#( he's trying to look respectfully... could be in the present or a flashback!! or even in future when they just start dating pls )
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fadinglights · 3 months ago
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anthony’s  eyes  widen  in  surprise  and  he  hastily  stops  himself  from  choking  on  his  drink.  “you  look  great…  of  course  you  do.”  he  gulps  nervously  when  his  giddy  best  friend  asks  about  the  halloween  outfit,  anticipation  twinkling  in  her  bright  eyes.  “it  suits  you.” / @everseens
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our-death-means-flag · 2 years ago
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idk if you take requests but izzy hands x male!reader who has cptsd. they aren’t dating yet and absolutely fucking hate each other. always at each others throats. one day, ed and stede decide to dock the ship at a certain place, presumably near australia to have drinks with some of eds old buds. as everyone’s moving to get off of the ship & enjoy the land, reader fucking freezes. no one really notices, thinking it to just be him taking in the good view of the town, but he’s having flashbacks. the town they were in was his hometown & he did not come from a good family— I’ll leave it at that. Izzy’s the last one to move off, having been securing some shit at the front & starts to chastise him for being so fuckin slow. he just says something rude as fuck about him just standing there & reader jumps up, clearly startled and tells him to fuck the hell off. izzys surprised at this because for some reason it just felt different— like he had crossed some type of invisible line. reader reluctantly walks to land, hands shaking. Izzy’s just concerned because he’s sort of like what the fuck why don’t they have their dagger against my fucking neck right now. eventually they all go on some type of nature hike, stede’s request, having lived on land majority of his adult life and wanting to explore the newfound territory with Ed. while there the crew (mostly Lucius) is confused as to why reader hasn’t said anything funny or snarky yet. usually he would be the one to make them laugh at shit, if not frenchie or just the ships usual antics. something was just off. the way y/ns eyes glazed over when he saw something vaguely familiar, the ever-so-slight tremble in his left hand. later, lucius says some shit like “are you alright?” And iz just fucking I don’t even know. he corners the reader and sort of passive aggressively orders him to tell him what the fucks going on. cue reader really really really hesitantly opening up after saying some snarky shit in resp to him. maybe it leads to them confessing to each other? or getting really drunk? or cuddling? maybe all three.
Will I Ever Get Out of This Town?
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Ship: Izzy Hands x masc!Reader Summary: A visit to a familiar port brings back horrible memories for Y/N but an unexpected person tries to help. Notes: Per request, masc!reader!  I’m no expert on these topics and my personal experience is kinda lacking but I did my level best to write everything as respectfully as possible. Title from Walking Around a Sh*tty Old Town At Midnight by TheEggoMan (I might start using lyrics or quotes for all fic titles since i’m really bad at coming up with names Warnings: y/n being mean to himself, mentions of past abuse (physical and verbal), cptsd, panic attacks, vague traumatic flashbacks, Izzy being Izzy (he’s trying to help but he’s not great at it), drinking
It hadn’t changed a bit.
You stood on the deck, white knuckle gripping the railing, looking out onto the horribly familiar port town.
Your hometown hadn’t changed a bit.
You weren’t sure what you’d been expecting. 
Well aside from never coming back here. The day you’d left this place behind was the day you’d promised yourself that you’d never come back. And yet, here you were. 
It was pathetic. You were a goddamn adult. It had been years since you’d been here. So why was being here still fucking with you? The rational side of you remembered some of the stuff you’d heard about long lasting trauma but the much less rational and much much louder side of you, kept reminding you that you were still the same terrified kid you’d been all those years ago. That you hadn’t grown or changed at all.
You tightened your grip on the rails. You could distantly hear the chatter of the crew as they all set out on the “nature walk” Stede had insisted on. But your mind was elsewhere. Even as you tried to cling to the present your mind dragged you back into the past. 
Raised voices.
Bruises.
Things breaking.
You breaking.
Being trapped in a life that made the idea of working yourself to death on a pirate ship seem like an improvement.
It all came back. Everything you’d tried not to think about.
You hadn’t even noticed someone approaching until a hand grabbed your shoulder. The instincts you’d managed to train over years of piracy vanished and rather than snapping the offending wrist or pulling your knife, you cowered away, spinning so fast you were almost dizzy and all but slamming your back into the railing, arms desperately pulled up to protect yourself even though you knew full well that it wouldn’t do much.
Chest heaving from exertion your mind finally registered what was actually going on in the present. Izzy fucking Hands, crown prince of asshole himself,was right there looking at you with a confused expression, if he’d said anything you hadn’t heard it. Usually you’d push, make some snarky comments about him or whatever he’d been asking you to do. But you were still gripped tightly by the past so all you could manage was a weak “Fuck off.”
Desperate for a quick escape, you all but ran down the plank to catch up with the rest of the crew, leaving a rather confused Izzy behind.
Izzy had noticed almost immediately that something wasn’t quite right with you. He’d always run a tight ship and keeping an eye out for anyone acting off was part of that. And you’d been off ever since Ed had set out their next course. You’d been quieter than usual. That wasn’t good. A change like that…  It usually meant that mutiny was brewing.
But it didn’t seem to be a mutiny. You were just as polite and respectful as ever with the captain(s).
You just seemed… distracted. When he’d snapped at you for something you’d respond with a generic “fuck off” rather than the usual creative retorts you always managed to give. It was disconcerting.
You were a bastard and Izzy hated your guts but you were also one of few people on the ship with an actual functioning brain. If he gave you an actually important task, you’d tell him off but it would get done well. You were still working but you seemed off.
Your weird behavior had started when Ed had decided on the next port you all were stopping at so Izzy wondered if maybe you were planning on deserting. It was possible. More likely than a mutiny in your case. But that would also be a pain. Not only were you actually competent, but you could also rally the idiots to actually get work done. Losing you would be (as much as Izzy was loath to admit) a hit to the crew as a whole. (Besides Izzy would bet money that Bonnet was the kind of idiot to send a fucking search party of you didn’t come back)
Izzy’s plan had been to stay on top of your movements while at port and drag you back if needed. But contrary to what Izzy had expected, you didn’t jump at the chance to leave the ship, in fact you did the opposite…
You were just standing there, staring off into the distance. Izzy rolled his eyes. Seriously? You really were acting off if you were getting distracted so easily. “The fuck are you doing?” Izzy snarled, already anticipating your snarky response. He didn’t get one. Hell, he didn’t even get a response at all. You didn’t so much as twitch. Izzys irritation won over his concerns and he grabbed your arm. “If we needed something to just stand there motionless, we’d buy a fucking statue! Get fucking moving or-“
He was cut off but not the way he expected. Any other day he wouldn’t have been able to get close enough to grab you and if somehow he’d managed it, he’d end up with your knife at his throat. Instead you spun to face him, a look of abject fear on your face as you cowered behind your hands. You blinked, as if waking up from a dream and glared at him. He expected the usual snarky comment but instead all he got was a weak, shaky, “fuck off” and then you just ran off. More strange behavior. You telling him to fuck off wasnt all that unusual but you typically had more to say. 
But not this time.
Instead Izzy was left standing alone on deck as you all but ran to catch up with the rest of the crew.
Something was wrong.
Something was most certainly wrong. Your actions made it readily apparent. Or rather your lack of actions. 
Izzy had appointed himself as the unofficial watch for this stupid “nature hike” and was doing his damndest to keep the idiot brigade from getting themselves killed. But he couldn’t help but notice you. You usually had a slew of snarky comments about almost any situation. You weren’t too shy about voicing your thoughts. But not today. Aside from a few hums and a yes or no in response to a question, you hadn’t said a damn word. Izzy would be lying if he said he wasn’t kind of missing it. As much as you went along with Bonnet’s stupid schemes, you were much more of a real pirate than the rest and your commentary was annoyingly entertaining. He remembered having to bite his tongue to keep from chuckling at a few of your jabs. It was really off putting to see you so… placid. You just followed along and moved almost in a daze. At one point he'd seen Frenchie grab your arm to pull you over to see something and you’d gone stock stiff under the grip.  But what the fuck was he supposed to do about it? 
Though it seemed he wasn’t the only one… It had been a bit into the nature hike. (If Izzy had to listen to one more fucking dumbass bug and/or plant spiel from Stede Fockin’ Bonnet, he’d probably accept getting murdered by Ed just so he could kick Bonnet’s teeth in a little.) You had been conscripted by Edward to help him hunt down some kind of food and the rest of the idiots were lazing around waiting while Bonnet grabbed a few crewmembers to start a fire. Izzy was watching that trainwreck occur.
“What the hell did you do?” The harsh tone wasn’t all that surprising, what was surprising however was who it was coming from. Izzy glanced to see none other than Spriggs, standing arms crossed.
Izzy sighed. He was so incredibly not in the mood for this shit. “What?” He all but snarled the word. 
Just as before, Spriggs didn’t even waver. “You know what!” Izzy’s expression shifted from annoyed to annoyed and confused. “Y/N! What did you do to him?” 
That caught Izzy off guard. “What I did?”
That only seemed to piss Lucius off more. “Of course you! You’re always being such a fucking dick to him! I saw you yelling at him before we got off the ship and now he’s barely talking to anyone. What did you say?”
A part of Izzy felt a little vindicated to know that he wasn’t the only one who noticed. “I didn’t.” He seemed moments away from being interrupted when he added a curt “I didn’t say anything out of the ordinary. He’s been acting off for a while actually.” Lucius didn’t seem convinced. Izzy huffed a sigh. “The reason I was yelling at him earlier was because he was zoning out. He was just staring. He didn’t even notice me until I grabbed his shoulder. I doubt he even knows what I said.”
Lucius narrowed his eyes. Izzy resisted the urge to fidget under the scrutiny. After a long moment, Lucius finally spoke. “You really don’t know what’s bothering him do you?” Izzy simply shook his head. Spriggs furrowed his brow. “Huh.” 
Before either of them could say anything, Ed interrupted when he strolled back into the clearing, arms full of different fruit. “Hey-o! We didn’t find any snakes but you need to check out all this fruit Y/N found!” You lingered behind, tossing one fruit in your hand boredly, as the rest of the crew fussed over the fruits. Ed all but dumped the fruits into Roach’s arms (who was already rambling about flavors) and looped an arm around your shoulder. 
(Izzy had no idea how you’d managed to befriend his captain so damn fast but Ed seemed more comfortable around you than even some of the Queen Anne’s crew.) 
And usually, you’d have no trouble with Ed’s closeness but, in keeping with how you’d been acting off all day, this time you froze. It was clear you tensed just from the way that your nails dug into the skin of the fruit you were holding. Ed, seemingly noticing your odd behavior, let go and whispered something, his beard making lipreading impossible. You shook your head in response. Ed still seemed concerned but was quickly distracted by Stede, even though he gave you a thumbs up over his shoulder as he left 
The rest of the day went the same way. Izzy didn’t get involved in any of the crew's shenanigans, deciding just to stand back and keep watch. Yet, his focus kept drifting back to you. You were quiet and didn’t really interact much or make many comments. Despite Lucius’ attempts to get you to relax you seemed determined not to. As the day turned to night, you drifted away from the group. Just lingering on the outskirts of the clearing that the crew had chosen as a base, nursing the same drink for what seemed to be hours and just staring.  
Perhaps it was the strangeness of how you were acting or maybe it was the light buzz Izzy was feeling or maybe both, but he found himself walking over to you. Again you didn’t notice him approaching. Which was still very strange. Even if you had been drunk (which you definitely weren’t considering he hadn’t seen you grab another drink and the one you still held in your hand was only half empty) you’d always notice someone approaching you. 
Izzy tapped you on the shoulder, making you jump. You didn’t say anything. Shit. Izzy immediately realized he should have planned what to say but he had approached you rather impulsively. Instead of anything that made sense like a ‘what’s wrong’ or a ‘want to talk it through (ugh)’ what came out of Izzy’s mouth was “The fuck is your problem?”
He realized that was probably a bad move when you glared at him. Your glare wavered. “Fuck off.” You grumbled. “I’m not in the mood for any of your bullshit right now. Go piss off someone else.”
A part of Izzy wanted to back off. But the almost dead look on your face and the ever-so-slight tremble in your left hand, caused him to stay.
 “No, shit. fuck. I’m not… I-” He paused for a long moment as he tried to gather his thoughts. Usually you probably would have let him and waited for him to figure out what he wanted to say. But you were pissed. So with a huff, you moved to walk away. 
And Izzy did another stupid thing. He reached out and grabbed your arm. 
You yanked your arm out of his grip so forcefully that you stumbled backwards and nearly fell, instead your back hit a tree and you all but sank down it, all but cowering behind your arms, drink long dropped. Your arms shook as you stared wide eyed at him but clearly not actually seeing him. The commotion attracted the attention of the rest of the crew.
A beat.
You blinked, seemingly realized what was actually going on, jumped to your feet and, before anyone could do anything, booked it into the woods.
Every breath felt like it caught in your throat. 
You couldn’t believe you’d made such a fool of yourself.  In front of the whole entire crew no less. In front of Izzy.
Despite how long it had been, you still knew the path. Your legs moved almost numbly as you ran but your course was clear. 
You stumbled out onto the ever so familiar cliff side. Shoulders still heaving from the run and your anxiety, you looked out over the entire town, the ocean glimmering under the moon. The small town hadn’t changed.
The rock that you’d always used as a chair was still the same too. You sighed as you sat down. You pulled your legs up against your chest and rested your chin on your knees. You tried very very hard not to cry but, before you could stop yourself, tears were streaming down your cheeks.
 You knew it would be best to go back to the crew. They were probably confused about you running off and you didn’t want them to think you were deserting the ship. But you needed a minute. Even if the crew had decided to follow you for some reason, not only were you probably the most sober but you still knew these woods like the back of your hand. So you had time. 
Then you heard a crack of a branch. You almost missed it over your own heartbeat pounding in your head but being here, at the spot you always used to hide at, made you senses overwhelming.
“Lucius I-” You started as you frantically wiped your face and sat up to take a look at who you assumed to be the well-meaning scribe. Just as you were wondering how he’d managed to keep up, you locked eyes with Izzy Hands. You sighed. “Go on then, laugh it up.” You mumbled.
“What?” The man’s voice was softer than you’d ever heard it.
 You gave the man your best glare (not too effective with your teary eyes and curled posture). “Really? No need to play dumb. Look! Y/N L/N being pathetic. Enjoy the show, asshole!”
Izzy looked woefully uncomfortable. He glanced briefly over his shoulder as if wondering if anyone would swoop in and save him from the awkwardness. No one did. It seemed that (being as good on his feet and less drunk than the crew) he’d been the only one who’d managed to keep up. “I…” He gave another glance. Still no luck. “I wasn’t going to mock you.”
You rolled your eyes. “Then why are you here? Hell, why have you been bothering me all day?” Izzy gave you a confused look. “You yelled at me on deck. You’ve been staring at me all day. You talked to me. And then when I wanted to leave you grabbed me. Then you chased me all the way up here!” You counted off on your fingers as you spoke. If it wasn’t mockery then what? The only other option you could think of was an ass-backwards attempt at murder but it was much too underhanded for Izzy usually.
“I…” Izzy fumbled for words. You resisted the urge to snark at him again. “I thought that you were acting strange.”
“So you decided to bother me all day?”
“I wanted to help.” His voice was so soft you barely heard it. In fact, you immediately assumed that you’d heard incorrectly. 
“What…?”
“I wanted to help.” It was barely louder this time. “You’re competent. A valuable member of the crew. You’ve been acting odd since the captains decided to make port here. I wanted to fix it. I wanted to help.”
A part of you wanted to laugh. He wanted to help so he yelled at you and asked ‘what the fuck was going on?’ it was utterly ridiculous… and absolutely the sort of thing Izz would do. It was an actual attempt to help. You sighed, scooted over and patted the rock. “Come on. Sit down.”
Izzy did, noticeably sitting far enough away that his legs didn’t touch yours. He folded his hands awkwardly in his lap.
You sighed and before you could talk yourself out of it, you spoke. “I grew up here. Seems like I still know these woods as well as I used to.” That got Izzy’s attention. You could see him looking at you from the peripherals of your vision. But instead you stared out at the ocean. Looking at it from here it wasn’t surprising that you’d decided to go out to see and never look back, it glittered like a sea of gems. “I lived right down in that town.” You pointed. “My family…”  Your voice wavered and you paused.  Izzy just stayed silent and let you talk. “ They weren’t very good to me. Let’s just say that not all my scars are from pirating… I used to come up here a lot.  Sometimes sitting out here, even in the cold or the heat, was better than going home. I’d sit here and stare at the ocean and think of sailing away some day. That’s why I left. Why I became a pirate. Would you believe me if I said I think the pirate ship was safer? Sure I could have died but I’m damn sure if I stayed here, I’d already be dead.” You sighed and leaned your head back looking at the stars above you. “And the day I got on my first ship, I promised myself I’d never come back here. I guess that’s what's been bothering me.”
“I see.” Izzy mumbled out. 
“Yeah… They’re all gone by now probably. Nothing interesting I’m afraid.” You teased lightly. 
“No, that’s not what I meant…” He seemed to fumble for words for a long moment. You glanced over at him to see him clearly deep in thought. He’d listened to you ramble, the least you could do was give him the same courtesy. “Most people don’t choose to be pirates unless they don’t have anything left for them on land. I know a bit of how you feel… If I stayed on land, I’d be dead too. I was a street kid. Joined the navy, not completely by choice, then switched sides the first chance I got.” You nodded along. That made sense. Izzy’s precise fighting style made sense. “I’m sorry that happened to you.” He met your eyes somewhat nervously.
“Not much anyone can do to change the past.” 
Izzy shrugged. “I’m sorry all the same.”
You scooted closer to Izzy, letting your leg brush against his. He jumped but didn’t snap at you or pull away. You wrapped an arm around his shoulder and leaned against him. He noticeably relaxed under your touch. “Thanks Izzy. I appreciate you coming out here.”
“Honestly I don't think I helped much.” Izzy muttered. 
You chuckled. “Eh, you did pretty okay for your first try. Talking it through is much harder than it seems, eh?” Izzy grumbled in response but didn’t do much more than that. 
You looked back at the town below. “You know… The whole place looks much smaller now…” And it did. The same town that had felt like your entire world the last time you’d been here was just a tiny town. You could even see the Revenge from here. Your actual home.
As comfortable as it was leaning against Izzy, you knew you had to double back to the crew. You sighed and stood, gently pulling Izzy up with you. “We should probably get back to the crew… Otherwise they might think you killed me or something.” Your tone wasn’t right but it was closer to the kind of jabs you’d normally give. Izzy chuckled.
 Even once you two had stood up, you didn’t let go of Izzy, your arm still around his shoulder. You’d barely made it halfway back to the clearing where the rest of the crew was when a figure jumped out at you. Your knife was in your hands fast but then you realized who it was:  Jim had their knife pointed at Izzy.
“Bastardito! What did you do to him?” 
Before any blood could be shed you chimed in. “Jim! I’m okay. I’m right here. Izzy was helping.” Jim released Izzy and gave you a suspicious look. “Okay I’m not fine but Izzy didn’t do anything to me. He has nothing to do with why I ran off.”
Jim seemed to accept that as they leaned back and yelled “I found them!”
The moment you passed the threshold of the clearing almost the entire crew surrounded you. You were so overwhelmed by the whole crew around you that you almost missed Izzy pulling the two captains aside. 
“Y/N! Are you okay?”
“You had us so worried!”
Lucius was quick to make sure the crew didn’t crowd you too much.
“Alright then everyone! Let’s head back to the ship!” Stede’s chipper voice interrupted everyone. You raised a brow.
“I thought we were sleeping out here tonight?” The Swede asked, confused.
“Yes, well. Change in plans! The ship would be much better than this place! I mean the weather is positively atrocious! Think of the ambiance my good man!” 
Before anyone could ask Stede what the hell he was talking about (it was a clear night? and what was an “ambiance”?) Ed spoke up. “Come on everyone! You heard the captain.”
You spent the rest of the walk to the ship listening to Stede ramble about how most certainly this was not a place you all should be, Ed chiming in that you should pick the next port stop, and the rest of the crew making a point of trying to get you to laugh (succeeding a few times). 
You didn’t get another chance to talk to Izzy until the rest of the crew was asleep. You found him sitting on the mizzen top leaning against the mast, holding a bottle of some kind of alcohol. Without even hesitating you climbed up so you could sit next to him. After a moment of silence, “What did you tell the captains to get them to leave so quickly?”
“The truth. I said that you were uncomfortable here and that we should leave. Simple as that.” He responded.
You smiled. “Thanks Izzy.”
“Of course…” He fumbled for a moment as if trying to find something to say, then he simply offered the bottle in his hand. 
Getting drunk at that port was not something you wanted, but now that you could see it fading in the Revenge’s wake, you accepted. You took a swig and were surprised to find it tasted like good fancy rum. You looked at the bottle and then at Izzy.
“From my stash I took off the Anne. Don’t you dare tell the others, I am not sharing with them.” Izzy explained. 
You chuckled and took another swig before handing the bottle back. “Cross my little black heart.” You promised teasingly. “Although, first you help me out and now you’re sharing your fancy rum with me… I might get the idea that you don’t hate me.”
“I don’t.” Izzy mumbled. 
“What?” 
“I don’t hate you.” His words were almost slurred a little and you realized that the bottle had been half empty. “You’re a good pirate. And funny. I missed your jokes…” He almost whined.
You gently took the bottle back then took a swig for confidence. “I don’t hate you either. You may be an asshole but I can appreciate that.”
Izzy laughed and leaned against you, resting his head on your shoulder. You smiled and adjusted so you could loop an arm around his shoulders and pulled him closer. 
Since you only had one bottle, you couldn’t exactly cheers but you could raise the bottle while you and Izzy were both holding it. “To the future!”
Izzy laughed, his breath tickling your collarbone. “To the future! Fuck the past!”
You couldn’t help but laugh along. “Yeah! Fuck the past!” You held up a middle finger at the lingering lights of a port you’d been trapped in. The two of you continued that way, joking and yelling, until the port faded completely from view. Then you felt Izzy go completely limp against your side. You glanced over seeing he’d fallen asleep. With a small smile, you pulled the bottle from his hand and set it aside before curling up yourself.
As much as you could say “Fuck the past” the burden it left was still there. But as you sat on the mizzen top and watched that damn place disappear over the horizon, on a ship full of people who’d been worried about you, who had changed their plans to accommodate you, with Izzy Fucking Hands of all people asleep at your side, that burden had never felt lighter.
A/N: I did my best to stay true to the request but I made a few small changes, hope that’s okay!  Writing a reader with he/him pronouns was a little tricky. I’m so used to they/them readers.
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cheri-translates · 4 years ago
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[CN] Gavin’s Blessings Date
🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date, 祝福之约, which has not been released in EN! 🍒
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[ This date was released on 28 April 2021 ]
In this desert, there are two legendary figures.
One is a young girl blessed by God, and the other is a bandit who strikes terror in people.
God will bestow the most valuable riches in the world to the young girl in the future, which makes everyone want to own her for themselves.
There is only one person who has absolutely no interest in her -
The bandit who has already seized all the gold, silver and jewels.
-
On this gloomy night, scorching heat seems to cover every inch of land.
A crowd is packed into the cage of a horse-drawn carriage. Lowering my head, I tighten the scarf on my neck.
All of a sudden, the carriage halts outside a large gate.
Bodyguard: We want to make a transaction with your chief, and we guarantee that you'd be satisfied. 
Along with the gradual opening of the gate, what enters my vision is a high wall made of clay, and what looks to be a heavy guarded campground.
The carriage passes through a long sheltered corridor, halting in front of a large bonfire. After that, the slave owner pulls us down from the carriage roughly.
The slave owner before me is someone who commands great respect, and relies on human trafficking to earn huge amounts of money.
Slave owner: Gavin, I’ll go straight to the point.
Hearing the rumoured name, I lift my head towards the man seated on a chair.
Amber eyes reflect the flickering flames, shrouding a strong, dangerous aura.
He leans against the back of the chair, his taut clothes drawing the outline of his figure, revealing faintly discernible muscles.
He gives me a cold glance, then shifts his somewhat arrogant gaze away.
...this person is Gavin.
In this land, there’s nobody who doesn’t know him -
It’s been said that he has a magic carpet that can go up to heaven and down to Hades. It’s also been said that it’s simply a guise for his extraordinary power of wind control.
Not only that. For many years, he’s been stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, and is a thorn that can’t be pulled out from the hearts of the powerful.
Just as I’m thinking about this, the slave owner tears down my scarf, gripping my neck forcefully.
Slave owner: See this mark? She’s MC, the young girl blessed by God.
Young girl blessed by God?
Watching the desperate slave owner and Gavin in front of him, I force out a laugh.
Ten years ago, this inborn mark was bestowed meaning by a well-known wizard -
Wizard (in a flashback): Ten years later, our God will give her the most valuable riches.
Since then, I became the “treasure map” that everyone wanted, leading a life of being continuously captured and escaping.
Slave owner: Gavin, as long as you leave me alone in the future, she belongs to you.
Only the quiet sound of the burning bonfire is in the air, filled with a great sense of oppression.
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Supporting his head with his right hand, he appears to turn a deaf ear to what the slave owner said.
Slave owner: Ten days later, the blessings will manifest! Riches might appear in an unending stream, and by then, you can do whatever you want!
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Gavin: You travelled all the way here... to make me let you go?
A chilly wind suddenly disperses the sultriness of the surroundings. His slightly narrowed eyes are a contrast to the flames behind him, not at all masking his annoyance and derision.
The powerful aura assaults the senses, and the tips of my toes subconsciously shift backwards.
The reason why I allowed myself to be captured by the slave owner was to beat him at his own game, and get close to Gavin. But would I really be able to obtain information from such a powerful man?
A sense of unease surfaces, but I quickly suppress it.
The king said that as long as I helped him get rid of Gavin, I could obtain eternal freedom -
I have to give it a try.
Moonlight and flames intertwine and are reflected on Gavin’s face. Alarm surfaces on the slave owner’s face.
With forced hearty laughter, he tosses me aside. Respectfully, he fills Gavin’s cup to the brim with wine.
Slave owner: I’m sincerely here to do business with you.
Gavin glances at the wine glass by the side. With a curl of his lips, he picks up the glass, swaying it slowly.
He lowers his head and lifts his eyes slightly, the light in his pupils distinct.
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But in the next second, he turns his wrist. The strong scent of alcohol diffuses in an instant.
Gavin: This wine is a little dirty. When you walked through this gate, you should have known what would happen.
The moment Gavin speaks, his men immediately surround the slave owner and his group. 
Slave owner: ...you! Doing this just means both sides lose!
The corners of Gavin’s lips arch upwards, and there are hints of arrogance in his eyes.
Gavin: You seem to have forgotten one fact. I won’t lose.
After the final drop of wine slides off the glass, he releases his hand, and the wine glass strikes the table.
Along with a muffled sound, Gavin brandishes a scimitar and waves it at the feudal lord.
[Note] A scimitar is a short sword with a curved blade that broadens towards the point :>
The sharp blade reflects cold light as it brushes the nape of the slave owner’s neck. Gavin keeps his eyes fixed steadily behind the slave owner.
Gavin: Remember this. I never have to get the things I want through transactions. Get out of my campground.
The feudal lord doesn’t care about anything else, tumbling and stumbling out of the gate along with the bodyguard.
Peace is restored to the campground. A row of us are unshackled one after the other.
After attaining freedom, continuous sounds of appreciation can be heard from the crowd. However, I secretly glance at Gavin, who is afar off.
When everyone else has left, I brisk walk over to him.
MC: My name is MC. Gavin, I want to join you all!
The clamour suddenly stills. Only Gavin lifts his head unaffectedly.
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Gavin: Why?
MC: Once I leave this place, I’d just get captured again. Everyone says that you’re the most powerful and most incredible person in the world, so this would be the safest place...
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Gavin: This place isn’t a shelter. And I have no need to guarantee your safety.
Gavin interrupts me, his gaze focused on the rag used to wipe the blood off the blade’s tip.
MC: I won’t freeload. If my blessings manifest, I can give it all to you!
Gavin shoots a sharp gaze at me, lingering on my neck briefly before shifting it away.
Gavin: The root of your “so-called” blessings is merely empty talk.
MC: But that wizard said...
Gavin: So what if he’s a wizard? I’ve never pursued such illusory things. Such blessings might simply be a joke for the greedy. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t seem useful to my campground. So, MC, I don’t need you.
Gavin’s words nail me in place. He looks at me directly, and I can tell from his eyes that he has absolutely no regard for the blessings, as well as my presence.
