#I was trying to keep his think with blades going from his game design | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

triplesilverstar · 2 months ago

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Waking up to a monster

Rating: 18+ Minors DNI

Pairing: Vash X F!Reader

CW: Canon Typical Violence, mentions of injury, blood and injury, Medical inaccuracies, Kidnapping, Angst and Tragedy, Emotional Manipulation, Manipulation, Mind Games, Unplanned Pregnancy, Tragedy, Non-Consensual Drug Use, Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Abuse

Word count: 4.9K

A/N: Chapter one of JuLai. You've been kidnapped by Millions Knives, and you learn some of what his plans are and the reason why he's been stealing plants. As well as how you're the bait for his trap to ensure Vash comes to JuLai, all to ensure Knives can put the pieces of his plan into action. All to create a paradise, one that you doubt is going to be any kind of paradise that you or Vash would ever want to be a part of. Maybe, just maybe the two of you will find a way out of this town. Too bad Knives has a plan to keep you down as well.

So folks... We are about to get dark. Please mind the tags.

All of you hurts as you wake up with a chill along your side and your stomach tied in knots like you’re ready to throw up. Groaning as you place a hand on the side of your face and feel your temple throbbing under your fingers, opening an eye and seeing the black panels of metal with a painted design on the floor.

“Damn, no wonder I’m cold.” Only to slam a hand over your mouth as bile rushes up your throat at the sudden movement, another groan while you’re trying to remember what happened. The last thing you can think of was being in the atrium located in Home. Starting to breathe through your nose as the sudden nausea leaves you, just as quickly as it had come.

Hissing as you remember. “Fucking Zazie.” The little worm bastard had drugged you with something before grabbing you, probably the reason for how shitty you feel.

Pushing yourself up and looking around you, you feel a chill for a different reason run down your spine. You’re in a circular room and you’re staring at something you had never hoped to see, or even thought you would see.

A petrified plant.

Placed on an altar as if something to worship.

A hand over your mouth as tears start to form on your lashes. This is not a place you want to be. Brad and Luida told you about the final run, and how much Luida never wanted to see one performed again. You don’t want to see one ever.

On your feet now you start to walk backward, eyes focused on the grotesque figure in front of you. Only to stop when your back hits something.

“I see you’re awake.”

If you were afraid moments before, you’re terrified now. Knives is there with you, and you doubt you’re going to survive. Everything seems to slow as you turn around to face the center point of your nightmares from the last few months. Since Jeneora Rock when his hands wrapped around your throat, nightmares you hadn’t voiced to Vash even when he asked about your tossing and turning.

“My apologies for the methods used to bring you here, sadly such rough treatment was necessary.” You feel the hackles on the back of your neck rise, he’s not acting like he was in Jeneora Rock. His voice is softer, like he doesn’t see you as filth to be crushed beneath him which has the warning bells in your head running rampant. The statement of for now rings in your ears. “I see you’ve seen the cruelty of humanity. I keep these five here with me in this sanctuary as a reminder of their greed, their willingness to destroy with no thought for what their desperate seeds sow as they try to grasp at the future.” Watching as his eyes flick down towards you, and you don’t miss the coolness in his teal eyes but the smile is the most chilling. It lances through you like a blade of ice sliding through the sinews of your chest.

“How are they different from you?” It spills from your lips before you can stop it, so much for a fear response and you expect your mouth is going to get you into trouble. Instead of doing anything to harm you, he lets out a soft laugh.

“I understand why you’d be so critical of such a statement from me, I’ve never provided anything to indicate differently.” His face shifts and you don’t feel like he’s going to kill you all of a sudden. “I threatened to kill you, and destroyed a town in front of you all within hours of meeting you.” Brushing past you as if he expects you to follow him as he walks away, turning his back it’s a subtle signal that he has no fear of you. Even if you had been armed you’d be no match for a being that could destroy a whole town, even at your lowest you had needed weapons to destroy.

Knives is the weapon.

As he seats himself on the bench in front of the piano you swallow, Seeing another petrified plant placed above it and the metal that you can only assume is there to amply the sound. “At least you remember what you said, but you seem like you don’t mind leaving out the part about saying you’d let me live for now after you dropped me by my throat.”

