#Demon Hawks my beloved

[starseclipsing]

If you've ever summoned demon!hawks by accident, I feel bad for you.

Maybe you were feeling a tiny bit vindictive and gladly gathered the offerings required to make a deal with a lower-level demon you were planning to summon. Just a small little homeless spell...and only for a certain amount of time! That's it, you swear.

Unfortunately, things went slightly awry when you decided to make a tiny error in your summoning spell. An action you quickly came to regret when an entirely different entity spawned in your summoning circle.

…

A small hiss of smoke emerges from the pentagram, till it erupts into a full blown cloud of smoke that makes you shut your eyes and cough. You wave your arms around aimlessly to help dispel it. You silently pray to God it doesn't trigger any smoke detectors.

You squint to look around at your home, but it's like it's been engulfed in a thick fog, and your eyes begin to water. Maybe this was a bad idea...

Suddenly, just as you were thinking to leave through a window, a powerful gust of wind sends the smoke flying away. You immediately hack a cough and take in a large inhale through your mouth at the bout of fresh air.

You blink your watery eyes at what the hell just happened, and you gasp.

A demon stands proud in the middle of the pentagram. Entirely bare, his body is painted with strange, intricate black markings, the most remarkable ones being on his eyes. Sharp, golden eyes.

He flaps his large, red wings lightly to clear the remaining smoke, looking rather disinterested. 

You pale.

Whatever this thing is, it is not what you intended to summon. Hell, you were half predicting nothing would show up at all. You blink and come to your senses; then, bambi-scramble towards the counter for your book.

"Hey, where are you going?" His voice sounds male. Humanly so, and you shiver.

"Shut up." You respond mindlessly as your shaky hands open the marked page on your book. After a few rather inexpert turns, you finally do, and your eyes zero in on the picture of the demon.

Fat, garish, stubby, and old looking. Truly, one of the ugliest pictures your eyes had the misfortune of gazing upon.

You look back at your demon. He's lean, tall, and perhaps... handsome. 

No, no. Anything is handsome when compared to the demon in your book, you reason.

You run your hands across your face and resist a groan. What the hell were you even thinking? You're gonna go to work tomorrow after this. It's already late, and you have the audacity to make a mess at this hour.

Perhaps you're dreaming. Oh, yes. That is the most plausible answer. What the hell is a demon anyway? A being made to scare children into believing the moral of the story. That's all. All you need to do is pinch yourself, and you'll be awake--

"Hellooo?" The demon calls out, quite poutily. "Big, scary demon in your house. Come and sell your soul to mee." He waves as if that'll catch your attention.

You ignore him, and look over the instructions that you followed to summon the entity.

You slip from behind the counter with the book to your nose to stand in front of the summoning circle. Your eyes flit from the book to the circle, appraising your work. You circle it, paying attention to every detail. You’ve followed every step correctly, so…what gives?

"Hey!"

You finally look up from your book to him. He doesn't look amused.

He huffs, "I don't appreciate how rude you're being. I'm a high-class demon, and I’m being treated like this?"

"Are you?" You pipe up, surprised, "No, no, that can't be right..." You look back to your book. You specifically intended to summon a lower-class demon.

He guffaws, "Am I?"

Your eyes finally land on the ingredient list, orange-red salt.

You look at the summoning circle. Blood-red salt.

You facepalm. God, how could you be so stupid? You messed everything up over such a tiny mistake. Just great. Whole night ruined over what? Just because you were a vindictive little thing that wanted to get back at your trash bag ex, and it totally came and bit you in the ass. Stupid, stupid, stupid...

A loud creak is heard and your train of thought is cut off. You look up and pale at the sight of one of the wooden boards holding your house up having been snapped almost halfway. What on Earth…?

"Tick-tock." Your eyes look to his own, and there’s no hint of joking to them. They’re only sharp and intimidating. "You're on borrowed time, human. Better make a deal fast before this whole house comes crashing down on us." He doesn't look relaxed anymore, tone and demeanour rather serious.

You inhale through your nose, looking at him with wary curiosity, "What...does that mean?"

He laughs, "Don’t got a clue in the world, do ya?" He crosses his arms over his chest, "Well, I'll tell you. Since I'm so nice."

You tilt your head to the side, suddenly feeling anxious. The ceiling creaks again. "Tell me what?"

"Well, well, well, let's see here..." He puts his hand on his hip, drawing your eyes to a rather unsavory part of his body, you quickly look back at his eyes, "You opened a gateway from Hell to Earth inside your cute little house here, and it's putting quite the strain on it." You hear small splinters give way from above you, "Keep it open long enough, and well..." He looks unbothered, like it’s not his problem, "It'll all come crashing down on us."

You blink slowly, jaw slightly ajar. You swallow, and muster the words, "We're gonna die?"

"You're gonna die."

"I'm gonna die?"

"Unless you make a deal with me." He says nonchalantly.

There's a lag in your brain before the complete snap of one of your overhead beams draws your attention back to reality, "Okay, um, well...what kind of deal?"

He doesn't look impressed, "What kind of deal?"

"Well– Look, I summoned you on accident–" His eyebrows shoot up, "No, like, I meant to summon a different demon. And I think what I was going to ask fit his line of expertise more..."

He grins, "Try me."

You bring your hand up to explain, averting your eyes, "Well..." Then, you realize how ridiculous you'll sound. You click your tongue as you look into nowhere in particular, a lie not coming to you fast enough.

He yawns, "Come on, do you want to be homeless?"

Your face flushes in embarrassment at the irony of it all, "I actually..." You swallow, "I wanted to do that to someone else."

He snorts. A snort that erupts into a laugh. Right in your face. Talk about rudeness.

You cross your arms and look away, "Yes, yes. How hilarious. The irony is not lost on me."

He flicks a tear from his face as he comes down from his laughter, a small giggle coming out, "Oh...Oh Lucifer. Okay, I actually can't do that. But that's, so fucking funny."

You pinch your nose bridge, less mad at him and more so yourself. "Well, what can you do?" You say as evenly as you possibly can, which is not much.

He hums, "Affecting other humans directly is not exactly my forte."

You have a hand under your chin as you think, "Then, can you make me...super rich or something?"

"Well, ah...not quite."

"Then…” you try to think, “Can you make me crazy hot?" Perhaps a revenge look is what you should be going for, make your ex miss what they lost...

He grins slyly, "Don't worry, you don't need me in that department."

You try to ignore the flush that creeps down all the way to your neck. Rather annoyed, you burst out, "Well, tell me, then. What can you do?"

He inhales through his nose, "Hmm, I have to say, not much."

You grit your teeth at his annoyingly casual response. Instinctively, you look up. Unsurprisingly, even more of the beams have splinters and...holes in them. As if a mold has eaten its way through them.

Now, you're very, very worried.

"Please, just..." You swallow, trying your best to gather your scattered thoughts, "Anything, any deal you want, i'll do it. Just make it stop."

He smirks, like he’s won a big prize at a casino, "Anything?"

You're suddenly less sure, "Yes."

"Fine." A loud creak, "You can close the border by keeping me on Earth instead of the other way around. The deal can be making me your demon companion...in exchange for your soul."

You choke, and your head grows foggy, "What?"

"It's hard in Hell for a new guy like me." He laments, though a bit fakely... "No souls to keep me warm, and more importantly, powerful." He sighs, "I get picked on."

You look at him in horror, "And you're sure...you're sure there's nothing else I can give you?"

Another beam snaps, "Oh, absolutely. Though if it doesn't float your boat you can just wait it out till you die." He sighs sadly, "Then, you'll go to Hell anyway for summoning me and land in the hands of..." He grimaces, as if it disgusts him to even be looking at the page in your book, "That guy."

At your hesitance, he rolls his eyes, "Listen, you're going to Hell no matter what you choose. So, you might as well choose to stay on Earth longer." He smiles, "I promise I'm not so bad."

You don’t have much of a choice. With an inhale, you make your decision. 

“Fine. Deal.”

[colourstreakgryffin]

Cat demon! Reader who is just a little sh!t with people they consider friends(Alastor and Vox, but separately, pretty, please? Or whichever of them you want to right.)

Oh no. No. Of course I’ll do both of them seperately! It’s a pretty interesting concept but I’ll try my best to try this out for you, love. To be honest, I can imagine our mean demon babes would LOOOVEEE this type of us!

Alastor

Alastor cannot tell if he’s beyond pissed off with you or beyond impressed with you. He feels both coursing through his veins whilst watching your every movement like a hawk

You’re singlehandedly the most annoying and irritating and agitating thing he’s ever seen… and Niffty is bad enough as it is. You just make him want to tear off his own ears more than the Hotel’s cyclopian maid does to anybody else

You’re the physical embodiment of the phrase; ‘an adorable little shit’. You’re a very pretty cute fluffy little cat sinner that looks like a darling but you’re not at all, you’ll always pick on and prank the people you love the most and that’s applies to Alastor, if not the most

And Alastor has the ability to contain his patience of a single stepped-on pastry trying to keep it all its cream filling… so, you shouldn’t push him as much as you want to, unless you want him to truly lash out at you but it is funny to see his mad huffy face

However, Alastor does find you amusing and impressive so really, he’d only give off harsh warnings and wouldn’t truly put his hands on you since he likes you as you like him, just warnings if you continue being a little shit to him any further

Yes, Alastor is a hypocrite. He hates it when you irritate him with your love-filled pranks and head bats but he’ll happily manipulate you to direct your agitating little shit energy onto his worst enemies or other innocents. It’s quite fun to watch from the sidelines that you’re serving him

“If only your adorable face would save you from annoying me, my dear. Such a precious cat with a foul mouth…”

Vox

If Alastor gets annoyed by you and your little gremlin attitude and energy, Vox is much worse and he is less patient than Alastor with you, however… he’s more directive

Vox keeps you around since you’re amusing to watch piss of all your beloveds in your precious but irritating little jokester self but the moment you target him, he’s zipping away to avoid the headache

Vox is aware that your actions and your pranks and your annoyance is all formed through love so he is flattered by the like you have for him but he’d prefer you don’t touch him with that

Vox can quite snappy at you if you don’t follow his orders of ‘don’t annoy me’ but like Alastor, he would never hit you. He only yells and threatens, he can’t actually hurt you since he likes you. Even if you’re the most annoying thing in Hell

Vox does find you absolutely adorable though. He doesn’t know who doesn’t. You’re a little cute fluffy demonic cat sinner with big pan-sized eyes but big claws. He absolutely loves yet hates it

He definitely considers hiring you as one of his employees, maybe his top employee so he can exploit your love and care to him onto others for both of your enjoyment. He does keep you in mind, not like he can really ship you off anyway

“Come here, Kitten~ oh yes. Come here and go bother Uncle Val for me and I’ll give you lots and lots of treats. That’s my good little kitty~”

[adainesjacket]

Happy Friday! How about “I ruined your life.” “You’ve ruined nothing. You are my life.” for Anders/Justice or Anders/Hawke/Justice?

this prompt made me go feral, ty very much. it got a bit howl's moving castle inspired in a way that i wasn't expecting but loved writing! anders/justice, post da2, hurt/comfort, 565 words

@pinkfadespirit @dadrunkwriting

Anders had had enough of reaching out to the other half of his soul and hearing nothing. The long marches, the blisters and the agonies of his joints, the constant fear of being discovered - all this he could deal with. The silence, he could not.