For so many years, I’ve been a treasure map in the hearts of people, and a glittering treasure.
But in his eyes, it’s as though I’m not a young girl who was blessed by God. I’m simply MC.
Even if the prophecy said that the riches would manifest ten years later, those who are greedy would think that might just be the beginning, which is why everyone has been coveting this fantastic wealth.
But nobody has ever been like Gavin, telling me that it could be false.
My heart involuntarily quivers, as though something that I’ve always firmly believed in is beginning to stir. 
I take a deep breath, brushing away the restlessness in my heart.
Whether or not I’m taking action according to plan, staying here is still the best choice.
I definitely have to stay.
MC: I’m not useless. Since young, I often get hurt while running away, so I’m very good at tending to wounds! Please give me a chance. I can prove myself!
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He doesn’t speak, and simply looks at me quietly. Those amber eyes are deep with flittering light, as though he can see through me in an instant.
I clench my fists secretly, trying my best to look natural.
After an oppressive silence, he lifts his chin slightly. One of his men walks to me.
-
After I’ve finished bandaging all the injured people in the campground, I look at Gavin sincerely.
Gavin: Since you want to stay here so badly, I won’t stop you.
MC: Thank you. I just want to stay alive.
Those amber eyes narrow slightly when he hears this. Only the spluttering sounds of the burning wood remain in the air.
Gavin: In order to stay alive, you don’t care about anything else?
MC: ...yes.
All of a sudden, rapid footsteps can be heard from the gate. One of Gavin’s men leans over to him, and says something that I can’t hear.
Gavin glances at me, an unreadable smile flashing across his eyes. I stand in place, my heart feeling prickly.
Gavin: Go ahead. There aren’t any “outsiders” here.
The man nods respectfully. Straightening up, he faces the crowd.
Man: The Oasis Flower Garden that the new king ordered to be constructed has been completed ahead of schedule. The location of the coronation ceremony has been changed to the flower garden. Various neighbouring countries have also prepared countless treasures, and will be presenting them during the coronation ceremony.
After a moment of silence, a ray of sharp light flashes in Gavin’s eyes.
Gavin: Let’s go to the flower garden.
MC: Hang on, you’re going to steal the king’s objects?
Hearing information regarding the king, I can’t help but exclaim softly.
Gavin doesn’t seem to care about important information being disclosed, which makes me feel even more uneasy.
Is he very assured about his own plan, or is he suspicious of me, and deliberately wants to see my reaction?
Gavin: Is there a problem?
MC: ...n-no.
Gavin: Since the plan has been changed, we need to check out the flower garden beforehand. Those who know how to draw maps, step out.
His men look around at each other, none of them volunteering to step out. Looking at the silent surroundings, a risky idea formulates in my mind.
If I’m able to check out the area with them, I could find an opportune moment to tip the king off.
With this thought in mind, I take a step forward.
MC: ...I can. I’m very attuned to directions. As long as I walk through it once, I can remember everything.
In order to prove my point, I pick up a twig and draw the path I took earlier in the sand.
When I’ve finished drawing the details of the campground, the men reveal shocked expressions.
A sense of inquisitiveness even appears in Gavin’s eyes.
Gavin: When the time comes, I’ll send someone to the flower garden with you. But this place has never limited anyone’s freedom. You can leave whenever you want.
Gavin’s words seem indicate something. After speaking, he turns around and leaves. Meanwhile, my heart, which had been hanging in the air, is finally set down.
-
I’m officially responsible for the logistics work in the campground.
Based on my observations over the past two days, Gavin would head out with his men, then return from a rewarding journey.
He distributes the money strictly, ensuring that they are given out fairly to those who are in need and poverty-stricken.
Today, the night has just set in. As usual, Gavin returns with his troop.
He stands among the crowd calmly, but his brows furrow at certain times. Realising something, I carry the medical kit and walk towards him.
MC: Gavin, did you get hurt?
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Gavin: I'm fine. Go help the others.
MC: In that case, pull open your clothes and let me have a look.
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Gavin: ...
MC: Many people who need assistance are waiting for you. If you’re really injured, I could help to heal your wound much more quickly.
After giving me a deep look, he finally sits down, pulling open his clothes.
Underneath his clothes, aside from wounds oozing with blood, I can also see various scars.
MC: Some wounds wouldn’t leave scars if tended to properly.
Gavin: I don’t have the time to tend to every single wound.
He speaks casually, as though these scars are unrelated to him.
Seeing him like this, the guilt deep in my heart seems to tear me apart indistinctly.
Perhaps these mottled wounds have given hope and direction to countless people.
With no idea how to face such emotions, I simply tend to his wounds carefully.
MC: You’ve worked hard.
Gavin: It isn’t hard work. Life is meant to be difficult.
His voice is calm. I can sense that his somewhat scrutinising gaze is focused on me.
But I don’t have the courage to lift my head.
-
Eventually, the people in the campground start to get used to me tending to their wounds, including Gavin.
We’re much more familiar with each other as compared to a few days ago. Occasionally, we’d even engage in conversation.
MC: ...don’t you have a magic carpet or something? Why are your injuries so serious this time?
Gavin: There was a trap.
MC: They obviously did bad things, but not only did they not feel guilty, but also schemed against you?
Gavin: My life is worth a lot of money to many people.
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Gavin speaks lightly, and a disdainful smile appears on his lips.
Gavin: It doesn’t matter. They won’t succeed.
I purse my lips, subconsciously exerting less force.
MC: Please be more careful next time, and don’t add on to my workload.
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Being directly glared at by me, Gavin feels a little uneasy, his eyes subconsciously averting to the side.
Gavin: ...I’ll do my best.
Over the next few days, he truly doesn’t get injured again. But because of this, I have fewer opportunities to meet him.
For some inexplicable reason, I start finding all sorts of reasons to meet Gavin -
Making sweet snacks, handing over supplies... I use everything that can create a connection between us.
Maybe it’s just a misperception, but I can always capture a subtle emotion in his eyes.
Those nice-looking eyes affect my heart involuntarily.
Until one day, when he returns and walks past me, straight towards his room. I hurriedly follow behind him, burrowing sideways through the doors that are about to close.
MC: Why did you start avoiding me once you returned? Did you get hurt!
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Gavin: ...no.
Without a word, I hurriedly sweep my eyes over Gavin. When I catch sight of the traces of blood on his waist, I lift my head to glare at him.
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Gavin: ...
Under my gaze, he averts his eyes a little awkwardly. 
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Gavin: [totally not lying] Cough. Oh, turns out I got injured. I just realised. I’ll have to trouble you to tend to it.
Before I even open my mouth, he hurriedly stifles the words I’m about to say.
I release a sigh, reaching out to open the medical kit. I suddenly think of something.
MC: I heard that a child hit you with a stone yesterday?
Gavin: It’s just a trivial matter.
MC: That’s not what I’m referring to... you probably don’t feel good, do you. You’re obviously helping them, but you’re treated as a bad person.
Gavin: It’s very normal for me to be treated as a bad person.
MC: But you aren’t one!
After blurting this out, I lower my eyes unnaturally.
I suddenly feel warm breaths. Lifting my head, my vision is overtaken by him.
Gavin: Then what am I?
MC: I... just think that you’ve done so many good things, and shouldn’t be misunderstood.
[Note] If I were the writer, I'd make MC say: “You’re my boyfriend from another universe where you’re a sexy special agent from STF and we go through lots of angst together like the time you left me alone in the Ferris wheel during that one date.” And then I’d get fired.
A peculiar emotion flashes in his eyes. He doesn’t continue, and he stares out the window.
Gavin: Pack up your things later. You’re heading out tonight.
Realising that he’s referring to checking out the flower garden, I’m stunned for a moment.
It seems that these relaxed and comfortable days have made me forget my goal from the beginning.
-
When I return to the central area of the campground, I discover that Gavin is standing there.
MC: Didn't you say that you’d be sending someone to the flower garden with me?
Gavin: I changed my mind.
A flying carpet hovers in front of me, leaving me dumbfounded on the spot.
Gavin: Scared?
MC: I-it’s fine. It’s just that I’ve never seen a magic carpet, and I don't know...
Before I finish speaking, my feet are off the ground as Gavin takes me into his arms.
It’s as though the scorching heat of his fingertips are able to melt me. Only the sounds of the wind and my heartbeat remain in the entire world.
Gavin: There’s no need to overthink. Just be careful not to fall off.
Gavin leaps up, sitting steadily on the carpet.
With my face red, I prepare to shift away from him. The carpet soars towards the sky, and the frightening sense of weightlessness makes me involuntarily grab onto his waist.
MC: Hang on! Could you let me sit properly before flying!
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What I get in response is a soft chuckle, carrying with it some mischievousness.
Gavin: If you don’t want to fall off, hold tight.
After the wind rustles at my ear for a long time, we finally descend at the destination. Without even taking a few steps, I suddenly hear the sound of disciplined footsteps in the vicinity.
At the same time when I turn to Gavin in a panic, he pulls me behind a stone pillar nearby.
The stone pillar isn’t large, and we’re forced to stick together.
Because we’re pressed so closely together, his breath is akin to a gentle feather, brushing my face.
The itch causes me to tremble involuntarily. Gavin hurriedly reaches out to wrap me in his arms.
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Gavin: Don’t move.
A soft command drifts to my ear, and I can only nod stiffly.
When the nearby footsteps disappear, I release a breath and prepare to leave. However, he turns around, pressing me against the stone pillar.
Gavin: Are you deliberately trying to get discovered?
MC: Of course... not! It’s because what you did was very ticklish!
I retort softly. In order to prove my point, I stick close to him, vigorously inhaling and exhaling through my nose.
MC: You find it ticklish too, don’t you!
In an instant, our breaths seem to intertwine, and an inexplicable heat secretly climbs up the back of my ears.
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Gavin averts his eyes unnaturally, and he releases the hands propped on the wall.
Gavin: Let’s go. There isn’t much time left.
Beneath the clear and tender moonlight, the gentle night breeze and his reddened ears are especially obvious.
Fortunately, the second half goes smoothly. We walk around the flower garden meticulously before returning to the campground. 
The moment my feet stand steadily on the ground, I use the excuse of drawing the map to run swiftly back into my room.
Staring at the blank sheet of paper, the pen in my hand doesn’t descend for a very long time.
...am I really going to continue with this?
[Note] Imagine if Gavin actually just wanted to go on a date with MC but didn’t know how to broach the topic because he’s Awkward™ so he decided to take her on a romantic stroll by “chEcKinG out tHE FlOwEr GarDEn”
-
Ever since returning from the flower garden, I especially cherish the few days I have left of this peaceful life.
While chatting with the men, I unintentionally learnt that all of them used to be bodyguards in the palace. And Gavin was their leader.
As for why they became bandits... looking at their solemn expressions, I didn’t continue probing.
I decide to focus all my energy on the map, treating it as a small “atonement”.
But my progress is even slower than imagined, and I only manage to complete it the day before the operation.
Stepping outside with the map, I see a familiar figure on the roof.
Struck with an idea, I shift a ladder over and prepare to climb up. However, because it isn’t tall enough, I end up pausing awkwardly mid-air.
MC: ...
Just when I’m wondering if I should call out to Gavin, the flying carpet suddenly appears near my feet.
After a moment of hesitation, I climb onto it in a sorry state. Gavin’s figure gradually appears in my vision.
Illuminated by the moonlight, he props himself up indolently, indistinct arches appearing at the corners of his lips.
MC: The map has been drawn.
Gavin: You’ve worked hard.
Just as I’m about to turn around to leave, the sky filled with stars enters my eyes. The stars sparkle in succession.
MC: ...could I stay here for a little longer?
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Gavin: Here, nobody can meddle with you. You're free to do whatever you want.
Free... Hearing this term subconsciously makes me feel startled. In my peripheral vision, a shooting star soars past the sky.
MC: Ah, a star is falling!
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I’m pleasantly surprised by the sight I’ve never seen before, but realise that Gavin’s brows are tightly knit.
MC: You don’t seem to want to see this sight?
He looks at me, his shining golden eyes turning a little dim.
MC: ...it’s fine if you don’t want to talk about it. After all, everyone has secrets they aren’t willing to share.
Gavin: Secrets?
MC: Mm. That’s why life is so tough. It’s because secrets are difficult to talk about, yet they refuse to release their grip.
Gavin: I don’t have any secrets.
Gavin says this bluntly, looking at me.
Gavin: That shooting star earlier has a lot of meaning behind it.
The lights and shadows in Gavin’s eyes stir, leaving me unable to identify the emotions within them.
After a moment of silence, his voice drifts to my ear again.
Gavin: An elder once told me that no matter what one does, the stars are able to see it. But if a shooting star were to appear in the sky, it meant that it faded away because it saw too much evil.
Even though his tone doesn’t change much, I can vaguely sense something.
Gavin: Which is why I changed from leader of the bodyguards to a bandit.
I’m stunned for a moment. Gavin turns his head, looking at me.
Gavin: What? You thought I’d hide it?
MC: I...
Gavin: This isn’t a secret. The people here have never avoided the past.
MC: Why?
Gavin: There isn't a special reason. I once thought that as a leader, I’d have more power to uphold justice. Afterwards, a choice to sacrifice a few hundred lives to save a nobleman appeared before me.
MC: Which side did you pick?
Gavin: No matter the side, I wanted to save them all.
He stares afar off, a scorching colour flashing in his eyes. The wind seems to respond to him, causing leaves to rustle.
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Gavin: I won't let a single life vanish in front of me. But many people threatened me using my capacity as a leader. Which is why I no longer wanted that title. I just want to be Gavin, and do the things I genuinely want to do.
In the night breeze, the corners of his lips turn upwards. Pride and resoluteness are transparent in his eyes.
My heart quivers. Fragments of the past few days involuntarily surface before my eyes -
How he returned triumphantly with loot, along with wounds of varying sizes.
How he often places somewhat simple and crude “thank you gifts” in front of the gate of the campground.
At first, I thought these rumours of Gavin were just false compliments. But after seeing them for myself, I am fully convinced -
Gavin is worthy of all the praise.
Thinking about this, my heart seems to be tugged roughly by something.
MC: If only I had met you earlier. That way, I wouldn’t just be the young girl who was blessed by God, and...
I suddenly pause, my honest thoughts stuck in my throat.
Gavin: Wouldn’t what?
Those amber eyes watch me quietly, as though waiting for what’s weighing on my mind to pour out in torrents.
MC: You’ll be heading out tomorrow, so rest early. If possible, I hope the stars can see everything I do, and that they wouldn't fall.
I control the stinging sensation in my eyes, showing my sincerest smile.
He seems to be stirred. The brilliant starlight reflects in his eyes, and my figure seems to become clearer.
But my vision gradually turns blurry, as though something is about to fall.
-
A faint light appears from afar. Holding the letter that I spent a night writing, I walk to Gavin’s door.
MC: Sorry. I think some words can’t be said in person. If there’s another chance, perhaps we could... get to know each other afresh.
Watching as the letter disappears at the other end, I feel a weight being lifted off me as I walk out of the gate.
-
Tonight is the king’s coronation ceremony.
There aren’t any celebratory gifts from the neighbouring countries. There aren’t any flatteries from imperial concubines or ministers. There are only soldiers hiding in the flowering shrubs...
And me, who is pressed onto the floor.
King: Did you think that I didn’t plant other spies aside from you?
The king eats grapes indolently, strong distaste flashing in his eyes.
MC: ...
King: As my slave for so many years, you should know the consequences of betrayal.
I couldn’t care less about the king’s threats. All that’s in my heart is worry.
Worry that Gavin didn’t see my letter. Worry that he’d follow the plan and come to the flower garden, and into the king’s ambush.
Just a while ago, I admitted everything in the letter -
According to my understanding of the king, he would definitely deploy forces in the flower garden to guarantee his safety during the ceremony.
It also explains why the palace is akin to an empty city, and can be easily infiltrated.
A sizeable amount of wealth fleeced from the common folk is in the treasury. If they could be returned to their original owners, it should lighten much of their burden.
This is the only thing I can do as compensation.
With this thought in mind, I look up at the brilliant sky-filled sky. My mind doesn’t hold back, and specks of time spent together with Gavin courses through it.
I take a deep breath, doing my best to remember this starry sky forever, leaving behind no regrets.
All of a sudden, a cold wind rolls up beside me. At the edge of my vision, a figure appears along with the wind.
The faraway figure gradually becomes clearer. Gavin is standing on the flying carpet, his expression so gloomy that it’s terrifying.
MC: Gavin, what are you doing here?! Leave quickly, there’s an ambush here!
Right after I finish speaking, arrows fly towards Gavin in succession, but they’re all rolled together by the gale in an instant.
Gavin looks down, his eyes filled with a fury which has reached its limits.
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Gavin: Did you think about the consequences of touching one of my people?
King: Men, take him down!
Realising that arrows are ineffective, the bodyguards brandish long swords, closing in on me.
A gentle wind protects me. At the same time, a familiar voice drifts from behind.
Gavin: Hold tight.
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He kicks away the person who was restraining me, then carries me on his shoulder.
I subconsciously struggle, but realise that I’m gripped tightly by him, as though he’s telling me -
That he’s angry.
Twisting my head to peer at his expression, I can only see the distinct outline of the side of his face from my periphery.
After the flying carpet leaves the ground, a fierce wind suddenly springs out of the flower garden.
In an instant, the magnificent flower garden turns into a mess. The king dangles upside down from a sculpture, and looks to be in a huge predicament.
With a cold “hmph”, Gavin soars faraway, the flower garden behind him turning smaller and smaller.
MC: Gavin, could you put me down... I’m already safe.
He ignores me, and the rustling wind is the only thing left in the surroundings.
MC: Sorry... I lied to you.
Gavin: I already knew from the start.
He continues staring out, responding coldly.
MC: In that case, why did you still come here?! I already told you in the letter not to...
Gavin: Because I want to bring you back.
MC: Why...?
Gavin: Since you joined us, you can’t leave that easily.
I release a resigned sigh, muttering softly.
MC: You clearly said that I could leave whenever I wanted to.
Gavin: You believe a bandit’s promise?
MC: You...!
Not knowing what to say, a soft chuckle drifts from behind me.
He exerts slight pressure, as though verifying something. Then, he sets me down, drawing me into his arms. 
MC: I even thought you’d keep carrying me on your shoulder and not let go.
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Gavin: I actually wouldn’t mind. But I still prefer this.
While saying this, he tightens both arms around my waist.
A sense of security instantly charges into my heart, but it also accidentally tears open the guilt that I've buried in the depths of my heart...
MC: Gavin, you had your suspicions about me from very early on, didn’t you.
Gavin: I had my suspicions at the start. But afterwards, I realised it was unnecessary. Because I knew that you wouldn’t harm me.
His gaze is brilliant as he looks at me, mixed with an unquestionable emotion.
MC: [blushing] Why do you keep looking at me like that?
Gavin: I can’t do that?
MC: [blushing] Of course you can’t. You can’t get used to being a bandit and do whatever you want...
I retort indignantly, my face red as I avert my eyes.
Suddenly, a scorching hand covers my face, turning my face back forcefully.
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Gavin: You’re right. I’m used to being a bandit and doing whatever I want to. So, MC, let me take a good look at you.
He carefully sweeps his eyes over me. As I gradually come to my senses, I realise that he’s checking to see if I’m injured.
MC: Gavin, I’m not hurt.
Seeing the concern in his eyes, my heart feels a stinging sensation. No one has ever cared about me like this before.
Even though he knew that I didn’t have good intentions from the beginning, he didn’t blame me at all.
-
The familiar campground once again enters my vision. From afar, I see that everyone’s tidying up boxes filled with treasures.
MC: Did they go to the palace?
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Gavin: Mm. I had to bring you back, so I let them go there by themselves. After sorting out the inventory, they will return the items to their original owners.
MC: In that case... could we head to the roof for a while? Today’s also the day my blessings are manifested. Whether it’s real or not, it’d be revealed very soon.
In a moment, we land on the roof. My heart uncontrollably turns anxious.
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Gavin: The most valuable riches in the world?
Gavin stands beside me quietly, stretching out his hand.
The full moon hangs overhead, and the night breeze blows gently.
In an instant, the pearls and jewels in the boxes on the ground suddenly fill the night sky, glistening underneath the moonlight.
Countless silver coins and jewels soak in the moonlight, setting a contrast to the flickering stars, as though they are newborn stars.
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Gavin: Are these your blessings?
Gavin turns around to face me. All the light in the world seem to be stored in those amber eyes.
Gavin: If you’re wondering about the meaning behind these blessings, let me shoulder it with you. Your fate will not be directed by anyone. MC, you can just be MC. I don’t care if you’ve been blessed by God. What I want is you.
The starry sky casts a faint halo over Gavin, becoming the most dazzling colour in my eyes.
My world seems to be shining into a ray of light, and the interlaced paths of what lies ahead in the future turn clear and bright.
All of a sudden, I realise something with certainty -
This is just the beginning. He will bring me along to be acquainted anew with this beautiful world.
A gentle gust breezes past, and the lower hem of Gavin’s clothes flutters.
His lips move slightly, and his voice burrows into my ears along with the wind.
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Gavin: All of the blessings for you - I’ll fulfil them myself.
-
🍷 MOMENTS 🍷
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Gavin’s Post: Aside from two plane tickets, I also received a guidebook on surviving in the open country.
MC: Because most of this trip will be in the open country, we have to do our homework in advance!
Gavin: When it comes to safety, there’s nothing to worry about with me around.
-
Gavin’s Post: Aside from two plane tickets, I also received a guidebook on surviving outdoors.
MC: Are you surprised? The first phase of the trip is starting!
Gavin: Great. In that case, leave the rest of the arrangements to me.
-
Gavin’s Post: Aside from two plane tickets, I also received a guidebook on surviving outdoors.
MC: I felt that you’ve been working really hard lately, so I wanted to take you to a faraway place to relax~
Gavin: Actually, it’s enough that you’re around.
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🍷 Phone calls: First l Second
🍷 More translated dates: here
🍷 Support the cafe by dropping by the tip jar!
159 notes · View notes
thewhumperinwhite · 4 years ago
Text
ATTD: A Magician, Not a Healer (2)
ATTD Masterlist
If and when this actually becomes A Novel, I’m intentionally not gonna write anything from Will’s perspective from the time he introduces himself until [redacted], because he Does Not Want Anyone In His Head Right Now, and also its hard to write him Thinking w/o Telling Secrets. 
But this is for whump so lets get right in that horrible little head of his :) 
TW for: implied/reference child abuse; referenced minor whump; dissociation; mild/brief PTSD flashback; referenced stabbing; infected wounds; dizziness/fainting; some well-intentioned emotional manipulation.
@whumpitywhumpwhump @favwhumpstuff
----
By this time the boy called Will knew the sensation of healing magic very well, and he had never liked it, never. He had spent too many years of his childhood hunched on the Healer’s bench in his father’s House, trying not to meet the Healer’s eyes, while the Healer laid cold hands on his blacked eyes and cracked ribs and split-open lips. The Healer at the House was already an old man when the boy was a child, and just as eager to avoid eye contact as the boy had been. The old man had never asked questions (or needed to ask) and the boy had felt… the way he felt about so many members of his father’s House. Gratitude and resentment and sorrow, all in equal measure.
The wound in his stomach now, where the knife went in, was among the worst he had yet received. It hurt, certainly, and itched under the bandages in a sick, distracting way.
It was hard to think of the wound without remembering the moment he received it, and the moments that followed. Without thinking of hot blood rushing over his hand. Without thinking of—
He was seated in the front room of a Healer’s Salon in Limani, Galdrea. He was many miles from his father’s House. The wound was a week old now. And he was not alone, and might in fact be required to speak at any moment. He dug his nails into the palms of both hands, hard, to force himself to stay in the room, instead of slipping backwards, through the week past and back into hell.
Jasper the Magician nudged the boy gently with his shoulder, and the boy was only halfway back into his body, and startled too obviously at the light touch. He had done that many times, now, and soon the Magician was going to begin asking him questions he had not yet thought of answers to.
“You alright over there?” the Magician asked, and the boy nodded eagerly, relieved. He did know the answer to that one.
“Yes,” he said, “I am alright.” He tried on a smile; just a small one, so as not to overcorrect. It was a delicate needle to thread. He need not pretend to be cheerful—the Magician knew he was wounded, and ill—only calm. Sane. Normal, ideally.
The Magician frowned slightly, perhaps not totally convinced.
The Magician—Jasper—had been very kind. Much more kind than the boy would have preferred, actually. He also seemed quite clever, however, and that was—inconvenient.
He was also very large. Taller than the boy’s father, and broad about the shoulders, with large hands and a large, low voice. The boy was trying not to hold this against him.
He was really trying very hard.
The door at the back of the room opened, and the Healer’s assistant poked her head through it. She was young, and pretty, which was a relief. The boy knew how to talk to pretty girls. It was easy to be what they expected. Generally.
She smiled at him, and he smiled back. He’d had enough practice that he didn’t even really have to try.
“The Healer is ready to see who’s next,” she said, in Galdrean. Obviously in Galdrean. He was in Galdrea. He was in Galdrea, and his father’s House was far away, and he had been (no one) a farmer’s son for a whole week now.
The boy stood up too fast and the room went entirely black.
----
Jasper had to leap to his feet to keep Will from collapsing full-length onto the floor. The Healer’s pretty assistant gasped and hovered, a hand over her mouth.
“How terrible!” she said, eyeing the boy—who was trying to get his feet under him again, while Jasper supported his entire weight without much effort—with evident interest. “Have you been accosted by thieves? There are many in the city unfriendly to travelers. I am very sorry to see it.”
Jasper saw no reason to contradict her; he himself was much to white to be anything but a “traveler” here, to say nothing of Will, who looked about as Crythian as it was possible to look. “Aye,” he said, helping the boy forward when the assistant stood aside to let them in.
It was a small shop, with a small waiting room—empty when they entered, which was why Jasper had chosen it—and a smaller room behind for the Healer to do their work. There was no Healer present yet—an unmarked door at the back of the room presumably led to a private sitting room, and perhaps living quarters as well. This was the edge of the port city’s magic district, and there were a dozen bigger and better-appointed Healing Salons within an easy walk, which was the whole idea. This Healer was likely to be perfectly competent, and also eager enough for clients not to ask too many questions.
“Did they steal very much from you?” the assistant asked, while Jasper steered Will to the large plain bench in the center of the room. She directed that question to Jasper, since Will was still blinking very hard and likely couldn’t see, but as soon as the boy’s eyes cleared she batted her big eyes at him with a look of—compassionate over-interest. “Are you hurt terribly?” she asked Will, rather eagerly.
Will blinked at her, and then he gave her the same smile he had given Lia, in the Sheep’s Eye, before everything had gone sideways: soft and open and very deliberately charming. The Healer’s assistant almost visibly melted.
“It’s not so bad as all that,” the boy said, and the—practiced warmth, precise tenderness, of his voice was almost enough to cover the rasp of his fever-dried throat.
“It is, actually,” Jasper said drily, and the assistant looked up at him with surprise, as though she’d forgotten he was there. “He’s been stabbed. It’s an old wound—a few days, at least—and I’m reasonably certain its gone septic.”
“Oh dear,” the assistant said, and she sounded distinctly less dreamy now, which was a bit of a relief. “I’ll tell Healer Charon right away.”
She scurried from the room in a flurry of skirts. Jasper took one of the seats by the door, shaking his head in mild amusement.
“Apparently you can charm ladies even when you’re drooling blood all over them,” he said, and laughed when Will immediately reached up to wipe his mouth. “Not literally, boy. I only mean, you must be unstoppable when you’re at your fighting weight.”
Will blinked at him, frowning slightly. “…thank you?” he said after a minute.
“You’re doing it on purpose,” Jasper said, with absolute conviction, but before he could ask the obvious followup—Why?—the door opened and an old woman in a Healer’s black cap and wimple swept through, not pausing to exchange pleasantries before she pulled up a low stool beside the bench.
She flapped a wrinkled brown hand at Will. “Lay back, then, boy. I’ve to see what I’m looking at before I can scrape out whatever poison’s seeped into your blood.”
Will moved to follow her order, slightly stiff with either reluctance or pain, and while he was in the process of stretching unhappily out across the bench—it was built to accommodate much larger men, and he looked even more skeletally thin on the bench than off—the Healer glanced at his face for apparently the first time, and did a slight double-take.
“You speak the language?” she asked with obvious doubt. She had been speaking very fast from the beginning, and made no effort to slow, now. “I’ve none of the Wolfkiller’s tongue at all. I’d as soon avoid pointing and grunting unless you make it necessary.”
