#''heheh i am vengeance''

[fuwahua]

Kiss

🫧 𓇼 ೀ Tktober Day 26: Kiss

Tags: Zhongli/childe (established), cuddles, kissing, dragon!!!!zhongli!!!!

“Ahahajahax…mmn...”

Zhongli giggles as Ajax ghosts his sides with mischievous fingers, peppering his faces with kisses as he goes. They’re lounging around in bed on a lazy Sunday, a welcome rarity given Ajax’s military discipline; he must’ve grown bored of Zhongli’s nesting desire and was taking it out on him in the form of tickles and kisses.

“Yes, laogong?” Ajax teases, smile quirking as Zhongli visibly melts at the affectionate term. Zhongli squirms, cackling, as those nimble hands burrow into the gaps of his ribs, though his arms remain loose around his sides, his legs only bothering to cross over Ajax’s hips and pull his warm body closer.

“You hehehe,” Zhongli squirms as Ajax presses another kiss to his lips, muffled laughter between them. “Ahahajax! Pleahahse!”

“Please what?”

“Why—why,” his words break into another kiss only to bark out a laugh as Ajax’s hands return to scribbling at his hips. “Lehehet me speahahak!”

Ajax huffs, playful. “Fiiiiine.”

His body shakes with residual giggles as Ajax relents, pulling himself upwards. He makes it a few scant centimeters away when Zhongli’s arms shoot up to curl around him, pulling Ajax’s warmth back into his arms. His little fox yelps in surprise, squirming as a nervous grin break across his face, but Zhongli is not intent on getting vengeance… yet. He smiles, pressing a peck to Ajax’s forehead, before giving way to his puzzlement.

“Why do you keep kissing me when I’m laughing? How am I meant to reciprocate in those situations?”

Ajax blinks, staring, until his face brightens with joy as he laughs. “What—are you serious?”

“I am, yes.”

The look on Ajax’s face could inspire the best of painters, Zhongli swears, as he beams before pressing yet another kiss against him. He lies there, content to be smothered in affection, though the question remains in the air. “Ajax—”

“Shh.”

Ajax shushes him, leaning down and burrowing his nose against Zhongli’s throat. His breathing is slow, even, and though he remains mildly perplexed by the turn in events he is very much fond of this cuddling development. Ajax nuzzles his cheek and Zhongli shivers when he whispers against his ear. “You hear that?”

Hear what? Zhongli perks his ears, stilling, eyes closed as he draws on just his hearing. There are the sounds of birds chirping in the late morning, of citizens browsing the markets with a rustle of cloth and wooden piers, sellers selling out the fresh catches they’ve hauled back form the sea. Beneath it all, an undercurrent cuts through Liyue, a low, rumbling noise originating from…

“Me?”

Ajax smirks, amused, as Zhongli presses a hand against his throat. Indeed. The satisfied noise from the back of his throat pauses only to erupt from him again when Ajax kisses his cheek, returning into his arms with ease.

“You purr when I kiss you,” Ajax explains. “And you purr when I tickle you like this too. It’s cute.”

Does he? Zhongli’s cheeks pinken, mind drawing a blank on his past behavior; he’d never noticed any such activity before, but the current evidence is evident enough. He coughs. “I see.”

Ajax rumbles with amusement, a low chuckle that escapes him as he turns over so that his whole-body mass weighs upon Zhongli. He is a warrior, one of Snezhnaya’s best, and yet the easy display of comfort, of trust, in spending his few days off cuddling with Zhongli rather than honing his battle prowess loosens another purr, deeper, from his chest. Ajax smiles, poking him. “See? Cute.”

“Yes,” Zhongli agrees, kissing Ajax. “You certainly are.”

[holystressresponsebatman]

Okay, so, just one question...

Does anybody else want to know and/or speculate on what the heck the other "Shell Raisers" are??

Because in the s2 episode "Vengeance is Mine," we see the weapons options for the Shellraiser other than hot compressed garbage and manhole covers. We see Donnie utilize both "Smoke Screen" and "Pizza Grease," both of which are pretty self-explanatory.

But what about "Snaggletooth?" Or "Rad Weekend?" Even "Das Boot?"

I think we can all figure out what "Poop T.N.T" is supposed to be (*cue stinkiest explosion known to mankind*)... ("Why am I smelling... ze baby poopz?") hehehe, anyway *whistles and walks away from the public property I just ruined*

Are these other ones a reference to something that I'm just too young to get? Is it like a callback to earlier iterations of our scaly shelled friends?? I'm so curious.

Has anybody written a fanfic exploring these or just happen to have a hc about them?? I would love to hear/read about them! And rn I'm too lazy and tired to think of my own (nursing school kicking my behind atm, sigh...) Anyway please please please let me know what you think!!! I am desperate!! I'm on my hands and knees pleading for just a drop of that oh-so-valuable Fan-Craziness (TM pending).

[th0tsuk1b4kuh03]

Ardeen

A fire was cackling right underneath me whilst many people watched the pyre lit aflame. “May thy witch burn here on earth and in the pits of hell's depth.” A man beside said to the crowd as the flames quickly spread around me. I close my eyes as the heat becomes unbearable. I feel the flames melting away my skin. I want to scream. Scream as loud as I could, cry out for help and do it all over. But no. No screams. Just the immense pain of being burned alive.

You might wonder ‘how did I eventually end up in this shithole while I seemed like a normal maiden they used to burn back then?’ Hah, no. The answer is quite simple. Sins. In my case it was vengeance. Oh the wrath and the bittersweet taste of revenge I felt back then. The still delightful aftertaste after many, many decades. That is exactly why I nowadays live in the Ring of Wrath. Really, fuck this place. Everyone is always so upfront and self-centered. Honestly, I did not even deserve to be here in the first place… I mean sure, murdering your family, feeding their flesh to the dogs and yourself might seem a bit… Cruel… But I know I am a reasonable person! If they did not treat me as an animal I would not have started behaving like one. I am quite sure they are down here too and running into them would not be the biggest problem here… The biggest problem is the residence itself. You have to watch out with every step you make or take because there might be lurking danger around the very corner of your very own doorstep. That's why I decided I was going to step up my game and pay a long-term visit to the newest hotel; The Hazbin Hotel.

“Guys! Guys. I just received a notice that we'd be having our third recruit! Isn't this so exciting!!!” Charlie beamingly exclaimed as she rushed to the lounge where all her friends were gathered by her call. “Calm down, Charlie,” Vaggie placed her hand on her Girlfriend's shoulder. “No! This is the first time someone willingly joined!” She was too excited to calm down. Angel Dust huffed and looked up from his phone. “Hey, who am I then?” Charlie chuckled a bit awkwardly, “Uh, you're our first resident, but that doesn't really apply to you because you're our friend. This time…” — “This time it's a complete stranger and we're going to make this place pretty squeaky clean! We don't want to make it look like she isn't welcome!” She grabbed Vaggie's shoulders and shook her violently. “Great, another whiny woman.” Husk said, before anyone could answer him he walked to the bar and chugged the first and best bottle of beer he could find. “Wonderful, my dear. I shall prepare the hotel to your desires.” Alastor stood up from the couch, tossing and catching his cane. “Heheh, kill all bugz til clean…~” Niffty ran after a bunch of cockroaches with a knife; the usual. “Make dem suffr…~” Charlie had a satisfied and motivated grin plastered on her face. “Great, that's settled! This is gonna be fuckin' awesomeee!”

[shebeafancyflapjack]

Trigger

Silver tries to go after the beast on her own. Set in @idiotwithanipad 's Gore AU during her fic Stolen.

-

Humphrey tensed at the sound of clunky boots approaching.

"Who's there? Guards?! You must declare who you're working for-?!" He tries to mimic his father's voice as much as possible. A Lord's voice, one that commanded respect.

He'd never quite made it work with his polite tone.

As the figure steps into a beam of moonlight, he let's out a sigh of relief.

"Oh! It's just you, Silver, love."

"Mr. Lord Amy's dad?" The teenager approached with her usual grin, one hand reaching out to feel the top of his head, where it was currently placed on a cabinet outside his daughter's room.

"Oh, you know there's no need for titles, sweetheart. Just 'Humphrey' is fine."

The witchling giggled; "Okay, Just Humphrey, hehehe!"

"Yes." He gave a slight smirk beneath his mustache. Walked right into that one. "How're you? Feeling better?"

She nodded, eagerly, a drop of blood flicking down from her nose and landing on the table, just inches from his neck.

"Right as rain, thanks the gods, hehehe! And Amy, of course. I'm surprised you're not in the bedroom with her?"

"Oh, I am. Well...He is." Humphrey replied; "Got her snuggled up in his arms, ain't no man or beast on this earth who could tear her from them. I'm the better half for keeping watch, you see."

"Right, gotcha, hehe." Silver grinned, hands behind her back.

"Little tyke's been sleeping like a log, more so than usual, since I got her back. She won't be opening her eyes till around noon."