“A miscalculation on my part, my assumption of you was incorrect. Know I have no intention of ending your life.” Patting the bench beside him while still wrapped in his robe, you aren’t an idiot. He might be making that claim but you don’t believe it for a minute. “Come join me.”

You also aren’t stupid enough to know that ignoring his request is a good idea, taking cautious steps before sitting on the side of his bench as far from him as possible. “How nice to know that I get to live because you miscalculated. You make it sound like killing is easy, oh wait I forgot you destroyed an entire town it is easy for you.” Letting the words drip with venom as you throw them at him, your lips pulled back from your teeth as you snarl.

Only for him to throw back his head and laugh, his amusement roaring around the space and you shudder as he finds your attempts to snap at him hilarious. “I see why my brother finds you so entertaining.” The sensation of feeling small grows more intense as you watch him reach up as if to wipe tears from his eyes. “Hearing you make such a statement with your illustrious past is almost charming, I wonder.” Trailing off as he sets his eyes on you with a smirk. “Does Vash know about the scourge of Icarus? Oh from the way your eyes flinch I see he does. Does he also know about the skyway? Or the Odyssey space station?” Your eyes snap shut as Knives brings up more of the atrocities you’d committed in your life, back when you had wanted to die.

Back when you thought it might have been your only way out. Back before you had been shown you could try and make a difference.

It doesn’t mean the guilt doesn’t still eat at your soul, the things you’ve done that you can never undo and the weight that will forever sit on your shoulders. A burden you can never forget. “He does.” After Vash had brought you to Home that first time you knew you needed to tell him.

Tell him the weight you carried and why you could never be like him, even now sitting with his brother you could see the sad smile on his face and the way he brushed your hair from your forehead. The way his chapped lips had pressed against the soft skin there while his flesh hand cupped your cheek tenderly. “I know you aren’t that person anymore, Mayfly.”

Tightening your hand into a fist to steel yourself, Knives can have his thoughts of you but it won’t change how you feel about yourself. You might hate yourself but you know Vash doesn’t, and he’s enough as you walk towards a redemption you know you can never find. “And he doesn’t judge me for it.” Even if part of you whispers how he should, how it’s what you deserve.

“Just like other humans, you rush to your own conclusions. I have no reason to judge you.” Placing his hands on the keys and playing a few notes while you stew over his words. “You’ve risen far above the species that spawned you. Perhaps if you had arrived outside of JuLai city instead of November things would have turned out differently, in a way I admire you.” His fingers back on the keys as he plays a little tune and you feel the hackles along your neck starting to rise once more, why in the hell would Knives admire you?

The tune is gentle and he keeps speaking, his voice just loud enough to be heard over the soft strings of the piano. “You're tenacious, intelligent, with a hint of compassion and your drive to do whatever it takes is clear. You strive to build a new world, better than the old.” At that his face darkens slightly and the tone of the song changes. “So why would I not admire another that could assist me in my creation of paradise? A world without the human filth praying on a species they use as if they mean nothing. A tool to use and throw away when it’s done, those filthy sinners”

You swallow at the rage hidden beneath his words, it’s a rage you understand. When you think you’ve lost everything and vow to keep the last few things you care about save no matter the cost, even if it’s you losing everything that makes you who you are in the process. You’ve walked that path and were lucky enough to meet someone who guided you away from it. “Nai.” Your tongue feels thick in your mouth, and you lick your lips uttering the name that Vash calls his brother. Tentatively placing a hand on his robe-covered forearm. “How can you call them sinners when you won’t give them a chance to change? To understand that the plants are more than they think?” The almost imperceptible flex of the tendon in his arm as his fingers stop dancing across the keys.

“Their own history shows they can’t change. Humanity always fails to go for any length of time before inviting calamity upon themselves, they only know how to destroy.” Grinding his teeth and you keep going.

“Humanity knows how to create. They made music, I can’t name any of the famous composers through the ages but they made music. Songs to make people's hearts soar and to wonder what else is out there.” Inhaling as long as you can, keeping your hand on his arm. Even through the fabric of his robe that you’re certain can turn into blades and slice your hand off before you could process it happening, you feel the same warmth that Vash excludes seeping into your fingers. “Not all of them are good, I can’t argue with you about some of the terrible things they’ve done. Does that mean you’d damn them all because of the mistakes of the few, or those that came before them?”