Justice, he thought, and the gaping wound in his ribcage shivered and did not reply.

More insistent: Justice.

He did not reply. He never did. Anders walked on, through mud and rain, through to the next abandoned cabin he might call home for a few short days. He had not spoken to anyone in a week.

Justice, he called out as he forced open the door, as he lit a fire to warm his aching bones. Justice, he whispered, as he found a cracked mirror and began to cut his hair shorter than it had been in years. Talk to me. Please.

When he did not answer a third time, Anders allowed himself to weep. He sat on the edge of the rickety cot and let his head fall into his hands. He wept for Kirkwall. He wept for Karl, whom he had not been able to save. He wept for Hawke, who had not been able to save him.

He wept for Justice, and the wound in his chest shivered and unfurled itself just enough to let out a mournful cry of its own. Anders pressed a hand to his heart, and when nothing more happened, he drew out the bottle of lyrium he had been hoarding for weeks and downed it.

He fell asleep in fits and starts as he always did, but this time he awoke in the Fade. Not a comforting tableau created by his lover, this time, but a wasteland. Not quite Kirkwall. Not quite the Void. Somewhere in between. And in the town square, a large black-feathered figure lay curled on its side, breathing heavily and bleeding in rivulets that trickled through cobblestones. Anders rushed forwards and fell to his knees next to the beast.

"Justice," he murmured, trying in vain to find where to staunch the flow of blood and failing. "Talk to me, my love."

"Do not-" the beast that had been a spirit that dreamed of being a lover flinched. "I have soaked your hands in too much blood already."

"I don't care. I never cared." His long fingers sought purchase in the oily feathers. "You think you're only punishing yourself? You're hurting me. I can't bear to see you like this."

"I became Vengeance," the beast wheezed. "I betrayed you. Us."

"You did not." Anders had loved Vengeance too, in his own way. "Beloved, it was my choice-"

"Your choice? You, mortal?" The beast rose up on its hind legs, the once frail voice now roaring hot and wet on Anders's face. Anders kept his fingers gripped around feathers and refused to move. "You come to a demon who ruined your life and seek to forgive it?"

Anders pressed his face to the oily, bloody feathers. "You ruined nothing," he murmured. "You are my life."

The beast roared as if stabbed in the heart, but when the noise subsided, black feathers fell around Anders's shoulders and he was holding on tight to the armoured, blue-shining figure that was the other half of his soul.

"Don't leave me again," Anders said, fierce and loving.

"I will not," Justice promised in return.

[mumms-the-word]

So I’ve played a bit more Veilguard and y’all

Y’ALL

Y’AAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL

Spoilers below the cut (which I may turn into a lore post later idk)

UM SOUTHERN THEDAS IS DYING?

I have everything spoiler tagged and hidden, idk if people are talking about this but EXCUSE ME??

MY WARDENS AND HAWKES ARE IN DANGER

Okay but like let’s think about this for real (I'm going off memory from replaying the "meet the inquisitor" scene like 3-4 times so forgive any missed details; also I disbanded the Inquisition in this game so idk if that has an effect yet)

Inquisitor and Morrigan said that the south is under siege from a legion, an army, a swarm of darkspawn the likes of which Thedas has never seen. Thanks Ghilan’nain for creating new horrors. That sounds bad but then it gets worse

Denerim, a city that has canonically withstood the Fifth Blight and was the showdown site for a battle against a darkspawn army and an archdemon, is lost. We lost the capital of Ferelden.

Everyone is fleeing to Redcliffe, which is decently defensible but not impenetrable. Redcliffe has already suffered waves of undead and (theoretically) a super dark pseudo-future full of demons and red Templars and such. It stood up pretty well against both, but it’s not great if it’s Ferelden’s last stand against the darkspawn.

What about the Hinterlands? Amaranthine? Gwaren? Inquisitor writes that Ostagar and the Korcari Wilds are seeing surges of darkspawn again--that's where the darkspawn poured forth during the Fifth Blight. That's not good!

Orzammar is helping, but I can’t imagine they’re not also suffering. Are the darkspawn flooding the Deep Roads? Orzammar can’t defend against them forever if it’s worse than we think. Are the Legion of the Dead overwhelmed?

Kirkwall has fallen. A city that has withstood, within the last 25 years, a refugee crisis from the Fifth Blight, a violent qunari invasion, the explosion of their Chantry and the ensuing mage-templar chaos that nearly brought the city to its knees, and the Breach, which opened up dozens of Fade rifts in the city that Varric was still dealing with after the Breach was actually closed. It's gone, it's unlivable, so much so that the Acting Viscount had to evacuate her city and her army to freaking Starkhaven, which is usually their mortal enemy (Prince Sebastian Vael tends to want to annex or control Kirkwall smh)

(Also Aveline is Acting Viscount? that makes sense and also I love that for her, but man what a time to be in charge)

Ostwick, the home city for Trevelyans, is threatened by the rogue Antaam, so I can only imagine that Wycome, where a surviving Clan Lavellan would be, is also threatened by the Antaam (Wycome is closer to Antiva and Rivain anyway). And the rest of the Free Marches is apparently experiencing "the worst" of the darkspawn threat. How many cities other than Kirkwall have fallen? Like Ferelden, what's happening in the spaces between?

In Orlais, the darkspawn have apparently cut a line directly through the country. Both Halamshiral and Val Royeaux are barely holding out, which is partly surprising and partly not. Halamshiral and Val Royeaux are luxurious cities, not defensible fortresses. That said, they have the benefit of the Orlesian monarchy's standing army and the Divine's templar (or templar-equivalent) army, so perhaps that's why they're both still standing.

But I imagine the Exalted Plains, the Dales, the desert landscapes of the Western Approach (which already had lingering darkspawn threats)....those must be suffering. Are the Dales themselves blights, the greenery dying? Is the newly-healing land of the Plains now facing death and destruction again?

I mean, yes, the threat of the gods in the north is also very bad but I am stuck on this idea of trying to figure out how our beloved characters from the last three games are dealing with this! This is their turf!

We know the Inquisitor is running around trying to help but what about everyone else? Like, can you imagine...

How is Alistair doing, facing a blight that has been described as "worse than any blight the world has ever seen"? Either he's a warden and he's sick of dealing with this, or he's the king and he's facing the total annihilation of his kingdom again, only this time the odds are infinitely worse. Is his Warden wife fighting alongside him, or is his Queen helping him keep everything together?

What about Zevran? Is he staying in Antiva, causing chaos among the Antaam who have taken over various cities there, or does his Warden romance convince him to go down south to try and help? And Leliana? if she's Divine, she's likely manning the chantry's armed forces, but if not, where is she operating? Is she with her lover, the Warden, or if she's alone, is she back in the game of fielding information to all the necessary forces who need them? She's not the Inquisition spymaster anymore, but that doesn't mean she's not active

Aveline is fleeing to Starkhaven, where Sebastian is, and Varric is with us in the lighthouse. Isabela is with the Lords of Fortune. What about the rest? Did Merrill flee with Aveline? Is Hawke with them? Or is Hawke with Anders, or Fenris, fighting wherever they need to be? (Assuming, of course, they're not left in the Fade). What about Bethany or Carver, if they're alive? If they're Wardens, surely they're in the thick of it, fighting darkspawn. If they're not, have they gone with Aveline to Starkhaven?

And our DAI friends. Cullen is in Ferelden--has he joined forces at Redcliffe, if he's not romancing the Inquisitor? Is his family okay? Dorian is in Minrathous, we can safely assume Josephine is in Antiva City. I can only assume Josephine is trying her best to keep Antiva City safe through her connections and influence, but how long until events there force her to leave too?

Cassandra is from Nevarra so she may be home, or she's Divine, or she's traveling. If she isn't with her romanced Inquisitor and she isn't the Divine, surely she's out there fighting. Against what? Venatori in Nevarra? Or will her allegiances to Orlais bring her down there to aid a Divine Leliana? Sera is still in Orlais too, presumably, as a Jenny that helps the Divine. Are they both facing the darkspawn threat?

If Blackwall is a Warden, is he even still alive? If he's not a Warden, I can imagine he's back in the Free Marches, fighting darkspawn until his dying breath. Iron Bull and his Chargers, too, if they're all alive from DAI. Whether he's in Orlais, Ferelden, the Free Marches, or passing near Tevinter to be with Dorian, he and his team must be constantly dealing with the blight and the gods acting crazy. Unless, of course, he or Blackwall are with the Inquisitor, fighting right there on the front lines.

Vivienne has probably rallied mages in whatever Circle she's established to help, but help how? Joining the forces of the Divine, or leading a campaign of her own? If Cole is human, is he finding little ways of helping, or has he been human so long that he's forgotten how? If he's a spirit, he's back beyond the Veil. Does the chaos in the south now draw him back? How can a spirit of Compassion, whether human or spirit, deal with what is happening all across Thedas?

I have so many thoughts. And I will probably write fic about it. It all just keeps churning in my head. I love it. It's horrifying. The game may have moved on very quickly from it but boy oh boy am I thinking about my Wardens and Hawkes and Inquisitors and going "What are you going to do?? The world is dying!!"

If I learn more I'll turn this into a lore post that isn't hidden by a cut, but for now I have some mural memories to live through (time to cry about Solas again) and then it's side quest city babyyyy so idk when I'll have an update again lol

if you made it this far, well done :') appreciate you

thank for joining me in this chaos!

[koolades-world]

Spellbound Secrets

chapter two: forgotten

synopsis: The House of Lamentation caught fire one night, and you were the only one they recovered from the wreckage. The brothers were in the house as well when you went to bed that night, but they were nowhere to be found. The pact marks are faded, and seem to be getting more and more indefinite by the day. You and Solomon get to investigating but oddly enough, nobody can seem to remember the missing brothers. It’s up to you, with the help of Solomon, to find your beloved demons, lest you never see them again.

navigation: playlist | prologue | chapter one | chapter two (you are here!) | chapter three (coming next saturday)

authors note: it totally slipped my mind last chapter, but i'm doing a tags list for anyone who'd like to join <33 just let me know at any time if you'd like to be added or removed :) also sorry if this chapter reads a little weird. I kinda had to force myself through the ending haha

"We're here!" Solomon patted your shoulder. You hissed slightly at the contact and he quickly removed it with an apology. Before you stood Purgatory Hall. You'd just been discharged from the hospital, and this would be your first time back at somewhere familiar.