"Makes sense. Hehe...I don't remember hearing her sleep a lot the past few weeks." The Pagan explained, as serious as she could; "Weren't exactly the most zen place to relax in, y'know- even for me! Hehe."

A wince flickered across Humphrey's face at the thought of his little girl kept awake by fear and unease in that horrible pit of darkness.

"Can only imagine. You brave girls. At least you're both safe now." He said out loud, as if trying to reassure himself as much.

Silver hummed, holding back from saying how it was hardly the end of the story, as far as she was concerned.

"Anyway. I'm sure Amy will be up and raring to play in the morning, love." He smiled, trying to dismiss her in the nicest way. Not out of any dislike for the hyperactive but polite kid, more so he could focus on keeping a keen eye out for guards.

Or that Thing.

"Actually, hehehe, I wanted to talk to you!" She said, pressing up on her tiptoes and then back down. "I need your help with something..."

"Oh? Right..." He sounded surprised. The two of them had never really had a moment to converse without Amy or her mother present. "Sure, kiddo, what's up?"

"When are you going after Him?"

"I...You mean...your mum's fr-."

"He's not Mummy's friend anymore. Or mine. He's nothing, hehehe." The ecstatic smile on her face masked the contempt in her voice; "When are you going to get him?"

"'Get' him? I...You mean-."

"Kick his arse, hehehe."

There was a spark of encouragement, a fanning of his paternal desire for vengeance, in his eyes at the phrase.

"What makes you think I'll-?"

"You don't approve of Mummy's plan just to hide inside and let him roam out there alone anymore than I do, huh?" She asked, squeezing her hands at the base of her spine and tilting her head, cutely.

The Tudor set his jaw; "...It wasn't top of my list of ideas, no. But your mum is right, it's the one that makes the most sense. Much as I wanna go after the beast, we gotta keep you girls safe and that means staying inside. Making sure he can't snatch you from your beds again."

"Only one of you needs to stay inside. You've both got two arms, hehe. Mummy's even got extra with all her smoke!" Silver chirped; "I was hoping she'd go looking for him while I stay with Amy and you in her room. But she...." the corners of her smile twitched; "...She still has feelings for him. Says he's 'family'."

Humphrey had to resist the urge to scoff at anyone wanting to claim kinship with such a monster as one that takes little girls and makes their parents believe they've passed beyond reach.

But then he remembered who he was talking to.

"I...I suppose if that's the case, having someone like that in your family does complicate things. My old man was a horrible git. Treated me and Amy's mummy like little more than pawns to secure his precious legacy." He remembered, morosely; "The more time passed without an heir, the more open he was with his insults towards both of us, to the point Sophie refused to join us at dinner when he visited. No wonder she hid Amy away all those years. Probably didn't want him to get his poisonous claws into her. And she didn't tell me because....well, I always knew what a villain he was, but he was still my father. Wanting his approval and wanting to believe he knew what was best overrid what I should have been doing to look after my family."

"Hmm. Sounds like a right dickhead, hehehe."

"Language, kiddo! Huh, can tell you've been hanging out with my daughter. But yes, that is an apt title for him." Humphrey chuckled.

"I don't blame you. Or Mummy." She sighs, twiddling with the velvet coverings on her hands; "My....The false family I had, the ones who stole me from Mummy when I was a baby, they weren't very nice to me. But I always tried to 'fix' myself for years growing up to be what they wanted. Weren't till I was nearly grown up I felt brave enough to be myself...and then I met Mummy and she let's me be me, hehehe. Except....He was there too. And I just thought he was a bit of a grumpy old fluffy creature. Mummy said not to take him seriously, that he was just very sad and ill sometimes. But I wanted him to like me so I kept trying...And then when he had me and Amy in the cave, he was suddenly being really nice...I wanted to trust him. Wanted to believe it was....real....Hehehe."

"No one blames you, love. You were a victim. A child. He took advantage of that trust, and your...Your ailments. Only the lowest of monsters would do something like that." He reassures her, wishing he had an extra pair of hands just to pat hers.

Silver smiled, the tiniest tear falling from her right milky eye.

"So you agree? Hehehe. He needs to pay for what he did. How he let me get sick. How he made Amy cry."

Humphrey grit his teeth and inhaled.

"Most definitely, Silver."

"Good! Hehehe."

He raised an eyebrow in surprise; "You don't share your mum's hesitation, I take it?"

"Nope!" She chirped, shaking her head; "Hehehe. He's always hated me. Didn't even bother to hide it. Mummy tried to make me think it was just a front, but...I know now. He didn't care about starving me of moonlight. He wanted to erase me and replace me with this other girl. He put my best friend through Hell for weeks. He betrayed Mummy. And we're not the only ones he's done this to."

"You mean those names he whispered to you both?"

"Them, and others. I found a...A memory. Hidden in the mist, hehehe." She tried explaining; "Another girl he once kept. The one who sang. Her name was Lyssie. She got away but...he'd changed her. Broken her into acting...like him."

"Bastard." Humphrey muttered, having noticed a couple of times Amy seemed to lean on her knuckles when she sat up. And then she'd catch herself and look embarrassed.

Silver giggled; "He needs to...He needs to learn that is Not Okay, hehehe!"

"Just...didn't have you down as the vengeful type." Humphrey admits, a little taken aback.

Silver smirked, flashing her teeth.

"I'm my Mummy's daughter, hehehe. If this was any other man, she'd be wanting exactly the same!"

No doubt about that.

"So how about it? You leave Amy with Mummy and we can go hunt the monster together?"

"I....Ha, I don't think so, kiddo!" Humphrey gaped, trying not to laugh; "Your mother would have me roasting on a spit!"

"Not if we were super quick. I could lie that I got lost in the house, playing hide and seek."

"Right. Well, look, I won't deny I'm not tempted to send my body after him if he comes anywhere near this place, however, I wouldn't dream of letting you tag along with me, even if I weren't afraid of what your mum would do to me."

"Why not? You can use me as bait, hahaha." She suggests, cheerfully; "Once he comes out to grab me, your body can get a hold of him! And I can do more than that...Hehehe. I have powers of my own, you see."

"You...You have your mother's...gifts?" He asks with a gulp.

"Kinda. I don't have her flames. Mine are mostly water based, but...I have a secret party trick. I wouldn't demonstrate it on you. Would leave you with a very annoying headache at the least, hehe."

"I see." Humphrey sounded a little afraid. "Even so, I'm afraid I have to decline. At least for now."

Silver huffed and stomped her foot, like a child denied a McDonald's drive through.

"But he's a baddie! He needs to suffer!"

"And he will! Trust me. But your mum's right. We gotta wait until he comes to us. She seems to think...or hope that he'll come to grovel but...I reckon he'll come to try his luck. And when that time comes, if me and you need to be thr ones to deal with him, we will. You have my word, okay?"

She sighed; "Okay..."

"Silver." He said, sternly, like a concerned uncle.

She squirmed and pouted.

"Whatever you and Mummy say." She reluctantly agrees.

"Good girl. It's for the best. Anyway, you shouldn't be worrying about such things. Go on, run along and find somewhere to play, take your mind off all this." He said, softly. "Let me and your mum handle the monsters. That's our jobs."

-

If you want something done right, do it yourself.

Following her echolation, Silver exited the house via the old servant's exit and dared to step outside. She'd quickly passed Mummy on the way, checking that she was looking out the windows at the other end of the house. Silver had given her a quick hug and kiss on the cheek, pretending everything was fine.

And it would be. Once this was over.

This would be easier with backup. Amy's daddy's body would have been perfect, if she'd been able to master how to direct it properly, quietly. This would be a lot trickier alone. She was far weaker than the beast. He could snap her in half like a twig if he really wanted.

But she had to try. For Kya. For Pin. For Lyssie. For Amy. For herself. For who knows how many other girls he's taken.

She walked and walked, recognising the familiar spaces as she let out each small giggle to sense her surroundings.

Come on. Come out.

"Come with me, dilly dilly. Take my hand, tilly tilly..." She sings, hoping it can be used as a lure.

Her heart began to pound loudly as she realised that she was getting further from the house. Further from Mummy.

Alone.

She takes a breath. Goddess is with her.

Athena, Artemis, Hecate, Persephone...they're all with her. Empowering her. Protecting her.

She giggles louder. He must be able to hear her.

And then, finally, she hears a grizzle.

"There you are. Coward." She whispers to herself.

Turning around, she let's out another giggle. The silhouette of a hulking furry form solidifies in her mind's eye.

It's him. On all fours. Just...standing there.

"Been looking for me, hehehe." She grinned; "Sorry for the delay. I was busy recovering from being put in a coma thanks to you, hehehe."

Silence. No attempt to excuse his actions. Or apologise.

"...You hurt me. You hurt Amy. How many others were there, hmm? What did you do to them?" She asks, "How long were you planning on doing this? Why did you wait so long?"

So many questions and the beast wasn't giving her a single answer. Merely standing there. Watching her.

It somehow made her far more nervous.

She flexed her fingers at her side. Her mist could only form a barrier against magical attacks. It wouldn't protect her from his claws.

