#Hey legend do you need some ice for that burn?

[inumbrapugnabimus-maybe]

The people have spoken

[superblysubpar]

series masterlist | part two ->

chapter summary: A bet is proposed.

the song: honey by halsey

2,563 words | please see the masterlist for general warnings | my blog is 18+

Hawkins, Indiana - the past

  Your fingers tightened around the handlebars, palms damp and grip too loose for your liking. A deep furrow seems permanent between your brows, resting under the cherry red plastic that brought you into this mess. Their words ringing in your ears like a jingle of a commercial - annoying and unable to ignore if you tried. 

  “What a girl - she needs a helmet to ride a bike?”

  And if that comment alone wasn’t bad enough, Steve Harrington had to chime in. Leaning over his own handlebars, smirking, daring you to challenge him. 

  “What you need it for anyways? Not like you were planning to go down the destroyer. Bet you were just going to Benny’s for ice cream.”

  The other boys had snickered, Steve’s smirk grew into a full wattage, cocky, grin. That is until you lifted your chin, kicked up dust directly at him as you turned your bike and said: 

  “Cute you still call it the destroyer. I’ve been biking down that hill for years. How about I show you and buy you an ice cream cone afterwards Harrington?”

  Boys ‘oo’ed’, Steve’s jaw clenched, and your chest filled with some sort of powerful and addicting feeling as you biked towards your lie. 

  Which now sits in front of you. The legend so aptly named by the Hawkins population of thirteen and under due to it’s sheer height and the gravel that sat below it. A hill way out near the Quarry, it took half the day to bike there and back - if you still had your bike after that is. It was the tallest point in Hawkins aside from a grassy hill teens would sneak away to. 

  From the top of the destroyer, you could see the whole town, all the way down to the bottom of the Quarry, the road, and where it turned to gravel to lead to the sort of landing at the base of the pit. 

  It was the point the hill turned to gravel that truly gave the bike killer its name. If one somehow got the courage, or in your case straight up stupidity and false confidence for brains, to decide to go down the hill, your speed by the time you reached the bottom would be too much and the gravel was a relentless enemy. 

  You’d heard stories of bikes skidding, of scratched up, bruised limbs. There was even a tale of one boy who toppled over his handlebars and popped his shoulder out of place. 

  And you’d told Steve Harrington you’d been going down it for years. 

  “Hey.”

  His voice was far quieter than you were used to hearing, like he wanted you to have to lean in and listen to what he was about to tell you. 

  When you turned to tell him you didn’t care for what he had to say, you were shocked to find his cheek pulled between his teeth, wavy hair pushed up at odd angles like he’d run his hands through it a few too many times. Steve wrapped his fingers around his own handlebars tighter, like if his grip was strong enough, yours would be too, straddling his bike next to yours and gulping as he looked down the hill. 

  “What?” You finally asked, fingers toying with the straps of your helmet. 

  “I don’t think you should do this…” 

  As the boys whispered behind you, you frowned and didn’t dare think about how Steve’s voice wobbled a little, like there was some real emotion behind the warning. 

  Like he cared. 

  “I’m truly touched you were able to scrounge up enough brain cells to force a thought, but I have never and will never care what you think Steve Harrington.”

  That same swelling feeling of triumph filled your chest when the other boys laughed and Steve’s ears started to turn as red as your helmet. 

  Steve ignored the laughing, voice a twinge stronger than before as he said, “You’re gonna get hurt.”

  “I’ve done this hundreds of-“

  Steve said your last name, grabbed your handlebars. His golden eyes burning with something as he practically begged you to listen to what he was trying to say.

  “You’re being stupid.”

  From this close, you could see more freckles along the bridge of his nose, see that his eyes weren’t brown but had a little green in them. You could smell lemonade and sunblock and something about it all made you panic. Made you push him off and add extra bite to your tone, hoping your words stung him.  

  “Yeah? Well, you’d know all about stupid, Harrington.”

  And then you pushed off, the call of your name drowned out by the wind rushing past your ears. 

  Hawkins, Indiana - the present

  Your eyes roll almost in time with Harrison Ford’s. A man who’s currently on the suspended screens because he has some weird thing about a movie with him being on while he’s flirting. Like Harrison’s energy is in the store with him, a guiding wingman. 

  What a tool. 

  Eddie’s lips quirk up in a lopsided smirk across from you when your shoulders tense at the shrill giggle to your left. You roll them back, then your head from side to side. Your fingers meet to form the goal post again, elbows sticking to laminated sheets screaming about summer deals and most definitely some sort of residual soda spill.

  “So,” a deeper voice than what you know it to typically sound like catches the tail end of the giggle, “If I were to call this number right now-“

  “I’m not home, silly,” another forced giggle interrupts. 

  Eddie sighs when you straighten up again, your teeth snapping at a red vine as you watch the hand reach forward and tuck a perfect blonde ringlet behind an ear, then linger. 

  “Well,” he leans in, voice stickier than the honey of his eyes, “If you were home…I’d call you.” He taps the tip of her nose with the pad of a finger, then flashes a smile brighter than the overhead fluorescents. “And ask you if you’d be free for a movie tonight?”

  Robin snorts next to your ankle behind the counter. Green vest covered shoulders rising as they shake with somewhat silent laughter and her head hides between her knees, tapes scattered on the floor around her. 

  Your head shakes back and forth in baffled amazement. It’s like an accident - you can’t help but watch  the wreck that’s about to-

  “And if I were home to answer, I’d tell you to pick me up at 7.” 

  The red vine falls from your mouth onto the counter, as you watch a little piece of paper leave manicured fingers and slip into the front pocket of his gray polo.

  A paper football smacks your nose as Eddie sighs out of his. As her hips sway under tight denim, haloed by the bright sunshine when the trill of the door chimes on her exit, the overpowering scent of vanilla and peaches continues to suffocate. 

  Steve Harrington turns to you all with a cocky grin. He pulls the digits scrawled in loopy font out of his pocket and nestles it between brown leather and green bills before returning the wallet to his back pocket with a pleased sigh. 

  “Oh yeah, I’m back.”

  And then he high fives the TV.

  Not just a tool - a whole box of them.  

  Steve turns when you snort, eyebrows raised at you as he takes his place behind the counter again. 

  “Something funny?” He asks, reaching toward your box of red vines. 

  “Real funny,” you admit, snatching them closer, “That you think anything about that interaction means you’re back.”

  Your waist hits the counter as you step out of his reach when he takes another forward with a tilted head. His fingers just miss the red candy when he huffs. 

  “Enlighten me, babe.”

  “Don’t,” you hiss, “Call me babe.”

  The counter digs into your back, Steve leans in closer, mint and cedar beginning to overpower the peaches, and you hate that you don’t mind the difference. 

  Steve’s lips smirk, a freckle just above his top one lifting as he tsks, “Wow. Not gonna even acknowledge my big brain word?”

  “Would you like a round of applause, Harrington, for correctly using the word enlighten?” 

  He grins, he nods, his fingers snatch a piece of the licorice up, “Yeah. Yeah I would.”

  You catch the end of the candy, shaking your head with a scoff. “She called you big boy.”

  Robin, whom you don’t want to admit you’d forgotten was even behind the counter with you, sighs, loudly.

  “Wow. Thanks. I had just forgotten.”

  Steve tugs on the candy between the two of you with raised eyebrows and a look of annoyance. “And?”

  You tug harder, and Steve dares to take another step closer with it, knuckles brushing yours that lay limply next to thighs almost touching. 

  “And, that means you didn’t do a thing except let rumors of what’s underneath your too tight Levi’s spread like the rash you’ve probably given to half this town.”

  Another tug of the candy, though gentler this time, pulls you closer, plastic crinkling against your abdomen as he proudly whispers, “Not rumors, babe.”

  “Call me babe,” you practically growl, “One more time. See what happens.”

  “Okay,” Steve tilts his chin in a challenge, fingers twitching on the candy, “Ba-“

  The red licorice disappears with a flash of silver metal, snapped between white teeth before it’s waved around dramatically.

  “While this is super fun to watch. She’s not wrong Stevie.” Eddie shrugs. 

  Steve takes a step back, red Nike swoosh flashing as he kicks at thread bare carpet. “Sure. She’s never wrong.”

  You have to physically stop yourself from sticking your tongue out at him. 

  Eddie hoists himself up onto the counter, chain tapping and clanking against things as he gets down just as quickly he sits when you snap your fingers and point to the ground. 

  He raises his hands in surrender at you, then waves at Steve with a squint of big, brown eyes. 

  “You’re not back. You barely had to put in any work with that cutie. She was making heart eyes at you from the parking lot, man.”

  Steve holds his arms out at his sides, like he’s innocent. “Just because girl’s know I have a sizeable-“

  “Ew,” you snap another bite of candy. 

  “Appendage-” Steve continues, ignoring you. 

  “You’re sick,” Robin delivers in a monotone from her stack sorting. 

  “And they know I know what I’m doing with it,” Steve talks over Robin in their well-oiled banter, “Doesn’t mean I don’t have to work hard.” Steve dares to place his fingers over his chest and continue with pride dripping from each word, like he truly believes and is proud to say, “I still have to put in the work to look good, to flirt and think on my feet. I have to pull out the Harrington charm. It’s not my fault I have more than other guys to work with.”

  Eddie ponders what Steve is saying thoughtfully, he places his hands behind his back and paces, nodding his head carefully. 

  “Maybe so,” Eddie sighs dramatically, gesturing with a bow to Steve, “We cannot all be gifted with such well-endowment.”

  “I truly hate it here,” Robin says to the ceiling while Steve beams. 

  You tilt your head at Eddie, trying to figure out where he’s going before he gets there. 

  He slaps his hands on the counter, metal clanking against glass displaying candy as he proclaims, “I propose a challenge.”

  Steve snorts, crossing his arms and leaning against the counter next to you, his elbow nudging yours. “What, like a duel?”

  Your eyes roll as you dig your elbow into his, pushing him away. 

  “Intriguing, but maybe another time. I’m fresh out of jousting materials I’m afraid,” Eddie grins. “No, I think, to really know if you’re back, to prove this,” he waves his hands at the entirety of Steve, “All takes real work and you’re not just coasting on what the good lord gave you, you’d need to use it on someone who’s unsuspecting. Someone,” Eddie purses his lips, “Who isn’t already swooning over the mere thought of you.”

  Robin spins, blue eyes alight with intrigue. “Hold on. I’m listening.”

  Steve tilts his head, “You want me to get the number of a girl who hates me?”

  Robin grins like it’s the best things she’s ever heard, but Eddie shakes his head, tugging on a curl. “No. Too easy. I think you need to sleep with her.”

  Your mouth drops open in disbelief and Robin whistles low and slow. 

  Eddie pretends to hold up a scroll, reading from air in a theatric voice, “I, Eddie Munson, declare that Steve Harrington cannot get the next girl to walk through this door of thy Family Video to have sex with him. The rules shall be that Harrington may only pursue said girl after careful consideration of her un-swoonability by yours truly, and will have one week to prove his charming capabilities. The stakes? One hundred dollars. Does Steve Harrington accept such a bet?”

  You scoff, “You’re both not actually making a bet on-“

  Steve’s hand slaps into Eddie’s, both boys smirking as they shake on it. Steve waves his other hand in the air, all nonchalant while confidence oozes out of him. “Next girl that walks through that door, I’m going to fuck. Easy.”

  “Unbelievable, You’re both unbelievable.” Your words are lost on deaf, egotistical ears.

  Eddie nods, he grins with shoulders raised at Steve. “Right. Since you’re back, easy peasy.”

  “Her ass and tits will be squeez-ied.” 

  Robin boos, cupping a hand around her mouth. 

  You gesture to her, “That? That’s what you finally have a problem with?”

  Robin shrugs, grinning, “I’m off the clock in one minute. Then he’s your problem.” She looks at Eddie, “Still able to give me a ride home?”

  Eddie nods, “I am but only the ladies driver,” he turns to you with a snap, “Speaking of, think you left your vest in my van, doll.”

  “Oh shit, thanks,” you bounce around the counter as Robin heads into the back. The door chimes as you squint into the late afternoon summer sun, sneakers kicking pebbles on the way to Eddie’s van, when it hits you. Suddenly. Wonderfully. Beautifully. 

  Your vest is sitting on the counter next to your red vines. 

  You spin, gravel crunching beneath your heels as you look at the front of the store.  

  Heavy steps thud against the ground as you race towards it, meeting a frantic Steve at the set of glass double doors.

  He grips the handles, wild eyes and shaking his head no, as he holds them closed and you tug to open them, grinning. 

  Eddie bows behind Steve as Robin cackles. 

  “What’s the matter Harrington,” you call through the doors, enjoying the way his jaw pulses, “Why can’t I come inside? Enlighten me.”

  Steve’s gaze traces your face, it lingers on your smile before it meets your eyes. 

  A challenge in both sets of glares, neither of you willing to back down. 

  He let’s his hands fall from the handles and rest on his hips as the chime trills overhead with your step inside. 

  You bat your eyelashes, you press the back of your hand to your forehead and pretend to faint against the glass. 

  “Good luck, big boy.” 

Tag List - thanks for your endless patience and excitement for this, but please let me know if you'd no longer like to be tagged:

@ash5monster01 @madaboutjoe @foreverinwanderlust @the-fairy-anon @scarletwitchgf

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[polarisbibliotheque]

80, Dante if you're still accepting these!!

Thanks for sending this request, dear!! It ended up as such a heartwarming one, I hope you enjoy it 🖤🖤

Spotify Wrapped Special: 80, Dante - Africa, by Toto

Pairing: Dante x Reader

Summary: Dante was late for Kyrie's birthday party, making Nero very disappointed at him. Luckily, you knew very well how to summon the Crimson Slayer.

Author's notes: Seriously. Dante is the KING of grand entrances. He needed one, with Faust and fireworks and everything. Also, Nero and Vergil took over for a while on this one "^^

About the Song: Africa is a song by TOTO, with catchy keyboards and a such a good vibes feeling, no one can remain silent when it's on. Super 80's, great song. It got even more famous as a meme from Jon Pumper when you can't get Toto out of your head. Click the link, it's worth it ;)

80, Dante - Africa, by Toto

“Can’t believe this. Even Vergil is here and that ol’ excuse of an uncle is workin’?!”

To say Nero was fuming was an understatement – not that he was all sweets and roses around Vergil, but at least he didn’t berate his father so openly in front of him like that. Only when he was mad.

And Vergil just started at his son with frozen eyes. No one really knew how to read him, but after all the time living with the twins, you got used to that look.

It was the look of a thousand different thoughts going around Vergil’s mind at the same moment – you could almost see Urizen, V, Griffon, Nightmare and Shadow all fighting amidst a thundering storm and Vergil just there, holding the Yamato, completely clueless and having no idea what to do.

That was a good description of what was going inside his head at the moment.

“Hey, kid. Take it easy on Dante. The man has no idea how to deal with… This.”

Vergil stared back at you, still wearing the same expression, and you could almost hear him asking if he seemed to know how to deal with that as well. You held back a laugh.

“C’mon, it’s just a friggin’ birthday! What’s so difficult about it?!” Nero opened his arms, completely ignoring one of the kids of the orphanage running after another with their faces dirty from sweets and Nico running after them right after, screaming for them to give the bowl of candy back.

You just gave the young Sparda grandkid a knowing look.

Nero sighed, resting one of his hands on his hip and using the other to massage his neck. It wasn’t going to work to calm him down, but at least it was something.

“I know, I know… But it’s Kyrie’s party. The kids really wanted to do somethin’ for her and she’s definitely gonna expect the whole crew to show up… The whole family, ya know?”

A little far away, Kyrie was singing some Britney Spears on the karaoke alongside Trish and Lady. The trio was having so much fun you couldn’t help but smile. Lady didn’t let herself have that much fun often and Trish… Well, she wasn’t really used to it. She was created to kill, after all. It was good watching everyone having fun and Kyrie leading the vocals while the kids danced, applauded and just set everything in utter chaos around them.

It really seemed like a family gathering.

“Hmmm. That is exactly what we don’t know how to deal with.” Vergil pointed out coldly, remaining with his arms crossed, casually sipping his iced tea Kyrie prepared specially for him. To say she had conquered the Dark Slayer’s heart wasn’t enough. “Family. Ours… Burned before we could learn anything else.”

Nero furrowed his eyebrows, carrying a hint of sadness in his aquamarine eyes. He rarely thought how all that grand legend of the children of Sparda had actually affected Dante and Vergil… He never thought his own father would know nothing of family, even more than Nero. He had always thought he was an unwanted child, not the child of a man who had lost so much and never knew he existed.

“Hmmm… I can think of a way to summon him. But you gotta help me, kiddo.” You looked back at Nero with fun in your eyes, making both Sparda’s kin watch you suspiciously.

“Well, ok…? What is it?” Of course, Nero was careful when the word ‘summon’ floated around, but there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to make Kyrie happy.

“Actually…” You mumbled while typing something on your cellphone. “I’ll also need you to help me, Verge.”

Vergil just raised one of his eyebrows, but in that department, he and Nero were very similar – there was nothing he wouldn’t do to make his son content.

As you finished typing, you kept your cellphone in your pocket, immediately feeling it vibrate with an incoming message after only a few seconds. You opened a huge smile, staring back at them.

“Can I count on you? Unconditionally?”

“Yeah.” Nero’s answer was deadpan; he didn’t even need time to think.

“Yes.” Vergil nodded slightly, ready to keep his word.

“Then follow me.”

They were ready to make a blood offering from the kinship of Sparda to summon Dante’s heart and make him fly over or just materialize in a pool of blood in the back of the party. Vergil held the Yamato with certainty, Nero held his head high.

Until you stopped by the karaoke and asked the girls for a song.

“Nero and  Vergil are singing with me.”

“WHAT?!” Of course, Nico and Patty suddenly appeared, holding the rogue kids and bowls of candies, eating the sweets themselves and scolding the kids for trying to steal it.

Vergil and Nero had only shock in their eyes as you handed them the microphones.

“You guys said you’d help unconditionally.” You had to remind them as they hesitated.

“Now that is something I would pay to see.” Trish had a devilish smile painted on her rosy lips, causing a laugh on Lady.

“Oh, the kids love when you sing, Nero…!” Kyrie had dreamy eyes and there was nothing the young Sparda could do against that.

Of course, the kids loved when he singed because he was a complete clown alongside Nico every time they had a karaoke party. But that seemed to make Kyrie happy.

“Yeah, I promised I’d do it. C’mon.” Nero grabbed the mic, making his father resign to their fate.

“I hope you know what you are doing…” Vergil muttered between his teeth as you started singing the first lines of the song.

Nero soon joined you, knowing it all by heart. After some notes, he was already feeling the music and, to be honest, it wasn’t much of a chore having to sing Africa with you. He couldn’t understand how that would help to make Dante materialize in the party, but even if you were just doing that for them to have fun, he wouldn’t complain – at least, he was having fun.

Vergil, in the other hand, took some time to ease into the song. It had been some time he didn’t listen to it, but he knew why you had chosen it… Dante seemed to adore that tune. His twin would sing that riff over and over at the Devil May Cry – almost driving Vergil crazy a couple of times. But, after so many years in Hell just hearing screams of pain and torture alongside laughs of pure sadistic pleasure, he could get used to his brother’s voice singing a beautiful song.

And when said riff came up, Vergil took the mic to his lips and sang alongside you.

Nero widened his eyes, smiling with surprise upon hearing his father’s voice singing. It was actually the first time the crew heard Vergil sing – and he wasn’t half bad, just like Dante; even if both would argue otherwise.

You and Nero danced around with the musical break, making Vergil giggle a bit with your antics.

“The wild dogs cry out in the night, as they grow restless longing for some solitary company…” And he didn’t even notice how you both let him sing alone for a while, noting how dark and beautiful Vergil’s voice was when he wanted to. Nero couldn’t stop his mind from thinking how it would have sounded if his father had sung him to sleep when he was just a kid.

“I know that I must do what’s right!” Soon, Nero joined Vergil and both were singing while looking at each other, barely noticing you allowed them to sing without you for a moment as well. That was a rare moment, but it was an opportunity you couldn’t let them lose. “As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti! I seek to cure what’s deep inside, frightened of this thing that I’ve become…”

Vergil stopped singing for a while as you joined the riff once more, dueting with Nero in an arrangement of different tones of voices. The Dark Slayer could finally see why his twin loved that song so much – some lyrics felt like watching his own reflection in the running waters of a quiet river.

As the solo hit, Nero took the task of playing his famous air guitar, making the kids scream around as if he was a rockstar. With you on air keyboards, Vergil stared you both for a while before starting, almost unmoving, to play his own air drums.

“Yeah! That’s how you do it, ol’ man!” Nero laughed while playing as if he had a real guitar in his hands. You couldn’t stop yourself from laughing at how much Vergil seemed to blush, get weird, freeze and continue air playing – all at the same time.

Taking a deep breath, you took your mic back to your lips. It was the moment of truth. Dante wouldn’t fail you – you had unweavering faith in your Crimson Slayer.

“Hurry boy, she’s waiting there for you!”

You could swear your voice could be heard in Heaven and Hell alike. With the stomps of the drums, though, the entrance door opened abruptly: Dante entered in strides, wearing Faust, having a ton of firework-like things exploding all around him in the shape of hearts. So many hearts.

Needless to say, all the attention turned to the Crimson Slayer, as he pointed back at you.