"I don't know why, but I'm a little nervous." You absentmindedly messed with the bandages encasing your right hand.

"Do you need some more time before we head in? We could also head to the store. Simeon has a list of items we need for the next few meals, and I was planning to head back out after you got settled.

"No. It's alright. I'm not afraid or anything. Just…" You trailed off. Solomon looked at you expectantly. The feeling growing in the pit of your stomach was nearly impossible for you to place, but you weren't sure why. "Uneasy."

"It's alright. I'll be by your side. Do you want to hold my hand?" He extended it out to you. His fingers were long and slim, and his middle finger was a little crooked. Perhaps that had a story behind it you could ask about later if you needed a distraction. With your good hand, you took his. They were freezing, but in the heat of the Devildom, it was more than welcome.

"Thank you." You said. While the feeling didn't dispel, it was easier to quell it now that your hand was in his.

"Luke will be very happy to see you. You didn't hear this from me, but he made your favorite cookies as a welcome home gift." You could hear the smile in Solomon's voice. The two of you walked up the path to the front door of Purgatory Hall, and to unlock it, he fished around in his pockets for the keys. The bag he was holding of your things had to be temporarily set down. While you insisted you could've just carried it, he refused to let you anything.

Upon unlocking the door, Solomon announced that you were home. Like a hawk, Luke descended upon the two of you and attacked you with hugs. "Luke, settle down. Remember, they just got out of the hospital. We don't want to send them right back." Simeon wasn't far behind the younger angel. Despite what he said, he shuffled towards you to give you a hug of his own.

"Come with me, Mc! I have a surprise for you." Luke held your good leg and looked up at you with big, doe eyes. You glanced back at Solomon.

"You don't need my permission. This is just as much as your home as it is mine." He waved you off, and began conversing with Simeon. They were probably chatting about what the hospital staff had said to you when you'd been discharged. Since Solomon had already let you in on the secret, it was no shock when Luke pulled you into the kitchen and presented you with a plate of cookies. What you hadn't expected was the cute welcome home card that he proudly told you he made all on his own.

The two of you sat and talked for a while over the cookies. He caught you up on whatever he might not had told you on one of his many visits to you. At first, he was very against eating the cookies he'd made for you, but after you reassured him you'd never be able to finish them on your own, he caved. Simeon and Solomon walked in after a little bit, and the four of you sat together at the table. You got lost in the moment, fully enjoying it, just like you would have before the fire. It was like nothing had changed.

"I'd better get going. We still need groceries. Mc, would you like to come with?" Solomon stood up once the conversation lulled.

"I think you just gave Luke a heart attack." Simeon hid his laughter behind a hand. You turned your attention to Luke to see his eyes wide and mouth agape. He got up and stood between you and Solomon.

"They need to rest! They can't go shopping." He adamantly shouted.

"I'd like to go, if that's alright." You told the group. Luke whipped around to face you, an aghast expression etched on his face.

"Mc, no! Please! You can't be serious." Luke pleaded. You got up to stand beside him.

"Think about it, Luke. Imagine how awful it would be to be in the situation they were in. Would you want to be trapped in a hospital bed for a month? Besides, they're with Solomon. I wouldn't trust anymore more than the Demon Prince himself to look after them." Simeon explained to the little angel. As he processed the words, his expression began to change.

"Well, he does have a point. Do you promise to be safe?" Luke took your good hand.

"Yes, I promise." You told him.

"Do you promise to take it easy?" Luke inquired earnestly.

"I promise." You tried you best to suppress laughter as he leant in really close to look you in the eyes.

"Do you promise to come right back home if things go bad or if you get hurt?" Before you could answer, Solomon cut in.

"Alright, they get it. We're headed out now. We’ll be back with the ingredients for dinner!" Solomon took your arm, and pulled you back out the house. Luke watched carefully through the front window as you left.

"Thanks." You let of a sigh of relief. You were afraid Luke wasn't actually going to let you leave.

"It's no problem. I wholeheartedly agreed with everything Simeon said. You need to get out. Thanks to the power of magic, you have that luxury. I don't intend to coop you up if I don't have to." The two of you chatted all the way to and from the store. The trip itself was mostly uneventful, but you enjoyed the trip simply because it was time spent with Solomon.

He made sure to pick up lots of snacks for you, as well as various things the two of you had never tried before with the intention of trying it together. The two of you made the mundane task of regular shopping into something you'd actually enjoyed.

When you got back, Simeon had already begun prepping to start dinner. You gave him the last few ingredients he needed so he could continue. Once he was finished, the four of you sat down at the table together and ate the meal. The table was lively and you could tell the others were glad to have you back. You had a specific spot at the table where you sat as they left it open for you when you all initially sat down to eat. Soon enough, it was time for bed.

"Sleep well Mc. Just let us know if you need anything." Simeon went up the stairs to his own room. Luke had already gone up at that point, but he'd wished you a good night too. It was just you and Solomon left now.

"Where's my room? I was told I lived here, but I don't remember that." You turned to the sorcerer. His expression was unreadable, but you could tell he was thinking.

"Just follow me." He led you up the same staircase Simeon had just ascended and down a long hall. After one turn to the left, he stopped in front of a door you recognized. You tentatively placed your hands on the doorknob and cracked the door. You weren't sure what you were expecting, but it wasn't what you saw.

In front of you was an exact replica of your room back at the House of Lamentation, down to the plushies on your bed. You almost expected to see one of your missing demons to be seated somewhere in that room, waiting for you. It was incredibly eerie, and something about it creeped the hell out of you. You couldn’t place your finger on it, but it felt wrong. You took a giant step back and looked at Solomon. "I know you don't remember, but this is my room from the House of Lamentation." He kept his eyes trained on you. "I don’t like this. I can't sleep in here."

"Is it exactly the same? As far as I remember, it's always looked like this, but based off the information you've given me, this shouldn't exist." Solomon pushed the door open a little more and briefly scanned the room.

"It's identical." You closed the door, not wanting to look at the room anymore. Something that would normally bring you so much comfort was only making your situation more dire. "What exactly is happening here?" The implications of the existence of the room showed not only had the entire realm forgotten about the brothers, but there were also new, physical indicators of the implanted memories. This had to have been the work of someone, or something. It couldn't just be a case of a spell gone wrong. This plus the unusual circumstances of the fire and your injuries must’ve had to be intentional.

"You can sleep in my room tonight, if it comforts you. You don't have to enter that room again if you don't want to." Solomon offered.

"That sounds nice, yeah." You were tired, and while you could just sleep in one of the many spare rooms, sleeping in the same room as Solomon would put you at ease.

"I'll come up with an excuse." The two of you walked further down the hall to Solomon's room. It was cluttered, but there seemed to be a method to the madness. It was familiar and comfortable, in a way your room couldn't be. While you'd usually be awkward in a situation like this, you couldn't find it in you to be at that moment. "Make yourself at home. What’s mine is yours." He busied himself on the other side of the room with a little bit of tidying up. You settled into the farther side of his bed that seemed normally untouched, which happened to be up against the wall.

“Thank you. I’m sorry but I don’t really have an explanation.” You felt bad about invading on his personal space, but you knew he didn’t care.

“You don’t need to give me one. I understand. There’s a lot I don’t know.” He brought over a little lamp from his desk and set it beside his bed in the side table.

“Is there anything I can do to help you out or…?” You watched as he continued to do a little bit more picking up.

“No. Just sit there. I’ll be back with your antibiotics, salve for your burns, and some fresh bandages.” He left the room before you could respond. You’d totally forgotten about that. It wasn’t long before he returned with everything he said he’d bring along with a glass of water. You took the medication first with a shudder, then he started to help you unwrap your burns to treat them. He hadn’t actually seen them until now.

“They’re interesting, aren’t they?” You said softly.

“I did remember the professionals saying the coloration and pattern was unusual, but I didn’t realize this is what they meant.” He gently flipped over your forearm to study the burn.

“What are you thinking?” You could tell the gears were turning in his head.

“I haven’t gotten a chance yet because I was waiting for you, but after I get a chance to study the fire, I think I might have an explanation for this. I’m not certain though, so I want to do some research first.” He gingerly began to apply the salve over the burns. He worked quickly because he intended to repeat this for all of your burns. Your arm didn’t take too long and after he bandaged it up, he quickly moved onto your upper back.

“If I’m being honest, I hadn’t given the fire a second thought. I don’t really want to, actually.” It would be a lie to say you’d never thought about that night. Thinking about it was unpleasant and while you knew you’d have to revisit it in the further, you weren’t ready now.

“If you want, I could handle the brunt of this. It was my proposal, after all.” Solomon offered. His words were delivered with a thoughtfulness you’d never heard from him before.

“I don’t want you to go alone. We’re better as a team. As long as I have you, I feel like I’d be able to handle it.” You smiled at him.

“How does starting tomorrow sound?” He’d just finished with your back and had moved onto your leg. The burns on your leg covered more surface area than the burns on the rear of your body combined, so it was the most daunting task. Despite the fact that you could probably handle that alone, Solomon still insisted on doing it for you. It was a little odd to hear him so soft and gentle, but you could tell he really cared.

“Great. The sooner I have answers the better. More than likely, it has to be connected to the brothers, right?” You pondered out loud.

“Anything for you, my darling apprentice.” The playful Solomon that you usually saw was back. He’d just finished wrapping your leg back up.

“Thanks for the help with my bandages.” You’d never asked him to do it and the fact that he remembered really showed how much he cared.

“Don’t mention it.” He winked at you.

“You’re not going anywhere, right?” You were still a little on edge, and it’d been a long day. You’d be most at ease with him by your side.

“I wouldn’t for the world.” Solomon whispered. He pulled the covers over you and extinguished the lamp on his side table. It was pitch black, but you could feel Solomon shifting in the bed next to you. His presence was heartening. You felt less alone with him by your side.

“Good night. See you tomorrow.”

“Sweet dreams, Mc.”

tags list: @bagofmice

[xenophilderdragon]

See the issue with having inspiration suddenly strike is that the moment I write a little snippet of anything at all, suddenly it’s 30K words and I need to write more of it, actually and then I have a 200 page doc of a fic from a oneshot I have drafted somewhere else.