It wasn’t a delicate way of asking. Jasper hadn’t known many Crythians—and those few generally not under the best of circumstances—but had a vague idea that they were proud of their language, and (at least by stereotype) not overly inclined toward learning others.
The boy ducked his head respectfully before he rested it back on the bench, and said, “I speak enough Galdrean to get by, ma’am, and not to make your work a struggle, I hope.”
He said this very politely, in just a slightly different voice than he had used on her assistant—a few degrees of warmth traded for careful respect. He was also, as far as Jasper could tell, entirely fluent.
The Healer’s wrinkled mouth turned up a little at the corners. So apparently Will had calculated his tone well enough.
Jasper watched all this with interest. And maybe just a hint of suspicion.
Then the Healer said, “Wait, boy. Take that thing off, I’ll not have it in my way. You want this wound looked at or no?”
Will, laid out on the bench, stiffened. His hands came up to rest on his sword belt, obviously reluctant.
Jasper had not seen him without it since that first morning, when he awoke in Jasper’s tent and asked for it so desperately. Apparently he slept in the belt, though how he managed to sleep with three-plus feet of metal tangling around his legs was beyond Jasper.
Will looked at the Healer, and his hands tightened on the belt, and it was obvious he was going to refuse, which seemed like a very good way to be turned out and continue having a badly infected gut-wound.
“Relax, boy,” Jasper said. “I’ll take it.”
Will looked at Jasper for a second with almost total distrust. Then he nodded stiffly, and sat back up, with obvious difficulty, and slipped the belt off.
“Be—careful,” he said, meeting Jasper’s eyes with slightly desperate sincerity.
The Healer watched Will hand the—ridiculous, useless-looking—sword over with obvious confusion.
“…very valuable?” she asked Jasper, doubtfully.
“Not worth much at all,” Will answered her, delicately. “Sentimental value, only.”
The blade grew slightly hot in Jasper’s hand at this dismissal of its worth—just enough that he could feel it through the leather sheath.
Jasper was very careful not to touch the handle.
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neo-shitty · 3 years ago
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toffee!
hehe glad i could make you laugh, oooh that sounds awesome! yeah id love to be tagged it sounds great :)
YES the differences are so fucking weird. like, they do know they're the same age right? i feel like its just an exagguration of how much the persons role in the group matters, like we see chan being held up as such a mature, old leader while jungkook who is literally the same age, is still babied etc. like enha hyung line is basically the same age (if a bit younger) as chenle and jisung but somehow the rules are different?? as you point out, still legal but still bizarre. hehe yeah, i mean where else are we going to rant? quora lol. mmm, hopefully more people can just write less smut abt people who are barely adults
ah, no prob it didnt take long. yeah i think thats right (i keep forgetting you know my url lol) mmhmm :( i think if that happened irl there would be some major trauma going on. knock wood it never happens to you or me lol (/hj)
hehe same! oooh glad Redemption For Cheese was realised! yess we cant rllycomplain that theyve written/produced too much good music lol. yeah, ive dragged him into being a stay so *dusts hands off* mission accomplished. mmm yeah, they tend to have a certain vibe but tbh it couldve worked if they were any other group but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ahh ur one step ahead of me on the stages of listening to ssick i think, still not convinced but thats okay! hehe, it had to be said. yesss the itch in the back of my brain is very satisfied by sorry i love you, felixs vocals deserve to be appreciated! (side note i feel like hes trying to sing more like his speaking voice, sorta husky, but tbh i wouldnt be mad if he sang like in glow, his sweet honey vocals made my life lol. but i think ive heard him say he doesnt like singing like that cos it makes his normal voice less husky, so what can you do)
> YES SOMEONE SAID IT. seungmin rap KING, he sped thru that rap like it was nothing, he deserves more rap lines. i do like how they gave minho some melodic rap lines this comeback, my guy deserved to show off those skills that made him not be eliminated (flashbacks to stay collectively wanting to murder jyp) and we already know changbin can sing, my man murdered masked singer. hyunjin can obviously sing as can jisung and felix, and i want to hear chan rap more! i feel like he started as part of 3racha (as a rap unit not producing) and then just became a vocalist (which im fine with, but it could be nice to hear him flex his rapping skills) and was partially replaced by hyunjin. anywayyy
back to album talk. lmaooo sad music to twerk to PERFECTLY describes silent cry. yes secret secret is and will always be, a masterpiece. hehe glad i could make you laugh :) i just felt like they have similar vibes. putting off skz stuff bc of not having time to cry IS the kpop stan life summarised. oh my beloved track, red lights. ahh thats okay, we can have different opinions, but by god the lyrics are *chefs kiss*. *banging on table* TWISTED AU TWISTED AU TWISTED AU. yess id love to see ur take on it! sdfghjkl it would have been glorious
no no! not stupid, just able to predict my brainwaves. ooooh thats so cool! makes me want to go there (wherever there is lol) yeah the waves are pretty good here, but none of my familys a surfer, so we dont rlly enjoy the full potential lol. YES moving on to gone away, it is indeed a heartwrenching track, but the vocals and the bloody key change? makes me want to brave being sad just to listen to it. mmm yeah, good point :( i feel like ive just gotten used to overthinking so much so that it doesnt matter what mood im in, ill do it anyway, so might as well just do what i feel like doing anyway.
yeah i think ur right! it is quite comforting knowing that all the tracks will get the love they deserve. i feel like also people assume kpop is just one genre which is utter bs. there are so many different vibes and feels and songs, i couldnt get into kpop (of which i thought only the bright cheerful present day bts stuff existed smh) until i heard gods menu so... idk where i was going with this but yeah. :)
YES FUCK YG, theyre literally on the brink of being kicked out of the big three and they are holding their salvation hostage without letting them do ANYTHING. idek what thought process goes thru their minds but arghhh its so infuriating. yess lisa's cb will be awesome but ot4 is the gold standard here.
hehe, glad u could get to this point. no no! u dont sound like a cult member at all lol yeah, i loooove some of their songs but the whole 23 members thing is getting to me. thats prob a common problem with nctzens but what can i say? im a simple girl with a limit to how many korean boys i can give my money to. atm im just trying to get into ateez and finish memorising enhypen's faces. also kard is kinda sucking me into their fandom atm, as well as eric name lol. ah what can you do? ooh thats good!
hehe i love it too! its exactly like online penpals, that was rlly well put. aww ty! hmm im okay, recovering from a bad case of rsv so thats fun. im doing okay mentally, starting therapy soon (after having to convince my mother that its not just smth i can brush off). physically i wont go into, basically i should be doing stretches to help but they dont completely fix it so my lazy ass doesnt do them, plus i got told recently im going to be stuck with this condition for the rest of my life so thats fun! ah, before you type smth dw abt me ill be fine. the weather atm is cloudy but warm, its been raining on and off today which is good for the garden. uhh i just finished reading sunburnt veils and im in the middle of prom theory which is rlly good. ummm ive got a concert tonight? that i may or may not be able to sing in (bc of the whole rsv thingo) and uhhhh idk. my dog is cute? im drinking tea rn? ive got a school dance coming up?
wbu? hows ur day going, how are you? whats the weather like on ur end? done anything interesting lately? found smth that makes you rlly happy? just any random thing youve been dying to tell someone?
no no! dont apologise, i love these exchanges. i think im happy to continue them for a long time :) on the other hand, if you get tired of them, feel free to just not answer at any time. goodness gracious this was a long ask haha hope it isnt too annoying
<3 w.a. 🐺
sorry it took me a bit to reply, i was fixing my theme ;n;
yeah, i figured it was because of the roles too. my friends and i still get taken aback when 3rd gen idols are the same age as 4th gen ones. in my head it doesn't add up sometimes. PLS THE RANT AT QUORA SKJDK tbh tho it's just going to be normalized as the years pass? esp that the boys are growing older and the amount of explicit fics will just increase. i might have to start blocking tags.
i had to look up the previous ask to remember what we were talking about xd i hope the events in champagne problems never happens to anyone. realistically, it probably happens a lot. damn i really won't wish that pain on anyone. dragging your brother into being a stay i whEEZED JFKSA additional noeasy music enthusiast o.o and ALL I CAN SAY WITH YOU GUSHING ABT FELIX IS AHA WHIPPEEEED OML can't blame you tho, i also want to hear felix sing more in other shades (if that makes sense HAHA) i really hope they'll do the role exchange in the next comeback :( or like in the near future bc i know they can do it :( the day i hear seungmin rapping it i will respectfully pass away. minho was given more lines this comeback thank fUCK i could rmb my irl being vocal abt her frustration. i don't get why minho barely has center time/lines in title tracks??? like the line distribution in the past eras just made me ???? if seventeen can balance lines with 13 members why cant a group of 8 do the same? moving on. i haven't watched the stray kids show simply bc i don't want to cry HAJS but i've seen clips. imagine if skz debuted without minho and felix?!?!? i rmb another irl catching bias feels towards changbin bc of the masked singer only to find out that the man's a rapper. i love how skz's vocals were highlighted this comeback :c there were a lot of mellow tracks! i find it cute when chan sings/raps bc it gets kinda obvious that he's a foreigner? the accent (im not even sure if it's the accent) it just shows. "putting off skz stuff bc of not having time to cry IS the kpop stan life summarised." CORRECT.
abt the twisted au o.O i'll inquire my irl if she wants to write it or not. if she doesn't want to, i'll do it. i miss writing twisted aus <3___<3 and i also miss going to the beach with my friends :' ) but it's starting to get cold here and i don't think i'll be able to enjoy the beach as much as i would if i went beaching in the summer. so maybe next summer? gone away really has an sm-ballad vibe. the thing about skz being a self-producing group, their songs don't sound like typical jype songs? and i just appreciate that bc in all honesty im not a fan of jyp groups at all. PLS the overthinking. i wish i could mute overthinking.
anyone who assumes kpop is just one genre obv hasn't listened to a single track. if kpop was just one genre why do i like some tracks more than the others??? oh you've only recently become a kpop stan? tbh im not a fan of the bright songs of bts either. i liked their older ones *chefs kiss* really matched high school vibes. yg has good artists and they're just wasting the talent ~.~ that strategy they have will get tiring eventually. people will stop waiting on blackpink and move on to newer more active groups ://
HAHAHAH yeah the 23 members is pretty overwhelming! it was the reason i didn't bother stanning before quarantine started. i don't regret stanning tho, met my ult bias in that group <3___<3 i don't really purchase albums unless i like the tracks xd ohhh getting into ateez just in time for the comeback! let me know what you think about them! i was fond of them at some point but grew out of it. good luck with memorizing enhypen! it took me a while to distinguish to people there XD i haven't checked out kard yet but chan plays their songs during lives and they're sexc hype music me likey *u*
i had to look up rsv im sorry. i'm glad you're recovering! please rest more and don't stress yourself out. bro i wish i could go to therapy too bc i have weird issues i can't justify and i need a professional to tell me what's the reason behind it. stuck with what condition btw? what happened? i'm sorry in case i just forgot. yesterday was a bit rainy for me too :(( it's not the type of rainy that makes me anxious so B) oh concert! good luck and i hope you'll be able to sing but i also don't think it's best for you rn :c what's your dog's breed? and yes i just finished drinking tea too. AAAAA i miss school dances :(( the last one i was supposed to have was cancelled bc of covid.
i was less productive today and i'm teetering between being mentally stable and becoming a hermit again. i'm anxious with a lot of things atm so like : D not the best state. today it was a bit sunny but not hot hot which was nice. i changed my theme today bc i couldn't wait for sept. 1st. and no i haven't found anything that makes me happy HAHAHA shit like that's hard to identify. don't have anything to say too, i'm just thinking about why i'm procrastinating too much atm T_T and i'm listening to this rap song atm and one of the rappers sounded like han.
it isn't annoying! i enjoy the long exchanges but i do admit it takes me awhile to type down a reply. so if i get more busy, it'll prolly take a bit longer for me to reply.
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trensu · 5 years ago
Text
Episode 27: The One where I Want to Punch Basically Every Sect Leader in the Face. Repeatedly. With a Chair.
And we start off back in the rain, AKA OUR ENDLESS TEARS
Wwx is like, do you remember our promise?
And lwj flashbacks TO THEIR LANTERN SCENE FROM THE ONE WHERE LWJ FINALLY SEES THE LIGHT
WE GET TO SEE LWJ’S PRECIOUS BABY FACE AS HE FALLS HEAD OVER HEELS IN THAT FLASHBACK
IT HURTS SO GOOD
Wwx: i wished to stand with justice and live without regrets. But tell me now, who’s strong, who’s weaker? Who’s right and who’s wrong?
Lwj: wei ying! 
Oh god, his voice! HE’S DISTRESSED
Wwx: is this the promise we pledged our lives to keep?
THEY BOTH LOOK SO HEARTBROKEN RN
Oh, look, lwj is doing the deathgrip of gay yearning on bichen again. We haven’t seen that in awhile AND I WISH WE WEREN’T SEEING IT NOW
Okay, but for real, how can lwj look so hurt here when the actor is literally doing nothing with his face??
I know i’ve mentioned that before, BUT C’MON, HOW?? HOW DOES THAT EVEN WORK??
Wwx: my only regret is that i didn’t stop the jin clan who took living people as bait
I REGRET YOU NOT TAKING DOWN THE JIN CLAN TOO
WE COULD’VE AVOIDED SO MANY PROBLEMS IF WE’D JUST KILL OFF 90% OF THAT CLAN, OMG
And now wwx is all, i missed my chance to protect wen ning before so now i MUST leave to save him
BC WWX IS THE BEST MOST HONORABLE PERSON IN THE WORLD
Oh no
Oh noooo
He’s pulling out his demon flute. We’re gonna get THAT SCENE
Wwx: lan zhan, if i finally have to fight them, i’d prefer to fight with you
Wwx: if i am doomed to die, at least i can be killed by you. That would be worth it.
HE SAYS THAT BC HE TRUSTS VIRTUOUS LWJ TO STOP HIM IF HE REALLY IS IN THE WRONG
AND I AM SCREAMING IN PAIN RN
BC LOOK AT LWJ’S FACE
HE’S LISTENING TO HIS SOULMATE TELL HIM THAT HE WANTS HIS DEATH TO BE AT HIS HAND
Oh god, he’s doing the bichen deathgrip again
He tears his gaze away from wwx and turns to the side TO LET THEM ALL GO PAST
EYES LOWERED AS HIS HEART BREAKS INTO A MILLION PIECES
HE’S CRYING OH GOD HE’S CRYING
THERE ARE TEARS GOING DOWN HIS FACE, OH GOD WHY IS THIS HAPPENING
HE DIDN’T EVEN CRY WHEN HIS HOME GOT BURNED AND HIS FAMILY WAS MISSING AND/OR DYING
And now he drops his umbrella to the ground AS HE TRIES TO DROWN HIMSELF IN THE RAIN
*HYSTERICAL SOBBING*
THEY PACKED ALL THAT HEARTBREAK INTO THE FIRST 6MIN OF THE EPISODE, WTF, SOMEBODY STAB ME
And after all that emotional torture we get Plot Stuff happening
Blah blah wwx at the burial mounds blah blah sect leader banquet blah blah
Ugh, gross, they’re letting the idiot sect leaders talk again
They’re all blah blah wwx is evil blah blah he murders ppl blah blah we hate him blah blah
SHUT UP YOU BUNCH OF WALKING HUMAN-RIGHTS-VIOLATIONS
This whole part here is so difficult to watch. They’re literally just trash-talking my PRECIOUS SUNSHINE BOY
Jc, lwj, and lxc look visibly uncomfortable with what’s going down and they kind of sort of tried to defend wwx but they didn’t present a united front or hold their ground
Instead they let yao and ouyang run their stupid mouths
Anyway
Here’s little itty bitty bits of almost wangxiantics in the middle of this mess
Jgs: yeah, jc, i know wwx is your trusted bro and all but idk if wwx actually respects your authority. Do something about it, maybe
Lwj: *subtly glares at jgs*
And then everyone joins in on dragging wwx’s name through the mud bc apparently that’s the hot new thing in the cultivator world
If you look closely while this is happening, you can see that lwj legit GRINDS HIS TEETH with how much he’s holding back. MY POOR BB HAVING TO SIT THERE AND LISTEN TO EVERYONE DISPARAGE HIS SOULMATE
Jgs: wwx totally doesn’t respect you, jc, my bro. Everyone here heard him say how much he thinks you suck or whatever
Lwj: No I didn’t.
OOOOH, LWJ IS ANGRY AS HELL
HE’S OUTRIGHT GLARING AT JGS 
Jgs: what??
Lwj: i never heard wei ying say that, nor did i see him disrespect clan leader jiang
HANGUANG-JUN I LOVE YOU, LOOK AT YOU DEFENDING THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, I’M SO PROUD OF YOU 
And ugh, disgusting, jgy steps in to be all “oh, well, wwx said so many awful things that day, who can possibly remember the specifics?”
Lwj visibly swallows here, as if he’s choking back a response, and his lips are all pursed. 
HE’S FURIOUS. HE’S ROILING WITH IMPOTENT ANGER, WHICH IS THE WORST KIND OF ANGER, TBH
That’s all the wangxiantics we get from that terrible awful sect leader banquet
THOSE SECT LEADERS NEED TO GET PUNCHED IN THE FACE
LIKE, A LOT
WITH A CHAIR
OR A TABLE
YOU KNOW WHAT, LET ME JUST TAKE BICHEN AND BEAT THEM ALL WITH IT
OR BETTER, YET, I’LL USE BAXIA. I WON’T EVEN CUT THEM UP. I’LL JUST BEAT THEM WITH THE BROAD PART
*ANGRY YELLING*
Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute! 
This isn’t a wangxiantic
But it is an EPIC MOMENT that should be commemorated.
Because here we get…
*drum roll*
MIANMIAN BEING A BOSS
Jz: blah blah wwx kills our people indiscriminately blah blah
Mm: not indiscriminately
Mm: indiscriminate is not accurate
And everyone around her is like, confused and offended because they’re assholes
Mm: in this specific case, if the overseers did abuse the Wen prisoners and kill wen ning, then what wwx did was not “killing indiscriminately”
Ouyang: nah, the overseers said they never abused/killed anyone
Mm: OF COURSE THEY’D FUCKING SAY THAT. THEY DON’T WANT TO FACE PUNISHMENT, YOU IDIOT
(okay, she didn’t call him an idiot outright or swear, but it was totally there in her tone of voice and also ouyang is an idiot so there)
Mm: you all think you’re so smart and voice your opinions so loudly
Mm: I SECEDE FROM THIS BULLSHIT. FUCK THE JIN CLAN AND YOUR STUPID CLAN POLITICS
And she throws down her jin robes and mARCHES RIGHT OUT OF THAT SHITHOLE WITH HER HEAD HELD HIGH
MIANMIAN PLEASE MARRY ME
Lwj watches her do that and two seconds later follows her out bC HE RECOGNIZES BADASSERY WHEN HE SEES IT (and also she defended the love of his life)
And that badass moment ends
But the banquet of idiots keeps going
The jin clan needs to learn how to shut the fuck up
God, they just go on and on and on
Why are they torturing me like this
OH WAIT, WE’RE OUTSIDE THE BANQUET HALL NOW
We see lwj and mm standing together on a terrace, talking to each other
BUT WE DON’T GET TO HEAR WHAT THEY SAY TO EACH OTHER AND THAT HAUNTS ME TO THIS DAY
WHAT DID THEY SAY
TELL MEEEEEEE
Oh, side note to let you all know this direct quote from nmj - “that girl really has a backbone.”
Okay nmj, i’m slightly less angry at you now. I won’t try to beat you with bichen or a table or a chair.
(but now i kinda wish mm would join the nie clan. I think she’d do well there and also i want to see her carry a gigantic saber)
We get some chitchat with the Official Bros™ but idc let’s move on 
(tho i do appreciate the look nmj gives jgy, like, HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME lolol)
Ooooh, now we’re getting lan fam time
ANGRY lan fam time, uh oh.
Lqr: lwj, have you regretted it? I didn’t punish you when you broke into the Forbidden Chamber bc i thought you’d self-reflect 
Lqr: you shouldn’t have gone to qiongqi way and let wwx go. Should you make one mistake after another?
And lwj is kneeling in front of him this whole time with a blank face
Lqr: what’s the use of getting you to memorize the Great Big Book of Lan Fam Rules?? Tell me, what is rule 52?
Lwj: No association with evil
He answers immediately and without any inflection to his voice.
Lqr: did you forget what happened to your father???
AND WE FINALLY GET A REACTION HERE
Lwj practically gasps and lifts his gaze to meet his uncle head-on
Lwj: my mother, she…!
Lqr: hold your tongue!
And just like that, lwj shuts down again; expression flat and gaze lowered
GOD, THIS CLAN HAS HURT HIM SO MUCH THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE
I MEAN, THEY MUST’VE, FOR HIM TO BE ABLE TO JUST DISCONNECT LIKE THAT
THAT IS NOT THE BEHAVIOR OF A NORMAL WELL-ADJUSTED PERSON
Basically the entire lan clan needs to go to therapy, like, STAT
Oh, i just noticed, lwj has his fists clenched at his sides. He’s clenching them hard, too. I think they’re trembling a bit, actually…
Lqr: i’ve been taking care of you since you were a kid; you’re like my son.i was strict bc i wanted you to stick to the right path and avoid your father’s tragedy
Lqr: that’s what i wanted to say to you. I hope you choose the right path. You may leave.
Lwj still bows respectfully before taking his leave
And i’m sure y’all are wondering, hey trensu, why did you make us endure that angry lan fam time that hurt us deep in our soul?? That wasn’t wangxiantic at all!
That’s where you're wrong, my friends!
It’s actually SUPER wangxiantic bc lqr kept drawing parallels to lwj’s dad the practically whole time
You know, the dad that married their mother who murdered some guy and had the whole world turn against her. 
(Sound familiar?)
The same mother that dad loved with his entire being and did what he could to keep her safe from the ramifications of her actions? By marrying her? And hiding her in the cloud recesses?
YEAH, HE’S EQUATING WANGXIAN WITH LWJ’S PARENTS’ TRAGIC ROMANCE
Bc, you know, that’s a totally hetero comparison to make lol
Oh, now we get to see our favorite Disaster Het be less of a disaster
We’re not going into detail here bc we’re not here for hetero shenanigans, yuck (actually, i’m apparently weak to Pining Idiots of all kinds bc this whole jzx/jyl scene is giving me tender feelings)
BUT
I do want to add that OMG FOR REAL LWJ AND JZX HAVE SO MUCH IN COMMON WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR LOVE LIVES, IT’S FANTASTIC
I NEED 10 MILLION FICS OF THEM COMMISERATING OVER THEIR SHARED DISASTER-NESS
Also, how the HELL did jzx end up being the one who was able to express his intentions clearly? He was all “please don’t go to the burial mounds, stay here with me so i can protect you from all who would want to hurt you”
DAMN IT LWJ, IF YOU’D JUST SAY THAT TO WWX, HE’S UNDERSTAND WHAT’S GOING ON. 
YOU CAN’T JUST BE ALL “COME TO GUSU” WITH NO EXPLANATION
Jzx accomplished this before you did, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED.
Huh, okay, i guess i did go into a bit of detail with that hetero nonsense. Oh well.
Now we’re at the burial mounds again with wwx
AND WE SEE A-YUAN PROPERLY FOR THE FIRST TIMEEEEE!!
ANY A-YUAN MOMENT IS BY DEFAULT A WANGXIANTIC, GUYS, TRUST ME.
AAHHHH, WE SEE A-YUAN DO THAT LEG-GRABBY THING HE DOES!!!
HE’S SO CUTE. TOO ADORABLE.
I LOVE YOU A-YUAN
Lol, wwx is all if you don’t let go i’ll plant you like a turnip
And a-yuan plops himself down in the dirt like YOUR THREATS DON’T WORK ON ME, OLD MAN, I LIKE BEING IN THE DIRT
Then he asks wwx for 3 elder brothers and 2 elder sisters, awwww. He thinks wwx can grow them in the garden (like cabbage patch kids!!!)
Plot stuff happens
Blah blah wwx and wq share moment blah blah jc shows up blah blah
Lol
Jc sees that glowing talisman door thing and is like THAT SIGN WON’T STOP ME BC I CAN’T READ
And then whips it down with zidian
Now we get some feelings-laden Yunmeng bros time
A-yuan shows up and leg-grabs jc and it’s ADORABLE
But jc yells at him bc he’s a JERK
Wwx scolds jc and then is a Dad to a-yuan: don’t put your hand in your mouth, you were just touching dirt!
Awww, we get to see jc fight back a smile at this! HE WANTS TO BE AN UNCLE, I JUST KNOW IT.
Plot plot plot stuff happens
More plot stuff happens
And the episode ends with us still in the burial mounds with the yunmeng bros
And you know what, i’m just gonna focus on our BAMF mianmian moment bc quite frankly the rest of the episode either had me in tears of anguish or spitting mad. There was no inbetween. 
I’m gonna end up having blood pressure problems at this rate.
I’m too poor young to have blood pressure problems.
The Jin clan better pay for any medical bills I get because of them, I'm just saying
Return to Masterpost
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missjosie27 · 5 years ago
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Control
Hey, guys!
So I’ve been working on a trade with my good pal @aleksia-aries-hogwartsmystery​ aka @thereluctantherosrose. She’s an amazing person and she drew a little gift for me this past week.
Here is my gift in return! A little fic featuring her MC, Barnaby, and plenty of angst xD
Aleksia Aries was not one who usually let life get her down. The beginning of the school year brought many challenges- the feud between the Haywood sisters, Merula’s increased anger (if such a thing were possible for the Slytherin girl) and desire for revenge, Charlie’s distance, not to mention a brand new curse that petrified people dead in their tracks. No, after years of experience in breaking the Cursed Vaults and the constant back and forth that usually occurred in her friend group, she could handle most things as long as she kept her nose to the grindstone and kept an upbeat attitude. At 5′3 with a curvaceous figure and pretty features, her personality and strength more than made up for lack of size.
Indeed, very few things could put the Gryffindor sixth year into a state. Which is what made breakfast all the more troubling. 
It started out normally enough. Though Aleksia and Rowan were girls they usually liked to sit among the boys at breakfast as it provided a great deal of entertainment. Today proved to be no different as Ben was studying defensive curses fervently while sipping his proclaimed newfound love for black coffee. Jae was idly playing with his porridge while counting his inventory stock for the day.
“How’s business today?” Aleksia grinned at him as she sat down at the table.
“Oh you know, the usual,” came the vague reply, not uncharacteristic for the Asian boy. “Just crunching the numbers.”
“You know, if you cared the same way about your marks as you do with your smuggling perhaps you’d have received more than just four O.W.L.’s last year.”
“My future lies outside the realm of academic achievement.”
He gave a wink and went back to counting his numbers when the sound of wings flapping caused the table to look up.
“Ah, the morning post is here,” Rowan said with satisfaction. Evidently, Ben was unaware of this fact as he whipped his wand as though a threat were bearing down on him from above.
“Relax, Ben,” Rowan said with a raised eyebrow. “There’s no one trying to kill Aleksia at the present moment.”
“You never know that,” came the stern reply, so characteristic of the ‘new Ben’.
“Pretty sure you need to ease up on the coffee there mate,” Charlie laughed. “Stuff has you jumpier than a bowtruckle. Ah...yes thank you mum.”
He caught a parcel from Errol, the Weasley Family owl, which was evidently some sort of fudge that the illustrious Mrs. Weasley had baked. 
“One can never be too prepared,” Ben said, burying his head back in the book. 
Aleksia rolled her eyes at her so called ‘protector’. Her long time friend’s insistence on shadowing her everywhere she went was irritating to say the least. The once timid, shy boy had seemingly forgotten that it was she that frequently protected him not to mention having faced monumental danger time and time again in breaking the curses. How quickly one forgot. Even so, she still considered him a friend and let most of his intrusive proclamations go. 
All of a sudden, a letter dropped in front of her which was rather unexpected. She had written to her mother two days ago and wasn’t due for a reply for another day at least. She then saw that the handwriting on the front was not that of her mum but of her father.
Her stomach dropped like an anchor in the sea as she reluctantly took the letter and stroked her snowy owl, Pepper, allowing her to drink from her goblet. Willing herself not to tremble, she lid open the envelope and withdrew its contents. What she read was possibly the most frightening thing she could have imagined. 
Daughter, 
I am writing this to you in relation to your coming of age. Though our interactions are sparse I am still your father and therefore I play a role in your future whether you care to acknowledge that fact or not. 