“It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you!” He sang with all the might of his demonic and human lungs.

Chaos ensued. The kids went crazy with the fireworks. Nico and Nero broke down laughing. Lady and Trish rolled their eyes – even if they had fun smiles on their lips. Kyrie’s heart seemed to bloom inside her chest. Patty was torn between complaining how cheesy Dante was and clapping – she ended up clapping while complaining and laughing at his antics. Vergil, once again, had that look of “every part of my personality is fighting inside me with thousands of thoughts and reactions, so my reaction is exactly none” – although he was happy to see his brother, as always when Dante arrived.

“There’s nothin’ that a hundred man or more could ever do!” Strutting as if he was in a catwalk, Dante approached you, with his convinced smile plastered on his lips.

“I bless the rains down in Africa!” As you sang together, he finally approached and spun you around, putting you on the ground only to grab his brother and nephew to keep on singing on the karaoke.

It was all lost, though. As Dante arrived, the party seemed to have finally begun – even if it already was fun. Vergil gave in and continued singing calmly next to his brother – who sang as if he was auditioning for The Voice.

“Gonna take some time to do the things we never had!” As the last line arrived, Dante embraced all of you to sing together in a hug – and even if Vergil seemed unwilling and Nero was a little uncomfortable at first, you all sang happily, with all your hearts… As a family would.

“Hey there, lil’ angel! Sorry it took me some time, got caught up on a job.” Dante finally addressed Kyrie as the song ended. She just clapped and cheered. “Happy birthday, Kyrie.”

“Oh, Dante! You didn’t have to…!” It was the first thing she said as he took an embellished hairpin out of his pocket and handed it to her. It was delicate and truly fit for an angel – you were all impressed he hadn’t broke it on the way there.

“It’s just a lil’ somethin’, couldn’t let your birthday go blank, could I?” He winked at her, already holding your hand so you could talk. “And kid, sorry I couldn’t make it earlier.”

“Hey, you’re here, right? That’s what matters!” Nero smiled back at his uncle, stepping by Kyrie to help her put the hairpin on.

As you approached the table with the apple punch Kyrie prepared earlier, Dante took you in your arms, kissing your forehead as you giggled.

“Ya know, that ‘Nero and Verge are singing Toto on the karaoke with me, be here soon or you’re gonna miss the party of a lifetime, cowboy’ message you sent me earlier was very effective, babe.” Dante had fun in his voice, giggling alongside you as his sky-blue eyes searched yours and you were safe and sound in his arms. You could hear Kyrie and Nico singing in the distance.

“Oh, I had to do something to bring you here. With the entrance of a lifetime too!” With that, he laughed out loud, one of your hands pointing towards Faust. “Guess some devil arms are useful for lots of things.”

“Huh, how do you think I got here? Cavaliere had a lot of work too!” With that, he winked at you, leaving another kiss on your forehead. “I’m glad you sent me the message, babe. I wouldn’t want to miss this for anything.”

“Hmmm, by the way, did you get paid this time…?”

“Yeah.” Dante shrugged, moving you alongside him, starting to dance unconsciously. “The lady wanted to give me money for my troubles, but I said the fancy hairpin she was wearin’ would do. Couldn’t let Kyrie go without a birthday gift, right?”

A bright smile colored your lips as your heart bloomed in gold. You didn’t know what you expected, really. If you didn’t know him better, you’d say he took the job because he forgot his family obligations, for not being used to it – but you were talking about Dante. You had no doubt he took it only to buy something nice to Kyrie; trading his money for something he was positive she would like.

“You’re wonderful, did you know that, cowboy?” You took Faust off his head, leaning in for a kiss. “A true heart of gold.”

Dante embraced you as you kissed him. It was going to take some time to do the things he never had the opportunity to do – but luckily, time was something Dante would always have for his family.

[raisedlikeaphoenix]

Raised like a Phoenix - Chapter 3: Right There Where You Left It

Just like always, it was cold.

Li’Ella held the Lion Beast tight as they ran through the blinding white freeze. Past the long dead trees, past the ice cold hills. Past all the landmarks that acted more like tombstones now.

There was the Wolves' old campsite.

The Gorilla’s old forest.

The Raven’s junkyard.

The Crocodile swamps.

The Rhino’s quarry.

The Bear’s resting place.

The ruins of the Eagle’s library.

She memorized every landmark, every path, every stone knowing which turn to take, which paths were safest, and where hunters would reside. Sometimes a Hunter would spot her but not attack. Maybe they assumed her capture was pointless, they already took so much after all.

Maybe they’re just letting her have this.

She still remained careful. Avoiding all the Hunter’s own towns and keeping a weapon on her at all times.

As they passed the ruins of the Eagle Spire and as the sun began to set, the Lion Beast stopped.

“Do you wish to continue forward?” It roared softly.

They knew Li’Ella struggled with visiting the Lion Temple, witnessing the slaying of your entire tribe for a second time was no easy burden to bear. She hadn’t even really gone anywhere near the place. Not like she could. It was crawling with Hunters ever since that sabertooth ass took it over and declared it as his own castle. No doubt exploiting the chi that the collapsed mountain somehow still produced.

But today felt different.

It's been ten years since it all happened. Ten years since she lost them but she wanted to see it again. Maybe even take a memento from the Temple.

It’s not like anyone else will claim it in the village.

She patted the Legend Beast on the head. “Let's go.”

-

The two crouched in the forest near the Temple, watching as Mammoths, Vultures, and Ice Bears headed up the stairs of what they now dubbed The Saber Tooth City. Lights shined bright inside as music played for their own celebration. No doubt celebrating the anniversary of their victory.

Rage boiled in the lioness as she watched those who oppressed her people get all dolled up and enjoy some damn party. She wanted to burn each and everyone of them alive. Just like what they did to her tribe.

She softly growled in rage, eyes shooting daggers. She was so distracted with her emotions that she didn’t even notice the centerpiece that stood at the top of the steps as everyone cleared away.

Until the Lion Beast whined and nudged her side.

“Wha- what is…”

Li’Ella’s eyes now filled with shock when she saw it.

When she saw him.

Frozen like a statue.

Put up like nothing but a decoration.

Still wearing the fire wings.

His red mane is still as bright as ever, despite the burning blue that caged it.

“Laval…” she practically sobbed.

Was his body really here this whole time? And she was too full of grief and guilt to even bother finding it?

Perhaps the Legend Beast read her mind as he leaned closer to her, Li’Ella patting his mane.

“I… I… we have to bring him back…” She stood up. “He can’t be here… he should be with his people. His… family.” At least to be given a proper burial.

The Lion nodded. He didn’t need to be told twice.

The two scaled the Temple, seeing if there were any guards they had to avoid.

Aside from the two at the front of the stairs, none of the others should be two much trouble.

Li’Ella digs through her bag and pulls out some sleeping darts the gorilla tribe had developed. Pulling her hood over her head she quickly walked over two of the guards to get a closer shot.

“Hey! You-” They don’t even have the time to finish their sentence, as each guard gains one dart in their neck. As Li’Ella heads up the stairs, they pass out. The Lion Beast catches up to her as she reaches the top.

Beasts, it was worse up close.

The Lioness could barely look at her fellow tribemate. His face seemed to have been frozen in a permanent scream, as a lot of flesh and bones had been eaten away over time. He was even missing a whole arm! At the base of the Laval's stand, was a plaque:

Here Lies One of the Many Fools who dared to stand up against Sir Fangar of the Hunters.

Learn from his mistakes.

Li’Ella rolled her eyes.

She wanted to say a few words to him. Maybe an “I’m sorry” or something.

But they were currently standing in enemy territory and if they didn't act fast, they could end up dead.

“Okay… How are we…” She mumbled out loud, trying to think of a plan, while also quickly realized that this might be a bad idea. She dug through her bag trying to find more tools and pulled out the fire chi.

Maybe I can plug the chi and break him off of the floor, then we can carry him home. It would probably be better to carry a block of ice that they can melt later than a body with limbs that can fly around and stuff.

Unless the body was so frozen stiff it-

Stop thinking about it!

As Li’Ella was about to plug the chi into her harness, she caught a glimpse of the fire wings in the ice.

And that's when it happened.

Was it a stupid idea? Maybe.

Should she have thought it out? Perhaps. But she was running on anger, guilt, and grief. Besides, if the hunters can be revived with normal chi, who says fire chi can’t do the same…

So before even the Lion Beast can stop her, Li’Ella plugged the chi into Laval’s fire wings.

-

Cold…

Warm…

Bright…

Burning…

-

When she plugs in the chi, bright light explodes from where Laval stood frozen. Li’Ella closes her eyes, as she feels the Legend Beast move in front to protect her.

The light is so bright it almost burns her very fur as she attempts to shield herself. Then she hears it.

A roar.

His roar!

It worked!

When the light begins to die down, she hears rough coughing. Then a rasping voice (one she has not heard in forever) says, “Li’Ella…”

The sound brings tears to her eyes as she looks up, smiling as bright as the light that almost blinded her. The Lion Beast displays a grin of his own as they stare at him.

Laval of the Lions is standing in an outfit similar to the one she had seen him wear in pictures, before the fire chi gifted him a new one.

But instead of blue this one is more crimson with gold accents. His eyes burn bright orange, but the sclera of the eye is no longer white but pitch black. His scratches and wounds are all a deep dark purple and Laval is still missing an arm. The fire wing harness glows bright as if it had just been polished and not frozen for 10 years.

The three stared at each other in silence for what felt like hours.

Till Laval says, “Uh… did we win?”

The sound of approaching hunters answers his question, as Li’Ella takes his hand and they hop on the Lion Beast, who dashes down the stairs as fast as his four legs can.

“Uh. I’ll fill you in later.”

“Yeah. I think I missed a lot because- WHERE DID MY ARM GO?!”

Laval turned towards the crowd of Hunter’s, many entering their vehicles to chase after them.

“Did we really lose that bad? How long was I out? Where are the others? Are they okay?”

Shots fired as the Lion Beast ran deeper into the woods.

“Well… you all died.” Li’Ella began.

“WHAT!”

“But I brought you back! So, we can do the same for everyone else. Look, I'll explain when we get to the Outlands. It’s a lot. But you're here! And that's what matters.”

Li’Ella turned to see Laval’s face full of horror and confusion.

“What… Did you do?” He whispered.

Despite the situation, Li’Ella let out a small chuckle. She felt bad the moment it came out but she couldn’t help.

“Heh. Necormany I guess.”

Last chapter <- ⭐️-> Next Chapter

-

Fun fact! This whole series (especially this scene) was inspired by the book Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson, about a girl who revives her dead best friend and some popular girls to solve their murder.

It's a good book, check it out.

[skyward-floored]

I….I couldn’t decide so I’m giving you 3 options and you can either do all 3 or just chose 1 for a snippet or any random facts you want to tell me! My brain will love anything you throw at me! I love all 3 of these so much! No pressure also! 💜

Incredibles au

Royal castle town wedding

Courage of ages

I will gladly talk about all three, you underestimate my ability to blab about my projects hehe

Incredibles au

INCREDIBLES AU WOOO Been working on the main fic on and off, was feeling kinda discouraged, and then I actually reread all of what I’ve got and was like “okay this actually isn’t so bad”.

I’d love to start publishing it, but the literal first chapter is so full of action scenes that I can’t write it very fast 😓 Plus there’s some (kinda important!) plot things I’m still trying to make work, and haven’t figured out yet. So eventually! Just not yet. Here’s a bit of it though!

“Hey Warriors!” Wild called from the table, then spat an entire mouthful of water at him from across the room before Malon could tell him not to.

Warriors lunged forward and shot some ice from his hands, freezing the water and catching it before it could hit the ground. He held it out to Wild with a grin, and he took it with a slightly disappointed expression.

“Aw... I like it when it shatters.”

Time grabbed his coat from the hanger as Warriors made the rounds and asked how everyone was doing, before ruffling Legend’s hair and making him squawk.

“How you doing Ledge? See you’re still crazy about carrots,” he teased with a look at his plate.

“And I see you’re still insufferable as ever, uncle freezer burn,” Legend snapped back, whacking his hand off his head.

“Aw, I love you too.”

Royal Castletown Wedding

I’m going to put the other two under a cut so I don’t take up everyone’s dashboards 😅

Castletown wedding! It’s only got another chapter or two left, then it’ll be finished! I’ve got a few deleted scenes from it too I’m hoping to maybe post once it’s finished. I honestly just need to sit down and finish the silly thing, but lately other things have been taking my attention heh.

Here’s a section of it :)

“Poor Cia...” Artemis murmured, pity in her eyes. “She’d never truly returned after all. She was merely a shadow, a tool like everything else...”

“Well shadow or not, she sure made a mess of things” Legend grumbled. “Good riddance.”

The others nodded, though Warriors seemed oddly subdued still, his eyes glazed like he was looking at something only he could see. Then he shuddered, and shook his head, snapping out of whatever daze he’d been in. He noticed Wind was looking at him, and gave him a faint smile, but Wind turned away.

Courage of Ages

Coa my beloved 💖💖💖 My own Links meet au thing, I’ve got so many random scenes and interactions (and aus heh) with these guys written down that may or may not actually end up in the alleged main fic. I always welcome questions about them! :D

But here’s a bit that’ll probably end up in the main fic at some point, or might just be a scene I’ll post by itself. We’ll have to wait and see :)

“Who all do you have back home Cloud?” Gloam asked once Windy had finally quit pestering him.

“You got anyone like that?” Light asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

Their resident cloudy hero blushed, and scratched the back of his neck. “Well. Yes. I mean...”

He held up his left hand, tugging off the glove atop it and revealing a wedding band around his finger.

“...I do have someone waiting for me back home.”

Gloam clapped him on the shoulder as a few ooohs went up from the others. “Well wouldn’t you know it, one of us is hitched! You’ve been holding out on us! What’s her name? You been together long?”

Cloud’s face turned wistful, and he sighed. “Zelda. And it hasn’t even been a week. I was on my honeymoon.”

Several glances were exchanged at the name, but Windy merely looked dismayed.

“Oh no, that’s terrible Cloud, this must be awful for you!” the sailor exclaimed, and the chosen hero smiled a bit despite the sad look in his eyes.

“Yes. But at least I know she’s safe.” His expression turned dismal. “She likely has no clue what happened to me.”

[sora-of-uranus]

I ran out of space heres more.

Zukos sass to Lietenant Jee for the ice blocks. Its really fucking funny.

the patterns on the firelords dress robes are realllly sick. I think because its so many similar shades of red there was a real chance of blending together that the little gold details just add that little pop that makes it work. Plus it reminds me of snake skin or dragon scales.

Katara and sokka in the background when Aangs tryna cross into the spirit world. its some cute little comedy that I think works welll.

AANGS SPIRIT LITERALLY LEAVING HIS BODY WAS SOOO FREAKY BUT SO COOL.....Katara and Sokka joining is a choice.

"when have I ever caused trouble" and Iroh just looking so done with Zuko

the bar talk where they discuss some past adventures was pretty cool. I mean without the previous context of the animated show those references mean nothing but its cool to atleast say that the journey isn't as quick.

June. June rizzing up iroh and zuko being disgusted. June is so pretty. Have I mentioned shes pretty?

Wan shi ton (i never know how to spell his name sorry) he LOOKS imposing, he feels imposing, him being so aghast at "birdie"

SOKKA UNIRIONCALLY USING DISCOMBOBULATED. Its so fucking random.

SEEING THAT KATARA SAW HER MOTHER LITERALLY BURN TO DEATH! THAT IS INSANE. I personally didn't find the whole seening her mother scene emotional UNTIL THAT POINT. and then seeing Koh was wild. Although I think some of the fear aspect comes from KNOWING what he as a spirit does. It still a jump scare

seeing sokka hear 'hadoka' say that he isn't meant to have peoples lives in his hands. that hurt. I hate for waht it does to Hadokas portrayl BUT for sokka? oh it adds up nicely.

Perhaps I'm reading this wrong, but it feels like Monk Gyatso is similar to how Iroh was in the spirit world in Legend of Kora. Which I think is really intresting to have him just BE in the spirit world. It once again adds an intresting paralel between Aang and Zuko. AND seeing him tell Aang that it wasn't his fault, that he COULDN'T do anything, essentially telling him that leaving was the best thing he could've done for the world...it was really sweet.

ZUKOS JOURNAL RETURNS IN EPISODE 5. its so silly I literally love this journal.

AANG BURRYING AN ACORN AS AN OFFERING TO HEI BAI WAS SUPER CUTE. It felt different to the animation because it was a direct offering from Aang, rather than an indirect offering/promise to heal the world. It was a very nice change to the origional show.

Episode 6 the intro with the naration as Zuko checks his outfit. and then having Iroh correct his uniform for him. very sweet, going all in on the father son bond. "how do I look :3" "like a prince" IM SORRY I LOVE THESE ACTORS. they really do fit there characters.

Jee saying "he may be a prince, but hes not our prince" was GOOD. Espeically with Iroh going SO cold when he tells him off. Idk I like how they've changed Jee in this show, I think its for the better. Its great cuss you can understand WHY the crew feel this way when it comes to zuko yet you also feel bad for him. idk I think they just succeeded with redoing this plot line.

the main Roku shrine is STUNNING. all the small details, the the relics from past avatars, the actual marble (?) statue of Roku. God its stunning I love it. The forst sets always look a bit naf but the BUILDING SETS???? oh they fuck.

"uh, its me aang :3" god he's so silly. also I like that they make Roku kinda a joke. Idk its kinda stupid but his introduction is great. I mean its awful but also I love the way how hes just a goofball. I hate him but I love him. I get why he didn't stop the fire nation now.

"anything you need" "it has to do with Koh" "anything but that." IS PEAK DIALOGE I AM SORRY.

I find it intresting that they brought the comic lore into the show with the mother of faces. I mean the totem is...awkward? but its still intresting and I LIKE that they've taken this risk. I also like that theres this joint relationship between the avatarsa nd the mother of faces since she apparently brought itdentity to us. its cool.

this is so fucking small but having female generals at the war meeting.

OZAI IN THE MEETING IS SCARY. WHEN HE SHOUTS ENOUGH????? godamn. I have loved Daniel Dae Kim since lost so maybe this is me just fan girling.

IROH HAS HIS TOPNOT CUT OFF VIA ARROW???? okay I have a love hate relationship with this. it IS such an intresting display of the archers presision and also a GREAT attack via Zhao but also...ah. Wait have I misunderstood this scene? maybe I did but this is what I understood. oops? maybe?

THE BLUE SPIRIT MASK. On one hand it looks like someone 3d printed it. on the other hand it feels like mechandise you buy of your fav play. If your looking for critisism this mask will be a good place to start, if your looking to bully zuko for being a theatre nerd, this mask is a great pleace to start. ALSO WHEN HES IN THE RAFTERS AND ALL YOU CAN SEE IS THE MASK? motherfucker id thank that was a spirit. Im sorry the mask is both SO scary and so goofy and I think that really works for how INSANE zuko infiltrating this stronghold is. Like its a perfect blend of "shit hes like...actually a tallented dude?" and "shit he might be the biggest dumbass on the planet???"

I actually really like Aang and zuko fighting together on the wall. If they manage to get to season 3 I can see some REALLY cool edits to the dragon dance because of the framing. Its some really cool fight choreography.

I love that you can LITERALLY see Zukos thought process to put his sowrds to the avatars throat. can you see his face? no. can you still see the cogs turning? yes. Its really cute.

I love how they shatter the mask. I think it would've been better if they shot the other side so it makes a little more sense for Aang to unmask him then and there since he'd recognise the scar. But I do like the change in how he is hurt.

Aang and Zuko squabbling and him going "fine. have it your way" like brothers. Aang staring at him and zuko being pissed like an elder brother. Aang asking stupid questions like goat hair or rabit and then zuko literally answering it honestly. ( side note Aang praising zuko for how detailed his notebook is and essentially saying that it took the place of the mons in terms of helping him. you just KNOW that fucked this boy up.). I could write an entire post about how much this small scene means to me. I also love how you KNOW exactly what line caused Zuko to blow up at Aang. its a conflict between his true self (the caligraphy brushes and the jokes and the friendship) and what his father desires and what he fears. It's so good. and then Aang apologising for hurting him? AND THEN GOING STRIGHT TO THE AGNI KAI. God.

the change where Iroh trys to step in is...an intresting one? I'm not sure if I like it or not.

I do like that zuko attempts to fight back even if its just dodging for the most part. and then I like how Ozai doesnt even dignfy his attacks by using both hands becuase he KNOWS he doesn't need to. and then how Ozai puts zukos hand over his heart because he knows Zuko wont have the guts to burn him. even when he gives him the chance to end it zuko won't take it. that Agni kai scene really is intresting. I also like that they add a shoulder burn. its a very cool adition.

It is very cool to see ozai give him his quest. It STARTS as almost...pleasant? Like he sill has faith but the MOMENT zuko opens his mouth it slips stright into anger. AND THEN THE CHANGE SO THAT HIS CREW IS THE 41ST. THAT. MEANS. SO. MUCH. That is genuinely such an insane thing.

Episode 6 is genuinely the best episode of this show. It adapts the origional episodes and turns them into something great but also its own. I love Irohs naration I think it frames the episode really well.

Because they removed the Pirates I like how they changed who blew up zukos ship and how it was a small cruiser and not the whole ship.