But she prepared her voice. Her laugh.

Why was she finding it so difficult? She'd been fantasising about using her laugh to torture him for weeks. Now she finally had the energy, the moment, a bright full moon shining above her.

Break him. Make him crawl. Make him weep and beg for her forgiveness.

"You...You really upset me, Mr. Fluff. I thought you were my friend, hehe. My grumpy friend, who cared for me deep down. I only wanted you to...." She sniffed and wiped at her face.

Don't cry now. Don't waste tears on him. He doesn't care.

Forget about the beast who would occasionally indulge playing with her. Forget about the beast who would let her lay on him if he was in a good mood and she rubbed his head just right. Forget about the beast who took a massive fireball for her. Lies. All lies.

"I...I have to finish this, hehe. I have to make you...Have to make you pay...Understand? You need to-."

"Kya."

Fizzle.

Something washed over her brain at the word. Nights upon nights of conditioning and programming beginning to fire up in her synapses, like tiny sleeper agents in her brain.

"What did-." She tried, feeling the world shift around her.

Memories and motivations shrink back into shadow. A deep, ancient magic set upon the land by a people long lost warps her mind at the single word, spoken with unfathomable love and longing. The very same magic that had, over time, convinced her she was the stolen baby of a centuries' dead witch. The Law of Claiming.

"Kya." He repeated. Soft. Pleading. "Kya..."

All the distress and betrayal and hatred shrivels in her heart, quickly replaced with a sudden hunger for comfort. For care and protection and....

"...Fada?"

So dizzy. Everything is so dark.

Where is Fire? Where is Solar? Oh, she can see Moonah when she looks up. But not much else.

"Kya."

His voice again. Fada. Fada is here.

Two thumps on the ground. Come, Kya. Come to Fada.

She totters forward, her arms outstretched, fingers stretching to feel for him.

"Fada! Fada, where-?"

A pair of warm, furry arms encircle her. She knows the scent of the pelts that press against her face as she's pulled into the tightest embrace. A familiar paw strokes over her hair.

"Kya. Kya. Kya." Fada repeats, sounding so relieved, nuzzling her ear.

She trembles, clutching onto him for dear life. Memories are so mixed up in her head, jumbling about like someone attempting to quickly put a jigsaw together, as she tried to make sense of events leading up to now.

She was alone. She was lost. She...and Sister.

"Me sorry, Fada!" She squeaked into his fur; "Kya sorry. Knew not to leave cave. Pin sister leave...me go after her. Not want sister to be alone. Please. No be mad at Pin, Fada."

Fada pulled back a little, just to gently stroke her face with his cuff and then pressed his knuckles to her forehead in a 'kiss'.

He wrote into her arm, a lot more tender than before.

'Pin think she big cub now. Mum was same. Me not mad. We find her. Take Kya and Pin home.'

Relief flooded her. Fada rarely got angry but he had seemed extra tense before they'd left. She assumes there must have been more dangerous things around. Larger mammoths, angrier bears. Fada wouldn't keep them inside for so long, want to keep them quiet, without good reason.

"Fada...not mad?" She asked, shyly.

A short huff of amusement. He pressed his nose to hers.

'Fada not mad. Fada just want cubs safe.'

She nodded, smiling. That made sense. Her fingers reached to stroke his beard, resisting the urge to give it a playful tug. Not the time.

"Kya got lost. Kya...trapped in dark. Thought Fada gone but..." She sighed, feeling a wave of innocent bliss in her chest; "Fada come back?"

He bundled his happy little cub into his arms again.

'Fada always come back'.

[merakiui]

damn-- you weren't kidding when you said you're gonna make Azul suffer for being difficult in his masquerade banner (⊙_⊙;) I had to run my head through cold water after reading this one, and i still couldn't properly form the words to express how i'm really feeling sadhgjkfjkl-- maybe after my next reread I will!

Anyway! All I can say for now is i am OBSESSED and clingy and co-dependent Azul has moved up on my list of my favorite kind of Azul <3 And gosh, Mera! You have been COOKIN PLENTY haven't you??? with Eden and His Blueberry Eyes, you're treating us 💞💞

AAAAAAA I FEEL SO CRUEL...... T_T but I'm also immensely satisfied because I never thought I would finish this fic! HBE was actually a story I started writing in June with the intention of describing the depth of Azul's eyes while also writing about a scenario in which he may accidentally/intentionally kill his darling. It's such a sad premise because Reader and Azul had such a cute dynamic in the beginning. They were living such a sweet, comfortable life, but it was doomed from the start because Azul has always been obsessive like that. ;;;; I didn't think I would ever return to it, but vengeance truly did light such a strong flame in me. >_<

I hope it was a very sad read. I kept listening to this song while writing it because it suits the story so well! AAAA I'm so happy you can like this version of Azul! He's so scary and so unhinged. He will find his happy end in prison. (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)

But omg yes I have been cooking a lot lately!!!! ᕙ( •̀ ᗜ •́ )ᕗ this is what happens when I finish two uni projects LOL. I have to reward myself with writing fanfic hehe. <3 I'm glad you enjoyed both Eden and HBE!!!!!! Now the next big meal I will continue cooking..... TMDG hehehe!!! >:)

[majachee]

GOOD EVENING ! I don't know anything about your OCs but I am willing and eager to learn. May I get a quick introduction to them ? :D And also if they're part of a or several stories I'd love to hear about them hohoohoho

OMG OMG YESSSSS!!!!!

Basic concept: A majority of them are all based on mythology, the pantheons all co-exist and have varying degrees of interaction. The concept of fate and pre-determined destiny has a chokehold on their godly society(s), for better or for worse depending on your ranking. When apocalyptic-level anomalies that defy established destiny start happening worldwide; some dive deep into blind, destructive panic while others see it as an opportunity for their own personal, often selfish, agendas. >:))

Mythology is my special interest, okay LES GOOOO MORE DETAILED ELABOROATION HEHEHE

Main character is based on Sun WuKong... his name is Sun WuKong. He's younger than his literary counterpart and meant to be more of a young adult with murderous instincts natural curiousity about the world around him while still being incredibly knowledgable about his own background, easier for the readers to learn more about the world and story naturally through an equally curious character!

He finds himself joining a small group of gods and past heroes (near the end of his Journey) who explore the aforementioned anomalies in order to learn more about them, and hopefully recruit more members in order to come to a solution. Despite the apparently positive and earnest intention, some members seem to have their own ulterior motives that might be... less than beneficial.

WuKong is loud, impulsive, naturally curious, intelligent, and has a very extreme way of thinking regarding morality and ethics. Both good and bad.

My character based on the Six-Eared Macaque is, much like his original counterpart, meant to work as a foil for WuKong in the beginning chapters. He is WuKong's age (supernatural equivalent of 18-20 years old) and had a much more harsher, stricter upbringing in comparison. He is someone who is incredibly insecure and projects those perceived flaws of his onto others, which is what lead to him hunting down and fighting WuKong before being struck down. Doesn't help that he only knew the other monkey via rumors.

Macaque is often manipulated by older gods and finds himself being coerced into a group that exploits the anomalies and the exposed loopholes of fate and prophecy for their own, very specific agenda; Vengeance. The members of this small yet loud group felt mistreated and likewise exploited by the gods on top, and now see these events as an opportunity to strike. As time goes one the leaders of this group (Loki, Boreas, and Ate) use more extreme methods to keep their members in check, as most of them have been emotionally manipulated into joining.

These two groups clash for the entire story, but it's subtle before they directly meet in Midgard and the land(s) of the Æsir.

Some examples of these anomalies include; Ra disappearing mid-day, Fimbulwinter sweeping over Scandinavia while Baldr is alive and well, unrest in the collective underworlds and a great plague coming from the Mediterranean.

There's more info in my oc tag and lore post tag, but half of it is outdated (mainly world building + story, character related stuff is p much the same.) BUT YEAH !! That's the basis of my main oc story + my silly monkey boys with Issues(tm)

I've been working on these characters since early middle school, help.

[raxistaicho]

I am the blade of vengeance. They dare only whisper my  name: Raxis.

While I appreciate Nilsh signal boosting my condemnation of Diaphin... Why’d he remove my name? I’m quite proud of that post.

This isn’t even the first time he did it.

That’s me there at the top, he cut off my name for some reason.

See?

Also, “he got word”, heheh. I wonder if he’s trying to scrub from his memory that time he tried to sneak in and got insta banned. Anyways, why does he keep cutting off my name specifically? Is this like a speak of the devil kinda thing?

[jake-g-lockley]

Hey!! Do you have any moonboys fluff recommendations? I honestly feel like ive read everything 💀

Hi my sweet anon! Sorry for the late response but here are a few of my favourites!

