to use a bit of magic to make that person suddenly leave you alone, as if possessed.

He’ll return to you pouty and distracted. He’ll initiate lots of physical touch, and might even suggest going to his dorm room while he milks all your affection.

He doesn’t hide feelings of jealousy because he’s learned your instinct is to coddle him when he makes it obvious. Your giggles and half-hearted apologies in response to his melodramatic words of worry make him fall deeper in love.

When he’s jealous, Malleus doesn’t care for words of reassurance as much as he does actions. He is quite secure in your relationship, but he will never get tired of seeing how comfortable you are with him. He loves knowing that you won’t ever run away.

"Now that they're out of the way, I do wish you'd learn to say no. I am quite selfish when it comes to my time with you."

a/n: Okay so I tried to get Riddle's Halloween card but I could NOT get any SSR until freaking pity. Then that last key set gave me both Jack and Ruggie's Dorm Uniform SSRs instead of Riddle 😭 I thought, "Wow, Leona really sent his underclassmen after me?" And that gave me the idea for jealousy hcs…

Hope u all enjoy, holiday prompts will probably be coming soon! kisses <3