I've been so negative to the LA so heres a few things that I genuinely loved. Spoiles ahead. duh.

Sukis eye make up. the yellow blend into red? a nice subtle change to her character design that reallly adds to her

Zuko having those avatar dolls and their eyes lighting up. was cute

Zuko getting so hissy and destroying his room cuss his journal was missing. very relatable, very silly, the way Iroh is just kinda there realllly shows their dynamic well and also shows how Zuko IS just a stressed teenager

all the maps and drawings on the walls. they are very pretty and I'd love to have some of them irl

the entire scene of Suki and Sokka training together. Sokka slowly following her, Suki directing his moves and changing his forms. it felt like a dance and reallly highlighted how beutiful and deadly martial arts can be. it was also just filmed very sweetly with little noise beyond a sound track and grunts. Genuinely the best scene of episode 2 (and maybe the whole show).

Zuko unirioncally trying to fight Kyoshi??? it was so random but SO fitting. I aspire to be as stupid as this dumbass.

Sokka going "leader vs leader" to Zuko when asking him to fight was very cute and I HOPE they keep this style of interactions in like season 3 if they get that far.

JET USING THE HOOKS ON HIS SWORDS TO CONNECT THEM AND USE THEM AS ONE LARGE EXTENDED SWORD??? so intresting. SUCH a good use of props and how dynamic the fights in this show COULD be.

Longshot. Idk they are just so funny to me, I love how they are just casually posed on a tree as they shoot the first arrow.

the mechanist telling Sokka that he's tallented when it comes to engineering. it was very sweet, although I feel like it might bite the writers in the ass eventually. but for now it was very sweet.

I know in a past post I complained that Aang taught her bending to much, BUT Jet helping her open up about her mother and it helping her bending was an intresting take. I can see why people would hate it, but also why people would like it. Its intresting, its unique, and introduces an intresting paralel of Katara struggling to bend because of her emotions, and (hopefully) zuko facing that same issue later on in the series.

OMA AND SHU. best change of the entire series, truly the ultimate step up from the og, it works so well. I've seen this change in fanfiction and always loved it there, so happy it's now in a cannon media. Also the art work as they explain is very very beutiful.

Jets actor is honestly pretty fucking good. his "I thought you were on our side. On my side" speech in episode 4 was very sweetly done and it FELT complex with his emotions. espeically the choked up "i am nothing like the firebenders" MY GOD. Its a different take on Jet that shows a bit more of his sympathy then in the show and I think it realllly works. Props to the actor.

Zuko struggling to lie during episode 4 and make up excuses as he walks around the prision. Its so fucking funny to see him struggle and be all "well...my comanders gonna be pissed if I don't get to my duty in times" its so funny. I love Dallas I think he does a great job with Zuko and his characterisation will only get better if the show continues.

changing it to Sokka and Katara in the cave from Aang and Katara is honestly pretty cute? I know it takes away from the building romance with Katara and aang (although the show has cut so many of their interactions then this time it really WOULD feel forced) BUT it does work to expand and examine the theme of family that Avatar as a thing LOVES. Its espeically sweet arfter we've seen Katara and Sokka struggling deeply with each others wants and desires earlier in the show (espeically since this is stright arfter Jet). ( I am slightly pissed that its KATARA who is the skeptic in the tunnels. they could have the same argument with Katara being the one to believe. but oh well). Their argument was well worth it, it was long building, and truly felt like the two had buckled under the stress of leaving their tribe. Plus with the glowing crystals its like they are surrounded by stars which I think adds to the idea of missing home.

finishing the song secret tunel to then go "yeah there doomed!" with the biggest smile on his face. 10/10 comedy.

The arctitexture of the Omashu palace AND the crystals he bends are extrodinarily stunning. I mean the crytals look like smash beer bottles when broken, but when they are crystals???? suppper pretty.

ZUKOS PONY TAIL DOES THE PONY TAIL SWING BACK AND FORTH! Okay I know this is dumb, ut in the animation it didn''t happen as much or as extreme so it pleases me that real world physics are happening. Plus its just so silly.

The earth benders talking about how much was LOST during Irohs siege of ba sing se was pretty powerful. I've always been slightly irked that they wash over Irohs past and that he is JUST a good person, so it felt pretty cool that they took the time to kinda have him be....confronted by it? "I was a soilder" "you were a butcher!". It was a very quick examination of grief and ptsd, we got to see Irohs own sort of views about what happened, we got to see another persons desire for revenge because of the war, it was an odd scene for what we know of Iroh but it WAS intresting.

The funeral scene. "what a great honour for you and Lu ten to die in service of the fire nation" AND THEN ZUKO ACTING LIKE IT WAS WRONG TO SAY THAT. god. And then offering the medal that lu ten gave him to Iroh to properly comfort him? I was sobbing. It was a beutiful examination of Zukos conflict with what is expected of him, and what he WANTS to do. and then sitting by his side when no one else would? and Irohs tears only NOW comming once Zuko joined him? It was reallly and beutiful scene. I am so happy they added this.

genuinely when it was revealed that the tunnels where changing??? chills. I expected it. but it still shook me to my core. Maybe its cuss of the funeral scene before hand but either way props to them.

Okay so the animals sometimes looks goofy, BUT they also express WHAT they are so well. I love all the animals they look so fluffy and silly.

Iroh using the chains against hte earth soilders, once again some fun fight choreography and I am living for it.

Katara finding the badgermoles reacting to emotions with like...wonder and then Sokka going all "soo uhhh Mr badgermole" Was SO cute and in character.

Sometimes theres issues with the earth bending speed, but in the Bumi and Aang fight I found all the speed rather fitting. When he threw rocks, he THREW them. espeically the smaller rocks those shits are DEADLY. I mean that recreations of the animations scene where he bends over the rock looks goofy, like I get it but it didn't quite translate well BUT The rest of the fight looked pretty good. (and whilst I GET why it was important for Aang to face this challenge of this or that, it was upsetting for BUMI to be the one to do that. There are multiple other characters where it would make more sense, with Bumi being an old friend it just feels wrong. "you think like a child" "Is that really so bad?" was very sweet though.). I think Im a little over critical of what they've done to Bumi. it is a sweet story line and I can KINDA understand Bumis stance. realistically it wasn't that awful of a change its just jarring cuss its BUMI. Love his dress though I think it REALLY adds to this diversity of cultures and earth kingdom citys.

Seeing Zuko with that bandages arround his head and all his hair kinda really hurt. Also the use of leaves from the vine again. very sweet. "home. everything I need is on this boat" IT MADE ME SOB SO FAST. For all this shows changes, the changes they do with Zuko and Iroh work. The way Zuko saw the air bison and STILL chose getting his uncle to safty over even mentioning them? wonderful.

THE ICE DISKS! KATARA LITERALLY SAYING SHE GOT IT FROM THE EARTH BENDERS! its pretty cool. I like that they are already going deep with the benders taking elements from other bending styles is super fun!

Sokka and the little girl

[shotorozu]

relationship realizations

— ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦ 3k followers milestone

character(s) : multiple characters (bnha)

legend : [Y/N = your name] they/them pronouns used, quirk not mentioned

note(s) : happy 3k ‼️ thank you all for all the love, and most especially those that continue to send love, and indulge in my works. further context, this is what the bnha boys/men learned by being with you :))

»»————-　♡　————-««

midoriya izuku

↮ that his opinion does matter. okay— it’s not like you handed his confidence to him, no that’s different. but, you are a main contributor to the sudden increase of confidence in himself. before, he was just so used to be brushed aside, other people being told to ignore him whenever he does this, and for his rambles to be ignored like white noise— but after you showed up and spent some time with him, he realizes that it’s not the end of the world if he does ramble, and it’s not the end of the world to not be confident about your opinions 100% of the time, but what does matter is that his opinion was heard. which ultimately lead to him being more confident in expressing his own opinions, not caring if it’s apart of the vase majority, or the minority. he’ll forever love you for this.

todoroki shouto

↮ that taking your time isn’t abnormal. shouto, being someone that had little to no set example of what romance is, and being exposed to romance comedies, and tv shows— made him realize something. that people were already kissing on the first date, and he felt well,, under developed because of it. he was never the biggest fan of physical touch, it’s not to say that he never wanted to kiss you, he always does want to, but— he won’t just kiss you just because it’s the first date, or because the movies said so, even as much as he wanted to, no. that’s not what he wanted. he felt worried that he was moving too slowly, compared to the examples he’s seen online but— you say things differently. you allowed him to take his time, showing him patience as you peck him on his temples, and he couldn’t be more grateful to love someone like you.

bakugou katsuki

↮ that being vunerable isn’t a bad idea. you’re even aware of the many few boundaries katsuki has set up for himself— like no pda. which, you’re perfectly fine with, but katsuki hated the idea of being vunerable because well,, people shoved him onto this pedestal at a very young age, he’s thee bakugou katsuki, there’s no room for vulnerability (or so he thinks) besides all might and deku, you’re really the only one that has seen the vulnerable bakugou katsuki, not the loud and explosive one everyone is used to. he was repulsed by the idea, but after the first time he allowed himself to cry on your lap, shedding tears as he trembles in your caring embrace— he realized that he has someone, and that someone wouldn’t care for the world if he wasn’t this big and strong person 24/7. he won’t say it out loud, but he’s incredibly thankful

kaminari denki

↮ that people do take him seriously. nearly everyone sees this man as this.. class clown, goof ball, and that he’s ‘stupid’ or he’s ‘lacking braincells’ most of the time, and that’s all they make him out to be. denki doesn’t like drowning in self pity, but he can’t help it, why doesn’t anyone take him seriously? but wait, that’s when you come along. it was heartbreaking to say the least when you saw how shocked he was when you wanted to hear his plans and ideas. to anyone else, it might appear to be the bare minimum, but it’s everything to denki. to be taken seriously when the time says so, to be treated like the next person with ambitions. sure, he loves being a jokester, he loves making people laugh, but he can’t bite back the smile, when he sees you worry about him after every short circuit, and kiss him on the cheek whenever he comes back to his senses.

shinsou hitoshi

↮ that not everyone’s opinion is valid. okay hear me out, that might be considered a bad thing, but it’s really not. in fact, it’s a good thing. hitoshi’s just used to hearing sugar coated and backhanded compliments being thrown his way, people saying that “you’d be a good villain, at least!” but, he doesn’t want to be a villain. sometimes they’re not even backhanded, and he’s just used to accepting it as it is. because, everyone has been thinking that way, since well— he first manifested his quirk. but that’s when you come along, and blow away his expectations. you weren’t afraid to tell him the truth, that he shouldn’t have allowed all of them to insult him like that, since he deserved all of the good that was in the world. that wasn’t the part that stuck out the most, but it was the part where you told him that it’s the intent that mattered, and who cares if his quirk seems villainous, as long as he meant well? for once in his life, he stopped paying attention to the senseless comments, and focused on what really mattered— you.

kirishima eijirou

↮ that you don’t need a flashy quirk to be honorable. his quirk, while it took some time for it to be in the state that it is today, it has always been an insecurity of his, not that he’d admit that. that he can’t create big explosions or large glaciers of ice like bakugou or todoroki, or he can’t create whatever he desired like yaoyorozu, he just felt,, plain sometimes. which was something he never voiced out in such a blunt manner before, since he always presented himself as this cheery dude that’s always ready for the occasion. it might be easy, he probably curses at himself for being under your spell a little bit too easily, but he feels great whenever you praise him for his hard work, and especially his quirk. even when the insecurity slips out by accident, and when you’re questioned if you really meant that, you stay true to your statement, and that was an eye opener.

amajiki tamaki

↮ that there are other ways of being strong. look, it’s not like tamaki’s quirk is weak— in fact, it’s the very opposite, but his self esteem, and the absence of a sociable personality does take a toll on him sometimes. he feels like he can’t do anything right, especially when he mutters, messes up on what he wants to say, more importantly when he has an idea on what to say. he feels helpless, compared to the other two strong personalities of UA’s big three. and that’s why, you’ve showed him that shyness is completely normal and fine, and it’s not just him that struggles with socializing— and besides, tamaki does have other strong points, like his ability to be considerate with his actions, and his carefully selected words of affirmation whenever he sits next to you on a date. tamaki might be socially uh.. weak sometimes, but he’s come to realize that it’s fine, since he has other strong parts!

monoma neito

↮ that he won’t be forgotten, and also��� that being nice to class 1-A doesn’t sound that bad. come to think of it, neito DOES have a nice side in him, but it’s just not exposed to class 1-A for several different reasons (that are layered) when he was younger, he was told that his quirk wasn’t that spectacular, people have underestimated his quirk a lot. not because it’s ‘boring’ but because it just ‘copies other quirks,’ and has no individual attributes. thus, lead neito to act out as an attempt to stand out and not be ‘boring.’ in reality, neito doesn’t realize that he’s anything close to that, and that he can be remembered in the best ways. like, when you first saw his room, and it was covered in pastels, and whenever he sees you, the first thing he says is a compliment. who would’ve guessed it from him? and most importantly, when he is nice to class 1-A, he finds himself laughing at amusement— and he thinks ‘hey! this,, isn’t bad.’ it’s a slowburn for him to finally act like how he is with his class but hey, process!

dabi todoroki touya

↮ that he needs someone. how ironic, a villain— needing someone, and all for what? just to be abandoned for someone better? no thanks. you didn’t actually shove it in his face for him to realize it but, you did contribute to it. his staples were starting to falling off again after another gruesome mission, dabi didn’t feel like plucking them out himself, but he knows that he has to— he went to go pick them off, until, you come in. a stapler in your hand, as you practically make him sit tightly as you replaced the staples. it stings, not that he’ll ever admit that, he’ll just stick to making fun at you in such dabi fashion. but ugh, there’s that warmth again everytime he looks at you. it’s not the cruel burn, similar to his quirk— but it’s,, gentle. it makes him want to disembowel himself, but he doesn’t mind it when you touch the cool metal. just,, get out of his face before he decides to flame you, all just because he learned that he needs someone (he won’t actually flame you but ugh, he’s still dealing with that kind of warmth you’re making him feel)

»»————-　♡　————-««

likes and reblogs are appreciated, thanks for reading!

i do not own bnha/mha and it’s characters. boku no hero academia/my hero academia belongs to horikoshi kohei, i only own the writing and i do not profit off of my hobby

do not plagiarize, reupload, translate, or use my works for audio readings without permission

[kate-m-art]

"Please, Im okay, I just need to get dressed." Legend pleaded to the elder Link. Feeling trapped in the cot he'd been tucked into, Legend felt less than okay. His skin was pale everywhere except his cheeks, which burned red as if he had a fever. He couldn't keep the pained tremors from his hands, even when they rested upon his chest. He could feel the slightest drafts of cold licking and curling in his joints, swelling them with a painful stiffness that caused even rest to ache.

"Nonsense, that wasn't only been a bad fall, the healing potions haven't helped much. You're exhausted, you need rest to heal. Being in that freezing pond must have gotten you sick, and healing potions don't heal the flu." Time sounded so strict, like a worried father. Not that Legend could blame him. The fall had been pretty severe, he'd tumbled down a mountain face that surely would have posed a problem even for the wild one. The last thing he remembered was how he bounced off some trees and through the ice of a shallow pond. He knew his excessive collection of enchanted jewelry and clothing had saved his life, but the moment they stripped him of the items to warm him by the fire, he'd only gotten worse. At least he'd convinced them to continue their journey, but he had been confined to the folding cot, now used as a stretcher, for the past three nights. Every passing hour without his charms felt as though he were getting worse. They had dressed him in Sky's pajamas, warm and cozy but useless, and were babying him in the worst way. He felt like that sick weak child he'd once been again, confined to his bed and dependant on the healer to attend to his basic needs. It felt so dehumanizing, and having gone from a hero to this, well It was bitter. He'd promised himself he'd never end up like this again. He'd found a way to fix himself, he knew there was nothing wrong with needing help, but that didnt stop him from HATING being the one who needed that help.

"Time, the only thing Im exhausted of is being in this bed. Give me my tunic, or at least my rings! I'm not going to get better laying about like an invalid!" His words were bitter and sharp, poisonous even. Time thought he understood the others frustration, but he had no idea. The elder Link patted Legend on the chest.

"You're frustrated, I get it, but have a nap. I'll bring you some broth later, and if you can hold it all in, I'll consider bringing you a book." Time then got up and left the makeshift tent, going to help the others with the nights chores. Legend was stewing in fury and pain. His back felt locked up, they only let him leave the bed to piss, and even then, he didnt get to go far and someone was always holding his arm. Not even allowed to piss on his own... It was humiliating. It made his blood boil. They wouldn't even let him put his boots on, they gave him Wilds bullshit sparkly slippers. Why did Wild even have those? Just as he was vowing to pee on them, he heard a small noise on the rucksack beside him. Like a mouse or a large bug. Slower to look than he'd care to admit, he was confused to see one of his rings. With a shaky hand, he reached out to grab it, only to end up knocking it to the dirt. Cursing with every struggling breath, he was mid-mid sitting up when he heard his name.

"Four?" He asked in confusion, the shortest of the group hadn't visited much, only popping in to give updates to the others on the status of camp and supplies.

"Hey, Ledge!" Ugh, why did the short one have to call him that?

"What do you want?" Legend mumbled, continuing his efforts to shift his aching body to a point he could reach the ring.

"Well thats rude." Four grabbed the ring before the other was even near it, popping it into Legends hand and pulling away instead of trying to guide him back down as the others did.

"Thanks I guess" was all Legend could think of to mutter, putting the ring on as quickly as his numb fingers would let him. His sigh of relief as the thing lent its strength to him was hard to ignore.

"You know, I tend to struggle without the four sword at my side." Legend looked up, not understanding what the other meant.

"I don't need my stuff because I feel naked without it, if thats what you think." Legend wasnt in the best mood, he was in pain and frustrated. Four didnt seem to let it bother him however, and kicked the rucksack onto its side to sit on it.

"That's not why I need my sword either." Four stated, almost sounding amused. "My head... well. If I didn't have my sword, I wouldnt be able to sort myself out. I can get pretty rough without it." Legend raised a brow to the other, he wasnt in the mood to bullshit, but he could sort of feel what the other was trying to say.

"So you depend on it. For your mental health?" Legend asked, not as bluntly as he expected his words to be. Four chuckled faintly, somewhat red in the face, and nodded.

"Yeah, I guess so. I need it for my mental health, I depend on it so others can depend on me." Four reached under the cot, grinning as he pulled out two handfuls of jewelry. "Wind was keeping them safe for you, it wasn't easy getting it all. I had to ask some friends to help." Legend was slack jawed as Four plopped the pile on his chest. Before he could protest, Four was propping him up to slip necklaces on him. "Time isnt keeping them away from you just to be a jerk, you know. He's just worried about you and doesn't know how to help you. I wouldn't be surprised if he was worried the jewelry would pull the cold in on you, or be too heavy. Heck, maybe he's worried you wont heal with all the jewelry and stuff."

Legend could feel his body lightening with the accessories. Each ring was easier to put on, his breathing was easier, his body wasn't shaking, he no longer felt too cold and too hot at the same time. With all the jewelry on, he could finally sit up on his own without his body begging to stop.

"You wont tell them, will you?" Legend had to ask, worried the others would treat him differently if they found out he was depending on magic to do his hero duties. Worried they would make him sit aside or give him the small tasks. He was just as capable as them when he had his aids.

"No, I wont if you wont." Four grinned, tapping the sword he always kept on him. Legend knew the other hero cuddled the sheathed sword at night. He'd always chalked it up to trauma and anxiety. Legend merely nodded respectfully in response. They both froze as they heard footsteps, and Legend only had to stifle a small groan as he laid down and pulled the blanket up to his chin. Four quickly tucked it in, Legends ringed hands hidden as Time entered the tent.

"Four?" The elder hero asked in surprise, Four looked back and smiled flawlessly, smooth as an actor. As though he had planned for and rehearsed this.

"Time! Perfect timing! I brought Legend some tea I made, our friends helped me with it." Time seemed to understand something more in Fours statement, and nodded. Four held up a little satchet that stunk strongly of ginger, mint, and magic. "He should feel better in no time, but I'm really bad at making tea. Legend told me to ask Wild, but he's busy with dinner." Four sounded so chill, as though there weren't an entire camp of half competent men he could have asked instead of the one practically dying in bed. Time seemed to accept this, and held his hand out for the smelly satchet.

"I'll go get this ready, knowing everyone else, they'll find a way to ruin it." Time joked, trying to be lighthearted. He left quite quickly, and from the sounds of Wilds bickering over which pots Time could use, the elder hero was in a hurry to get the tea ready.

"See, he's only worried about you. He's going to make that nasty tea and we can pretend it was that crap that made you feel better." Legend paused, eyeing Four.

"You brought me nasty placebo tea?" Four grinned, playfully poking Legends forehead.

"If Im going to help you, I get to have my giggles too. That stuff has so much mint and ginger in it, you can barely smell the fish oil, dried liver, mustard, fermented mushroom, cranberries... You know what they say. If it doesn't make you gag, its not real medicine." Legends face screwed up, terrified what the little gremlin might have put in the tea. Before he could snap anything smart, Four hopped up off the rucksack and stretched. "I'll wait outside so I can help you drink the tea. Don't want them seeing all those rings on your hands, right?" And with a malicious snicker, Four popped out of the tent, leaving Legend to fear the double-edged love of the shortest Link.