Now, I can’t find all my faves cuz I’m ABSOLUTELY useless at reblogging or saving my fave fics :”) BUTTTT, I GENUINELY LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE FEW WRITERS’ WORK SO CHECK THEM OUT <3 (if I do miss anyone out, I still love you very much, I am just very dumb)

Rasmalai juice staining her lips (Moon Boys x Desi!Reader) by @brekkers-desigirl 

Hello? Literally the fic that got me to start writing fics

But also mad cute cute

Cough Syrup (Steven Grant x reader) by @romanarose

THE SICK FIC that got me through COVID

Super duper cute, for starters, also very comforting 

Sleep is for the Weak (Marc Spector x reader) by @luke-o-lophus

Now, as you all know my workaholic ass literally read this and went like, “yup I need that but I also won’t stop working cuz I don’t have Marc Spector.” 

But this was mad cute, big love

Where's Taweret When You Need Her? (Moon Boys x Reader) by @howaboutcastiel

SRXDTCFYVGUBHINJ

Period fic ofc

Just my boys being the most adorable humans 

Vanna Kolathil Vaanam! (Moon Boys x Desi!Reader) by @dystopian-reverie

(https://at.tumblr.com/dystopian-reverie/hi-this-is-wysteria-clad-just-tossing-idea-of/gs4r1au0oiu1)

This just warmed my tamil heart :”)

Fate Laid Differently In a Taxi Ride (Jake Lockely x fem desi!reader) by @cherryesskisses 

MY MOM WROTE THIS FOR ME<33333

Literally warms my soul

Cucumber face mask and Fist of Vengeance. (Jake Lockley x reader) by @wysteria-clad

Jakey fluff <3

Again, my heart was squeeeezing when I read this 

But yea, those are some I have permanently etched to my brain hehehe, hope you like them too <33

[inkyclive]

ahhhhh happy thursday 🥹🥹🥹

thank you do continuing to feed us on another glorious day ❤️❤️❤️

honestly having her breakdown clive is so managing to think of. and maybe it’s just me but i imagine clive being a wee sexually repressed not to say he’s a virgin but he doesn’t just like do it just to do it yknow all that vengeance will be mine bs

but there is like just something about reader and how she pushes all his buttons. he doesn’t realize she’s a distraction until it becomes apparent that it’s a good one??? like he doesn’t just feel good after interacting with her but his head feels clearer??

and when he gets to pin her all those thoughts just go brrr. he’s always had trouble controlling his fate but controlling this pretty little thing between his thighs? oh he can do that and he can do it well

I just asgdghfjnycjh im so happy sharing thoughts and hearing your takes 😭😭 you’re the only one I can 🥹🥹🥹🐥🐥🐥

aw hehehe anon ur so sweet!! thank u for interacting with me!! c:

no okay SAME SAME because i think that his only sexual encounters have been at brothels when he’s rly horny or he needs to wind down/let out excess stress or something along those lines, meaning he’s never actually had to do anything. they’ve always handled it all, they’ve always done it all for him, because it was their job and it was a service he was paying for. so when it comes to actual intimate relationships and sex that isn’t an explicit service, he’s kind of fucking clueless. like he can fuck, obviously. he can flip you over and snap powerful hips and make you cum, but it only really happens when he’s super pent up, super angry, or both—almost like an innate, instinctive, primal thing, you know??

oooooh hehehe you are going to LOVE the reader for my clive centered au then!!!!!! i kinda wanna share the premise with u but i also rly want to keep it a surprise!!! >.< let's just say i love writing clive with a reader who knows just how to get under his skin, just the right buttons to push to get him wound up so tight he fucking snaps <3 those are literally the words i have in my notes for that series!!!!

exploring more purposeful sex with him would be really interesting!!! it’d definitely be an adventure! i definitely think he would pick it up really easily and be somewhat of a natural at it the moment he understands it (‘it’ being a kink or a technique or whatever etc). YEAH YEAH YEAH SEEEEEEE like this innate thing!!!!! like his mind just fogs over with intense, extreme lust, and his instincts take over, and he just fucks the absolute life out of you <3 idk like the man oozes sex appeal; he just seems like one of the lucky few who, even when he doesn’t really know what he’s doing or is drunk on this hedonistic rage, can still fuck you and fuck you well, can still make you cum more than once, like he has this fucking talent for it <3 his cock is pretty as fuck too i know it i just KNOW it <33333 joshua’s, too HEHE

waah ur so cute!!! no it’s the same for me tbh!! no one around me has even played any of the final fantasy games so i just scream to myself and write myself fics LMAO. finally with xvi i was like my god just make a blog for fun and go scream into the void hehehe so here i am! ALSOOO every time you sign off with a lil chicky i think of a lil babie chocobo HEHEHE <333

[katerinaaqu]

Okay I love you for this OP truly because you understand the complexity of the situation. Even the oath thing. The oath was binding them all in the most sacred way. At that point they had the obligation to March at war. Unfortunately the tragic irony is that for Odysseus not killing his son was also a consequence for him to follow the oath similar to Agamemnon who took the decision to sacrifice his and not painlessly if we read the passage of the Iliad where he retaliates to Calchas for his decision to remove yet another thing from him he considered precious.

Now I do not remember Agamemnon himself being named as one of the actual suitors of Helen. I do know he was acting as a representative to his brother Menelaus to organize his participation to the race of her hand but I will need to check it out. Also for Odysseus I am not entirely sure if the title "consolation prize" fits given how arguably Odysseus had his eyes set on Penelope already or according to some mentions I saw in the past Odysseus didn't even think he had real chance against Helen anyways. So the Oath was a way for him to bargain his way out of the race for Helen's hand without appearing a coward or embarass himself so he could pursue Penelope or/and so that Tyndareous would vouch for him to his brother because Icarius didn't seem warm on the idea of Odysseus. Either way need to double check both the things you mention hehehe 😉 also by "foreign kings" I suppose you mean "outside Laconia/Sparta" right? Yeah which was another common trope. Ironically we see other examples such as Odysseus sister Ctimene who was married within the same kingdom (Same) or even the suitors of Penelope who were from inside the same kingdom.

Now to your first question;

In my opinion a bit of both. Penelope was not immune to her desire for vengeance. Quite frankly she wished the suitors who harassed her out of the way as well. Penelope though is also a pious woman not only faithful to her husband but also faithful to the gods (and this faithful nature had her tormented for at least 3 years because she honored the customs of Xenia and didn't send the suitors away even if they twisted the custom). No matter how much she wished their deaths or believed them to be right she never acted to it. She didn't call for help or war to remove them neither did she result in indirect measures such as assassination or poison. Therefore both the act of cheating and the act of murder go against her moral code, thus possibly leading her to condemn her cousin for what she did but at the same time sympathize or be sorry for her.

She did witness her son being in harm's way. Arguably for her it was her first and only child as well so she knew the pain of the mother seeing their child nearly destroyed. She admired also her husband for making the decision to reveal himself potentially even humiliating himself when he revealed his own ploy and go to war for the sakes of their son. She would absolutely understand the feeling. Of course if she knew the full truth that it was the will of the gods and not humans to send Iphigenia to the altar I am pretty sure she would be even more confused and sympathetic to Clytemnestra knowing that her madness in sorrow comes from the inevitable nature of humans to obey the gods even if it is cruel and humans also blaming each other for their actions and for good reason too oftentimes.

Now would she do the same? In my opinion no. She would never murder her husband. Penelope seems the type of a person to make her point by bravely ending her own life first than killing the man she once loved or whom she swore to live with especially as I said before when laws of gods are involved. Would she never be the same again? Absolutely. She would probably never look at him again or never interract with him etc. But then again Odysseus is not foreign to atrocities either that being said Penelope did hear a small introduction from Telemachus at how Menelaus saw Odysseus trapped with Calypso and didn't make inquiries or doubt her husband. Now if her own child was at steak of course her resentment for him would be real (let's face it for any soul would hit different that a man harms your own kid than any other group of people) but as I said before Odysseus is not foreign to atrocities and the things he did would already shadow any relationship but Penelope doesn't seem to be feeling so. Therefore I do not think she would ever conspire cheat or murder her husband like Clytemnestra did for her own very soul. But I could definitely imagine her killing herself or being irredeemably cold or even hateful with her husband.

I hope my rumbling makes sense

What do you think Penelope thought of Clytemnestra?

They were cousins. Both engaged as a consolation prize to men who had courted Helen, men who had sworn an oath to go to war to protect Helen's marriage. Both semi-divine princesses of Sparta, married off to foreign kings.

Odysseus, who very nearly killed their son in order to avoid the war, but couldn't. (He nearly avoided his oath by feigning madness, but had to abandon the ruse because it endangered baby Telemachus) In sparing Telemachus, condemned himself to war.

Agamenmon, who made the choice to sacrifice his daughter in order to ensure the war could begin and their oath kept. In killing Iphigenia, he placated Artemis and allowed the fleet to set sail for Troy.

Penelope was left with the memory of a husband who loved their son more than peace, and she stayed faithful.

Clytemnestra was left with the memory of a husband who chose war over their daughter, and she took a lover and planned her vengeance.

Do you think Penelople condemned her cousin, or empathized? Do you think she would have done the same thing, if their fates had been reversed? Do you think she sometimes wondered what would have happened if their husbands had chosen differently, or why such a thing was a choice given to husbands at all?

