#(You survive the desert but you live the sea. Be careful princess; you see that and you might not come back)

[eshasunrise]

Deepsea Glass

This is a pre-Splatoon fan fic that takes place in Alterna, days before its destruction.

Selena (Saline, moon) is an analogue for Marina

Kohime (little princess) is an analogue for Pearl

Inspired by the squid ink panels reflecting the desires of humanity.

Read below the cut.

Selena wanted to bash her head against the wall. She was the project lead in Alterna's delusional corporate suicide cult. Sorry, she meant 'Happiness Research Lab', a once important figure in maintaining Alterna's long-term survival, now a haven for madmen demanding humanity return to the irradiated, flooded surface.

Her job was to figure out the logistics of building, and launching, a rocket from deep beneath the sea and into the Earth's soil. Needless to say, all calculations show the probability of successfully launching a rocket deep underwater was literally, no smudging the numbers, 0%. And that's ignoring the readings showing that the surface is still flooded, irradiated, and over 15 degrees hotter than is ideal for agriculture, let alone maintaining human life. And THAT is ignoring the fact that the force of the rocket would fracture the stone of the cavern in which the population is maintained, assuming the psychic backlash of every neuroLCD panel suddenly exploding from energy overload wouldn't kill the population outright.

So obviously, the higher-ups appealed to reason. Or not. Instead, they scrapped the research to start building the rocket. Needless to say, it was now up to Selena to build an anti-gravity device which could withstand the water pressure while her roommate and boss, Kohime, tried desperately to get the company to stop.

It had barely been 60 years since Alterna was finished and colonized, and yet already people were demanding the impossible. Small crowds creating conspiracy theories about the land being just outside the walls, as opposed to the waterlogged crag of the flooded cavern that you can very clearly see if you just switched off one of the panels.

Selena needed a break. She decided, if her job wasn't going to listen to her findings, then she wasn't going to bother staying the full day. Clearly she wasn't alone in this thought, as when she approached the door, she caught her roommate standing outside on her phone. Selena's own phone pinged a notification right as she opened the glass door, greeting the shorter woman's slightly embarrassed face. That didn't last long however, as she begun to speak:

"Oh good. I just texted you." Kohime said. "You wanna head out early?"

"Absolutely." Replied Selena. She was glad that she was living with somebody who had some sense. The two of them grabbed a frozen tofu desert on the way home (most of the non-seafood was tofu, as it was one of the few crops to easily grow down here), and Kohime began to complain.

"Every day. Every goddamn day, these fucking bastards keep fucking ignoring me! 'Oh look, the princess is mad again' like, no shit? I'm trying to keep you alive! I don't care if the goddamn escapists are profitable, we aren't here to make a profit! We need to focus on the future! Making sure there's a planet to live on, not running to our death as fast as possible! What are we, fish to an angler?!"

Selena sighed in agreement. She had nothing to add, as everything she would say has already been said. Instead, she half-listened to her best friend's impatient ramblings while thinking of how to cheer her up later. There was that one project...

"Hey Kohime." Selena interjected. "You remember that old shark movie we watched the other day?"

"Oh yeah, Jaws, right? You wanna watch it again?" Kohime responded.

"We could, but first there's something I want to show you."

Kohime's attention was peaked right as they got home. From the table in the back, Selena grabbed an audio device.

"I came up with this song while thinking of that movie."

"Oh, fresh! Lemme hear!" Kohime slipped the speaker cuff over her left ear. From it emitted a steady, slightly modern approximation of the shrine music her grandmother would play for her. It was a curious sound, but she couldn't figure out what it had to do with...

"Wait a sec. The chorus, is that-?"

A slightly mischievous grin snuck up on Selena's face, "yup. That was made using the two note progression from the really tense scenes!"

Kohime's face lit up like the midday skylight. "That's hilarious AND awesome! Only you could come up with something so crazy, I love it!" A giggle pushes her face into childish glee, while Selena turned to grab something else, hiding her guilty smile.

It's been twelve years now, but she still couldn't get over that phrase from Kohime. 'I love'. It makes her uneasy every time.

"You wanna watch another movie?" Selena asked, "I found another Jaws movie, although I think it's the third one. Don't know if there's a two we're missing."

"Oh hell yeah! Pop it in!"

An hour later, and Selena was thoroughly bored. This was definitely a sequel to the first movie she saw, but it felt half-hearted and phony, like the corporate slogans she had to write for every apartment and street corner back at her old job.

"Are you watching this?" She asked the small woman beside her. No answer. Her roommate had fallen fast asleep, clearly as bored as she was, and had let her head fall against Selena's shoulder as she dozed.

Selena felt a pang in her chest. A muddy feeling that followed every bit of affection Kohime had given her. She stayed like this however, in part to let her old friend rest from the nightmarish days they've had, and in part for the comfort she has in knowing Kohime would always be beside her, ready to take on the world, which day by day became increasingly relevant.

Selena slowly nodded off herself.

That night, an exhausting dream filled her mind. In it, she was swimming up waterfall after waterfall. She strained against the crashing current, believing that soon, she would find rest. But no rest would come. At the final hurdle, the last jump, she dove straight into the maw of a hungry bear, wearing the Alterna logo on it's forehead, and announcing her retirement.

Selena woke with a start. It was midnight, and she felt dumb for being stressed about such a wild dream. She didn't question why she had it though. She had been working too hard for too little. The research she conducted, the machines she built, all wasted on projects that would kill her led by people who would never listen. She needed to quit. She could do so easily in fact. Sleeping in her lap, having moved herself in her sleep, was the very person she worked under. All she would have to do is wake her and tell her she couldn't work there anymore.

And leave Kohime to fight alone.

Selena let her head fall back onto the couch cushion. She would work tomorrow, if for no other reason than to ease her guilty conscience. To make sure some semblance of sanity stayed in this broken order, just because she knows Kohime would never stop fighting. She's always been bull-headed, and they needed that now more than ever.

"It's is time for your shift at the Happiness Research Facility, Citizen 2117: Assistant Director KOHIME.

It is time for your shift at the Happiness Research Facility, Citizen 2224: Project Manager SELENA.

Have a productive day."

Selena's second waking was a slow groggy ordeal. She had barely gotten back to sleep, and it feels like she just had that nightmare. Clearly some time has passed, as Kohime was sitting next to her. Unusually though, she wasn't dressed yet. Instead, she had an uncharacteristically uneasy glower in her face.

"Oh, you're up." Selena noted.

A long, heavy silence dulled the air at her voice. Kohime continued to stare, pressure rising from her sleep-matted hair. Eventually, she spoke:

"Selena."

At her word, a deafening pause filled the room.

"Do you ever feel like...something big is coming? Like..."

"The end of the world?" Selena finished her thought. "Of course. Every day. It bears down like an ocean of pressure every time I have to think about that goddamn rocket."

"Exactly!" The smaller woman replied "it all feels like we're marching into the end, all over some vague dream!" Tension filled her voice. She lacked energy, however. Selena took notice and pressed the back of her hand to Kohime's forehead.

"! W- what are you doing?" Kohime was flustered.

"You're overheated." Selena spoke.

"Well, that's 'cause you-"

"No, I mean actually" she wouldn't let Kohime finish. Now wasn't the time. "You're getting sick. R.C.A.?"

Selena called to the AI transcriber installed as living assistance. "Contact the HRF. We're taking today off."

"Very well." The voice responded.

Kohime protested: "No! Without us, who knows what those idiots will do?!"

Selena was worried of course, but she wasn't going to let her friend suffer. "How smart do you think they actually are. The lunatics wanna fire a rocket in a closed cave, through the ocean. You think they can think through the logistics without us?" She prattled, hoping she was right. It was her last hope at this point.

"..."

"Come on. You need to rest, and they'll never figure out how to actually build a rocket in the few days we'd be gone. Plus when we get back, you can rub the fact that you were right in their faces."

Kohime couldn't help but laugh at that. "As if. They're heads would be so far up their asses, they wouldn't be able to hear me." She joked, coughing near the end of her sentence.

Selena chuckled back, "in that case, I'll build you a megaphone. Nobody'd be able to ignore you then. Better yet, I'll build a bomb-"

"Okay, stop right there crazy lady. Don't give R.C.A. the wrong idea. Plus, that'd totally defeat the purpose of stopping the rocket in the first place."

The two joked like that for a few more minutes, until the tension left Kohime's shoulders, and she nodded off again.

It would take a week before Kohime would recover. The anxiety from the escape project pushing them to the boiling point. It was only at the end of that week when she had rested enough to feel like working again, and scheduled their shifts for the next day.

When Selena woke, from her bed this time, to the work day she'd been dreading, she noticed that Kohime had already left. Nothing unusual there. She was always a bit of a workaholic, and the praise helped feed her ego. Selena would finish her breakfast before heading out.

Upon opening the front door, however, she was blinded by a scorching white light. The skylight above them was in overdrive, forcing her eyes down. On the porch, collapsed to her knees, eyes wide despite the overbearing light above, was Kohime. Her face was filled with fear as defeat killed what little hope had remained.

Fearfully checking her friends help, Selena would follow her unbroken stare to the neuroLCD panel on the West edge. There, where once was the image of a field with sparse green trees, now stood the image of a white rocket ship, repeating down the walls. The grass, which once had a photo-like quality, now rustled as if blown by the wind. Sparse depictions of clouds were circling the blinding sun.

To any other, it would be an echo of their deep-seated desire to reach the upper world. To the two women here, however, it was a monument to their failure.

Selene rushed to the far moat, from the shore of which she grabbed a raft, unconcerned with ownership. Kohime followed behind, having barely broken from her stupor, and praying her closest could find a miracle. The datapad Selene brought was connected to a terminal on the wall. The screen behind it flickered off, exposing behind it the rocket they had lobbied so hard against, somehow completed.

Selene swallowed her fear as the datapad downloaded the Alterna Logs only people from the Happiness Research Facility has access to. The log read as follows:

"

HRFLog004.02: The Divide

As humanity began it's foolhardy errand to escape their salvation, a small group of resisters, lead by those scientists from the first generation, had resisted the change.

Amongst these were two high-ranking officials who had researched the surface, and concluded escape would doom humanity. These two would be the head speakers, and last bastions, of the Preservationists.

Rather than heed their warnings, those who profited from the Escapist movement would instead sabotage the resistance, slipping a mild poison into one researcher's water.

With the voice of opposition in recovery, the Preservationists were left without a rallying point, and a new fervor would grip the escapists. Thus, the rocket would be built in record time.

Awaiting further data.

"

Selena's heart dropped. A deep, fervent rage built in her heart. They had nearly killed her closest friend, over this pipe dream?! They would doom humanity for their pride?!

Her rage was interrupted, however, by a deafening scream of anguish. Having read the report on her own datapad, Kohime collapsed into a ball, shaking the raft beneath them. Selena steadied herself, then crouched to her friend.

"IT'S OVER. ITS THE END OF THE WORLD. WE'RE GONNA DIE..."

She was yelling, but a defeated misery filled her voice. She was not just screaming out of anguish, but because she couldn't find the strength to control her voice. Selena watched in pain as, for the second time ever, she watched her friend's heart break. She grabbed the girl and held her close, ignoring the pain in her ears. She needed to help her, to make her happy. Something to make her smile. Something she...

A familiar tune resonated from the wall behind her. The neuroLCDs picked up on Selena's desire, and reflected a memory of a week ago, the smiling face of her closest friend. The sound that played was the song she wrote, and Kohime took notice. Her crying slowed as she looked towards the reactivated panel. She couldn't help but laugh.

"Look, it's us." She barely managed to croak through tears. She hummed sobbing in a strained voice to the song that played, while holding desperately to Selena's waist.

This brief reprieve would not last. Those other researchers would hear the song, and, seeing the crying girl, wished for her to be happy. The rocket would be starting it's test launch after all. Soon, she could go home.

As the song spread, more and more people would hear it, carrying with it the image of the surface and the big white rocket. Soon, people began to sing along, making up lyrics that blurred together, as an anthem to the freedom they strived towards. All the while, the woman who wrote the song wondered how her feelings were strong enough to override the panel.

She wouldn't have long to wonder, though, as the nearest panel changed again, this time to a scene all too familiar. A scene she had avoided for so long. As it played, the sobbing in her arms changed to a wretched scream.

At once, two voices spoke. The same person twice, one screaming to a world that would not hear, the other whispering to her closest friend, who alone would listen to her once and once again.

"Selena"

"HOW DARE YOU"

"Is it alright if we talked?"

"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?!"

"I wanted to get something off my chest..."

"THAT WAS HER SONG"

"It feels like we've known each other forever"

"THAT WAS HER LIFE"

"And I needed to tell you"

"YOU CAN'T TAKE IT FROM HER"

"Just how important you are to me."

"YOU CAN'T TAKE IT FROM US"

"Selena"

"ALL OF YOU"

"I love you"

"I HATE YOU"

"I love you so much."

"I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU"

"You don't have to respond"

"YOU SHOULD HAVE LISTENED"

"And I'm sure you don't feel the same way"

"SHE CARED FOR YOU ALL"

"But I wanted to be honest"

"AND YOU BETRAYED HER"

"I've always felt this way"

"I'LL NEVER TRUST YOU AGAIN"

"And maybe, if you're willing"

"YOU ALL GET WHAT YOU DESERVE"

"We could go out some time?"

"FOR KILLING HER!"

A lump held in Selena's throat. She knew what was about to happen. She felt it. She tasted it. Regret boiled in her stomach. And here at the end, she could only manage one more sentence.

"Kohime,"

"Kohime-"

Behind the wall, the rocket's thrusters burst to life.

"I'm sorry."

At her final word, the pain of her closest friend before her once and once again, the wall cracked. The crying smile shattered into a thousand pieces, lacerating the overflowing wrath. Selena tried to hold onto Kohime's dying body, but was pushed back by the torrent erupting from the wall in front of her.

As Selena fell deeper and deeper beneath the flooding water, shards of neuroLCD shone around her. In each reflected the memories that replayed in her mind. Not the plans to maintain Alterna, and not the speeches she gave to the reckless businessmen that doomed them.

Her memories were of the happy times. The days in University she spent learning. The machines she managed to make float in the air. The simple Japanese style tune she composed from the Jaws theme. The grin on Kohime's face when she showed her.

The times she and Kohime would complain about work. The praise she received when Kohime was in charge. The sleeping face of Kohime resting her head on her shoulder. The day Kohime confessed, and how she stayed beside her despite rejection.

Selena scolded herself as air left her lungs. She should have spent more time with Kohime. She should have done what she could to make her happy. She should have humored her, just to see her smile one more time. She should have loved her.

Oh.

She already loved her.

Selena's thoughts were clear in her final moments. She already loved Kohime. She had spent her life seeking that attention, that love, which was always reciprocated, and she never paid it any mind, taking for granted the bond they had shared.

Warm tears of regret mixed with the bloody seawater, as Selena's thoughts betrayed her feelings. Her love. Her fear. Her shame. Reflected in the shards of the neuroLCD, her memories changed to the visage of Kohime. Her smiles, her rage, her sadness, her love. All surrounding her in the deep dark ocean. Even as her sight went dark and her thoughts slowed, all she could see was Kohime's proud, loving face, smiling back at her, as if everything would be alright.

She should have loved her.

She should have loved her.

She should have...

Tens of thousands of years later, a young woman, barely 18, nervously approached the loud stranger on Mt. Nantai. Just a few months earlier, she had defected from the army she was raised by, inspired by a strange song she had heard. A simple, repetitive shrine song performed by enemy mercenaries. One which filled her with fear, love, and a dream of freedom. One which, two days earlier, she heard screamed from the other side of the mountain, as if sung by a particularly skilled jet turbine.

Five years after, at the height of her career, Marina Ida ducks backstage at the end of her band's world tour. At her side, marches the proud woman who found her, one Pearl Houzuki.

The small woman looks back at her, and flashes a proud grin, as if telling her that everything would be alright. At this, only one thought echoed in Marina's head.

I love her.

[darkness-1900]

fallen angels

 I think no one expected that humanity would survive until the year ten thousand, and a holy war would occur, for the great houses, although his mandate was only for twelve years, his son is still alive, today although three thousand years have passed, He is our emperor and also our protector, he is also a part of me, just like Moneo and Siona.The sacrifice of living a life, for humanity, that silver and hard body, was never his, it is a curse, he was always a lion.My curse is my mind, it could surpass the Tleilaxu, they always believed it would be a myth, but it is not, the past, present and future are real, you can travel in it and it will help our family, although some do not deserve it.I kept working non-stop, I had to finish it, my parents understand that I have to do it

-You could rest a little

-I'll be done soon, although my task doesn't end here, Moneo

I watch him look at me with a smile, sad now he has more wrinkles and his hair is now white,

-I hope you're careful girl, your parents will go crazy if you don't come back.

-Don't worry, we'll be fine, although I have my doubts about Siona, but she made her decision, it was the idea of ​​free will, but... she will never feel love, it's a shame

It was ready, the machine was connected to my watch, I always wear it around my neck, I had done many tests and now the material was coming back complete, it was safe, now it's my turn, When I said goodbye I didn't feel fear, I knew I would return and I had to be successful, I gathered my long hair and covered myself with a red cape. I had already spoken to my parents, they know that I would be fine.When crossing I felt a pressure on my body, as if I was being pushed, it feels hot. But you can adapt, here in my home, Dune we can see the sea.

But when you cross it there is only desert, although it was close to the city, you could get there

When people arrive, they are concerned about selling their things, their clothes are very simple, some cover their faces or their hair, a woman must have mistaken me for a foreigner because of my clothes, this is only the monarchy, although the emperor have , more, what the the others. housesI acquired some things, among them my beloved apricots, and continued on my way until I reached the palace.

The Feydakin soldiers interrogated me, I convinced them to be here, to help Princess Corrino, it was easy for many, they came to work at the palace, they left later or returned, I needed to be here, My other clothes are more subtle... I don't care about Paul Atreides, he only cares about his wife now, pregnant.

When I entered I met a maid, Tara is kind, everything I asked for, she did it, the cleaning, and order. After four days, I managed to see her in her chambers.

She was looking at herself in the mirror, fixing any non-existent wrinkles, in her blue dress, of course her face is with very light makeup, and her hair is short, silky and golden, I had already forgotten that she had it like that before.She turned to look at me for a second, there was no arrogance, her gaze looked tired.

-You must her be new, how old are you? Sixteen.

-Yes, princess, I arrived a few days ago

-I need to sort out these clothes, many of them are of no use to me in this arid climate...surely something will fit you,

-Thank you princess, you are very kind

We always talk about trivial things, sometimes some servants whisper about the princess, I always have to bite my tongue, Sometimes I can enter the great hall to listen, when I hear the emperor speak, deep down I feel sorry for his future, but at the same time I am happy...even so I must help these people.

As time goes by, I notice the way they treat her, as if she were a prisoner, she tries to help with ideas, but it's as if they don't listen to her.

After four months, here, that day would soon arrive, with difficulty I managed to keep him from returning to visit the reverend mother, who has been in prison for a long time,

I can't read minds, but I know the emperor is intrigued by my presence...or that I'm finally changing something.

One day while we were in the greenhouse, from a distance we managed to see another man carrying a tray with tea.

-Young man, where are you taking this?

He seemed reluctant to answer

-to the chambers of the Empress...Princess

-Then give it to my maid, so we can visit her, you can do another task...besides it is an order

He hands it to me without saying anything, but I knew something, he has the drink, we immediately look for Stilgar, When the princess speaks to him, it is seen that he obeys with doubt, but after a few hours, the emperor addresses us, as an act, he reflexively takes Irulan's hand.

-Can you describe the man? She nods and for a moment he looks me in the eyes, and you can see that he hides his annoyance but he doesn't say anything.-Can you describe the man? She nods and for a moment he looks me in the eyes, and you can see that he hides his annoyance but he doesn't say anything.

- Do you remember the last time we talked? Paul told you everything and you didn't believe me. I was planning to keep in touch with the Reverend Mother, but she's in cahoots with that thing, he Tleilaxu.

-I just don't want you to get involved and if you think I'm going to leave the surveillance to you, forget it, I'll take care of my family... I still thank you for showing some concern.

-It took twelve years for this man to thank me for anything,

When night falls, I watch over Irulan while he sleeps, and then I leave his chambers.

I head to look for him, when I find him, despite having his back turned, he looks very distressed.

-speak, what is  you want

-First, Your Majesty, I thank you for allowing me to be here...the truth is I'm here to accompany the princess, She has tried to blend into this culture, but you know that she has no friends here, and no family either.

Your wife will not hold out, there is little time left for her, unless we make a deal, my lord.

[phantomarchive]

Drabble request meme | @writing-style

[ 11. In search of sea life. For Tamina, please! :D ]

You survive the desert, but you live the sea.

Like sand blown past the walls from the desert, travelers aren’t uncommon in Alamut. The city is a haven amidst the vast expanse surrounding them on all sides, with clear water, comfortable beds, and a friendly people pleased to help those in need of shelter.  

Only slightly less common is finding the princess taking time to join the strangers to listen to their tales, stories of where they have been and where they are coming from. She has seen little beyond the walls of her kingdom, save for the trails leading to the ancient temple, the dagger’s home, and while she is content to stay in her palace, fulfilling her duties of protecting the Sands of Time, she finds that a part of her heart yearns to know what lies beyond. (It is a part of her heart she has learned to keep locked up and under control, refusing to give in to the cravings of adventure; she is better at it now than she was as a girl, yet still she dreams of it.) 

Some tell simple stories of family and trading; others tell stories taller than she can believe are true. Some, though, fit in right where she dreams, and they talk so knowingly of where they have been and what they have seen, that it is easy to believe them. Easy to get lost in their words, entranced, eyes alight, lips parted slightly in anticipation.  

The man is disheveled when he arrives in the city, the leather of his clothing wearing thin, skin battered by the winds and sands, hair matted beneath where it is trapped beneath his brightly colored scarves, material that tells far more than one might think. His smile is easy and his eyes are bright, and one look is enough to know that he has been places, he has seen things. He knows of the world. Though Tamina excels at composure, she cannot help but be drawn to the man and his stories - and oh, he has stories to tell! 

Ancient tombs, oases, mountain temples; kings and peasants and everyone in between. He speaks intimately of people he has passed, the ones who left their mark on him, whether they knew it or not. A princess he holds dear in his memories, fondly, perhaps one he will return to.  