Gosh I love Four 🥺 This is too sweet friend, thank you so so much for sending it to me ♡♡♡

[fandomscombine]

Heartbreak Woman [Cho/Cedric Ending]

Warning: Angst! Brokenhearted!Reader

WC:1454

I proposed 3 varying endings and the response was across the board so I decided why the heck not write ALL 3 choices!

a/n: I haven't been active on tumblr this past month. Motivation to read & write wasn't really there. Feelin pretty crap. I don't think it's my best work- I actually wrote this ending last month but delay posting it since I promised to post all 3 endings back to back- but with the recent burnout, my progress is slow. Proofread it and push the insecurities & anxieties away and here we are. Love was put into this, I hope you enjoy it! Don't worry, the other 2 endings are on the way.

I tried posting this 9 times now and it keeps saying error. this is me testing it with mobile so formatting is hard but I hope it posts

BG: You were hoping that your best friend, Cedric to ask you to the Yule Ball. Instead you were roped into helping him ask Cho out. It broke your heart, but at least this way while helping him out you could pretend that he was doing all the sweet things to you. On the other side of the picture, Harry was too heartbroken upon learning that Cho is going out with Cedric.

Read the main story before it diverges ending here!

>>>Heartbreak Woman [Main]

>>>MASTERLIST<<<

 

Did Harry Potter really just ask you out and you said yes?

Touching your forehead, it wasn’t bleeding anymore but there is still a slight sting to it from the collision with Harry’s broom. Yes. That definitely happened. You thought to yourself, this isn’t some delusion from the injury.

 This is good. This is good. Hyping yourself up. You enjoy his company and that should be enough to stop your thoughts from going about a certain Hufflepuff boy. The same boy you had abruptly left alone in the greens. It’s not his fault nor it is Cho’s for wanting to date each other. You have nothing against them, they are both such lovely and kind people and not to mention popular- it was only a matter of time that they got together, Hogwarts’ Power Couple.

No, it’s just you and your stupid feelings falling for your best friend and agreeing to help with the courtship.

‘Y/n? Hii.” The voice reels you back to reality.

You blinked. “Cho! Hi!” Greeting her loudly had been taken by surprise. You dial down your volume. “What can I do for you?”

“It’s actually what you did, really… I just wanted to say thank you.”

You were confused, why was she thanking you?

“For helping Cedric I mean” She clarified. “He mentioned that you helped him with the picnic idea. It was very sweet. It was what made me finally say yes.”

“That’s awesome.” You force yourself to smile. “I’m glad you guys are together, I can finally get that git to stop bothering me with date ideas. That’s 3 weeks of my life I’m not getting back!” There was some truth to that statement, now that she and Cedric are together you don’t have to go through the pain of practice dates with Cedric.

“You y/n are the absolute wingwoman! Legend material!” Cho praised. “You're like my fairy godmother!” She continues, wrapping you into an embrace.

“yayyyy….That’s me…” You mumble into her luscious hair. Grateful that Cho couldn’t see your face.  Pulling apart, you don’t let her go quite yet. With hands on her shoulder, you stare unwavering. “Just don’t break his heart yea? He’s really smitten by you, promise you won’t hurt him.”

Cho is taken aback a bit, your words clearly coming from a strong emotional bond with the boy.  Thoughts of love, Eros, passed through her mind but brushed it away - It can’t be y/n help them get together. Y/n’s words must come from Philia love, y/n and Cedric had been best friends since before they could talk! Everyone knows that. They have a soul connection that can’t be replicated.  “I promise.”

~

14th February.

Valentine’s Day.

This holiday sucks.

No, not for the reason that you’re single. Nah.

Today is a downer as you won’t be able to do your annual tradition.

See every since 3rd year you and Cedric would be in a pink ensemble outfit complete with red heart sunglasses. Spreading chants of self love and showering fellow single students and professors with compliments. This all started out when your roommates teased you for not having a date for Valentine’s day.  When Cedric had heard about it, he went all out. The boy basically made sure that every single person knew how wonderful, beautiful and intelligent you are.

It was this day onwards that 2 things happened.

Complementing and advocating for self love, Philautia, in a pink get up became an annual Valentine’s tradition. (Even a couple of students joined the cause, expanding from you just both into an association/group of sorts.)

 You started to see Cedric in a new light. In other words, you were falling in love with your best friend.

Scanning the Great Hall for pink cladded pupils, you were glad that the group had saved you a seat however a certain Hufflepuff was out of sight. Taking a deep breath, you cleared your head. Get it together y/n. Today is about sharing love and do NOT think about Cedric and Cho going on a romantic date in Hogsmeade.

You were about to take a step forward when-

“Argh!” Shutting your eyes as the hall spun around.

“Relaxx!! Relax! It’s just me.”

Feet back on solid ground, you turned towards the perpetrator, the one boy you did not want to see right now. “What the fuck Ced! Don’t scare me like that!”

“I’m sorry…” Cedric raises his arms in surrender. “Is everything alright?”

“Yea everything’s fine.”

Cedric raises a brow. You forget that this boy can see through your bullshit.

“Only had a couple hours of sleep, that’s all.” It wasn’t a lie, in fact you’d only gotten 3 hours of rest last night, it was just the case of omitting that his upcoming date with Cho was the reason for your restlessness. You don’t want to blame it on jealousy, but it is.

Grabbing hold of your hand, he pulls you towards the group. "Alright then, I've got some spare sleeping potion if you need."

You wave to your fellow singles as you sit down."uh..thanks Ced." You couldn't stop vocalizing your confusion as to why Cedric is still right next to you. Normally you wouldn't complain, but today was Valentine's Day.

"Ouch y/n!" Cedric sassed, eyes focused on piling food onto his plate." Just because I have a girlfriend now doesn't mean I would disappear on my best girl."

My best girl. It hurts to be called that in another context than you wanted.

"Don't you have a date with Cho today?"

"Yea but Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop  doesn't open until 11am. Which gives me time for our annual Valentine's tradition!"

"But you're taken."

"Yes….but I could still help spreading the love!" Cedric glanced around. "No one minds that I come to join you right?"

A murmur of Nos filled your eyes.

"Haha! See I told you!" Cedric brags, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. Looks at you straight in the eyes, those gorgeous grey irises melting away your defenses."You can't get rid of me that easily." He whispers, loud enough only for you to hear. You could feel the heat filling up your face due to his closeness. Too busy lost in the rapid beats of your heart, you failed to notice his face getting even closer.

A softness like cotton grazes your cheek.

Cedric kissed you!

Your mind is close to being short circuited. The area of where Cedric's lips were a nanosecond ago is cold as ice. The cold contrasted with your now burning hot, blushing face.

You could live in this forever. All external environments quiet, blocked out of focus. Cedric's arms around you while the butterflies in your stomach bursts out, occupying your whole body with sheer giddiness from having his lips on you.

But the daydream breaks.

"Hey Love! You ready?"

"Morning!" He greets, kissing her. "Uh…" It's only 9:34am. You nod, silently telling him that it was okay to miss your annual tradition. You weren't expecting any quality time today, yet he managed even if it was just for breakfast. "Yea.. give me 10 minutes to go change and I'll pick you up at the courtyard?"

"Sounds great. Be quick cause I miss you already!"

"Sure will sweetheart." He pecks her lips again then waves goodbye to the table and he's off, running.

The tension changes once Cedric is gone.

"Can I talk to you outside y/n?"

"uh yeah" Once outside. "What's up?" Trying to sound casual. Cho inviting you to speak privately isn't usual-seeing that you were the couple's go to accomplice for surprises.

"I see the way you look at him."

"I'm sorry?"

"I know.you like him. y/n. I know you like Cedric."

"Cho.. you can't be serious, he's my best friend!"

"I wasn't sure then.but just now..the way you act around him. the way you look at him. y/n is undeniable. It’s  so obvious-I had assumptions then but everyone just brushes it off as your childhood friend with each other. heck even both of you say that."

"Cho…."

"I didn't bring this up before because I felt insecure, jealous even that I can't live up to the standard of relationship you and Cedric have.”

You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. There were too many revelations bombarding you all at once, that you are having trouble processing what is going on.

“But I am tired of what ifs and worrying.” Voice quivering, she continues. “You've got to tell him, y/n."

The words snap you back into place.

"Cho… I can't. I can't ruin your relationship."

If you love someone and they love someone else, you let them go.

~

Everything Taglist :@gruffle1

HP Taglist:@onlyfreds

Heartbreak woman Tagist:

@joalinbenefits @the-natureofme @romanoffs-heart @justmesadgirl @plumso @gleefulleve @wolf-phoenix-lover @ceofcedric @savvy7392 @cedricsfluffyhair @thewayilookatbacon @LIONLIKEWOLFLIKE @mellifluous-cosmos

[seekingseven]

All I would like to request is Legend and Sky hanging out, maybe being friends. Also, love you lots Seeking! Hope you're taking care of yourself and having a good day. It's what you deserve ^u^

Linked Universe Prompt Requests #3!

First of all, I appreciate you so much, Silver! And second, here you go!