[chickenroost]

Chapter 5 - Into the Earth

She sighed a bit. "I'm sorry that I broke your teeth, but you were going to kill me! I had to do something!"

Creed smirked as he looked to them, then slowly shot a deep red flame from his mouth out to the side of the group. He then roared and opened his mouth to reveal his teeth fixed as if they were never broken. Keir blinked as Creed smiled. "Fools...My clan can speed up our blood and use some of our pure flames to fix a little damage like this. Another gift we learned through our own strength and power. Still, it's impressive you are somewhat able to defend yourself. Guess I'll have to think of better ways to kill you later. Hehehe."

Keir sighed. "You're despicable."

She looked to him in wonder and surprise at them being fixed. "I had no idea you could do things like that..."

Frost looked to him questioningly. "What about her really troubles you so much? She is my charge not yours."

Creed snarled. "I'm not happy with this human. It's more that I can small the scent of the younglings that died by her people. Promising younglings. Snatched away. Snuffed out like a small fire. I’d kill to have vengeance."

She snapped at him. "I hated the sight of it! The way they killed that mother who only wanted to defend her children...more that they smashed the eggs who had done absolutely nothing to deserve that. I couldn't take it! When that man told me to give him this egg, I told him no! It's not much, but I could at least protect this one...and they are not my people! I told you. I am from Oarth. I only entered the village because that's where I was brought when it got burned. I had no idea they would do that to Eiwyen. She was a kind person."

He huffed and stayed quiet, a bit. "...A dragon is able to sense when a person is lying. Although, I sense no lies, I sense that is not all you felt. Eiwyen was different from the others...She gave your race too much attention and freedom... I will not be so easy. You will have a chance to prove your words and a choice to make someday. Till then, I have no interest anymore in wasting words with your kind." He growled and flew a bit away, but followed the group, keeping his solitude.

Keir looked to him; a bit surprised. "I think you touched a raw scale that time...Still, I'd never expect him to back off like that."

Frost sighed. "You can never be too sure what to expect of anyone, I suppose. Regardless, however, we have arrived." He dipped below the clouds to hover over an earthen crater in the ground. It was massive and almost like a labyrinth when one looked at it from above.

The girl looked to the circular expanse in wonder with wide eyes. "Woah..."

Frost chuckled a bit. "Welcome to the earth kingdom, younglings." They edged down to the inner rim of the stone city, landing down in one of cracked, paved slabs that served as a clearing among the bustle of the people there. Once landed, he slid her from off his back to her feet before transforming.

Keir and Creed landed next, transforming as well as they did. Creed growled. "This place is as much of a dirt hole as ever I see."

Keir growled. "As if the fire kingdom is any better."

Creed nodded. "It is. It's much hotter and more humid."

She looked over at them. "So, you prefer it warmer? But, do you mean you've been here before?"

Creed smirked, closing his eyes. "It's dirty and damp here. The sign of weaklings, rats who work with wet dragons. I guess even dirt needs water, though. Hehehe."

Keir growled. "Talk like that will only get you targeted by water and earth, you know."

He laughed. "I'm not afraid of water or earth."

She tilted her head, thinking. "You sure are confident of yourself...but even if you are strong, you seem like you are hiding something and pushing everyone away from you."

Keir smirked as Creed shook his head and turned away. "That's not for you to concern your short life over. I'm more interested in what the dragons will think of when they see you. Hopefully, it will be anger. Frost, you know that most of these dragons lost something to humans. Bringing one here will cause sparks and maybe even fire."

Frost smirked. "That may be so...but she's also our only little clue towards the hunters at the moment. Which is precisely why I requesting the help of Xial. As for you two, I presume you won't want to hang around for too long? Besides that. I'm afraid I'll have to chance it. With that boy running amuck, I couldn't exactly leave her there nor the egg behind."

Keir shook his head. "I'm here to help, my lord. Besides, this is a request that the dragons all agreed on. More than that, I want to help. We have to stop them before they become worse and cause more pain."

Creed huffed. "I'm not as noble. If it wasn't for the decision, I'd have hunted them down myself. Still, this makes it easier. If the hunters come, I'll be ready. I'll burn them into ashes for making an orphan of this child. If you want me to be sympathetic, then lets just say I'm here to protect this child when the human runs off scared and tries to drop it."

Frost nodded. "Very well...I suppose for now we - " He was cut off, however, by the sound of a commotion behind them. A dark-haired figure was trying to get past a pair of guards who had decided he was suspicious.

He was holding several log books and glaring at the guards with disdain, as if wondering why he had bothered to be here at all.

Creed looked to the commotion and focused on the character. "Looks troublesome."

The nearest guard frowned. "State your business here."

The figure sighed. "I already told you. I'm here at the request of the ice king."

Frost blinked. "Ah, is that you, Xial?" He called over and the figure strode out around the guards with a nod.

Xial spoke. "Yes, yes, but what is it you need me for this time?"

"Hold it!" The guard huffed, striding over to them. "And just why is she holding an egg? Did you catch one of the human thieves?"

"Better yet, why is the fire dragon prince here?" Another guard came up, eyeing Creed. "This isn't your romping grounds."

Creed blinked, then stared down the guard with a low growl as the air sizzled around him. "A lowly mud puddle like you has no right to question me. All you need to know is I'm here because of that egg. Now get out of my face before I burn you into nothing but dust like what you call home on."

The guard glared at him. "What did you call me?!" He smirked. "Go on, attack me. Would only give our king more of a reason to consider a war against your hot-headed kind." The other guard was looked to him in irritation as well.

He yawned and shook his head. "Any king that would attack us over you two pathetic puddles of water is not worth our nation's time. Besides, I'd not want to stink up the air more than it does now by burning you into mist. This human does half the stink for you and she doesn't even have water powers." He smirked. "Heh."

She frowned. "Hey, I don't stink!"

Frost growled in annoyance. "Regardless, he is my guest and to be respected as such."

The guards growled in annoyance, clearly agitated, but a hand on both their shoulders caused them to jump. "Well then, I do believe an explanation is owed to me, now isn't it?" A tall figure spoke in a rough, but clear monotone, as he scowled at the group.

Creed sighed. "And the puddle only gets bigger. I've had enough. Lord Frost, tell them something so we can get out of this watery sinkhole."

Keir growled. "Creed! Show some respect. You're making a fool of Lord Frost."

Creed gave him a curious look. "Oh?" He walked over to him, giving him a glare. "What I've done is sat here in this damp land and listen to babble. You care to entertain me, suck up?"

Keir growled, snarling a bit. "Keep trying. I am getting tired of your hot breath ruining our time."

Creed snarled back, as heat began to rise in his fingers. "You're asking for it. I'm going to burn that kiss ass tongue of yours."

The girl got in between them both, looking to the two dragons. "Would you both stop trying to dig your claws into one another for long enough to find out why Frost even had you two follow him here? And, judging from that dragon's armor, he's pretty high ranking too.."

The man's scowl only deepened further at the sight of her holding an egg in her arms and at disgust at the bickering. "Give me my answer and give it now, Frost. What are they all doing here?"

Frost rubbed his temples. "If you could but spare a moment of your patience, Daedalus, I can explain everything, gladly. That egg you see there..."

The man sniffed the air and let out a low growl. "She's been around crushed nestlings and you still dare to let her hold that egg at all?!"

Frost growled. "As I was trying to say, it's a bit more complicated than that."

Daedalus growled back. "How dare you bring a dragon slayer into my territory, Frost! How calm do you expect me to be?"

The girl spoke up now. "I am not a dragon slayer. I have never killed a dragon!"

A loud crash suddenly sent the two guards from before crashing into a nearby building with a boom, and the crumbling of stone around them. A large boulder sunk slightly into the cracked clearing from where it had been thrown to. This caused their eyes to draw sky wards. Daedalus flew up to meet the attackers into the clouds, along with more guards, as a massive brown dragon.

Creed blinked, looking to the skies. "What? Now what the heck is going on? Can't you fools even guard your own land?"

Keir moved next to Frost, eyeing the intruders. "Lord Frost! Those men..."

Frost growled. "Attacking so soon? You three...Take her to the black dragon kingdom. Xial, give this letter to your father. Do not let it fall into any hands other than his. And Creed...make sure you guard them all like your life depends on it. Because so help me if you abandon them, I'll make sure it will. Go. Go now while you still can. And, Keir, don't let her or that egg out of your sight." He flew off into the skies as dragons and their riders began to dip below the clouds, after the group. Frost froze two of them, but six more zipped on past as two each headed towards the three dragons around her.

[ectoplasmer]

Hmmmmmmm R, B, M, & I for the alphabet prompts. >:3

HI AMATA!! thank you for the asks and for giving me an excuse to talk about my boys <3 these were really fun to answer!!

r = romantic; is anyone a bit of a sap for their partners?