He speaks of the sea, and Tamina has heard only of the concept, an abstract piece of imagery she cannot fully comprehend, and the man’s words are grand and beautiful, yet she still cannot grasp it. An endless expanse of not sand, but water; not scorpions and beetles and dry desert plants, but fish and coral and seashells. She might have dared to not believe him, but he produces a seashell from within the pouches scattered around him and tells her to hold it to her ear. ‘You can hear the ocean in it,’ he says, and she is entranced by the sound as she holds it to her ear. Closing her eyes, she imagines what the waves must look like washing up on the shore, what the water must feel like surging around her ankles, pulling her into their depths, enticing her into something new and unknown and beautiful.

A tear slips down her cheek as she opens her eyes to look at the man. An adventurer, a teller of tales, drawing out the yearnings of her heart, and were she not so bound by her duties to her people, her kingdom, the gods, the Sands of Time, she might have found herself wanting to follow in his steps and trek alongside him to the ocean.

[ffxvficrec]

POLYSHIP ROADTRIP ROUND UP 2

You can also check out the collection here: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/PolyshipRoadtripBigBang2021

We’ve listed the archive warnings and ratings, but please remember to mind the tags!

Modicum of Modesty by Lhugy_for_short

No Archive Warnings Apply

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Explicit

At twenty-five, Noctis' greatest accomplishment in life is having all-but tarnished the Caelum name. He skips meetings in favor of joy riding around the city in expensive cars; in lieu of settling down, he brings unscrupulous strangers home to warm his bed. Rumors have it that he's hell-bent on destroying both the family business and himself in the process.

The only one who understands, who sees the hurt, the loneliness behind the reckless facade, is Ignis Scientia. Yet even his moral high ground is not unshakeable, and he'll need to tread carefully if he's to pull Noct from the darkness without succumbing to temptation himself.

Collar Full by starofinsomnia (quirklessbunny)

No Archive Warnings Apply

Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum

Prompto Argentum/Ignis Scientia

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Gladiolus Amicitia/Ignis Scientia

Gladiolus Amicitia/Noctis Lucis Caelum

Explicit

When an announcement goes out that Noctis is going to marry the princess of Tenebrae, Lunafreya Nox Flueret, he decides he has to run away. After walking in on him packing, Ignis is dragged into his plot to disappear, and they succeed in doing so by dressing Noctis up as a noblewoman and sneaking him out of the Citadel. What happens when they run into a cute blond peasant and fall in love, and how can they ever fully leave when two of the people they love most would stay?

The Open Road Brings Us Home Again by Lady_Kaie

No Archive Warnings Apply

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Gladiolus Amicitia & Prompto Argentum & Noctis Lucis Caelum & Ignis Scientia

Mature

Noctis is watching the world rebuild around him, and he is doing his part with the three men who mean the most to him. Everything should be wonderful and perfect, but he knows that those ten years he missed while in the crystal have caused rifts. Determined to find his way back to his lovers, he puts together a road trip...

Hoping that they will find each other again.

In Full Bloom by EzraTheBlue

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

No Archive Warnings Apply

Gladiolus Amicitia & Prompto Argentum & Noctis Lucis Caelum & Ignis Scientia

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Prompto Argentum & Noctis Lucis Caelum

Prompto Argentum & Ignis Scientia

Gladiolus Amicitia & Prompto Argentum

Teen 

Prompto has lived a lonely existence, kept to his rooms in his step-parents' home in the Galahd desert and never allowed to see the outside world or anyone other than servants. That all changes suddenly, when Prompto is left orphaned and with no family but for a step-uncle, living across the sea in the broad fields of Lucis.

Prompto is taken to a whole new world and discovers that his new home holds many secrets and mysteries, hidden behind locked doors, wailing winds, and the sealed lips of the other people who live and work there. However, as he learns more, he finds that he wants to bring some of the secrets into the light, and right some old wrongs done to the people he's come to care about.

His fate -- and the fate of the other boys he soon comes to care about -- becomes entwined with one special secret garden.

bury our burdens in blood by Crazyloststar

Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Major Character Death

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Mature

Gladio and Ignis finds themselves in a time loop, one that puts them back on the train to Zegnautus Keep every time.

They have to fight to survive. Or die trying.

Harmony by GingerEl

No Archive Warnings Apply

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Gladiolus Amicitia & Prompto Argentum & Noctis Lucis Caelum & Ignis Scientia

Teen

Noctis refuses to make any other friends, so Ignis designs an online personality test to find him one. Prompto's score? 92/100.

Art Imitates Life by BossGoose

No Archive Warnings Apply

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Teen

Ignis had planned to never return home, but after his estranged uncle dies, he is the only one left to put the man’s final affairs in order. He’d known going back would be difficult, but he hadn’t expected to discover an old family secret that made him completely reevaluate everything he’d thought he’d known about his uncle, or to end up in trouble with the law as a consequence. Distraction comes in the form a sudden and unexpected attraction to three local men: a bubbly technician at the crematorium, a soft-spoken representative at a local landscaping company, and the beefy owner of a nearby adult bookstore, all three of whom happen to also be friends. It’s only with their help that Ignis is finally able to navigate through these difficult circumstances . . . and perhaps even find something he’d been missing along the way.

The Glue That Binds by Ember_Lace

Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum

Prompto Argentum/Ignis Scientia

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum

Gladiolus Amicitia/Ignis Scientia

Gladiolus Amicitia/Noctis Lucis Caelum

Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Mature

Ten years ago Noctis disappeared from Prompto’s life without so much as a goodbye. When he suddenly turns up in the café that Prompto works in, it sets off a chain of events that leads to love, pain, and corporate subterfuge. Prompto is left to come to terms with his long held feelings for Noctis as well as new ones growing quietly in his heart for his friend’s new companions.

Soul Bound by Maniacalfreak

No Archive Warnings Apply

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Lunafreya Nox Fleuret/Nyx Ulric

Biggs Callux/Wedge Kincaid

Gladiolus Amicitia/Noctis Lucis Caelum

Gladiolus Amicitia/Ignis Scientia

Gladiolus Amicitia/Prompto Argentum

Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum

Prompto Argentum/Ignis Scientia

Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Explicit

Noctis faces a lot of grief over the choice of mates the fates have bestowed upon him. A vampire and a lycan – it was unheard of to have a triad of different creatures be destined for each other. Most people were graced with one – or gods be generous, two. Noctis has two mates already, and yet he still feels an emptiness in his chest where a third bond remains untethered, stretching out into the vastness of their world, waiting to be found.

Ardyn has another opinion. Having a mate has done nothing but cause him unending pain and grief, the magic flowing through his veins and extending his life was a curse. He’s forced to live, remembering his wretched brother striking down his mate and leaving him alone in the world. The place in his chest that was once filed with warmth and light from his bond with his mate Aera was now twisted with a void so endless he could lose himself in the inky depths where his mate’s vibrance once gave his life meaning.

Love was weakness. It made you vulnerable – it gave someone the power to destroy you.

Ardyn only wishes Noctis could see that.

[caffeineivore]

For @apsaraqueen

This was written as cheerupemofic for BAMF a few weeks-ish ago, I think? Never got around to posting it but here it goes. Somewhat experimental R/J. Some angst but... it’s, uh, for BAMF? So. Yeah.

***

“Love is so short, forgetting is so long.” - Pablo Neruda

I.

The Moon is beautiful and stately, all marble palaces and graceful domes, but leached of colour in an eerie wash of silvery white. Jikokuten takes a knee in the throne room and looks askance at the royals, for even they blend into this ghostly dream-world with their pearlescent gowns and platinum locks. The weather and grounds are flawless, not a single leaf or stone out of place. It’s almost too perfect-- ominously so-- and to one whose kingdom only dons white for mourning, it’s jarring. 

And then he sees the High Queen’s court file in, the warrior princesses of legend, flanking the throne two by two, and there she is, a spot of scarlet in the sea of white. Ebony hair and auspicious red skirts, eyes like the twilight sky before it turns full dark. He blinks, and his heart stutters. 

II.

The sheep are languishing in the heat, and getting leaner by the day with nothing but dry brush to eat, and Jochi coaxes some of his own water onto the littlest and weakest of the lambs. It’s foolish, and more than likely the little animal would die anyway, too malnourished to survive the drought which had blighted the steppes this summer. His father had always railed at him for being too soft-hearted, too foolish and un-Mongolian, but a part of Jochi always had perhaps too much sympathy for the foundlings and the weaker ones. There is a nebulous memory, perhaps not his own, of standing up for a boy with eyes like the open sky and a shock of black hair from-- what? He doesn’t quite know.

He hears the sound of hoofbeats-- it is a grand procession, the entourage of one of the Khans, and that is both blessing and curse, for they would surely bring much-needed supplies and victuals if returning from a successful raid, but just as surely would bring death and doom against any interlopers or opposing factions. Jochi’s yellow hair would stand out like a beacon, and so he pulls up his hood despite the summer heat and draws back into the shadows to watch the group. The warriors are fearsome indeed astride their ponies, bows and sabers at the ready. There is an iron-haired Chieftain at the forefront, proud and indomitable with eyes as fierce as a falcon’s. And then right behind him, dwarfed by the stalwarts flanking her, must be the clan’s princess, wearing a fine red dress and ornaments of silver and amber around her neck and atop her raven hair. She’s beautiful, with eyes as fearless as her Sire’s, but more so, something about her face strikes such a pang in Jochi that he forgets himself, and steps forward, right into the path of the procession. He’s knocked senseless not a moment later under the marauding hooves, but he only has eyes for the desert-mirage loveliness of the princess’ face.

III.

Jun doesn’t meet Ru-Yi until the wedding. She’s brought over to his familial estate in a lavish palanquin, amidst loud, raucous music and the rapid pops of firecrackers, and escorted to the altar by the servants to kneel next to his older brother Kai. As the heir apparent, it is imperative that Kai make a good marriage to a wife who would not shame him and brings all the right assets to the match, and Ru-Yi’s father is a very wealthy, powerful man. The newlyweds courtesy to their parents and each other, and then someone lifts the bride’s red veil away from her face, and Jun almost drops his goblet of wine. It is a stunningly elegant face, all cherry lips and willowy brows, but what’s more, though he’s certain he has never met her before, it’s somehow familiar. She, too, seems to feel it, because her eyes linger on his for a moment too long, a thin line of confusion drawing between those brows, before she turns away with a bland smile for the procession of well-wishers. 

Despite the many presents of dates and lotus seeds on the wedding day, and, months and years later, the foul-smelling tonics and powders, she never bears Kai any sons, and Jun watches, heart heavy, as Kai takes on one concubine after another, carouses in the brothels night after night, as the lines between Ru-Yi’s brows grow deeper and deeper with cheated joy and thwarted wishes. He doesn’t care if she doesn’t bear any sons, but she’s not his concern-- will never be his concern. There are flowers left on her doorstep in the mornings, still wet with dew and with neither name nor note. It’s poor consolation for both of them, but she’s not his to love.

IV.

The air is arid and far too hot, almost tinged the same turmeric-yellow as the hot sun blazing down overhead. Captain Geoffrey Lindhurst with Her Majesty’s navy had been in India for all of four months, and is still getting accustomed to the local climate, so different from the ever-present London fog. The local food, too, is a far departure from the starchy Sunday roasts and meat pies and puddings of his boyhood, with its exotic spices and bountiful portions. The servants at his bungalow are politely quiet and do their tasks without complaint, but he has the sense that there is far more to their lives and customs than the scant glimpses that he sees now and then.

He’s out taking a walk on a balmy evening, and passes by one of the temples. He knows nothing of the religious beliefs of the locals, with their somewhat-fearsome-looking, animalistic gods with their fiery eyes and six hands and elephant heads, but many of the locals seem quite devout in their faith, praying several times a day and eschewing certain foods in their diets. Even at this late hour, the temple is open for worshippers, its air smoky with incense, and he sees a young woman emerge, clad in the flowing, traditional garments with a gauzy scarf over her dark hair. His gaze meets hers for only a split-second-- light blue to orchid-- but it jolts his system harder than a glass of raw gin. He has no idea who she is, and moreover, everything in his training and upbringing tells him that he has no business dallying with any of the locals. Geoffrey opens his mouth to speak, against everything that he’s known all his life, but she vanishes down one of the narrow paths and disappears into the night before he can say anything, or be quite sure that she wasn’t just an illusion, a trick of the light. 

He visits the temple enough in his years stationed here that he gets to learn the local traditions and customs, and indeed become quite familiar with their rituals. But he never sees her again.

V. 

The dame walks into his dilapidated hole-in-the-wall of an office on stiletto heels the red of fresh blood. Jack knows trouble when he sees it, and she’s all but radiating it like smoke surrounding a wildfire. “Help you, ma’am?” He keeps his voice brusque and businesslike even as she shrugs off a lustrous black mink stole to reveal crimson silk and fiery diamonds, curves in all the right places. “What brings you to this side of town?”

“I need a private investigator, and they say you’re the best. My driver’s outside, and he’s bigger and meaner than you,” she adds in a snide tone to match the diamond earrings. “My name is Rowena Warrington. Henry Warrington’s daughter.”

The Governor’s daughter has as much business in the seedy part of downtown as he would rubbing shoulders with millionaires in a fancy ballroom. “Don’t you have security, or lawyers, or whatever, to deal with whatever you’re dealing with, Ms. Warrington? This is a bad neighbourhood.”

“And no one’s been able to figure out the truth behind my mother’s death, so here I am.” Presumptuously, she makes herself at home, sitting down in a battered folding metal chair like it’s a throne as she lights a cigarette. “Price is no object, of course.”

“No.”

He won’t be swayed, because this is exactly the type of trouble that he doesn’t want, even though she turns on the wheedle, and later, the tears. He lets her leave in high dudgeon, and shuts the door behind her, and tells himself that his instinct-- one that tells him in no uncertain terms that he’d narrowly escaped a terrible fate-- was spot-on. And he busies himself with the usual mundane work which flows in every day like water through a leaky pot-- fraud cases. Stolen heirlooms. Prisoners on the lam. Cheating spouses.

He reads about the huge, tragic scandal some months later in the paper-- the cover-ups, the blood money, the extortion, the beautiful young woman whose life is tragically cut short because she’d had the audacity to poke her flawless nose where it definitely didn’t belong and wouldn’t take no for an answer, and is shocked at the grief which hits him. He owed her nothing, he tells himself as he broods into his second whiskey. She said herself that her driver was bigger and meaner than him. She should’ve been safe. Should’ve been careful. 

Should’ve been protected, with one’s very life. 

He throws the newspaper into the fire and watches it curl up into ash as he pours himself another one.

VI.

The busful of unconscious mortals is just where he wants them, of course, and Jadeite goes about the business of collecting their energy, siphoning it for Queen Metallia’s use. It’s rote and routine, but then a flash of scarlet catches his eye, and it’s the miko from the temple at the last bus-stop. Black and white and red all over, and he pauses, kneels down to move a strand of her lustrous black hair out of her face. 

“So beautiful. Ever since I’ve seen this girl, there’s something about her…” Something haunting, like a hint of incense smoke that clings to the air or a raven’s feather, black against white pavement, a memory that is-and-isn’t his. With a gentleness that he’s not had cause to employ in a very long time, he carefully shifts her into a more comfortable position, one more like natural sleep than the unconsciousness of a sinister spell, and lingers, unable to tear his eyes away from her exquisite, weirdly familiar face, until the all-too-unfortunate shouts of angry feminine voices tells him that he is not alone, and the Sailor senshi have arrived.

The miko opens her eyes and everything snaps into place a split-second before she transforms and a rage of fire heads for him, and he has but a moment to mouth the word ‘Sorry’, unheard and unacknowledged, before the flame hits in a wall of agony and heat. It’s no more or less than he deserves.

VII

The world is lustrous, glistening crystal, but unlike the Silver Millennium and the Moon Kingdom, the diamond brilliance of the towers bring colours into sharp relief, turning white sunlight into countless prismatic rainbows and reflecting the pale blue of the sky as rich sapphire. Jadeite takes a knee with his compatriots in the throne room and bows his head before the royals-- his King and Queen, united at last. Countless lives had been lived to lead to this-- an entry to a paradise hard-earned. 

There she is, still, raven hair and red skirts, and after, when everyone has broken off into their groups, he seeks her out. He has no reason to expect a positive reception, but the words are long overdue, and she has a right to them. 

“Lady Mars.” He makes an elaborate leg, as one might have done in a decadent court in the era of gilt and Rococo. She raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t storm away or glare, and that’s something.

“No need to stand on ceremony, Lord Jadeite. We’ve met before. More than once, I daresay.”

“And I’ve loved you every time.” The words are baldly spoken and perhaps too blunt, in poor form, but they’ve been buried for far too many years and lifetimes already. She halts, and he notices that her breath isn’t quite steady, and that gives him the courage to remain where he is instead of making a hasty escape.

Finally, a queer sort of half-smile crosses her face as she tilts it back up to his. “You’ve been terrible about showing it up to now, haven’t you?”

“Up to now,” he agrees. “It doesn’t have to remain so. Unless you wish it.”

“Hmm.” She glances away, but stays standing where she is, within reach. “I suppose we’ll have to see.”

[mishinsisa]

A traveler's learning - A princess' wish

(AlMei fic)

Summary.- Alphonse Elric decides to start his own life and materialize his projects: traveling east and study alkahestry. He takes two friends in order to help them recover their original forms and, along the way, gets to know the seventeenth princess of Xing better. During Alphonse's learning process and while Mei takes on projects in support of her clan, they get to understand each other and their bond strengthens.

*This is the first thing I write about FMA since I got into the fandom recently. English is not my first language and I hadn't written any fiction in English, so please, if you see any mistakes, do not hesitate to let me know so I can correct them.*

First chapter length: 3,825 words

Total length: 13,780 words

Genre: Friendship / Family / Romance (at the very end)

Links to AO3 and Fanfiction

Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist

1

 Determination

 He had to reconsider his plans of departing soon to the East on the advice of his family and acquaintances: his brother and surrogate grandmother were worried about him exposing to such a strenuous journey through the desert. The chances of survival and successful completion for healthy people were already low, let alone for a boy whose body had suffered years of starvation and consequently severe health issues. The princess, his friend, despite showing excitement for his intended visit to her country and a willingness to work with him, stated that he would have to study the language beforehand, at least to a basic level. A vast majority of Xingese did not speak Amestrian at all, and traditional teachers were not patient nor gentle with foreigners.

 There was no chance to see friends off. Due to the critical condition their bodies were in, all the brothers got was a brief and restricted visit by the far eastern group. An interchange of addresses—attempting to ignore the fact that they might not see nor contact each other again—, words of gratitude and encouragement, and that was it. The Elrics and the people who fought that day would spend a while under close medical care.

 Alphonse’s process was, by far, the longest and most difficult of all. He learned when the Armstrongs, the Colonel, the Lieutenant, the chimeras, and everybody involved was discharged. Even his father, who, once healthy, showed intentions to stay with his sons. However, Hohenheim understood, from Edward’s attitude, that his continuous presence with them would not be wise nor comfortable.

 It was Edward the one who never left Alphonse’s side. Even when he himself was severely injured, he insisted on being with his younger brother to make sure of his progress. It was not only his guilt of the failed transmutation and bringing his young body to that pitiful state, but also the uncertainty of his survival given that severe emaciation.

 Bedridden, stuck to a liquid diet, barely able to turn over and subject to multiple injections a day, not only the youngest Elric was restrained in a body he and his brother had been searching for years. He was also prey to baffling nightmares, hallucinations, abrupt losses of consciousness, and difficulty in remembering things that happened during the journeys with his brother. During these lapses, Edward would sit on the edge of the bed and hold his hand in an attempt to make Alphonse feel safe and supported. Even being such a reckless youngster, the older brother knew when to cheer the younger one, and when it was best to stay quiet and hold him.

 It was the memory of those endless months of convalescence that made Edward worry about his brother’s decision to go to the east as soon as possible. He understood his urge to travel and live as many experiences as he could, since the former state alchemist had already decided to study in the West. However, communications between Amestris and the East were still limited, and the connection projects were still drafts. Führer Grumman and the Crown Prince, on behalf of the Emperor of Xing due to his frail state, had just opened a trade route through Aerugo and the south sea. It was the beginning of a promise to a profitable exchange between Amestris and the eastern country.

Determined to prepare himself for his journey, Alphonse took into account Mei’s words and chose to start learning Xingese. In East City, the closest urban area to his hometown, he found little linguistic and instructional material that could help him. He didn’t feel like going all the way to Central, so he had some books delivered to the Rockbell house by some renowned bookstores.

 Once the brothers felt ready, Alphonse would be the first one to depart. Deep down, he trusted his absence would give his older brother the space and courage to acknowledge his feelings and talk about them with the girl they grew up with.

 ~

 ―You sure you don’t wanna wait for an eastern railway line to be ready? I’ve heard it’s in the Führer’s agenda.―Pinako told him with a concerned tone.

 Alphonse smiled reassuringly.

 ―We don’t know if that will start tomorrow, next month or next year. What if they start building it in ten years? I’m not going to wait that long.

 ―You just make sure to call home whenever you get the chance, okay?―his brother said, smiling―There’s got to be a phone in each station. So let us know about all of your layovers, huh?

 ―Ed, he’s going to spend too much money on phone calls.―Winry talked back and then immediately addressed to Alphonse―You just call us once a day so we get to know you’re okay. Don’t forget to write as soon as you get to Xing, understand?

 The first announcement of the train to Aerugo echoed in the station.

 Pinako wished him the best of luck and reminded him that he could get back home whenever he wanted to.

 Winry took a package wrapped in cloth out of a basket and gave it to him.

 ―When you get hungry during the trip…

 The boy gasped out of joy when he noticed the smell of apple pie.

 ―You didn’t have to! Thanks a bunch!

 ―I can’t believe you will cross the sea! I want you to tell me what is it like!

 He smiled at her and nodded.

 Then, his brother came closer to him.

 ―You just take care, okay? Don’t get in trouble.

 ―You’re not coming with me, so most likely I won’t get into bigger trouble than the ones you got me in.

 Edward scoffed.

 They bumped fists. Then, they bumped elbows and patted each other’s shoulder as Alphonse turned around to walk towards the platform.