(You can also read the fic here on Ao3)

~~~~~~

Legend leaned against his kitchen counter, chin in his palm and nose scrunched against the breeze leaking through the window.

"Foul ball, that was a foul ball!"

"Wha- no it wasn't! You can't call a foul ball whenever we score!"

Warriors and Twilight glowered at each other. On the far side of the backyard, Wind dribbled a spotted ball between his ankles and made small talk with Wild, who was trying to wipe away the sweat pooling under his arms with the end of his ponytail.  Legend scrunched his nose in disgust. Apparently the champion's bright idea to host a ball game in the hottest hour of the afternoon had come back to bite him.

His focus drifted over to the other side of his backyard, where Hyrule stood forlornly between two wooden posts. His team's poor excuse for a goal, most likely.

"You tried to trip me!"

"I did not! Stop whining, would you? If you wanted to win you should have learned the rules of the game beforehand."

"Cut me some slack, Twi. It's my first time playing!"

"Not an excuse. If you wanted to learn you could have just stayed inside with Sky and Legend or gone to the market with Four!"

Warriors took a few quick steps forward. Twilight stood his ground and puffed up his chest.

"That's enough, you two." Time said, voice snapping from his spot on a nearby bench. Legend grunted. What kind of referee watched from a bench? This was why there was an argument happening in the first place.

Behind him, the kettle began to whistle. Legend pushed himself off his elbows and turned to shut off the stove top, only partially ignoring the sounds of athletic revelry from the backyard. Porcelain clinked as Legend pulled a cup off the drying rack, then, glancing across the room, pulled off another.

If Sky was bothered by any of the commotion outside or the domestic ambience inside, he didn't show it. Instead, he sat at a table by the porch window, filing idly through the mounds of miscellaneous letters and trinkets piled around him. An overhead cuckoo clock wheedled out a dinky tune as Sky scrutinized an oddly-shaped mask.

"Coffee?" Legend asked.

Sky looked up from the table, then smiled.

"Yes, please!"

"Wrong, it's tea. What kind do you want?"

Sky's eyebrows furrowed for a moment before he caught on.

"Oh, haha! You got me. Uh, I don't really know. Surprise me."

Legend nodded to himself as he poured the kettle into the two cups. "You like sweet stuff?"

"Yeah, big fan. Can't drink anything too hot, though. Hurts my face. You got any iced tea or something?"

Steam plumed from the cups. Legend let out a small snort.

"Would have been nice to know that earlier."

Sky scratched the back of his neck and had the decency to offer up an apologetic smile. With a roll of his eyes, Legend set the kettle down and hoisted himself onto the kitchen counter.

He knew he stored the ice cubes in one of the overhead cabinets, but which one? Cabinets opened and closed as Legend balanced precariously on the countertop. Where was it? Had he really been gone so long that he didn't know where his own things were?

"Hey Legend, what's this?"

Paper rustled. The legs of Sky's chair squeaked as he leaned back, and in the corner of his eye Legend saw his companion hold something up to his face.

"Little busy here," Legend mumbled, closing yet another cabinet full of pots and pans. Maybe he should give some to Ravio; the guy needed some things for his new place, anyway. "Can you describe it to me?"

A snicker, then a stifled sound of agreement. Legend would have turned around to glare at Sky if he wasn't busy gloating over his find; the ice, at last! The countertop groaned as Legend plopped the bag of ice atop it and hopped onto the floor.

"It's a letter," Sky began, his voice uncharacteristically suave. Legend's eyes narrowed. "It's in this little pink envelope, and there's a little heart sticker on it. Says on the back....'from Elise.' Oh ho ho! Who's Elise? And there's another one here! This one's white, and it has a flower sticker on the lip. Very, very cute. Is this from Elise, too? Let me see...oh goddesses! 'From Carmen!' Carmen! Now tell me, does Elise know about this Carmen?"

Sky looked up at him with an impossibly smug grin. Legend pressed the corners of his lips down as he pulled out the rest of the ingredients for the tea.

"They're just girls," Legend began. "Just-"

"Just girls? What kind of philosophy is that? And to think you criticize Warriors for his womanizing tendencies..."

"You didn't let me finish! They're just girls who work at the bakery in Castle Town. I don't know how they got my address, but one day they all started sending me letters like that."

Sky's eyebrows piqued upwards. It might have looked innocent if not for the devious smile on his face.

"Oh, I see. So why did you keep them? Elise and Carmen must have been very sorry to have not received any response," Sky said, rifling through the stack of pink and red and crème colored letters and flipping them over to read the names on the back. Legend pretended he didn't see Sky's grin widen. "And I'm guessing the same is true for poor Lisa...and Donatella...and Trish..."

It was a good thing that Legend was preoccupied with measuring out sugar and honey, because if he had been any closer to the ice cubes, they might have melted from the heat radiating off Legend's face.

"I'm serious, Sky! I don't know any of them. I don't know why they kept sending the letters -- I never even gave them my address! I mean, I'm sure they're all really nice girls, but I'm just not, you know, in the position to be in a relationship right now...with the traveling and heroics and all that..."

Silverware clattered as Legend pulled open a drawer and retrieved a fruit knife. The sound of shouting and running echoed from outside. Light streamed through the kitchen window, and the breeze pushed along dust bunnies on the floor. Sky studied Legend, watching with unusual intensity as the latter skinned and diced a peach, then folded his hands behind his head.

"Fine, fine. But one more question, then."

Legend made a vague sound that could have been read as either grateful or irritated; most likely, it was a combination of both. Sky pushed forward anyway.

"Why'd you keep them?"

"What?"

"The cards. Why did you keep them? Did you just not have a chance to throw them away or something?"

"Throw them away? Of course not! Did you see the paper they're made of? That sort of high quality cardstock doesn't come from just anywhere! If I can find a way to bleach the paper without damaging it, I can use it for all sorts of things!"

Sky snorted, smiled, and tossed a handful of pink cards back onto the table. Hoarder, indeed.

"I think that Ravio friend of yours is starting to rub off on you."

"He is not," Legend insisted, placing a spoon and straw in both cups before walking over to the table. Only after Sky brushed away the cards in front of him did Legend hand him his tea. "He would have tried to sell them off as antiques or something. Guy wouldn't know what a real antique was even if it was staring him in the face."

Sky hummed. The sound bubbled into his tea and set little capsules of air drifting across the frothy surface. "Hey, did you put peaches in this?"

"Yeah, you like it?"

Outside, Warriors cried foul and Hyrule said something about headshots. Sky sipped his drink again, then grinned. "Mmmm, delicious. Yeah, I love it! Give me the recipe sometime, huh?"

"Heh, will do. Glad you like it."

"And speaking of Ravio, where is he? Didn't you say he used to squat here?"

Legend nodded, hands cupped around his drink and goosebumps flaring from its soothing coolness. "He did, but he just moved out. Got his own shop by the castle, with a big nice sign out in front. Professionally made. It looks pretty good, honestly. I haven't seen him in a while, but I might drop by sometime to say hi."

"Ah, I see," Sky said, absently threading one of the love letters through his fingers. Legend shot him a dirty glare, but he paid it no mind. "Hey, you said that these girls somehow figured your address, right? Do you think Ravio might have given it out? Maybe while you were gone or something?"

"Ravio? That's ridiculous. He's not the sort of guy to do that. For the longest time he's been telling me to...to..."

Legend's eyes widened. The goosebumps along his arms grew more pronounced, and this time it wasn't from his chilly drink.

"He what?" Sky prompted.

"He's been telling me to get a girlfriend for the longest time and...he...he set me up. He set me up! He gave out my address to those girls. I know it! He...this is his fault!"

Sky burst into laughter. Tea sprayed across the table, splattering across rose-colored envelopes and sparkling cardstock. Legend punched him in the shoulder, hard, but Sky didn't stop.

"Ravio! Ravio as your wingman, I would have never thought! Doing the goddesses' work, he is!"

"Oh, shut up, would you? I'm not going to make you tea again!"

Their punching and tousling cooled when the front door swung open. A moment later, Four stepped inside, arms laden with groceries and a peculiar grin on his face.

"You're back!" Sky said. Legend mumbled something about Sky stating the obvious before placing his cup to his cheek, trying to smother his burning blush.

"Sorry to interrupt whatever was going on here," Four said. That odd smile was still on his face. "I’m just about to put all these groceries away, but there's something I need to give to Legend first."

"Me?" Legend asked. Four's grin widened; it looked unnervingly similar to the one Sky had worn just minutes ago.

"Yes, special delivery. From a certain 'Amelia'. It's the red box, yeah, that one."

Legend picked up the box gently, sandwiching it between his forearm and bicep, and shuddered. Sky and Four traded a sidelong look before the latter darted off into the kitchen.

"Well? What do you think it is?" Sky asked.

"I don't want to know," Legend whispered. He took a seat by the table before tossing the box by his cup. Something rustled inside.

"Open it..."

"Open it!" Four chimed from the kitchen. His voice was unusually high.

With a world weary sigh, Legend edged his fingers under the box cover and slowly lifted it upwards.

"Well? What is it?"

"Wait, would you? I can't tell..."

Legend leaned forward, squinting.

His eyes widened.

With an undignified BANG, he slammed the box shut and launched it across the room. His face was stained a dangerous color of scarlet.

"...well?" Sky repeated, "what was it?"

Legend let out a short breath, then leaned over to cradle his head in his hands.

"...remind me to kill Ravio the next time I see him," he growled.

Sky and Four burst into laughter, and even Legend couldn't fully stifle a smile.

~~ Fine ~~ I hope you enjoyed! Thank you so much for reading! [Previous Request] - [Next Request]

[tigerkirby215]

5e Aphelios, the Weapon of the Faithful build (League of Legends)

(Artwork by Pan Chengwei. Made for Riot Games.)

(Shit meme by yours truly.)

Yes I hate Irelia so much I’m genuinely making an Aphelios build before her.

But I really don’t get the “Aphelios too confusing 200 years” memes. Don’t get me wrong his kit’s weird and certainly overtuned but it doesn’t take that long to figure out what his guns do. Calibrum has long range and fires a skill shot, Severum has lifesteal and attacks fast, Gravitum slows and roots, Infernum attacks in a cone for AoE damage, and Crescendum attacks very fast and creates a turret.

Just because I understand this does it mean I can play Aphelios? Fuck no. Did I learn all this from Legends of Runeterra by playing Labs with Aphelios? Yeah kinda. But all I’m saying is that if my stupid support-main ass can do midway decently as Aphelios on free-to-play rotation I really think the hype around him is overblown.

That’s enough hot takes from me. He’s the point where I list 5 goals for this build instead of 3 and make 200 years jokes.

GOALS

Calibrum - We’ll need a long-ranged weapon to harass our foes and pick them off when they try to run.

Severum - If enemies get too close or we get too low we’ll need a way to keep ourselves alive in a 1v1.

Gravitum - We’ll need to control our foes to always stay in an advantageous position.

Infernum - AoE damage is always useful to deal with crowds.

Crescendum - To take down the toughest of foes we’ll need to unleash all our firepower and even get our weapons to fir themselves.

Basically we need literally everything, all packed within 20 levels of D&D and 200 years of game design.

RACE

Aphelios is a human... but ellipsis means that another race makes more sense. Aphelios has his sister advising him wherever he goes in life, so to play two spirits in one a Kalashtar is a good choice! Your Wisdom score increases by 2 and your Charisma increases by 1. Alune’s Dual Mind grants you Advantage on Wisdom saving throws, and her Mental Discipline lets you resist Psychic damage. Alune also keeps you Severed from Dreams, meaning that you’re immune to spells that require you to dream (like the Dream spell) but not spells that require you to sleep (like Sleep.)

Aphelios doesn’t talk (unless you want him to) but Alune can make a Mind Link to speak telepathically with others! You can speak telepathically to any creature you can see that’s within a number of feet of you equal to 10 times your level. You don’t need to share a language with them, but they must be able to understand at least one language. You can also use your action to give that creature the ability to speak telepathically with you for 1 hour or until you end this effect as an action. To use this ability, the creature must be able to see you and must be within this trait’s range. You can only give this ability to only one person at a time however, as it ends when you give it to someone else. Oh and speaking of languages you know Common, Quori (which no one is going to have outside of Eberron lol), and one other language of your choice: Celestial probably makes the most sense but you can pick whatever you fancy.

ABILITY SCORES

15; CHARISMA - You’re a kpop pretty boy, because Aphelios has more guns than body types in League of Legends.

14; WISDOM - I mean you get advantage in Wisdom saves anyways: may as well make the skill good too?

13; DEXTERITY - You are a marksman but we aren’t really using DEX for combat. So in other words: something something Medium Armor.

12; CONSTITUTION - You are one of the squishiest ADCs in the game but you do have enough sustain to keep yourself alive.

10; INTELLIGENCE - You were trained spiritually, as opposed to academically. That being said Religion is an Intelligence skill for some reason.

8; STRENGTH - I mean look at Aphelios’ arms; kid’s a freaking twink.

BACKGROUND

Aphelios fights for him and his sister’s faith in the Lunari... bit unorthodox, but you’re certainly quite the devoted Acolyte. As an acolyte you get proficiency in Religion but I’d replace your proficiency in Insight with Medicine, which you’re probably used to after drinking so much poison. You also learn two languages that you won’t use because Aphelios is mute. (But yeah pick whatever you think will be useful and if you want to feel free to swap your languages for tools or something. A Herbalism Kit or Poisoner’s Kit actually works rather well given your favorite drink to keep close to your sister.)

Alune may be in the Shelter of the Faithful but you can return to the temple from time to time for solace. You and your adventuring companions can expect free healing and care at a temple, shrine, or other established location of Lunari faith (you have to provide any material components for spells though.) The Lunari will support you (but only you) at a modest lifestyle in the temples.

If you’re near your sister’s shrine you can ask the chosen Lunari priests for assistance, provided the assistance you ask for is not hazardous and you remain in good standing with your temple and your sister.

(Artwork by SixMoreVodka Studios. Made for Legends of Runeterra by Riot Games.)

THE BUILD

LEVEL 1 - SORCERER 1

Starting off as a Sorcerer for proficiency in CON saving throws lol, but also for proficiency in Arcana and the Insight skill we skipped from our background. But Sorcerers get to choose their subclass at level 1 and to get closer to the Aspects grab a touch of the Divine Soul. As a Weapon of the Faithful you are Favored by the Gods, letting you add 2d4 to a missed attack roll or saving throw once per Short or Long Rest for a touch of Alune’s guidance. I’m going to mention now that a death saving throw is technically a saving throw, and I mention it because your AC is 11 and your health is 7. Level 1 ADCs, am I right?

Anyways: Divine Souls get Divine Magic for one extra spell from the Cleric spell list: technically you’re supposed to take one of the ones they suggest to you but I’d recommend Guiding Bolt for Calibrum’s Q: a long ranged shot that lets you shoot the target more easily afterwards.

And of course being able to cast spells implies that you have Spellcasting! You can learn four cantrips from the Sorcerer or Cleric list which means you can grab Guidance for a bit more of your sister’s help. You can also grab Word of Radiance to attack everyone near you with Severum’s Q, Acid Splash for some AoE damage from Infernum (should it be doing fire damage? Yeah probably), and Light to see with your dumb Kalashtar eyes. You can also learn two leveled spells like Sanctuary to protect yourself or your allies as long as they act peacefully, and Ice Knife for a more ranged AoE blast from Infernum.

If you want you can grab Mage Armor or something because your AC and HP are kinda uhhhhhhhhhh... trash?

LEVEL 2 - WARLOCK 1

Hopefully you didn’t die as a level 1 Aphelios with 7 HP and 11 AC; we didn’t even get 200 years of damage yet! Warlocks get to choose their subclass at level 1 as well which means you can shape yourself as the Fiend the Solari see you as. Dark One’s Blessing grants you temporary hitpoints equal to your Charisma modifier plus your Warlock level whenever you slay a foe for Severum’s lifesteal and passive shield.

You also get Pact Magic, which is like regular Spellcasting but your spell slots are funny! You can learn two cantrips from the Warlock list like Eldritch Blast to blast while you eldritch, and Chill Touch for some Grievous Wounds. You can also learn two Warlock spells like Burning Hands from the Fiendlock list to blast your foes with Infernum, and Hex to mark your foe for death under the moon.

LEVEL 3 - WARLOCK 2

Second level Warlocks get access to Eldritch Invocations like Agonizing Blast to agonize your blasts, and Lance of Lethargy to slow your foes with Gravitum. You can also learn another Warlock spell like Unseen Servant for some extra sisterly help. I mean, you’re probably going to replace these all next level anyways.

LEVEL 4 - WARLOCK 3

Third level Warlocks can choose their Pact Boon and truthfully? Just about any of them work. Pact of the Blade would be the most “in-character” but your Strength and Dexterity are both kind of bad and you don’t need to use weapons. Pact of the Chain will let you personify Alune on your person and get a shitty version of Crescendum’s turret but Aphelios doesn’t have a pet. Pact of the Tome lets you get Aspect of the Moon which is funny in its own right and more cantrips are universally useful. And hell: even Pact of the Talisman is useful for your sister to lend her aid to someone else in the party. Basically this is an elaborate way for me to say that your Pact Boon doesn’t matter much for this build, as we won’t be using any of the abilities or invocations from your Pact Boon much. So pick what you think will be useful and fun and make your own Aphelios!

With that being said: you can also learn second level Warlock spells now! Shadow Blade will serve as Crescendum’s blade that you can throw at the enemy, but it is based on your DEX which is kind of... bad? Well at least you can replace Unseen Servant with Misty Step, because a summoner’s Flash is more useful than your sister’s unseen help.

LEVEL 5 - WARLOCK 4

Man isn’t it fun to wait until level 5 to not die when the enemy support breathes on you? That uneven Dexterity score was done so you could grab the Moderately Armored feat for +1 to your Dexterity and proficiency in Medium Armor and Shields. Grab both to get hit less, basically!

You can also learn another spell like Hold Person for Gravitum’s root. And another cantrip like Minor Illusion for your sister to summon some props that you can hide behind.

(Artwork by Jennifer Wuestling. Made for Riot Games.)

LEVEL 6 - WARLOCK 5

Hey that Medium Armor doesn’t really fit your outfit: how about the Mask of Many Faces invocation to put on some skins?

Third level spells are also useful! Vampiric Touch will let you heal in close range by damaging your foes with Severum.

LEVEL 7 - WARLOCK 6

6th level Fiend Warlocks get more guidance from Alune. The Solari may call it the Dark One’s Own Luck but all it lets you do is add a d10 to an ability check or saving throw once per Short or Long Rest. I mean hey: if you want a load of saving throw insurance this plus Favored by the Gods basically means you’re adding +10 to a saving throw!

You can also learn another spell but the only ones I’d want have very expensive components. Basically I want a Tasha’s summoning spell for Crescendum’s turret, but you’re going to be replacing it with...

LEVEL 8 - WARLOCK 7

4th level Warlocks can learn Summon Aberration which is a little more than just a turret! You can choose between a Beholderkin turret, Slaad tank, or Star Spawned Aspect! I’m not going to go too deep into this spell as you can read up on it for yourself but the point is you’ve got some backup now!

Alternatively if you want I think your sis could use some friends: Banishment will send them up to the temple where they’ll have to sit around and chat peacefully with Alune. Or if they’re not from the plane you’re in they’ll just be sent home.

Oh and you can also get another Eldritch Invocation like Eldritch Spear to keep your range with Calibrum.

LEVEL 9 - WARLOCK 8

8th level Warlocks get another Ability Score Improvement: you should probably increase your Charisma for more damage and accuracy with your weapons.

Speaking of weapons Dimension Door will let you head back to fountain to buy more weapons, or get out of danger and in range to use your weapons.

(Artwork by SixMoreVodka Studios. Made for Legends of Runeterra by Riot Games.)

LEVEL 10 - SORCERER 2

We’ve gotten all of out basic auto attacks: now I want some of Aphelios’ finer abilities. Second level Sorcerers get a Font of Magic for Sorcery Points which currently do nothing other than let you get more spell slots. You can melt down your Warlock slots however to get more Sorcery points, which will be useful later.

And of course you can learn more spells, but we’re going to wait for...

LEVEL 11 - SORCERER 3

Third level Sorcerers can finally learn Metamagic to empower their spells! You can take Quickened Spell for some Attack Speed, or Seeking Spell for some armor penetration to deal with higher AC enemies.

You can also learn second level spells like Icingdeath’s Frost (UA soon to be in Fizban’s hopefully) to blast foes with Infernum then Gravitum, or Dragon’s Breath to blast Infernum all throughout the fight.

LEVEL 12 - SORCERER 4

Would be good to cap off that Charisma, so go ahead and do so with your ASI.

You can also learn another spell like Spiritual Weapon for a turret you can move around a bit, and a new cantrip like Mage Hand for your sister’s help reaching the top shelf.

(Artwork made for Riot Games.)

LEVEL 13 - SORCERER 5

5th level Sorcerers can get some Magical Guidance from their sister to reroll ability checks, because she’s been reading up on Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything.

You can also learn a new spell like Fireball... I mean I really shouldn’t need to justify this. It’s Fireball. Blast them with Moonlight Vigil for a burst of Infernum’s fire!

LEVEL 14 - SORCERER 6

6th level Divine Soul Sorcerers can use their Sorcery Points for Empowered Healing... wait you have healing? Well whenever you or an ally within 5 feet of you rolls dice to heal from a spell, you can spend 1 sorcery point to reroll any number of those dice once, as long as you’re not incapacitated. This technically doesn’t work with Vampiric Touch (since that spell does damage and then heals you based on how much damage it deals) but if your support heals you or a nearby ally there’s no reason not to give them an extra pick-me-up!

You can also learn another spell but I’m going to hop back to second level real quick for Mirror Image. It perhaps doesn’t fit as well (which is why I didn’t take it until now) but it’s very good to keep yourself alive, and as a squishy Lunari boy it’ll be very helpful to make it harder for the enemy to hit you.

LEVEL 15 - SORCERER 7

7th level Sorcerers can learn 4th level spells like Guardian of Faith for a turret that actually stands still! It shoots at anyone who comes close, and when it runs out of ammo it disappears. But what’s cool about this spell is that it lasts for 8 hours, which is plenty of time to rest through the night while your sister watches over you.

LEVEL 16 - SORCERER 8

8th level Sorcerers get another Ability Score Improvement or Feat: seeing as you’re mostly casting War Caster would be a good pickup to keep your Concentration with your bad Constitution and also hit those who come too close with magic. Or you could just get better Constitution maybe since it’s a bit late for War Caster tbh...

You can also learn another spell like Death Ward, for a Guardian Angel that you’re probably going to need seeing as you still have less than a hundred health.

(Artwork by Francis Tneh and West Studios. Made for Riot Games.)

LEVEL 17 - SORCERER 9

9th level Sorcerers can learn 5th level spells like Teleportation Circle to recall back to base or to your sister’s temple. If you know the sequence of sigils to go back to a teleportation circle you can use this spell to link yourself back to it. You can also create a new circle over the course of a year. (And by spending a lot of gold.)

Basically this is my way of saying that we got all we wanted after level 16 tbh and I’m kinda just going through the motions of grabbing your last few levels.

LEVEL 18 - SORCERER 10

10th level Sorcerers get their third Metamagic option! Hurrah! By this point you have enough spells that force saving throws that Heightened Spell is a good option to make it a lot harder for your opponents to resist 200 years of magic!

You can also learn another 5th level spell like Hold Monster for Gravitum’s root against a ganking Fiddlesticks. And another cantrip: I somehow didn’t take Prestidigitation until now, so grab it for all sorts of basic Lunari magic.

LEVEL 19 - SORCERER 11

11th level Sorcerers can learn a 6th level spell! This is going to be your final, highest level spell; your ultimate ability! And I’d consider an ultimate from a fed Aphelios to be a Circle of Death. It’s a huge AoE that does a lot of damage: a simple nuke for a simple ADC that isn’t remotely confusing.

LEVEL 20 - SORCERER 12

12th level Sorcerers get one last Ability Score Improvement or Feat... I’m going to be honest: this doesn’t fit Aphelios but you likely have around 100 HP. Do yourself a favor and grab the Tough feat for 40 extra health.

FINAL BUILD

PROS

For every phase, a weapon - Wow who would’ve guessed building for versatility makes you versatile? You have a huge variety of spells for just about any occasion: AoEs to deal with crowds, single-target spells to take down big foes, crowd control to keep enemies in place, summons to keep enemies targeting them instead of your allies, and of course more than enough damage to shake a stick at.

In your hand; from my heart - Sorcery points also give you plenty of flexibility, notably in your ability to greatly increase damage output thanks to Quickened Spell on Eldritch Blasts and Seeking Spell to reroll missed Eldritch Blasts. But being able to turn your Warlock slots into ammo for your more useful guns is extremely useful and allows you to better adapt to various situations.

I am with you... shining above - Medium armor goes quite a long way! A Breastplate and Shield gives you a solid 18 AC, and if you’re willing to have Stealth Disadvantage upgrading to Half Plate gives you a respectable 19 AC!

CONS

You make yourself a weapon, so you do not have to feel - Skill proficiencies are reserved for those who don’t spend 200 years on damage. You have two skills from your background and two from your class and none of them are particularly great. Sure your Insight and Medicine skills are fine enough but you’re going to be beaten in Arcana by a Wizard and Religion by a Cleric also a Wizard, because Religion is an Intelligence skill for some reason.

Your life upon the altar, brother... - Even with the Tough feat your health is extremely poor. d6 hit die hurt and anyone with Power Word Kill can easily execute you. While I did give you good Wisdom for roleplay’s sake you could (and probably should) opt for Constitution instead.

An omen in your grasp - Your low health is kind of a problem when a lot of your spells force you into close range. There are ways to use spells like Burning Hands, Dragon’s Breath, Shadow Blade, and Vampiric Touch without getting too close (those methods being the Distant Spell Metamagic which we didn’t take; you could totally replace Seeking Spell if you wanted though) but Severum and Infernum are balanced around their low range. There’s no reason you can’t throw balance out the window to take spells that will likely be more useful.