I have three fics I’m currently working on rn:

The Playlist (erasermic x alt!reader): posted semi-monthly

Such Sweet Sorrow (prince!Hawks x knight! Reader): drafted (two chapters)

Sugar and Spice (working title) hawks x camgirl!reader: drafted (skeleton)

I have so many more WIPs I’ve been avoiding but I refuse to let these ones die but the demons keep coming back and whispering to me. I can’t do short form I’ll lose my mind.

And not to mention wanting to revisit some of the older things I wrote back when I was in the Black Butler fandom (Undertaker my beloved).

Maybe I’ll write some more (totally self insert) little one shots with the blorbos having a Mexican or black or mixed s/o to force me out of writer’s block.

[marybeatriceofmodena]

Spoilers for Dragon Age: The Veilguard under the cut (with a bit of criticism, nothing dramatic though)

I'm enjoying the game so far and all the lore reveals on Solas and the Elven gods (which are the best part of the game so far, hands down). I'm also liking the companions we're meeting so far (BELLARA <3), they're all very charming, but I think my one complaint is that... they're all too nice to each other? Not that there's anything wrong with that (I lied. Friends are USELESS IN MY PLANS FOR WORLD DOMINATION), but I'm really missing all the delicious little nuances the previous games had between the companions. Like, sure, players will tend to choose the "good" options for companions and make sure everyone gets along well, but you don't even get the option to, I don't know, set the can of gasoline on fire, or even get an occasion to even just put out the can of gasoline on fire.

Like, if Baldur's Gate 3 is anything to go by, players LOVE exploring tragedies, to the point there have been so many people who just replayed the game, again and again, just to see how different outcomes go. And I mean, I went in not expecting BG3 quality (as sad as it is say, because Dragon Age has been such a formative experience for me as a story). There's the nuance of Lae'zel and Shadowheart hating each other in part because of, yeah, racism, but also in part because they're much more like each other than they'd care to admit. There's the nuance of Astarion making fun of Wyll and dismissing him as an idealistic idiot, when you know it all stems from envy. There's the nuance of Karlach being hands down the most beloved person in camp, yes, but because all the companions see a little something of their own suffering in her, and see that despite it all, she decided to be kind. Like, yeah. They bicker. They argue. They might try to stab each other. But it makes them feel real, and it makes them becoming fire-forged friends all the more satisfying.

And maybe I'm just too early in the story for now, but it is... weird that everyone is just completely okay with Lucanis being possessed by a demon. Like, you'd think at least one companion would get a bit panicky about it (understandably so)? Like, maybe Neve feeling queasy around demons due to fears surrounding them/blood magic/insert tragic backstory element here? Hawke and Co. were maybe a bit too chill about Anders being a potential abomination, sure, but there was still tension there.

It ultimately feels like Mass Effect: Andromeda (except I'd argue the characters in DATV are actually interesting lol), where I just wish I had *something* to chew on lol. I'm not asking for a catfight, just something!

(There's also the fact that the Crows are way too nice as well but that's a topic for another day lmao)

[deeply-unserious-fellow]

FINALLY I'VE FINISHED MY FIRST BATMAN CHARACTER REF SHEET!!!!!!! Ignore the fact that Gentleman Ghost didn't even originate as a Batman character okay I just had the clearest idea of what I wanted this one to look like- either way, now that I actually have the format for these set up, it should be a lot easier to make the rest! I'll probably post them as I finish, maybe saving a couple so I can post them alongside other relavent characters Idk.

Main inspirations + HC voice under the cut:

Alright, getting this out of the way now, some of my inspos are gonna be kinda weird pulls. GG doesn't have the WEIRDEST ones, but I do feel like at least the Scooby Doo one is kinda random- anyways here are some explanations :)

Batman the Brave & the Bold(Cartoon): I love everything about this version of him omfg- I don't have my versions backstory completely worked out yet, but I know I really wanna take the deal with a demon for immortality aspect from this version. It's a really cool idea that I think I could def do smthn fun with. I also really like his overall demeanor in this version! He truly lives up to the Gentleman part of his name, which I know is definitely true for other versions of the character, but the way he's written and voiced in this show gets that politeness across in such a fun way. Also I love the way his cape is animated it's so fun-

Hawkman(1986): Okay, so I'm not really a Hawkman fan? I thought he was pretty fun in DC Superhero Girls, but that and the Harley Quinn Show are kinda the only things with him in them I've interacted with in a meaningful way. That being said though, I saw a bunch of panels from this specific run in the GG tag, and decided I might as well read the parts with GG at the very least since they seemed pretty fun, and MAN I love how he's written in those comics sm- he's so sassy lmao. Sassy Gentleman Ghost my beloved. He's also just overall really funny and has a great presence. I definitely wanna integrate some aspects of his personality in this into my version, and if I were to ever expand my silly little take on the Batman mythos to include other DC heroes, I would def wanna give him a similar dynamic with the Hawks to what they have going on in these comics.

Batman the Brave and the Bold(comic, 2023): He's only in like, one story in one issue, but omfg I love that story so much- I just love the idea that he would go out of his way to protect his descendants the way he does in that story. Also his design is so cool- I love that they actually made him look like a ghost in this comic, what with the blue lineart and the constant unearthly glow. One of my biggest pet peeves with how a lot of people draw him is that he doesn't usually look like an actual ghost, but I think this comic does a really good job with that.

Scooby Doo, Where Are You?(1969): I just love the idea of him coming across like an old Scooby Doo villain. In the hypothetical show I've been writing in my brain(because I'm insane), his introduction would be a full on homage to the long history Batman and Scooby Doo have had together, with the whole thing being set up like an old episode of Scooby Doo and Gentleman Ghost being basically an old Scooby Doo villain along the lines of the Phantom or the Ghost of Elias Kingston. That kinda cheesy but genuinely spooky energy, a filter over his voice to make it sound like he's straight out of Where Are You, all that good stuff. Make this guy Scooby Doo coded.

His backstory(which I will not be sharing) is also inspired by the broad strokes of his comic ones, but not really any specific version of it.

Headcannon voice: Anthony Warlow(Jekyll & Hyde: the Gothic Musical Thriller) or Alex Rochon(the Amazing Digital Circus). I don't really have an explanation for either of these I just think the vibes fit-

[puddle-nerd]

What Lo’ak Doesn’t Know

Summary: Lo’ak wants to play not realizing you two aren’t the only ones on the same channel. (Neteyam/Reader, Lo’ak/Reader)

Prompt 21 (Throat Comm Sex) for my submission for LunasKinktober2023

So the absolutely gorgeous image of our oldest Sully son, our baby boy Neteyam, on the left was created by the lovely @cinetrix / @cinetrix2 who is unfortunately taking a break from Tumblr at the moment. All credit goes to her, though. I'm just borrowing him. So, there are also going to be a lot of back and forth in this story so I’m color coding each character’s texts: - Neteyam / - Lo’ak / - Reader / - Jake Na’vi Translation: Skxawng �� idiot | moron / Yawne – beloved / Vrrtep – demon Story Tags: No use of Y/N, Aged up characters, everyone is legal, Yes they’re both eighteen+!, Female Reader, Female Na’vi Reader, Throat Comm Sex, Cock Warming, Use of “Good Girl”, Accidental Voyeurism, Dirty Talk, Masturbation, Vaginal Sex, Creampie

You were doing your best to behave yourself and to not to squirm in his lap, your inner walls fluttering lightly around the thick, hard shaft embedded deep within your cunt. You were struggling to fight off the urge to shift your hips for more stimulation. “Don’t move, yawne,” Neteyam mumbled hotly within your ear as he worked on making himself new arrows on the desk in front of you. “You’ve got to be a good girl f’me just a little bit longer, yawne.” You whined lowly in the back of your throat and tried to follow his directions; you really did. If you didn’t, Neteyam would make sure you didn’t cum at all tonight and Oh Eywa, you wanted to cum. Your lover chuckled slightly and kissed your cheek.

Suddenly your throat communication necklace crackled to life.

“Eagle Eye to Night Hawk, you copy?”

You glanced at Neteyam with a whimper threatening to spill from your throat, your tail twitching in anticipation. He smirked devilishly, replying, “Well, yawne? Don’t be rude. Answer him.”

You released a heavy breath and your cunt clenched around his cock because you realized a truth was about to come out, one you hadn’t been hiding per say… but… well… You lifted shaky fingers up to press the button to reply, proud of your voice coming out a lot steadier than you felt as Neteyam shifted beneath you, ever so slightly. You could feel every inch of him buried deep within you. “Yeah, I hear you, Lo – I mean Eagle Eye,” you replied. “This is Night Hawk. What’s up?”

Lo’ak’s asked, “Hey, wait, do me a favor and switch to Channel 3?”

Another voice was suddenly heard over the speaker before you could reply. Jake, Neteyam and Lo’ak’s father, suddenly said, “These comm units aren’t a toy, kid. Don’t stay on Channel 3 too long. Ya hear me?”

“Yes’ir,” Lo’ak’s voice grumbled through the speaker, the bitterness palpable as he added, “Lima-Charlie, Devil Dog.” You wondered if he was mentally flipping off his father as you switched channels on your throat comm for a “private conversation” with him and waited to hear his voice again. Behind you, Neteyam also switched his comm unit to Channel Three as well. The younger Sully son asked a moment later, “Ya here, baby?”

“I’m here,” you replied and tried not to shift in your lover’s lap.

Now, by no means were you and Neteyam exclusive. You knew the other girl he was messing around with really well when you and the oldest Sully son couldn’t find time to get naked together but you hadn’t told him who your secondary casual affair was with. Nor had you planned to do so, either. So, a minute later when Lo’ak’s voice drifted through your ear piece, his words made you blush in both embarrassment and arousal.

“Baby, I’m so fucking hard right now…”

Neteyam leaned around to give you a penetrating side-eye. You glanced at your older lover and muttered, “What? I have a type.” Lifting your hand to your comm unit, you replied to Lo’ak, “Yeah? Well, I’m a little busy at the moment, skxawng. And you’re supposed to be flying sweeps for those vrrtep, aren’t yoooooouuuuuu?” Your voice rose in volume, converting into a squeal because Neteyam had sought a tiny bit of retribution against you for also sleeping with his brother, grabbing your hips and lifting you up slightly off his cock, only to let you slide back down as you were speaking.

The line went quiet for a moment before Lo’ak asked quietly, “Are you masturbating right now?”

Neteyam sniggered and nipped at your neck. “Better tell him yes, yawne,” he hissed. “Because I’m ready to play.”

You nodded, your hand trembling once more as you touched the talk button on your neckpiece, “Ye-yeah… You caught me.” You let out a sigh as your lover sat back, pulling you to rest against his chest and spread your legs. With his free hand, Neteyam touched your comm unit, the other circling your clit and you hiccupped at the sensation. “Ohhh…”

“Fuck, baby,” Lo’ak hissed and you could hear the background noise changing through his microphone. “Gimmie a second, ‘eve.”