 The Rockbells and the older brother waved him goodbye when they spotted him in his seat. He waved back at them, smiling. Soon after the train started moving, Winry and Pinako got tired and lowered their arms. Edward, however, not only waved even harder, but ran along the platform so as not to lose sight of Alphonse, until the train outran him and went away.

 ~

 He met with Jerso and Zampano at the South City station. From there, they headed together to the southernmost city of Amestris connected by train and took a tram to the checkpoint. The Amestrian police and soldiers checked their passports and jackets, acting somehow lenient after noticing the Elric surname in the documents. In the Aerugonian side, however, they got thoroughly searched and questioned. Their ID photos were constantly checked to confirm if they were the persons they claimed to be; they even had to take their shoes off and open their luggage. The process, which seemed endless for the young alchemist and former militaries, ended up with the confiscation of personal items such as straight razors, nail clippers, a lighter and a hip flask. Alphonse’s medication was almost confiscated, too, but he showed his prescription and bargained speaking a mixture of Amestrian and very broken Aerugonian.

 The first train they took, in a noisy and narrow station, was full of people with work attires and uniforms; people carrying heavy packaged goods, cases full of documents, lunch boxes. Some of them avoided interaction by reading the newspaper; some others simply slept with the newspaper on their face to block the light. The boy, however tired, kept looking out the window, curious to find out if the countryside in Aerugo would look different from the countryside in which he grew up.

 Hours later in the train, the former militaries couldn’t help but chuckle about Alphonse’s look. He fell asleep with his face leaning next to the window. His jaw was wide open, part of his hair was upright and entangled, and his left leg was extended to the front, almost in the personal space of his companions. Zampano tapped the tip of the boy’s foot with his own foot in a subtle attempt to wake him up when he noticed a middle-aged woman selling snacks, approaching. Not that the food or service were that good at the train, but he and his friend were hungry, and they supposed the young one would need something to eat.

 ―Hey… hey, Al…

 A sharp move of the train made his head bump into the wall and woke him up.

 ―You okay, buddy? You want something?―Zampano asked him in an amused tone.

 Alphonse yawned covering his mouth, unable to talk immediately, while Jerso took some money out of his pocket and bought snacks for the three of them.

 ―I can’t believe it’s already afternoon. Did we pass by any landmarks?―The boy asked.

 ―I woke up an hour ago.―Jerso answered, shrugging and chewing.

 ―I’ve been sleeping and waking up every now and then. Only sheep, cows and plantations out that window. You didn’t miss anything.

 Alphonse smiled. Deep down, he disagreed with Zampano’s answer: he was in a whole new place for him and was willing to see the slightest detail of it, specially since he was just passing through that country and didn’t know if he would be there again.

 At night, the train stopped in what seemed to be a textile town. Given the hour and their tiredness, all they did was look for an inn to have dinner and rest.

 Alphonse went to an old phone, one of the only three that were near the front desk area. He took some coins and dialed long distance.

 ―Rockbell Automail.

 ―Granny, it’s me.

 ―Al, thank goodness. Where are you now?

 The young Elric attempted to ask the name of the town with his limited language skills, but he didn’t understand the answer he got, no matter how many times the clerk repeated.

 ―I… I’m still north of Aerugo. I just had dinner. How’s my brother and Winry?

 ―He’s upstairs, reading.

 ―Hey!―A distant voice and quick steps were heard through the phone.

 ―Here he comes. Hold on.

 ―Yo! How’s everything going?

 ―It’s all right. I’ve been sitting all day long.

 ―You in Aerugo? Is it hot? You’re gonna get all tanned and all. Careful with the ladies.―Edward teased his brother, trying to conceal the fact that he already missed him.

 ―It’s humid, yeah.―The young one smiled―So, when are you going to talk to Winry?

 ―Uh…

 Edward seemed to be about to give an explanation, but he remained silent. Alphonse was not surprised.

 ―Listen, I gotta go now. I need to sleep. We’re taking the next train first thing in the morning. Take care.

 The next morning they woke up a little later than agreed and barely had time to get prepared. They ran to the station and, panting, abruptly stopped behind the platform line. Less than a minute later, the train doors opened. It was still dark, but the next train would depart three hours later, and Alphonse was not willing to delay his itinerary.

 Luckily, there were very few people in that train given the hour and route. The train car they were in was practically empty; it was just the three of them, so the Amestrians were free to be at ease. After a light breakfast and a nap to recover the lost sleep, they played cards. The game finished gradually with the hours of the morning and they ended up chatting and laughing, telling stories and their plans on the East.

 They spent the whole day crossing Aerugo and, as they headed south, Alphonse wrote in a travelogue details of what he saw. Not only did he enjoy rural and natural landscapes, but as the train went through big cities and the capital, he was delighted by the architecture, urban transportation, and the people’s disposition. Aerugonians seemed to be much more open and talkative than Amestrians: most houses decorated with flowering plants and painted in bright colors, unlike in his country.

 After spending the night in a city 400 miles away from the coast and boarding a last train the next morning, the three Amestrians arrived in an important port where they had some time to spare before their ship’s departure. They had a taste of Aerugonian seafood and bought medicine and personal care items, since their razors were taken in the north border and they didn’t want to look unkempt on arrival in Xing.

 Once on board the ship and upon leaving his stuff in the cabin, Alphonse rushed to the top deck and, amazed, walked to the railing and stood there. The wind in his hair and clothes, eyes narrowed by the daylight and mouth wide open, he stared delighted the vastness before him, sky and sea, which he thought of as two realms only separated by the line where the shades of blue diverged.

 During the early afternoon, once in open sea, Zampano and Jerso chatted and enjoyed the sunlight while the boy, feet away from them, looked down the hull and noticed a large school of flying fish, fluttering. Alphonse leaned over the railing to take a better look of them and the deep waters he was navigating. Later on, in the distance, he spotted dolphins. Pelicans and seagulls flew above the ship and, following their path with his eyes, he turned around and looked back at the point from which it sailed, now vanished in the horizon. A tear crossed his cheekbone. That innocence and sense of wonder reminded his travel companions of their own children, moving them.

 ~

 The Xingese harbor where they set foot in land for the first time in days was a bustle of vessels, rickshaws and loud talk that, in addition to their seasickness, left the three Amestrians dazed and indisposed to walk long distances. The midday light worsened their discomfort, and Alphonse had to call to mind his self-taught language lessons and look for a way to get to the train station. Needless to say that three considerably tall, unusual-looking, tired foreigners would be easy prey to cunning drivers.

 They got on the cab that charged them the less among the other options presented to them as a swarm. Still, in front of the station, the driver charged them more than agreed, claiming the routes he had to take in order to get them fast and the weight of three big men and their suitcases. Alphonse’s shortness of vocabulary and Jerso and Zampano’s total ignorance of the language led to an unintelligible quarrel in overlapped Amestrian and Xingese. The altercation drew the attention of bystanders and ended up with the foreigners paying reluctantly the final demanded amount. Jerso was about to spit his chimeric saliva to the driver but was stopped by Alphonse.

 ~

 The route to the capital of Xing took them through places that not only enthralled the already curious alchemist, but also delighted the grown men with him. The stunning look of lightning in the distance in the southern area near the desert, they had never seen that kind of thunderstorms. Numerous rice terraces extending in sequences that seemed infinite; rivers reflecting surrounding peaks covered in green; a thick emerald forest where the silence seemed sacred; hills that seemed painted with watercolors in various shades of yellow, red and green; plantation fields; busy towns. Bluish, gray mountains imposing as they approached the capital city.

 Never in his life had the boy seen so many people concentrated in one place. When Alphonse and his travel companions arrived at the main station they were easily stepped on and bumped into by the passers-by, not without a curious peek. Not every day did they see people with those Amestrians’ physical traits and clothing. Besides, they looked unkempt, since they hadn’t had the chance to shave since their last morning in the Aerugonian ship.

 The place was so big they got easily lost amid the swarm of people and the overwhelming amount of hallways, waiting areas and sigs they didn’t understand. They decided it would be better to go first to the restrooms, which were in an upper floor. The young one remembered reading once in his books that performing personal care activities in public, such as combing or shaving, was seen as very bad taste in Xing, so they went very quickly.

 Once done, walking down the wide stairs along with many other users, Alphonse felt weak due to a drop in his blood pressure. The changes in altitude and the eating habits he had been leading during such a long trip affected his health, and he fainted. People near him stepped aside, most of them continuing on their way. Zampano and Jerso ran to their friend, turning him over to see if he was awake or injured.

 —Al! Hey, Al!—Jerso shouted, gently slapping the boy’s face.

 Alphonse’s head had hit the edge of a stair, causing him a laceration on his forehead and a black eye. Zampano held him and softly shook him.

 —He’s passed out, go get help.—He told Jerso.

 —They won’t understand a word, lemme just…

 —Go get help! We don’t know if he still has any condition.

 —I don’t know how to! I better go get water to splash his face and wash that blood.

 Three security guards came running, alerted by one witness of Alphonse’s fall down the stairs. Their first impression was that of an innocent looking youngster waking up disoriented and bleeding, surrounded by two threatening-looking men with untidy stubble, one of then shaking him on the floor and patting his coat, the other one carrying his suitcase. Yelling, one of the guards asked something none of the Amestrians understood. He and the second guard proceeded to detain Jerso and Zampano, while the third guard helped Alphonse stand up and walk.

 ~

 —Sir, are you here against your will?—The sheriff asked slowly and clear so that the young Amestrian could understand.—Were you kidnapped? Kidnap?

 —Again, I was not abducted. I came here because I want.

 His accent was strong, but he talked clear and was confident of his language use in that situation. Alphonse tried to explain time after time that he was in Xing willingly and that those two men were his friends, but none of the officers seemed to believe. The wound on his forehead had been washed and covered and he had been offered an ice pack for his eye. His companions were held in a cell.

 The sheriff opened the boy’s passport. He frowned a little, glanced at the Amestrian, and skimmed the document again. That surname may have been distant news once, but he was not sure.

 —Do you want to go back home? Call anyone?

 —Yes. I want to call the Seventeenth Royal Princess of Xing, Mei.

 The sheriff and the officers in the room looked at each other in incredulity. Some of them grinned and sneered. They talked mockingly among them at fast pace and the sheriff tried to impose order.

 —Sonny, home? You don’t want to go home? Or do you need a lawyer?

 Alphonse felt like the man was treating him like a stupid.

 —Sir, I know my rights. I can resort to the help I need. And the help I choose is Her Highness, Princess Mei.

 Silence in the room, skeptic faces.

 —I met her, the Crown Prince Ling Yao and his bodyguards Lan Fan and the late Fu in Amestris. I’m Alphonse Elric, and I came here to study Alkahestry, science she masters.

 One of the officers talked in a condescending tone and the sheriff mumbled, frustrated. He took the phone and dialed. Once he got an answer, he adopted a formal tone and, among the particulars, he mentioned the name Alphonse Elric, mispronouncing it. Minutes of silence. The conversation seemed to resume briefly, and the man hung up. His countenance seemed uncomfortable and wary. He had a secretary bring the Amestrian a cup of tea and offered him a forced smile. The officers in the room were in expectation. Minutes later, the sheriff called again.

 —I am sorry for keeping you waiting, Mr. Elric.—The man in charge of the situation addressed the young Amestrian after hanging up—I contacted the relevant palace office and they talked to one of the Princess’ assistants. She will be here in about two hours. In the meantime, the nurse will take care of you.

 Alphonse smiled and sighed with relief.

 —What about my friends?

 —That’s for the Princess to decide.

 —They are hungry and tired by now.

 The sheriff acted as if he hadn’t heard that and handed Alphonse his passport back, then called the nurse and asked her to take the young man with her.

 ~

 The distant fuss in the building woke him up from his shallow slumber. The bed was narrow and hard, but he was so tired and unwell that he surrendered to the cherished rest by the nurse’s command. She saw him awake and made a gesture, indicating that he should get out of bed. The door was opened. The nurse bowed down and, with a glance, warned that he ought to do the same.

 He saw her: a shining maiden, ravishing, small in build, taller than the last time they talked, her little panda on her shoulder. Dressed in a light blue cheongsam, her hair tied in two buns with braids, she seemed to personify the morning sky. The princess stared at him, first in disbelief; then, after asking him and the nurse to stop bowing and scrutinizing his face, she recognized him and gasped.

 —Sir Alphonse!—She took four steps forward in a reflex of greeting him like in the old days, but remembered the presence of her palace assistants and the officers and stopped suddenly, bowing slightly—I mean, Mr. Elric! Are you all right?

 —I am! Don’t worry, it was just a fall!

 —I have to apologize for being so late. I was addressing issues when we received your call. After that, I had to get everything prepared for you and your friends. Where are they?

 —Arrested, I’m afraid.

 —Oh! Let’s hurry, then. I’ll explain later, but I wanted to make sure you’re well received and comfortable, specially after this unfortunate misunderstanding.

 An officer released Zampano and Jerso. When they were greeted by Mei, the man forced them to a bow, and escorted them out when she headed to the exit.

  —It feels weird. Such a tiny girl we met in Amestris, now a fancy princess.

 —Yes, man, she’s royal family and all, remember?

 The former militaries mumbled astonished once out of the police station, away from the group. Alphonse joined them then.

 —Don’t be surprised. She’s in her country, she must follow a protocol. All we can do is adapt ourselves.

 —Gentlemen!—The princess called them loudly, waving to draw their attention.

 She invited them to get on the limousine with her. Once their luggage was in place and they got on the back seats, Mei asked the chauffeur to drive to the place where the Amestrians would stay.

[aion-rsa]

Vikings Ending Explained

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The following contains spoilers for Vikings season 6 part two.

Vikings has always been concerned with legacy: that of the Vikings themselves, and of Ragnar and his sons. It’s clear from the show’s coda – Ubbe and Floki side by side on a distant beach, contemplating existence as the sun glows down upon the endless stretch of ocean before them –  that the two ultimately are inseparable. Bound up in this spider’s web of myth and mayhem, too, is the fate and legacy of the show itself. How will it be remembered now that it is gone? In a word: fondly. 

Creator Michael Hirst has left us a show for the ages, one that transcends the war, blood, and murder that first drew audiences to its story. The closing run of episodes is at turns thrilling, stirring, chilling, harrowing, heart-breaking, savage, sensual and ethereal, and is capped off with a mesmerizing, mytho-philosophical finale that retroactively elevates everything that came before it, all the way back to the moment when Ragnar first asked Floki to help him sail west. So how does it achieve this greatness? And what does it all mean? Let’s break it down. 

Groundhog Deity

One of the central themes of the show is the cycle of violence and bloodshed in which Viking society finds itself mired, and the battle between those who seek to perpetuate it, and those who seek to break free from it. It’s a dichotomy that burns down through the wick of the show, and often rages within its characters, most notably Ragnar, Lagertha, Floki, Bjorn, and Ubbe. Season upon season, each promise of peace is swiftly pounded into the blood-soaked earth by the vengeance, skulduggery or megalomaniacal ambitions of a chaotic individual, faction or rival; the old ways refusing to cede ground to the new. But still the dreamers and visionaries struggle, against themselves, against the furious roar of tradition, again and again. This rise and fall happened so frequently throughout the show’s run that its rhythm caused some sections of the audience to grow weary. This repetition, though, this sense of helplessness, is largely the point (not to mention an accurate portrayal of the brutish life endured by most people in the Dark and Middle Ages), and one that’s made more explicit than ever before in the final stretch of the season. Like the characters themselves, we the audience must feel – truly feel – the suffocating hopelessness of it all before we can begin to appreciate the burst of light at the end. 

All throughout the series the Vikings’ thirst for war and conquest is cloaked in the language of fate, destiny, glory, and the Gods. In a telling sequence half-way through the final ten episodes, these justifications are stripped away to reveal the dark, very mortal truth that lies behind them. Ivar, Hvitserk, and King Harald reunite in a calm and peaceful Kattegat. All three are burnt-out, frazzled, and dissatisfied. There’s a real sense that “the age of the Vikings is gone” and that this is “the twilight of the Gods”. Harald and Ivar admit that there is no pleasure in being a King, despite it being a title both men have dreamed of and longed for, and for which they’ve lied, cheated, betrayed, and killed. In the final analysis, we can see – and finally they can see, however indirectly – that the great cycle in which the Vikings are trapped has been perpetuated not by the Gods – those great scapegoats in the sky – but by bored and angry men seeking in bloodshed distractions from a cold and brutish world whose quotient of misery has only ever been increased by their actions. It is especially sad to see Ivar churned back into this mill given the growth he experienced throughout this season, not only in being a caring, surrogate father to the Rus heir Igor, but in becoming an actual father after his body asserted itself just long enough to plant his seed in Princess Katia’s belly. 

Ivar witnesses two men in a public gathering-place squabbling over a trivial matter, and extrapolates from this that war is a necessary state for the Vikings, because in peace they fight amongst themselves. It’s patently obvious that the lesson Ivar pulls from this incident says more about his pain and psychopathology – his hatred, his emptiness – than it does about society at large. Ultimately, it is he, and Harald, and Hvitserk, and a million other men just like them, who need war. They need external conflict to distract them from their own internal conflicts and inadequacies. Never-the-less, and perhaps unsurprisingly, Ivar’s facile supposition is all that King Harald needs to hear. Before long, the three men and a ready-made army are heading back across the sea to England for a final confrontation with King Alfred and his Christian Saxon soldiers. 

“The Twilight of the Gods”

This climactic confrontation is, on one level, less a battle between two armies and more the continuation of the chess game Ivar and Alfred once played as children, as their fathers – King Ragnar and King Ecbert – cut deals and hatched plots in another room. 

In many ways, Ivar was always marked for monsterhood. He grew up with the fierce love of his mother, Aslaug, which she wrapped around him like a blanket made of steel. By over-compensating for his condition and physical fragility to such a suffocating degree, she left him isolated, conceited and angry. His father, Ragnar, was absent for most of his youth. Though Ivar had Floki to teach and guide him in the ways of the Gods, Ivar didn’t realize quite how much of himself had been missing until Ragnar returned and took him under his wing. Ragnar was one of the few men who seemed to have faith in Ivar’s abilities; who told him that he could be something other than a liability, a cripple, a joke. They journeyed to England together with conquest in mind, but when a storm sank most of their boats, Ragnar swiftly refocused the purpose of their visit, enlisting Ivar’s aid to kill the surviving members of their party (to remove all evidence of their initial intent) and surrender themselves to King Ecbert. 

Ragnar tells Ecbert to deliver him into the hands of King Aelle, so that Ecbert will not be blamed for Ragnar’s death, and the full fury of the Vikings will be directed at their mutual enemy instead. However, Ragnar has instructed Ivar to return home with news of Ecbert’s duplicity, so that both Kings will become the targets of the rage-and-grief-filled Viking horde. Ivar is the perfect capsule for this incendiary message, as Ragnar gambles, quite correctly, that King Ecbert’s sense of fair play, filtered through his Christianity, won’t permit him to harm or imprison a poor, harmless crippled boy. Ragnar thus succeeds in turning the Saxon’s Christian compassion into a fatal weakness, while at the same time teaching his weaponized son that love, violence, deceit, and death are so intimately connected as to be almost indivisible. 

When Aslaug died at Lagertha’s hands, soon after Ragnar’s death, it removed his only other source of love, cloying though it was. He took that love and turned a mutated version of it upon himself, imbuing himself with delusions of Godhood, something his fury at his parents’ deaths only served to magnify.

In the first dramatic round of the final battle against Alfred, Ivar repeats his father’s tactic of weaponizing kindness. He orders traps to be set in the forest with which to painfully ensnare the first line of Alfred’s advancing soldiers. The hope is that Alfred’s Christian compassion will compel him to send the next few lines of soldiers to assist their wailing brothers, allowing the Vikings to ambush them like lambs to the slaughter. And so it proves. Many lives are lost. The fighting is kinetic and savage; the pervading mist and gloom only enlivened by the occasional eruption of fire, like a melding of Valhalla and the Christian conception of Hell. King Harald is killed, finding some solace and peace at last with a dying vision of his brother, Halfdan, whom he’d killed in a previous battle. 

After this, there is a lull in the fighting. Alfred and Ivar meet under a white flag to discuss terms. Alfred will not yield. He will never again reward Ivar for his unprovoked attacks, nor fall into the trap of trusting his word. He tells Ivar to leave his kingdom, leave England, and never return; entreats him to save his people from further pointless bloodshed.  He goes on to declare: “My God is the God of peace and love. Your Gods are savage. They demand sacrifice. They do not know human love.” The final fight that follows is as much the culmination of a struggle between two competing religious and cultural ideologies as it is a battle between Ivar and Alfred; and by the end of this final episode the matter is settled, at least in a thematic sense. 

Alfred and Ivar cleave to their God and Gods on the battlefield, looking to them for guidance and answers. As the situation becomes ever more desperate, both leaders soon find themselves deserted by their Gods, their imagined connection to them severed. 

“What am I supposed to do?” Ivar shouts to his suddenly deaf and mute Gods. “Answer me!”

“Speak to me, please. I’m afraid. Speak!” Alfred beseeches his lord Jesus. 

Stripped of their Gods, both men are forced to acknowledge in whose image they’ve truly been forged: their fathers’. What they do next will decide if history is doomed to repeat itself, and also settle the question of whether it is their own wills or the wills of their fathers that are the stronger. Ultimately, it is love and compassion, in both instances, that proves to be their guiding light, leading Ivar to reject his father’s ways, and Alfred to embrace his father’s – his real father: the monk Athelstan, who was once a friend and confidante of the great Ragnar Lothbrook. 

All You Need is Love

Ivar watches the battle from the side-lines. Hvitserk has long been a tormented, tortured and fractured man, but in combat he’s whole, screeching and roaring through the flames like a mythical demon. But one man can’t best a whole army, and it becomes clear that Hvitserk isn’t long for this world. Ivar’s eyes shine an electric blue, a physical indication known since childhood that his brittle bones are about to break. Ivar knows his actions in the next few minutes will serve as his last will and testament, the means by which the world will remember him. Ivar watches Hvitserk – the brother he’d many times mocked and tormented, whose life he’d tried to ruin, who’d long forsworn to kill him – and charges onto the battlefield to take his place, submitting himself to the same forces of compassion he’d spent a life-time deriding and subverting.  

“I could never kill you,” he tells Hvitserk.

“I love you. I love you brother,” Hvitserk replies tearfully.