You are sixteen years of age and approaching the age of adulthood in our world. Therefore, it is high time that you look towards the most important aspect of the society in which we live: furthering the family line. I have reached out to several families of noble stock and many have expressed interest in a possible match. In particular Lady Equestria Rowle has a son your age and has arranged for you two to meet in order to get better acquainted. The marriage itself will occur shortly afterwards.
Do NOT attempt to defy me, daughter. It is the destiny of every pure blood witch and wizard to keep the line free from the rotten influences unworthy to wield magic. In order to ensure your compliance, I am sending your cousin Henry to fetch you and I expect that you will not give him trouble.
Regards,
Your Father
Aleksia felt her body go numb as she stared out into space, a concoction of rage and disbelief surging through her. How...how could he do this to her? William Aries was a hard, stern, prejudiced man and had injured her and her mother multiple times over. But never before had this sort of control been attempted on her person. Before, he was a distant figure, hard to ignore to be sure, but far away enough in mind to live life without much interference.
That time was seemingly over. And the proof of her father’s seriousness was in her cousin. Henry was just as abusive, if not more so than William and there was no doubt Durmstrang had strengthened his love for all things dark and cruel. 
Fear was unbecoming of a Gryffindor, but even the bravest carried fears. For Aleksia, it was the shadows of her father’s family. 
Suddenly feeling extremely nauseous, she rose from the table and left abruptly. 
“I have to go.”
She barely registered the looks on her friend’s faces as she stormed out of the Great Hall, nor the concerned expression on a large, Slytherin male who’s eyes followed her path. She didn’t even notice when she accidentally passed through one of the ghosts while searching for one of the private closets that Hogwarts seemed to specialize in having. The shivers the imprint of an undead person could impart paled in comparison to fear of being forced to marry a person her father deemed suitable for her.
In the darkness, tears fell silently onto the ground.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Aleksia remained subdued for the entirety of the day. Her friends noticed but no one commented, at least not at first. Even her longtime rival, Merula seemed a bit perturbed that their usual banter was absent during potions class. But it was who Penny looked especially worried, especially when the duck face Tonks made at her failed to elicit a chuckle. She cornered her after Herbology.
“Aleksia, is everything, okay?”
Forcing a smile, the young Gryffindor tried to put on a convincing face.
“Oh yeah, I’m fine, Penny. I’m just a bit distracted today. No big deal.”
The blonde remained unconvinced, however.
“I’ve known you for six years. And there’s not a day I can remember where you didn’t at least say hi to me in Herbology. There’s something up, I know it.”
“She’s right you know,” Rowan cut in, her arms clutching books but with the same worry etched on her features. “I haven’t seen you this upset since your first year. And if it’s anything to with-”
“It’s not Jacob,” Aleksia blurted out and there was no denying the sincerity in her tone.
Rowan swallowed. The two being best friends, there was only one thing that could instill such fear and loathing that she knew of.
“You don’t mean…”
“That’s exactly who I mean!” the young female Gryffindor couldn’t help but reveal. “My father is hell bent on marrying me off to some bloody tosser that I don’t even know against my will and I have no say in it whatsoever!”
The outburst was sudden but not expected as Rowan gave a fearful gasp and Penny’s eyes widened.
“Aleksia, I thought you and your father were estranged. You told me you barely talked.”
The black haired girl sighed angrily.
“You’re right. But he still has his ways of making his presence known. He still sends letters and has threatened more than once to pull me out of Hogwarts if I didn’t comply with what he wanted. Thankfully mum and Dumbledore have prevented that from happening but it’s different this time.”
“Why?”
“Because he’s sending my cousin Henry after me.”
Rowan’s face became quite ashen. As the resident best friend of the Hogwarts curse breaker she knew quite well the stories of her infamous cousin and his penchant for cruelty. 
“We’ll think of something. Let’s come up with a plan. There’s no way we’re going to let your dad or cousin do this to you.”
“It’s essentially kidnapping,” Penny agreed. “And I’m with Rowan. We can prevent this from happening and we will.”
A small smile returned to Aleksia’s pretty features but the anxiety in her eyes did not abate. Contrary to her usual social butterfly personality, this was 
“Thanks, guys. But I need to think this over alone for a while. I’ll come back upstairs to the common room and meet you there, okay Rowan?”
Both girls could sense she needed private time and nodded their heads respectfully. Penny gave her a big hug in the meantime, reminding her that if she needed anything to not hesitate. For her part, Aleksia made her way over to the courtyard to gather her thoughts.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The weather, though chilly, was also sunny, a rarity for Scotland this time of year and it allowed Aleksia to try and calm her nerves as her mood teeter tottered from angry to one of immense fear. Though she had told Rowan and a few others about Henry, no one besides her could know what he was truly capable of. Horrid flashbacks surged through her mind as painful memories of being kicked, bit, slapped, and knocked down overwhelmed her senses. Aleksia was the brave and bold Gryffindor that never backed down from anything but if there were two people in this world that could instill fear in her heart and one of them was on the way.
There was a second aspect to this that remained unspoken. Though not mentioned specifically in the letter from her father, the implication and the name ‘Equestria Rowle’ rang enough of a bell. She was married to Thorfinn Rowle, a suspected Death Eater that was never formally charged with any crime, but the Gryffindor teen was well acquainted with that circle and the fact they had a son in her year, Mortimer. Aleksia didn’t interact with him much but Barnaby’s eyes often darkened when his name came up, something not easily achieved with the happy go lucky Slytherin.
Aleksia sat down and smoothed her skirt on the edge of the fountain, mentally slapping herself. How could she have forgotten Barnaby in all of this? He was also familiar with that life given his own parents were Death Eaters. Would he know of a solution? Was he not owed an explanation? She hadn’t spoken a word to him all day and he was probably concerned maybe even hurt because of it. But it also wasn’t a coincidence that Mortimer was giving her sly looks in potions and that only added to the tension.
Burying her head temporarily in her hands, she was at a loss at how to figure this out. What was she to do? How was she supposed to tell her current boyfriend? Given that her father was still technically a legal guardian, could Dumbledore step in as he had before?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar tone, one that simultaneously brought fear and rage in her heart.
“My, my you’re predictable,” spoke the smarmy, sarcastic voice of her cousin. “Finding you was easier than I expected.”
Standing across from her, was a tall teenage boy with slightly tousled blond hair, blue eyes, and a permanent smirk plastered across his features. He wore a dark trench coat and leather boots alongside a holster that contained his wand. Though his face was alight with energy, it was not the positive kind as his cold, sea eyes glinted with a maliciousness Aleksia was all too familiar with. 
“What...why...how are you here so quickly?” she demanded, rising from the edge of the fountain.
“It was a simple matter of asking the headmaster for a favor,” Henry shrugged lazily. “Your father knows him, you see, and they share certain values. Values that are also prized at Durmstrang.” He turned his head and looked up at Gryffindor Tower. “A shame that such traits aren’t shared at Hogwarts.”
“Hogwarts is a better place with one less bigot inside its walls,” Aleksia shot back. 
He turned back towards his cousin and gave another smirk.
“Simple retort from a simple, naive girl. Hogwarts couldn’t teach you proper wizarding pride so now, your father will. You had best take a good, long glance at this place, dear cousin. Because you won’t be coming back any time soon.” 
“You can tell ‘father’ to stick it up his arse. I’m not going anywhere, least of all into an arranged marriage.”
This did not deter Henry in the slightest. Though his hand was placed on the holster, he made no move to take out his wand and began moving towards Aleksia with the same cruel smile still on his face.
“You don’t want to fight me, dear cousin. The fact of the matter is uncle wants this done quickly and I have little time to get into a war of words with you. And given past circumstances, I think you’ll remember how this usually goes.”
Aleksia didn’t have to ask what that comment meant. As children, Henry delighted in torturing her and causing fights, which he usually won. 
“Come with me without delay and without fuss, Aleksia,” he told her, stopping three feet in front of her. “And I promise I won’t hurt you...much.”
It was not a threat, it was a promise. One that the blond fully intended to carry out. Being only 5’3 there was no way to outrun him. Her back against the metaphorical wall, there were only two realistic choices for Aleksia and surrendering to her sadistic cousin was out of the question. Therefore, she took a cue from Mad Eye Moody. Quick as a flash, she drew her wand and threw a blasting hex that caught Henry off guard, sending him crashing back twenty feet and onto his back.
He was up quickly, the smirk no longer there, replaced by a vicious snarl.
“So you choose the hard way,” he spoke with quiet rage. “That’s fine, I’ve been looking for an excuse to try out a few new spells anyway. Who better than my favorite punching bag?”
A half insane look appeared in his sea blue eyes as he yelled out.
“Debilito!” 
A white jet of light struck Aleksia in the leg and immediately the area became so weak, it became difficult to stand.
“Neat little trick I picked up at school,” Henry boasted. “Can rob your opponent of most of their stamina and strength. It’ll make this that much easier.”
“You never know when to shut up do you?” the Gryffindor shot back. “Petrificus Totalus!”
The purple spell missed and just as quickly Henry was summoning another curse, this time a sickly, orange color and silent. Aleksia didn’t even want to know what it was. Henry always had an affinity for the Dark Arts and clearly Durmstrang furthered that interest and ambition. Nevertheless, she was able to roll out of the way despite the weakness in her leg and fire off a response.
“Stuepfy!”
Henry blocked it and rushed forward.
“Obtusiore Nouacula!”
“Protego!”
The deadly curse held the force of a hot, blunt knife, throwing Aleksia backwards. She briefly saw a streak of purple flame and it cut into her side but avoided the large majority of its damage. However, she barely had time to recover as Henry kept sending spell after spell against her shield.
“You know,” he called out to her. “It really is pitiful you became the black sheep of the family. A noble line of wizards sullied by your association with blood traitors, mudbloods, and all the rest of the scum that plagues our world. Your affinity for them has made you weak...and uncle won’t stand for it a second longer.”
She tried to ignore his taunts and focus on Mad Eye’s training of constant vigilance and always maintaining a proper stance. She tried to focus on what Barnaby had taught her about mixing her spell arsenal and not becoming too predictable. Even so, she couldn’t resist lashing out against the person who made her life hell during their youth.
“Fuck you! I don’t need your approval for who I am and what I believe nor do I have to look down on other people to feel good about myself. If that’s what it takes to be a part of the ‘family’...” 
She reinforced her shield while digging into her stance
“...then I was never part of it in the first place. You don’t have the power to make me do anything, especially marrying that ghastly Slytherin.”
“Oh, but I can,” Henry grinned evilly. “Because now I do have that happy power. Consider this an early wedding present, and my personal swansong to you, Aleksia!”
He pointed his wand directly at her forehead and shouted out ‘Imperio!”
The spell shattered her shield into a million pieces and hit its target without fail. Immediately, a gentleness washed over Aleksia’s mind, feeling as though she were drifting on a fluffy, cloud of some sort, all cares washed away.
Come with me, a familiar voice spoke to her from somewhere far away, its tone delightful and reasonable. You’re going to be married and further our family’s heritage. This is the life of every pure-blood worth their magic. It will be the easiest thing you’ve ever done.
She didn’t bother to try and argue, merely nodding in reply.
Now let us go back to England. Your father awaits us. He is eagerly awaiting your arrival
Aleksia’s body began to follow the order but her mind suddenly began to fight back, knowing full well what awaited her if she followed the direction.
No
Yes, cousin. You must. Come with me.
She fought harder this time as the gentle, fluffy feeling began to evaporate.
I said no 
You don’t have a choice
I won’t do it
You will do it. Take my hand now or else
“I said...I WON’T GO!!” Aleksia screamed. Suddenly, the curse was gone and she raised her wand at the unsuspecting Henry.
“Meteolo!” she bellowed.
Just like that a violent hail and snow storm began pelting Henry relentlessly, a powerful wind throwing him like a rag doll into the air and back onto the cold, hard ground. But Aleksia didn’t stop there, she levitated his body into the air and slammed it against the wall with a sickening crack. 
Running towards her tormentor, the Gryffindor teen only saw red as she began to relentlessly kick and punch every square inch of her cousin’s body, barely registering his broken nose or his bleeding forehead. 
It was for every fight…
Every tormentous incident…
All of the damage and suffering she had endured under his hand.
The descent into raw fury and revenge knew no bounds as her fists became runaway trains with no end in sight to their carnage. They may not have stopped at all until once again, intervention saved Aleksia from a worse outcome.
Strong but soft hands lifted her up and away from Henry’s body. The scent of fresh laundry and sandalwood filled the nostrils.
“Aleksia don’t,” came the deep, gentle tone of Barnaby Lee.
Red vision was replaced by reality as her heart rate began to slow and her proper senses returned. She stopped struggling.
“Barnaby?”
“I know you pain you’re feeling and I know it feels good. But you’re better than that. He’s not worth it.”
Only the gentle words of her equally gentle yet equally as powerful boyfriend could assuage the raw emotion that ran through her. Her conscience agreed with him, however a strong part of her wanted to continue the assault.
“I-he…” she sputtered. “Do you have any idea who he is? What he’s done?!”
“Yes,” came the answer. “And that’s exactly why you have to stop what you’re doing. You don’t want to become the thing you’re fighting against.”
Slowly he set Aleksia down but he did not let her go, instead forcing her to witness the damage she had wrought on her cousin. Henry’s face was bloody and bruised, with one eye already swelling shut. Coughing heavily, he stood up but staggered as he did so, breaking into another wicked smile.
“So this is the famous Barnaby Lee my cousin adores so much?” he slurred. “I’m disappointed. Someone of your stock should know a blood traitor when they see one.”
The burly Slytherin’s eyes darkened, but he did not reach for his wand.
“Leave,” he said quietly. “Leave or I’ll break you in half.”
He didn’t need to be told twice. Henry was not a small man but he was no match in physical strength compared to Barnaby and he was certainly in no shape to take on a second powerful opponent in a duel. Slowly, the blond slinked away.
“This isn’t over,” he said, spitting blood on the ground and then he hurried off and out of sight.
After a few moments of silence, both teenagers let off silent sighs. Barnaby had still not let go of his girlfriend, but the truth is she didn’t want to. 
“How’d you know I was here?” she asked softly.
“Penny told me you were alone in the courtyard. I was wondering what was bothering you all day and for a while I was worried I did something wrong….”
He looked back over to the spot where Henry last stood.
“...but I had no idea it was that bad.”
“You-you couldn’t have known it’s not your fault,” Aleksia told him as she turned and buried herself into his chest. “I-I’m sorry I lost control I just…”
“I get it,” Barnaby told her kindly. “You know I do. I may not be the smartest bloke around, but I know enough that you’re too kind and caring to behave like him. I don’t want that to happen. For you to turn into…”
He trailed off and she understood immediately. They both did. Two survivors of immense trauma that lived daily with the repercussions of such injuries trying to move forward in the best way they could. As the son of a father who also attempted to control him, the sixth year Slytherin carried an empathy unmatched by anyone. 
“Promise me,” Barnaby almost begged of her.
“You don’t have to worry about that,” Aleksia replied, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Just promise me as well.”
“We’ll never be like them,” came the choked reply.
In the fading afternoon, the young couple simply cried together knowing that eventually they would both be okay…
And what it would take to get there. 
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takeiteasypeasybaby · 4 years ago
Text
Save Me: Chapter 70 - Take What’s Ours
~Hey guys! The 70th chapter of Save Me is out now :) I hope you all enjoy and have a good week~
Negan makes a great sacrifice for his family while Molly deals with the consequences, her world is crumbling around her as another whisperer threat falls on Alexandria.
That night I slept like a baby, my family were safe and sound in our house, I felt like nothing could ever hurt me.
I wonder if I would have slept that well if I knew what was coming in the morning?
I awoke to find Negan's side of the bed completely empty and his clothes which usually sat on the dresser, were all gone.
Maybe he rose early to do laundry?
I furrowed my brows and groaned as I got out of bed, it was just starting to get light outside as the clock said 5:00am.
I creaked open Lydia's bedroom door, she was sleeping peacefully so I tiptoed downstairs and found a backpack gone, along with a couple of our weapons.
I was so confused, I got dressed and walked around the compound for hours, covering every square inch but there was no sign.
That was when I raised the alarm, had he left me?
Had someone taken him...killed him?
My whole body shivered at the thought as my breathing quickened, I felt like my heart would explode.
I couldn't lose him, I needed answers because I knew he would never to this to me, to us, especially now I'm pregnant.
I awoke Michonne who then told the council what happened, within minutes, people were up and about, searching and making a plan of action.
I waited back at the house and Lydia came downstairs and asked confusedly, 'what's happening mom?'.
I smiled, trying not to panic her and said 'everything's fine, just go back to bed okay?'.
She nodded sceptically and walked back upstairs as Michonne asked me to talk outside.
I burst into tears, my whole body shook with worry.
'I can't lose him Michonne! Where is he? He wouldn't leave me!' I cried as she held me.
She just held me silently and then said 'he escaped before Molly...'.
I pulled away from her and scowled, saying 'he wouldn't leave me now, I know him'.
'We've got people out looking, just try to stay calm for the baby' she said softly as I took deep breaths.
Negan's POV//
I had been walking for what felt like hours, this fucking kid Brandon helped me escape so I let him come with me.
He was one of the guards but he was also an ex-Saviour so I guess at least one fucker was loyal to me even if it did have to be this damn annoying kid.
He didn't ask questions, he just followed behind me with a spear, constantly asking me if I wanted anything or telling me about how his dad was a Saviour and how he thought I was a legend.
I couldn't bear to hear that anymore, I would've relished in a Saviour singing my praises but now it just frustrated me.
Every minute I was away from Alexandria, I thought of Molly and my family.
I thought of how she'd probably be getting up now when I saw the sunrise, how worried she'd be, I hated knowing she would feel that way but I had to do this.
With every day, Alpha and the whisperers were becoming more and more of a threat and with Molly pregnant, I had to do whatever it took to keep her safe.
I had decided this a long time ago, when Tara was killed actually, so this would always be my fate.
I needed to infiltrate the whisperers, gain Alpha's trust and then kill them all from within, never allowing them to get close to my family or the communities.
I was damn good at manipulation so I knew I had this one in the bag.
All of Alexandria would know about me 'joining' the whisperers eventually and when Molly finds out, I know she will hate me but I just hope she understand in the end, that I did all this for us.
I just wanted Brandon to leave me the hell alone and I got my wish when we came across a mom and her kid.
I wanted to help them, give them food and water, but Brandon had other ideas.
He wanted to kill them both and take their stuff, I blamed myself for that one, given how some Saviour's acted, how I myself acted.
I pissed the kid off by telling him to get lost and while I looked for more supplies for them, he killed them both.
I came back to blood all over the trees in their camp, Brandon standing there shouting 'I am Negan!'.
That wasn't what being Negan was about you asshole! I shouted in my head.
I picked up a rock and marched over to him.
With one swift blow to the head I knocked him out, with several smashes, I killed him.
~flashback~
She giggled as I cuddled behind her, stroking her bump as we talked about baby names.
'Zoe for a girl and Noah for a boy' she said softly.
I scrunched up my face, 'you sure?' I asked jokingly.
She slapped me and said 'hey! those are cute names!'.
I chuckled and pulled her closer, 'what about...Negan Jr or Molly Jr?' I asked.
She giggled, saying 'wow, so unique'.
'They're classic, like us' I said as I kissed her shoulder.
'Mhm' she sighed as I kissed her all over her face, making her squeal as she got ticklish.
Present day...
With blood all over my face and hands, I had to take a minute.
I sighed and rubbed my eyes as I thought of Molly which is what gave me the strength to carry on.
I hadn't killed a kid before and it kinda shook me.
Adults I could waste all the live long day but even though I knew I'd done the right thing, it still felt fucking awful.
I washed my face in a puddle and checked the kid's bag to see that he'd brought me my leather jacket and a knockoff Lucille.
'What the?' I asked myself as I took them out, but I knew I had to be that guy again.
I slipped on the jacket and rested the bat over my shoulder as I walked, whistling as I went.
Hours passed, It was starting to get dark as I found myself in the thick of the woods.
I didn't have a direction, I just planned on stumbling on one of them and asking them to get me the fuck in.
I started bashing in walker heads when one of them pushed me to the ground.
'What the?' I said as I turned around to see a masked man hovering over me.
'Alright you big ass freak, let's do this' I said as I stood up.
He was a whisperer, Molly had spoke of him being Alpha's right hand man or some shit so I knew he would lead me straight to her.
I surrendered and he blindfolded me, tied my hands and led me to their camp.
I saw Alpha watching me as whisperers held spears all around me.
'I'll just sit here' I whispered to them as I sat against a tree.
Alpha and the big Frankenstein lookin' fella who they called Beta were whispering about me, I gathered from Beta's expression that Alpha was gonna let me live.
I smiled to myself seeing him kneel in front of her.
'They always do that shit?' I asked one of the masked fellas.
He pointed the spear closer to my face and whispered 'respect the Alpha'.
I saluted sarcastically, knowing that Alpha was watching me the entire time.
Beta stormed over to me and hoisted me up.
'Wow there jolly green giant, no need to get handsy' I said as he pushed me through the woods.
'How long you and the boss lady been together? Is this, like, a Beta-with-benefits situation? Do you slide her a little omega on the side?' I asked sarcastically.
'You'll respect the Alpha, or I end you where you stand' he whispered angrily as he pulled out a knife.
I raised my eyebrows and said 'I didn't mean to offend you. I mean, hell, you keep things professional, me and my girl did that for a while so I respect that'.
'Think I was just thrown off by the whole kneelin' thing. Not that there's anything wrong with the whole kneelin' thing. I mean, that has tickled the dicks of many a fine man over the years. Me, myself, I used to have people kneelin' for me all the live long day, so I do understand the benefits that sort of shit provides. Just actually never done the deed myself. And I admire your self-restraint, and I'm sayin' this totally respectfully, but there is somethin' about that whole bald-head thing that just tightens my britches' I said loudly just to test him.
He just grunted and kept walking.  
'You will be tested, you will give us what you know' he whispered as he introduced me to the tasks he had in mind.
'Okey dokey' I said smiling as he handed me a shovel.
'Start digging' he ordered as I just shrugged and dug in the ground.
It took hours, I was panting out of breath afterwards.
I had no clue what this shitty test was but then he made me skin a walker with a pen knife and kill a boar and cook it in the pit I dug.
At the end I stood there looking smugly at my handy work as the big man just threw down his shovel in anger.
Molly's POV//
It had been over a day since Negan disappeared.
The sun was going down as I stood looking out onto the forest from the guard tower at the front gate.
I stood with my arms folded and scanned the area with binoculars.
I just wanted to know he was okay, any news was better than no news.
'Molly...' Lydia said softly, trying not to disturb me.
I didn't respond, only keeping my attention firmly on the entrance, seeing if Negan would be found.
Each radio to Michonne said they found nothing and couldn't go into the whisperer's territory to look otherwise there would be more conflict.
'Molly, Michonne wants to talk to you' she said as she stood at the bottom of the ladder.
I tried to stay focussed but gave up and sighed as I came down to meet her.
I nodded to Lydia and asked her to go back to the house as it was getting dark and that I'd be home soon.
I walked to Michonne's house and she told me that Negan could've gone into the whisperer territory.
'No...No, Michonne. If he went there then he-' I said as I started to panic.
'Alpha wouldn't kill him, not when he's useful to her. He knows us, he know Alexandria, he could tell them things so they have the advantage' she said sternly.
'He would never want to harm us, or our baby or Lydia' I said angrily as I paced around the living room.
I spun around when I realised.
'What if he went there of his own accord, but not for what you think...what if he's playing them? He could infiltrate, get close and then destroy them from the inside?' I said confidently.
Michonne looked at me like I was crazy, but then it started to sink in for her.
'It's possible' she said slowly.
'Of course it is! You really think he would harm Lydia or Judith by siding with them?', this was when she said 'he did save her in the storm, he saved Lydia too'.
I nodded happily.
'Exactly, but they'll think he's joined them and we need to prepare for the backlash' I said sternly as I pointed outside.
That night I slept better, I still didn't know Negan's plan for sure, but I had faith that he was alive and working for us.
The way that Michonne had acted earlier made me think that she was on my side, I should've known she would play me.
When Lydia and I woke, we went downstairs to discover that we were both on house arrest.
'What the hell is going on?' I said as Michonne and Daryl walked over.
'I'm sorry Moll, we just wanna be sure...' Michonne said softly as Daryl looked at me like I'd committed a crime.
I turned to him and said 'what is this?!'.
'Just makin' sure that no one leaves' he said as Michonne added 'it's for your safety'.
'Safety my ass, you think that we're in on this with Negan don't you? I bet you think we helped him escape as well?' I said almost laughing.
'I won't do it, I'm going out there, I'm going after him' I said smiling as I barged past them and Lydia followed me.
'Don't take another step' Daryl said angrily.
'Or what? I know you hate me for Negan, but you know me, you really think I'd do something like this?' I said tearfully.
'I don't know' he said looking down.
'C'mon Molly, you're pregnant, you can't go out there. I promise once we find him, you'll be released' Michonne pleaded.
I just nodded and shot them a stern look as I walked back into the house.
'I'll never forget this, this is my fight too' I said sadly as I locked the door shut as Lydia came with me inside.
The next day...
I didn't think it then but it was better we were locked inside that day with a killer in Alexandria.
Michonne radioed me to keep me up to date while we were locked inside of what was going on, she said that Siddiq had been murdered and Rosita had found that it was Dante, one of our doctors.
When Gabriel and Rosita interrogated him, he said he was a whisperer spy and had been watching us for months and reporting back to Alpha.
Rosita was devastated and I couldn't even be there for her, though I knew what she needed to do.
Gabriel and Rosita both killed Dante together for murdering their friend.
Siddiq had been there for me, he'd helped me so much with my pregnancy and now I felt completely lost.
I sobbed on the sofa with Lydia when we heard the news but I was filled with rage that Siddiq's murderer was a whisperer who had gotten into our community.
So I felt that now more than ever I was needed out there and not stuck in here.
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misssunflowersandsangria · 5 years ago
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The Arrangement
Chapter 8: The Challenge 
Hello my darling readers!  This chapter took me so long but it’s finally here!  I hope that you enjoy it!
Summary:  The final ritual.
*
**
Flashback
“The last one, fuck.”  Shikamaru just stared, Temari looked a little rattled.
“You have to take on Garra.”
His eyes widened. “What the hell?  What do you mean I have to take on Garra.”
“You have to beat him in a challenge.”
“You realize that this is the Kazekage, former Jinchuriki that literally has no weaknesses and I have shadows?”
“You don’t have to physically fight him, you get to choose the type of challenge.  Normally you would have to challenge my father but thankfully that’s not the case so Garra it is.”  
“You’re acting like he’s that much better of an option.”
“Trust me, he is.”
Shikamaru looked unconvinced.  “Is there anything that guarantees that I get out of this alive?”
Temari just rolled her eyes. “Stop being dramatic.  You issue the challenge, win, then this whole thing is over.  The council gets what it wanted no one is the wiser.  Then we go back to our regular lives.  Everyone wins.”  And yet the idea of life without him again felt so painful.  
Her face took on a contemplative quality.  “Believe me, if there was a way that I could challenge Garra myself for my freedom, I would, but unfortunately this is the only way.”  
Shikamaru paused his complaints. Her statement brought him back to Earth, reminding him of what was actually important.  He knew how much it must upset her to have to rely on him to get out of this situation. He needed to do this for her and when all was said and done, together they’d find a better way.
Temari could tell that he was wracking his brain for a solution and it made her smile.  Her genius strategist. As much as he might complain she could rely on him when it mattered. They’d get through this.
She placed her hand over his that formed a circle.   “Hey, you’re a lot stronger than you think.  Kazekage or not I always told you that you could have become the Hokage if you really wanted to. The whole purpose is to show that the man I chose isn’t weak. He can stand side by side with the Kazekage.  You can do this.”
She could see the stress leave his body her vote of confidence encouraging his resolve.  “Thanks, Tem, it means a lot for you to say that.”
He paused reflecting on all the things that they’d have to do, it was a lot but it wasn't impossible and it was important.  
“We can do this Temari, you believe in me and I have faith in you.  We’ll get through this because you and I are great partners, we always have been.”
Temari nodded agreeing to the sentiment. They had always been much more successful working together. Her fate was in his hands and despite all that was at stake, she trusted him to come through for her.
End Flashback
“Man the food here is amazing!  We’ve gotta come back when you’re not busy doing all this.”  Chouji was surprised to see Shikamaru scrutinizing a Shogi board in front of him this late at night.  He was probably overthinking again.   Chouji took the seat across from him pouring a drink for both of them.
“Nervous about tomorrow?”  Chouji asked, moving a piece. He never enjoyed playing but would indulge Shikamaru from time to time.  