ME!! I AM!!! sappiest one here and I won't even try to shy away from it. I think all of us have our soft spots for each other and that we all have our sappy moments, but I'm definitely the one who has them most often or is just *inherently* that in our relationship. All too often I just get bursts of affection for the boys and am sooo vocal about. Obviously I don't think that's a bad thing, all of them have been through things and I think it's a good thing to constantly tell them how much I love and appreciate them. They just give me a lot of feelings and sometimes I have to get sentimental and emotional about that ^^

b = bed; what’s the sleeping situation like? are there regular sleeping arrangements - does anyone like to sleep alone?

SOMEHOW we manage to fit into my bed every night: Ryou/Bakura sleeps closest to the wall, Marik/Melvin sleeps on the side closest to the nightstand, and I sleep between them in the middle :3c we say it's so the heat is evenly distributed and no one gets too hot/too cold (bakuras are stupidly cold while the mariks are stupidly warm) but in reality it's just because I like being able to hold/be held by either of them at any time hehehe.

We don’t usually sleep apart, but if we’re staying somewhere while on a trip (like a hotel or airbnb or something) and the bed isn’t big enough for all of us, Bakura is usually the first to offer to sleep somewhere else. it gives him a chance to actually sprawl out and have room unlike in our bed lol. that’s like on reeaally rare occasions though and if it’s literally impossible for one of us to fall asleep we’re all too clingy for our own good to sleep separately agdjfhd >_<

m = memories; is anyone more on the sentimental side?

Surprisingly or not I think Melvin is actually the most sentimental of us (aside from me, but I already answered for a similar question!!). As opposed to the sap question, I think he's a lot more lowkey about it than I am and it’s more internalized than anything. I think he’s the one who’s come the farthest in terms of personal growth since the beginning of this relationship, and it’s pretty obvious.

I like imagining that he’s the kind of person to hold onto stuff or specific things that the others have said because he thinks it’s important or holds some sort of emotional value for him. He’s spent all this time being full of negative emotions, being full of vengeance and anger and frustration, so I think he deserves to hold onto and be at least a liiittle sentimental about more positive things and our relationship :) he deserves all the good feelings now!!

i = in sickness and in health; when someone falls ill, who’s the carer and who’s the germaphobe? is there anyone that resists being looked after?

I feel like Marik fits both these roles simultaneously: he's really quick to try and help to make whichever one of us isn't feeling the best better (constantly needing some control as usual cough cough) but also he's not the best when it comes to whatever grossness that comes with it lol. Ryou's probably the next best bet when it comes to who's the carer: he (canonically!!) has a strong immune system and doesn't get sick too often, and he's usually unphased by the concept of germs and whatever other symptoms come with sickness. He's not the best at knowing what medicines or foods and things like that work to help with sickness but he's trying his best!! and Marik can help him out with that anyhow.

unsurprisingly both Melvin and Bakura are the ones who usually resist being taken care of when either of them get sick. more often than not Marik and Melv get sick from me (bad immune system since they lived underground for so long) and that usually means Melvin gets all fussy and reluctant about having anyone else help him since he can "sort it out on his own" (and then five minutes later he's hacking up a lung lmao). He’ll usually stand his ground about not being looked after but he’s not adverse to being given some care as long as he doesn’t think it’s out of pity from the rest of us. Bakura.... well, Bakura is Bakura. he's blunt and stubborn about not needing help with things and that doesn’t stop at physical ailments. However, if the sickness lasts a few days (rarely ever does: again, his host has a strong immune system!!) he'll give in to rest and being given care with some coaxing because he guuuesses it won't hurt if it's just for a little while. he supposes. puts on a whole begrudging act about how it “had to come to this” as if he doesn’t really love having the attention lol

[theharrowing]

Well, we already know 1-5, but do you have nostalgic stories attached to any of them? - 🗡️

DAGGERRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"we already know 1-5" 💀💀💀 i feel like spotify dunked on me lmaooooo.

1:

Polar Night was definitely the first song on the album that really drew me in. i was doing dishes/cleaning around the house while playing this album on my TV, and i kept walking back to the living room to play it again...and again..........and again......hehehe.

2:

the mv for Haegeum inspired the entire direction for the Collateral sequel, and as i was obsessively playing it on repeat on youtube, i actually wrote a large chunk of the first chapter. and it's just been sitting on my drive since april, waiting for Collateral to end.

3:

give it to me is one of my like...need to walk fast to the bus/kick into high gear to clean/generally feeling like a badass songs. it's also on one of my fic playlists (and was originally on another) and i listen to those playlists a lot when i write, so it's not really surprising that this is here. i also played a playlist that had Agust D tour setlist on REPEAT in April and May and probably also June, so that's probably why all 4 of these songs of his rank so high. (i think i just cracked my own code, honestly.)

4:

D Day became my stand in the shower and wake the fuck up and face the fucking day song this semester, and during end of last semester, and during much of the depressing summer.

5:

i have been OBSESSED with BIBI since like 2021 so i'm not shocked that she's in my top 5, because i had her album Lowlife Princess on fucking REPEAT when it came out. and this is one of the first songs on the Collateral playlist, which i listen to quite a bit!

ok whew! that was a lot. THANKS FOR ASKINGGG!!! (i saw your other message and i am going to get to it after a couple more music asks!!!)

ask me about my spotify tracks! 🎶

[travelers-of-the-multiverse]

the-rat-house

Husband and wife? Daroach can't help but feel a bit awed - and jealous. For as much of a flirt he was, he would love to have a stable relationship with someone who could go on the adventures he and his crew did... And here Reyna had two!

"I must have gotten very lucky then, finding a traveling companion who values their crew so much. It is something I value very much."

Beyond waving to those they pass by, he doesn't say much else as they walk, until they come across the ship. He lets out an impressed whistle; what a looker! And quite the name, too! As much as Daroach enjoyed the flair of his own ship, he'd be a liar if he were to claim this one didn't look, well, really fucking cool.

"Now that is a ship!" He exclaims, not hiding his enthusiasm.

"I consider myself lucky, to have been surrounded by the people I've come to meet in life." She says with a soft smile. Many others would say it was the other way around, that they were lucky to have her in their lives. But she didn't consider it like that, as it was meeting them that gave her the experiences she's had.

"Hehehe. Indeed, the Aerial Vengeance is our only ship of her kind currently. We may build more in the future, but for now, she's the only one." She says as the bay doors open. Standing at the top of the entrance were two other lizards. One was a male, with golden armor, emerald eyes, and a sword and shield at his side. The other was female with fine silk robes and jewelry, also emerald eyes, and a dagger and wand on her sides. Both were red scaled too.

"You must be the fellow that had approached Reyna for this excursion. Greetings, I am Sadan, Emperor of the Ancient Empire and husband of Reyna and Sadha." The red male lizard introduces himself with a curtsy.

"I am Sadha, Empress of the Ancient Empire, and the wife of Sadan and Reyna. I am intrigued to see where this adventure will take us." The female lizard says with an intrigued smile.

[bread-tab]

i saw The Batman (2022) in theaters last week. went in with low expectations. loved it. had an existential crisis afterward :)

(putting a read more here because spoilers, megalomaniacal ranting, etc.)

it's a very pretty movie with a lot of cinematic artistry (that scene with the flare? omg). they unapologetically made Gotham a parody of dark 20th century NYC where it's constantly raining while somehow making 21st century culture and technology fit seamlessly into the picture and i want to live there please (the city of my dreams). they explored some deep, relevant themes without getting anvilicious. the character writing and acting were great; lots of chemistry, arcs and conflicts that made sense. fun. ridiculous. took itself seriously despite the absurdity, but not *too* seriously.

the pacing of the movie was a little funky (third act was all over the place, idk if the whole thing even *fits* a traditional 3-act structure) but i don't care because they've created a Batman who is enough of an insane, badass weirdo that for the first time, i can almost believe the whole "i am vengeance, i am the night, i beat up criminals in my armored fursuit" shtick could work in real life and be taken seriously. and at the same time they made Bruce Wayne a scrunkly emo disaster nerd who was raised by an ex-spy butler and it shows. peak interpretation of the character. and Jim Gordon in this movie is my favorite person in the universe and their friendship is perfection incarnate.

this was a good movie. i loved it. and i DEEPLY regret having seen it.

i have been thinking about it and reading a ton of Batman, Batfam, and Justice League fanfiction all week and getting sucked into batblorbo hell. this is how i consume media. but in the midst of that process i realized...

i did *not* need to see Batman as a depressed autistic millennial with a bizarre, idealistic life mission he hyperfixates on at night instead of sleeping

do you know how much effort i have to put in daily to *not do that*???