“Now go. Go!” hollers Ivar.

Ivar’s rage and defiance seem to shake the very earth around him. He is at one with his army. He fights and lives through them. In the midst of his last stand a young soldier, shaking with fear, approaches him from the mist.

“Don’t be afraid,” says Ivar, an almost Christ-like evocation at this, his moment of sacrifice. The soldier stabs him repeatedly, and, as Ivar falls, his bones snap and break. Hvitserk runs to him and cradles his dying body, while Alfred calls for the fighting to stop. “I am afraid,” Ivar splutters, words no-one thought they would ever hear from Ivar the Boneless. And then there are three more; his final words: “I love you.”   

Ivar has thus broken the cycle. He has sacrificed himself not for hate, as his father once did, but for love. He was finally able to know and to feel human love; and crucially to demonstrate it instead of demanding it, even if it was right at the end of his life, and only for a few moments. Already Ivar had begun to demonstrate humility. On the eve of the battle he told Hvitserk: “Hundreds of years from now, someone will be proud to find my blood is in their body and my spirit is in their soul.” Maybe part of him realized that in becoming a father he’d finally achieved the immortality after which he’d always hungered, and it was enough.  

Hvitserk is carried away on the back of a wagon. We’re given an aerial view of this, lending Hvitserk the appearance of a corpse returning from battle. In many ways he is. Hvitserk is dead, in a sense. The merciful Alfred baptises Hvitserk, allowing him to be reborn with a new name: Athelstan. 

We know from our future vantage point that the loving Christ Hvitserk has now embraced is destined to eventually, and irrevocably, defeat the old Norse Gods. Not only that, but there will be a millennium of distinctly non-loving conquests, wars, decimations, genocides, enslavements and cultural destructions carried out in His name, all of which will make the exploits of the 8th and 9th century Vikings look like the tantrums of naughty children in comparison. But Hvitserk doesn’t know this. All he knows is that he has found peace by rejecting war and embracing love. He has finally found a way to honor his father – or at least the part of his father that loved Athelstan, and came to see Christianity and Paganism as two sides of the same coin. Love and mercy, then, are the instruments that Hvitserk and Alfred use to break free from the ‘endless cycle of suffering and war’.     

Out With The Old

The show’s themes converge, coalesce and crystalize in the New World, too. The journey from Iceland to Greenland to North America is one fraught with danger and death, but characterized by faith and hope and sacrifice. And it is Othere, the Christian wanderer once known as – appropriately enough – Athelstan (no relation), who leads them there. 

 “This is everything [Ragnar] was searching for,” Ubbe tells Othere, in their new land of milk and honey. “And I found it.” Othere cautions Ubbe against behaving in the same ways that he did before – the old ways – lest this land become just like the land he left behind.

They are not alone. The Vikings discover that the land is occupied by a tribe of indigenous peoples they refer to as Skraelings. The tribe welcomes them warmly. Ubbe soon discovers they have a friend in common: Floki, who somehow reached these same shores from Iceland, alone, and now lives on the periphery of the Skraelings’ land as a revered mystic. If it wasn’t for the Skraelings’ kindness, Floki would have died on arrival. They showed him mercy and kindness.

Asked why he left Iceland, Floki says it was because he was ‘imprisoned in sadness’. 

“What made you so sad?”

“I don’t always remember,” he says, with a wistful smile.

Floki here represents the past of the Vikings as we in the modern world have come to know it, a patchwork of tall tales and omissions. Floki embodies how time will continue to wash away both the Vikings’ history and their legend, until there’s little difference between them, and nothing much is left of either. Floki also embodies the idea that the golden age of the Vikings is gone; he remembers that he once was a Viking; he remembers Ragnar, the sons of Ragnar and the people who were important to them, but little else. There was a time when Floki was the greatest soldier of and preacher for the Gods, but he has now let them go, shed them like a dead skin. “I called to them and no longer heard their voices, or they didn’t make sense,” he tells Ubbe. Again, entropy, evolution, death, re-birth, legend, past, future: all suffused. 

The old ways make one last effort to re-assert themselves, even here in this paradise, and Ubbe gets his defining moment �� just as Ivar and Hvitserk and Bjorn before him got theirs. One of his party murders the son of the Skraeling’s leader while ransacking the leader’s home for gold. The Skraelings – clearly more civilized than the Vikings ever were – hand this man over to Ubbe to decide his fate. 

This is a pivotal moment for the series. Where once we were encouraged to see Ragnar as the hero, even when he was killing and pillaging his way through innocent peoples, here we perceive this man, this murderer – who has simply acted in accordance with how the Vikings have always acted – as a dangerous savage. We, the audience, have already made a choice about who the Vikings are now, or who they should be – and so has Ubbe.

At first the murderer is to be publically blood-eagled, a particularly savage and painful form of execution that never-the-less guarantees its sufferer entry to Valhalla. At the last moment, Ubbe changes his mind, and slits the man’s throat instead. 

“Valhalla is not for you, my friend,” Ubbe tells him, mere seconds before carrying out his sentence, “Let me put you out of your misery.” Ubbe does not say this to be cruel, to rob the man of his place in the afterlife. He simply doesn’t want to inflict unnecessary pain, and is showing mercy. But it’s deeper than that, too. Valhalla doesn’t seem to matter to him anymore. Ubbe has come to understand that life can be lived without the old ways and their Gods, and be all the better for it. 

On the beach, Ubbe seeks Floki’s advice and counsel. Floki smiles. “You don’t need to know anything. It’s not important. Let it go.”

It’s fitting that Floki is there at the show’s end. Without his innovation as a boat maker, Ragnar would never have sailed west and discovered Saxon lands; would never have met Athelstan. Without Floki, the Vikings would never have discovered Iceland, or Greenland, or the New World on whose shores they now sit. Ragnar is the one who will be immortalized in legend, while the world will slowly forget Floki. He has already started to forget himself. Perhaps that is the point. Warriors live on in legend and infamy, while the people who built the world around them and at their backs fade away. But wasn’t it ever thus? Legends change the world; love saves it. And here we see that love is the more important, and more enduring, force of the two, even if we’re sometimes too proud to acknowledge it, or too blind to see it. 

“I love you, Floki,” says Ubbe, as they stare across the ocean, at their past, at their possible future, at eternity. 

What a beautiful, and truly surprising, sentiment for a show as blood-soaked as Vikings to bow out on.  

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Of course the status quo clings on in Kattegat, and I guess this will be picked up in the spin-off series. Set 100 years after the events of Vikings, Vikings: Valhalla is reportedly coming to Netflix sometime next year.

The post Vikings Ending Explained appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/2WZORTE

[bafflinghaze]

Original Fic Recs!

People wonder if anyone ever reads original fic on AO3. Well, I do 😂 The messy Wattpad layout kills me when I look at it, and Tapas shows tiny little cover thumbnails and only part of the title name, and filtering multiple tags on tumblr? You wish.

So here are 10 recommended original fics 😘 Details below the cut!

With Love in Mind / Raindrops In The Desert / I Can't Eat Love / As the Crow Flies / Go Tell the Bees / Junior / A Well-Appreciated Gift / The Peacock Prince / In Glorious Excess / Instinctual    

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With Love in Mind

TuppingLiberty | 82k, Explicit

Tongue stuck between his lips, his mind goes quiet for a few precious moments as he concentrates on the polish. He sighs with happiness when he’s done, admiring his toes, wishing he could wear the color on his nails. Graeme Webster, 20, is clawing at survival the best way he can. He works two jobs, but can't make rent. He has an anxiety disorder, but can't afford his meds. He's trying his best, but he needs help.

“You might be leaning on urban geekster a bit too hard.” “Okay, I’m probably going to regret asking, but ‘geekster?’” “Geek-hipster. Geekster.” Alan Garry, 30, is an app programming millionaire with a middle class background. He may be a workaholic, but he's carved out time for the Seattle kink scene since being introduced to it in college. He sits somewhere on the asexual spectrum, and the fact that he can't figure out precisely where bothers him more than he'd care to admit.

“It’s going to be okay, Graeme. Where do you hurt the most?” An unfortunate chance encounter brings them together, but they realize quite quickly that neither of them are willing to part again.

Contains: M/M. Sugar Daddy Alan, who is also an asexual dom!!!!!!!!! The sugar baby in this relationship, Graeme, has been hurt so much and it’s so so lovely to see Alan wrap him up and love him to bits. It’s a very kinky fic, and there’s so much communication and 😍😍😍 There are also smutty sequels too 😉

---

Raindrops In The Desert

Diamond_Raven | (WIP) 100k so far, Explicit

After years of bad experiences with doms, Scott decides to stop having sex. Unfortunately, his attempt at celibacy only succeeds in frustrating himself and his detective partner Ryan, who happens to be a dom. When Ryan offers to be Scott’s dom, the arrangement seems like a good solution to Scott’s problem. What neither of them are counting on is falling in love.

Contains: M/M. Okay, it’s a WIP but I have every trust that this author will finish, because it is amazing. It’s like, friends-to-friends-with-benefits-to-lovers. There’s mutual pining, and such damn heartwrenching communication. Ryan is like the softest dom and he loves Scott so much. Also, a lot of BDSM kink, and the aftercare leaves you soft and warm and so happy for the two of them.

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I Can't Eat Love

@screamingatanemptyroom​ | 127k, Teens and Up

Lenora did not have a wonderful life. After her engagement to Prince Ronan is broken, she loses everything... her reputation, her home, and her family. Starving on the streets, she dies angry and bitter at how her life unfolded... Only to wake up in her old bed, fifteen again, five years before she died.

Now she must struggle to change her fate, and the fate of those around her. This time she won't trust in something as flimsy or changeable as love. No, this time she'll have the power and the money to protect herself.

Lenora has already lost everything once. She's not going to lose again.

No matter what the cost.

Contains: F/M. A medieval-type setting, a badass princess and FOUND FAMILY is absolute buckets. The main character is so damn cool, helping reform her family’s Duchy. She’s also oblivious to love AF 😂

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As the Crow Flies

octoberburns | 12.3k, General

Adi had their reasons for stopping spirit work, but when Dione's little girl goes missing, they can't turn her down: they owe them both. Fortunately, the crows are along to help. There are lessons Adi hasn't learned yet, and things they'll need to confront if they want to bring Saffron home safely...

Contains: Magical Realism, Main Trans Nonbinary Character! Imagine it, a spirit worker nb character. An affection Crow-familiar on their shoulder...the crows are absolutely fantastic. Also, Crows-Ravens rivalry 😂

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Go Tell the Bees 

octoberburns | 3.7k, Teens and Up

Summer has a beehive. The bees have a problem. And Warning is living up to his name, which really should come as no surprise, considering he's a cat.

Contains: Hints of F/F. More magical realism! Summer is a witch, and her cat’s full name is A Warning of the Coming Winter Storm Arriving on the Eve of Autumn’s Close, which tells you this fic is going to be fun and actiony and very badass!

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Junior

Super_Lu | 3.2k, General

A retelling of the original Frankenstein story, with a much happier ending and a lot more queer women that the original.

Contains: F/F. From the point of view of Frankenstein Junior, who is such a lovely boy! Victoria Von Frankenstein is a bit of a disaster mad doctor, but we love her anyway  😂

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A Well-Appreciated Gift

plothound | 5.3k, Explicit

In a vaguely 16th-century world, a minor landowner gets a surprising gift from his lover. It's a raging success, and they try it out immediately.

Contains: M/M. Smut! There’s Mykal, who’s a buff manly man, and tall, thin “egret-like” Roul (who’s also trans! And the top!). They have a lovely relationship...and a lot of sex toys 😉

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The Peacock Prince

@insomniac-arrest​ | 18k, Teens and Up

A young man is banished to a vast garden to spend the rest of his days, cursed to grow peacock feathers from his skin and walk the grounds.

A wandering soldier is charged by the neighboring town to fetch three feathers: one for health, two for luck, and three for wealth. Unfortunately, plucking the feathers off a reluctant peacock-boy is not as easy as it sounds.

Contains: M/M. Very fairy-tale elements to it. There is this...exquisite push and pull between the two main characters. The Peacock prince is cocky, but under that hides vulnerability. Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers.

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In Glorious Excess

@daily-droidcaptain /  cynical-harlequin | 3.8k, Teens and Up

The Glorious Excess is hailed as the most romantic honeymoon cruise ship this side of the Andromeda Galaxy. It's too bad that Aura, the pilot, has fallen in love with the one person aboard who seems to have very little interest in romance: the ship themself.

Contains: F/NB. SCI-FI! The ship has artificial intelligence, and the pilot and the ship have this kind of banter and close relationship. And pining!!

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Instinctual    

Only_1_Truth | 209k, Teens and Up

Inside a Werewolf pack, Omegas are prized: they calm everyone around them, like a cool sea on a hot day, making it possible for that many people with fanged alter-egos to live together.  The problem is, no pack ever has more than one Omega.  

Marcus Rushton lost his pack, and has been learning the hard way how impossible it is to find another one when you're an Omega.  What he's learning even more is that a lone Omega is wrong - an aberration.  A threat.  Loved within packs, without one, Omegas are seen like blood in the water, and he's already spilled enough of it whenever he's stumbled upon others of his kind...

Werewolves can look very human, and mingle freely with their human counterparts, but Declan Fen (a resident Alpha who just found out that he's got a lone Omega in his territory) is learning the hard way that Wolf instincts can override just about anything - even the side of him that says he should be nice to Marcus, whom he's only just met.

Contains: M/M. I’ve probably recced this before. I’m doing it again. Werewolves, and a great twist on A/B/O dynamics. Omegas have POWERS and this particular omega, Marcus Rushton, IS SUPER STRONG...but he doesn’t realise it. Features heartwarming found family.

[p-artsypants]

Drabbles and Fanfiction

Every once and a while, I will share this list. You can also find this page on my blog. 

Full list of all my works:

Find most, if not more, of these fics on:

fanfiction.net | archive of our own | wattpad

(~AU’s, *Finished, ❤️Author’s Favorites)

Kingdom Hearts

~❤️Rage Awakened ao3 | ff.net- Ten years ago, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus lost their fellow apprentice, Sora, in Deep Jungle. Now, they are to return with two new students, Riku and Kairi, to lock the heart of the world. All the while, something watches from the trees. Feral!Sora AU

My Kingdom for a Heart ao3 | ff.net - The curse of being one of the Princesses of heart, is that there’s always someone out to get you. As Xemnas looked failure in the face, he reached out in a last ditch effort and destroyed Kairi’s heart. Now her friends must travel the worlds again. Sora, to find a way to recover Kairi’s heart, and Riku, to make amends to those he has wronged. All the while, the darkness grows.

Miraculous Ladybug

One Shots

*❤️amalgam- When an young man is rejected for being ‘incompatible’ he turns into the akuma ‘Amalgam’ able to fuse two people together. And later Adrien and Marinette would debate if it was lucky or unlucky that they got hit. (Also Available in russian)

*sing we all noel- After receiving the worst Christmas present ever from his father, Chat Noir finds himself out on the streets with nowhere to go on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Ladybug finds him and brings him home.

*speechless- In a world where everyone has a soulmark, the first words their soulmate will say to them, Marinette is born without one. But Adrien Agreste has two. Curious, considering he’s mute.

*❤️tunnels of love- The night started out with an accidental kiss from Adrien Agreste, and ended with her bleeding in the Catacombs of Paris. Ladybug, the wielder of the miraculous of good luck. Yeah right. (Some blood)

*the reveal that wasn’t- first parts My ending to kittybug’s Tumblr Prompt

*what a mess we’re in- Ladybug has a lot on her mind, and when Chat Noir bugs her enough, she tells him she’s going to confess to her Crush, Adrien Agreste. Chat’s reaction is not what she’s expecting.

Long Fics

Longest Night- (ff.net | ao3) - The day started out sucky to begin with. Her crush ousted to the class and Adrien. Lila taking pride in exacting her revenge. But by the time patrol was over, a young man was dead, and Ladybug’s identity was at risk. Lila was the least of her concerns. Good thing Adrien was taking it all like a champ. (Rated M for scenes of torture)

*❤️nine lives- (ff.net) When Adrien Agreste is scheduled to go to a Military School in Germany, Chat Noir must make a critical decision. Does he give up his Miraculous? Or does he give up his life as Adrien? I’ll save you the trouble of guessing, he gives up being Adrien.

*tender words- When Marinette finally gets the guts to confess her feelings for Adrien, some things go so wrong, and other things go so right.

How To Train Your Dragon

One Shots

The Vikings Have Their Tea (ff.net | ao3)

arranged marriage- Takes place at the beginning of HTTYD

❤️breathe- Survival of the fittest

~childhood friends- At the Sandbox

❤️easy fix- In which Hiccup has a bad day

~fashion designer- Astrid needs a fill in

❤️frozen- In Which Astrid takes a Dip and things get frisky (Rated M)

❤️headache- In Which Hiccup hits his head….really hard

❤️heir- In Which Hiccup is Picked (longer version by fatecharms)

illness- In Which Stoick is a dad

~illusionist- Trick gone wrong

~in the walls- In which there’s a poop ghost

~knocking on the wrong door (2) - A chance encounter

❤️messages- Astrid is Frustrated with Hiccup’s obliviousness

~to mirkwood- Hiccup is not a dwarf

~monster falls- Hiccup and Astrid take a dip

❤️mute- In which there’s a quiet stranger

~music video (ImgHS)- He didn’t expect it

❤️operation: lovebirds- In Which the gang makes a plan, and Hiccup gets Drunk

~over- Too many nightmares

~partners in crime- A normal day at work

~pirate- Astrid is the greatest treasure

~prince- He doesn’t want to be a broken King

❤️sorting things out- In Which Astrid gets her ducks in a row

~the dragon and the dame- Beauty and the Beast Au

the pit- In Which Hiccup is rescued

hide and seek- Part 1

lost and found- Part 2

Long fics:

*❤️infernal responsibility- Being the son of the chief takes brains, courage, and a lot of patience. But at his father’s the request for marriage, Hiccup decides he has had enough. When he seeks out a life of ease, he runs into more than what he bargained for.

*❤️roses and lilies- “Astrid, you and I both know you’re much tougher than I am. You’re more brave, and a better fighter…but just for a little while…could we pretend that I’m the one protecting you?” “Oh gods yes!” (Also Available in spanish!)

*~what the water gave me- The sea is a wild and dangerous thing, something that cannot be foretold or predicted. Hiccup discovered this many years ago, in human naiveté. Yet, what was meant as a sacrifice became a new life, one like no one could comprehend. He now finds himself once more in the unknowing hands of those that sentenced him to death. He only prays things will be different this time. Merman!AU

*parasite- Soulsnatcher Dragons are rare but deadly. But, As Hiccup finds out, it’s the eggs you have to watch out for.

*~320 state street- Gobber’s Goods. A Hardware Store that was rumored to have everything you needed. She thought she only needed a job. Turns out, she needed a lot more than that. (A Modern AU no one asked for)

*~❤️the north tower- When Finn Hofferson died, Astrid inherited his castle in Wales…and a whole lot more. Something sinister lurks in the North Tower.

*~❤️boy toy- ao3 - At the age of 21, Princess Astrid lawfully has to pick a husband. But when the perfect groom is nowhere to be found, she requests the toymaker to create one for her. It’s safe to say that everyone in the kingdom is a little concerned. (Pinocchio!AU I guess?)

no, you go first- ao3 - The Chief of Berk was a headstrong viking, stubborn and full of pride, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep his village safe. But for a moment, he puts that aside, and listens to his son. In which Hiccup convinces his dad not to make him go through Dragon Training, and the subsequent changes that follow.

*in due time- ao3 - As another illness sweeps through Berk, Gothi needs another ingredient for her medicine…one that doesn’t exist anymore. Fortunately, she kept that old spell book around for such an occasion. Big Hiccup is sent to five years into the past, and his younger self sent to take his place in the future. But it’s only a few days, what could go wrong?

Trollhunters: Tales from Arcadia

❤️arcadia or bust- In Which Arcadia welcomes back it’s underground citizens.

Teen Titans

Oneshots:

~big brother- Don’t turn out the light (Horror)

dear jason- Bruce Writes a letter

just drawing- Bruce thinks about Robin

the prisoner- Starfire is Guilty

of mustard and three foot purple tongues- A collection of Oneshots and Drabbles

Long Fics (*Finished):

*~❤️carol of the bells- High in the dark Bell Tower of Notre Dame, there lives a mysterious bell ringer. Legend tells of the angel who fell from the sky, and the curse she bares. There are few who know her true identity though; her master, the priest, and the acrobat that performs on the streets below. Based loosely on ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ RobxStar and slight BBxRae

*no escape- Three years ago, Starfire escaped an Alien race called the Gordanians, to arrive on Earth. They’re back, and ready to put Starfire back where she belongs, behind reinforced Titanium bars. Robin’s not about to let her go…if only he hadn’t got captured first. How does it feel to be the alien, Robin?

*now you know my pain- When the new Villain, Gender Bender, comes to down, the Titans find themselves in an odd situation. They’ve been turned into the opposite gender against their will! Now in order to change back, they must learn to understand the gender they’ve turned into. Rated T for obvious reasons. A great read if you’ve ever wondered why girls or guys do [blank].

*paint it black- Robin disappeared three months ago. Now, Jump City’s crime rate is mysteriously being taken care of by a normal, albeit strange, teenage boy who goes by the name Black. As the Titans befriend this lunatic, they begin to see a relation between him and their missing leader. Will they be able to find Robin, or will Black turn them all insane as himself? Actually, contains NO OC.

*saving grace- “When I’m done with you, you won’t be able to walk upright or speak coherent sentences and all you’ll see is my mask and my voice repeating in your head…Weak. Richard Grayson, I am not tough, I am everything that you fear.” Happy Ending! Smudge of RobStar. NO Slash!

Other Fandoms

Final Fantasy XV

❤️requiem for pitioss-“O King. The god’s have heard your cries. Know that we weep with you. The Oracle’s calling has not yet been fulfilled. But…Lunafreya as you know her cannot return the way she was.” Noctis looked up, hopeful. “But she can return!” Canon divergence from Chapter 9. Happy ending. Some spoilers.