But you are a weapon, sworn to carry your faith and show the world the light in the darkness. Your task is to slay those that deny the right of your people before they even know you are there... Sure confusing them as to what you are even doing is also effective, and I guess it doesn’t matter if your abilities make sense if they’re all dead. They’ll have 200 years to figure out how you killed them: I’m sure that’s plenty of time to read your ability descriptions.

(Artwork by @NAOMM29 on Twitter.)

[mcwriting]

The Marriage Project (10)

Hellooooo! For 300 followers, I decided to drop chapter 10! Please enjoy!

Masterlist

Word Count: 2202

Warnings: maybe some language? 

% approximately the last weekend of october %

By the time everyone and their families had gotten to the city and eaten dinner, it was around 8:30 pm, so you and Tom decided to try and knock out your project work.

You sat in the breakfast lounge next to each other at a table as other team members and families conversed. You noticed Nikki and your parents talking and gave Tom a glance.

Since this was your last ever volleyball tournament (at least for high school), your parents had come and you were getting to stay in their hotel room instead of a team room.

You mostly worked silently when you and Tom overheard some people talking about homecoming.

“Who’re you taking to homecoming?” he asked casually. “And don’t say Paddy or Harry.”

You laughed at that one.

“Uhh, no one. I don’t really have anyone to take so guess I’m flying solo with the girls again. Why? Who were you gonna go with?”

“Eh, nobody. The guys brought it up earlier to me and I was just curious.”

“Oh, really? I thought you had girls lined up at your feet. And a couple guys, too.”

“I’m pretty sure I could say the same about you. And you mean freshmen? Yeah right. I’m not about to catch a case, not that I’m remotely attracted to any of them.”

That comment made you laugh again.

“Yeah, well, those same freshmen are the ones spreading rumors about us. It’s stupid. We oughta stick it to them somehow.”

“What are you getting at..?” he trailed, suspicion in his voice.

“I don’t know… What if we just went to the dance together? I mean, we’re already on homecoming court and are most likely gonna win, so what if we just showed up together to annoy them? It’s not like we have to make it some big deal or anything.”

He looked at you for a minute, like he was doing calculations.

“So… you and me, no matter whether we win or not, go together? You don’t think that���s just gonna make things worse?”

“I’m pretty sure anything we do will keep causing rumors so long as we’re doing this project. We don’t have to, I just thought it would be funny to see everyone’s reactions.”

“You know what, let’s do it. There’s nothing for us to lose. Let’s just not tell people we’re going together and then just show up there. If anyone asks just say we’re going solo?” He suggested.

“That’s not going to work completely… what if you came to dinner with me and my friends beforehand? We can surprise them all and then the rest of the school at the dance. It would be really sus if I bailed on dinner and I’d like for your mom to take some pre-dance pictures.”

You decided to shake on it and get back to work, but your stomach was doing the same fluttering it had been the past couple weeks. By the time you two finished, it was just past 10 pm and most of the parents and even some of the team had gone to their rooms. 

The only people you knew nearby were Sam and Julia, who were sitting on a chair together watching something on her phone, and of course Tom, who was watching snap videos from friends at the Halloween party that had just started.

“I think I’m gonna head upstairs. Even though top seed doesn’t play the first round, I have to be up kinda early,” you explained as you stood, gripping your laptop across your chest.

“What’s your room number, I’ll walk you up. Some of the people here have been giving me weird vibes.”

“Umm, let me check,” you pulled out your phone with the text your mom had sent earlier. “415.”

“Oh that’s perfect. We’re in 416. Just across the hall.”

You said goodnight to Sam and Julia as you passed and went to the elevator. As you waited, a young couple, probably in their mid twenties came up, obviously drunk. They were dressed up for the holiday, and you were surprised that they were seeming to cut the night short. 

“Oh my God babe, look, they’re like younger us!” the girl attempted to whisper, giggling. Your face burned as you glanced at Tom, who looked as uncomfortable as you.

“That’s so dope! How long have you been with this little lady?” the guy said directed to Tom, giving you a once over, as all four of you entered and pressed the buttons to your floor.

“Oh we’re no-” you began when Tom interjected.

“‘Bout a year, man,” he smiled, tossing his arm over your shoulder and pulling you in tight. The elevator doors closed.

You simultaneously wanted to push him away and fall into his tight, warm grip. You decided to play along as you continued to hold on to your computer. 

“Best year ever!” you exclaimed, leaning up to give him a peck on the cheek.

“Oh come on! You can do better than that! Kiss him! Kiss him!” the girl egged on. You both chuckled nervously and gave each other a look. There seemed to be a silent consensus to just do it for the bit.

Tom moved his arm to your waist and lightly pressed his lips against yours, smiling as he pulled away. You were left a little stunned as the inebriated couple clapped and cheered.

You could tell they were going to say more when the doors opened on the fourth floor.

“Well here’s our stop. Nice talking to you. Come on, princess,” Tom said, the both of you rushing out of the elevator, his arm still around you. 

Once the door closed, you both let out a sigh as you turned down the hall towards your rooms.

“Well that was...  weird,” you stated, the both of you walking pretty slowly. You were keenly aware of the way his hand tightly cupped your side as you clumsily knocked into him a few times.

“Couldn’t have said it better myself. Sorry about that. I didn’t know what they were gonna do and that guy had creepo vibes and I panicked.”

“I get it. We are married, after all,” you said quietly, wiggling your left hand. “Well, here’s my room. Thanks for keeping an eye out. See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, see you at breakfast. You’re gonna kill it tomorrow,” he said softly, squeezing you in a side hug one last time before letting you go. Your side tingled from where his warm body was no longer touching as you entered the hotel room.

It wasn’t long before you were also saying goodnight to your parents and laying in the dark room, reflecting on the wild day that was Friday. 

You knew that back home everyone was still partying, as you’d received pictures and videos of your friends dressed as Guy Fieri, but you’d had a whole different kind of experience, unsure if it was a good or bad one.

Tom’s lips were kinda soft though

And his big hands around my waist fit nicely

You pushed the thoughts away as you finally fell into deep slumber.

%

You headed to breakfast wearing sweats, a baggy tee, and a pair of socks and slides. Looks were not a priority right now. While you waited on your waffle to finish cooking, someone appeared next to you, yawning.

“Morning, princess,” he muttered, stretching and rubbing his eyes.

“You really aren’t a morning person, are you?”

“Nope. Now how much longer are you gonna be here because I’m in need of a waffle,” he asked, nudging your sides. It seemed as though you were both pretending the previous night had never happened.

Once you both built your plates, you went to sit with some of the team when Tom plopped into the seat next to you. He immediately began digging in, but paused when he realized the whole table was starting at him.

“What’s wrong, you want me to bless the food or something?” he looked to you.

“No it’s just surprising that you’d come sit with us is all,” one sophomore said. “I mean, you’re like the most popular guy in school.”

“Yeah well the real legend is this bit-” your glare stopped him in his tracks, “...I won’t call you that word, but anyways y/n ranks above me. If anything, she’s the intimidating one.”

The girls giggled and went back to their conversations, occasionally looking at Tom still. 

“Sorry I almost called you a bitch. I meant it the good way,” he whispered into your ear.

You stared at him for a few seconds as you finished chewing a bite of apple.

“I’m just confused as to why you came over here with all the girls.”

“Well it might come as a shock to say that you’re the only person here that I’m friends with other than Sam, and he’s on thin ice after hogging the bed sheets last night,” he explained, shooting a glare to his younger brother, who was obliviously eating with Julia and his mom.

“Today’s gonna get real boring then if I’m your only friend.”

“Hey, remember our conversation Monday? Cute uniforms?” 

You slapped him on the chest for that one.

%

A long, hard day of games had led up to this moment. A whole season. A big portion of your life.

It was probably between 7 and 8 pm. You weren’t sure. All you knew was that the scoreboard said 24-23 your team. Meaning, one point for you equaled a final win.

You wiped the sweat from your brow as you stood on the back line of the court, nervous and determined.

There were cheers from all sides of the gym as you prepared to serve one last time, hopefully for the better.

The upper ref blew her whistle and motioned her hand for you to serve.

One

Two

Three

bounces on the gym floor. A toss in the air. A slap to the ball.

The ball passed the net and sunk right to the gym floor without a single person touching it.

It took you a second after the whistle blew and the scoreboard changed to realize that you had won the game. You were snapped back to reality by the loud cheers of your teammates and supporters.

The team came and congratulated you, slapping your butt and squeezing your shoulders. They pushed you to the front of the line to shake hands with the other team and refs under the net.

You didn’t realize until the team went into a huddle that there were tears slipping down your cheeks and everyone reached out to love on you and Anna. All those years working for this moment and it had finally ended. 

Coach made her speech short and sweet, because you could tell she was holding back tears as she looked between you and your co captain.

The two of you led one last cheer for your team. A tournament official came to hand the team the trophy, give you another tournament MVP medal and both you and Anna all tournament and all state awards. You hung them on your neck proudly, happy to feel their weight.

Upon turning around, the first person you saw was Tom, who had a big smile on your face. You immediately rushed to hug him, jumping a little into his arms.

“Told you you could do it!” he exclaimed, wrapping his arms over your sweaty frame. You pulled away, arms still loosely holding each other.  He casually brushed the residual tears from your cheeks.

“And what’s this? Some new ice?” he asked, grabbing all three medals in one hand. He raised one up pretending to bite it.

“My drip is just too clean,” you joked, flipping your ponytail over your shoulder. You heard someone clear their throat behind you. It was your dad.

You went and hugged your parents and talked for a few minutes, then were called over for Nikki to take team pictures. 

Everyone showed off their fiery hair ribbons (you had stayed true to your joking promise) and got pictures with the trophy. You and Anna also took some biting your medals and alone with the large award.

You finally headed to the locker room, changing and packing up your volleyball bag one last time. 

The end of an era was a sad one to say the least.

You said goodbye to everyone as your parents got the car ready. Tom came up.

“Hey. Good job once again. I’m proud of you. See you Monday?”

You felt yourself blush as your stomach flip flopped.

“Thank you, Tom. I’m glad you were here this weekend, especially last night. See you then.”

You gave one last side hug before getting in the car and preparing for the long ride home. You were sitting still for a while reflecting on the day when your phone lit up.

“How’s the ride so far?” Tom asked over text.

“It’s been 20 minutes, Tom.”

“Well if I’m going to be stuck third wheeling Julia and Sam I’m gonna need someone to talk to.”

You rolled your eyes and smiled, continuing the conversation all the way home until you were falling asleep in bed.

%

A/N: ahhh thank you all again for 300 followers! I genuinely can’t believe that there are that many people who are so interested in my writing! Especially those of you who have been around since the beginning, when my writing was especially bad haha. Love you all!

Send a message or ask if you’d like to be added to my permanent or series taglists so I can verify you’ve been added!

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[aiden-png]

Burden

what’s this? me, writing Wild & Twilight hurt/comfort about hiding injuries? wow, so on brand! this gets heavy, includes an explicit panic attack, intrusive thoughts, and dissociation as well as vague injury description (mostly blood and pain). it’s not a happy fic, so please don’t read if you think it might upset you.

Word Count: 1854

Summary: Wild gets injured in battle and decides to hide it rather than burdening the others.

Wild had taken a hit. It was a glancing blow of a dull sword really, nothing to worry about. He’d been able to shrug it off even, adrenaline fueling a countering blow straight to the Lizalfos’ stomach. The battle had ended, Wild had waved off Hyrule’s concern at the slice in his tunic and dodged Twilight’s disapproving frown with assurances that I’m fine, you don’t have to worry.

Wild was fine. He was fine. He was always fine.

His right side stung, and when he touched it subtly his fingers came away stained red.

He was fine though.

They set up camp for the night nearby, all exhausted and battered. Wind had taken a light blow to the head, a lump clear on his forehead as he laid asleep on Wars’ side. Twilight had a gash on his arm, easily bandaged, and Legend had skinned knees (that’s what you get for not wearing pants, Warriors had teased). Each and every one of them was worse off than him, and Wild put the last of his energy into cooking a hearty meal to help out. It was the least he could do.

By the time dinner was finished and cleaned, the sting in Wild’s side had faded to a hot ache. He tried not to let it show as he hefted the cooking pot off the fire, stooped to roll out his bedroll, stretched his arms above his head as he yawned. He was fine, Twilight wasn’t even watching him anymore, Hyrule was nodding off against a tree. Not even Time had noticed anything off, reading from a book peacefully.

Wild took his chance to slip away.

He walked as casually as he could from the clearing, only allowing his hand to cradle his side once the sound of the fire disappeared. His shoulders dropped tiredly, a hiss escaping between his teeth as he felt how wet his tunic was with blood. He’d been wearing his cloak all night to obscure the wound, and even in the moonlight Wild would see the deep crimson staining down his side, clinging to a much deeper gash than he’d thought he had.

His feet stumbled on a root and he barely managed to right himself, head spinning at the sudden movement, heart racing too fast. His hands shook, cold, as he pressed hard against the tear in his side. With a grunt he lowered himself back against a tree, biting his lip as he slowly peeled the fabric away. The cool night air hit the cut and made it sear with renewed vigor, tears springing to his eyes. It was much deeper than he’d thought, blood trickling lazily over burning skin with each shuddering breath.

It was deeper than he’d thought, but he’d had worse.

There was no need to burden anyone else with the results of his foolishness--if I’d only been just a tad bit faster, paid a bit more attention. Wild didn’t have a red potion, only a few rolls of bandages, but he’d be fine. He couldn’t bother Hyrule with such a small gash, or worry Twilight with his tiny mistake. They were all counting on him to be fast, to cook, to shoot straight and have their backs. Wild couldn’t--wouldn’t--let them down.

He bandaged the wound tightly, the pressure only increasing his pain, throbbing in time with his heartbeat. He stood on shaky legs, leaning heavily against the tree, struggling to keep his eyes open. He numbly changed tunics and poured water over his hands until the blood was only caked against his nails. Wild stumbled back towards camp, fighting to keep his posture straight and steps even as he got closer. Time and Twilight were the only ones awake when he returned, but they barely spared him a glance.

Wild didn’t know whether to be relieved or disheartened.

He carefully got into his bedroll, fighting to keep his breathing even as the bandages constricted his lungs. He fell into a fitful sleep, waking from nightmares throughout the night but not having the heart to wake Twilight to ease his anxiety. Everyone else was sleeping so peacefully.

He didn’t want to be a burden.

Wild woke the next morning as though he hadn’t slept at all, eyelids heavy and body sore. He grit his teeth as he rose, burning pain tearing through his entire right side, radiating in waves from his injury. Everyone else was already awake, he had to get started on breakfast soon.

Wild got to his feet, the world spinning around him, but he shrugged it off and got to work.

The day moved in odd stops and starts. Breakfast had been made and camp packed in the blink of an eye, then they’d walked for what felt like days but must have only been hours. Wild’s hands were freezing cold, his side burning hot, shivers running through him despite the warm beat of the sun overhead. He felt awful, but he’d had worse, and when he stole glances at the others they didn’t seem to notice anything was wrong.

He was fine. Fine. Fine.

Wild blinked, and the sun lowered dramatically. They were still walking and he felt distant, eyes trained on the ground as his feet moved, controlled by someone else. His vision was speckled with black dots but he blinked them away, refusing to give in. The pain was a far off ache, sound muffled, and Wild felt like he was watching from above as the walk continued on.

Everyone was in their own groups--Twilight at the front with Time, Wind with Warriors, Legend and Hyrule, Four and Sky. All talking, laughing. Wild pulled his cloak tighter around himself, heaviness settling on his heart. His friends were enjoying themselves, and he had to make sure that continued. He couldn’t burden them with his failures, his presence, his mistakes and problems. They were all so happy when he pretended like everything was fine--I am fine, I’m fine, I’m--

His foot caught on a root, and this time Wild didn’t catch himself. He lurched forward, still feeling far from his body, and when he arms shot out to regain his balance they tugged at the wound in his side. His vision went white, and Wild didn’t feel himself hit the ground.

His head throbbed and his side stung when consciousness finally trickled back in. Wild could feel hard ground beneath him, muffled whispers coming from his right. When he opened his eyes, he found himself still on the path, the others to the side continuing their conversations. Time and Twilight were beside him, and when Wild looked up he found Time’s disappointed glare meeting his eyes. Twilight turned, a similar disapproving look on his face, tired with lips pressed into a thin line.

Disappointed, disapproving, tired.

Why couldn’t he do anything right? All his mistakes, all his failures. Everyone had been so happy, and he had ruined that. It should’ve been simple to stay quiet and suck it up and fix himself without burdening the others. And yet here he was, laying on the ground after interrupting their trek, putting his friends in danger as they waited for him to wake up.

“Wild,” Time sighed, coming to a crouch at his side. Wild forced himself to sit up, head spinning and side burning, but he had to act fine, he had to. “We’ve talked about this. You have to tell someone when you’ve been injured.”

“‘m fine.” Wild mumbled, wincing as his head pounded. Time’s glare was firm, and Wild felt his throat closing. “...I’m sorry.”

Twilight sat beside Time, putting a hand on Wild’s knee. His gaze had softened with concern, though his expression was still much too tired. Wild felt guilt swelling inside him, heart pounding, pain increasing as his breaths came shallower. Twilight had a red potion in his hand and Wild’s eyes fixed onto the bottle, panic shooting through him like ice.

No no no, he couldn’t. He didn’t. He didn’t need a potion, not for some stupid gash, not for some silly injury from a weak blow of a dull sword in a fight he should’ve been prepared for. He deserved the glares and reprimanding and harsh words, he deserved the pain of his failure and the guilt and the sorrow, but he wasn’t going to waste their precious resources on his mistake. Wild pulled his legs up to his chest, ignoring the sharp pain in his side and burying his face in his knees. He was shaking, head spinning, hands grabbing for his hair as the world felt like it might crash down around him.

His breathing was ragged now, more gasps than breaths, and his ears filled with ringing as panic took over. There was a hand on his back, on his hands, trying to pry them free and Wild was such a failure, burden, always worrying others always messing up never doing enough never helpful always annoying should just disappear they’d be better off without you ruin everything

His body was pulled into a tight embrace, head tucked against a shoulder, hand smoothing slowly up and down his back. He hugged his knees to his chest and shook and sobbed, but the person never let go. Burden failure worthless but they never stopped. Burden and Wild felt himself relaxing, failure felt his muscles uncoiling, worthless felt his breathing slow. The panic subsided, and the pain increased, and Wild stiffened again under the embrace.

“Hey, no, it’s okay cub. You’re okay.” Twilight’s low voice soothed, and he tried to relax again, tried to right his muddled thoughts.

The red potion was pushed into his hands, and Wild drank slowly, the dark thoughts receding with the pain. He pulled back after minutes, hours, he wasn’t sure, and Twilight offered a concerned smile. Wild wiped the dried tears from his face, embarrassed, but as he looked around he realized the others were pretending not to notice. There were worried glances shot his way here and there, but they were busying themselves with nothing, staying calm and giving him privacy.

Not ignoring, not better off without him, but caring.

Wild handed Twilight the empty bottle, probing his newly healed side with a wince at the tenderness still there. “Thanks, Twi. I’m so--”

“Don’t apologize.” Twilight interrupted, firm. His gaze held Wild’s with determination, daring him to argue. “There is nothing to apologize for.”

Wild gulped. He nodded, though he wasn’t quite sure he believed him. Time was over to the side, back to them. It seemed like the lecture was over, or would wait, and for that he was thankful.

“And Wild?” Twilight caught his attention again, and then he was being pulled into a warm embrace. “If you’re hurt, if you need something--anything--I am always here for you. Any time. I mean it.”

Wild slowly wrapped his arms around Twilight’s back, threading through the pelt. If he had any more tears left, they’d be falling now, but instead he simply held on and nodded. Because Twilight cared, and his words were honest, and maybe... just maybe, Wild wasn’t the burden he thought himself to be.

[popculturebuffet]

Top 12 Three Caballeros Moments: Ride of the Three Caballeros Epilogue!

Salduos Amigos...and Adios, as this is the FINAL part of my 20 part look at those happy amigos, those snappy chappies in matching serapes, those birds of the feather, THE THREE CABALLEROS, THE RIDE OF THE THREE CABALLEROS! Yes after 19 other articles, all paid for by megafan and patron of the blog @weirdkev27​, it’s time to bid our boys a fond farewell.  And what a ride i’ts been... we’ve had trips to Bahia, animaton sequences requiring a LOT of 1940���s cocaine ,Jose reinacting the plot of “Come a LIttle Bit Closer” by jay and the americans but ironcially not in the Badman Jose roll,, a less happy reunion where Donald went full vanilla ice for a few moments, Panchito giving us his long and storied family history in song form, Donald needing a vacation after his girlfriend punched him in the face and instead getting eaten by a giant snake, FLAMENCO MASTER HORACE HORSECOLLAR, Soccer with super cars, and our heroes having a warm and fun reunion and having to admit their lives didn’t turn out so good while Dewey jacaksses around in the subplot.

 And all of this lead into their very own series where our heroes met a goddess and wayne knight all in the same day, defeated THE MIGHTY MINOTAUR, got into a giant robot fight on the fucking moon, meeting the roman gods who live on and tend to the norse world tree for some reason, preventing a stupidly started lava apocalypse, going to goblin jail via song, meeting some literal dead presidents, chasing a bear around a fancy rich people town, getting into the ch-ch-chalk zone, fighting a wrestling match against the respresntive of the god of death, dying and coming back to life as a result of said wrestling match, going to camelot to train with king arthrus’ self helf book, going to a yeti spa and finally returning for one last battle with an evil wizard, his pet monkeybatdonkeyrat, and wayne knight, and have to put up with Donald’s shrill abusive ex girlfriend through about half of it. All in all good stuff and i’ll always be greatful for kevn funding this and giving me the chance to both finally watch legend and in general cover these wonderful characters. While i’m sure Panchito and Jose wil lbe back for the big finale of Ducktales, I’m gonna miss these guys and hope they get another shot at the big time one day. 

But Kevin had a great idea, one I decided to do for free since this thing cost 100 dollars together as it was a movie, and 20 episodes of television, so it was a LOT to do.  Fun but a lot of work. A top 12 list of the best moments from across the works covered for this retrospective. From the movie to the series, these are the best of the best moments of the best boys around. So without further adeu join me under the cut as I throw one hell of an after party for one hell of a ride.

12. The Cold Blooded Penguin (The Three Caballeros (Movie) )

This one is low because it doesn’t exactly involve the boys at all as this was a short in their movie. But what can I say, I love penguins, especially Opus.

And the charming tale of a pengy named Pablo who has trouble with the cold and wants to head off for warmer climates just never ceases to entertain me. It’s adorable, pretty funny and just a nice little start to the film every time I watch it. Especially his friends with the sleepy, depressed eyebrows. Really relate to them, especially the tall one with a ponch, aka me as a penguin.  Not much else to say hence why it’s so low, but I really enjoyed this short and can’t help but put Pablo on the list.. and wish he’d gotten a nod in Legend, but then again given we weren’t given a second season they were probably just saving him. 

11. Charon’s Fabulous Cruise (Legend of the Three Caballeros) Another Cabs free entry but I Just love this concept: Charon, ferryman of the river sticks.. deciding since he’s not getting as many customers to turn it into a cruise ship complete with add. IT’s low both because it dosen’t involve the boys and it dosen’t take up much of it’s episode.. but damn if it ain’t funny. And Jim Cummings just brings his all to it.. granted HE always does, the man’s a legend for a reason, but dosne’t make his performance any less lovely. WIsh we got a second season just so we could see this guy again among other reasons. 

10. You Don’t Get a Vacation You Take it (Legend of the Three Caballeros)  Wayne Knight as Sheldgoose.. was easily one of the best parts of Legend of the Three Caballeros. While the show itself was fairly high quality it’s other main villain Feldrake eventually fell into just calling Sheldgoose a moron and hitting him as his only character. IN contrast while at first apperance Sheldgoose was just a rich asshole with hair that looks like a bad toupe but apparently is his actual hair and what he choose to go with and a hell of a moustache.. and while that’s all true, he’s also cunning and manipultive, often making Feldrake’s plans work simply by using clever manipulations. He’s funny, enaging and the sadest part of no second season is not getting more of this guy. Hopefully he’ll show up in another.. even the comics using him without Wayne Knight’s Dulect Tones would be nice. He’s a good villian and would fit just as well in the classic comics being either a snooty nuisance to donald in some way, or being a rival fro scrooge, also being rich but his family having earned it by stealing from others.  But for now what we got ain’t bad and hte best example of just what sheldgoose is capable of is also his first bit of contirbuting more than as a set of hands for feldrake, phrasing. His vilian song. Yes Wayne Knight FINALLY gets a villian song. Your very welcome. 