Shikamaru shrugged. “A little.”
Now that he and Temari admitted how they felt there was more at stake. He couldn’t let anything stand between them being together.
Chouji just waved off his concerns. “Don’t be, no one can beat you. This is your game.”
“I guess...” There were no guarantees and it would be foolish to assume he’d win easily. Neither of them was quite sure what would happen if he wasn’t able to defeat Gaara.  He could only imagine that The Council would attempt to invalidate their relationship somehow. Then they would most definitely arrange another relationship for her.
“Hey, you and Temari are two of the smartest people I know.  Whether you win tomorrow or not I know that if you want to be together nothing will stop you. You'll figure out a way, you always do.”  There was sheer confidence in those familiar eyes.
“Thanks, Chouji, for everything.”
“We’ve all had a good time being here.  It was kind of nice seeing you take on this role.  As your best friend who has seen this relationship grow and heard all the complaints turn into something different, I’m happy for you and Temari. You’re good for each other, she makes you really happy.  You both deserve that.”  Chouji appreciated Temari’s presence in their life. Shikamaru had been through a lot and his best friend deserved to have a partner that would love and encourage him.
Shikamaru smiled at his friend, thankful for his support and friendship over the years.
They both toasted their cups tossing back a drink. “Here’s to growing up.”
*
**
“Ready for this?”  Temari asked, placing an encouraging kiss on his cheek.
Shikamaru smiled with a nod pulling her into his arms, taking a moment to breathe her in.  Trying to assure them both that it would all be okay.
He took a deep breath and nodded.  “I think so.”  
Temari’s hands reached up to cradle his face between her palms.  Confidence and pride shining in her teal eyes. “Whatever happens in there it’s you and I in the end.”  
Shikamaru met Garra at the center of a training room the academy students would use.  The spectators all watched from above.  Temari was seated between Kankurou and Yoshino, Chouji and Ino behind her.  They could all tell that she was nervous and tried to be as supportive as possible.
Yoshino patted Temari’s hand affectionately.  “Don’t fret my child, if he’s anything like his father, he won’t let anything stand in his way.”  
Temari leaned into her, appreciating the reassurance.  “Thank you, mother.”  
They stared as Gaara turned to address Shikamaru.  
“Nara Shikamaru, you have come this far but we will not simply give our Princess to you.  You must prove yourself strong and capable, a man that is deserving of her.  And so I ask you, what challenge have you brought today.”
Unwilling to shrink under the pressure Shikamaru stood there tall and confident.  “I present to you a challenge that tests your critical thinking, strategy, and intellect. Qualities that are necessary for a worthy partner.  Lord Gaara, I humbly request a Shogi match.”
Gaara just nodded, not at all surprised.  “Your request has been granted.”
*
**
“You are better than I expected. I assumed your responsibilities as Kazekage would have prevented you from being able to play.”  Shikamaru couldn’t help but compliment him.  
“After you taught Temari she’d demand that Kankuro and I play with her to practice so that she could beat you one day.  Our moves were constantly scrutinized compared to yours.”  
Shikamaru just chuckled, of course, she did.
“Besides, after she concocted this whole plan I guessed that this was the route that you were going to go. So I planned ahead.” He was quite shrewd.
“I know that this didn’t start off real but I’m thankful that it worked out the way that it did.  That you both figured out what you mean to each other.”
Shikamaru appreciated the opportunity that they had to talk to one another.  “It’s been an experience. I’ve know Temari for a while now but I got to see a different side of her and Suna. I feel like I’m getting so much more out of this.”
“Take care of her for us okay?”  Shikamaru looked up at him surprised by the request.
“Always.”  
“Princess or not she hasn’t had the easiest life, I’m sure that you know that. You make her happy.  She feels safe with you. That means a lot.  She’s sacrificed so much for us and Suna. If she hadn’t met you she probably would have sacrificed her happiness as well. You’re the one selfish thing that she demanded for herself. As the Kazekage, but more importantly as her brother, thank you. I know that she can be difficult, but I know that the two of you will be very happy.”
Shikamaru didn’t have siblings growing up. The closest comparison would be his relationship with Ino and Choji. He could only begin to imagine the bond that Temari shared with her brothers, especially considering all that they’d been through. It was an honor to be welcomed into that fold.
“Can you do me a favor though?”
“Sure, anything.”
“I know that you’re so many moves ahead of me. Can you prolong the game a little longer? It wouldn’t look too good if the Kazekage loses so easily.”  Garra requested with a grin.  He knew that Shikamaru had him beat from the beginning but it wouldn’t do well to just have admitted defeat.  
Shikamaru nodded with a smile. Garra played just like Temari did and unfortunately for him, he had multiple strategies to counter her moves.
“Not a problem. It will be a little funny to see everyone stress about it.”
*
**
“Why is this taking so long?  When we play he can’t wait to show me up. Now all of a sudden he doesn’t know what to do?”  Temari complained aloud. She didn’t even think that it was a possibility that Garra could beat him. What would happen if that was the case?
“Tem calm down, I know you want to ride off into the sunset with your prince but it’s kind of exciting considering it’s just a Shogi match and not a fight to the death.” She just glared in response forcing Kankuro to scoot away from her.
She looked down at where Shikamaru and Gaara were seated, annoyed, and worried.  She couldn’t see the Shogi board from where they were. Shikamaru should have had Garra beat by now.
The two males in question could feel her intense glare.
Shikamaru feared meeting her gaze.  “We should probably finish this up or she might actually come down here.”
“You’re right. She must really love you to be this worried.”  Shikamaru blushed, rubbing the back of his neck.
They went back and forth a few more times before Shikamaru made his final move ending the game they both stood bowing respectfully to the other signaling the end.
“Nara Shikamaru you proved yourself a worthy opponent and have won this challenge.”
They were both surprised by the cheers that erupted. It seems that everyone was rooting for this outcome. Temari collapsed into her chair relieved, releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. They did it. It had all managed to work out.  She wanted to run down there but now came the last step, their presentation to Suna.
*
**
Temari looked up, seeing the door open revealing Shikamaru.  She ran up towards him, meeting him for a kiss.  After this, he was wholly and completely hers, and the world would know it too.
“How do I look?” She smiled her hands tracing over his shoulders to adjust his coat. He’d been given a set of Suna clothing to wear for their formal presentation to the village. Long fitted buttoned dark green coat with intricate gold embroidery along the seams, a swath of gold fabric hung over his shoulder.  Together in her own gold silk dress with elaborate beading and jeweled crown they looked like quite a royal couple. This wasn’t how either of them were used to dressing but it was nice for just a little bit.
“You look very handsome.”  There was no snark or follow up, just a genuine compliment to which he couldn’t help but kiss her.
“I love you Tem.”
Even now the statement left her breathless.  Her arms wrapped tighter around him trying to take in the moment. This crazy plan of hers had worked out in such a wonderful and unexpected way.  
“I love you too Shikamaru.”
* **
Gaara stood at the balcony looking over a sea of people who were waiting with eager anticipation. He was happy to see and feel the enthusiasm and joy that had been absent from his people for so long.
“People of Suna, it is my privilege to present to you our Princess Temari and Nara Shikamaru the man that she has chosen to share her life with.”
Hand in hand they stepped forward to deafening cheers and shouts of excitement.
“He has demonstrated himself as capable, embracing our people and culture. He has shown his strength and intellect through which I trust him to stand shoulder to shoulder with me.  He has proven himself worthy of our Princess. Shikamaru, Temari, I along with the Council and the people of Suna, and Konoha approve and bless this relationship. It is our hope that it will only continue to strengthen and that we may see your example of love as one that inspires all of us.”
The crowd began to cheer and celebrate wildly excited for their relationship and it’s influence and effect on Suna.
Temari and Shikamaru smiled and waved, neither one enjoying the attention but humbled by the support.  Shikamaru was thankful that the land and people that Temari loved so much could accept him as one of their own.
They remained there for a few moments longer before stepping away and retreating into her room. They had one family dinner left and this would all be done.
Away from the crowds, and cheers, the silence was welcoming. It was also a stark reminder that he’d be going home soon, they’d both be returning to their daily lives
“Come here.”  Temari slid into his open arms, head rested against her favorite spot on his chest. She took a moment to savor the feeling of his arms around her and the steady beat of his heart. Why did it take them so long to figure this out?  They had years to sort out their feelings and once they finally had he was leaving.
“I don’t want you to go.” She knew that he couldn’t stay. He’d already put his entire life on hold for her for a month but that didn’t stop the selfish request.
“I know Tem, I hate that we’re so far apart.”  Saying goodbye to her always hurt but especially now. He didn’t care about what they had to do next. He’d happily go through it if that meant they could always be together. Shikamaru pulled back to take her hand in his before placing them on the pendant of her necklace.  
“I’m always right here.”  
She squeezed her eyes tightly refusing to let those tears fall. She wasn’t losing him, he was finally hers. They would just need to be apart for a little, it would make being together that much sweeter.
“Shika after dinner tonight can you come back here?”  She asked shyly a blush painted across her cheeks.  She needed to soak in as much time together as possible.  
He nodded before his lips met hers. His tongue tracing the seam of her lips before they parted allowing him to explore her mouth. He felt himself becoming drunk off her taste and sweet sighs of contentment.  His hands grasped along the curve of her waist, her warm skin beneath his fingertips.  She was incredible.  His troublesome, perfect Sand Princess.    
“Nothing could keep me away.”
*
**
The Arrangement:
Chapter 1:  The Set- Up
Chapter 2: The Proposition
Chapter 3: The Participants
Chapter 4: The Declaration
Chapter 5: The Fear
Chapter 6: The Performance
Chapter 7:  The Meaning 
Chapter 8: The Challenge 
*
**
Do you ever like refall in love with characters?  I feel like that happened while I read through my previous chapters and while writing this one.  I love these two so much!!!
We’re almost to the end.  I think the next update might come even slower than this one...I’m going back and forth between a few ideas and I might write a smutty chapter as a follow-up but that’s still to be seen. At most there should only be three more chapters then this story will be all done. I hope that you’re all doing okay, healthy, and well.  Keep taking care of yourself and others!  Love you!
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gra-sonas · 5 years ago
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From show creator Carina MacKenzie, The CW series Roswell, New Mexico is back for Season 2, and Liz (Jeanine Mason) is torn between having her sister Rosa (Amber Midthunder) back and the sacrifice that Max (Nathan Parsons) made, in order for that to happen. And while Michael (Michael Vlamis) and Isobel (Lily Cowles) are struggling with their own grief over the death of Max, Rosa begins experiencing mysterious side effects from her resurrection, as she realizes that she’s been kept in the dark about what really happened the night that she died.
During this 1-on-1 phone interview with Collider, showrunner/writer/executive producer Carina MacKenzie talked about how the death of her male lead was in her original pitch for the series, the interesting ways that they’ve made use of Nathan Parsons throughout the season, that the secrets pretty much all of the characters are keeping are going to blow up in their faces rather quickly, getting to explore the sister dynamic, that there will definitely be more Maria (Heather Hemmens) this season, her approach to exploring Michael’s bisexuality, how original Roswell star Jason Behr ended up doing a chunk of episodes, and what she’s most excited about with Season 2.
Collider: First of all, congratulations on already having a Season 3 renewal before the premiere of Season 2. That’s awesome.
CARINA MacKENZIE: Thank you! I think it’s awesome, except I’m so tired and I have to go back to work on Monday.
When you tell the powers that be, “Hey, I’m going to kill off my male lead and start Season 2 with him dead,” what was their reaction? Did they try to convince you to do something else?
MacKENZIE: This was actually part of my pitch, when I pitched Season 1, from the very beginning. I can’t remember if I told Nathan about it during the pilot episode or during when we were shooting the second episode, but it was the plan from the beginning, so they knew where we were going. I think they trust me on that stuff. I always make the joke that I’ve killed Nathan Parsons a lot on television and he always comes back, in one way or another. We started the series with Liz taking a bullet to the heart and with him saving her life. This is a show about a woman. It’s not a show about a man being the hero, all of the time. So, if that’s how we started our series, we wanted to turn the tables and say, “Okay, she doesn’t have superpowers the way that he has superpowers.” Our show is science fiction. It’s not about magic and witches and rituals. It’s about science. So if he somehow, within him, has the science to save her life, then somehow, she should be able to use that science to save his. The studio and network definitely were a little bit worried about how much we used Nathan Parsons because we pay him for every episode, no matter what, and you like to get your money’s worth. And so they were like, “Are we renegotiating his deal here?” But we did find interesting ways to use him throughout the season, whether it’s nightmares or flashbacks. I also made Nathan come in to do work that wasn’t even Max related. We had a character that we hadn’t cast yet, but we needed to see their hands, and I was like, “Okay, you come to work and be the hands.” Whenever we had a shadowy figure whose face you can’t see, I’d be like, “Hey, Nathan, come to work.” It was actually fun for him, I think, to get to be around when he wasn’t around, ‘cause he actually lives in Santa Fe, as opposed to some of the other cast members who live in L.A.
It seems as though everyone is really starting off the season with secrets and things that they’re hiding from each other. How will that affect things? How soon will those secrets really start blowing up in everybody’s faces?
MacKENZIE: Quickly, in different ways. Alex and Maria have a conversation that they need to have about the status of their relationships with Michael. Maria has been in the dark about a lot of things, including the fact that no one’s told her that Rosa is back, and she was incredibly close to Rosa. No one told her about Noah, and she was one of Noah’s victims. Secrets don’t stay buried very long on the show, so there will definitely be some fall out. But I also think that, in some cases, the fallout is gonna be what makes what makes the relationships stronger, as opposed to what weakens relationships.
With Rosa back, you really get to explore the sister dynamic now, in present day. What have you enjoyed about that relationship, and watching what Jeanine Mason and Amber Midthunder bring to that?
MacKENZIE: Well, they are amazing. Obviously, they look alike, which helps, but they also did a lot of work together to work on mannerisms that they could create for these girls to share. Right off the bat, in the pilot, they’re sharing a motel bed on their road trip, and they both sleep with one leg outside of the covers. Little things like that were things that the actors got together with us and we said, “Okay, how do we create this feeling of Rosa being a relatively new force in our present-day Roswell, but still show the audience how deep the history runs?” Working with Jeanine and Amber made that very easy.
You’ve previously talked about there being more Maria, in general, this season. What can you say about her storyline and what Heather Hemmens is bringing to it this season?
MacKENZIE: Heather is a goddess. She is the queen of my life. There is literally nothing that I’ve asked her to do that she hasn’t done, with full enthusiasm. I will say that we put Maria into situations that I don’t think the fans are going to see coming. I got a phone call from Heather once and she said, “I’m hearing a rumor that this might be happening in the next episode. Please tell me that’s not true.” And I was like, “Read the script and tell me what you think. We’ll change it if you hate it, but just read the script.” And then, when she read the script, she was like, “Oh, hell yes!” I know that I’m being incredibly cryptic, but we’re pushing boundaries with her character and we’re exploring all sides of her. We’re learning who she is, not just as Liz’s best friend, which was what it felt like throughout Season 1, but we’re learning who she is as a business owner, as a caretaker for her mother, as a friend, and as a girlfriend. We get to see a lot of sides of her, but one of the things that I’m excited about is that we put Maria and Isobel together a little bit more this season. They’ve got this really fun, long, deep history of just hating each other, for no real good reason, whereas the actresses, Lily [Cowles] and Heather, live together and love each other. So, it led to some really fun dynamics on screen.
One of the things that I love about Michael being a bisexual character is that it’s allowed you to explore two relationships with him, the one between Michael and Alex, and the one between Michael and Maria. What’s it like for you to get do that, be able to bring that to life, and to hear how people feel about being represented in that way?
MacKENZIE: The representation part of it is really important to me. It’s really important to me that it’s not portrayed like he’s having two relationships. He is a very honest character. When Michael keeps secrets, it is not because he wants to keep secrets. Michael’s not gonna be a person who’s cheating on anybody, ever. He’s not someone who leads people on, or wants to hurt anyone. And those relationships are very different. Michael and Alex’s relationship, the bulk of it, was the summer after their senior year of high school, and that was 10 years ago. There are obviously a lot of lingering feelings, and there have been some brief reconnections over the years, but he isn’t in a committed relationship with Alex. He’s also not yet in a committed relationship with Maria. But when Michael does commit to someone, it’s very important to him to be true to them and to be honest. That’s been my whole thing. We’re not playing this bisexual character as a promiscuous person who can’t decide what he wants, or who wants both, and who’s just flitting between the genders. He’s very much a lover. And it’s been cool for me to play him as the Joey Potter or the Felicity. He’s not the typical person in the center of a love triangle. The other thing that’s important, too, is that Alex and Maria aren’t rivals. They are people who have a very deep history with each other and who love each other very much. Later on, we tell a story where Maria admits that, when she was a little kid and Alex was her best friend, she always thought she was gonna grow up and marry Alex. So, there are a lot of layers to this, and we’ve made sure to tell it with respectfully because of the representation angle, but also, we’re not trying to tell a story about people that aren’t flawed and that don’t make mistakes and that don’t have any nuance to them. We’re telling a story about people who mess up sometimes and who have to emerge from that, just like anybody else.
It’s also very cool that you have Jason Behr coming onto the show for Season 2.
MacKENZIE: Yes, it is.
How did that come about? Did he agree to it, and then you wrote the character tailored to him, or did you write the character, and then try to convince him to do it?
MacKENZIE: I met Jason at Julie Plec’s birthday party, and literally sat talking to him for five hours, and I’m not exaggerating. Everyone, including the person who was throwing the party, had gone to bed, and Jason and I were still talking about work and art, and what inspires us as artists. He had watched the first season of the show and he said, “If you want me to come do a cameo, reach out.” I didn’t think he was serious, but I thought it was worth a try. And we had this character come up that was a pretty small character because I didn’t think Jason was gonna be interested in going back to work full time. He hasn’t, in a really long time. He’s a dad, and he’s very much rooted in L.A. But when I reached out to him about the character, he was so excited that he was like, “Well, I’ll stick around.” We developed a very rich backstory for this character. He has a very deep and complicated history, and a very interesting future. He ultimately appeared in five episodes out of 13, which is a lot, and he’s essential to the season. I also cannot say enough wonderful things about working with this man. I was expecting somebody to come in with some reluctance to revisit a reboot of something that he had worked really hard on 20 years ago, but there was no reluctance. He was immediately one of the gang. He gave everybody advice. He knows the show, inside and out. And we put him through the ringer. He did not have an easy time on the show, at all, and he never didn’t have a smile on his face doing it. If anybody, in the future, gets the chance to work with Jason Behr, jump at it ‘cause it was a dream. It was a literal dream. I had the guy’s poster in my locker when I was a kid.
What are you most excited about with what you’re getting to do in Season 2, and how you’re also working toward Season 3?
MacKENZIE: Season 1 was my first time as a showrunner, so I was nervous and I had a lot on my plate. With Season 2, I felt a lot steadier on my feet. With Season 2, I pushed the stories to be bolder and pushed us in directions that scared the crap out of me because I had more confidence that I, as a writer, would be able to rise to the challenge. I told some stories that shook some things up on the network, and that we had to really, really defend. They ultimately ended up being very supportive of us, but we definitely threw some surprises at our bosses, which we didn’t really do in the first season. So, bolder is the word. We are entering territory that’s a little more controversial, a little darker, and a little sexier, in some cases. I’m just seeing what I can get on The CW.
[x]
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kokina-kizoku · 5 years ago
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Panic Room (M-21 & Frankenstein)
Hurt / Comfort and Family fic. Thanks to the great @justanaspiringsomeone for the correction!
M-21 was sitting on the operating table, shoulders sagging and shaking. The neon lights surrounded him. He hated these aggressive lights, who exposed his body on every angle, as an object to be examined. Why was this lab so quiet, so white? Normally, such pieces were filled with untold screams, blood, and atrocities... 
M-21 pushed his nails into the palms of his hands, trying to control his breathing and calm his deafening heartbeat. His control slipped slowly, his thoughts mixed to leave only terrible irrational anxiety. His eyes were beginning to blur, his skin tingling, as if thousands of hands were touching him, it was as if the open air grated his bare chest... Suddenly footsteps echoed behind him. He stiffened, his breath cutting momentarily. Frankenstein, walking with his steady and assured step, consulted his datapad as he approached the table. He was not looking at him for now, seeming to concentrate on what he was reading, and M-21 took advantage of that time to regain control of himself. But despite the fact that he had managed to find a decent appearance, he still felt the anguish lurking deep in his belly, knotting his throat and confusing his nally.
Frankenstein put down his datapad with a satisfied smile, adjusting his glasses. M-21, who had lowered his eyes, found himself obliged to look up while the scientist said cheerfully: "Well, M-21! Everything looks great, your body has fully recovered from your last fight. However, I will have to look at a few things; a blood test will be required." 
M-21 had hardly understood anything about what he said. He stared at Frankenstein's face, slightly dazzled. In the sterile and brilliant room, the only colors present were the blond hair of the scientist, who shone like gold under the neon lights, cascading over his shoulders. His blue eyes had taken a very pure, brilliant shade and, as always, very intense. He could read there an intense intellectual activity never completely at rest. There was this inhuman perfection in each of his actions, his words. Never a word too much. Never a hesitation. M-21 felt overwhelmed by this intimidating presence. He remembered at the Union scientists who looked like all-powerful gods, making creatures and torturing them for their own sake... 'But Frankenstein is not like that,' he says to himself inwardly forcefully. Usually he was able to come to terms with it. Why was it so hard to do today? 
Frankenstein resumed his datapad, taking a few notes. His hands were agile and his finger gestures perfectly controlled. Hands that could steale lives and destroy everything. Twist and tear, splash blood on this immaculate scientist's shirt...
M-21 gasped and scrambled to look up at the man's face. His familiar face. Not a nameless scientist, cold and impersonal. It was In spite of everything, the feeling of anguish at the bottom of him persisted, and grew even stronger when he met the questioning look of the man. With one eyebrow raised, he looked at him over his glasses.
''Everything is okay? Maybe you have a little fever." Frankenstein approached to be close to the werewolf, who, empty-eyed, forced himself to remain motionless. The scientist raised his hand and approached the front of that moment, something broke in M-21's mind. A flashback comes back to him with violence; a scientist grabbing his head and smashing it against the wall to test the newly acquired strength of his bones... 
M21 stared at that white, cold hand that brushed against his temple. He drew back with a terrified gasp, turning his head away. The abruptness of his reaction surprised himself. Half slumped on the operating table, he straightened slightly, turning to Frankenstein. This last was frozen, his eyes wide and his hand still in the air. He lowered it slowly, taking an impassive air. 
"M-21. Are you afraid of me?" Frankenstein asked in a voice that betrayed no emotion. M-21 clenched his fists, staring at the floor. He stammered: 
"I ... I ..." 
After a few seconds of silence, unable to answer, he slowly raised his head to look at his interlocutor. What he saw pierced his ere was a glimmer of poignant sadness in Frankenstein's eyes. This look disappeared as soon as he met M-21's, but it was too late. M-21 had already realized that he had managed to hurt this invincible man.A terrible guilt assailed him. Frankenstein, the unbreakable, the one who never let anyone pierce his defenses, had been hurt because he, M-21, was unable to control himself. 
M-21 sat down immediately on the table. His shoulders were shaking again, but his voice was firm as he said: 
"Absolutely not! I'm just... It's... It hurts. I feel like I'm sick ... Maybe I'm delirious, but it's not you, not you..." M-21 was now determined not to allow panic to invade him. He would bear the experiments that Frankenstein wanted to conduct in silence. Frankenstein had given him a house, a job, a family, an identity. The least he could do was not make him sad... However, Frankenstein looked dubious. M-21 hurried to assure him: 
"Go ahead, it's good. Do the tests you need to do. I'm just... a little agitated because of the lack of sleep and... the difficulty to adapt to my new power." Frankenstein nodded, looking worried, but M-21 could not miss the spark of relief shining in his eyes. He had a tense smile, which faded as soon as he noticed the needle that the scientist was about to insert into his arm.
M-21 closed his eyes, thinking it would help him face the moment. He was wrong. Instead, as the needle pierced his skin, he saw the panic room again, with contensions and torture devices. He again felt the infamous liquid flooding his veins, forcing him to stay awake for weeks, his body on the verge of agony, while he was planting his nails in the palms of his hands to forget the overwhelming fatigue...
M-21 opened his mouth and did not hear his own scream. The beatings of his own heart became deafening, the sound filled his ears and he felt like he was meone was holding him.
''M... 21! Answer me!'' He opened his eyes and was blinded by an azure glow. Suddenly, everything returned to normal; his hearing became stable again, he could distinguish the laboratory and, above all, the fretful face of Frankenstein.
''M! Talk to me.'' M-21 focused on the blue infinity of Frankenstein's eyes, trying to ignore everything else. Gradually his breathing calmed down, and he was ashamed to feel tears streaming down his cheeks. Tears were not a good thing. The scientists hit him laughing and calling him 'weak' when he cried.
He lowered his head, and felt the grip of Frankenstein's hands on his shoulders firm. One of them came down on his back, holding him closer as he was shaking. 
"Breathe." said a voice far and wide, "As long as you can breathe, everything will be fine." 
M-21 followed the advice of the voice and focused on his breathing. The room was silent except for the sound of their two breaths, their two human and living breaths. When he opened his eyes again, raising his head, the beating of his heart had finally calmed down. He ran his hand over his face soaked in sweat. "Is it the Union?" M-21 stopped his movement, hiding his eyes with his fingers.
''It was.'' He sighed heavily, and the words locked forever out. "These memories are stuck in my head. I see their faces, empty of compassion, but so perfect, intact, as I would never be. I hear them scream. To reduce to dust everything that matters to me. And their words... were so much worse than their blows. One shot is like the bite of an animal. But the words are...humans." 
The last sentence knotted in M-21's throat and he let the tears fall from his lashes, no longer worrying about shame. All his barriers were falling, he was falling in front of Frankenstein, and despite the benevolence of the man, he could not help but feel devoured by shame.
''What did they say?" The scientist asked, his soft voice in contrast with his jaw tight with anger. 
"It was... often things like... that my existence was scarcely real, for I would never have any value in the eyes of anyone.'' "Hm. They made a mistake, did they not?" Murmured Frankenstein. The aura of the Dark Spear was getting slightly stronger. M-21 did not care and made a weak smile, continuing by telling: 
"Sometimes they even had fun making me believe that all this was just a staging, a kind of dream I never woke up to. A bit like Takeo and his fake sister, but it was like my whole life had been simulated for their own pleasure... And sometimes I believed them." 
M-21 stopped talking, embarrassed by the silence that was growing ever deeper. He watched the progress of the Dark Spear closely. A purple glow blinked in Frankenstein's eyes, then disappeared like a flame going out. The aura had completely disappeared when the man slowly sat down beside him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "M-21, look at me and listen carefully to what I am going to tell you. These scientists wanted to crush you. In your eyes, they saw their own helplessness, their own hate against the more powerful people. They saw in it their revolt against the higher beings, against their unlimited power. Power, M-21... That's what humans have always wanted. More than happiness. More than love."
 The grip of Frankenstein's hand tightened, and M-21 was shocked to hear his voice tremble as he murmured: 
"And to reach power, you have to sacrifice everything. You must flout life." 
Frankenstein, averting his eyes, removed his hand, seeming to try to sort out his ideas. Eyes down, M-21 respectfully waited until he found the words. He had no doubt that, just as he had opened himself to talk about his past, this conversation must have been very difficult for Frankenstein. Finally, the scientist began to speak again, and even if his face showed no emotion, his voice was loaded with so much fervor that M-21 shuddered. 
"But what humans do not understand is that there is nothing more sacred than life.M-21, you can not even imagine ..." "I understand. You're talking about the importance of respecting life." 
The man nodded, explaining in a low voice: "Your existence has always made sense. You are part of the huge chain of evolution. Billions of years have been needed to arrive at your genetic endowment..."
M-21 could not help interrupting him, clenching his fists: "Yes, if my physical and psychological characteristics have not been created upon request by the Union." 
"Then it would make you my child."M-21 turned his head in less than a second, stunned. "What do you mean?" Frankenstein smiled and said: "The union stole my experimental data and used it to create you. Does not that make you my child?" "You ... you ..." M-21 did not trust himself to hold back his tears again. Family. We are a family. Tears overflowed his eye. He forced himself to concentrate. Before letting feelings overwhelm him again, there was one more thing he had to ask. 
"Frankenstein?"
"Yes, my child?" 