Beauty and the Beast

*❤️behold the beast- A Oneshot alternate ending to the Animated Film

Cinderella

*❤️midnight- “When the clock strikes twelve, the spell will be broken,” the fairy godmother had warned. A retelling of the story, when Cinderella doesn’t escape the ball in time. Oneshot

*so this is love- What if Jaq and Gus hadn’t made it in time to help Cinderella? A new twist on the ending of the classic Fairytale, and what lies beyond the story. She still gets her happy ending and her Prince, and her step family gets their just deserts.

Sleeping Beauty

*❤️a love song back to me- Maleficent saw the loophole that stared her in the face. Prince Phillip would break the curse in time, for sure. After all, he was betrothed to Aurora. So in an effort for her evil plan to stay in action, Maleficent takes care of the young prince herself. Phillip never imagined having to live off the land like the birds above. Alternate twist on the classic Disney tale.

Escaflowne

down feathers- Hitomi’s depressed. She’s been away from Van too long, he comes back to visit her…but what if something went wrong with the transfer? (Not finished. Never will be finished. Mwahaha) Circa 2012

*angel’s wounds- Fanelia’s been victorious in their most recent battle with Basrum. Unfortunately, someone is wounded and just seeks solace in his love that lives so far away. Post Anime.

momma look sharp- With the war between Fanelia and Basrum finally coming to a close, the kingdom is celebrating. The young king, however, is suffering from an experience unlike any he had before. Van finally seeks solace in his wife.

[whirlybirdwhat]

Compass Left Behind

Ao3 - One Piece, Gen, Modern AU, Look for Warnings! (See Ao3), Focus on Straw Hats.

Word Count: 2,847

-

When Ace dies in a flurry of fast motions and undeniable death (gun fight – a gang fight, Akainu fire arson why were you born- oh god it burns) Luffy screams at the pain of being alone. His brothers are dead, Shanks spirited away into the wind, Garp, military (abusive) and untrustworthy, and Makino and Dadan’s gang, underserving of this mess.

Luffy is 14 when he becomes completely abandoned, and he is 14 when the thought whispers into his mind

Why? Why am I alone? It shouldn’t be this way - Never should be this way. Where are they?

And so he starts to search.

-

Monkey D. Luffy first whispered into their lives with the soft smile on Zoro’s sunlit face as he wandered home from school. This smile last for the week, a week of Koushirou’s adopted son seeming more complete and alive than he has ever before - and then he is gone, katanas packed away with sturdy clothes and tracking chip pulled out of his phone

Koushirou wonders about the boy who Zoro mentioned only once (I met someone today – his name is (and the way he said the name sounded like a king)) but accepts it. Zoro always had the spirit of a wanderer in him - but it never seemed to belong just to him.

He reports Zoro’s disappearance to the authorities but it gets buried. Somethings were not meant to be - somethings were meant to be lost to the world (Zoro had always been lost – always had an internal compass that only pointed at one person.)

Koushirou hopes the boy he raised (in place of a daughter who died) is happy now.

-

They meet Nami in the mall, her life safe at last and her family and their tangerine farm whole and unharmed. There is nothing stopping her from saying no when Luffy stretches out hand, to stay with her family who have no recognition of the name Arlong.

But she takes the hand anyway, the weight she never knew was there lifting off of her. She was supposed to be a navigator for a big company in the fall, with big rewards, perfect for a girl who had no interest of spending big bucks at college

But she drops it all and takes the hand offered.

And well -

That is that.

(They, piled into Luffy’s (Ace’s) old custom flame-detailed Camaro, make for an odd bunch with Luffy’s scars and Zoro’s swords and Nami’s maps and money bags (and three shriveled tangerine tree seeds kept in a golden locket) but they could not care less.)

-

Usopp joins them three states over and for once does not lie - he speaks truthfully about the pull he feels, like waves to the moon’s commands, like a compass to the north and laments that maybe he’ll meet his dad on the road - out in the big wide radiant west.

He brings along a ride and tall tales, a reminder that there’s joy in the smallest of things.

(Kaya, they learn, is a name not to be spoken for she died a year ago, officially due to an illness. Unofficially, Usopp tells them of a butler who had a history in poison and botany, and how his claws quickly sunk into the family riches once the orphan girl passed away suddenly.

This is not a tale of heroes or interference in carefully laid plans- this is a tale of people finding home and family.

And Kaya, while she had a place in Usopp’s heart, never had a place aboard the sunny, beloved ship (home) in their dreams of before.)

-

Sanji kicks them from his restaurant, freshly inherited from Zeff who died three months previous, four times until he finally caves and agrees to go with them.

The chefs and waiters are happy to see him go, even if his boyfriend, Gin, isn’t (he’ll miss him, can’t he see that?).

The restaurant was never the twenty-two-year old’s dream, only a prison made of a debt and a soured paternal love and the staff knew that.

They do not understand what makes these strangers so important to him, but they do not stop him from leaving, from kissing his mafia boyfriend one last passionate time, from signing restaurant over to his most trusted workers and hopping in the car with two teens and a young adult.

It was never their place to know what made him so weary of food being stolen.

(Besides. His cigarettes were clogging up the air.)

-

They never meet Vivi. They only ever hear of her in newspapers clippings, proclaiming that the last princess of Alabasta perished during an uprising in her kingdom.

(It’s not a world of heroes and happiness, in this life)

The story is sad in general, but they are even more so because more than it being a tragic tale, they never got to meet her again.

(But they knew she would never, ever stay, no matter how hard they begged. Her heart belonged to the desert sun and the sand beneath feet, and the people hailing her name. Some things are constant like that.)

-

Chopper, prodigy and fully-fledged doctor at the age of twenty-six, takes one look at them and quits his job at his adopted father’s old clinic.

No one comments on how though he is the eldest, everyone ruffles his hair like he is the youngest.

No one talks about the little cherry blossoms and antlers embroidered on his sweater, or the way he despisesmushrooms.

No one mentions the way he gapes at Zoro and Luffy, one with too little scars (though they are thankful for that) and one with far, far too many.

(He’ll pass creams to both of them, helping smooth it over Luffy’s back and arms and chest and face and just anywhere really (so many scars - skin didn’t scar this easily before) and letting Zoro do his own, spreading the cool substance over his chest and ankles and face (but never his back - would be a shame if he did), places that had always ached mysteriously previously, and always during storms like Luffy’s did now)

-

Robin comes into their lives silently, appearing in the back of the Merry (Usopp’s mothers old Volkswagen van that he inherited, that he and Kaya had painted with pictures of seas and sheep and dreaming words before ... everything) one day and never leaving after that.

There are no doubts that she belongs with them - not this time, and not ever again. She brings a multitude of books with her and helps finishes Zoro’s and Luffy’s spotty education, filling in gaps of knowledge with care and love.

She never speaks of genocide, never speaks of the circling brand on her left shoulder blade, and the haunted look in here eye but she doesn’t have to.

Like before, the past does not matter here, with them.

(Unlike before, the only thing that does matter is them - there are no dreams in this concrete world, only slowly filling in the ache of where were you and I was alone.)

-

The blue haired man who tried to steal their car is Franky, and this time only his arm and nose are metal - it doesn’t make him any less strong or big though. Once he sees the little keychain of a straw hatted jolly roger, custom made, hanging on the mirror, however, he stops, sitting there in the front seat, the wires already hotwired, and smiles. That’s where they find him, and after only the briefest of introductions (for they all know each other already, really, in some inescapable way) and goodbyes (the Franky family are still family but the world is crueler now then then, and bonds like that aren’t meant to stay (but bonds like theirs are)) they leave after a small pitstop.

Merry cannot hold him (cannot hold three more people, they need more) and so it is a near blessing in disguise when Merry is forced to be ripped away from them by a bad car accident - a cop careening down the road after a clown with a sword (an odd sight but not the oddest. They were all more worried about clinging together and making sure they were all alive). No fights happen between them (they do not know how they would take it if one of them walked away - they don’t know if they even can now that they’ve found each other).

Instead, they watch as Franky commandeers his brother’s company for one week, and creates a home on the road for them. Simple and deceiving on the outside yet extravagantly homey within, the extremely luxurious and custom RV is familiar enough with a small shielded garden on the top, a library within and couches and bunks soft and plush to rest their weary head.

Sunny, they decide to call the RV, now detailed on the side in bold, dreamful lettering with a painted lion face, for all the sunny days they will have together.

(They’re almost complete.)

-

Brook sees them in the crowd and steps off his stage, disappearing into the night. His fans are disappointed and the rest of the world confused - where had the man gone?

The man himself is gaunt, brittle and bone like, which is only accented by his skeletal make up, but he laughs and cracks jokes with them all, one more puzzle piece, one more weapon to defeat the battle that is loneliness.

His music soothes them to bed with the sweetest tunes, and the songs he releases to the public are more popular than ever - for they have something the old Brook used to have but thought he never would again.

The love of family.

(He does not speak of years spent by the coast, playing songs with other folk and whales, as they danced happily to the breeze. He does not speak of tsunamis and death and wondering why he above all others survived because he knows why - so the loneliness would end when he was with them.)

-

Jinbe is last and when they break him free from the prison on the coast, it is all they can do not to cry with relief. They are whole again, never mind the mafia and government after them thanks to Jinbe’s escape, they can breathe again.

When they collapse inside Sunny, far away from the lights that searched for them, bandages applied to broken boys (why did he have so many scars?) and smiles given, they do cry, and Jinbe envelopes them all with a hug until they fall backward into a giant, happy dog pile.

He is warm and big and steers them in the right direction, just as he always did. The last part of the puzzle is complete and now they can be free with each other instead of trapped alone.

(Jinbe is the first to know about the beginning, what happened to their captain in this life, (for he knew Ace as well) and he does not forgive himself for not being there like he was before. But he does pray to and thank every god he knows that Luffy was able to get up alone - and find them all.

It’s a miracle, really. (It’s what he was known for))

-

Together they travel, making money in dubious ways (street performance and thievery among them – stealth is a skill that Luffy has somehow acquired now but they do not like to think about how) and having as much adventure and life as they can before their time inevitably runs out.

They travel and learn about each other what makes them different from before (they learn what before was.)

They learn of new ages (Luffy 14, Zoro 16, Nami 18, Usopp 20, Sanji 22, (Vivi would be 24) Chopper 26, Robin, like before 28, Franky 30, Brook 32, and Jinbe, 34 - two years apart for the two years they spent apart. They wished their youngest weren’t so young,) new habits (video game design was what Usopp was going to go to college for, once he had saved enough) and the things that stayed the same (Nami can still haggle prices down to a quarter of the original price, and Zoro still uses three katanas.)

It’s a good life, a happy life. They found each other again - how could it not be?

-

Of course - not everything’s perfect. It comes back to them in the little moments

It’s In the way Zoro will sit himself beside the door on rainy days, ready to catch anyone who slips; in the way Nami hoards money like she’ll die without it and what she’ll be willing to sacrifice for it (herself and others but never her family), in the way that Usopp, though understanding, will lurch whenever someone seems just a tad too sad and frantically tell a tale as if everyone’s life depended on it, and the way he’s wary of every trusting, loyal servant they come across.

It’s in the way Sanji won’t eat if someone else wont (all too common, none of them are okay with food sometimes, even Luffy, who will sometimes stop eating randomly, or Zoro, who occasionally forgets he can keep eating) or in the way Chopper will quadruple check every medical thing he does when not in an emergency.

It’s in the way Robins mind goes blank at certain books and the way her fingers tremble even when doing something she loves; in the way Franky will ghost his hand over his nose and arm and belly and scars and remember the day everything was lost; in the way that Brook can’t stand foggy nights that become like his mind occasionally, clouded and alone.

And especially it’s in the way the Luffy, Luffy who used to never be afraid (because rubber couldn’t hurt, at least not easily), will flinch and snag fingers in Zoro’s or Jinbe’s clothing, arms taut and eyes wide, trembling and so abruptly quiet and push whatever food on his plate away whenever voices raise or fists fly in the kitchen (only ever the kitchen), and will shriek and go silent, crouched in a ball if its directed at him - (The kitchen area is a no fight zone now, if they have to do it they do it beyond the divider and in the other areas while the rest distract Luffy.) It’s in the way Luffy has far too many scars (from punches and kicks and being thrown off balconies and cliffs from supposedly loving hands, from fights in back alleys and scrambling to survive – he’s only 14 and before it wouldn’t faze them but this world is so much more real in the way the other wasn’t) and in the way one used to be able to count each individual rib on his side.

No.

It’s the little moments that hurt the worse.

-

But there are also happy moments, happiness found in places one wouldn’t think to look.

Like being chased by cars flashing red and blue lights, in a flame detailed beat up Camaro, like seeing how high cola rockets could blast, like finally hearing the end to Robin’s memorized bed time story that spoke of pirates of old and new, and sunny days always looking toward the horizon.

Like being there to see Zoro and Luffy, always on the same page, experience something for the first time, like the high school dance they snuck into or the stars on the unlit coast (well that was a first for most actually). Like seeing Brook’s guitar strum a special song just for each of them, or having Chopper give special band aids for each of them (Luffy’s had pirates, Zoro’s tigers, Nami’s tangerines, Usopp’s birds, Sanji’s hearts and Franky’s gears. Robin and Brook were more careful so everyone was still vying to see what design they would get)

It was the joys that built them up again

-

And it was the experiences that reminded them of who they were

Because no matter the world, no matter the life now or the life before, Luffy would always have the soul of a conqueror, of a king- and the rest of them would always be his most loyal crew.

These experiences included back alley fights and dealings and tussles with gangs, included hunting down Ace’s killer and killing him in return (because none of them are perfect, even now) in breaking out of prison as a family (whoever thought of imprisoning them all together made a mistake) to shielding Luffy from his grandfather when the mere mention let alone actually meeting with the man made him tremble and near cry.

It was falling from the mountain Skypeia, miraculously making it out alive and visiting Fishman Island off the coast of the southern continent. It was visiting Venice and Antarctica and the pyramids and breaking into historical places (but being respectful because robin loved history) and everything amazing in-between.

And it was being together that made it all worth it - because in this life they didn’t have dreams to reach for, to strive for, to devout their lives towards. They just had each other.

And that was enough

[ethien]

Link x mermaid s/o?

Let me say: I love it. I love mermaids so much, Little mermaid is still my favorite disney movie and my acutal bedwear is little mermaid I know too much information.

I made it a bit longer and it’s more a story how they meet and how reader will tell it. Hope you like it as much I like it.

Under the sea

Genre: Fluff, little drama (soft drama)

Words: 3.018

“I congratsyou, my dears. All of you were successful in the test and the most important,you reached the age for our survival mission. I know the goal is hard toachieve. But I believe in all of you. Please spread yourselves over the sea andfind your mate outside the water surface. Everyone here will be waiting foryour comeback”

Everyoneapplauded and seemed touched by the words of the queen. Everyone could hear herconfidence for the new generation of the tribe. Of course, her dear daughterwas under it. You glanced to her. You saw how luckily she was to go on thismission and making her mother proud. It was true happiness. She needed it asthe future queen. You tried also to be happy but you couldn’t. You knew it wasimportant for you and your tribe. However, you hated the way the tradition washold. It was a must for every young mermaid. The only thing which brightenedyour mood was the journey to the outside of the ocean.

You werehighly curious to see how the world was. You only saw pieces when you hide inthe reef in the night.

You wereborn as a mermaid. Your type was a sub type to the normal hylian. For more than10.000 years, your ancestors escaped the rising evil ganon by transformthemselves in hybrids to live under the sea. In all the years, they used theirleft magic abilities to create a new life form: mermaids.

They couldlive in piece under the sea without facing the evil. But the price was high.They were shield for the rest of the world, so no one knew about them. Ofcourse, the transformation wasn’t completely successful. Only the royal bloodmermaid could mate with each other. Everyone could not propagate with eachother. That’s why only female could go on the mission. However, there were notmany kingdoms under the sea for the royal mermaid, so all mermaids needed to goto the outside of the ocean. This is the rest of the magic from theirancestors: They could transform themselves into a typical hylian to walk overthe surface. On the surface, they need to find a mate, propagate with them andafter this, returning to the ocean to give after some month’s birth to a newgeneration. To go on this journey, every mermaid need a training in fightingand living outside the well-known sea. And a minimum age.

Youachieved both of them, but it didn’t change the fact you didn’t like thetradition. The evil was gone long ago, there was no need to hide. And itsounded very unromantically in your ears to make love to someone and having noopportunity to see each other again. You did not understand the urge to stillhiding. However, there was no rule how long your journey should be. There was alimitation of your well-being on the ground but you had a good solution for it:You only need to be in the near of water.

Because themaximum limit outside without water contact was two days. After this, youdehydrate faster and this would mean your death. You were confident you won’tget this problem.

The thoughttraveling around the country you only knew from stories and books fascinatedyou. And of course the feeling of having a mate. Just without the urge topropagate. You wanted to stay at the outside.

Yourjourney started in a cave near Lurelin Village. It was the only place you knew.You dived out the water and sat yourself on a stone. You concentrated and feelhow your fin turned into beautiful legs. You did this many times before butevery time you were astonished by the result. It needed some time to get enoughstrength to stand and walk. You made slow steps around the cave to search yourlittle chest with some clothes to wear. It was pretty usual to wear nothing asa mermaid, so you were naked. You would not mind going out naked. But youlearned from the stories and your own observation that nudity was anembarrassing issue.

You tookthe cloths on and went out. You took a deep breath in and enjoyed the view. Thesun started setting. It was a good opportunity to walk around. That’s why youwent to the Village. The fact the evening came do not change the mood forpeople walking around. You had seen some before but now, you were one of themand they were so close. It made you really happy. The darker it got, morepeople went away. Despite the excitement you totally forgot where you will besleeping. Well, you had luck or you could call it coincidence when you bumpinto someone. It wasn’t a hard impact but it still surprised you. Neverthelessto say, you bump in a male hylian. He should be around your age, hadblond-golden hair and deep blue eyes. He had a good posture and the sword onhis back would mean he could fight. You found him quite handsome.

“Oh sorry,I didn’t see you” he apologized and offered you a hand. You took them and nowyou stand next to him. You didn’t know why but he made you a bit nervous.

“It’s okay.I did not see you either. My mind was in a bubble” you blurt out as an answer.He looked serious at you.

“You shouldnot walk around at this time. It’s quite dangerous outside in the night. Youshould go to bed” he said to you and wanted to continue his way.

“I…I don’thave a place…to rest” you murmur. He turned around and went back to you.

“You had nohome?”

You nod.

“And let meguess, you don’t own any rupees?”

You nodagain. You hide the urge to ask what rupees are. You guessed something forpaying. Like the shells at your home.

You heardhim sighed. You knew you are very careless. But you were full of happiness soyou simply forget the easiest things.

“I willhelp you” you heard him saying and got you back of your thoughts. You nod andfollowed him.

That wasthe beginning of your first friendship with a person outside the sea and yourjourney with him. His name is Link and you could say, he was a knight from thekingdom. He travelled a lot around Hyrule and fight monsters, solves miraclesand dungeons and helped people. You had a feeling he liked and hated it at thesame time – He was quite surprised you never heard of him or his adventures.You knew from the tales a hero appeared and defeat the evil. You guessed inthis time, it was him. You were very happy to be around him. He had learnedfast you had no idea of Hyrule. You said to him you were from far away and youreally wanted to visit it. Well, not everything was the true but he believedyou. The friendship grow between you while you travel and fight with him. Youknew you gave him at your first visit the view of the careless woman without orientation.But you had learned to fight and you could fight. The fact your orientation isbad was forgotten.

You had noproblem with finding a good water spot every second day – It seemed quitenormal to bath every day. It played you in your cards.

You had alot of fun times, playing around or just relaxing the field admiring the sky orthe sunset. You went to festivals with him or to marvelous temple. You got toknow castle town and had an audience with princess Zelda. It was a short talk,but you feel her love for Hyrule.

You spendevery day together.

You bothgrow close together. It took some months after you realized your feelings forLink. Maybe it was a bit of your instinct of finding a mate to survive. But themost part were from getting to know him more and more. You were afraid hewouldn’t feel the same for you. You never read how to confess feelings. Well,you really did not get a chance to confess.

You and hewere in a battle and it went well. At the end a silver Lynel appeared and thefight was horrible. The Lynel injured both of you, but you two made it todefeat it. You were exhausted and tired. You went to him and wanted tocongratulate for the win when he suddenly hug you. You could feel how hetrembled a bit. He did not let you ask what was. He put lovely his lips onyours. It was a short one, but soft and full of emotions and desire. After youtwo parted, he lean his forehead against yours.

“I wasafraid…the Lynel would defeat us. The fear to lose you was so intensive and nowI am so glad we both successes. Please…[Y/N]…Stay by my side”

Youanswered it with a deep kiss.

The monthspassed while you travelled with Link and being his girlfriend. You had the urgeto tell him your true nature – he deserved it. But you did not know how.

You did notknow at the moment the gerudo desert would give you a good moment when youshould tell him. You knew from Link’s telling it was quite hot and dry in thisarea. You were afraid to go there but also interested. You just hoped it willbe a good trip.

It wasn’t.

The momentyou took your feet on the sand, you suffered. You could feel how much you sweatand how your mouth went dry. Both of you had a lot of water on the trip to the oases.Well, you emptied them on the first half of the walk.

You wereglad he was a caring person. He noticed how you walked more slowly and yourheavy sighing rang in his ears. He also noticed how fast you ran out of waterand how pale your face got.

Heremembered you said you had some problems with extreme heat and dry humanity.He never expected it this worse. He wanted to travel to gerudo town to show youaround. He knew he had to wear his vai gerudo armor but the fact you alreadystruggle at the way to the oases worried him. He could see you were close to collapse.He supported you with his shoulders and his water savings. It was just enoughto arrive at the oases.

He sat youand himself under a tree to cool down. You were shaken and thirsty.

“Don’tworry – I will get you something to drink” he said and you watched how he buyssome drinks and food. You knew it would help a bit. Deep inside you knew itwasn’t enough. You had to go in the water. This was one of the rare moments youwanted to swim with your fin. You glanced to the little spring in the oases. Itwas like you act automatically when you jumped in the water.

You couldfeel the change immediately. Of course, Link noticed how you jumped in. He wasstill worried but chuckled a bit when he saw how happy you were in the water.

“Glad you’renow better. The next time, we will jump directly in the water” he said andjumped to you.

You wereglad he didn’t notice. But it also made you sad he did not notice. There were alot of moments he could think you were different.