It went quiet for a moment and Neteyam released the talk button, commenting, “So, you’re sleeping with my brother?”

You rolled your eyes, not wanting to deal with this conversation at this very moment. When you and Neteyam had started sleeping together, you’d made the promise of ‘no strings attached’. Now he was sounding like a jilted boyfriend. “You’re sleeping with my best friend and you never heard me complaining about it,” you groused, nibbling on the underside of his jaw. “Don’t be jealous. Your brother isn’t.”

“My brother knows we’re fucking?” Neteyam asked.

You stilled for a second, admitting, “He knows he’s one of two. I didn’t tell him who I was sleeping with, though. Does Txana know you’re screwing me on occasion?” His silence was deafening. You rolled your eyes again, muttering under your breath, “You’re both skxawngs.”

“Hey, baby, I’m back,” Lo’ak’s voice came back on the comm unit, breathless and eager. “Are you really masturbating right now?”

Neteyam bounced you on his hips as you went to respond letting out a whine at the delicious friction in your cunt. “Shit! Oh, shit,” you whined, grabbing onto the table in front of you and leaning forward. “Y – yes,” you added, breathily, grinding down on Neteyam’s cock. “Yes, I am.”

Lo’ak’s low chuckle sounded in your ear. “Oh yeah, baby? You all spread out f’me?” he asked, voice deeper and rougher than a moment ago. It sent a shiver down your spine as you imagined the look in his darkened golden gaze when he used that voice on you. “Bet you’re so fucking slick, ain’cha? Are you naked, baby, with your fingers stuffed all up inside that slick little hole of yours?”

You couldn’t tell him you were riding his brother’s dick so you fibbed, “Y – yes. All three of them. Sssooo thick.”

Behind you, Neteyam had grabbed your hips and had begun to thrust his thick cock up into your needy cunt slowly, your slick trickling out of you in response. “Good girl,” the older Sully male hissed. “Keep talking to him.”

Lo’ak spoke before you could.

“Go slowly, baby,” he commanded. “You can’t rush this.” You whined wordlessly in protest only to earn a laugh in response. “I said slowly, baby, or else I won’t let you cum next time I get you alone and I’mma edge you for hours until all you can think of is my name and my cock and you can’t get off unless I say you can.”

“Fuck, Lo,” you whimpered, shifting over Neteyam slowly. “Oh, Great Mother, I wanna cum.”

Another chuckle. “Already? Baby… were you being naughty and playing with yourself long before I called you?”

“Uh-huh… something like that,” you admitted, moving a little faster. “Fuck, oh… wanna cum.”

“Not yet, yawne,” the older Sully male snarled through gritted teeth. He pushed you to your feet, kicking the chair away and had you lean onto the edge of the desk so he could snap his hips into the swell of your ass. “So… fucking tight ‘round me. Can’t cum yet, though. Be good and don’t cum yet.”

On the other end of the comm unit, you can hear Lo’ak panting and making tiny little grunts as he worked his hand over his shaft. “Fuck, baby. I can’t wait to bury myself in you later. Gonna fuck you so, so good,” he babbled and you could imagine the look upon his face as he lifted his jaw, ground his teeth together and arched his hips up into his quickly moving hand. It made your gummy walls clamp down upon Neteyam’s cock as that coil got tighter and tighter. “Gonna get you to ride me,” Lo’ak continued, his breath hitching, “just so I can watch those pretty little titties bounce. Then I’m gonna bend you in half and dick you down so deep you’ll feel it in your stomach.” You heard him hiss before he gasped, “You getting close? Yonna cum, baby?” “It’s okay, yawne,” Neteyam ground out. “Let go and cum on my cock.” He reached around you and your guided his fingers to your clit, whining as he rubbed at your button. “Yes, oh, yes, oh, Eywa don’t stop. Don’t stop. Gonna cum. So close,” you whined, the sounds of his dick slapping wetly into your cunt reverberating into your ears as you got closer and closer. When he pinched your clit, you came with a squeal. “Oh, fuck, yes! Ohhh!” Your cunt clamped down upon the cock inside you like a vice, trying to not let it go. Lo’ak and Neteyam both grunted in your ear a moment later, at almost exactly the same time. In your ear piece, you heard, “Fuck, yeah… I needed that, baby.” You could hear the satisfaction in his tone and grinned, turning your head towards your other lover who nuzzled his nose against your own. “You feeling good, too?” You pressed the comm button, humming in agreement. “Cool. I’ll see ya later tonight. Oh, and if you see my brother, tell him I need to talk to him about something?” “Yeah,” you reply, holding Neteyam’s gaze with your own. “I can let him know you’re looking for him.” Neteyam sniggered and leaned in to kiss you. You were about to switch your comm necklace to the original settings when a different voice suddenly sounded in your ear. “Gotta say Nightwing… that was kinda hot. Don’t forget to switch back to Channel 1.” You met the oldest Sully son’s gaze and you blushed as he snorted with laughter. “Yeah, I guess you do have a type.”

𖥸 · ─────── · 𖥸 · ─────── · 𖥸

Originally Posted: 21 October 2023 Word Count: 1,634

AO3

@pandoraslxna, @eyweveng @teyamsatan @lovefrommeelise

[deripmaver]

Casca Spits On Your Grave

I was gonna write up a whole long post about what I want Casca's ending to be, what I think is likely based on canon up to now and some of the themes Miura has developed, and look at some endings I've seen people discuss and give my thoughts on them - and then I got lazy LOL.

Plus I realized what I really wanted to discuss is just, as the title suggests, whether I want Casca to have her whole badass revenge arc where she takes out all of the demons and apostles who assaulted her and killed her friends one by one in a show of bloody vengeance, ending with her as Judith beheading Griffith's Holofernes, etc etc etc.

The short answer is yeah duh LOL. Casca goes from a brilliant and capable mercenary commander to a traumatized shell of a person who is terrified of all men, even the ones that she'd known and trusted prior to the Eclipse. In her dreamscape, the horror of what she faced is finally explicitly shown from her point of view - the penis monsters and the feelings of revulsion they produce in her little sprite indicating the terror of repeated assaults and attempted assaults. It's blunt to the point of being over the top but I mean... It gets the point across.

Then, of course, the climactic moment in the corridor of dreams where you see the eclipse rape literally through her eyes. It's incredibly rare to see rape scenes presented that way, in that first person POV, and going from that directly to the image of Casca shattering into pieces makes me tear up even to this day.

Side note lol I probably didn't need to describe the corridor of dreams chapters but I genuinely can't help myself, I love them so much.

In those chapters and the later ones where Casca has her PTSD flashbacks, she remembers all of the beloved memories of the people she loved and is made catatonic again when she remembers she lost them. The corridor of dreams makes it clear that it was Griffith's rape specifically that shattered her. Losing all of the Hawks, being betrayed by Griffith - of course she should get revenge on the monsters that did that to her. One by one she should destroy them, letting them taste just a fraction of what they put her through. Not to mention she was in her regressed state for so long I know I'm not the only one itching for her to fight again.

Here's the "but" though. Or maybe it's more of an "and" idk if any of y'all have done improv LMFAO. Yes and.

I think part of the appeal of rape revenge is that it gives the catharsis of seeing rapists punished violently in a world where they rarely face justice at all. However, what a lot of these movies miss, because this truth is far more uncomfortable and unpalatable, is that the scars of trauma remain even after vengeance is fulfilled. This is especially true if the perpetrator is someone the victim knew, as is the case for Casca. There's the focus on justice and catharsis and violent revenge because in a lot of ways it's easier to stomach that than it is to stomach the how utterly shattering it is to be betrayed so thoroughly.

It's uncomfortable to see Casca the commander reduced to Elaine. It's uncomfortable to see her helpless and terrified and reduced to trembling and sobbing in front of a reborn Griffith as the reader is reminded, just for a moment, of who did this to her. It's uncomfortable that even after her mind is restored that she can't even think of Griffith without going completely catatonic, that she grips Farnese's hand in terror as she sleeps because the trauma is still literal thorns around her heart, continuing to hurt her.

You know what? I think this is objectively good writing. There's no revenge. There's no becoming stronger. There's just grief and betrayal and Casca's broken heart. .........the fact that it took literally 20 years to restore her mind and that Miura included like half a dozen attempted rape scenes of her in her infantilized state is uh, not objectively good writing.

There's a fine line when it comes to writing rape trauma, though, and if Casca stays completely broken and unable to heal that starts leaning into the opposite end of harmful tropes. That's why I do think she should find the strength to fight back and get revenge for herself and her fallen comrades and kill Griffith. However, I can't help but think there's a desire for her to stop appearing so outwardly traumatized and start taking revenge because trauma is uncomfortable to read. Every moment she's on page she reminds you of how deeply Griffith betrayed her. At some point it becomes nearly unbearable.

Miura's grasp of writing trauma is kind of a mixed bag, but one thing he is clearly aware of is how its effects are lingering, and how it informs how someone interacts with the world. This is true in how he writes Guts in the Wounds chapter, and also how he writes Guts after the Eclipse regressing into violence and vengeance because of his trauma. Guts only begins his journey to process the trauma of the Eclipse when he reconnects with Rickert, and then later Casca, and then later accepts companions again. This leads me to believe that this lingering trauma response from Casca isn't an example of him not knowing how to write trauma, or women, but is a deliberate choice and not one I feel the need to critique.

Casca should become a fighter again, and she should start to genuinely heal and, as Miura said, face up to what Griffith and the demons did - but at the end of the day what happened to her is soul-crushing. She should also continue to show the lingering effects of it, and she should get to lean on the communities of women she's cultivated, and she should get to have moments where she's terrified and overwhelmed with trauma - no matter how uncomfortable it is to read. When it comes to depictions of rape and rape trauma, I genuinely think that will be on the whole more holistic than having her just getting revenge.

It'll be really satisfying seeing her kill some apostles though I'm ngl. Hopefully we'll get there eventually LOL

[colourstreakgryffin]

Hi!! Could I request a Yan!Yoriichi vs Yan!Michikatsu for reader who's like Mipha from BotW?

Hmm. That sounds interesting! I can try this out!