M-21 put his hand against his mouth to suppress the sob that was threatening to come out. He began to breathe quickly again, but stopped as soon as Frankenstein's hand rested on his shoulder. He closed his eyes a few moments, then found the will to articulate: 
"Can I ask you a question?" "Of course." Have you always respected life?" 
Frankenstein's gaze darkened so much that M-21 almost regretted asking the question. Almost. He had to know. "No, of course. Have not you already realized that I'm crazy?" He whispered with a sadistic smile in his mouth. A burst of Dark Spear shimmered in his eyes. Millions of tortured souls shouting vengeance. 
Anyone would have been terrified. Would have panicked. 
M-21 dropped to Frankenstein's chest, wrapping his arms around his neck. He felt so exhausted. So safe. All his anguish had evaporated thanks to man's words. And as it seemed he needed to hear it, M-21 said it. 
"I'm not afraid of you and your madness. I trust you…" Frankenstein swallowed, wrapping his arms awkwardly. M-21 smiled: there were very few people who could boast of having moved the great Frankenstein. 
"Of course, I already knew that," he argued, but M-21 could hear a hint of relief again in his voice. M-21 only nodded, too tired to make a mocking remark. He murmured:
"One last thing... This thing, my child, keep it for when we're alone. Crying in front of Rael would be a bit embarrassing." He chuckled and mumbled a 'okay '. M-21 closed his eyes and fell asleep feeling scarcely Frankenstein lifting him up.                                                          ---
In the days that followed, Frankenstein stopped wearing his scientist shirt and glasses in the laboratory. When the others questioned him, he replied cheerfully that white was strictly reserved for his master. Following this strange argument, all the inhabitants of the house, without exception Rael, had to eliminate all the white pieces of their.
And no one understood why M-21 seemed to laugh secretly, and look gratefully at Frankenstein every time the incident was evoked.
                                                        ---
I hope you enjoyed! I know that the ''Where's my guy'' incident had pissed off a lot of people in the Fandom, so I thought I would write a story about it (correcting the monumental translation error of course). What do you think?
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shielddrake · 5 years ago
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The Monomyth in Video Games (AKA My Longest Rambling Ever)
Tell me if this sounds familiar:
 A person who comes from humble beginnings is called to go on an adventure to accomplish something great. He (it’s usually he) may either jump at the call or initially refuse it, but finally goes with the help of a mentor figure. He meets various amazing people and faces a myriad of challenges to achieve his ultimate goal. He confronts the main obstacle, overcomes it, and is rewarded for it. He returns to his home a wiser person, and bestows upon his fellow people the lessons he has learned, to the benefit of all. The End.
 Anyone know this? Anyone? Yup, that is a short, short, very short and simplified version of the monomyth, also known as The Hero’s Journey, a narrative device observed by many people but popularized by Joseph Campbell.  It has been studied and used by storytellers of various media, ranging from oral tales to books to movies to, yes, video games.
 It is one of the most common narrative devices out there, if not possibly the most common, at least historically. I’m sure a lot of us were exposed to Greek myths such as The Odyssey in school (at least, in America we are). JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings has many of the steps in the early parts of the story, before drifting in other directions once the fellowship separates. Each individual Harry Potter book has its own cycle of The Hero’s Journey. Every. Single. One. Star Wars is still a popular franchise (the more recent criticisms aside) and George Lucas has admitted repeatedly he used the monomyth as inspiration while he was writing the scripts for the original trilogy. So even if you are not intimately familiar with The Hero’s Journey in detail, high chances are you’ve been exposed to it simply through consuming various media.
 That’s not to say that using this narrative device is always intentional. I would find it incredibly surprising if Hiromu Arakawa or Hajime Isayama were purposely trying to include monomyth steps in their creation of Fullmetal Alchemist and Attack on Titan, respectfully, or that the creators of the 2019 anime version of Dororo meant to put Hyakkimaru through the paces of The Hero’s Journey, but sure enough, all these have some aspects of the monomyth in them!
 Does this mean a story, whether it’s a novel, TV show, movie or video game, has to possess all these steps in order to be considered using the monomyth?  No, definitely not.  On the contrary, it would actually be a good thing for stories to not require use of all these steps.  Telling a story by just crossing items off from a list is bound to create a rather stale experience. What I’m saying is simply that stories will borrow aspects of The Hero’s Journey to make the story compelling. The same goes for order and magnitude. The monomyth is usually presented in seventeen steps, but I don’t feel like they necessarily have to show up in the story in the listed order, nor do the steps have to take up equal amounts of the story-telling experience. Steps four through ten usually are the longest, while the last five or so tend to be rather short.
 So, in my apparently endless determination to apply the same techniques used in literary theory and film theory to video games, I would like to go over a couple of video games and how they do or do not apply the various steps of the monomyth.  I will go over four video games, noting whether each step is present, how much it adds to the story by its presence or absence, and how well the game represents the step.
 I’ve decided to review Final Fantasy VII (because its remake it coming out relatively soon), Dragon Age Inquisition (for another RPG, but not made in Japan), Bioshock (to show this isn’t just an RPG thing), and Psychonauts (because I’ve still got Psychonauts on the mind from my last post). I will also be comparing this to the monomyth found in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone, The Lord of the Rings, and the Star Wars Original Trilogy.
 There will be spoilers for these movies and games, on the off chance that anyone who hasn’t seen or played them doesn’t want them ruined. Do I need to keep putting spoiler warnings on older games? Or for the books/movies? Although I’m also kind of writing this with the idea that you have at least a passing knowledge of these movies, books and games…Oh well, just to be safe: Spoilers Ahead!
 This is a really, really long one, so beware. Readers may want to take this in phases.
  Let us begin.
 1.) The Call to Adventure
 First, there needs to be a little backstory established. The hero’s journey usually begins in the home of the main protagonist, more often than not showing the protagonist’s life in its everyday normalcy, which is often put in a negative light, ranging from boring to outright dangerous.
 The hero will generally come from rather small beginnings, which is probably why orphans are a common origin story. Luke is an orphan who lives with his aunt and uncle, oblivious to the fact that his father is Darth Vader. Harry Potter is very much the same, living with a borderline abusive family who force him to sleep in the cupboard under the stairs. Frodo is also an orphan taken in by Bilbo, his second cousin (hobbit family trees are confusing). Please note that this does not preclude a hero from learning a parent is alive later in the story (looking at you, Luke).
 In addition to this, the hero is rarely someone with much power, authority or money. Being a moisture farmer on Tatooine is apparently not the most noble of professions (though on a desert planet I’m a bit surprised by this), and the Dursleys appear to be middle class at best. Bilbo and Frodo are wealthy by hobbit standards and seem to be higher on the social hierarchy in The Shire, but remember that hobbits mostly reside in the Shire and immediately surrounding areas, so they aren’t considered to be important players in the world of men or elves. They are small both in stature and in society.
 For our chosen video games, it’s a little bit up to interpretation of the word “orphan” and what the player decides, but the humble beginnings idea still applies. Cloud from Final Fantasy VII (FFVII) is half-orphaned at a young age when his father dies, but doesn’t become a full orphan until he’s a teenager, when his mother dies during the Nibelheim Incident. We only see this in a flashback, and adult Cloud is a full orphan by the start of the game. By this point, Cloud has fallen from a SOLDIER First Class to a mercenary. So he’s rebelling against the more powerful people in Midgar, or at least is being paid to do so.
 The Inquisitor of Dragon Age Inquisition (DAI) may or may not have living parents, depending on origin and player choice. A human Inquisitor probably has living parents, but it’s a bit debatable if an elf, dwarf or Qunari Inquisitor does. At the beginning of the game the Inquisitor loses any prestige they may or may not have had (especially the human noble), and a Carta dwarf, Dalish elf, and Vashoth Qunari don’t have much in terms of power or rank in Thedas anyway. Whatever the case, the Inquisitor ends up being just a simple prisoner for the early prologue part of the story, before being raised up to the Herald of Andraste and eventually to Inquisitor.
 Jack from Bioshock is an interesting case. He’s sold by his biological mother, “raised” by Dr. Suchong and Brigid Tenenbaum, and later smuggled out of Rapture to live with adoptive “parents.” He is also an outsider in that he is kind of an unknown factor, given his upbringing, so by the time Jack arrives in Rapture at the start of the game, he is basically nothing but another body that happens to be there. Without Atlas directing him, it is very possible he could have just become another splicer, the crazed and deformed human remnants of Rapture’s human population. Either way, he doesn’t have much in terms of money, power or authority by the start of the game.
 Raz from Psychonauts doesn’t fit the orphan archetype, as he clearly has a rather large family, but he is estranged from his father at the very least. We don’t know his relationship with the rest of his family, but perhaps we’ll see more of that in the sequel. Raz definitely fits the humble beginnings archetype though, seeing as a circus performer profession is looked down upon, especially if you ask Kitty or Franke.
 The Call to Adventure itself can come in many forms, either through circumstance, a person begging for help, the hero learning about their origin they previously didn’t know, the hero’s own desire for a better life, and so forth. “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.” Yeah, that one is pretty clear. Harry Potter gets his letter to Hogwarts delivered by Hagrid, and Gandalf says that Frodo must deliver The One Ring to Rivendell (although in the book Frodo takes a few months just thinking about it before actually leaving the Shire).
 For Cloud, the call really comes from both Barret and Tifa, with Barret paying him to help destroy the Mako Reactors, and Tifa pretty much calling in the promise Cloud apparently made to protect her during their childhood. The Inquisitor is basically blackmailed into working with Cassandra and Leliana to rebuild the Inquisition to close the Breach, which the player can either go along with willingly or unwillingly.
 Jack…doesn’t exactly have a call to adventure so much as he’s thrown into the adventure by way of mental conditioning and circumstance. The player doesn’t really get how the plane he’s riding crashed and why he ended up in Rapture until later in the game, but he’s basically told by Atlas/Fontaine what to do to help him save his (Atlas’) family. And things just go from there. For Raz, he receives a pamphlet for Whispering Rock Psychic Summer Camp, and being a psychic himself Raz decides to run away from the circus (in an inversion of the normal run away to the circus trope) to attend the camp. I would still like to know who it was that gave Raz that pamphlet to begin with. I’ve heard a lot of different theories. What do you guys think?
 2.) The Refusal of the Call
 When the hero receives the Call to Adventure, in whatever form it comes in, the hero often refuses the call, saying he or she is not cut out for whatever the adventure calls for or they have something else more important to do.  This can be saying you have to help your uncle on the moisture farm, saying you can’t possibly be a wizard, or trying to give The One Ring to the wizard who reveals the danger you’re in. The Refusal is of course short-lived and the hero goes along with the call anyway, otherwise there would ultimately be no plot, or at least a very, very boring one.
 Cloud’s Refusal of the Call is short-lived but repeated. He tells Barret that Shinra sucking Mako from the planet isn’t his problem, tells Biggs he’s gone once the job is over, proclaims to the entire AVALANCHE group that he doesn’t care about the planet, and tells Tifa he’s going to let AVALANCHE deal with Shinra and that he’s no hero. It isn’t until Tifa reminds him of a promise he made to her that he actually sticks around the group. All this occurs in roughly the first half hour of the game.
 In DAI, a Refusal of the Call is optional based on player choice. The Inquisitor can reject being the Herald of Andraste basically from the word go, with repeated rejections scattered about the entire game. Later, the player can refuse the idea of leading the Inquisition, including for race or religious reasons.  All this doesn’t matter, however, as the game continues on with the player’s character being referred to as the Herald/Inquisitor anyway, so the refusal is kind of a moot point.
 Bioshock and Psychonauts don’t really have any Refusals of the Call. Raz actually jumps at the chance of going on an adventure, away from the circus, away from his family, who he thinks doesn’t understand him.  If anything, the refusal comes from his father, Augustus, who destroys the pamphlet for the camp and forces Raz to practice acrobatics instead. But Jack’s story is the most interesting to me in terms of the refusal, and anyone who has played through Bioshock knows why. Not only does Jack not refuse the call, but also he also literally cannot refuse it. His “Would You Kindly” mental conditioning keeps him from doing so, and I love that it is buried in the gameplay in a way that the player doesn’t even realize the mental conditioning is there until much later. Story and gameplay integrated!
 3.) Supernatural Aid/Meeting the Mentor
 I’ve seen this step be called alternatively both Supernatural Aid and Meeting the Mentor, depending on who is describing The Hero’s Journey. Campbell called it the former, while the more recent Christopher Vogel calls it the latter. Personally I think these should be separate steps, but they often have to do with one another in some way, so I guess they can go together.
 The term “supernatural” is just vague enough that it can mean many things.  It can mean magic, divine intervention, magic, genetic manipulation, magic, psychic abilities, magic, aliens, or Force magic, to name a few. Harry Potter and Fellowship of the Rings all have some form of magic (of course), while Star Wars has the Force. FFVII has magic, the ancient spiritual race of the Cetra, and, strangely enough, the alien invader Jenova. Psychonauts has psychics (again, of course).  DAI has presumed divine intervention from the Jesus-like figure of Andraste, at least until the Inquisitor enters the Fade and learns it was actually Divine Justinia, who is basically the Dragon Age version of the Pope. The Plasmids that Jack uses throughout Bioshock is more scientific than magical, but it still serves the same function.
 As for mentors, some of those are pretty obvious for the books/movies. Luke has Obi-Wan, Frodo has Gandalf, and Harry has Dumbledore. For our chosen video games, it’s a bit less clear.  Cloud’s “mentors” might actually be his love interests Aerith and Tifa, depending on how far in the game the player is. Jack has both Atlas/Fontaine and Tenenbaum, for better or worse. Raz actually has several, which is no surprise considering summer camps have to have several camp counselors, but the two major ones are Sasha Nein and Ford Cruller, since those are the ones he spends the most time with and Raz clearly looks up to Sasha as his hero.
 For the Inquisitor, that’s where it gets a bit muddy. It would seem like Cassandra starts as a mentor figure, giving the Herald advice and trying to direct them, but quickly takes a backseat once the player character becomes the Inquisitor proper. She doesn’t even show up at the war table anymore, whereas in Haven she does. Is Leliana a mentor? Kind of, but only in the sense that she acts as an advisor, roles that are also played by Cullen and Josephine.  Solas? Well, he would like to think so, and you even get minor boosts in approval if you listen to him. Or you could ignore him entirely and piss him off.  Andraste? Sure, if your Inquisitor is devout. It’s more up to the interpretation and choices of the player.
 4.) Crossing the First Threshold
 This is the step where the protagonist basically goes, “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.” (Yes, MGM’s Wizard of Oz also has its own Hero’s Journey!) It is the point of no return, where the hero finally decides to go with the Call to Adventure.  It is also in this step that the hero first encounters some of the real world outside of his or her comfort zone. So, this is another step that is kind of more like two steps.
 Our movies certainly have this two-part step. Luke decides to go with Obi-Wan to Alderaan after his aunt and uncle are killed by Imperial soldiers, and the cantina scene is his first real interaction with the tougher people that exist in the galaxy, including the skeptical Han Solo. Frodo (eventually) decides to take the One Ring to Rivendell, and The Prancing Pony in Bree exposes the hobbits to full-sized people for the first time, other than Gandalf. Harry Potter also has two, once at the Leaky Cauldron (pubs and inns seem to be a trend) leading to Diagon Alley and again on the Hogwarts Express.
 Psychonauts has an obvious Crossing of the First Threshold: Raz enters Coach Oleander’s mind, the Basic Braining level, the first mind Raz ever enters…presumably. It’s possible he entered another mind before then, but it’s not likely.
 Jack’s first sight of Rapture kind of acts as a first threshold, for both Jack as a character and for the player, but I also kind of like to think of it as the scene where Jack first sees a Big Daddy defend a Little Sister from a splicer. It gives a bit of foreshadowing that nothing is what it looks like down here, and Jack (and by extension, the player) should be careful about who he trusts.  A Little Sister is not a small, innocent creature after all, because there is always a dangerous, hulking Big Daddy somewhere nearby. Atlas is not who he appears to be, and ultimately Jack isn’t either. Instead, they are both people wearing masks, one intentionally and the other completely obviously.
 The first attempt at closing the Breach in DAI is a clear crossing, because it is from there that the Inquisition is reborn and the main character becomes the Herald of Andraste. Nothing is the same for the player’s character from that point on. The same goes for Cloud and the gang after the pillar holding up the upper plate over the Sector 7 slums collapses. Most of AVALANCHE’s members are killed and Aerith is captured. It’s not about saving the planet by this point. It’s about saving Aerith and getting revenge. Things just domino on from there.
 5.) Belly of the Whale
 This step coincides with the previous one. It is the final separation from everything the hero knows and moving into the unknown. Oftentimes it overlaps with a step called Loss of the Mentor, but it doesn’t have to. Consumption by a whale is optional, though use of a metaphorical whale is the more common approach.
 Speaking of metaphorical whales, what’s a bigger one than the Death Star? The same place where Obi-Wan dies, leaving the last connection to anything Luke had to his previous life and the one who would help him step into the future. He’s aboard the Millennium Falcon with two other people, two droids and a Wookie, but in reality he’s completely alone.
 Another such whale is Moria, the underground kingdom previously ruled by dwarves, but by the time of The Fellowship of the Ring, it is overrun by goblins, orcs, and the Balrog. The fellowship is swallowed by the earth and needs to get out. The price of that, however, is losing Gandalf. Another mentor lost. An even bigger whale is seen later in the books once Frodo and Sam reach Mordor itself, and they have to face even more challenges to get the One Ring to Mount Doom.
 For Harry, the whale could be a couple of things. It could be Hogwarts itself, the Forbidden Forest, the Hogwarts Express, the forbidden room on the third floor, or perhaps the trapdoor under Fluffy and the passage underneath…Lots of options here.  Now, the mentor figure for this book, Dumbledore, doesn’t leave Hogwarts until near the end of the story, and thankfully he doesn’t die, unlike the previous mentors who happen to be old, bearded, wizard men. He waits until book six to do that.
 FFVII kind of has an opposite whale. On one hand, it could be argued that the Shinra, Inc. building could be the whale, and although it certainly could be, I think a more poignant one would be the greater world itself. Once Cloud and the gang escape from Shinra, they leave Midgar and head out into the world, and they don’t return to Midgar until the end of the game. This could also be considered a Crossing the First Threshold.
 Again, DAI is about choice, but there are two events that are pretty big whales. The first is trying to recruit either the mages or the Templars to the Inquisition to close the Breach. Whether the player ends up facing Alexius in a dystopian future or fighting an Envy Demon for control in the Herald’s own mind, the main character ends up delving deep into a dangerous situation they have to climb out of. The second time is during the quest line to fight the possessed Gray Wardens and the Inquisitor ends up falling into the Fade. Quite a whale there, the Fade. A giant world that is only supposed to be accessible either to mages or in dreams. This is even more intense of an experience for a dwarf Inquisitor, since dwarves do not dream and cannot be mages in this universe.
 Bioshock…well, besides the idea of Rapture itself being a whale (during the game’s opening scenes, we even see a whale swim between Rapture’s towers), I would consider the most likely place to be Rapture Central Control. It’s here that some of the most important game events happen, after all. Jack kills Andrew Ryan, there’s the reveal of Jack’s “Would You Kindly” mental conditioning, and Jack learns he’s actually Ryan’s illegitimate son. Not to mention learning that Atlas, who has been guiding Jack and the player throughout the game thus far, is actually Frank Fontaine, the big bad. He has actually been using Jack this whole time just to one-up Andrew Ryan in their little power struggle. And then Fontaine betrays Jack and sends security bots to kill him, leading to yet another loss of a mentor. That’s a lot to take in during such a short time.
 Psychonauts doesn’t have a whale, but it does have a Hideous Hulking Lungfish. Raz has to do battle with her beneath Lake Oblongata, and then enter her mind so Raz can release her from Kochamara’s control. By then, Sasha and Milla have already been kidnapped, under the ruse of “Official Psychonauts Business,” and Ford Cruller is forced to remain in his underground lair near the psitanium so he doesn’t fall into one of his many personalities. So much for help there.
 6.) The Road of Trials
 The Road of Trials is the meat and potatoes of the story. It’s all the challenges the hero must overcome in order to reach the ultimate goal, whether it’s a big or little one. The challenges themselves may also be large or small, and according to Campbell often occur in groups of three. These challenges prepare the hero for the final encounter at the end of the story.
 …Do I really need to go over these in detail for each movie and game I’m reviewing here?  It’s basically the plot all the characters go through during the course of the story, ranging from battles, dungeons, travel, magic classes, camp activities, puzzles, and so forth. I’m not going to list each one here. This post is long enough as it is.
 7.) The Meeting with the Goddess
 This step involves the hero meeting with another character who helps them in some way, whether it’s as part of the hero’s group, by giving an item that is helpful, or just giving good advice. More often than not, this character is one of high ranking: an actual goddess, a princess, a queen, or something of that sort. She may or may not be a love interest, and more modernly she may not be a “she” at all…our examples here though do happen to be female, but I’m just saying this doesn’t have to be the case.
 Star Wars is obvious. Luke meets Leia, the Princess of Alderaan who hides the plans to destroy the Death Star in R2D2, first in her hologram and then in person aboard the Death Star itself. Frodo meets Galadriel in Lothlorien, where she allows him (and Sam, in the books) to glimpse into the Mirror of Galadriel to see the possible future of the Shire should his quest fail. She also provides him the phial containing the light of Earendil’s star, which is vital to fighting off Shelob later on. I wouldn’t exactly say Harry Potter has a goddess to meet, but I like to think it’s supposed to be Hermione, since she knows so much and often is the only one who actually knows what’s going on.
 Let’s see. FFVII has Aerith, whose big “gift” to the story is giving her life while she prays for Holy to stop Sephiroth’s Meteor. Bioshock has Brigid Tenenbaum, who assists Jack throughout the game if he spares the Little Sisters, and removes part of his mental conditioning so Jack can resist Fontaine. Milla is one of Raz’s teachers at Whispering Rock Psychic Summer Camp, teaching him the Levitation ability, which is arguably the most useful ability in the game.
 As for DAI, there are plenty of characters that can play the role of the goddess, but I would argue the most important one might be Morrigan. She tells the Inquisitor about the eluvians and theorizes Corypheus is searching for one as a means to reach the Fade. Although she ends up being wrong, Morrigan also is a candidate for drinking from the Well of Sorrows, and if she does she helps the Inquisitor by fighting the red lyrium dragon during the final battle with Corypheus.
 8.) Woman as Temptress
 Here’s another misleading title. The Woman as Temptress originates back from Campbell’s research of Greek myths, where the hero is enticed by a female figure: Circe, Calypso, the Sirens, and so on. Today, the “woman” is really just anything that tries to drive the hero away from the path of his journey. This can be power, money, promises, or threats, for some other examples. It can still be a person, but lately that hasn’t been the case.
 There is always the temptation of the Dark Side of the Force, although Luke doesn’t really encounter this in full force until The Empire Strikes Back. The One Ring is the temptation itself, and it actually does succeed, since Frodo doesn’t throw the Ring into the fires of Mount Doom. It isn’t destroyed until Gollum bites off Frodo’s finger, reclaims the Ring, and falls into the Crack of Doom while doing a happy jig. Voldemort tries (very briefly) to get Harry to join him and hand over the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone at the end of the book (it’s a bit longer in the movie) but that doesn’t last very long.
 There’s not exactly a temptation in FFVII, although I guess Jenova manipulating Cloud into bringing the Black Material to Sephiroth at the North Crater is the closest thing. I feel that goes more into the manipulation category than temptation though, but it still functions in a similar way. Bioshock has the temptation of harvesting the Little Sisters to receive more ADAM from them, and thus allowing Jack to obtain more abilities. This can be really appealing from a gameplay perspective, and results in the bad ending of the game if you kill every Little Sister. Alternatively, Tenenbaum compensates you if you spare the Little Sisters, so it’s not the end of the world to resist the temptation.
 …Raz doesn’t have a temptation to stop trying to become a Psychonaut. At all. Oleander never convinces him, Loboto doesn’t convince him (their interaction is actually incredibly small in the main game), none of the other campers dissuade him, and he faces all the obstacles in all the different minds with determination. The closest thing I can think of is Lili, who really just tries to give him a realistic view that the Psychonauts are not as important as they once were. I guess the “making out” scene kind of fits here, since Raz is clearing distracted by the idea of kissing Lili and doesn’t pay any attention to what she’s saying immediately after. Linda interrupting them puts an end to that though.
 As for DAI…yeah, I have trouble with this one.  There really isn’t anything that tempts the Inquisitor in a way that distracts them from the danger at hand. Romance doesn’t do it, power doesn’t do it, money doesn’t do it, blood magic doesn’t do it, demons don’t do it…Yeah, I’ve got nothing. Readers, please help me with this, if possible!
 9.) Atonement with the Father
 This is the step most people know even if they don’t know the concept of the Hero’s Journey itself, because it is such a common trope used in all kinds of story telling. This can be a father or father figure, and honestly it’s not unusual for this to be replaced by a brother in video games, and less commonly with another relative. This step may or may not be related to the next step, Apotheosis, depending on if the “father” is the source of the main conflict, but it is still one of the major obstacles the hero must overcome. Another thing to note that this step does not have to involve the death of the “father” either.
 Let’s face it: Star Wars is one of those films that normalized the father-son conflict dynamic in movies. Sure, it existed before then, but it became a huge thing after the iconic scene between Luke and Vader in The Empire Strikes Back. The conflict doesn’t come to a head until The Return of the Jedi, when Vader finally redeems himself by killing Palpatine and saving Luke’s life, giving his own in the process.
 That being said, it’s interesting that the other two movies we’re looking at have more distant aspects of the Atonement with the Father step. It’s not Frodo who has to deal with his father’s displeasure, but Faramir. Is there anything worse than hearing your father admit that he wishes you had died and your older brother had lived? Denethor doesn’t appear to care about Faramir until he appears to have died. This is less apparent in the book, but it’s still there.
 Harry Potter has the same thing. Obviously since Harry doesn’t have a living father, it’s kind of hard for him to have a conflict with him. I guess there’s kind of atonement with Severus Snape in the last book, but you have to really, really squint to make it that relationship one of a father-figure and son. …No, that doesn’t work for our purposes. There are issues with fathers with other characters, like Ron, Neville and Draco, but those relationships aren’t really elaborated on until later in the series.
 Video games often follow a similar pattern. Conflict with a father or father figure is incredibly common. Raz and Jack both have big issues with their dads, although Raz’s resolution is obviously more positive than Jack’s. Raz actually does atone with his dad, right before the final battle with a giant two-headed father monster in Raz and Oleander’s combined mental world. (If you don’t know Psychonauts, it makes sense in context, I promise.) Jack meanwhile…kills his biological father, although perhaps not willingly considering his mental conditioning. Andrew Ryan is a pretty terrible human being though, so maybe Jack/the player would have wanted to kill him anyway. Maybe.
 It should also be no surprise that the father issue doesn’t have to surround the main character, especially since being an orphan is a common backstory, as mentioned in the Call to Adventure step above.  The Inquisitor doesn’t really have issues with his/her father, presuming the player thinks the father is still alive, but Dorian certainly takes umbrage with his father trying to use blood magic to change his sexuality. It’s up to the player to either encourage or discourage Dorian from reconciling with his father, so this step is up in the air in that regard.
 Another similar conflict that occurs in DAI that isn’t with a father is between Morrigan and Flemeth, although I would hesitate to consider it”atonement,” especially if Morrigan is the one who drinks from the Well of Sorrows, thus tying her to Flemeth’s command. Of course, with Flemeth out of the picture and Solas taking over, I wonder how that connection stands now.
 The father conflict is also not related to the main character in FFVII. Red XIII, aka Nanaki, has issues with believing his father, Seto, abandoned his mother and his tribe during an attack by the Gi tribe. In truth, Seto actually sacrificed himself to prevent a backdoor invasion, turning to stone after being hit by several petrifying arrows. Once Red learns the truth about this, he proclaims that his father was a hero and he will protect his home, Cosmo Canyon, just like he did.
 And that’s not even getting into all the father issues present in the other Final Fantasy games, plus others in FFVII. Maybe I’ll do another post about that topic another time.
 10.) Apotheosis
 This is the point the quest has been leading up to. The final challenge. The final battle. The final countdown. The hero takes all they have learned over the course of their journey and applies it to this final challenge. If there’s a main villain of the story, this is the time where the hero confronts them.
 This is pretty self-explanatory. Luke Skywalker trusts in the Force, which allows him to blow up the Death Star. Harry Potter decides he wants to obtain the Philosopher’s Stone, but not use it, and that’s what allows him to receive it from the Mirror of Erised. And Frodo has to throw the One Ring into the Crack of Doom to defeat Sauron. That last one is interesting in that Frodo technically fails to do this final task, which is not something we historically see in Hero’s Journeys, but such a failure is becoming more common.