Youremembered good how both of you swam. You could also swim very fast as ahylian, much faster as Link. You noticed a lot of hylians had problems withswimming for a long time. He often needs breaks and he was astonished by yourstamina.

He had toknow it. But how?

You twoabort your visit and went back. You really wanted to Lurelin Village. You saidto him you had a surprise for him. You had his attention.

During thewalk, you got nervous. You really did not know how he would react. A lot oflies will be revealed. He would learn why you react so badly to heat. Why youcould swim so well. Why you said you wanted to be intimate when married. Youwere afraid he would leave you.

“Iseverything alright? You’re quiet the whole way”

“Everythingokay. I am just a bit nervous”

He nods. Itconfused him why a surprise made you so nervous but he said nothing.

You arrivedand rest a bit. In the evening, you took him for a walk. You walked in the cavewhere you started your journey.

“I have totell you something…about me” you started while you watched the water in thecave.

“I…I hidesomething really important before you.” You started. “I lied when I said I amfrom a far away country. My home was always next to Hyrule, but no one can seeit.”

“What…doyou mean?” he asked hesitated and confused.

“My home isthe sea”

He tooksome steps back from you. “W-What?” he just asked.

“I am…I-Iam not a fully hylian person. We are a rare culture who lives under the sea –we’re mermaids.”

You saw hiswiden eyes and his shocked expression.

“There is atradition at my home. We should travel to the ground, find a mate, makingbabies and return to the home…to give birth to a new generation. We also hide,but it wasn’t necessary in my opinion. I hate this tradition, but it was theonly way to get to know this beautiful landscape…” you said and look himstraight in the eyes. “And it was the only way to get to know you…and fallingin love with you”

He saidnothing and did nothing to break the distance. You could see he was confused,feared and a bit hurt.

“I…I reallywanted to tell you sooner. Really. But I never had a good moment and I wasafraid you would think I only use you for the one thing. That was never myintention”

It wasquite between you two. The atmosphere was intense and you really had no ideahow Link thought about it.

You wantedto scream – the pressure of a silent Link was huge. You could not read hisface.

He took astep to you, he had a serious look on his face.

“[Y/N]…I…Inever expect this…as your surprise. I am kind of hurt you lie a lot to me”

Your heartclenched by his words, but you deserved it. It was the truth.

“I am soangry and confused at the same time. I really don’t know how long it will needto trust you fully again..”

You feelhow tears appeared in your eyes. You knew it would come and he had every rightto be angry. It did not change the fact it hurt you and made you sad…

“But I alsocan’t forget my feelings for you. I can also understand a bit your reasons tohide despite the fact it was wrong to lie…”

Suddenly,you were in his arms. You really did not expect this.

“Like Isaid after the Lynel fight…I don’t want to lose you. You’re the only one whereI can feel so free and calm. It will need some time to heal this wound…But to throwmy love away only because you had your reasons for hiding…isn’t fair for you…orfor me…I love you, [Y/N]. No matter if you’re fully hylian or not”

With this,you kiss him passionate. You also cried a bit. You were highly afraid he wouldleave you. But he accepted it and it made you to the happiest person. You feelhis hands on your waist which took you closer to him. You put your arms aroundhis neck and caress the back of his head.

The momentwent long and you two parted your lips. You saw a curious light in his eyes.

“Would you….wouldyou show me….how you looked?” Link asked a bit shyly. You nodded.

At first henearly falls from the stone when you fully undressed yourself. He saw you nakedbefore but this was very sudden. You jumped in the water and concentrate a bit.It took some time. You dived out and saw how his mouth was wide open.

“Oh hylia..”he said more to himself than to you. You feel a bit embarrassed. It should benormal for you being naked around him. But you were yourself before him and howhe admires your whole body made you shiver.

“Can I…touchyour…?”

Instead ofanswering, you took his hand and lay them on your fin. He could feel how warmit was…and how wet.  Your sheds were indifferent colors and shine brightly.

“You’rebeautiful” he only said and sat himself next to you. It was again quiet betweenyou. This time, it was a good silence.

“Ahm..” hestarted and you looked at him. He blushed hardly and looked shy away.

“Is yourtrue form the reason…we..you know…?”

You gotwhat he means and also blushed. You nodded.

“Well…yes.We mermaids are very fertile and despite the fact how much I love the idea ofhaving a family with you…at the moment, I don’t want one. Is this….okay for you…towait?”

His blushincreased and scratched the back of his neck. He chuckled shyly.

“I am gladit’s that reason. To tell the true, I really did not believe the reason withthe marriage. I really thought…you…ahm…don’t like my…my…my master sword…”

You werenow red like a tomato. Then you chuckled. He also started to chuckle.

“I couldnever hate you or your magnificent master sword.” You started and got an embarrassedglance from him.

“I love you…Link”

“I loveyou, too…[Y/N]”

[neverwatchedonepiece]

529-530: "The Fish-Man Island Will Be Annihilated?! Sharley's Prophecy!" and "The King of the Fish-Man Island! Neptune, the God of the Sea!"

A rare image of Hordy Jones stepping on a lego.

Only had time for two episodes tonight. Luckily, there was enough in them to write about: including the reveal of a villain (always exciting!)

His name is Hordy Jones. He is angry, he is a Fishman, he looks oddly like the guy from ACDC and he has... a dog slung round his neck?

Not to mention the prophecies, designer boutiques, royal invitations and awkward questions.

Dreams Do Come True in Fishman Island

The episode opened with Luffy, Usopp and Chopper rushing around the harbour town, looking for a human - any human - who could donate Sanji’s blood type.

Luckily, a pair of nice okama stepped up and saved Sanji’s life. Of course, when Sanji regained consciousness, he freaked out. Usopp and Chopper both had to remind him to thank the okama. Come on, Sanji. Not cool. They saved your life in a place where donating blood is an act of great political significance. Show a little gratitude, eh?

While taking a break from Sanji’s fool antics, Chopper examined a strange mark on Luffy’s arm. Turns out it was poison! Luffy took a hit from Hyouzou (how did I miss that?) Chopper declared it very potent and wondered how the hell Luffy survived it. He asked if Luffy had ever been poisoned before.

Oh boy, Chopper. Does Luffy have a story for you. It can be told in one word: Magellan.

(Seriously, though, did Luffy not tell the Strawhats what happened to him while they were sailing, or was it all so next level that being poisoned to near death was not one of the major highlights?)

Camie, who had come to see how Sanji was doing, took Luffy and Usopp back to the Mermaid Cafe dorms. On the way, they called in to see Madame Sharly: a beautiful shark mermaid with premises at the back of Mermaid Cafe. (I think she might own the cafe because she gave Camie the day off to show the Strawhats round Fishman Island?)

Not Unless You Play the Lottery

Oh, and she is also a dab hand at crystal ball fortune-telling and has been since she was little. She has correctly predicted a few cataclysmic events, including the war in Marineford and Whitebeard’s death. Recently, she’s stopped using the crystal ball because she can’t stand knowing bad things will happen. I suppose Whitebeard is the kind of guy that would go to war no matter what. I can’t see anyone convincing him otherwise, even if it was someone like Sharly, who knew he’d be killed in battle.

I wonder if she’s been burned before by using the crystal ball? She was all dramatic and stared off into the middle distance when she said, “It’s better not to know the future.” Something has clearly gone wrong in her life that she has that attitude to such a strong power.

Luffy, who seems to be living on another planet at the moment, said, “All very well and good but do you know how mermaids poop?”

That’s right, Luffy. Always asking those important questions!

It was round about then that Camie realised she’d forgot to deliver the clams to Pappagu! So they hurried off to find him at another, fancier cafe up in Fishverly Hills (lol), where they found Brook, aka Soul King, living it up with Pappagu and a couple of mermaid fans. (I love how famous Brook is in his own right and not just as a member of the Strawhats.)

There was a lot of good world-building here. Courtesy of Pappagu, who tried so hard to be a Good Exposition Starfish (why won’t anyone listen to him?), I now know that Merpeople don’t eat meat and fish (but Fishmen do). That King Neptune runs the Island. That, if a Merperson and Fishman marry and have kids, any children they have will either be a Merperson or a Fishman, not a harmonious amalgamation of both. 

And the good news is that the Flying Dutchman/Captain Vander Decken stuff was not a random encounter character to be used once and disposed of! Not sure what his role will be yet, but Oda seems to have something planned, as he has been given backstory. Turns out Brook was right about the original Flying Dutchman crew being several hundred years old, but the original Captain Vander Decken reached Fishman Island and died there. The one manning the Flying Dutchman now is Vander Decken IX, his descendant. Apparently, the guy has a bounty and the whole island’s been looking for him for ages because he started sending unwanted love letters, packages and threatening marriage proposals that scared the princess to the point a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Looks like someone can’t take no for an answer, eh?

But the most interesting thing was this.

Big Momma’s House

Luffy noticed the sign on a candy factory. Pappagu explained that when Whitebeard had shuffled off his mortal coil, the role of Fishman Island Protector became vacant.

The position was filled by Charlotte Linlin (or Big Mom, to the rest of us): one of the four (now three) Yonkou. She hasn’t been mentioned since Thriller Bark, so I was excited for that miniscule teaser Oda gave. 

Big Mom demands loads of candies as a fee for her protection. This confused Luffy. “But she’s protecting this land after old man Whitebeard died? Isn’t she a good person?”

Pappagu shrugged, as only starfish can. “Whitebeard didn’t demand anything, but maybe Big Mom sees protection more as a business.”

Interesting... she’s definitely a different kind of Yonkou.

But I didn’t have time to think about it for long because the action switched to Sharley, who had burst out onto the street, freaking out about Luffy, begging everyone she could  grab hold of to “find Strawhat Luffy and throw him out of this country!”

Wait, what...? Wasn’t she happy to see them ten minutes ago? Why? What had caused the change of heart?

Apparently, she saw a vision of Luffy in her crystal ball: an image of him surrounded by fire. “At Strawhat’s hands, Fishman Island will be destroyed!”

Eh? Surely not. There has got to be some mistake here. There is no way Luffy would sink Fishman Island. Or at least not on purpose. That is the only way I could believe Sharley’s vision would ever come true.

Hmm....

This Guy Is So Hard, He Puts Sharks in Sweaters

Cliffhanger over, I steamed straight onto episode 530. After a dark and mysterious opening (more on that later), the action cut back to the Strawhats. Pappagu was explaining his job. Turns out he’s not just an adorable starfish on land: in Fishman Island, he is a Super Influencer: a rich designer and president of the Criminal Brand clothing company - a famous fashion line.

As they approached one of his shops, the Strawhats heard some serious, weapons-grade haggling within. 

Of course it was Nami! 

The harassed shopkeeper was pleased to see Pappagu. This lasted until his boss told the Strawhats they could have as much free clothing as they liked in return for saving his ass at Sabaody.

Pappag, that was a rookie mistake. Never tell pirates they can take as much free stuff as they want. THEY ARE PIRATES! xD

But that was not the only drama going down in Fishverly Hills. Outside, there was a commotion. The Strawhats, Camie and Pappagu went to check why everyone was shrieking.

King Neptune had arrived. The big, bearded, booming-voiced ruler of Ryugu Kingdom and Fishman Island. Golden rays of light bathed the spectators. I wondered why he kept mispronouncing the word “ham” in Spanish.

It was the first time Camie had ever seen him. The King only descended from the Upper World if there was trouble. He hadn’t brought guards. Very strange! Ryugu Palace is a sacred place for Fishmen. A celestial place where ordinary people aren’t allowed to go. Where the princes and princess live.

The King turned and said, “Oi, Megalo. Are you sure these are the guys?” When the cute, sweater-wearing shark popped out of nowhere and confirmed (I love that it has a name), King Neptune invited the Strawhats to Ryugu Palace.

“Is there good food there?” Luffy asked. Priorities, amirite?

“Of course. We’re planning a banquet,” Neptune answered.

Luffy couldn’t have accepted any quicker. He piled onto Neptune’s fishboat with Usopp, Nami and Brook, then looked back. “Aren’t you coming?” Camie and Pappagu were frozen in awe.

“We don’t deserve to go to Ryugu...”

That was the Wrong Answer. Rank and status does not impress or intimidate Luffy (and that’s one of the reasons I like him so much). He told them to stop being dumb and get on. 

It’s funny how the rest of the Fishmen and Merpeople are so awed of Neptune, yet he was completely unbothered when Luffy invited some commoners to his house. Neptune is either more chilled than he seems, or he is up to something.

But not everyone is as enamored with King Neptune...

This Guy Is Not A Fan

This is the Fishman behind the New Fishman Pirates: Hordy Jones. 

Now, I can’t help but compare this guy to Arlong. He’s a shark fishman and he has similar views to Arlong.  

Hell, Arlong was the first real villain I took to in One Piece. The first real threat. He did horrific things. I’ll never forget that black and white scene when he shot Bellemere in the head. When Nami broke down and Luffy laid his straw hat on her head. Then there was the walk to Arlong Park. All those iconic moments.

Hordy Jones has big shoes to fill. It’s early yet, so I’ll wait until I’m further in to make any judgments. When I first watched Thriller Bark, I was kinda bemused by Moria, then he ended up one of my favourites. 

This guy has got a hold of some Fishman Roids and likes necking a ton to gain super strength. Apparently, the Roids shorten lifespan but Hordy does not care. When a bunch of escapee human pirates were reported for desertion (they must have met Hammond and enlisted. Now I think I know why there haven’t been many visitors to Fishman Island lately!) Hordy ate a meaty fistful of those Fish Roids like they were candies someone had packaged up for Big Mom.

Then he swam off and deliberately crushed the deserters while handcuffed to show how strong he was. It was cool the way he punched through the ship like a cannonball. He also let the hapeless crew live because: “Humans killed Fisher Tiger and shattered Arlong’s dreams. The dark and tragic history of Fishmen Island will end with us, the New Fishmen Pirates. You humans, survive with cuts and bruises to show the people on earth what happened to you in the sea, and who you met. Tell them how horrendous it was. We’ll capture the centre of the world, Fishman Island, from the gutless god of the sea, Neptune, and drag you humans down to the dark sea bed. You’ll all learn that the Fishmen are the superior race.”

I can tell he’s ambitious, is this Hordy Jones.

Unfortunately, the very same humans who crushed Arlong’s dreams have just landed on Fishman island. And he knows it. I wonder what he’ll say to Luffy when he meets him. That should be an interesting conversation.

Oh yeah, and Caribou has escaped the barrel because some mermaids opened it. No idea what he’s up to now, but it won’t be anything good.

Say yes to drugs on Fishman Island!

[thank-god-and-you]

Happy Birthday, @angel-princess-anna! I hope you’ve had a wonderful day. Thank you for all the amazing stuff you do for the A/B fandom--let’s hope that we only get killed by Good Things in the future.

-- --

The Christmas celebrations without John felt crude. Anna knew that she had to participate in the celebrations, but it was so difficult for her to get into the spirit of things when her spirits were so low. The drinks were flowing, the laughter was rife, there was song and dance and cheer everywhere she turned, and all of it made her feel more alone than ever. Everyone seemed to have someone, whether that was a lover or a friend. She had friends, of course she did, but in this moment, none of them were hers. Mrs. Patmore was with Daisy. Mrs. Hughes had disappeared somewhere with Mr. Carson. Mr. Branson was with Lady Mary and Lady Edith, Miss Sybbie, Master George, and Miss Marigold around their feet. Even Thomas was with some of the younger members of staff. But she…she was alone in this sea of euphoria, her family so far away from her. She closed her eyes and sent up a quick prayer, hoping that wherever John was tonight he was safe and content, if he couldn’t be happy. She hoped he didn’t feel as wretched as she did, anyway. She would never be able to forget the last Christmas they had spent apart, and this felt all too hauntingly familiar. She dabbed at the corner of her eye with her finger and took a shuddering breath. She had politely declined Lord Grantham’s jovial suggestion that she have a drink, but perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all. Perhaps it would take the edge off her misery.

Before she could edge her way through the crowds to find one after all, however, the festivities were ground to a halt by Lady Mary. She began another lilting hymn, and the rest of the gathering began to join in, the sound almost lifting the roof off Downton. If she hadn’t been feeling so down in the mouth, Anna would have appreciated it for what it was: a gorgeous, tender moment that united every single person standing in Downton’s hallowed halls. She tried to join in, but her attempt was feeble at best, barely a whisper of the words leaving her mouth.  God forgive her, but she just couldn’t do it. She couldn’t be happy, not tonight. It was hard enough being strong.

But then came the miracle.

“Happy Christmas.”

It was a tender whisper, ruffling the back of her neck, the voice so achingly familiar that it brought tears to her eyes. For a split-second she was sure that she was imagining things.

But then she felt his reassuring presence right there behind her, and she whipped around, mouth tumbling open.

It was John. Somehow, he was here. Back with her, right where he belonged.

She gasped, but before she could get any words out John tugged on her hand gently and she followed him gladly, pausing a short distance away, hidden in the shadows.

She wanted to weep. Instead she settled for sputtering, “How have you…?” She reached out to touch him again, frightened that he was just an apparition.

He was not.

“Shh,” he said, clasping her hand. “We’ll worry about everything else later. But for now, let’s just have a very happy Christmas.”

All she could do was beam up at him, tears making him shimmer right before her like he was heaven sent. They moved out to the stairwell that would lead them to the servants’ quarters. No one else seemed to have noticed John’s arrival and she did not care enough to find someone to tell. Right now, all she cared about was having her husband.

In the hallway, John hooked his cane over the bannister. His arms moved around her waist and on instinct hers moved to wrap around his neck. He pressed a soft kiss to her mouth that was all too brief, but before she could complain about that fact he had bent at the knees and lifted her clean off her feet.

Time froze as he held her close to him, squeezing her tight. There was a lump in her throat that she couldn’t form words past. She wanted to tell him to put her down, that she didn’t want him hurting himself for her sake, but she couldn’t. This moment was too special, so very long overdue. She never wanted it to end.

But of course it had to. With a groan, John slid her back to the ground. She maintained her tight grip on the front of his shirt.

“Are you all right?” she murmured.

His smile was tinged with pain but was so broad that it bordered on the blinding. “I couldn’t be better, Anna, truly. God, I can’t believe I’m here with you. You’re a sight for my sore old eyes.”

She echoed that sentiment. Three months. Three whole months she had gone without seeing him. It wasn’t their longest stint, but it was far too long considering all they had been forced to live through. They should never have had to deal with another day apart since then. But God seemed to enjoy testing them, and Anna hoped fervently that that was the last. Could they not finally be allowed to live a happy, peaceful life together? Wasn’t that the least they deserved for all of the tribulations they had survived?

“I love you,” she told him tremulously, reaching up to cup his cheek in her palm. His skin was so soft to the touch, and she rubbed the notch in his cheek tenderly, relishing the little hitch in his breathing. He turned his head to the side, kissed her fingertips.

“I love you too,” he told her. “Let’s go home.”

She was suddenly aware of where they were all over again, painfully aware that they were not the only two people in the world. “But what about the party? Lady Mary?”

“Lady Mary would insist that you go if she knew I was here,” said John.

“But we should still tell someone.”

“Actually, Mrs. Patmore saw me sneak in. She’s a smart woman, she’ll put two and two together. And she’ll let the rest of them know where we’ve gone. It won’t take much to work that one out.”

“I suppose,” Anna conceded. A part of her still thought that they should tell a member of the family that they were creeping out of the party, but another part, the part that had been deprived of her husband for far too long, was relieved that it had been sorted as easily as that. It was true that the others would be in no doubt that they had gone back down to the cottage, and it wasn’t too much of an indisposition. John would certainly not be expected to return to his duties tonight, and he was right in saying that Lady Mary would insist that she go and spend time with him. The other servants, like Thomas, might have something to say about it, but right at this moment she couldn’t bring herself to care too much about the whispers and the jibes. Let them all say what they wanted. Nothing could mar her elation now.

“What do you say, love?”

“All right,” she agreed. “Let’s go home, Mr. Bates.”

He smiled at her, the crinkles around his eyes deepening in the way that made her heart contract so fiercely for him. He unhooked his cane from the bannister and held out his left hand towards her. She took it without a second’s hesitation. His fingers twined securely through hers, and she could have wept at how right it felt. The slightly calloused fingertips rubbing against hers, the way that his hand totally eclipsed hers, the strength his touched possessed…She smiled, blinking away the tears that had sprung anew.

They stole down the staircase together, the only sound that of John’s cane echoing every time it clunked. It didn’t matter; the servants’ quarters were deserted with everyone at the party and they would not be stopped now. In the hallway they stopped to collect their coats and hats, taking it in turns to help each other on with them. Anna smoothed down the front of his thick travelling coat and sighed, leaning in for just a few seconds to press her nose into the thick fabric. The smell was so painfully familiar, and she inhaled it deeply. God, she had missed that so much.

“Anna,” said John softly, and she pulled away.

“I know,” she said. “Let’s go home.”

John pushed the back door open and together they stepped out into the chilly evening. Anna wrapped her hand around his and they made their way through the darkness towards their cottage. On colder evenings like this it always seemed to take them longer to reach home, with the temperatures wreaking havoc on John’s knee, and tonight it brought on a painful mix of contradictions. She was desperate to get home, to ensconce them within the safety of their cottage. She never wanted this journey to end, walking as close to him as she was, letting his warm, honeyed voice wash over her as he filled her in on some of the events of the last few months. She still couldn’t believe he was real, and she clutched at his forearm all the way, needing as much contact with him as possible.

At last, the little row of cottages came into view. All were in darkness. For the first time in months, Anna felt glad to be returning here. It hadn’t been a home without him there. It had been too silent, too big, too lonely. She’d felt like a ghost within its walls. But now…now she could start living again.

She slipped the key over to John, giving him the liberty of unlocking the door for the first time in months. He did so with a soft smile, and it creaked open with the familiar groan. He ushered her over the threshold first and closed the door behind them, shutting out the cold wind. The hallway seemed too small for the both of them at the same time, and Anna fiddled with the handle of her bag, suddenly, stupidly, shy. John seemed to sense the change in her, for he took a step closer, moving to cup her cheek in his huge palm. He was freezing, but she nuzzled closer anyway.

“Do you want me to get you anything?” he whispered. “A cup of tea? I could start a fire?”