The song is just fun, a Luau type song with a sinster undercurrent and wayne knight just having a hell of a time, alternating between speaking and singing> It’s low on this list because i’ts an OKAY song, i’ve seen better villian songs, I just really liked this one, and because it dosen’t exactly involved the boys, but I still hold to my convictions in putting this one on here.

9. Panchito Romero Miguel Junipero Francisco Quintero González (House of Mouse) Only House of Mouse entry, and suprisingly it’s not Donald squeaking “And i’m donald duck!” , which has been burned into my brain for a few decades. No it’s the groups OTHER song in there second apperance on the show Not So Goofy, sung by the incomprable Rob Pauslen. While I sitll think he was easily the worst Jose of the bunch, and that the roll never should’ve been given to a white man to begin with, credit where it’s do: he wasn’t a have bad panchito. He only voiced everyone’s faviorite rooster, suck it Foghorn Leghorn, once, for a song, likely to capatalize on the fact Paulsen was famed for Yakko’s World and other songs where he sang a lot at once, but boy did he make a meal of it. Observe.

The song is lightly hampered by the fact it also uses his version of Jose which is probably the worst work i’ve heard from Rob. And given it’s the only roll i’ve heard of his that wasn’t very good and he’s still VERY CLEARLY trying his best, that says a lot to the guy’s quality. And im not saying all this to avoid backlash, I stand by what I say and how I say it.. i’m saying it because I truly love and respect the guy this just was not his best work. This song however is Rob on full blast, using his ablitlity to talk fast no matter the voice to give us one heck of a lively performance and name for Panchito, one that was reused for Ride of the Three Cabs though sadly minus the song, as I would’ve LOVED to hear Jamie Camill belt this one out. But the lively animation and liveleir performance earn this one a spot.

8. Baia, Donald (The Three Caballeros) For this one i’m squishing three different but related parts of the movie together: The “Have you been to Baia, Donald” song, the train trip there and the awesome musical number at the end. But all three flow together as one great sequence with the frist two serviing as a fun prelude for a fun sequence as Donald and Jose try to woo a lady named Yaya, played by Aurora Miranda, and get into a big and fun dance number that for the time is AMAZINGLY blended with the live action work. The song is an utter ear worm, the seqeunce is fun and it lacks some of the creepiness Donald’s later session of flirting had and the colors are vibrant as hell. Wonderful, beautiful stuff. It’s really hard to talk about as not a lot happens in it other than a fun bit of song and dance.. but sometimes tha’ts just waht you need: a bunch of actors, two of which were animated, moving and groving to a heckuva beat. 

7. I Love You Guys (Legend of the Three Caballeros)  This was just a very sweet moment but one I treasure. The Cabs beat a giant horrifying rage beast.. by genuinely apoologizing to donald, telling him they love him then having a group hug. After a full episode before this of them just kinda ignoring what he cared about, Xandra and the boys genuine apologies and Donald genuinely telling them “I love you guys” and realizing for the first time in his life he’s genuinely loved and appricated. It just feels so fucking nice. Shame they didn’t you know.. end the Daisy plot with him realizing he dind’t need or or that he wasn’t angsiting over a selfish goldigger in the first place but hey, you take what you can get sometimes and the getting is good here. 

6. The Cabs Song .. in Comic Form! (The Three Caballeros Ride Again!) 

Another fairly quick one to talk about but one’s that damn impressive. The Three Cabs ride again is a wonderful story that reunites our birds of a feather for an adventure in mexico.. and one of it’s two best moments, the other one way further up from Don Rosa’s classic, seriously check it out it’s good, is when the boys, to distract their enemy for the story, play their classic song.  Musical numbers.. are hard to pull off in comics. As Linkara, comic critic and one of my inspirations check him out on youtube he’s really fantastic, has mentioned quite a bit not having the sound to go with it is an uphill battle. But i’m not as against this as he is.. as long as you can convey the ENERGY of said song and perofrmance in the page. As long as you got that, you can pull it off and boy oh boy oh boy did Rosa ever. While it’s only about a page and a half long it’s just a fun, wonderful litlte sequence, from the crowd that has no reaction til lthe end when our big bad clubs them with the guitar, to our heroes swipining tablecoths to seve as serape to Donald falling outside, it’s one of the highlights of an alreayd impressive story. 

5. Jam Session (Ducktales, The Town Where Everyone Was Nice!) 

Only one Ducktales moment but it’s a keeper to be sure and now I HAVE seen Legend... I can say as I did there Jamie Camil REALLY shoudlv’e been kept as Panchito but “The Town Where Everyone Was Nice”.. really was still ag reat version of the characters and still kept them true. It wasn’t AS good as the Legend versions.. but honestly that’s fine. Not every version HAS to be good as the others and they were still wella cted, wonderfully animated and the story was great. And the moment that shows it off best is the boys quite moment after lunch, where they remincse, have fun, think about old times.. then hear a radio and slowly but surely have a fun dance number together, playing like old times. It’s this moment that makes me REALLY question why people hated this so much, as this one tiny moment captures the cabs chemistry and comrander in just two short minutes, Donald getting angry, Jose defusing int with a dance then him joining in, the three just jamming iwth whatever’s on hand and jose magically playing the fluit with his umbrella. I’ts all just so charming I love it. The end version of the three cabs IS really awesome, it just didn’t make the cut. Still liked it though.. but this.. this is better. Sometimes less is more you know?

4. The Three Cablleros Song (The Three Caballeros (Movie) ) Look you knew this was coming, I knew this was coming, we all knew this was coming. But the song is no less awesome, with fluid animation, wonderful vocals and lyrics, and an unberably catchy tune. It’s iconic to the characters, having popped up in four different renditions during this retrsopective, all of them pretty damn good, but no one tops the original.  Even the two more dated bits, some latin baby and Panchito having a gun solo, somehow don’t hamper what’s otherwise an iconic moment. It’s fun, it’s fancy free, and it establishes the boys dynamic perfectly, one that as we’ve seen would last a few lifetimes and probably will last forever. 

3. We Say So! (The Three Caballeros Ride Again) While Ride again is a VERY good story, it’s best moment is ironiclaly it’s end despite leaving you wanting more and more. After a fun adventure and a laugh over it being for nothing really, our friends return to Jose’s job at a night club, which his manager, who understandably has issues with Jose choosing wooing ladies over actually doing his job sometimes, only gives him back because it’s a big night but needs a big act. The first touching moment here is the fact the boys pitch in without being asked because hteir friend needs them. But the real moment is what happens after: The Triplets return from the hotel, still bemoaning as they did ealrier in the story that Donald has no friends and assume when they see him on stage and see him crash off it that he incited a riot.. only for his friends to assure him he’s a very fine fellow and they say so.. and in an instnat the boys realize donald DOES have friends.. and the best friends a duck can ask for. And after a lifetime of being spat on and barely winning.. Donald gets an unquestioned victory, stnading proudly with his friends for a packed house who still want more while his nephews look on proudly. I say so.. and what I say is that this moment is one of Rosa’s finest and one of the most touching thigns the man’s ever written. 

2. This is Just Where I Came In (The Legend of the Three Caballeros) The Legend of the Three Cabs was excellent and it ended on one hell of a high. After a heck of a fight via callbacks that barely didnt’ make the list, our heroes rush in to stop Feldrake. their sorcerer nemisis,  from reviving.. only for it to be too late. He’s back in full and soon warps reality around him leaving the boys hometown of the New Quackmore insitute as a series of rubble, buildings and people clinging desperatly to both floating in a hell of a starry backdrop, the only chance to stop this from happenign to the world resting in our heroes. And it’s so we catch up with where the seires began: our three heros decked out in truly awesome armor, though why Panchtio’s is roman I have no idea, fighting a giant and mosnterious felldrake and while his deisgn in that form is eh, his threat is palpable and the fight is goregous and pitch perfect.. and only gets better when we catch up, as Xandra swoops in to save htem from the cliffhanger the series started with. It only isn’t up top because of tow reasons; I like the first moment better.. and the boys do fall in a magic pool of amulet juice and emerge with powers due to a character we just meet when they do so. It’s a bit of a cop out.. but even with it being a cop out and a dues ex machina of the HIGHEST order.. it dosen’t stop it form being awesome when our heroes emerge merged with thier amulets energies, in their signutre colors and whoop felldrakes ass with a revivied Xandra’s help and then nearly reseal feldrake before his being resealed, but in Sheldgoose, resotres everything and our heroes get a WELL earned bout of praise from the town and a fancy mansion and in donald’s case a new job. A specatuclar, tense and gorgeous finale to a wonderful series. 

1. Ride Em, Vaquero! (The Magificent 7 (Minus 4) Caballeros)  Look I know it sounds like a bit of a downgrade to go from a battle for the fate of the world to our heroes fighting a spoiled prince and a giant anaconda just to make it out alive.. but frankly this battle is more tense, has all boys showing off even better, and has a climax so awesome even saving the unvierse with suddenly gained magic powers can’t top it.  For the setting our heroes end up trapped in a lost city with the bad guy of the comic, Don Rosa’s second to last and his second of only two cabs stories, prepared to get away. But then Donald snaps, spurred on bya ll the shit he had to put up with back home,and TACKLES the fucking guy in his boat getting into one hell of a scrap. And if that wasn’t enough, what brings this to true glory is a giant Anaconda who shoed up earlier, popping up.. leading to Donald fighting our big bad.. WHILE BEING TANGLED UP IN A FUCKING PYTHON. 

What truly clinches this as the best of the best for me though is Jose and Panchito’s actions, with Jose fighting the guy off off donlad, and actually having his umbrella WORK this time, and while the bad guy gets the raft from our heroes.. he falls off a cliff. So how do our heroes escape.. simple .. PANCHITO LASSOS THE FLEEING SNAKE AND THEY RIDE IT OUT AS SEEN ABOVE THROUGH A POND FULL OF DANGEROUS CREATURES WHO ALL STARE IN AWE AT THE SIGHT OR FLEE.  You.. you just can’t top that. The awesomness, the teamwork, the sheer balls on panchito..i t’s all just so beauitful and sums up what the boys are about: Deft teamwork, camradire.. and doing utterly insane shit as only best friends can. 

So with that.. this ride has come to an end. As I said before and will say again, it’s been fun, easily the biggest project i’ve done so far, and easily one of my faviorites. I love these guys and geninely hope we see them again real soon. So before I go, i’d like to say some thank yous. I”d like to thank ALL of the talented people involved in the making of the original film, as there are way too many to mention as it was a package movie but without you lovely and mostly deceased people we’d never have these wonderful guys. I’d like to thank Don Rosa for bringing the boys back and better than ever and beautifully so AND returning to them again. I’d like to thank Henry Gilroy and Phil Walsh, who wrote the first and second house of mouse cabs episodes for bringing the boys back to the screen, as well as series creators Robert Gainway and Tony Craig and the MASSIVE pile of storyboarders for both episode.  I’d like to thank the people behind mickey and the roadster racers, while your episodes were not very good I am glad the boys got more screentime, i’d like thank Frank Angrones and Matt Youngberg for their wonderful versions of the boys and total respect to their legacy, and i’d REALLY like to thank Matt Danner for giving us a wonderful series and finally giving the boys a starring roll again. 

I’d also like to thank the MANY voice actors who voiced these wonderful characters, your beautiful all of you. To Donald’s voice actors for this retrospective i’d like to thank Clarence Nash, you absolute legend may you rest in peace, Tony Anselmo, may you keep on living please god we’ve lost a lot of good people lately don’t be one of them, and even Daniel Ross, who might not be the best Donald but he’s one of only five and you can’t take that way from him. 

For Jose i’d like to thank Jose Olivara, without you I don’t think we would’ve even gotten to the Cablleros as a group, Rob Paulsen, you tried your best and your still a winner in my heart, Eric Bauza, you genuinely were the best, and Bernardo Del Paula, who gave Bauza a run for his money and I hope returns in the role in the future. 

And finally for Panchito we have Joaquin Grey, again wouldn’t of had the rest without you man nice job, Carlos Alarzqaui, did the job and did it well, Rob Paulsen, gave us one hell of a song, Jamie Camill, the best around no one’s ever going to keep him down, Arturo Del Purto who while I prefer jamie.. still was excellent and I wouldn’t be mad if he returned again. 

And last but not least I’d like to sincerly thank @weirdkev27​. These reviews have GENUINELY helped me finacially since i’ts hard for me to find a job since I cannot drive and have a disablity, and thanks to htem i’ve been able to live comfortably and thanks to you in general i’ve been able to do what I love and get paid for it. You got me to do this wonderful restrospective, have been a genine support to the blog and a treasure to work with. Thanks man, your the best.  So with that, it’s time to ride off into the sunset. If the cabs get another apperance outside of ducktales, I will pick this up again... and wether it’s in a year or ten you bet your bottom peso they’ll be back. Who says so? I says so. 

[prismatales]

Late Bloomer

Y/N Todoroki already had her life planned out, but an unexpected turn of events may end up changing everything.

This is a side story of the "Endeavor's quirkless child" series and more of a what if? scenario. Also, in this the reader takes Hatsume's place during the battle tournament. This is not neccesary, but I'd recommend you to hear the songs Phoenix from League of legends, i feel like that songs fits the reader during this story.

Next>>

MASTERLIST

Some women fear the fire. Some women simply become it.

-R.H. Sin

The Feeling of everyone's eyes on you was nerve wrecking, how are heroes supposed to concentrate on their jobs when there's people around watching their every move? Shoto wouldn't stop staring, was he seriously that surprised you were in U.A.? that you made it this far in the sports festival? was he upset that you had joined Midoriya's team during the cavalry battle? or because you nearly tased his team once during the battle...Were you really considered that worthless as not to make it?.

"Hey, you're Endeavor's daughter, right?" some random student had gotten too close to your liking, the words the used didn't help either and they didn't even notice. more people started to surround you, asking more questions at the same time over and over, completely ignoring how uncomfortable they were making you feel.

"i can't believe he has a sister" a student whispered to his group of friends.

"What's it like to be his daughter?"

"But why are you in the support course instead of the hero course?"

"What's your quirk like?"

"Stop it!" Ren, one of your classmates and friend from the support course yelled at the crowd stepping between you and everyone else "Can't you see she's uncomfortable? you keep asking her questions without even allowing her to say a word!" Hatsume also joined them, both of them knew how much you hated talking about quirks. The both of them distracted the crowd long enough allowing you to quietly step back and make a run for it, neither the students, Hatsume or Ren noticed you were gone until they turned back and didn't see you.

Letting out a deep breath as relief washed over your body after escaping the crowd of student made the tension dissipate. But not the thoughts running inside your head...

"This was bound to happen..." you thought, walking towards the cafeteria to have some water and take a small break before the next event started. The others would eventually catch up, more than willing to help with any repairs your equipment happened to need, fortunately the only thing needing some serious repairment were the booster sneakers you let Uraraka borrow for the cavalry battle, one had been broken while trying to escape the other teams, but it could be fixed on time.

Your plans were interrupted when you crashed into someone, stumbling for a moment before the person's hand shot up grabbing you tightly by the upper arm.

"I'm really sorry, I wasn't paying attent..." looking up at the person who helped you made the words die in your mouth, blood draining from your face.

It was your father...and he was furious.

He didn't say anything, but dragged you away to a place where nobody would hear what he had to say, so focused on the task that even if you had ended up falling for real he'd probably be dragging you all over the floor. The grip he had on your arm was starting to hurt. Taking you to an empty hallway and turning his whole body to face you.

"What do you think you're doing here?! and what in the world did you do to your hair?!" the look on his face was nothing compared to the pain you were feeling in your arm, wincing painfully as you tried to pull away from his clutches.

"I'm studying here! let go of me, it hurts!"

"Don't lie to me! you're just here to distract your brother aren't you?"

Of course....of course that was the only thing he cared about.

Shoto...his masterpiece.

"If you paid any attention you'd notice I don't even talk to him! just like you ordered all of us back home! or have you forgotten We're nothing more than failures to you?!" You growled this time, there was anger in those words, but he paid no mind.

"Do not try to fool me, I saw what you did back there"

He was talking about the cavalry battle, Shoto wouldn't stop staring at you when you went and joined Midoriya's team, specially after the way you nearly tased Iida when they took your team's points.

The grip on your arm wouldn't budge, it was starting to become painfully numb, but Endeavor paid no attention as he started dragging you again.

"You're coming back home and change schools this instant, you're just being a distraction to Shoto"

His words made your blood boil in anger. The rational part of your mind was telling you to stay quiet, that it wasn't a good idea to say anything when someone who could easily inflict third degree burns had a deathly grip on your arm, but that thought was easily disregarded by the emotional part of your brain, only making the anger inside of you grow stronger.

"So that's how it is?...you're just going to get rid of another distraction aren't you?" Endeavor only kept walking, completely ignoring you "Just like you did with mom?! JUST LIKE YOU DID WITH TOUYA?!"

His whole body became stiff, letting go of your arm in surprise and giving you the chance to pull away from his grasp before he started walking again. He turned around furious and ready to reprimand you for mentioning Touya, but the look on your face made him go silent, eyes full of anger, frustration and resentment towards him, it was like he was looking into a mirror and you were his reflection. He saw the way you held the spot he had grabbed on, an ugly bruised had quickly appeared on the spot from the strength he had used, a bit more tighter and it could have probably fractured your arm.

Ironic isn't it? for someone who's face clearly resembles her mother's, (Y/N) clearly had the same glare as her father.

He didn't realize you had ran away from him until the sound of your footsteps resonated through the hallway, running away in a rush and almost colliding with one of your friends, it was that little gasp from almost running into Hatsume that made him turn your direction.

"There you are!, let's make sure your gadgets are working correctly before your match begins! remember you're representing the support course!" Hatsume literally pulled you away, neither of you paying attention to Endeavor's glare, Hatsume was oblivious about it, focused on talking about which gadgets could come in handy during the events, You were focusing on her in order to avoid looking his way, and quickly walked away with her. Endeavor was seething in fury the moment Touya's name came out of your mouth, but he had other matters to care about, and went looking for Shoto, completely unaware he had been listening on the altercation...

Two hours later everyone was watching the battle tournament from the stands, you were sitting with everyone from the support department, quite some distance away from the hero department, and your brother.

The matches were going surprisingly fast, Midoriya's match against Shinso was quick, but impressive....But the moment Shoto's match against Sero began there was a moment you felt something weird on the inside, maybe it was that thing, twin telepathy or the frustration felt by your father's threat, but it was almost like you could feel everything Shoto was feeling the moment he created that massive ice wall, anger and sadness coursing through him....

With each round the pounding inside your chest just kept on getting worse, your turn was getting closer and closer, the pressure of being the only student from the support course AND being the only quirkless participant made the tension even worse, the anxiety you were feeling slowly starting to get heavier, along with that inner voice inside your head that wouldn't stop showing its ugly face no matter how much you tried to keep it at bay. You could almost feel it digging its nails on your shoulders as it whispered in your ear.

"Why do you even bother?"

The next match was about to begin, Mina Ashido vs. Aoyama Yuga.

Then it would be your turn...

Standing up from your seat with shaking legs you could only whisper to your friends who were curious about this behaviour, maybe the class didn't know each other for a long time, but never in all those months did they ever see (Y/N) Todoroki being this nervous, you were known to be pretty sarcastic and would always talk back to people that tried to mess with you or your friends, never taking shit from anybody that wasn't a teacher. This behaviour was new to everybody.

"I need to get ready for the match" taking a deep breath you left the stands and headed towards the locker rooms, all of your classmates said they'd root for you an would be wishing good luck. All you could do was give them a nervous nod and an awkward grin. with each step the nerves were getting harder to control. That damned voice only kept on whispering and mocking you...

"Might was well drop the fight, you already know how it's going to turn out"

A wave of nausea washed over all of sudden, forcing you to make a detour and run towards the girl's bathroom.

clutching the sides of a sink, head tilted down, shoulders hunched and breathing heavily, bile slowly trying to make its way out of your throat.

"You can't do it"

"I can do this...I can"

The moment your muscles tensed, a feeling of pain in your left arm made you look up in surprise and snap out of the trance you had slipped into, it ended up making you look at your reflection, it was something that wouldn't stop making you uneasy, specially the sight of your hair, the memory of your mother's screams as she saw the locks of hair still fresh in your mind, looking at your arm distracted you from those painful moments and focus on the huge purple bruise all around the bicep.

The sight of the bruise only managed to upset you even further, eyes narrowing at the sight of it and gritting your teeth into a snarl, the grip on the sink only got tighter, the pain in your knuckles made it clear.

"He's right, you know..."

In a fit of rage and newfound determination you pulled away from the sink and headed to the locker room for the rest of your equipment, highly focused on the task that you didn't notice the scorched handprints burning on the corners of the sink...

Finally...it was your turn to fight...

Present Mic started presenting both you and your opponent with vigor...

"Offense and defense in one body! The dark samurai accompanied by Dark Shadow! From the hero course, it's Fumikage Tokoyami!!! Versus--The Mystery Genius of U.A.! With the highest Intellect from her generation and sharp mind! From the support course, it's (Y/N) Todoroki!!!

Everyone in the Support Course could be heard cheering loudly, some spectators were confused, for someone in the support course you were wearing nothing but accessories.

Despite being about to fight you were wearing a pair of black earrings shaped like a drop with a matching choker. A metal belt with a leather base, it had four spherical bumps made of metal distributed around the material and two utility pockets the size of your hand around your hips.

On your right wrist a silver cuff bracelet with a metallic black bead on the upper part. On the left wrist another bracelet of black beads, each of them 2cm in size. A pair of booster sneakers with the whole base customized, lastly a pair of black cyber goggles on your head.

"What do you think her quirk's like?" Shoto could hear his classmates Ojiro asking Midoriya, who already had his pen and burnt notebook in hand ready to take notes.

"I don't know, but I'm more curious about her equipment, i don't see anything apart from her belt" Shoto didn't show it, but he was worried about you, Midoriya was right, not only that but Tokoyami's quirk was powerful. He could only hope his classmate wasn't as violent as Bakugo.

He could only watch in worry how nervous you were, and from the corner of the stands he could see his father watching, he seemed angrier than usual, like he was judging (Y/N).

You gulped nervously at the sight of your opponent, he had been one of your teammates during the cavalry battle so you knew about his disadvantage against light, you may still have a chance.

Still...tilting your head up towards the stands where your classmates were cheering gave you a push of confidence...and then you saw him as well...

Your father was watching...

"Is this some kind of sick joke? You've never paid attention all these years, now you're just waiting to say 'I told you so' once I lose the match, don't you?" Those thoughts only fed the frustration you felt on the inside. For some reason your body started feeling weird, it was warmer than usual, probably by the anger...But you wouldn't give him the pleasure of pulling you out of school without a fight and turned back to face Tokoyami.

"I'll show you what I can do"

"Sixth match, start!!!"

"Dark Shadow!"

Tokoyami's quirk activated, Dark shadow coming out through his chest quickly charging forwards. Though the moment it got closer Dark Shadow got hit across the face by something.

Everyone looked in wonder as a metallic spider-like limb came out from one of the bumps on the belt striking Dark Shadow with force. Hatsume was shaking on her seat excited as she used her quirk and saw the support companies watching with interest.

Dark shadow charged again, grabbing the attachment before it could strike again, just to be hit by another leg, both coming from the bumps in the front of the belt, it became a back and forth fight between the bird like creature and your gear, each trying to strike and block one attack after another.

While Tokoyami was barely moving from his spot you were slowly going from left to right, looking for any blind spot, Dark Shadow could move a long distance, but if he got too far Tokoyami could be open for attack during a few seconds.....Of course Tokoyami was also observing the situation and caught up with your attack pattern, Dark Shadow's attacks became faster, making it hard to block, until another two limbs came out of the belt.