Yandere! Romantic! KNY Hashira Scenarios: Tsugikuni Yoriichi Vs Tsugikuni Michikatsu

Unconditional kindness is like finding a gemstone within the rock, for the Tsugikuni Twins. Their entire lives, they were reduced to merely prototypes built to swing over six swords, like they never had emotions or desires

Their originally empty grey world finally found colour when you showed up, a angelic beam that changed the course of their destinies forever. They wanted love, they wanted you

Both twins became obsessed with you in very little time. You’re so kind and soft spoken, they both want that to be theirs and not a lot of things around them can stop that

Yoriichi is actually a very sweet Yandere. He can’t bring himself to hurt you in any form or fashion but he doesn’t mind stalking you in the midst of night. You won’t know about his twisted ways since he keeps it under the rug

Michikatsu, on the other side of the coin, isn’t that secretive of his passion and possession over you. He openly expresses his desires, stealing your belongings to feed his fantasies, pulling you away from others to have your attention

They realise fast that they both like you and the intense rivalry of twin brothers begin. All for love, they further stray apart and whilst Michikatsu actually hates Yoriichi, Yoriichi starts to hate Michikatsu for trying to take away his love

Yoriichi and Michikatsu argue, and argue like badly, over you. These arguments are usually verbal but Michikatsu will eventually raise his katana as a empty threat towards his twin but Yoriichi won’t take that shit, he won’t back down

They both clung onto you and play tug of war with you to force you to spend time with them. No matter what you’re doing or where you are, the Tsugikuni Twins will find you and suggest you follow them, eventually getting into a fight with one another

Which twin will take rivals’ life? It’s clearly Michikatsu. Yoriichi may be rotten and cruel now, but he isn’t for taking lives in fear that it’ll make you terrified of him, whilst Michikatsu will drain people like packets for merely looking at you. He isn’t afraid to express his killer instincts

Yoriichi is very protective towards you. This world is just full of demons and the only beings he is willing to slay for your safety is those rotten demons. Even in public with humans, Yoriichi is watching you like a hawk

Michikatsu follows you everywhere you go, he must monitor you to quell himself. To control his anxiety, he learns about your routines and learns about every events you go so he can better. If he knows everything about you, he has more of a chance

Your demure, introverted nature is intriguing to them, that you’re gentle but prefer to stay in the back. You’re courageous when you need to be and that is absolutely beloved by the twins. They just love your personality, they can’t help themselves

“My love. Please don’t get swept up with my brother, he is not the nicest out there and his intentions could be very wrong”

“Darling, my brother is a rotten liar. Don’t trust anything he says, he just wants to keep us apart, when we’re both meant for each other”

[greyskyflowers]

I have this half idea in my head and I'm going to word barf if here so maybe it inspires someone instead of living in my head. And this is a weird one because I just wanted to focus I guess on consent and how it might play a part in different plot ideas.

How doing something on your terms is different than doing it on someone else's, no matter what the intention.

I did a post a long time ago with a similar idea for Hawks (mha) and having fans touch his wings vs having friends or a significant other.

⚠️This might be all over the place but I swear it all comes together in the end. ⚠️

Recently I had a post where I discussed Zoro and the crew basically keeping their vulnerabilities to themselves. Sure, everyone has seen them cry or bleed at some point but the real, gritty stuff is kept to themselves. Not out of shame, but love. Only they get to see each other truly weak or broken. And this kind of goes with that idea.

I wanted to kind of focus on consent with this idea, on allowing someone to see you when you aren't comfortable.

It can be such a honor to see someone when they don't want to be seen, they they trust you to love them when they don't see themselves as loveable.

Zoro is a proud guy. He's strong, talented, usually very likable, attractive, etc He's also half naked in basically every battle and all the good stuff like that. But that's a choice.

I think it's different to be bare when you're fighting, when people look at you with fear and respect, or when blood provides a barrier between your skin and the world.

I also think Zoro is a pretty dude. Fight me about it. He's built like a brick shit house and I think he'd be beautiful with some eyeliner. I've also written posts about Zoro being beautiful in all the ways humans are. In the way he laughs, the ways his muscles move, the way he looks at the crew, etc.

Let people be beautiful and bloodthirsty, you cowards.

People have to know Zoro is attractive by now. So what do people do when they think someone is attractive and not living up to their full potential? They have makeovers, the ugly girl has a girls night with the cheerleader and comes back to school dolled up and stunning. The ugly duckling blossoms into a beautiful swan. The guy in the gas station tells you that you'd be prettier if you smiled. The old woman next door tells you that you'd be so much prettier if you stopped dying your hair blue and took off all that makeup.

Garbage.

Now, on to the actual fic idea.

I think this specific idea came from the concept of people just adoring Luffy. People are going to and/or already do fucking worship Luffy, take your pick for why. And it makes sense that someone they worship should be surrounded by beautiful things.

Somehow that leads a group/cult/whatever to the brilliant idea of taking Zoro and trying to surprise Luffy.

Which, nooo.

You could argue the group who takes Zoro mean well, they just think that the Sun god should have someone dressed like sun next to them. It makes sense, okay?

A bloody, demon next to the Sun god just isn't the right vibe. Plus they keep hearing the swordsman is kind of attractive, so really this is basically them helping.

They kidnapped Zoro, which is as impressive as it is concerning, and when the strawhats come for Zoro, they are presented a crewmate worthy of a sun god. At least, according to the people stupid enough to take Zoro from them.

So in reality the groups/cult/whatever present, complete with *jazz hands* and eager excitement, a very ruffled and upset Zoro.

They talk nonstop the entire time. Praises and stories, how devoted they are, how much they love Luffy, why they did all this, all the stuff creepy cults say to supposedly show devotion.

So I picture Zoro way over the top, a tribute to a beloved god after all.

He's clean, a vast amount of tan skin bared and shimmering, and a silver eye narrowed. All while drapped in gold jewelry and accessories.

There's gold bands around his wrists and wrapped around his upper arms. Thin gold chains around his neck of different lengths and types. He's barefoot with ankle bracelets covering his scars

Rings on all fingers. Earrings and ear cuffs in white and gold.

Gold dusted on his cheeks and around his eyes. The barest of black swiped under his eyes, even the closed one. Lips stained just a little darker, like wine

Drapped in white, cream and gold fabrics. Thin gold chains around his waist to help hold the fabric he's wearing.

Every scar visible is painted in with gold.

His chest looks like the dawn breaking the horizon and the scar over his eye looks like it will start dripping sunbeams down his cheek

And really the main question here is, how can anyone possibly look at Zoro and not think he clearly belongs to Luffy?

Every scar now highlighted in gold, every tic of his jaw where he makes himself behave because they're still looking at him and he can tell they're unsure.

That all belongs to them, to Luffy.

Everything on him is a devotional to the crew.

He could be buried in heavy shadows and dark soil, but the sun would still find him. It's in his blood, carved into his skin, and kept close to his heart and loved like his swords. Even if Luffy left a visible mark on Zoro's skin, there wouldn't be a ink in the world dark enough to cover it.

Zoro's ready to rip it all off, even starts breaking some of the thinner chains and handing them to Nami and grumbling about his debt.

There's a slightly franticness to his movements though. A wild look in his eye that you'd only notice if you knew him like they do.

He wipes at his face and it smears the gold like a big brush stroke, hands now golden and leaving trails over his skin as he tries to get everything off. Broken necklaces tangle around his neck from where he snapped them but it's all weaved together, so they just hang there.

He manages to get all the earrings off except his, which chime angrily as he keeps trying to get everything off. Paint flakes on his scars as he moves, the silver, white of the older ones and the raised, pink of the new ones are more edged in gold than covered in it.

The cloth he was drapped in has slipped, barely hanging on around his hips and caught on one of the belt like chains, and it softens the drop to the floor for all the golden things Zoro doesn't give to Nami or the others.

Luffy is actually quiet but uses careful, callused hands to help unhook all the jewelry from his swordsman.

Usopp using his sharp eyes to quickly untangle anything that wouldn't come off quickly.

Franky and Robin offer additional hands when Nami's get full, fully intent of taking compensation from anyone causing their crew so much trouble.

Chopper carefully works his way around Zoro looking for bruises or wounds, he talks nervously the whole time.

Sanji, Jinbei, and Brook are keeping an eye out anyone stupid enough to approach them.

This is a different type of vulnerable than they're use to, but it's still something that makes them all anxious.

Luffy has a face on that doesn't speak of good things to come for anyone involved and it seems like the people responsible have finally caught on. They whisper amoung themselves but the crew only focuses on how Zoro's breathing gets easier with all the things they get off him.

His back is bare of gold when he turns. No scars to paint gold, no perceived flaws to cover. It's such a stark contrast to the rest of his body that it takes a moment to process.

Honestly, it might be what finally snapped the crew into baring teeth and drawing blood. The vulnerably. The familiar broad back in front of them like it was ready to take another blow so they wouldn't have to. Clear of scars, no wounds of shame, not that anything on Zoro could be shameful.

It was just clean skin, warm, alive, and all Zoro. Nothing else.

And their swordman was uncomfortable. He was trembling just the smallest bit in a way he never did unless he was losing too much blood. His pupil blown when he managed to make eye contact with one of them. Nails catching on skin in a desperate attempt to get everything off that made blood raise up and bead along the vivid scratches.

I think Luffy would figure it out first, he'd know immediately.

Nami and Robin next though. They've seen that wild, desperate desire to get someone eyes off, they've worn that look themselves before.

The rest catch on quickly. They're carry too much of each other to not realize what's happening.

And the truth is, Zoro is very eye-catching. And they'll carefully let him know that later, when he's back safe on the ship with them and only their eyes to look at him, only their attention to worry about. When it's clear that it's a compliment given from love and not something taken for desire.

But Zoro's the most stunning when he's comfortable. Especially when he curls his lips back in a snarl and he looks like their Zoro.

When he gets his swords back and wears blood and gold equally on his skin. He looks like someone worthy of a king and it's just another thing that solidifies that he belongs to Luffy and the crew.

Do I think Zoro would wear this for the crew if they ever asked? Yes.

Would he like the attention? Yes.

Because he's decided to be vulnerable for them and only them.

Weeeee consenting poly strawhat vibes for the win with this one.

[thunderstruck-heartslayers]

Archive of Our Own betaArchive of Our Own

Work was successfully updated.

Fandom:

Xena: Warrior Princess

Characters: Ares (Xena)

Xena (Xena)

Bacchus (Xena)

brief appearance {Horace the Dog}

Language:

English

Published:

2023-10-24

Words:

2,346

Chapters:

1/1

Shock Through the Heart

ThunderStruck HeartSlayers (Krissy_Alexis_Saybrooke)

Summary:

Ares makes a Deal in order to obtain his Godhood....yet again

Consequently it could cost him

Everything.... most importantly Xena

This was driving Ares with madness he could see & sense Xena but unable to touch her . Bacchus had gotten his revenge on both Xena & Ares in one fell swoop .