They were tactics meant to give her more time to process things, and she loved him even more for doing it. That he was still attune to the subtle shifts in her mood, that he loved her enough to do that for her…He was the best of men, no matter what others might sneer or whisper, and she was so lucky to have him.

His gentle words gave her the courage she needed, and she took a deep breath, moving to unbutton her coat. “No, John. I don’t want any of those things. I just want you.”

She couldn’t see his face in the darkness, but she could feel the weight of his gaze upon her, and it burned her from the inside. Her heartrate began to pick up just that little bit more.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yes. Let’s just…let’s just go up to bed.”

The atmosphere between them thickened further as she turned in the direction of the staircase. John was right behind her, his looming presence protective at her back. She knew the layout of the cottage like the back of her hand and navigated it easily in the darkness, moving across to her bedside table where the oil lamp was located. She spent a few moments sorting it out, and then dim light flooded their surroundings. She blinked against it, turning back to John, who was still standing in the doorway.

He took her breath away. Everything about him was so beautiful. The broadness of him, his height, his presence…everything about him made her feel so completely safe. He looked a little uncertain now, glancing around the room as if he didn’t quite believe that he was there. She extended her hand towards him.

“Come here, John,” she said softly. Hesitantly, he took his first step forward.

They met in the middle of the room, and she wrapped her arms around his middle, pressing her forehead against his chest. John caressed the small of her back, resting his chin atop her head. For long moments they simply stayed that way, letting the quiet wash over them, adjusting to the perfection of being in one another’s arms once more.

At length, however, she pulled away from him. She knew that John would not make any move to take things further, not tonight. It was down to her to guide him, to let him know that she was all right, that she knew what she wanted. Keeping her gaze locked onto his face, she moved her hands to the buttons on her dress. His breath hitched, but she didn’t let that stop her, working her way slowly down the line. John stayed stock-still, watching her every move.

She wriggled out of the material and let it pool around her feet, tipping her chin back so she could still see him.

“Do you need me to help you?” she murmured.

“Oh, no,” said John, springing into action at once, fumbling with the buttons on his waistcoat. Anna moved towards the edge of the bed and took a seat there, watching him as he had watched her, feeling her desire grow with each article of clothing that he lost. Her heart skipped a beat when his broad chest was exposed to her, as hairy and strong as she’d remembered. How she longed to press her cheek to it, to revel in his warmth. Soon, she promised herself.

She scooted further up the bed as John finished undressing, following her shyly. His reservation was endearing, and she wrapped her arms around him, encouraging him further up so she could hook his mouth into a kiss.

This one was different to the one they had shared in the stairwell at Downton. That one had been chaste, the two of them never losing sight of where they were. This…this was a kiss purely for them, as husband and wife, and she simply melted into it, opening her mouth beneath his as he pressed further into her. He made a sound deep in the back of his throat, running his hand down her body and coming to a rest on her thigh. She opened her legs for him eagerly, giving him the space he needed to settle himself there.

“Anna,” he breathed, her name like a prayer on his lips, and she fisted her hands into his hair and tugged him back to her, giving in to the demands of her body, to a yearning that had been denied her for so very long.

-- --

In the aftermath, Anna panted hard, her limbs shaking. John slumped down beside her, running a hand through his perspiring hair. When she pressed her own against his chest, she could feel the sweat sheened there. The covers were tangled somewhere at the foot of the bed.

John shifted just slightly, catching her hand and rubbing his thumb over her wedding band. She hummed, forcing herself up so that she could collapse over him. He huffed a little as he took her weight, but he did not protest, immediately moving to wind his fingers through her hair. She closed her eyes against the sensation. God, she had missed that. There was nothing quite as soothing as having his fingers softly caressing her scalp.

“Are you all right?” His voice issued through the darkness, sweetly boyish. She dipped down to kiss him first, answering second.

“Moe than all right,” she said.

Silence reigned once more, and Anna laid her head against him, staring into the darkness, mulling things over, trying to formulate the best way of wording what she wanted to ask. John must have guessed that there was something on her mind, for he draped his arm across the small of her back.

“What is it?” he prompted.

Anna remained quiet for a few more moments before saying, “How…how do you know that everything’s going to be all right?”

It was a rather heavy question in the wake of what they had just done, and she heard the frown in John’s voice. “Anna, please, let’s not worry about it now.”

“But I can’t not,” she insisted. “I just…I’m so glad you’re here. So, so glad. It’s like a miracle. But I can’t bear to have you taken away from me. Not again.” She would not survive it. He had sacrificed himself for her already, and if anything happened to him…She blinked to dissipate the sudden fierce rush of tears. God, if they caught him and arrested him for murder, put him on trial, hanged him…well, it would be the end of her life too.

“I wouldn’t have come back if I didn’t know that things were going to turn out well for us,” said John, squeezing her. “I’m not a gambling man, and I don’t take unnecessary risks, not where you’re concerned. The evidence that Mr. Molesley and Miss Baxter found will be enough.”

“I’m still on bail,” Anna said quietly, for the first time all evening voicing the thought that still terrified her. “They could still try to pin it on me.”

“Vyner is a bastard,” John growled. “A lying, egotistical excuse of a man. He didn’t care about the facts of the case. He just wanted to exert the power he had, damn the consequences for anyone else.

“Exactly.” Anna’s voice rose in pitch with her agitation. “He’s already done it once before. He can do it again.”

“Not anymore,” said John. “I know I’ve made this promise to you before, and it kills me that I haven’t been able to keep it, but no more. I swear, Anna, this is the last time that I will ever let anyone else hurt you.”

For other people, the words might seem hollow. Might have made them jaded. But through everything she had suffered, her belief in him had never wavered. No matter what might have happened, she trusted him with her life. Nothing would ever change that.

“We’ll sort this out for once and for all,” he asserted. “And then we can start living again.”

“There’s nothing I want more,” she told hm. “I’m so tired of us living our life in the shadows.”

“It’s over,” he said. “We’re going to be all right, Anna.”

Yes, they were. She pushed down her anxieties, resting her ear over his heart. The ancient clock on the bedside table signalled that it was gone midnight.

“Happy Christmas,” she whispered.

John leaned forward enough to press his lips to her temple. “Happy Christmas, my darling.”

She burrowed her head under his chin, letting her eyes drift closed. “I think I’m going to sleep now.”

“Yes, you should,” said John. “Get as much rest as you can. I’ll still be here when you wake up.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

“I’m not too heavy, am I?”

“You’re perfect,” he said. “I’ve missed having you like this.”

She’d missed being like this with him too. He was a wonderful pillow, soft and pliable beneath her. “You’re not still too warm, are you?”

“No,” he sighed, “no, you’re keeping me toasty. You make a very fine blanket.”

She giggled, shifting just slightly to get more comfortable. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

They drifted off to sleep in the flickering light, the first eddies of snow drifting past the window.

-- --

Fic based on:

Imagine person A, the smaller one, sleeping on top of person B. Person B believes that Person A makes a very fine blanket.

[guidedbygunpla]

Gundam REDUX Side Story Chapter 3: Sins Against God and Man

             “this country must’ve been beautiful at some point, feel kind of bad for having set half of it on fire” Dozle said with a laugh as their Gow flew over the Rocky Mountains, the remains of Salt Lake City below them, now looking like nothing but shattered glass strewn across the mountain. Zakus occupying the territory now, painted in stark white. Dozle, Char, Icelina and about 2 dozen crew men waited in the tiny room above the Mobile Suit hanger of the Gow, and watched as America drifted below them. The country had been ravaged during the Late AD and early UC by a monstrous drought and famine. A blight caused the great mono cultures of Corn and Soybean to die off, resulting in billions of farm animals being culled, the resulting food shortages resulted in hundreds of thousands starving to death. Poor water management in the south west caused hundreds to migrate elsewhere, and formerly rich and prosperous parts of the south west became completely abandoned. The country fractured in two due to political strife, in part due to arguments about how best to tackle the ecological disaster, resulting in the creation of the two countries the United States of Northern America and The Southern United American Republic in UC 0007. The North was able to barely survive the famine by switching to crops the blight wouldn’t effect, primarily potatoes and rhubarb. They tried desperately to genetically modify the corn and soy bean crops to be more resistant to the blight in the future, with only middling results. Resulting in food enough to only feed a quarter of their population.  The south however was able to transfer largely to imported food, and fish, but they had a harder time dealing with the increasing desertification, the rampant dust storms, and the massive floods they were battered with year after year. Eventually, they became the first to honestly consider what so many other first world countries would in the coming years, they began the process of forcing their populations off world through the Federations colonial emigration plan, at first willingly….and then, as the years went by, and the droughts got worse, the famines got worse, and more and more people died. by force. the early days of the UC were like that though. The world was dying, and the only option left for so many was to leave.

With a smaller population the southern American Republic was able to stabilize their economy and began plans to help stop the desertification, as well as hopefully reverse it. However that would be dozens, if not hundreds of years down the line. The earth was sick. In the hundred years before the formation of the universal century charter, 2 world spanning wars, runaway pollution and the destruction of much of earths fresh water reserves, a series of small scale nuclear exchanges along with the ensuing sociological, and ecological pressures those put on the planet caused the amount of the earth that was desert to balloon resulting in vast areas of formerly agricultural land to be swallowed by the great deserts of the world. with crop failure, famine, water shortages, and societal collapse eating up much of the world. The Mojave stretching as far east as Missouri and as far north as Wyoming. The Sahara having swallowed up almost all the land as far south as Angola, and the Gobi going as far south as Qinghai. So much land lost to the great deserts of the world. What choice did they have?

 The colony migration plan must’ve made so much sense back then, they must’ve thought they were saving so many millions of lives. if only they had known, Char thought to himself, that because of this all, one day, one of these colonies would come home, and crash into the earth so hard that it would split a tectonic plate in half. In a matter of months it would kill 3 billion of the remaining 6 billion people left on Earth. Through famine, floods and fires. Through volcanos, through tornados, through earthquakes. Life after life would end. All because of a want for power, a lack of caring about ones fellow man, about the world. A Want for control.

If only the people who wrote that damned charter knew what it might cause

If only people had taken better care of things   ________________________________________________________________

The gow touched down near a large laboratory building. The smell of the sea strong in the air. Mendocino had largely been spared of the worst of the ecological collapse of the Country. It was lush and beautiful. A true paradise in hell Char thought to himself.              “I haven’t really gotten to ask Dozle, why are we moving our headquarters to the Flanagan institute? “ he asked as the officers began the process of disembarking from the Gow

             “orders from Supreme commander Gihren, we’re supposed to run some tests here and then likely we’re going to reassign you to a naval crew for a few weeks…..I tried to get you some time off the front line, think it’d do both of us some good to have some time to grieve”              “Dozle, you don’t have to do something like that….really”              “no, Char… I insist. My heart feels like its breaking everytime I think of Garma. I picture my Mineva, I picture Zenna. I cant imagine how you and Icelina feel. I can’t imagine how father is feeling, I pray his heart can take the stress. That’s why Gihren took charge of the military, he wanted to give father time to process this all. I think some fresh air, some time away from the front lines, it could do us all good.”              char looked out at the beautiful scenery around the Gow

             “you know I might take you up on that, make sure Icelina is taken care of here, she’s not just our Princess, she is still the daughter of the USNA’s president, who I believe is in power, even if its just in name.”

             Dozle knodded at him as Char walked down the ramp to the ground below

The lab they were near was called the Flannigan institute for Zeonic Military Research. It had a… reputation. Soldiers got sent here, came back different. What went on inside the walls of the institute were classified. Char knew they would frequently send POWs here, and that a lot of their research resulted in new mobile suits and new weapons.              “Mr. Aznable, please follow me” Char heard a voice call to him as he stepped off the ramp of the Gow               “My name is Dr.Tonus, I am a researcher here at the institute, we have been reading over your exploits and wanted to show you around the facility and possibly run a simple test, just to show you what it is we research”              “I’m really not the one you should be kissing up to, Commander Dozle is right there, if you are wanting additional funding I’d speak to him instead” Char spoke back in response

             “sir this isn’t a request for more money, this is a request to show you, one of Zeons most decorated officers what is in our militaries future.

               Char followed him into the building, there were people walking around the halls like in asylums of old, people who seemed confused, distraught, and lost just wandering the halls, dressed poorly and in various states of poor hygiene. It was revolting. The researcher led Char into a back room, where they could see into another room via 1 way glass.

             “now Captain Aznable, watch our subject behind this glass. She will guess the cards that are shown on the television screen in front of you, that is showing us footage of a researcher in another lab who is acting as our sender”

             Char looked into the room and a woman wearing a bright yellow dress, and of what he believed to be middle eastern decent was re arranging the cards on the table into the same pattern as the researcher on the television.              “quite well, so she can perform simple card tricks…..fantastic use of Zeons resources” Char said dismissively

             “eh, but watch this Captain Aznable…..I want you to imagine something, something concrete and real, something you know well, and hold that image in your mind”              “Lalah, if you could can you read the mind of the man in the room with me, and tell me what it is he is picturing?”              Char felt a wall of ice overtake him, his body tingling as if he was diving into a cold pool. The chill of it slid through his brain, feeling like a spear of ice rolled through his mind, peeling away at the layers of gray matter              “he is picturing a man with dark black hair, they are in a bathroom with concrete floors and steel cabinetry. There is a smell of tobacco in the air” she said, her voice turning into a laugh towards the end as she realized what it was Char was remembering

             “that’s enough. So what is this? Some psychic research program?” Char said turning and staring daggers in the researchers eyes

             “…well, yes. Minovski particles make long range communication by radio waves too difficult, so we are researching controlling long range weapons through…..well less conventional means. And Lalah here has been the most successful of our experiments. She was brought to us from West Bengal, she was being used by a card shark there to help him gamble. When she grew obstinate, he abandoned her, and she was taken in to one of Zeons shelters in the area where our men found her, and shipped her back here for study.”              “and the rest of the…..subjects, in this facility. Why are they so…..vile”              “well, before Lalah, we had been experimenting with getting these abilities by grafting brains of clones of people with similar abilities onto the brains of POW and lower ranked officers, a super soldier program so to speak”              “clones of people with similar abilities? Dr.Tonus, please elaborate….because what you are saying is making me want to pull my side arm out and personally shut this whole facility down right now….this sounds like human experimentation, and at that, forced human experimentation…..which as you know violates the antartic treaty as well as the teachings of Zeon Zum Deikun”              “Captain, the war will be won by whoever can harness these powers first, and by who can harness them the best. As you have already seen, the federation has 4 pilots who can out pilot even you….surely they have already started to harness Newtypes for combat use”                            “Newtypes…..the people who Deikun said would be worthy of inheriting the earth, you think that means this? That it means psychics?” Char snapped at the man and pulled his gun, pointing it at the man

               “yes sir, spend a few hours with Lalah, you will believe the same as we do, Newtypes…..they are worthy of salvation, we are simply trying to find a way to elevate the rest of us to their level” Char lowered his gun and looked back through the window, then at the small man, who said with no fear the evils he had committed……viewing them as aspects of Chars fathers teachings

               “show me these clones…..I need to document this, send it back in a report to the high command.”              “before we do that Captain, we do want to run some tests on you….we want to test a theory” ______________________________________________________________

Char found himself hooked up to a machine, a wreath around his head, and a blood pressure cuff on his arm              “am I just testing the same thing that the woman from before was testing?”              “yes Captain, I want you to clear your mind, and try to see what it is the woman in the room across from you is looking at”              char looked at the cards in front of him, and thought about how stupid this all was…he did wonder though

             He cleared his mind…and for a second he felt like he saw it, at the same time he felt it, there it was a line of ice through the middle of his brain, right into the top of his spine.              he arranged the cards and the researcher knodded at him

             “promising” he said as he took the cards away, and wheeled in a small box, with a T shaped item in it, the top bar balancing on a blade, like a knifes edge

             “all I need you to do is to move the top part of this metal bar, so that it makes contact on either side of the case, this will trigger an electrical contact, and turn on a light in this office.”              char emptied his mind and tried to slow his hands trembling and stared at the metal T

After about ten minutes just as the researcher started to walk towards the box to push it out of the room it tilted and made contact

               “now…..now that we have finished your stupid tests, show it to me” Char said as he ripped the wreath off his head.

  __________________________________________________________

Dr. Tonus walked Char into a basement, where all around him in vats were young women and men, all blond, all quite young.  Dozens and dozens of them, tubes and wires hanging around them, and skewering their bodies.

               “they are all clones of two children who were donated to the facility about a decade ago, we had been studying their abilities at that time, but our research wasn’t folded into the military until recently when Supreme commander Gihren decided that our research could be useful to the war effort.”              char walked over to the tanks and looked at the faces of the children

             “their features look familiar…who donated them?”              “well…..unfortunately that is classified Captain Aznable….their lineage is unfortunately a state secret at this time”              “ah, I see…..so they are his children, it’s unmistakable, the jaw line, the ears...they look just like Girhen when he was younger. Wonder who the mother was…that too is probably a state secret too isn’t it” Char said craning his neck to look back at the doctor

             “well….yes…..unfortunately it is”              “are the children, this mysterious man left here, are they still alive?”              “yes they are taken care of in the eastern wing, they are about 13 years old now”              “13, and how old are the children in these tubes? Surely they all haven’t been floating like this for 13 years.” Char said looking at the children, they looked to be in their late teens, early 20s,  surely these clones weren’t so young.              “well, we are injecting them Human Growth Hormone, a combination of Steroids and developmental enhancers and of course they are being dosed with sedatives so they are largely unresponsive, we really just need to get the brain to the right size so that we can excise the parts that we believe are responsible for the Newtype Phenomena. We then graft that part onto the brain of the test subject, though it has so far been unsuccessful…Lalah has been able to telepathically communicate with 2 of our test subjects who became nonverbal after the fact, and they seemed to have still been mentally capable, though we still need time to perfect the surgical process as well as the drug cocktail that will be required to prevent rejection of the parts of the brain that are grafted on”              “I don’t understand…how would sticking someones brain matter onto your brain give you their powers?” Char said turning to face the man

               “well, you see….this is difficult to explain, but when someone learns something often there is a physical region of the brain, a new organ that is grown. We noticed it in the late 20th century while examining Einstein’s brain. He had a knuckle shaped area behind his right ear, and we saw that same shape, that organ in people that had one thing in common with him, they were violinists. In a normal human brain, that region would be missing, just smooth gray matter but if they had studied the violin in childhood, there it was, the violinists knuckle right behind their right ear. A similar region we called the seat of the pianist would be closer to the center of the brains of those who had studied the piano. Our early tests were with excising those parts and implanting them in others, and surely enough often they could play the instrument in question after the surgery, though they lacked the muscle memory to properly coordinate their body with their mind. But the newtype phenomena is purely mental, we know if we keep experimenting we can uplift ourselves to their level. There is no muscle memory to overcome. “              char looked around, these were human beings

Their bodies were being harvested for war

They were being made into weapons, no not even weapons

Parts of a weapon

What happened to the child when their brain was harvested Casval wondered

Who thought up this monstrous idea

             “who ordered this research? Who pushed for the cloning, the brain surgery”              “well….Supreme Commander Gihren of course, and the use of them in military applications was further expanded by his sister, Rear Admiral Kycelia. She has begun production of Newtype use weapons to be used in the war effort, we just need to create a decent pool of soldiers for her to use first. “ “this is disgusting…” Char said as he turned away from the man. He began to walk out of the facility, Revolted. As he was about to reach the door though, he felt a line of ice sliding between the lobes of his brain once more. And a woman’s voice in his ears

               “you saw the children in the basement didn’t you?”              he didn’t know how to respond should he speak aloud, should he just think? Instead Char simply knodded

             “it is monstrous isn’t it. I am scared every day they will come for me….that they will carve me up the same way they did those children”              Char swallowed in fear as images of surgeons, doctors, and blood filled his mind, he felt like he was drowning in a horror movie

             “please you have to take me away from here” Char stormed back into the building, past the lost souls that wandered the halls, and into the room where Lalah was still being studied, grabbing her by he arm he spoke aloud

               “I am captain Charles Aznable, and I will be taking this women here with me, if you want to fight me on it, take it up with my commanding officer Dozle Zabi.” He then pulled the women with him out of the facility. Off into the sunny Californian afternoon they walked Lalah free from that horror

And Char burdened even further, knowing that his mission was to no longer hurt Degwin for the pain that he endured as a young boy, but now he had to kill them all, every Zabi had to die…..for this sin against god and man.