Everyone was cheering as the battle kept going, this time it was starting to get serious, both Tokoyami and you started circling one another, Dark Shadow's was getting even faster than before, then it managed to grab two of the attachments in the front, and broke them.

"Shit!" the other two were called back, the broken ones were letting out sparks, the distraction was enough for Dark Shadow, he grabbed you by the shoulders and began to try pushing you out of bounds, just for the other limbs to burrow themselves into the ground abruptly, making you unable to be moved.

"I need to go on the offensive"

"Oh! she's going to use the beads!" Ren was getting excited, and so was the curious crowd as they saw you yanking off the beaded bracelet before throwing the beads all over the floor right in front of Tokoyami's sight.

Kaminari laughed "Is she trying to trip him?" thinking Tokoyami wouldn't fall for something like that until the beads exploded like flash grenades, startling Tokoyami, Dark Shadow and the crowd.

"what kind of jewelry is that?!" a hero in the stands was surprised until Hatsume began explaining your gadget's functions with excitement.

"Todo-chan's equipment is meant to be subtle, that's why it looks like normal accessories!" she beamed when the support companies were looking in amazement at the match, some of them were taking notes. Her explanation left some heroes amazed by the idea that something so subtle could be so tricky.

Tokoyami pulled his arms from his face, blurry vision from the flashes left him vulnerable, he didn't see you running towards him with the goggles covering your eyes from the light, then he felt how you landed an elbow strike to his face following with a side kick that left many people cheer in amazement.

"Thank god Natsuo insisted on the Kickboxing lessons!"

"An impressive ambush by Todoroki (Y/N)!" Present Mic was yelling to the crowd, Shoto was astonished by your movements, not expecting his sister to be a talented fighter and neither did Endeavor who's disapproval was yet to leave his face, so what if you were good at fighting? you were still quirkless...

"She's Endeavor's daughter, right?" even far away from the stands those words still ended up reaching your ears making your whole body freeze on reflex.

no....please no...stop

"Why isn't she using her quirk?" those words were like a key unlocking the door of a prison where a horrendous monster was being restrained, that prison was your head...and the monster slowly crawling its way out...were your thoughts.

"See? you're Useless"

"Why did she stop?" "Is she alright?"

Tokoyami realized you stopped attacking and took the chance. Dark shadow got closer, this time it was gripping your arms and began pushing you back again, the feeling of its claws on the bruise only making you flinch at the massive amount of pain, your feet dragging dirt from the strength it was using, the robotic limbs had tried to dig their way on the ground, but even that wasn't working, it only slowed down Dark Shadow, the edge of the arena was slowly getting closer.

That's when Shoto noticed the bruise and quickly realized what caused it, he too had ended up with similar ones when your father would drag him to the training room, he could feel his left side getting warmer, furious at Endeavor for hurting you.

Before Dark Shadow could keep pushing you positioned your left foot firmly on the ground, a burst of compressed air erupting from the sole of the sneakers with tremendous strength causing you to slide to the left, away from Dark Shadow's clutches and rolling on the floor from the force.

"Those are her booster sneakers! they have enough power to lift an adult man off the ground!" Hatsume kept bragging about your equipment, distracting them from the subject about your quirk, or rather the lack of it.

Tokoyami's attacks were becoming faster and harder to block, specially with two missing limbs from your belt, pulling another beaded bracelet from one of the pockets from the utility belt, this time throwing it whole before it burst into light again and quickly ran towards him again.

But this time he was prepared, Dark Shadow had protected him, and rammed itself towards you, accidently hitting you in the face and sending you rolling back on the floor, making the crowd gasp when they saw your nose had started bleeding as you were lifting the upper part of your body from the ground and panted hard.

"Todoroki-san!" Midnight's voice was loud and firm "Out of bounds!"

"What?!" Looking down, your were sitting in the middle on the line due to Dark Shadow's attack "no..." Tilting your head up you accidently made eye contact with your father, the look of disapproval on his face making you look down again, bangs covering your eyes as your shoulders trembled and hot angry tears were close to come out....making something snap inside you, all the frustration, anger and resentment suddenly exploded inside of you into a hot rage. The feelings inside your chest clawing their way outside in a desperate struggle to come out.

"It's over for you, you should start saying goodbye to all your friends"

Everything went silent in the stadium, nobody said a word as you slowly started to get up, nose still bleeding and eyes set into a glare. Tokoyami was observing quietly. Then something inside you throbbed painfully, your head felt like it was going to explode as you held it from the sides with both hands.

"Worthless, you're a failure, a distraction"

"Shut up!" you screamed, the pain was getting worse making you fall on your knees and curl into fetal position, tears rolled down your face from the amount of pain, It was so intense that you didn't notice the way everyone was looking at you.

Or rather they were looking at your hair, there was a reddish glow coming out of it and somehow it was making the (H/C) dye disappear from the locks making it look like it was being evaporated. It started to become longer and it was burning like someone had attached fire extensions on your scalp, making it reach down your waist and flow smoothly in the air like gravity had no control over it.

"Something's wrong" Shoto's thoughts came out without him realizing. His classmates were looking at him with curiosity "what do you mean? Isn't that her quirk?" he was hesitant to answer, he felt like he had no right to talk about it, but he was afraid "...She's quirkless..." There were gasps all over the bleachers, amazed of how long you had managed to hold your own against one of the strongest students in the hero course with only equipment.

Unknown to Shoto his father was also watching in surprise, interest and deep down slight traces of worry. Did the doctors made a mistake when they diagnosed you all those years ago?

The glow began getting more intense, a mix of red and golden energy began to appear around your body in smooth waves, the moment it made contact with the bruise on your arm the wound glowed red before it disappeared into the air like soft embers.

"What's happening?!"

Your mind was in a panic, the sight of your own limbs engulfed in flames became a blurry memory, replaced by a pair of arms full of burns and bandages, you recognized those arms, they belonged to the only person who cared about you during your childhood, the only person who took care of you when everything else was falling apart, the only person that called you "Firefly".

Those were Touya's arms...

"No...Make it stop...Make it stop!!!" You could only hold your head in horror as the memories of your brother came back in a rush....Touya's body being engulfed in flames...the way he always held you affectionately...the burn marks all over his body...how he always called you "Firefly" with such a tender voice....and the day of his funeral...

it was too much. The energy surrounding your body began swirling uncontrollably trapping you inside a vortex. You didn't notice the way your eyes started to glow with a golden light without a trace of the pupil or iris.

"You need to stop Todoroki! She's losing control on her quirk!" Aizawa was screaming through the mic, it was obvious by the look on your face this wasn't normal, he remembered reading your file after all and seeing the part where it said you were quirkless.

Midnight swiftly tried using her quirk to stop you, but as soon as the fragrance coming out of her body got close the aura ignited it, almost like it was protecting you. 

The tears in your eyes were quickly evaporated by the heat, pain and fear overwhelmed your every thought.

"Make it stop!!....Make it stop!!...TOUYA!!!"

The vortex was abruptly pulled into your body and burst out just as fast, causing a massive shockwave through the arena, everyone in the stadium could feel force of the the heat and the wind, even Endeavor had been pushed back because of it.

Cementos had luckily created a concrete barricade around the people on the bleachers just in time when they realized you lost control over the flames. Once the wave subsided the sight in the arena was similar to the aftermath of a wildfire, traces of fire and scorched marks littered the whole arena, Tokoyami was barely holding on and exhausted, having no time to get away in time he used Dark Shadow to protect him from the shockwave at the last second. 

Worry filled the whole stadium when they saw you laying on the floor passed out, the energy surrounding your body had finally disappeared and your hair had gone back to its short appearance, this time back to its natural red color.

Hours later, after the tournament had ended Shoto made his way to Recovery girl's office to check on you. Concern clear on his face at the sight of your motionless body in a Stretcher and the paramedics making their way to the ambulance while Endeavor supervised the procedure with a keen eye without adverting his gaze from your unconsious self, making one of the paramedics shake nervously. 

Shoto was quick to approach a serious looking Recovery girl. "What happened to my sister?" she gave him a look of concern "They're taking her to the hospital to run some tests, her wounds were already healed by the time she arrived" she turned back to look at you "but her quirk completely drained her, so they're going to try and figure out why it took so long to manifest".

The hospital kept you in observation for two days, leaving your siblings worried out of their minds when Natsuo and Fuyumi saw the match's footage, worry sept in them by the way you desperately called out for Touya, it was heart-breaking for them to see just how much you missed him, after all out of the whole family you had been the more affected by his death right after your mother...

The second day your eyelids slowly fluttered open, the bright light from the room made a pained groan leave your parched mouth, it felt like someone had shoved a handful of cotton down your throat, your body ached painfully, begging to get out of the bed...

Wait...bed? You swiftly got up into a sitting position startling the person standing beside you, it was a nurse checking the fluids from an IV bag connected to your right arm were flowing properly.

"Todoroki-san! I'm glad to see you awake" she offered a gentle smile and poured a glass of water before handing it over, holding it in place for security and instructing you to drink slowly, the fresh liquid felt like heaven on earth, making you sigh in happiness before you looked at her with questioning eyes.

"Let me go get the doctor, he'll explain everything to you" She left the room before you could ask her why you were in a hospital room in the first place, it took ten minutes for the Doctor to arrive and quickly began to run some basic checkups before he explained the whole situation...

Meanwhile Endeavor was in his office when he got a call from home, Fuyumi told him the hospital called and you had woken up, She mentioned both her and Shoto were going to visit you and that Natsuo was already waiting for them in the hospital. After hanging up he turned his attention back to the video playing in his computer. It was the footage of your match, he watched with intensity the moment the energy around you turned into a vortex and the moment the shockwave rattled the cameras. 

Then there was the part where the energy had healed your wounds, the bruise in your arm disappeared in an instant and by the time they took you to Recovery Girl all of the scratches and your nose were healed. With proper training you could easily rival Shoto in terms of power...If only your quirk had appeared early, you could have probably surpassed even Touya's firepower by now.

Meanwhile Fuyumi, Natsuo and Shoto were outside the hospital room where the doctor was giving them the full diagnosis as well as some instructions.

"Y/N needs to get plenty of rest, She's perfectly healthy but it would be a good idea to watch out for any changes and avoid any stressful situations for a few days, now about her quirk...after checking her family history my theory is that it took a longer time to manifest due to a mutation"

Once the doctor finished explaining everything and walked away the three went inside the room, they saw you sitting in the middle of the bed hugging your knees closer, one of your hands in front of your face while looking at it with an empty look.

"(Y/N)?" Fuyumi was the first one to speak, their worry on their faces quickly changed to surprise when your hand started to give a soft glow, the same energy from before started to appear in gentle waves this time only in your hand, causing a sad laugh to come out of your lips.

"This changes everything...doesn't it?" The aura started to grow brighter, swirling faster before vanishing as quickly as it appeared. Fuyumi went to sit on the left side of the bed, her hand rubbing your shoulder in comfort.

"All this time...I got used to the idea of never having a quirk...of never being like you guys..." your voice started to break, smiling sadly while small tears prickled the corners of your eyes "and just when I'm finally starting to accept it...Just when I think I found...what I wanted to do with my life...!" Your sister quickly pulled you into a hug as you cried, face buried on top of your knees, Natsuo was quick to join in, Shoto could only stare as he stood closer to the bed, unsure of what to do, this was the first time in years he's been this close to you and it made him feel out of place. 

He was ready to walk out of the room...until he saw you looking at him with a sad look on your face motioning him to come closer, Shoto sat next to Fuyumi with hesitation, unsure of what to say or do but then one of your hands grabbed his left one, surprising him with you gentle hold and the small smile on your face.

"I saw you match on TV....he's right you know" He knew what you were talking about, Midoriya's words...it made his hold on your hand become tighter...

It's your power.

That's how you four spent the rest of the day, together and talking about the future, catching up for lost time, Shoto quickly offered to help you train with your quirk. Of course, at the mention of training everyone thought the same thing.

What would happen with your Father?

The answer came three days after being released from the hospital. The doctors said you could go back home after one last check up, they also recommended to go easy on your quirk and gave Fuyumi a prescription for some eyedrops, the drawbacks of your quirk were overheating and irritated eyes if you overused it, one advantage though was that with the healing part of your power it took longer to overheat.

When you guys arrived home Endeavor was waiting inside, he only looked at your uncomfortable face once before leaving for a mission, he didn't say anything, which made both of your sibling to look at him with confusion. During that time you trained with Shoto in order to get better control over your quirk, both completely unaware that your father was watching your progress from afar.

The vortex from he sports festival never appeared anymore, whenever your quirk was used the fire aura would only envelope your arms up to the forearms, your eyes would glow again and your hair regained the fire extensions.

"At least is not a fire moustache" Shoto had to fight back the urge to laugh at your comment. Before you could keep up with your training there was a scream coming from the house that startled the both of you, running inside you saw Fuyumi sitting on the kitchen floor, there were pieces of glass and blood mixed with water all over the floor, the both of you rushed to her side.

"What happened?!" Shoto asked her while you were checking her injured foot. She had a look of pure agony on her face at the small cuts, a medium sized piece of glass was still lodged on her bleeding foot.

"I-I was holding a glass of water and it slipped from my hand..."

"I'll go look for the first aid kit!" he only walked a few steps before you stopped him, looking at Fuyumi's foot with a look of pure concentration, one of your hands hovered above her injury before it started to glow along with your eyes, the three of you were so focused on the matter that nobody paid attention to Endeavor, who had come back earlier from work and stood in the kitchen entrance watching.

"This might hurt a bit, do you trust me sis?" You gave her a reassuring look as your fingers slowly came in contact with the shard, she stared for a few seconds before nodding and holding her breath, her eyes were closed tightly, she had always been uneasy at the sight of blood.

Breathing deeply in concentration your fingers took hold of the glass and with a swift tug pulled it out of her wound before throwing it aside, making her yelp in discomfort for a moment, your hand quickly going back near her injury, the aura slowly starting to crawl its way down your fingers towards her foot, surrounding it with energy before making the wound slowly stop bleeding and closing shut without a trace of a scar, it was like Fuyumi never got hurt in the first place.

The aura in your hands dissapeared and your eyes went back to normal, letting out a deep breath before looking back at Fuyumi.

"Does it still hurt?" She started flexing her toes to check, but her attention had been somewhere else as her eyes once filled with pain were full of admiration and surprise when she caught sight of your power, it was far different from the vortex that appeared during the sports festival.

"It only hurts a little bit, but It’s okay...Y/N, your quirk is so gentle, and beautiful" She hummed with a soft smile on her faces, those words however made you blink in surprise for a few seconds, before looking at the palm of your hand.

All these years the idea of fire being something gentle never crossed your mind, everytime someone asked what was the first thing you'd imagine at the mention of fire, the answer would always the same.

"My Father"

People always thought it was out of admiration for your father. But nobody knew the truth, with the thought of fire came Endeavor, with the thought of Endeavor came anger, with the thought of anger came destruction...with destruction came the memories of a broken family, burned away by his ambition and desire for power.

Fuyumi's words were like a switch in your head, no longer the thoughts of fire reminded you of the past, the word 'fire' developed a different meaning, something that can destroy, but that can also make way for new life, just like a....

"...Phoenix" you whispered softly, catching everyone's attention, it took a moment for them to understand what you meant, until your palm once again started glowing and the aura came back to life, this time with a brighter glow.

"That's my quirk...Phoenix"

"It seems you finally have control over your quirk" your father's voice came out of nowhere, startling the three of you, his arms crossing and a look of confidence on his eyes that made an unneasy feeling grow inside your chest.

"You will transfer into the hero department with Shoto"

There it is again, the feeling of surprise being replaced by anger stirring inside of you, he's never paid attention to your existence until it became convenient for him, his desire to surpass All-Might still blinding his thought made you angrier by the minute. When he turned to walk away you were soon following after him, Shoto helped Fuyumi stand up and avoiding the remains of glass on the floor.

"You can't do that! I'm not leaving the support department!"

"You're going to change courses after the internships and that's final, both you and Shoto will become exceptional heroes, stronger than All-Might and anyone else"

"No! I'm not switching classes, I've never wanted to be a hero before and there’s no way I’m going to become one now!"

That's how it started, both of you engaged into a screaming match, both Shoto and Fuyumi only watched as both you and your father had ended up activating your quirks, the sight of his face and your hair covered in flames would have been funny if it wasn't for the screams you were throwing back and forth at each other.

"If you keep this up I'm running away from home!"

He only scoffed at the threat

"You wouldn’t do that, you have nowhere else to go"

Shit, he was right, none of your family lived nearby, and you always refused to talk to your mother's family out of spite for disregarding the abuse your mother had to go through, the last time they tried to talk was four years ago, but they were always ignored. And you didn't want to be a bother to Natsuo...

Then an lightbulb went off inside your head. Giving Endeavor a challenging look before you started talking again.

"Very well then..." Shoto was dumbfounded by your answer, had you really given up that easily?! But then you continued. "I'll move into the hero course, but only if you can answer this question, and if you do, I'll switch classes without hesitation, but there's a catch, you can't ask for help from anyone if you can't answer"

The look of confidence on your father's face as he accepted your terms almost made you scream in victory, buy in order to make this work you had to be quiet.

"Very well, go on"

You looked at him in the eye, the room was awfully silent until you opened you mouth and the question made Endeavor's eyes go wide.

"When is my birthday?"

The whole room fell into an uncomfortable silence, he tried to say something, but no words left his mouth, his eyes went to Fuyumi until he remembered the rule, no help from anyone. Shoto wanted to scream, your hands went to your hips with an indifferent look on your face. Ten minutes passed and he didn't answer.

"See? You know nothing about me!" You ran to your room and quickly came back with a bunch of papers before throwing them at him.

"All this time you thought I only went to U.A. to mess with my brother and never realized I had potential to do so much more, these are my grades and exams results, I have the highest grades in the whole school, you don’t even know this but my friends called me yesterday, you know what they said?"

He looked at you, report card in hand.

"They heard the support companies were going crazy over my equipment, they all want (Y/N) Todoroki to do an intership with them, not Endeavor's daughter. If you ever try to switch me into the hero course without my knowledge...I'll start failing my classes on purpose, imagine what people will say when the genius of U.A. and Endeavor's daughter starts failling her classes...now, if you'll excuse me, I need to prepare my uniform for tomorrow's class" You turned back to go to you room, but stopped in the hallway before turning your head back to him, a furious glare on his face, the paper in his hands was starting to burn away by his flames.

"Oh, and by the way...My birthday's on January 11, I'm Shoto's twin, remember?"

Walking away with a victorious smirk on your face the sound of your father's screams felt like music to your ears.

Hope you guys enjoyed this, please let me know what you think of this side-story!

I want to thanks my friends @godtieruwu @undead0relived and @mysticalite for helping me with some aspect for this story and listening to my ramblings.

Also, @mysticalite drew some fanart of my Todoroki!reader and it's so lovely! It's a comparison between reader and Rei!

[spookyhalloweennights]

Fearsome Appearances (Silakeil: SFW)

You had heard the rumors and felt the stares. After all, Silakeil was not a creature that was seen often, and even when he was, rumors had flown around about the manticore’s personality, but you knew better. Many would claim that he is something to be feared, and that a single sting from his scorpion tail could end a person’s life. The fire that he could breath would be used to burn down the houses of those around him so that he’d have a bigger territory to live in. 

When you walked on the streets, mothers moved their young children out of the way for the fear of their kids being his next meal, when you knew better. Silakeil was nothing more than a kitten who wanted to be loved, and you had given that to him. You had bonded over your shared experiences, you having been bullied in your younger years for your appearance which had caused self-esteem issues to arise that seemed to last a lifetime. Until you had met Silakeil. He had been your rock and you were his when it came to bad days where the thoughts just seemed to embed themselves in the crevices of your mind. 

Today was no different than any other day, Silakeil had insisted on going out to get some ice cream with you. A short but quick date, something that you had been accustomed to since Silakeil didn’t like going out much because of his appearance. His fingers were threaded through yours and the sun reflected off of his darkly colored lion’s mane. Dragon wings sprouted from his back and the scorpion tail that many had seemed to fear was wrapped around his waist as though it was a belt. 

“Sorry, we don’t serve your kind here.” The salesman, a frost giant, had told Silakeil when the pair of you had approached the ice cream stand. Silakeil visibly deflated at the statement. 

“Come on… Let’s go…” He murmured in response to the statement, going to tug your hand away but anger rushed through you in the worst of forms. 

“What exactly do you mean by his kind?” You questioned, your words dripping venom worse than what Silakeil’s tail would.

“We. Do. Not. Serve. His. Kind.” The frost giant reiterated as if you were nothing more than a dumb human, which had only made you grow angier. 

“That’s pretty rotten of you, basing it off of looks and what he is rather than the fact that he’s an actual paying customer.” You growled in response. The frost giant merely blinked at you in response before turning his gaze away. “If I were to base it off of your looks, I’d say you’d do exactly as your legend tells, you’d freeze over any town you came across rather than making snow cones for children.” 

Silakeil had flushed with embarrassment. He wasn’t the confrontational type. Unless it came to you, he had merely accepted the way that others had treated him and you weren’t about to deal with that. “We can take our business elsewhere.” You stated before dragging Silakeil off, he was happy to match your pace so that he no longer had to be out where others could judge him so harshly. 

“Can we go home? I think we have some left over ice cream there… We can make sundaes.” He offered, his mood dampened by the experience. 

“Sure, but I’m going to leave them a nasty review for the way that they had treated you.” You simply responded, the walk back home being quick as the ice cream stand wasn’t too far from your place. Once inside, you had pulled up the stand on your phone and quickly left a one star review. Still seething from earlier but not wanting to embarrass Silakeil anymore than what already happened. 

Silakeil had made a beeline for the kitchen, swiftly pulling out the leftover ice cream from the freezer and various toppings he had found shoved in the back of cupboards. It wasn’t long before a sundae was handed to you just the way you liked it, Silakeil had taken the spot right across from you at the kitchen table. His tail wrapping around your ankle as a sense of security, a darkened expression on his face as he poked at the ice cream in his dish, no longer feeling up for it but not wanting to disappoint or dampen your mood. 

“Hey.” You caught his attention with the simplest statements. “You are amazing just the way you are, screw what anyone else has to say.” You stated simply. 

The tears that had begun to form in his eyes were obvious as you made it known how you felt, you stood and walked over. Pulling him into a tight hug against you as a quiet sob came from him. 

“I feel so stupid getting upset over such a thing, I should be used to it by now.” He muttered bitterly from where he had his face buried against your neck. 

“The thing is Silakeil, you shouldn’t have to get used to it. You are a beautiful soul, inside and out, and I’m sorry that people treat you the way they do.” You brushed the stray tears from his cheeks as he pulled away to look at you. “I know how it feels to be treated as an outcast, I want to make sure that you know everyday how wonderful you are and that you are loved… Because you are, I haven’t ever met anyone with a heart of gold like you.” You said softly as you pressed a kiss to his forehead, a quiet purr beginning to come from him at the attention. 

“You are everything I’ve ever needed and more. I can only hope to be the same rock that you’ve been for me.” Silakeil responded softly, tugging you to sit on his lap so you could eat your ice cream together like that.