WRATHING WARPATH

X GOD of WAR

"She left me ....I cannot believe she just up & arrrrrrgh DID THAT....DAMN YOU XENA "

Trying he fails to zap her grandfather's favorite rocking chair. Instead he notices a quiver full of arrows & a finely crafted bow . Tugging 1arrow outta it's sheath he sees that 2 are wrapped in a sheet of parchment. Carefully unwrapping the letter he reads it hearing his beloved Xena's voice in his head & instantly his rage melts .

Ares

....calm down!! I did what I had to do ,I hope you can understand that. These should help relieve your tension problems till I return & I promised I would didn't I . So go shoot something okay,we both now know ya obviously can't kill a chicken to save your life .

See ya soon

Xena

P.S. here's 2 in case ya miss with 1 betcha you're kinda rusty after all these years War Boy

After reading her jab at his pride,his mock laughter returns "Haha....oh that's just ....she thinks....naw that's fine Sweetheart. How easily You forget I've perfected the Art of Killing. Practically INVENTED IT!!!"

Reminiscing He thinks back on their lessons how he demonstrated during their 1st hunting expedition. At the age of 18 Xena was taught to string her own bow . Ares had crafted a handcarved one using no powers {currently in this rundown farm house he's gripping the very same . Which meant his Chosen kept something so personal to them both} Sentimental nostalgia fills his brain as a thumb grazes over the etched engraving. Looking over the 2 arrows that he unwrapped it's noted she handcrafted each one hawk feathers. Adorned the tips were forged in Amphipolis it's crest stamped on every point. A most thoughtful departing gift. That along with a good hunting dog.

Stepping out into the forest Horace picks up an unfamiliar scent & growls deeply . Ares perplexed squints , confused as to why a sudden change in the dog's temperament. Teeth snarling as a demonic figure appears .Ares recognizes him.

"Bacchus you Horny Devil"

"Brother Ares....I could say the same about you.....still pining over the Warrior Princess?!? Morpheus tells me she's in every dream, every erotic fantasy & even your daydreams. Is she really that hard to get over ?!?"

"More like that hard to get under . But I digress..Seriously why are you here ? Come to watch me wallow in my undeserved misery ....Well as you can see this is what I've been reduced to- a mere mortal. Now if you'll excuse me we gotta go bag us some supper. Shoot where'd Horace go? Here boy c'mere"

"Boy , will you stop where you are & listen. I did see your plight & knowing you're too stubborn to ask for any kind of help....I'm willing to work out a deal in exchange for certain services "

"Ohhhh yahhh this is too good to be true. Okay spill it whattya need hmm.... you tell me how I could possibly be of any use to Yourself as a Freaking Mortal"

"Ares, you're forgetting I can temporarily restore your Godly Powers. I just need something obtained in return. Hell I could even grant you your heart's desire ....Xena bowing to your every command just like that fur ball"

"Lemme see if I'm hearing this correctly....I get my powers plus Xena. However the powers only stay temporarily & then what huh. Back to being a mortal Nu-huh ain't gonna happen Devil Man ....no deal . I get both permanently or you can forget it . I may not be an 'active' God but I still call the shots round here. Nevertheless Intrigued by Prosperity"

"What I want is very simple Ares . And by the way from what Morpheus tells me , she liked you better as a humble mortal". Ares' scowling eye contact warning Bacchus he's better back off addressing him Future King of Olympus....once reclamation of his throne is successfully done. " Ehhm Corny Horny, be that as it may 1 day my mere Fantasy is Destined to be MY Queen..got me Brother "?!? "Ahh yes Fine just find me this 1 object of desire & both are yours....permanently . Drink up boy . I concocted this batch special just for you"

"Alright now you're talking. Let's do this. "

Bacchus hands Ares the goblet of Ambrosiatic induced wine . Being the clever strategist ,Ares finds a way to pour enough into a water skin {for safe keeping , of course} . A map of the sacred treasure to guide him on his way . Ares feels his very aura on fire upon the last sip passing his tongue.

"Whoa that's a scorcher. C'mon bro you can trust me with your secret recipe....I taste grapes, pomegranate, Ambrosia & what's that last thing....it's a it's a "

"Passion Fruit"

"Weeeeell it's certainly gotta kick to it"

"Yeah Yeah. Just bring me my treasure Ares "

With those parting words Bacchus went back underground & Ares transported himself back to the Halls of War. First duty t'was to locate Xena. Gazing in a portal mirror he sees her senses her more lonesome than ever. Upon further investigation he realizes she's without anyone most importantly No annoying Blondie or any other meddlesome sidekicks to spoil his fun & gameplay. Luckily she was just 2 towns away ....therefore it wouldn't look suspicious if'n they just happened to accidentally bump into one another. Ares appears in a nearby barn saddling the first unbridled Stallion in the barn . Hopping on he heads down the narrow roadway towards the Cold Stone Tavern Xena is currently exiting untying Argo from the hitching post. Her eyes fly wide open noticing none other than Ares holding a large scroll whilst attempting to direct a very stubborn horse. " Hey whattya doing here"?" Shhh Xena not now I'm trying to find ....Ohhhh wow Xena it is you .small world it must be the Fates at work pushing us together " "Yeeeeah right or it could be your horse sensed you weren't paying attention & lead you here maybe to find food " " okay sure believe whatsoever you wanna but I think otherwise. Where's your little friend anyway " "You mean Gabrielle....she's off somewhere with family probably. To tell you the truth I'm not exactly sure " " Soooooo you're alone " "Noooo I still got Argo whom I need to head outta this town with. And shouldn't you be back where I left you? Fess up Ares didja follow me here?"

"Whaaaaaaaaat ,me follow you ....Hellooooooo I can't do that anymore remember. No I'm trying to locate a treasure type thing but this stupid map is giving my brain pain . " It's called a headache Ares. Lemme see that . This is 3 days ride from your old battlefield no wonder you're lost " " I'm not lost ....it's just that--" " No you've obviously no clue how to get there from here. C'mon I'll introduce ya to a shortcut & try to keep up would ya!?!"

Mounting Argo she trots gracefully in-front. He clicks & catches up attempting to look as dignified as one possibly can after being mildly insulted. Pulling up beside her the banter begins " ya know I aughta have you punished for stealing my map " " Ohhhh really Ares you & what army....oh shoot that's right you don't have one do ya" " As I see it Xena I could easily form another troop. And if I were to would ya lead'em Noooo you wouldn't because you've 'changed '"

" Look here X War God,I'm only going with you to keep your hide outta trouble do you hear me ." " Excuse me Princess.... I don't need your protection if anything you'll be needing me to shield you from that crazed Bloodlust you keep bottled inside....Ahhhh you know exactly what I'm talking about don'tcha gimme that look "

Rolling her eyes she just let's him win this battle of Witty Words. " Night'll be here soon we can camp in that cave over there " . Approaching the dwelling horses in tow .Grabbing both pair of reins Xena finds a comfortable corner giving each horse an apple to nibble. Whilst brushing Argo, eyes go to Ares watching him attempt to start a fire by violently smashing 2 rocks together. The tiniest smile crosses her face seeing him struggle, frustration clearly becoming noticeable. Pulling his cloak a little tighter he wraps himself in a huddle position. She takes pity on him removing the rocks from his hands " Go get some wood & water " Grumbling but thankful to have her with him . A nearby stream provides plenty of water especially to supply their thirsts . Ares did not want to wander the forest just for a few sticks instead he materialized a decent wood collection. So upon entering the cave with wine skin & wood pile in arms she rushes over black shift & barefoot. Fumbling for an unguarded moment he nearly drops the wood pile. " I'll take that " Grabbing & gulping the water skin flask . "Xena you might not want to drink that so fast " Suddenly the cave seems to be spinning her vision a bit blurry so Ares helps steady her guiding her over to a makeshift bedroll wrapping his cloak around her then trying to walk away " Don't leave " Ares Befuddled feels her hand pull his arm towards her. "Ummm okay sure sure gotcha....what's gotten into you " Before she could answer he searched her mind realizing maybe it wasn't the greatest idea to give her a watered-down version of Bacchus' special brew . Now she seemed more like a fragile woman not at all like his Warrior Princess no this woman appeared helpless. She nudges Ares to hold her he obliges but feels guilty, thinking if he were to seduce her in this state it wouldn't be fair. He couldn't leave so unbeknownst to her Ares magically makes their supper . After some hardy eating it's time to rest . Xena keeps trying to cuddle Ares totally invading his personal space " Godsdamnit woman..... can ya like give me some breathing room here" On the verge of tears from being reprimanded Xena starts sniffling & naturally this little act causes Ares to feel ashamed of hurting her feelings. His strong arms lock around the fake crying Xena. "I gotcha" Tucking her head underneath his chin, pondering why that beverage had this kinda effect on her & how to reverse this curse. Slumber finally takes them both.

The remainder of the shortcut leads them in the direction of a lone tower . Because of Xena refusing to be on a horse by herself Ares had her double with him....Argo sat this one out with good reason Xena wasn't at all acting like herself. Ares instructs to grab her weapons upon reaching the crevice passageway . " no sweetheart I need that hand " Talking in the most childish voice she pouts " then how bout I gwab your waist " " Yeeeeah yup sure that....works " "Are you sure wees need these I dunno even know what to do wif mineses " " Hun we use'em to protect ourselves....oh how do I explain this ....pointy end goes into enemy, got it?!? Just watch me & then you try " She just shakes her head nodding an understanding.

When the swinging curved blade nearly gave Xena a new haircut Ares decided they've both had enough & vortexed them both to the beautifully designed trinket box . Picking it up Xena opened it showing Ares " it's empty " they both say out loud. A cyclone & sinister hand yanks Xena into the box . Bacchus eerily screeches to the Restored God of War" thank you Ares, you found my treasure " "She's not yours " he repeatedly shouts pounding his fists on the marble alter "This wasn't the deal Bacchus !! You can have anything but NOT HER" "Not Xena..."

On the other domain side Bacchus was preparing to wed Xena. Dressing her in a blood red very revealing gown a crown of crimson & black roses . Her plunging neckline stitched criss-cross the corset bodice too tight to breathe extenuating her bossom. {She looked like a fantasy Ares envisioned not so long before giving up his Godhood}.

This was driving Ares with madness he could see & sense Xena but unable to touch her . Bacchus had gotten his revenge on both Xena & Ares in one fell swoop .