[swanqueeneverafter]

29. Ariel, Pt.2

Maritime Kingdom. Past. Inside Maritime Castle. (Snow White and Ariel are both wearing ball gowns.) Ariel: “Wow! It's even better than I imagined. Do I look okay? Is this how people dress?” Snow White: “You look fantastic.” Ariel: “Does it fit right? Because it just feels a little...” Snow White: “Tight? It's a corset. It's supposed to be.” Ariel: “How do you know all these things?” Snow White: “In another life, I was a princess.” Ariel: “Well, perhaps you'll be one again.” Snow White: “I doubt it. But tonight, you can be. (Ariel laughs softly. Snow White picks up a fork:) Remember what I taught you. (She shows Ariel the fork:) What's this?” Ariel: “Mini-trident. ...Salad-trident?” Snow White: “Fork. Salad fork. (Ariel pockets the fork:) Oh. It's really not that valuable.” (The Prince appears at the top of the staircase.) Snow White: “There. Look. Is that him?” Ariel: (She laughs:) “Yes. That's him. He's just as I remembered. Less wet... But more handsome.” (Their eyes meet and they smile at each other.) Snow White: (Whispers:) “Go to him.” Ariel: “Just... walk over there?” Snow White: “Love at first sight doesn't need much prompting.” (She pushes Ariel forward. Ariel walks over toward Prince Eric but trips over her own feet) Ariel: “Oh! Uhh!” (Eric approaches her.) Prince Eric: “Would you like to dance? (He holds out a hand and helps Ariel stand:) Might be easier than walking.” Ariel: (She laughs nervously:) “No one's dancing.” Prince Eric: “Well, that's one of the perks of being the prince. If I want to dance, (He holds out his hand:) I can. (He nods to the musicians and music starts to play:) I'm Eric.” Ariel: “Ariel.” Prince Eric: “You look familiar. (He bows and she curtsies:) Have we met?” Ariel: “I don't think so.” Prince Eric: (A look of realisation forms on his face. He takes her hand and they begin to dance:) “I know where it's from.” Ariel: “Where?” Prince Eric: “I was in a shipwreck. I nearly drowned. Someone saved me. I didn't see them, but... I've had a recurring dream since then, of a face. Your face.” Ariel: “That can't be. I'm new in town, so... How could I have possibly saved you?” Prince Eric: “I know. Ursula's the one who saved me. And in doing so, she showed me a vision of my future. That's the face I saw. That's you.” Ariel: “Ursula is just a myth.” Prince Eric: “Is she? 'Cause you're right here in front of me. Now what brings you to our kingdom?” Ariel: “Well... I wanna see the world.” Prince Eric: “Then you and I have something in common. I'm leaving in the morning... a grand expedition... to do just that.” Ariel: “What?” Prince Eric: “I've been planning it for years. This shall be my final Ursula ball, for tomorrow, I'm exploring the unknown lands... the desert from this realm to Agrabah.” Ariel: “You're actually doing it. I've always wanted to see the world.” Prince Eric: “Then come. I see it in your eyes. You want to. Unless I've misread things.” Ariel: “No. Um, I mean... Yes. I mean no.” Prince Eric: “I'm pressuring you. That's unfair. How about this? Tomorrow morning, I'll wait for you. If you show up, I'll be filled with joy. If you don't, well... I may be heartbroken, but I'll understand. So nice to meet you, Ariel.” (He bows and she curtsies, and the crowd applauds. Ariel walks away toward Snow White and a full length mirror.) Evil Queen's Palace. (The Evil Queen and the two guards from earlier that were chasing Snow White are looking into the Magic Mirror at Snow White speaking to Ariel.) Evil Queen: (Disgusted:) “Ugh.” Guard 1: “That's the woman that rescued Snow White. The red hair. It's unmistakable. I thought she had a tail, but yes, I'm sure.” Evil Queen: “Next time you let someone fall to their death, make sure they're actually dead.” Guard 1: “She looked dead.” Evil Queen: (Turning to him:) “No. Death looks more like this...” (She flicks her wrist and the guard's neck snaps, and he drops dead.) Guard 2: “Sh-shall I lead more knights after Snow White?” Evil Queen: “You boys have proved unequal to the task. (She is about to kill him, but then her face changes and she smiles:) ...No. I've got a new idea.”

Neverland. Present. (Peter Pan is looking through a telescope with Felix standing beside him. Through the telescope Peter sees Mary Margaret, Emma, and the others heading through the woods.) Peter Pan: “Look at them go. So determined to find their missing friend.” Felix: “Speaking of that friend... What should we do with Neal?” Peter Pan: “It's time to move him. Take him to the Echo Cave. (Felix gestures to several Lost Boys, signalling for them to lower Neal's cage:) The game is about to get interesting.” Neverland. Mr. Gold’s Camp. (Mr. Gold sits staring at the doll in his hands, as Belle appears beside him.) Belle: “You don't know what to do, do you?” Gold: “No, I don't.” Belle: “Come home to Storybrooke.” Gold: “And just leave... Henry, my family behind?” Belle: “Come with me, and we can start a new family. Our own family. That's what I want. Don't you?” Gold: “No, you... you can't want anything. You're just a figment of my sub-conscious.” Belle: “No. No. I'm really here. Take my hand. Believe in our love, and we can go back. Take it, Rumple. Please. Come home to me.” (Belle starts choking, and Regina approaches, her hand stretched out as she chokes Belle with her magic.) Regina: “Enough of this.” Gold: (Runs over to her:) “Regina!” Regina: “Are you really going to fall for this?” Belle: “Rumple, st... stop her.” Regina: “Don't listen to him.” Gold: “What are you doing?” Regina: “Showing you the truth.” Belle: (Belle collapses:) “Aah!” Gold: “No!” (Gold starts to move toward Belle but Regina stops him.) Regina: “Look who you're really dealing with.” (Belle is consumed by a cloud of smoke and it is revealed to actually be the Shadow, which then flies away.) Gold: “Pan.”

Neverland. Elsewhere. (The foursome are travelling through the jungle. Hook & David trail behind as Emma begins to talk to Mary Margaret.) Emma: “Why are you so keen for Neal to be alive?” Mary Margaret: “What do you mean? Aren’t you?” Emma: “If he's still alive, sure. I mean he knows how to get off this island.” Mary Margaret: “And that’s all? (Stops and turns to face her:) Emma, I get what you're doing, you know. You don't want to open yourself up to the hope that he's alive, but you should.” Emma: “Why?” Mary Margaret: “Because you deserve a happy ending, Emma. And happy endings always start with hope.” Maritime Kingdom. Past. (Snow White and Ariel are sitting on a bench in the ballroom, talking to one another.) Ariel: “This was a terrible, terrible mistake.” Snow White: “You met him. It's a start.” Ariel: “More like an end. I can't ask him to give up his dream for someone he just met.” Snow White: “Maybe you're the dream.” Ariel: “Maybe. But I can't make him choose. It's not right.” Snow White: “You can't make him choose? Or you don't want to make him choose? You're afraid.” Ariel: “Of what?” Snow White: “Of his choice.” Ariel: “There is nothing about any of this... that's easy.” Snow White: “So take my advice. Do the hard thing. Be honest. No secrets. Open your heart to love. It is so worth the risk, even if you get hurt. Then you'll know... you'll know you tried.” Ariel: “I just need some time to think.” Snow White: “Well, you have three hours. So I'll be here if you need me.” (They take each other's hands, and then Ariel walks away.) Maritime Kingdom. Past. By The Ocean Shore. (Ariel, in her human form, is back in her regular clothes and standing by the water.) Ariel: “What should I do? That's right, I'm talking to you, Ursula, mythical goddess of the sea. Eric thought you brought us together, but we both know that's lie, so... Tell me, between girlfriends, what do I do? Nothing, huh? Well, what should I expect from a long-dead myth? You gave me legs, but that's it, right? No answers? Thanks... for nothin'. (The Evil Queen emerges from the water. She has tentacles like an octopus':) Ursula?” Evil Queen: “Hello... Ariel.”

Neverland. Mr. Gold’s Camp. Present. Regina: “What is this? Amateur hour? Did you really believe that was Belle?” Gold: “Why are you here?” Regina: “Well, for starters, it appears I'm saving your ass. You were about to be Pan's lunch.” Gold: “Oh, what do you care?” Regina: “I care because I've been camping with the Charmings for days and getting nowhere. If we're gonna get Henry, I need you. I need Rumpelstiltskin.” Gold: “Well, the problem, dearie, is that Rumpelstiltskin can only stop Pan by dying.” Regina: “You're not gonna die at anyone's hands but my own. We're the two most powerful practitioners of magic who have ever lived. The Evil Queen and the Dark One joining forces? I'd say we can find another way to handle one smug teenager.” Gold: “You've never faced him. I have. And I know what killing him requires. And that is–my life.” Regina: “Well, as much as I want to, maybe we don't have to kill him. If that's the case, then... Maybe we can find another way... something to contain him, some other fate.” Gold: “A fate worse than death.” Regina: “Now we're talkin'. There's my malevolent imp. Is there a spell you know? Something we can enact?” Gold: “No. But back in my shop, I might have just the thing.” Regina: “Well, why didn't you bring it with you in the first place?” Gold: “Because I came here to kill him and die in the process!” Regina: (She laughs:) “Well, I could've told you that wasn't gonna happen. You forget, dear. I've known you a long time. I know all about your survival instincts.” Gold: “Yeah, well, they just kicked in.” Regina: “Good. So now we just need a change of plans. We need to get back to your shop, pick up this magical item, and then all of our problems are solved.” Gold: “Crossing realms? Is that all?” Regina: “Yes. That's all.” Maritime Kingdom. Past. (Ariel is on the beach, staring at the Evil Queen, who is disguised as Ursula.) Ariel: “You're... real.” Evil Queen: (She laughs:) “As real as the legs you're standing on.” Ariel: “I'm sorry if I was rude before. I...” Evil Queen: “My dear sweet child. Don't fret. I understand. But you're also in luck. I can help with your... dilemma.” Ariel: “With Prince Eric? I have to tell him the truth, don't I?” Evil Queen: “Bah! Your friend was mistaken.” Ariel: “Are you sure?” Evil Queen: “Of course I'm sure. If you tell him the truth... that you're from two different worlds... he won't accept that. Or you.” Ariel: “How is this helping again?” Evil Queen: “What if I told you that you could keep your... legs? That you can walk on land, be a part of his world... Forever, without ever telling him your secret, that you're a mermaid? Would you be interested?” Ariel: “Of course.” (The Evil Queen chuckles to herself.) Maritime Kingdom. Past. At The Docks. (Snow White is sitting at the edge of the docks, when Ariel runs up to her.) Snow White: “What is it? What happened?” Ariel: “Something amazing. And not just for me, but for the both of us.” Snow White: “What are you talking about?” Ariel: “I received a gift... a gift that will allow me to spend the rest of my life with Eric, and a way for you to escape your evil queen.” Snow White: “How is that possible?” Ariel: “Look.” (Pulls out a bracelet and puts it on Snow White's wrist.) Snow White: “What are you doing?” Ariel: “This is no ordinary bracelet. (A dark green smoke forms around Snow White's legs:) Look.” Snow White: “Ohh.” Ariel: (She helps Snow White sit down:) “Here.” Snow White: “What's happening? Oh! Oh!” (Snow’s legs transform into a mermaid's tail. She starts to fall, but Ariel helps her to stay upright.) Ariel: “You're a mermaid.” Snow White: “Ariel... What have you done?”

Ariel: “The bracelet is magic. I got it from Ursula. By wearing it, you get my tail, and I can keep my legs. That's the price, but it's a good price. Don't you see? You can escape. You can travel to my land... a land where the evil queen cannot follow. And you can have a life, a wonderful life, under the sea.” Snow White: “Ursula gave you the bracelet?” Ariel: “Yes.” Snow White: “Ursula is a myth. She hasn't existed for thousands of years. She's not real.” Ariel: “Yes, she is.” Evil Queen: (Approaching:) “Actually... It's not entirely true.” Ariel: “What's going on?” Evil Queen: “Well, well, well. Look at the catch of the day.” Ariel: “Ursula?” Snow White: “No, this isn't Ursula. This is Regina, the Evil Queen.” Neverland. Present. Outside Of Echo Cave. Mary Margaret: “The tracks lead directly into that cave. This must be where Pan is keeping Neal.” David: “If the cave is some sort of prison, why aren't there any guards posted to stop us?” Hook: “Because this prison doesn't require guards. (Sighs:) Echo cave.” Mary Margaret: “You know it?” Hook: “All too well. I lost half my crew inside those rock walls. The only way to rescue someone from inside is to reveal a secret.” Mary Margaret: “A secret? That's all?” Hook: “Your darkest secret. Echo cave derives its name from an old saying... ‘the deeper the lie, the more truth in its echo.’ The cave demands that you reveal a truth about yourself. A secret you would never admit to anyone.” Emma: “This is ridiculous.” Hook: “Don't kill the messenger, luv.” Emma: “Even if we spill our guts, how do we know Neal's still alive in there?” Hook: “Because this is what Pan wants. He wants us to rescue him.” David: “Why?” Hook: “So that we reveal our secrets. He believes once we do, our secrets will destroy us.”

Maritime Kingdom. Past. At The Docks. Evil Queen: “Having trouble with your fin?” Snow White: “I'll figure it out!��� Ariel: “Snow, the bracelet.” (Snow White attempts to remove the bracelet.) Evil Queen: “The wearer can't take it off. Oh. Did I leave that detail out? For once, Snow, you won't be able to run away.” Ariel: “You tricked me?” Evil Queen: “You went to a long-dead octopus for advice, and you're going to blame me for your problems?” Ariel: “This is wrong.” Evil Queen: (As Ariel goes to help Snow:)  “Unh-unh-unh. Sorry, dear. You're not helping her.” Snow White: “Ariel, get out of here.” Evil Queen: “For once we're in agreement. Get out of here, mermaid!” Ariel: “Not if you're gonna hurt my friend.” Evil Queen: “You have a choice. Your friend's going to be hurt either way. The real question is whether you're going to join her. Or are you going to run off and get your happy ending? Hmm? Go on. There are no second chances.” Snow White: “It's okay, Ariel. I can't keep running forever. You have a chance at happiness. That's something the queen will never have. Eric is going to leave any moment. Go to him.” Evil Queen: “Listen to her, Ariel! Are you really going to give up the love of your life...? For a friend?” Ariel: “I'm sorry.” (She walks away.) Evil Queen: “Now... Where were we? Oh, right. The catch of the day.” (She uses her magic to start choking snow White, who gasps for air. Ariel runs up and stabs the Evil Queen in the neck with a fork. Regina cries out in pain, and Ariel runs to Snow White, takes the bracelet off, and throws it into the ocean.) Snow White: “What are you doing?” (Her tail changes back into legs, and Ariel regains her tail.) Ariel: “Hold your breath.” (She dives into the water with Snow White, and they swim away to safety.)

[isroselalondebisexual]

Heya! If you're still doing trollswap stuff, how do you think John Peixes (there's a Jade and Dave Peixes and I wanna see this boy as tyrian), Rose Ampora (Idk I like Rose as seadweller purple but! that's just me), Jade Leijon (Dog girl...turned cat girl? :0, also Jade as a Witch of Heart is an interesting concept to me!), and Dave Maryam (Idk, Dave as a jadeblood would be cool, especially given that I think the jade caste is female majority?)

John Peixes, raised with as much wealth and power as a troll can have, with a lusus that makes demands but also loves him. Tbeh the idea of John using his power to hurt others is laughable, but I absolutely think that he’s the kind of person who would take advantage of his station to make sure that he’s first in line to see whatever cool new movie/game/interest of his that’s coming out. Is he going to burn down your neighborhood for the sake of a selfie background? No. Is he gonna post hella untagged spoilers for that movie you were looking forward to? You bet your ass. He’s well-intentioned over all, he likes all the warmer castes and has opinions ranging from “I mean what they’re up to is kind of not my business” to “they’re all so funny” depending on the mood of the night, a little condescending but never out of any malice. Nobody’s sure what to make of him because on one hand, it sorta sounds like he could have ideas for radical social reform in that he’s NOT mean to warm bloods and that’s usually how treason presents itself, but on the other hand he’s like… really endearing and his jokes are genuinely funny so most people actually really, really like him and are pretty pleased to be able to say “yes this one is our heir. He’s a little dumb but by god he’s doing his best.” There’s a sort of mutual back and forth of him looking at all of his subjects and going “aw cute” and them looking at him and going “fuck he’s adorable.” It’s possible that John, after maybe getting prompted from Rose or smth, uses his charm and social media presence (he’s got a sizable following, but no one is obligated to subscribe to his various channels) to start up a system where if someone in an area next to you dies, you can inform the heir and his orphaner and those lususes are donated to the cause of “Keep my horrorterror lusus from killing everyone by screaming.” He really doesn’t like killing things, it leaves a bad taste in his mouth and he gets. Weird. When he has to deal with death. So he’s really, really grateful he has a moirail like Rose to help take care of him! As Heir of Life, he’s got a pretty ridiculously high sense of empathy, especially considering the society he was raised in, and sometimes it can get so overwhelming he just shuts down. He’s compassionate, and interested in fixing things, but he isn’t sure how to DO that, aside from just, well, being himself. Taking things as they come to him. The universe is vast and cold and uncaring and he’s only one person in the midst of it all, and he knows that even though he was hatched into a position of pretty high political power, he’s still only ONE troll, and all trolls are killable. So he finds his balance by doing what he can, with what he has, where he is at. His quest is to embody the idea of giving his all, and he is truly awakened when he comes to the conclusion that what he has to give is enough. He is kind enough, tries hard enough, he is good enough just as himself, always bettering the situation around him to the best of his abilities and letting the rest of the universe sort itself out.

Rose Ampora, the most powerful and wealthy troll in Alternia except for one, who she is conveniently pale with. I think she’d be pretty similar to Rose Peixes in that she is driven and ruthless. She is second to no one, she’s top of the hemospectrum, a princess, royalty, she’s smarter, stronger, faster, better and she likes it that way. Her lusus is pretty lax, all things considered, content to go along with whatever she asks Seahorsemom to do, and it’s sort of frustrating that her lusus doesn’t share the same drive as she does, but convenient too, because that means whatever she wants, Seahorsemom will agree to, or at the very least acquiesce. If Rose starts misbehaving, Seahorsemom isn’t likely to enact any discipline, so Rose sort of has the run of the hive. Rose can be pretty mean when she wants to be, convinced of her own authority and superiority and raised on a violent, unfair planet in the deep waters of a violent, freaky ocean. Razor sharp and whip-fast reflexes are necessary to survive the deep sea, and transfer over into her everynight life and conversation styles. John is her best friend, and is the calm to her storm. He’s the one who tells her when she’s being too mean, or when someone wasn’t really trying to pick a fight with her, the one who laughs at other people’s jokes and clues her in that she shouldn’t be tensing up and reaching for her needles, the one who soothes her down and blurs the sharp edges on her, and she’s really, really grateful she has a moirail like John to help take care of her! As Seer of Hope, her goal is to stop focusing so much on the bad, on the violent way things were, she needs to stop thinking that all and any words thrown her way are threats or veiled mockery, and instead try to look towards the good, the prospects of the new world, the way things can become better without having to fight fang and claw for it. She’s always wanted better, you know. Always wanted to be better, herself, better, for her moirail, better, always trying, always clawing desperately for better, but she’s so focused on the negatives that that became impossible for her. As Seer of Hope, she must learn to change her perspective. Also, somewhat unrelated note, but violet Rose would be the best dresser Alternia has ever seen. Just sayin. She’s a disaster at all times always but that sure as hell doesn’t mean she needs to look like one.

Jade Leijon! Raised in a cave in the middle of the woods by an oversized, two-mouthed housecat who loves her! Pounce always seemed pretty spunky, from how Nepeta described her, so Jade still has a high-energy lusus that she can go out gallivanting about with! Jade, I can’t really see being a huntress, which may frustrate Pounce bc go!!!! Hunt!!!! It’s for food!!!!! We are cats!!!! But Jade is very likely content to just eat normal troll food and keeps her rifle on her for protection reasons. Of course, if anything in the forest decides that Jade is prey, it’s gonna lose that fight, and she’ll eat that, but she doesn’t like, go out of her way to hunt things. Having an affectionate cat for a lusus probably means Jade has a good understanding of “tell me to stop touching you and I will” but ALSO is the type of person to get aaaaaaaaaaaaall up in your personal space just like, casually, because she loves you and why wouldn’t she be here!!!! What do you mean you’re busy on the computer no you’re not, it’s time to cuddle with Jade now! Very likely still has her vast variety of interests, but her attention is more apt to flit between them, getting bored with something means immediately dropping it and going to something else. So he’s very smart and very impassioned about her interests, she just has a very non-linear way of going about it! Still super duper friendly and the local sweetheart of everyone, good at finding the way people like to communicate and successfully mimicking the other person’s communication style. This leads to her not being entirely sure of what her own personality is, because she’s a pretty big people pleaser and she feels like she puts on a different “mask” every time she talks to a different person, but really all that means is she’s very in tune to the emotions and personalities of the people she’s engaged with and very skilled at context-based decisions! As Witch of Heart, this is only emphasized, as she is the kind of person who is able to change emotions and the way her soul operates to best fit the needs she is presented with! Her nuanced capabilities are what let her really flourish as Witch of Heart, though sometimes the things that seem obvious to her make her come off as, paradoxically, emotionally distant. OBVIOUSLY her friends feel x way about y things, why are they making everything so complicated??? It’s simple, couldn’t be plainer, her friends are so silly and they can be sorta dumb sometimes, wow! But in reality Jade is the one who has that emotional clarity, and her friends aren’t being dumb, they’re just dealing with feelings and thoughts that are really complicated to them, despite seeming simple to Jade. She’s got a little bit of trouble with understanding that her experiences are not universal- there are some disconnects she’s gotta work through- but she’s deeply caring and very smart so it all works out for the best in the end.

Dave Maryam! So you said that the jadebloods were a female-majority caste and what immediately came to mind was “Dave is trans confirmed” so Dave is trans, confirmed. He lives alone in the desert, with a mothergrub for a lusus and we know the mothergrub really loved Kanaya and was very close to her so Dave has a good lusus, always blessed as a concept 10/10. I imagine he’d actually be really sick of the cold, since deserts get fucking chilly at night, and so he’s more of a daytime person, despite not really knowing why. Obviously he’s not a rainbow drinker, John, that’s absurd. Like how Dave in canon is all “lmao obviously I’m not gay” until he takes the time to figure out that yeah, yeah he is, despite overwhelming signs, that’s Dave with his own rainbowdrinking nature in this. Jade thinks he’s dumb and doesn’t understand what the issue is here. Dave thinks maybe SHES the dumb one, how about that! They’re dumb children and I love them. Isolation is exceedingly not-fun, and Dave can’t really get into photography cause there’s not a lot to photograph out here in the middle of nowhere. Not a lot of shit to die for him to put in jars, either. The ruins he lives close to are very interesting, though, so he ends up something of an archaeologist, digging up those ruins, trying to decipher them, funneling endless hours into those weird rocks and carved frogs and cryptic symbols because it’s one of the only things for him to DO out there in the middle of nowhere. He creates a VAST wealth of comics, also because art is one of the only things he’s able to do out there in the middle of nowhere, and the responses he gets from people who read (but generally don’t fully understand) his comics might be empty and artificial but so is the flimsy validation he gets from seeing his follower count rise and the notes go up. As Knight of Space he is similar to Dave Harley, in that he upholds the balance of the universe and needs to breed the new one, which STILL just means he’s the weird frog dad now. It’s interesting for him bc he always knew he was gonna be working with weird babies of one sort or another, and he was pretty comfortable with the role of fatherhood being something he would eventually assume, but instead of bug people he’s just got. Like. A bunch of weird frogs. Jade come check this out these things are NASTY lol. He enjoys them, but doesn’t form as close of an emotional attachment to them, because he’s been conditioned by Alternia and the structure of how his species reproduces to know that while they’re temporarily in his care, he must eventually set them off to go do their own things (like, say, becoming the universe, for example). His role as a father of these weird paradox frogs is the method by which he protects the universe and it’s existence, which is something that makes him feel incredibly important and gives him a sense of wholeness, which he deserves.