ffs

i did not need those tendencies validated

BATMAN IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE RELATABLE

and the deeper into the rabbit hole (batcave) of Bat-content i go the more i realize that he's been like this all along and i've been narrowly dodging this fate for a solid decade. i only escaped this when i got into superhero stories in 2011 because i imprinted on Martian Manhunter instead. (my underappreciated green son <3)

unfortunately, i too am the sort of person who, under the right circumstances, would try to solve the world's problems by dressing up in a ridiculous costume and fighting crime at 3 a.m. while having a dramatic inner monologue about justice. (especially if i had kept up with my martial arts lessons when i was 19. good grief. i guess there's a bright side to failing at that.) i, too, would be physically unable to stop myself from adopting half a dozen orphans, hiding them under my cape, and allowing them to live out their incredibly weird aspirations. (heck i would do that right now if i actually had money and my own house and wasn't quite so depressed)

one time i was discussing my struggles with mental illness with my dad and mentioned that i have no idea what my life would be like now if i hadn't had his and mom's support growing up. i have no idea where i'd be. i might be dead. but on the other hand—what i have not told my dad is—i'm also extremely stubborn, have a very strong will to survive, and spent my entire childhood really wanting to get into a righteous fistfight with someone who deserved it and being disappointed when the opportunity never presented itself. i could...genuinely...have decided to become some sort of ridiculous costumed vigilante, given the means. (so this being real life that's two points toward ending up dead.)

and um. even though i do have parents and am aware that this is real life. i refuse to admit how many times (and until what age) i still put *real consideration* into what it would take to be some sort of freelance private eye/vigilante/inventor/actual magician in real life. (physically and, you know, *legally.*)

so...with that context...

there is a part of me that is very grounded and realistic and cynical. does anything i do really make a difference? if i push myself to my limits, get better, and try to make the world a better place, will it mean anything? there's a lot of shame, despair, and self-loathing in there. this is the part of me that is depressed.

there is also a part of me which is stubborn, brazenly honest and weird and unyieldingly hopeful. if there is light in the darkness, i will find it. if there is none, i will make it. i will *become* it. creativity, determination, empowerment. that is the core of who i really am.

demon on my left shoulder. angel on my right.

there are two wolves inside you and the one thing they agree on is BOTH OF THEM REALLY WANT TO BE THE FUCKING BATMAN

*head in hands*

boy. you are broke. you have the upper-body strength of dry spaghetti. you *know* there is no one you can punch to solve crime, poverty, or world hunger. you know the dramatic angsty way of doing things is, above all other considerations, inefficient. you KNOW that your best shot at making the kind of difference you want is to drag yourself back to college and become a social worker, run for some form of public office or other leadership position, and/or get involved in one or more mutual aid/activist/charity movements. All of which require leaving the house IN THE DAYTIME and developing fucking social skills!

...god it would be so much easier to be batman.

(and that's why bruce wayne is relatable, thank you for coming to my TED talk)

so yeah i have no idea to explain all that nonsense to my therapist, but on the bright side, i have a great new way to motivate myself.

"what would Batman do in this situation?"

"..." *sigh* "he'd get up and fold the goddamn laundry."

(except when it backfires)

"in this situation Batman would stay up all night and investigate!"

"NO."

[forcebewitht]

The Loving Curse Of A Wicked, Beautiful Queen Of Mean (Overblot!Vil Schoenheit X Reader)

(Fanart Link: https://twitter.com/mtzk00/status/1349799061218488322?s=19)

A sigh was all too quick to escape your lips as you observed the spectacle that was going on. You had been receiving bad vibes from Vil here and there for quite a bit now- and it was finally time. You just knew. Grim and yourself decided to hide behind a corner to spy on Vil. His body was honestly rather rigid...yet loose as he walked. Like a doll that had learned to walk and was preparing to swing out a long, thin arm at any moment. Vil delivered some swift knocks to Neige's door within the hallway of the backstage area of the arena currently being used for the VDC. You were quick to shush Grim and peer around the corner. Vil's expression was…void. Utterly barren of any and all emotion, as though the great star was finally beginning to dim out. Neige soon opened the door, and an exchange between the two was given. Vil had tried giving Neige some apple juice as a "gift"....that is, until Rook strided in on the scene. The sound of Rook calling Neige's name down the hall sent a shock through Grim, Vil, and even Neige himself. You noted that Vil's eyes grew a bit too large, a bead of sweat running down his forehead. "NEIGE!" Rook was quick to stride over. The gentle, sweet boy named Neige soon turned his head to Rook as he walked over. Rook smiled a bit at Neige as he approached, a faint dazzle being seen in his eyes simply by looking at the boy. "I am sorry to disturb you. One of the staff members is looking for you- they wished to ask you something about the performance. Roi Du Neige….-ah. I mean Neige." Neige peered curiously at Rook. He allowed his head to angle to the side, his skin as pale and precious as snow and his hair as black as the night sky itself. "Roi Du….the way you speak…..are you, perhaps…?" Rook suddenly was very quick to exclaim after Neige's odd observation. "A-AH! I apologize, I just simply am so thirsty after searching for you for such a long time! Ah…but that apple juice you are holding looks delicious. Care to help me out a bit and give it to me, Ro- ahem. Neige? Please?" Neige blinked numerous times, already handing the juice over as humbly asked. "Y-yes, of course! Not a problem at all! Here you go." You notice Vil's posture go even more rigid at the sight of this event. His eyes grew just a bit larger, and you could have sworn that you heard a suppressed grunt. Your eyebrows furrow. He…..he looked like a schemer who had just been caught...nay….a murderer who had just been caught in the act.

Rook beamed out a dazzling smile to Neige, now continuing on with the juice bottle in his gloved hands. "Ah….thank you, Neige. Now, run along to the stage. And….don't come back again." The sudden shift in Rook's tone took you a bit off guard, now watching him a bit more closely. Neige seemed just as confused, for he bats his eyelashes faintly, his already precious, large doe-like eyes widening just a bit. "...Eh? What do you m-mean by that…" After Neige's delayed question, Rook's body seemed to seize up. He suddenly shouted a bit right at the boy, and you could see his eyebrows furrowing under his bangs. "GO, NOW- HURRY UP!" Neige was quick to listen to the instructions and take off in a sudden sprint. Vil's eyes were locked on Neige as he ran away, now slowly fluttering over to Rook. His lavender eyes squint at his Vice Dorm Leader, the star seeming to back up a bit. "Rook….why…" The Vice, however, did not listen. He seemed to be sniffing the bottle's contents with a content smile, his emerald eyes shutting promptly. "Mmmmm~....what a fresh scent. I simply smelled this alluring beverage for a mere moment, and a delicious, prime, red apple just appeared within my very mind. This product from Epel's hometown is really wonderful!" Rook's eyes soon snapped open, the Vice locking eyes with Vil. He seemed to smile, but a dim in his eyes was evident as well. His tone suddenly became more dry yet heightened, as though a mere zombie under the whims and gaze of the Schoenheit male. "I'll drink all of this without sparing a single drop….Roi Du Poison…" Rook began to tilt the bottle up to his lips. Vil seemed to panic, his eyes widening even more as he rose a hand and backed up some more. You and Grim almost ran out, yet the voice of another stopped you both in your tracks- it was Kalim! "ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOK! STOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPP- NO!" The leader of the Scarabia Dorm suddenly dashed over to Rook with an intense speed. His hand flew out and was quick to smack the bottle out of Rook's hand entirely. The contents splashed onto the nearby wall. Rook backed up in shock, now locking his confused gaze onto Kalim. "Roi D'or?! What are you doing here?! Wait...Grim and [Y/n] are here, too!" You and Grim ran over and stopped before the small group. Grim was the first one to speak, his bright blue eyes widened. "Kalim, did you just smack that bottle that Rook was holding?! Why?!" You were quick to fold your arms over your chest and straighten, staring at Kalim's freakishly serious expression. "He would not have done so without a good reason." Kalim was currently out of breath, gasping for air. "Ah...haaaa…..I made it in time!" Vil's eyes widened evermore, now taking yet another step back. "What….are you….doing…?" Suddenly, an odd squelching sound was heard from the wall where the juice had shattered and splashed. The contents of the juice began to both darken and thicken considerably, the juice itself now a deep, sickly green shade. Your eyes widened as you almost immediately were able to lock onto what was going on thanks to your dreams- it was poison! Grim soon expressed his concerns with the juice's appearance while Kalim turned his head to Vil. Even still, the normally bright boy looked utterly serious. "...Vil. This is the juice that you put a curse on with your Unique Magic, right? I had a bad sensation that something was going to happen concerning you….when I saw your expression whilst watching Neige's rehearsal performance." Kalim's voice deepened a bit, now allowing his eyes to faintly squint at Vil from his current position. "....It is the same expression Jamil had on his face before he Overblotted during the holidays." You turn your head to look at Vil- and freeze. He had locked his gaze right back onto Kalim...there it was again. A bone-chilling, void, utterly vicious stare. His body seemed stiff as his arms rested at his sides. He didn't even look to be breathing, a shadow now being cast over his eyes. This soon changed slightly as he turned his head to Rook. "....Rook. Why did you want to drink the juice? You should know better than anyone….that you would not have remained alive if you drank it." You and Grim shared a worried look- so he was going to murder Neige! Rook blinked a few times at the question, soon giving his answer with the utmost confidence and grace. "I wanted to believe you. The star that has been shining and streaking so far across the sky to reach the top. I believed that you would never commit such a crime and hinder your precious beauty...but. At the same time, if your precious magic and hands had crafted such a wicked tool of vengeance to smite your opponent...I wished to taste it only once. The taste of your poisonous fruits of your obsession for beauty!" Vil backed up a bit more, the sweat running down his forehead once more. Kalim was quick to retort, now worried himself. "What are you talking about, Rook?! I will not let that happen! Hey, Vil! Do you understand how stupid your actions were?! Let's show the other team a performance that will make them feel like worthless potatoes in a sack...Didn't you say we have to win the contest with our show-stopping performance?! Why?! Why would you try to kill Neige just to succeed?!" Vil's expression had shifted back to the blank one as Kalim spoke. Suddenly, upon the last few lines, he began to chuckle. "Heh...heheh…I wish to know the answers myself. But...I have come to realize….THAT I WON'T BE ABLE TO WIN AGAINST HIM! That's w-why I...i wanted to end his life...by my own hands!" Vil's voice trembled and shook with raw power and rage as he boomed out his reply throughout the halls. You gasped as you felt a sudden, odd shift in the air. The poisonous juice upon the ground was beginning to shift into a deeply purple appearance, now. A smoke began to build up from it, already beginning to restrict the proper patterns of breathing from the members of your little team. Kalim began to cough, closing his eyes as Rook warned everyone not to inhale it. "[Y/n], Kalim, Grim! Do not inhale it! This is Vil's Unique Magic- Fairest One Of All! He can put a curse onto any object. That poisonous juice has now been transformed into this restricting mist! If we breathe in a certain amount, our bodies will become paralyzed within an instant! But….one bottle of this could not have turned into this mess….unless….no!" Vil began to back up even more. His eyes widened, tears pricking at his eyes. "D-don't look at me like t-that...STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT! Why….I wanted to become the most beautiful being in the world...but...why am I so...ugly...ugly….UGLY!"