 Applying this step to video games feels a bit like cheating considering that a large majority of them have a final boss battle of some kind, and our four games are no exception. Most of the resolution of the main character’s stories coincides with the defeat of the final boss. Jack’s story ends when he is able to reverse his mental conditioning (with Tenenbaum’s help) and he defeats Fontaine, and the Inquisitor’s conflict with Corypheus ends, of course, with Corypheus’ death. The Trespasser DLC for DAI adds more conflict involving what happens after and what the Inquisitor is going to do about their Mark that is slowly killing them, but I feel that’s another story, so it’s beyond The Hero’s Journey of the main game.
 However, despite having final boss battles, I feel that Psychonauts and FFVII also have an Apotheosis step in terms of the characters themselves. Raz has to defeat the two-headed mental amalgamation of his and Oleander’s fathers, but he is able to do so because his real father breaks into his mental world and lends Raz his power so he can fight the monster. That reconciliation is more important to Raz’s story than beating the monster. Honestly, Raz probably wouldn’t have agreed to use his father’s strength if they hadn’t reconciled literally just prior to the final fight.
 Cloud’s Apotheosis really has to do with coming to terms with his false memories. He never actually joined SOLDIER, instead becoming a grunt in the Midgar army. He was experimented on after the Nibelheim Incident, escaped with Zack, and basically imprinted Zack’s life, experiences, mannerisms and skills after Zack was killed right in front of him. Cloud and Tifa have to sift through Cloud’s memories to figure out what really happened during the Nibelheim Incident, thus returning Cloud to his normal self. Essentially, Cloud has to realize that he is not as strong of a person as he previously believed, and that there’s nothing wrong with being weak. What you have to be is true to yourself. That’s more important than being strong.
 11.) The Ultimate Boon
 So if the Apotheosis is the final challenge of the journey, then the Ultimate Boon is the reward for overcoming it. This can be material or not, and likewise may or may not be what the hero initially set out to receive or accomplish. The boon can be large (such as saving the world) or small (earning a medal), and it can be public (again, saving the world) or personal (winning a love interest’s heart).
 Harry and Frodo both set out to accomplish a task, preventing the Philosopher’s Stone being stolen and destroying the One Ring, respectively, although Harry’s realization that he must do this thing is later on in the story compared to Frodo. They both succeed and are both rewarded. Harry and his friends are basically handed the House Cup at the end of the school year for thwarting Voldemort’s plan, and Frodo and the fellowship save the world, and more importantly for Frodo, save the Shire.
 However, Frodo does end up having to leave the Shire and go into the east due to the wounds he acquired throughout the journey as well as the strain of carrying the Ring. In a way, he is rewarded for his journey, but also punished because he didn’t actually accomplish the task he set out to do. He ends up leaving the Shire, his home, which he wanted to save to begin with.
 Luke is kind of the same way. He doesn’t set out necessarily to find his father and bring him back to the light. His Call to Adventure had to do with going to Alderaan with Obi-Wan to help Leia, and he is rewarded with a medal at the end of A New Hope for destroying the Death Star. However, his boon really has to do with reconciling with Vader, a conflict that doesn’t begin until The Empire Strikes back, later in his Hero’s Journey. However, this is just a good example of how the boon does not necessarily have to relate to the call.
 The boons for both FFVII and DAI are saving the world. It’s good for the world to not be destroyed, after all. Raz’s boon is a bit more personal: He is allowed to join the Psychonauts, which he set out to do, but his relationship with his father is also significantly improved now that the two of them understand one another better.
 For Jack, he saves Rapture…sort of. If the events of Bioshock 2 indicate anything, it’s that things really haven’t gotten better for Rapture following Fontaine’s defeat. However, presuming that the player spared the Little Sisters and gets the good ending of the game, Jack returns to the surface world with the cured Little Sisters, who essentially become his daughters. In the words of Brigid Tenenbaum, “In the end, what was your reward? You never said. But I think I know…a family.”
 Jack is given the short end of the stick in terms of family and future. His parents are not his real parents, his biological father Andrew Ryan didn’t want him, his mother sold him to Tenenbaum and Suchong as an embryo, and he has no control over himself or his own destiny. Considering it turns out everything Jack knew about himself and his family is a lie, a real family is the best thing he could have received. Jack basically has nothing at the beginning of the game, so the fact that he is able to still build a life for himself and the former Little Sisters is a great reward. Of course, this is thrown out of the window if the player harvests the Little Sisters and gets the bad or neutral endings, so there you go.
 12.) Refusal of the Return
 We’ve reached the point where the hero has accomplished the goal he/she has set out to do, has received their reward, and now has to go back to normal life that was left behind at the beginning of the story. What? The hero doesn’t want to return to normal life? They prefer the world they’re in now? Yeah, in a strange reversal of the Refusal of the Call, the hero no longer wants to return to their previous life, having earned the boon and learned the lessons they have.
 Can anyone really blame Harry Potter for not wanting to return to his aunt and uncle’s house once the school year end? Yeah, let’s go back to the house where he’s treated horribly, has a literal hand-me-down bedroom, and is not allowed to perform any of the magic he has grown to love. Plus his owl is forced to stay in her cage the whole summer. That sounds great! Let’s do that.
 Frodo, on the other hand, does return to his normal life in the Shire, but later has to leave because of his wounds and from carrying the One Ring (see The Ultimate Boon step above). It’s not so much that he refuses to return, but rather he is forced to leave again. Luke is kind of the same way. He doesn’t really refuse to return to his family and their moisture farm, it’s that he can’t return to it, because that has been destroyed. His previous life can no longer be. Even if we stretch the timeline to the end of The Return of the Jedi, Luke never goes back to just being a moisture farmer.
 Psychonauts only has a half-hearted refusal. At the end of the game, Raz acts like he’s going to go back to the circus, but only for a moment. Once the opportunity to go on another rescue mission comes up, Raz turns to nonverbally ask his father if he can go. It’s more like he’s asking for permission to not return rather than refusing outright.
 The Inquisitor of DAI doesn’t return to their previous world either. The life of running the Inquisition doesn’t end when Corypheus is defeated. It continues on until the Trespasser DLC, which even at the end of that the Inquisitor continues their adventure to stop Solas from basically destroying the world in a few years. I’m actually pretty eager to see how the Inquisitor fits in the next Dragon Age game, although the developers have given a 2022 release date, last time I checked.
 For Bioshock, Jack really does not refuse to return, symbolically indicated by him leaving Rapture and returning to the surface world. Regardless of whether he brings the cured Little Sisters to the surface to have a normal life or he becomes the splicers’ new leader and brings them to the surface to destroy mankind, he peaces out of Rapture at the first opportunity he has. There’s no refusal to return on Jack’s part at all.
 FFVII…okay, I’m again having trouble with this step. Cloud doesn’t really act like he refuses to go back to his previous life. His previous life is actually up in the air, with all his messed up memories and near lack of anything connecting him to his past, either as himself or with his false memories as an ex-SOLDIER. The only person really connecting him to his life before the story is Tifa, and I’m not going to get into the shipping wars about whether he should be with her or the now dead Aerith. That’s a different post. Regardless, by the end of the game, Cloud is more interested in moving forward than going back.
 13.) The Magic Flight
 In the process of returning to normal life, the hero will often have to flee from some kind of danger. This happens after the hero has received the boon, but before they are able to bring it to the people. If there’s a bad guy that needs to defeating or a task that needs accomplishing, this step often takes place immediately after. Actual flying is not required, but don’t be surprised if it does. The Magic Flight frequently merges with the next two steps, Rescue from Without and The Crossing of the Return Threshold.
 Let’s see. Luke escapes the Death Star on a shuttle with his father’s body. Frodo and Sam fly with the Eagles back to safety as Mount Doom is erupting. Harry is knocked unconscious and rescued by Dumbledore from the room containing the Mirror of Erised. Whew. Managed to keep that short.
 DAI doesn’t really have this step, because again, the story keeps going even after Corypheus’ end. However, I could argue there are other parts of the game that have a Magic Flight, such as escaping from the dystopian future after defeating Alexius or escaping the Fade after fighting the Fear Demon. These events just don’t happen at the end of the game. FFVII also only kind of has this step too, in the form of the Highwind bringing the party out of the North Crater following the defeat of Safer Sephiroth.
 Raz has to escape from his own mind, which is intertwined with Oleander’s in the last stage of the game, and his brain has to be detangled in order to return to his normal self. He’s not really conscious for the process though, so the player doesn’t really see it. As for Jack, this step is really kind of merged with the next two, so we’ll get to those.
 14.) Rescue from Without
 During the course of the Magic Flight, the hero will be unable to escape the danger they are trying to flee from on their own. Someone (or multiple people) will need to come in and rescue the hero. This is especially true if the hero is injured or weakened in some way, particularly after a rough final battle with the big bad.
 As stated before, this one often overlaps with the previous one and the next one. Vader saves Luke from Palpatine’s Force Lightning. The Eagles rescue Frodo and Sam from the erupting Mount Doom. Harry rescued from the attack from Voldemort/Quirrell by Dumbledore and brought to the Hospital Wing for treatment. Yeah, that sounds about the same as before.
 The closest thing the Inquisitor comes to being rescued from without, at least at the end of the game, is with the red lyrium dragon, where either a dragon-shifted Morrigan (if she drank from the Well of Sorrows) or the Guardian of Mythal (if the Inquisitor did). However, the red lyrium dragon defeats either Morrigan or the Guardian, and the Inquisitor and the party have to fight it anyway. So it’s an attempted but ultimately unsuccessful rescue.
 Raz is rescued by his dad, Augustus, from his own brain, and I imagine Cruller, Sasha and Milla all played a role in separating Raz’s brain from Oleander’s and rebraining him, even though this isn’t shown on screen.  Several Little Sisters stab Fontaine to death with their ADAM-collecting syringe, saving Jack from his final blow. It’s a wonderfully satisfying scene and I absolutely love it. FFVII has a rescue of sorts in that Aerith has to basically make the Lifestream rise up to help her Holy spell stop Meteor from destroying the planet. How she manages to do this from beyond the grave is never explicitly explained. It must just be a Cetra thing.
 15.) The Crossing of the Return Threshold
 So, this step is the final of the triumvirate of the return steps. The hero actually returns to their normal life or their previous home, and distributes the boon they have received upon the rest of the world. This is basically anything that happens after the climax of the story. Exposition explaining what exactly has happened may or may not be included.
 Luke returns to the rest of the characters on Endor to celebrate the destruction of the second Death Star, bringing the teachings of the light side of the Force with him. Harry Potter boards the Hogwarts Express to return to the Muggle world. And the hobbits all return to the Shire, although in the books they have to deal with Saruman and the Scouring of the Shire once there.
 For Psychonauts, there’s kind of a Return Threshold, but only if you stretch it, and not in the sense that returns Raz to his normal life. Quite the opposite actually. Raz and the gang levitate into the Psychonauts jet that just happens to show up from the ground. Hmm, didn’t Raz say he suspected that Cruller had a jet hiding in his lab somewhere? Oh look! More setup and payoff!
 Finally, we come to Jack. After defeating Fontaine, he is finally able to take a bathysphere to the surface again. The player sees this almost immediately after defeating Fontaine, and it occurs regardless of whether the player gets the good or bad ending.
 As stated in the Refusal of the Return step, neither DAI nor FFVII really have Crossing of the Return Threshold. FFVII just sort of ends and DAI doesn’t show the Inquisitor returning to their home origins, either in the game proper or in the DLC.
 16.) Master of Two Worlds
 This step is no so much of a step, but rather a final result of the hero’s journey. It is closely related to the next step, Freedom to Live. We see the hero basically in their final form, having achieved what they set out to do, whether that was the original intention or not. The hero is able to live in both their old and new worlds.
 In our chosen movies, Luke is really the only one who is the Master of Two Worlds. He recognizes the darkness that exists in him, but he can overcome it. Frodo, on the other hand, literally can’t become Master of Two Worlds due to his experiences. He has to leave one world (the Shire) permanently for the east.
 Harry…really has to compartmentalize his wizard and Muggle experiences, but that has more to do with his family not being willing to accept that magic is a part of him. Obviously his aunt and uncle do not care for his boon (magic) that he brings with him, forbidding him from using it, even without the Statute of Secrecy in place. He can’t really master both worlds in that regard, not until the last book and he reconciles with Dudley. (I’m really annoyed they cut that from the final release of the movies. That badly needed to be shown.) Harry does become a master of two worlds, the living and the dead, in the last book, but we’re looking at the first book alone, and this step isn’t really possible for him due to his circumstances.
 Now I have to admit, the only game (on our list anyway) that has this step is probably Psychonauts. Cloud steps away from his false life as an ex-SOLDIER when he admits that it was all in his head, choosing instead to continue to live as himself. Jack either returns to the surface with the Little Sisters and stays there (in the good ending) or becomes the master of Rapture and new leader of the splicers, rejecting his previous life. And The Inquisitor, well, I guess you could say they become the master of both the real world and the Fade, especially since he/she gets progressively better at controlling the Anchor and closing Fade rifts. However, they he/she still remains in the real world as the Inquisitor, until the events of Trespasser at least. These three games have the main character choosing one world over another, so it’s hard to pin them down as “masters” of two.
 Psychonauts, however, shows Raz accepts both parts of his life, as an acrobat and as a Psychonaut. This is illustrated excellently during the last platforming part of the game, during Meat Circus, with the rising water and Raz needing to keep up with his mental image of his dad. He uses both his acrobatic skills and his psychic powers to reach the top of the area. And as stated previously, Raz gains his father’s blessing before running off on another mission. Raz succeeds at being a Master of Two Worlds, and this kid is only ten!
 17.) Freedom to Live
 A follow up of the previous step, Freedom to Live is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Having mastered both worlds, the hero is allowed to live, as he or she wants, without worrying about any more conflicts…until the story sequel at least. This is the happy ending of the story, presuming the story has a happy ending.
 All of our protagonists, both movie and video game, manage this step in one way or another. Luke no longer has the threat of the Sith looming over him, and he can be at peace knowing he helped to redeem his father (and, for now, I’m going to ignore the stuff that happens in the New Trilogy, because that starts up a whole new set of the monomyth). Harry is given the opportunity to go back to Hogwarts for more schooling, and even though his Muggle family disapproves, he knows who he is now and has answers for things he couldn’t explain before. Overall, the end of the first Harry Potter book gives him a new lot in life, and the series continues on with that from there.
 And Frodo. Poor Frodo. Perhaps it’s hard to say he has “freedom” to live since he does end up leaving the Shire, but considering that his goal was to save the Shire (and by extension, all of Middle Earth), he succeeds. Frodo had to leave his home, but the other hobbits, including Sam, his closest companion, were able to live without a care. It’s a sacrifice, but one Frodo seems content to make.
 As for the video games we’re looking at, well, now Raz has the freedom to pursue his dream of being a Psychonaut without worrying about it alienating his family, his father in particular. Cloud is able to put the past behind him and move forward as his own person, rather than trying to live up to a standard he forced himself to before. The Inquisitor has challenges ahead to be sure, but without the threat of Corypheus breathing down their neck, they have a bright future to look forward to (at least until Solas decides to tear down the Veil, but we’ll have to wait for Dragon Age 4 to see how that turns out). And finally, Jack finally has answers to any questions he had about his life, and with his mental conditioning removed, he is finally allowed to choose his own fate, whether as a despotic leader of the splicers or as a father to the cured Little Sisters.
 So there you go. The Hero’s Journey in a bunch of movies and video games. As I said at the beginning of this extensive diatribe, the monomyth is not the only way to tell a story well, and it certainly is not mandatory to make a story good. However, whether intentional or not, parts of the monomyth somehow find their way into the stories we share in our various media. It’s worth looking at for any kind of story, if only to analyze how the presence or absence of the monomyth affects the story, for better or worse. And yes, video games can be a great form of story telling, if developers take the time to create it and players take the time to experience it.
 Okay. This post has gone on long enough. To anyone who managed to make it all the way here, thank you for your patience and commitment to reading my ramblings.
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arkus-rhapsode · 6 years ago
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My Hero Academia Chapter 211 Review
Ummm, Early chapter this week. But were on break next week soooo... I guess this is fine. (Note: there has been an edit made to this review to respectfully not spread any misinformation) 
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So w e oddly start this chapter with a little character background from Monoma. Apparently he always wanted to be a hero, but due to the fact that his quirk can only copy others, he will have to depend on others which is not what an active hero should have to do. I actually really like this cause its something we ever got from any other 1-B student, the motivation behind their path. It always made them feel a bit more shallow, so I appreciate Monoma getting a scene like this.
Also he now compares himself to Shinsou. How the two are the same is the fact that their heroic aspiration were denied based on their quirk. The difference though is Monoma still made it into the hero program and not Shinsou.
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Now this scene, of Monomaa saying that doing unhero like things to those who are more gifted is okay, is likely reflective on the fact that being a hero is also a popularity contest in this world. To stand out and inspire, you’ve gotta be the best, and sometimes to do that, you do some things you might not be proud of. And with a mentality like that, its easy to see why someone like Stain is so pissed at society when it churns out heroes that will willing do un-heroic things. But then you can’t blame Monoma and Shinsou who are just trying to do their best, but given their genetic lottery they have to work harder than most.
But enough of this flashback, we need to cut back to the present where Deku is slowly losing control.
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So Deku’s new black energy is emerging from his arm and Deku is quite literally fighting back against is. Monoma wonders if this is a new power to which I’m gonna save my thoughts on this till later.
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Yeah Deku, its almost like the plot decided to fuck you over for the sake of this twist that I’m pretty sure no one wanted and that we could just keep to the usual flow of this arc, but no, we had to veer off in this direction because-Okay okay, I’ll save that for later too. I should really speed this up.
So its turns out that black stuff isn’t actually lightning, but more tendrils. Yeah cause that’s what One for All needed, tentacle hentai. Actually with theses black tendrils, now every fan fic writer who made a Deku as Venom AU (yes those exist) has just been justified.
Anyway, Deku releases what looks to be a beam of energy (I honestly can’t tell) and fires it off at Monoma who Deku at least warns to run.
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Okay so, first off, good job Monoma. I’m glas we did make a joke out of Monoma being arrogant enough to think he could handle this. Second, what the fuck is wrong with class 1-A. I’m not saying they should act like they just watched a puppy get shot, but their classmate literally seems to be destroying everything. Now you could say that Todoroki did the same thing when he cranked up the heat, but the difference is that fire is a part of Todoroki’s quirk. Black tendrils has never been apart of his power. I know that not every kid in a classroom has to know or care about all their classmates, but I’d be concerned.
Third thing, So it seems OfA really is sentient as its jittering and moving around like it has some sort of self awareness. And finally, Yup. Can’t control your power. After we had come such a long way, you somehow are forced back to square one. I’ll talk about it later as the darkness begins to overflow.
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Gotta feel bad for 1-B who just came here for an exercise, now they might die by black energy.
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We see the darkness start sticking to objects (wow it really is Venom) and hoists Deku into the air. Yeah, I don’t now is this is something a user of one for all cold do, but boy its a little goofy. Uraraka and Shinsou seems to be the only people who now gives a shit about how this darkness is surging.
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We now see this darkness is actually fighting against Deku, smashing him into a wall. All Might, makes a good fucking call and wants Aizawa and Vlad to shut this down. Which I’m sure Aizawa is perfectly fine with. Vlad has also had like no lines this round, like I’d love to hear his commentary.
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(Yes, I realize there is an eye looking thing in the darkness, but it took me so long to find that I’m honestly might not even be sure that it is an eye.)
This scene... Breaks my heart. This in a nutshell was why I’m so opposed to this twist. After 200 chapters, Deku finally, FINALLY, doesn’t have to worry about hurting himself. He can now catchup with everyone else and it was finally time to show it off, but now. Now its fighting back. One for All is literally making him lose control when there should be no reason for him to. Has Deku master One for All? No. So there was still a chance things would go wrong, but not like this. Why? did it have to be the moment when finally the first year is coming to an end does One for All show that Deku is still not ready.
And Deku’s reaction to this is perfect for this. He’s not thinking about how he should be strong enough to resist this, showing he grew to arrogant and this is teaching him a lesson. No, Deku is sad. He’s upset that after all this time people didn’t have to worry for him. He was now strong enough to fight like Bakugou and strong enough to make 1-B actually consider him a threat, but now... Now he’s lost control.
Now it is possible that this is do to quirk singularity a topic that I’m doing a post on later, but in short it was brought up about like 50 chapters ago and its when a quirk becomes something that humans can’t control anymore. But again, talking about that later.
I’ve heard the possibility that, this darkness is actually One for All in a sentient state. Much like the previously mentioned before quirk singularity. That this is like genes being passed down so long and growing complex enough to the point that they are no longer controllable. Now there have been plenty of theories that have come out about this, but out of all of them, in general they likely relate to this. The darkness is literally fighting back against Deku as sign of his lack of more than 20% control and thus the quirk seems to quite literally be swallowing him whole. It feels like if this is the case, then Horikoshi realized that he made it so Deku was now fully protected from damaging himself thanks to his quirk. But he could just make it seem like Deku was just arbitrarily growing stronger without having any difficulty, so he developed a way for Deku to quite literally fight himself in his struggle. It was no longer limb destruction, Deku is literally fighting so that he has the right to use this quirk to its fullest extent.
If that is the case, I can’t say I agree with it. Look, I’m sure anyone could say that this doesn’t bother them. That this makes it so Deku and One for All are like Naruto and the Nine-tails, Ichigo and the hollow, Asta and the demon, etc. And those aren’t things I’m opposed to and are things that I enjoyed. But this isn’t the same. The monster inside that gives you more power worked for those series because that was their power system and world allowed for that. But MHA, quirks are more similar to Goku and Luffy. Their abilities are what is to be heightened and their second release: Super saiyan and gear two, are derivative of their competence of their biology and their power. And Deku was like that. He has a quirk that has nine generations worth of power in it and to use that power he had to learn how to take more in. His super saiyan was him at one million percent. It would destroy his body, but for a time he could use all that power. But I guess this new problem has occurred and we’ll have to see where it goes.
Anyway, the chapter isn’t done as Uraraka floats up to him.
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So Uraraka is holding down darkness Deku and calls out to Shinsou and that’s where our chapter ends. Now, if people remember my FT reiewing days, they’re probably to call this a BS ship moment that defies reality and serves to pander a single fanbase. Well, no. Cause that’s not what this is. Uraraka is doing what a hero should do. She’s trying to save someone in danger, and this isn’t presented as this overtly romantic moment like say Sakura hugging curse mark sasuke, no this is actual danger that isn’t stopping so Uraraka is at risk of getting hurt here.
Now, I’m not saying you can’t take this romantically, I mean there is a lot of evidence that the two like eachother, I’m just trying to say, power of love, isn’t what’s stopping this madness, hell its evident that Uraraka needs Shinsou and his power to try and stop it. So this trope is still being done, but there is some logical weight to the solution.
Post Chapter Follow Up: So I wanna first say, this chapter is really short. Like its about 13 pages and it has very, very little dialogue. I did almost felt like I was reading a Bleach Chapter, but in fairness, this had a lot more detailing and was clearly used more as a way to show the sheer scale and weight of what the hell this thing is. Plus more detailed art, so I don’t thing the bleach comparison is entirely fair.
I am disappointed with the page count, given the break next week, I would’ve really appreciated we ended on more of bang than this. All its done is left me wanting more, but not in a very good way.
In terms of negatives, this chapter has pretty much confirmed team Deku vs team Monoma has gone off rails and that our conflict is going to actually be how do we solve this darkness. Last week, I talked about my thoughts on why I’m not a fan of that as this seems like a transparent way to make deku lose as well as seems to imply that Horikoshi had no real intent on making this fight actually work with their combatants. This not only makes this exercise feel like it will ultimately be pointless, but as I said, it screws Deku out of getting to go plus ultra while everyone else got to show how far they’ve come.
One could say that seems like bias and that the point was to get shinsou to help with the vestiges, but that doesn’t fully work cause there had to be other ways than this to make it so Sjhinsou would have to work. I mean, this was that same problem I had with the overhaul arc at the end. It was gong fine until Ryukyu dropped in with a powerup for Overhaul and then deku had to use Eri like a power-up and it just became a cluster fuck. I’m not against twists mind you, all arcs need them, the one he did with Gentle was great in my opinion, but these twists overall hurt the story cause the story was going great up till now and we’ve entered cluster fuck land.
Now look, I’m not gonna let my own opinions impede my objective view point. This twist was built up to. As we saw with the mark on Deku’s hand as he used One for All in his sleep. The fact his quirk has been feeling funny, and the fact that All Might seemed curious about this. So I can not in all good conscious call this a bad twist, but it is still one I don’t agree with.
Other positives are definitely the characterization. Aside from us getting Uraraka getting to act like a savor, we get some great development for Monoma. My only issue would have to be the timing of it. He doesn’t do much this chapter. You’d think that this would’ve been used before Deku went all darkness on us.
So what will the final verdict be. Initially I was thinking of giving this a below average, but maybe because the more chew on to this, and the more I see others reactions to this, it seems this hits that uncomfortable spot of being up to the reader to tell if they liked it or hated it. And those are always hard because there is a fair amount of good and nothing I can call really bad, but that good really isn’t enough on its own so there is an enjoyment factor that can’t be accounted for. Kinda like Aquaman. So where do I stand on this? well I have to be honest with myself as this is my review and I gotta say.
Final Verdict: 5/10
This is something you need to experience yourself to really tell if you enjoy this twist or not
There is some good action and good character development
The pacing feels rushed and there isn’t enough time to fully show this off satisfyingly
I do like the ending
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destinedhellfire · 5 years ago
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Let’s talk about that one scene...
… in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, you know that one with Bruce Lee that is stirring up a lot of controversy? 
Now, before I get into the actual meat of this post, I want to preface a few things:
I am not coming to either parties’ side (Tarantino or the Lee estate) in regards to this matter
 I will speaking about the scene itself, the context and my interpretation on it
 This is just my interpretation, I am not going to pretend like I know how Bruce Lee really was outside the public light or how he would feel about this scene if was still with us today. This is merely my opinion and you are entitled to respectfully disagree with it. 
With those things prefaced, allow me to get into my interpretation of the scene in question. 
First, a scene summary (Since I refuse to link pirated footage of the scene):
We are introduced to the scene in question with a lone Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), who has been out of work for the better part of a year, beginning to reminisce over his exceptionally brief stint on the set of The Green Hornet (1966-1967). 
In this flashback, we are introduced to Bruce Lee (Mike Moh) giving a rather true to form speech about the nature of combat and his respect for boxing greats like Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston. Lee then begins to talk about martial art tournaments and how he feels they deny the true essence of combat. 
After this rather awesome speech, a random crew member asks him “What would you do if you fought Ali?” to which Lee responds “That would never happen.” the crew member insists, “Yeah, but if it did happen, what would you do?” the marital arts icon proceeds to give in and answer the question by saying "I’d have to cripple him.”
This comment causes Booth to scoff quite loudly, a gesture that Lee waste zero time in calling out by asking him what he thinks is so funny. The stunt man at first shrugs Lee off; upon his consistent pushing of the question Cliff calls him out and says Bruce is full of shit. It’s this comment that prompts Bruce to issue the following challenge to Cliff:
A friendly competition, two out of three falls, no punches to the face, no real hurting anyone, just knocking someone on their ass. 
Deeming it a good idea, Booth accepts and the two soon begin their bout, Lee quickly scores the first point with a flying kick that sends Cliff on his ass. Cliff tells Bruce to try that again, which causes the prior to easily throw the latter into a car door and denting it. 
It’s around this time, that the stunt coordinators for the show, Randy (Kurt Russell) and Janet (Zoe Bell) come across the scuffle and are quick to break it up; infuriated with Booth for “beating the shit out of Bruce” despite Lee confidently saying that “No one beat the shit out of Bruce.” Randy and Janet swiftly fire the stuntman and send him packing. 
We shift back into the present (1969), where Cliff takes a long drag of a cigarette and chuckles with the comment “Fair enough.” 
End scene. 
After watching the scene myself, I respectfully saw how at first glance it could be labeled as a mockery of the legend that is Bruce Lee; however, that is not how I interpreted the scene. 
I see the scene, not as a mockery of a legendary man (which I admit, I felt bad seeing people in my theater laughing at the scene.), I saw it as rather a very faithful and non-Tarantino historically accurate representation of later 60′s Hollywood. 