Ares realized his powers are still intact & being as foolhearted in all matters of his beloved. Opens a portal to rescue the one & only Warrior Queen of his heart . Picking up her signature vibe soul-wise , Ares witnesses Xena absent-mindedly standing at an alter opposite Bacchus. Seeing his breathtaking beauty about to pledge her vow of matrimony is too much . He becomes enraged levitating the ceremonial cake server lopping off the preacher's head. Xena turns upon hearing Ares shout out " Guess this Wedding is Off" . Throughly pissed beyond all Hell both combatants zap fight over the woman. Bacchus engulfing flames around Ares feet. Olympus' War God cues up a thunderous cloud consisting of lightning forms over head whites of his eyes menacingly flashing. He grasped onto the ominous energy ball allowing it's power to surge throughout his body. His voice booms " I AM ARES GOD OF WAR AND YOU JUST MESSED WITH MY CHOSEN, XEEEEENA!!!! Hearing this finally takes Xena out of her trance {she may dish out punishment to Ares for the tainted water later} But now He could truly use her help . Tossing her his War sword " Go for it Baby,make me Proud " Smirking wild eyed Xena twirls around the stunned Devil God " C'mon Horny Boy....let's see Whatcha got" . Not a mistake was made as she looked Bacchus dead in the eyes & stabbed Ares' sword directly into the heart . Ares released the severe energy coursing it through Bacchus. The sword acting like a conductor frying the Evil God . A slightly over-exerted Ares falls to his knees managing to conjure up 1 more thing her Chakram "Finish it" . All his powers now gone ....it's upto Xena. She aims the weapon lets go & upon it touching Bacchus' flesh he detonates nothing left except the gown Xena regrets she's wearing. Offering Ares a hand up she grits her teeth when Ares wolfishly comments" Woooow that dress....pinch me I hav'ta be dreaming " " Happy to oblige "

And she did just so because he sarcastically asked for it.

[apothe-cary]

So I have had this thought in my mind as I am replaying all the games again. I am someone who started with veilguard and worked backwards so do forgive me if I don’t get all the lore I’m still learnin and since BioWare probably won’t give us another ima do this. I really really wish I was able to play as a character that has a buddy. Like Justice or Spite or even play as a creature like Cole who gradually becames more human or spirit. Can you tell I also loved the head canon of rook being a spirit >.>

Please forgive my English! Not my first language so I hope it all makes sense!

Main Character & Backstory:

My idea for this is MC (Might turn into a story later honestly maybe even an interactive one you guys can help me with) Is either from the fade or possessed by one. Cause I want a buddy to talk to to! They may not like me or they maybe do! I feel like we had a lot of protagonists, warden, Hawke, Inquisitor, And Rook all of them had their things ya know? I want this ones to be Either creature of the fade which woah crazy why would a fade creature save the world or a possession maybe from demon, spirit or even a god kinda like how mythal and Morrigan work. (Still just ideas flowing as they come in)

Companions:

I feel like it would be a cool narrative. And then thinking things like companions. Maybe there were non-romancable characters that you really wanted to romance. Or companions that didn’t get more love in other games. Who would you bring back? What new ones would you want to see?

Personally with the idea of it being a fade creature or possessed person (abomination) I’d probably want to bring back Cole as a mentor like what Varric was for rook in a sense? Would old protagonists come back? Their offspring’s?Feel like that makes sense for at least Cole to show up but you guys tell me who you’d want.

If I think of new companion idea I’ll either add to this post or make a new one depending if people actually want to hear it lol.

Locations:

Where would you guys want to go? What places would you want to expand on and explore more?

Honestly I’m a huge huge sucker for Treviso. It reminds me a lot of home so I’d Probably want more Antiva especially since at least at the end of my game they found liberation. I’d want to see what they do in the future with their freedom.

And as much as we get stuck in the fade, I just want to able to explore more of it. I feel like there’s just a lot more ground to cover in the fade. Idk I could be crazy for that thought. Again feel free to put in your two cents.

Villains:

Honestly I got nothing about who I’d cast as a villain here. Or what type of character I would create or if we turned another beloved character into a villain, honestly dunno dunno what they want.

Pets!

It was a crime to not give Rook a cat or dog in Veilguard. Because inquisitor literally had a horse, Hawke had a dog, and So did the warden. Sorry but my baby here gets a cat. I’m giving this child a cat or maybe you’re able to choose. Cat, dog bird, griffon? Take it here.

End Credits

Anyway, this was just an idea I have no idea if I’ll make it into a story or if people are actually interested in it I’ll turn it into something interactive that all my buddies and you, if you’re interested too. Like a story board and that the end of the post there’s a poll for what choice we should make idk. It’s just kinda an idea I had and wanted to share. Thought it would be fun to share.

Also big shout out to everyone who’s interacted with me. I appreciate the follows. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences in this community especially for being very new to it. I’ve got more recognition that I ever thought I would and that makes me incredibly happy. I’m super grateful. Thank you and please have a wonderful day.

[wanderingchocolateeclair]

Also please tell us more about the circus of death au 🥺🥺🙏🙏

OH!!! Gladly!!! Thank you so much for asking about one of my aus it means a lot :D!

Okay okay- so- Circus of Death au, my beloved, it's been a while so I think I'll do a lore post since I haven't explained much for this one yet.

CIRCUS OF DEATH AU

The Circus of Death (or Dead Circus for shorter convenience) is a circus of dead souls that exist in a magical demonic space between life and death!

They greet those who have stumbled into that realm and provide them with one final performance before death!

Only those who have - died tragically, enter the river that connects the realms, or who wish to join the dead circus - may enter the realm where the circus of death remains.

Spirits who are dead have tickets to the show which allow them to pass peacefully once the performance is over.

Those who wish to join may volunteer as an audience member during the performance - they will die during this and become part of the circus.

Don't eat the carnival food, its made of demonic shadow-y matter and you will just die.

The rest is going under a cut because it is long and also ->

CW // death, graphic details of said deaths, generally dark themes:

-

So. In life there was a circus. People knew it as a 'cursed circus' because they were renowned for constantly having accidents and mishaps and things going wrong.

But they were well known.

The ringmaster - literal piece of shit - had signed a contract with a demonic entity: "Give me fame and money and in exchange I will give to you all the souls that join my circus."

And so, everyone who joined the circus had signed their souls away via a contract without knowing. This caused them to be seen as a whole big massive bargaining chip by both the demonic realm and the ringmaster.

The ringmaster was an asshole and treated his circus as animals and shit. A lot of them were mutilated for his own gain (like hawks having fake wings stitched into his back for show, etc)

- -

Now, for the roles (+ how they died) ->

Tsunagu: Aerialist, did trapeze and aerial silks together with Shinya and he was the centerpiece of the show. (Hung and beheaded. The One Who Started It All.)

Shinya: Partners with Tsunagu, did all the same things. (SURVIVED. The Missing Piece)

Kuugo: escape artist specialising in water tricks and water escape stuff. (The lock jammed and he drowned.)

Hawks: Did acrobatics and aerial tricks. (Wings and props got stuck and he fell.)

Miruko: Did a mixture of circus acts mostly including tumbling and trampolining and knife-throwing. (The scaffolding fell and skewered her.)

Ryuko: Fire tricks such as juggling, fire performance, and such. (Set herself on fire. Down came the circus, alongside her.)

Uwabami: Snake-handler(?), she did tricks with a pit of venomous snakes and also just looked after them. (She fell in.)

Mic: Tightrope tricks, did all sorts of tricks. Also was in charge of announcements and introductions. (He fell as the structure holding the rope broke.)

Aizawa: He did knife-throwing and also looked after the kids with powerloader and midnight in the side tent. (Was crushed by the structure as he rushed out when Mic fell.)

Ectoplasm: Lion-keeper. He took care of them and did small tricks with them. He loved them a lot. (Killed by them and ripped apart by those which he cared for.)

Powerloader: The magician. He did classic magic tricks during breaks and waiting times, and entertains and looks after the audiences/circus members kids during the shows in a side tent with magic and arts and crafts. (Watched everything happen, clawed his eyes out and was killed. The Witness to it All.)

Snipe: Sharpshooter, did tricks with his gun and partnered tricks with Midnight. (Shot himself.)

- -

Now back to plot and lore.

The ringmaster saw Tsunagu as this. Trophy. This shiny little centerpiece for his shows that was the most important thing because he was a) pretty and skilled, and b) made him more famous for a good show.

But, since Shinya came along and partnered with Tsunagu and they were together, he HATED Shinya.

But at this point everyone knew how horrible the ringmaster was, and they were struggling financially.

So the ringmaster plotted. He was going to kill Shinya in a staged accident, which would make Tsunagu not be able to perform, and then the entire Circus -> this way, he could run away with Tsunagu and start ANOTHER circus that was more successful.

And. It worked. But not the way he intended.

Their final performance.

Ringmaster hired a few subordinates to help with the plan, sabotaging most of the equipment and stuff.

Shinya was supposed to be the first death -> he had to step in as the target for someone's knife-throwing, which he had done before.

The knife was supposed to go through his head and kill him, but the guy missed and it went in his eye, and somehow he survived but was too injured to perform. The show continued.

They did a few acts regularly to avoid suspicion and were going to initiate the plan after the break (which is after Tsunagu and Shinya's performance usually)

Tsunagu refused to skip, and went on to perform (despite this being against the ringmasters plan) and his death was the first and only pure accident.

His routine went wrong, he got tangled in his silks and basically slowly hung himself above the ring and no one could get to him bc of the ringmasters meddling.

The ringmaster lost it over this, and ragefully went up and. Cut off his head so that the rest of him could just fall down and the show resumed.

Shinya was knocked out and stuffed into a closet so he couldn't interfere and the rest of the circus members were threatened to continue, some already figuring out what was happening.

The audience also weren't allowed to leave.

Slowly, the acts played out. Sabotaged. Accidents and tragic deaths occurred and one by one, the members of the circus died. Occasionally they were simply just killed by the ones that planned it.

It ended with fire. The tent went up in flames and the ringmaster had already snuck off (with Tsunagu's head). Shinya woke up and managed to escape but he was semi delirious so didn't know what was happening.

The circus burned and the souls were claimed by the demonic entity from before, making them manifest in the other realm. But they don't know themselves, they don't know how they died. Who are they?

Shinya was the only survivor and the missing piece. That and Tsunagu's head.

In order for the circus to regain their sense of self fully, to know who they were and what they are: Shinya must die, Tsunagu's head must be burned and brought back to him, and the ringmaster must be killed.

For now, the only thing they know is to repeat their last performance over and over again in the realm between realms.

They perform and die for other dead souls over and over again, slowly learning who they were. They wear masks that show parts of themselves. But the one who still doesn't know anything about himself is Tsunagu.

He waits.

The Circus is a family, it is a whole piece, and it is waiting for Shinya to come home.

[supacutiepie]

Varric 'ten years after he watched the love of his life sacrifice themself, "You're as beautiful as the day I lost you..."' Tethras Hawke 'I've spent endless millennia plagued by demons wearing the face of my most beloved, but at least they got creative and finally aged him appropriately.."