Rook and Kalim began to jump to Vil's defense and say that he didn't kill anyone...but you could already feel the truth of what he was feeling. Vil had acted….like a villain. He was going to murder someone just like one. Your expression was quick to morph into one of raw pity, now watching Vil with a worried expression. He looked so panicked. Like a little boy who had lost his mother within a candy store, or a deer caught in headlights. The male's voice suddenly trembled at Kalim's declaration and boomed out again. "SHUT UP! WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ME?!" Your group began to panic, now watching the juice bubble and fizz into more mist. Vil let out a bone-chilling, deeply crazed laugh of triumph at the sheer fear. "AHAHAHAHAHHA! T-that's right! That's what I want! If everyone else around me becomes ugly….finally...finally….I CAN BECOME THE FAIREST ONE OF ALL!" The air around Vil began to shift. He beamed out a devilish smile. You stumbled backwards- and that was your mistake. Vil's head was quick to whip over to you and lock on. His eyes dazzled as he stared at you. Oh, [Y/n]. Sweet, sweet little [Y/n]. He had to admit, he actually had so deeply wished to allow you to be on his team and not be shunned to the sidelines with that pest of a monster. And yet, you counted as one student. Thus, if he let you in, Grim would have to come along with you. Oh, how he despised that little rule. Vil got a good look at you, his head tilting to the side. My, my...even with that fear, the darling had a certain grace about them that was almost too rich for Vil to ignore. His lips perked up into an even bigger grin. He began to stalk forward, you feeling your legs begin to shake from the sheer intensity of his stare. And just like that...the boy began to sing out a declaration of his own. "I'm so tired of pretending….where's my happy ending? I followed all the rules, I drew inside the lines...I never asked for anything that wasn't mine. I waited patiently for my time...but when it finally came….they called his name. And now, I feel this overwhelming pain! I mean, it's in my veins! I mean, it's in my brain! My thoughts are running in a circle like a toy train...I'm kind of like a perfect picture with a broken frame...and I know exactly who to blame." Vil began to stalk towards you, stepping over his own juice as Kalim and Rook began to cough even further. They began to attempt to fire spells at him to keep him back, but it was useless. He was utterly transfixed on you, now. "I never thought of myself as mean...I always thought I'd be like the Queen! And there's NO INBETWEEN! 'Cause if I can't have that? Then I shall be the leader of the dark and the bad….now there's a devil on my shoulder where the angels used to be….and they're calling me the Queen.." You began to backtrack a bit further. Vil was quick to  suddenly grab you by the arm, now slowly dragging you towards him. You fought and struggled against his vice grip, your eyes wide in confusion and sheer panic. Grim got riled up and began firing more fire spells- but Vil's mist seemed to dissipate most of them. Vil smiled down at you with a bright grin that could make even the toughest of people's blood run cold. "Being nice was my pastime...but I've been hurt for the last time...and I won't ever let another person take advantage of me- the anger burns my skin, third degree. Now my blood's boiling hotter than a fiery sea! There's nobody getting close to me! They're gonna bow to their Evil Queen! Their nightmares are my dreams! Just wait until they fall to my wicked schemes~" Right as Vil had gone to caress your cheek, you were able to jerk yourself from his grip. You stumbled back into the wall, now slowly backing up with the still sputtering Kalim, Grim, and Rook. Vil just smiled even brighter. "I never thought of myself as mean...I always thought that I'd be the Queen! And there's NO INBETWEEN! 'Cause if I can't have that? I would be the leader of the dark and the bad. Now, there's a devil on my shoulder where the angels used to be...and he's calling me...the Queen of Mean….the Queen of Mean!" Vil's head suddenly snapped over to the shattered apple juice bottle, as though he heard a voice. He slowly bent down and picked up a shard that had an apple on the front of it with part of Epel's family name. "The Queen of Mean…." His head slowly craned up, that blank stare back once more. Then, his lavender gaze trailed back to you. He slowly began to stalk forward once more, his head tilting. "Something is pulling me….it's so magnetic. My body is moving...unsure of where I am headed...all of my senses have left me defenseless...this darkness around me is promising vengeance. The price that I'm willing to pay is expensive- there's nothing to lose when you're ugly and friendless. So...my only interest...is showing that 'princess'...THAT I AM THE QUEEN AND MY REIGN WILL BE ENDLESS!"

The mist whipped around your group and knocked Kalim, Rook, and Grim back into the nearby wall. The poisonous substance along with some ink whipped around Vil's form. You gasped, watching the transformation take place. Vil had now Overblotted. He beamed out an even larger smile than before, raising his hands which displayed long, flowing, dark pieces of fabric that attached to the rest of his form. His right eye erupted in a deep purple, fiery glow, a veil upon his head. He looked...wickedly beautiful. Vil's hands raised as his eyes widened, the sheer power that was now coming off of him in waves utterly taking your breath away. "I WANT WHAT I DESERVE! I WANT TO RULE THE WORLD! SIT BACK AND WATCH THEM LEARN! IT'S FINALLY MY TURN!" Suddenly, the whipping of a carpet's tassels in the wind combated with a shouting voice cut through the air- it was Jamil! "EVERYONE, QUICKLY, HOP ON!" Kalim's gaze lit up at his Vice Dorm Head, and he did not hesitate to get on. Rook followed, then Grim. Right when you were about to join- a hand with sharp, claw-like nails curled around your top and yanked you back a bit. Vil made extra careful care with you to ensure that you did not puncture yourself upon the oddly sharp, jagged knive-like belt around his waist. The others began to cry out to you, but you soon locked eyes with Jamil. The boy stiffened, taking heed in your current gaze...and he understood. He was quick to get the flying carpet out of there. You were far more cunning than you looked. You could handle this. Vil seemed to laugh in his triumph, now allowing his hands to trail down your waist and watch the group go... they could wait. "If they want a villain for a queen...I'm gonna be one like they've never seen. I'll SHOW THEM WHAT IT MEANS! HAHA! Now that I am that! I shall be the ruler of the dark and the bad…'cause the devil's on my shoulder where the angels used to be...and he's calling me~" Vil pulled you even closer to him, gently arching your back a bit so that you would not injure yourself upon the belt on his form. He began to trail kisses along your neck in a sickly sweet manner, taking his prize for his wickedness. He chuckled at the feeling of your soft skin against his lips, keeping the motions up. Soon, Vil gently pulled away and spun you around to face him. You felt as though you could shrink under that gaze. "The Queen of Mean….the Queen of Mean…..I WANT WHAT I DESERVE!" Vil's lips suddenly smashed upon your own as he yanked you closer to him. Right as he did so, a crackle of lightning seemed to rumble and shake the grounds of the very stadium, a sudden burst of that mist shooting out past the two of you. Your eyes widened as he kissed your lips, his lips irresistibly smooth, soft, and plump. And funny enough...his lips tasted like apples. Perhaps this was his own, personal poison...the loving curse of a wicked, beautiful queen of mean.

((Hello hello, my lovely Readers! The day has finally arrived, as this fanfiction has! Rook, Kalim, Neige, and Vil were honestly a welcome surprise to write for! I hope everyone enjoyed this, and I shall see you in the next one~ <3