Bruce Lee, like many a person of color in that time, was not seen in a positive light by that of white people with status (of course that still rings true to this very day, but that is a story for another day.). They were not taken seriously by the then dried out genre of Westerns and the white males that starred in them; Cliff, already struggling to find work as it is with rumors circling around that he killed his wife, no doubt sees the rising star as a threat to his already dying livelihood. 
The entirety of this flashback is a dramatization of what Booth thinks happened that fateful day 2 years prior which pretty much put the final nail in the coffin of his stunt career. Naturally, he paints himself to be the good guy because in his mind he probably blames Bruce for his current state of unemployment (I know he is an errand boy for Rick at this stage, but that has to pay even less than being a stuntman.). 
While others see this scene as a insult to Bruce Lee, I see it as an insult to Cliff Booth; the scene absolutely paints him to be a total asshole and idiot which I think was the point (I refuse to go along with the notion that the scene was “ needed” to make Cliff look like a badass, because how much of a “badass” do you really have to be to kill three drug tripped hippies?) 
How do I feel the actual (fictional) event went down? I feel like it honestly ended with Cliff flat on his ass but still getting fired for picking a fight with one of the star talents on the show. Do we get to see that on screen? Sadly no, in fact, I am mostly disappointed that we did not get a scene set in 1969 where Lee and Booth cross paths once more and we see both accounts of the story played back to back. That’s at least how I would have done it. 
Do I believe this movie made a mockery of Bruce Lee? No, in fact I was touched by the scene later in the movie that features Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and her account of training with Bruce for the film The Wrecking Crew (1969). This scene paints what I feel is a much more true to form depiction of the real Bruce Lee as a whole, where we see him as a supportive mentor and friend. 
TL;DR: 
The scene doesn’t paint Bruce Lee to be a laughing stock, and instead actually gives a window (a disappointingly small sized one) into the adversity he faced as a rapidly rising star in Hollywood. Could of it been written slightly differently so that it didn’t get so lost in translation? Absolutely. 
That’s all I really have to say on the matter, if you’ve made it this far thank you for reading and have a lovely day. 
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icefrozendeadlyqueen · 4 years ago
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Twisted Creed: Chapter 18 - The House of Templars
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Flashback - a few month back.
"Lady Rosaliana!"
"Lady Rosaliana!!"
"Lady Rosaliana!!"
Rosaliana looks up towards the road. She pushes her hair back staring at children. They are running towards her direction. She waits as the young ones make it to her "Catch your breath" She tells the children looking back at her workers "In between sections take small breaks. Claara will prepare water for everyone then we will start once again" Rosaliana explains as the workers nodded her way "If it takes a week then be it, I'm not killing my workers because is taking too long" the  workers smile at Lady Rosaliana.
"Lady Rosaliana!" She looks down at the children, their thick accent makes her stare "Yes? what's it?" She waits for them to continue "You told us to tell you when that mean white man was back!" They hurriedly told her all at the same time. Rosaliana looks up towards the path they came from. She looks behind her "You know my orders If they come here shoot to kill" My Templar Guards nodded as they disperse around my farm goods. A terrible gut feeling told Lady Rosaliana to hurry towards her mansion. The children followed behind her as she ran towards it. Her work brown dress covered with dirt at the bottom.
She didn't care much about looking high-class in the 13-colonies. There was a lot of work to be done. She made friends with the poor people of this continent. They welcome her when she saves a good part of them. She saved them from the unfairness of some masters. She bought them from most people. The white men never gave them a chance. She gave them a chance. They treat her like their own. Even with her white skin and blonde hair. They used to call her golden locks because when the sun touch her hair it almost looked golden.
End of Flashback - present time.
Rosaliana stares out her carriage. A sigh escapes her lips as she looks at London "London seem to have changed since the first time I came" She speaks softly to Rose. Rosaliana glances towards Rose. She is seating next to the coachman window. Rose looks up from her templar uniform to stare at Rosaliana "That was a long time ago, Ms. Rosaliana. There were ships in London at that time, not trains" Rose slowly informs Lady Rosaliana "I am well aware, Rose. It feels that the people go in their daily life without noticing anything" Rosaliana slowly speaks sighing heavily.
"That's how is supposed to be. Their little minds cannot" Rose stops for a second, her eyes search for the right words. Rosaliana sighs as Rose continues "They will never understand the complexity of our work" Rose finishes keeping eye contact with Rosaliana. She looks out the window once again "Inform me when we are getting closer" Rosaliana tells Rose as her thoughts race once again.
Flashback continuation.
Rosaliana stops in front of a carriage. She has her hands out looking at the coachman "I could hardly recognize you, Lady Rosaliana" She glared at the fat white man that comes out of the carriage. He eyes her up and down "What do you think you are doing, Mr. Moore?" Rosaliana questions his intentions as his man come out. They let go off the brown skin females instantly "I am taking what's mine" Mr. Moore simply speaks walking to Ms. Von Shrieder.
"Get everyone inside the house, Marriele" The women do as Lady Rosaliana ask. Rosaliana walks next to Mr. Moore "I pay you good money for all your slaves. I don't care if you did the stupid decision by selling them. They belong to me now, Mr. Moore" Rosaliana side glances him with a glare that could kill many. His men were ready to fire at her "Also, I am higher than you in the order. You are smart enough to know about me" Rosaliana adds walking past him. She takes her eyes off of him walking up to her white steps.
Mr. Moore gritted teeth glare at Rosaliana. He puts his hands down signaling his men to fire; however, shots were fired and none felt on Ms. Von Shrieder. When she turns around Mr. Moore is on the floor holding his shoulder. His men are no more "Ahh... You disgraceful bitch! I showed you everything you know!" Mr. Moore shouts loudly and disrespectfully to Lady Rosaliana. She looks down at him "You seem to have a bit of energy left. Claara take him to the room. You know what to do" Rosaliana informs Claara as she nods.
"I came just in time, My lady" Claara walks in front of Rosaliana. She points her shotgun at Mr. Moore's coachman "I'll be in my study" Rosaliana whispers turning around. She hears Claara's voice clear as water "Neither of you will be leaving" Claara whispers as she shots the coachman. Rosaliana heard the echo of the shot lingered on her mind.
End of Flashback.
"Lady Rosaliana, are you okay?" Rose's sweet voice brought Rosaliana back. She looks at Rose smiling "Yeah, my memories are running wild" She informs Rose as she nods "We are not there yet, but you should accept to wear this" Rosaliana looks down at Rose hands. She was holding a wooden box with a red cross. Lady Rosaliana nod towards Rose "It can't be push back anymore. I am at home doorsteps. I am supposed to dress the part" Rosaliana grins, Rose smiles opening the small wooden box.
There it was...
My long push back assignment...
Rosaliana stares at the red cross necklace. It is a beauty indeed "It has been waiting to be wear" Rose blurts out with her deep accent. Rosaliana could only nod as she lets Rose puts it on. Rosaliana places a hand on her heart. It felt perfectly at the top of her dress "I can't push this back anymore, can I?" Rosaliana asks Rose without looking up at her, "I am afraid no, My Lady. It has been pushed a long time. You need to finish this assignment" Rose informs Rosaliana what she is well aware off.
Rosaliana takes in Rose outfit. She has a white and red Victorian Era Templar uniform. Usually, Templars wear black and red. Rose has white pants and white shirt with a long white coat. She has a red cross on both side arms. A templar necklace hanging on her throat. Rosaliana stares at the white cloth covering her hair. She could appreciate the beautiful green eyes "We'll look out of place" Rosaliana chuckles staring at Rose white heels. She stares at Rosaliana then at her outfit "I have always worn this while standing by you, My Lady"
Rosaliana stares at Rose nodding, but she couldn't stop chuckling. Rose's eyes soften seeing Rosaliana laugh. It was something she used to dream about. She is better to enjoy it while it last because when she is back to normal. Rose knows Rosaliana won't show any emotions. When the duty is done. She'll be back to normal. Rose will miss this beautiful facade; however, she will follow Lady Rosaliana for as long as she has too. Forever if she has too.
Flashback Continuation.
Before she came to the 13-colonies. It was the worse to be in if you were dark skin. No matter your skin. If you weren't white, you were sent to the fields. Rosaliana changes that buying slaves from all white men. They sell her the sick ones, they gave her the ones that weren't going to make it, they gave her the woman, and they kept all strong man without thinking it twice. Rosaliana brought everyone to her Mansion. They were confused into why she would allow them into the main house.
She brought them all back to health. Some had their own children. They made their houses around the main house. They were all living within Rosaliana's land. She became a candle of hope for those that had nothing. She became the talk on everyone's mouth. White men believe her to be insane; however, they could not look away. She is the most beautiful woman. They had ever laid eyes on. A woman that nobody could tame. It soon became the game for males to try their luck. All of them fail dramatically.
Rosaliana looks towards the door of her study. Claara comes in with Mr. Moore "Welcome, Mr. Moore" Rosaliana speaks walking in front of him. He bows respectfully to her "I have come as soon as you call me, My Lady" Mr. Moore looks up with a sincere glimpse in his eyes. Rosaliana glances back at Claara "Very well. I have heard you have lost some of your workers" Rosaliana speaks, Mr. Moore nods continuously. He waits patiently for Rosaliana to speak "I want you to help one of my heads to run the farm. You will obey her every order" Mr. Moore nods placing a hand on his chest.
This simple words made Rosaliana glance at him "May The Father Of Understanding Be With Us" Mr. Moore walks out of her study. Claara tells him where to wait. She comes into my study closing the door "You did a good job, Claara. He remembers nothing" Claara smiles proudly as I praise her magnificent work, "Thank you, My Lady. I only do as you request of me too" Rosaliana nods turning around. Claara takes something out of her pockets "You got this letter today, My Lady" Rosaliana hears Claara speak. She stops in her tracks once again.
Lady Rosaliana glances back to the letter. A red symbol on top of it makes her gulp. She walks back taking the letter from Claara's hands. She unfolds it reading it out loud:
Dear, Lady Von Shrieder.
We are requesting you to appear before The House Of Templars. It is urgent that you return at once. We have news that the House has given some of your territories to Crawford Starrick. He didn't have enough Territories to gain Grant Master Templar. The title could have fallen to you. Please return back to London. He has destroyed everything we treasure dearly.
We have surveillance everyone you have requested. Your name still lives only as a fantasy. People still believes you will return. Do not let this opportunity die down. You have ignored most of our letters.
We plead you, Destroyer. Come back to London. Please, finish the work that Lady Sky gave you. We want our Lady Red back. We want everyone back.
Sincerely, RedBurst.
Rosaliana sighs heavily looking at Claara "Prepare my luggage. We are going back to London" Rosaliana informs Claara as she nods. Claara comes out of Rosaliana's study. She looks at the letter once again "There is no time to lose now... I can't escape my own reality"
End of Flashback.
Jeremy hands her his hand for support. Rosaliana steps out of the carriage. She is wearing a red victorian coat. All faces turn to see who just came. Rose steps out as she stands behind Lady Rosaliana "This will only take me a few minutes" Jeremy nods, three Templar guards surround the carriage. Rosaliana has heard of carriage's thief. She isn't going to let her carriage get stolen. It has been in the Von Shrieder family for a while. It was a gift from an old friend. Rosaliana stops her mind from swimming in memories.
Rosaliana's Templar Guards open a path for her. They surround Rose and Lady Rosaliana. They are wearing white and red outfits. They look different than the Templar Guards around. They stop in front of a group of men. They look towards the guards confuse "I never gave you the right to change uniforms. Who made this happen!" Rosaliana chuckles making the woman turns around. Rosaliana's Templar Guards let her path. The woman eyes widely open unable to believe "I cannot believe this... you are back in London" Rosaliana looks at the men behind her old friend.
They tremble terrified "Yes, it seems you haven't changed one bit" Rosaliana informs her friend as she sighs, "I am a lieutenant now," She tells Rosaliana, she nods chuckling. Her friend looks at her confuse "You have changed to the opposite team, Lucy" Rosaliana speaks calmly making Lucy look down, "Times change, Rosaliana. I am not going to wait forever" Lucy fixes her coat glancing at Rosaliana. Rose steps from behind Rosaliana "Well, there are two sides in London. The fake Templars and the rightful Grant Master Templar" Rose speaks pushing Lucy back.
Lucy didn't seem to like that. Rose made a path through the politicians and templars of London. Rosaliana and her Guards walks through it. Rosaliana sighs smiling at Rose "Thank you" she whispers, watching Rose going up the steps. She does the same smiling when Rose answers back "Always. We'll finish with this soon then return to more important matters" Rose informs Lady Rosaliana, "Yes, These territories are important, Rose. They hold family as you know already. Family is never left behind" Rosaliana finishes making Rose nod.
Rose signals the Templar Guards to separate. A part goes with Rosaliana then another part goes with Rose. Rosaliana stops in an empty hallway. She stands in the middle of a picture. Two Guards kept people from coming or looking at all. Two guards move the big picture of its place. She takes off her necklace turning it as a key appears. She places it in the keyhole turning it. She moves back fixing her necklace when the door slowly opens. She walks in with her Templar Guards right behind her. They place the picture correctly once again.
They walk down the stone stairs. The closer they get Rosaliana could look through a railing. There was a reunion of all the high Templar's in London. She takes a deep breath pushing the doors open. Everyone looks at her very surprise. Rosaliana chuckles looking at the father in the middle of the room. The House Of Templars stands behind him sitting quietly. They wait for her to approach "I told you, I'll find out. You think you can go around giving out my things. Destroying what I change of London. You thought I wouldn't find out?" Rosaliana speaks loud and clear for them to listen.
"Let me remind you who I am. I am Lady Rosaliana fucking Von Shrieder. Despite your insolency, I am still running London. You seem to forget that without me, you had lost the city to Assassins. Now you come here, and you try to bite the mouth that feeds you" Rosaliana walks right in front of the father. He looks down trying to form his words "Save it! I came here as a reminder. I am taking my territories back. If I see anyone, trying to take them back. I'll send my people to kill all of you without thinking it twice" Rosaliana smiles walking away.
She stops before coming out of the room "Ms. Nice Von Shrieder is gone. Welcome to Hell" Rosaliana walks out of the room with her two Templar Guards.
Now, that's done. I can prepare everything for my family.
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trensu · 5 years ago
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Episode 23: the One where JYL Captains the Ship
Alrighty, so battle stuff is happening
Nothing major going on 
EXCEPT wen ruohan leaves his evil lair to confront wwx about how he took control of his puppets!
Wrh: where did you get the Plot Device?? Did xy give it to you?? HOW ARE YOU MAKING IT WORK??
Basically just Angry Ranting that Bad Guys do
Wwx mouths off, as usual
Lwj’s eyes are glued on him this entire time bc when isn’t staring at wwx?
(I understand lwj, I too cannot tear my eyes away from wwx when he's onscreen, that beauty mark just under his lower lip is so goddamn distracting...)
Wwx: hey, wrh, i just finished making his nifty thing and haven’t shown anyone yet, wanna see it?
And tah dah! We now have Plot Device 2 (aka stygian tiger seal/amulet whatever)
Pay attention to Plot Device 2, guys, it’s gonna cause us some angsty wangxiantics in the future (BRACE YOURSELVES)
Pausing here to point out how freaking cool wwx looks, levitating the pieces of Plot Device 2
OH NO, WEN RUOHAN IS NOW CHOKING WWX
THAT’S NOT ALLOWED!!
STOP HURTING MY SUNSHINE BOY
And wwx is smirking in victory?? What the heck wwx
Oh, it’s bc since wrh and wwx are wrapped up in their confrontation, there’s no one controlling the puppets so the puppets all collapse. That was part of his plan, maybe?? Idk, doesn’t matter
What matters is that this frees up LWJ to fly to wwx’s side
WHICH MEANS THAT LWJ IS THERE TO CATCH WWX ONCE WRH DROPS HIM!!
Lwj: Wei Ying! *catches his soulmate*
Wwx: *passes out in the arms of his very dashing soulmate*
Lwj barely even acknowledges that Meng Yao kills Wen Ruohan bc who cares about the big bad villain getting killed whEN YOUR SOULMATE IS PASSED OUT IN YOUR ARMS??
Lwj: Wei Ying
He says again! As his eyes stay glued onto wwx’s beautiful unconscious face. HE HOLDS HIM SO CLOSE
I mean, he could totally hold him CLOSER but that would be too much for the censors maybe??
Ppl are cheering. I was cheering. I don’t think we were cheering for the same reasons.
I was cheering bc lwj was ~tenderly cradling~ our beautiful sunshine boy
I think the other ppl were cheering bc the bad guy died? Weird.
LOL, DEJA VU MOMENT HERE
Lxc is cradling an unconscious Nmj
I guess the lan bros ARE pretty similar lolol
Boring stuff. Plot stuff. OMG I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY MENG YAO, SHUT UP.
Ahhhh, this next scene!
WWX is waking up in a bed and jyl is at the bedside.
Jyl starts bringing out the wangxian pie~! Maybe i should start using soup metaphors since Soup is her Thing…
Jyl is so happy that wwx is awake now!!
Jyl: you’ve been asleep for three (3) days!
Wwx: THREE DAYS??? What about jc and lwj??
HE IMMEDIATELY ASKS ABOUT THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT GUYS IN HIS LIFE, I LOVE MY SUNSHINE BOY.
Jyl: both jc and lwj have been very worried about you! 
We find out that even sect leader jin has been visiting which is disgusting, so we’re ignoring it
Oh, jyl is trying to get wwx to stop moving around so much
Jyl: LWJ says you need to rest more. He says you used too much spiritual energy
LWJ HAS BEEN KEEPING TRACK OF HIM THIS WHOLE TIME
JYL TRUSTS HIM TO TAKE CARE OF HER LITTLE BROTHER!!!
Jyl: also don’t use Plot Device 2 all willy-nilly. LWJ says it’ll hurt you!!
Wwx: LWJ, LWJ, why do you keep talking about him? He’s so boring and he doesn’t talk enough!
BUT HE SAYS THIS WITH A CUTE LITTLE FOND SMILE
BC THINKING ABOUT LWJ MAKES HIM HAPPY
BOYYYYY
YOUR CRUSH CAN BE SEEN FROM PRESENT-DAY NON-FANTASY CHINA (but, uh, discreetly, bc of censorship)
Jyl: while you were comatose, lwj came by every morning and evening to play his guqin for you. To relax your mind and spirit
Jyl: you probably wouldn’t have woken up so soon if he hadn’t done that
AHHHHHHH THIS NEXT SCENE!!!!!
JYL IS JUST SPOONFEEDING US WANGXIAN PIE NOW
SHE’S GIVING US A BIG OL’ HELPING OF WANGXIAN PIE HERE!! WHICH IS GREAT BC I AM STARVING
Here comes lwj, with his guqin strapped to his back!
Lwj actually brings himself to knock on the door this time
SEE, THAT WASN’T SO HARD, WAS IT LWJ?? WHY COULDN’T YOU DO THAT BEFORE??
Jyl: oh, that must be lwj~!
ohhh, wwx's face when she says this! He looks all nervous and flustered
bc he has a ~gentleman caller~ and he’s not decent!!! 
HE’S ONLY IN HIS ENTICING RED UNDER-ROBES!! IN BED!! AND LWJ IS VISITING!!
Okay, that’s probably not why BUT IN MY HEART THAT’S TOTALLY WHY
So jyl goes and answers the door
Lwj bows so respectfully to her (he knows she’s wwx’s precious person!!)
LOL, I LOVE HOW JYL DOESN’T MENTION THAT WWX IS AWAKE HERE
THAT’S MY CAPTAIN!! Lxc wishes he could captain as good
she just greets him like usual and lets him in
HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT’S WAITING FOR HIM INSIDE
IT’S AMAZING, JYL IS THE BEST
She leads him to the bedroom aND OH GOD, THE MINUTE LWJ’S EYES LAND ON WWX
HIS LIPS PART AS IF HIS BREATHING HITCHED IN HIS THROAT
HIS EYES NOTICEABLY WIDEN IN SURPRISE 
THERE’S A SLIGHT PAUSE IN HIS STEPS!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HE’S SUPER EXPRESSIVE HERE GUYS 
(...well, by lwj standards anyway)
And ooooh, wwx’s reaction is adorable!!
His eyes catch lwj’s gaze for half a second before they skitter down to the side as if seeing lwj in person (in his bedroom!!) is too much to take in all at once!
HE’S SO FLUSTERED?? HIS EYES ARE FLICKERING TO AND FRO TRYING TO LOOK AT ANYTHING BUT LWJ. 
HE’S SO NERVOUS IT’S ADORABLE I CAN’T HANDLE IT
(i may have rewound to watch this scene 3x, DON’T JUDGE ME)
(there was so much happening! Lwj’s beautiful plush lips parted, wwx was acting cutely bashful)
(WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THAT, HUH? JUST WATCH IT ONCE AND MOVE ON?? I DON’T THINK SO)
And you know, jyl leads lwj like, right to wwx’s bedside and WATCHES ALL THIS GO DOWN
YOU KNOW SHE NOTICED ALL THESE THINGS TOO
I’M NOT A CRAZY PERSON HERE
Jyl: thank you, lwj! Without you, wwx would not have woken up so soon!
Jyl: you two go ahead and talk now
Jyl: i’ll just go tend to the other wounded
Jyl: and leave you both here ~all alone~
Jyl: in this bedroom
Jyl: with wwx just in his under-things
Jyl: still on his rumpled bed
Jyl: okay, byyyyeee~!
(LXC AND JYL NEED TO HANG OUT AND TALK ABOUT THEIR LITTLE BROTHERS AND HOW HOPELESS THEY ARE AROUND EACH OTHER)
(THIS IS A THING THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN)
Okay, and now not only do we get MORE wangxian time, we also just get the most beautiful scene ever?? Like, aesthetically? THIS SHOW IS A BLESSING
Lwj is playing his guqin in the communal area next to wwx
The music is gorgeous (it's the same Magic Music from before! it sounds like warm morning sunlight on a calm spring day)
And the set is beautiful, all reds and whites to match our boys’ colors, and it’s all emphasized with equally beautiful lighting
Wwx: lan zhan, actually, i--
Lwj: quiet. Concentrate.
Wwx POUTS and taps his nose and then SULKILY crosses his legs
HE’S THE MOST ADORABLE BOY IN THE WORLD AND I LOVE HIM
IF LWJ WOULDN’T MURDER ME IMMEDIATELY, I’D GO AND PROPOSE TO WWX RIGHT NOW
ACTUALLY I’D PROBABLY DO IT ANYWAY
I’VE LIVED A GOOD LIFE, I PROBABLY WON’T ACCOMPLISH MUCH ELSE WITH IT. IT’S TOTALLY WORTH IT.
Ahem
Back to the utterly breathtaking wangxian scene
No seriously, EVERYTHING IS SO GORGEOUS?
ALL THESE BEAUTIFUL SHOTS
THE CLOSE UP ON THE FLOWERS
THE UNFOCUSED SHOTS THROUGH THE HANGING SCREENS
THE LIGHTING THE COLORS THE MUSIC
LWJ IN HIS PHENOMENAL WHITE OUTFIT AND WWX IN HIS INDECENT RED ROBES
IT ALL ADDS UP TO THIS SYRUPY DREAMY SCENE THAT’S JUST, UGH, DRIPPING WITH TENDERNESS AND ROMANCE
IT’S TOO MUCH IT’S TOO MUCH
Okay, i’m done geeking out over the aesthetics
Oh, wwx is breaking his meditation pose and flexing his wrists excitedly!
Wwx: lan zhan, i’m all better now!
Lwj stops playing and calmly makes his way to the bed where wei ying is and checks him
Lwj: three more days are needed
Wwx does not like this answer lol. He leaps up from the bed all affronted
Wwx: but i’m totally fine now, look! *starts flexing his arms around*
Lwj is not budging on this tho
Lwj: exorcise evil, ease the mind. Do not be neglectful
Wwx: exorcise evil? I don’t need an exorcism!! I just used too much energy
Cue awkward silence (lwj’s eyes never waver from wwx tho)
Lwj: wei ying (you know, i think he just likes saying his name...)
Wwx: lan zhan, do you really think that Plot Device 2 is evil? Do you really believe there’s an undetectable something that can change someone from good to evil?
Ooooh, wwx is getting all philosophical on us!!
His brow is all furrowed here; he’s hurt that lwj doesn’t trust him with Plot Device 2!
And that’s the end of that MOST DELICIOUS SLICE WANGXIAN PIE
Other stuff happens
Screaming, the murder of innocent people, sect leaders debating on said murder of innocent people
You know, boring stuff.
There was a fun bit here tho
Nmj: maybe it’s okay to kill innocent civilians…
Lxc: *sad face*
Nmj: uh, maybe we can NOT kill defenseless people this time?
Ahhh, if only lan zhan’s sad face was effective on wei ying as lxc’s is to nmj…
Plot plot plot Jgs being an asshole Plot plot plot
MORE plot plotty plot plot
OH NO
WE’RE ON A CLIFF IN NIGHTLESS CITY
THAT CLIFF WE DON’T LIKE
THAT REALLY REALLY HORRIBLE AWFUL NO GOOD CLIFF
AND WWX IS STANDING CLOSE TO THE EDGE OF IT GET AWAY FROM THERE WWX, GET AWAY RIGHT NOW
And now lwj joins him
Wwx: lan zhan, what do you think of the people here? Who is good, who is evil?
Yeesh, getting right into the heavy stuff aren’t we
Like, nbd, i’m just gonna compLETELY CHANGE YOUR WORLDVIEW AND TEACH YOU SHADES OF GRAY (AGAIN)
Oooh, but as he says that, he starts clutching at his chest and swaying on his feet! Bc the resentful energy is hurting him!!!
Lwj grabs his arm to steady him
Lwj: wei ying, concentrate
Great, it’s about to get real hurt-y now
Lwj: wei ying, do you want to learn how to play Magic Music?
Wwx: lan zhan, you want me to learn that? Do you doubt me, too?
And the way he says it!! It’s a tone that says “please don’t let this be true”
BUT LWJ LOOKS AWAY AND FLASHBACKS TO WHAT WRH WAS RANTING ABOUT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EP
WHY ARE YOU DOING THAT LWJ. WHY.
So instead of answering wwx, he just questions him on why he made Plot Device 2???
THAT IS THE WRONG APPROACH LWJ
THAT WILL NOT GET YOU WHAT YOU REALLY WANT 
Wwx: lan zhan, if i told you i got a Screaming Sword of Resentment from the Murder Turtle would you believe me?
Lwj keeps answering questions with questions and the whole convo is devolving horribly
Lwj: if you already knew the sword had Plot Device stuff in it, why did you refine it?
Wwx: LAN ZHAN, ENOUGH
he snaps at lwj
he raised his voice at lwj
Lwj: you promised you’d let me help you (he says calmly)
Wwx: if you don’t believe in me, how can you help me?
OUCH
Lwj: Plot device 2 isn’t safe, you might lose control!
Wwx: you’re scared i’ll be like wen ruohan, but i’m not him! And Plot Device 2 is not the same as Plot Device!
And then before we can get too emotional about our soulmate boys being at odds (AGAIN), we get to witness the murder of innocent people
How fun
Jin Zixun shows us he’s scum of the earth by trying to shoot down a Wen mother carrying her child as she flees
Thank goodness lwj guqin’s the arrow away
There’s a confrontation but lwj doesn’t let wwx tear into jin zixun even tHO HE CLEARLY DESERVES IT
And everyone leaves but not before wwx comments that there’s gonna be a lot of resentment here where the innocents were killed and that the place needed Magic Music 
Oh, turns out lwj didn’t leave
Lwj stays at the scene of the crime and plays Magic Music on his guqin.
As soon as wwx hears it, he starts playing counterpoint on his flute!
I love it when they play music together, Magic or not!!
We cut away here to watch lxc, nmj, and jgy become Official Bros™
BORING
Now Jgs and jgy are hosting a banquet
STILL BORING
Political posturing happens
SO BORING
Wait, something interesting just happened!
We see lwj just up and leave the banquet the moment he realizes wwx isn’t there
Bc wwx is out on the steps getting drunk
(wwx, we’ve talked about this. Drinking is not a Solution)
Wwx: lan zhan, it’s you! How about playing some Magic Music? (I'm detecting some sarcasm…)
Lwj: i’m learning a new score
Wwx: *scoffs* you haven’t given up yet? You’re really stubborn *mocking snort*
STOP BEING MEAN, WWX
That’s the last bit of wangxiantics we have for this episode
JYL GAVE US SUCH A GREAT MOMENT AND WE ENDED UP AT ODDS AGAIN
IT’S A WHOLE "ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK" SITUATION
I DON’T LIKE IT
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