“You defend them? Even after the hardships they’ve done to you? To Vash? They would use both of you until nothing was left. You’re as foolish as Vash is.” His voice has changed again, softer and yet that rage is still seeping into his words like a fire burning inside a stone house. Appearing to all the world as calm while inside it’s a blazing inferno. “None of the humans deserve to exist in the paradise I’m making.”

The way he spits human from his mouth makes you flinch, slowly pulling your hand from his arm because he’s still not wrong. You and Vash have been chased out of so many towns, all because of the stories about Vash the Stampede. “Then why not kill me. That’s one less human to have to deal with down the road.”

Looking down at your hand you miss as Knives finally turns and one of his larger hands leaves the smooth white keys and grabs both of your smaller ones in his. “It is rather humorous, you’re as dense as Vash as well at times. While you might have been born human, you no longer are one, nor are you a plant. Something new, something I’ll welcome into paradise. A companion for my lost little brother should he choose to not be a martyr for the wretched.”

You’ve never wanted to pull your hand away from someone else’s so fast, a chill racing down your spine and your heart thumps painfully in your chest. “Nai, what are you planning to do?” His pale blue eyes are like ice, keeping you frozen in place as you start to fear the worst.

“Create paradise. For the plants. What else would I be doing? I promised Vash I’d make us a home.” Letting his eyes wander from your face and you see them land just above and behind you. Almost positive it’s where another one of the petrified plants around the rooms is situated. “The day the humans decided to speed up making the crashed spaceship that is JuLai into a city, by forcing our sisters to complete a final run. Do you know what one of those humans said?” Pausing just long enough before he speaks again, his voice carrying enough coldness to chill the space between you. “That the plants were born to serve humans, and he was sure they were just happy to be useful. So how do you think I could allow such filth to survive with us in a new world when they see us as nothing?”

The look on his face is one of absolute belief. Belief he knows the way to save his people whether they want to be saved or not and he has every intention of going through with it. “Nai, please. I understand how that must have made you feel but how can they see the plants as anything but tools when it’s what they’re taught? You could show them the truth instead of killing them.” Your heart burns inside your chest because you do feel for him, and Vash. And their sister who was sliced apart because she was something new. “Can you justify killing them when you haven’t tried anything else?”

When his eyes flick back towards your face you try to show compassion for him instead of fear, you remember Vash telling you how they had been children when they learned about what had happened when they opened those secure files. You can only assume Knives still has that fear from that trauma, of seeing what was done to the first independent as the first glimmer of being a fanatic flashes in his eyes. “They would kill us for existing, just like they’ve tried to kill you for being different. If they wanted to learn they wouldn’t have done what they did.”

“I know about Tesla.”

If what you said surprises him he doesn’t show, just stares and you find yourself feeling small under those icy eyes. “Yet like Vash, you still defend them. You truly are my brother's other half.” His eyes narrow and you wince as the grip on your wrists grows ever tighter, and you could have sworn you heard your bones creak under the strain. “I will not allow them to commit such an atrocious act ever again.” Watching as his robe fades away down to his waist, clad in that skin tight suit as the manic glint in his eyes grows brighter. “I will not allow them to use my people for their desperate attempts to cling on any longer.”

“But Nai. They might not have used the plants like they have if it wasn’t for the crash. You placed them into this situation and now you want them to atone for a sin they didn’t commit!” Tugging on your hands as you try to break them out of his grip before he snaps your wrists with how intense he’s become. “You’ve set the board so no matter what they try to do they can’t prove they can change even if they wanted to.” Shaking your head as you try to argue with him.

“They were never meant to survive, instead that woman had to interfere.” Hearing you hiss Knives finally stopped to look down at your hands in his, the paleness of your fingers vivid as the blood flow to them is reduced. Surprised as he loosens his grip and starts to rub the skin he’s bruised. “Apologies” He says your name in such a way that you want to bleach your brain to try and remove it from your memory. “I sometimes lose my composure when I think of that woman, and how she ruined everything.”

“I don’t think saving lives could ever be seen as ruining something.” While he has loosened his hold you can’t pull your hands from his grip but maybe that’s for the better.

“That compassion will be of use in paradise.”

You snort at how serious he sounds as he says it. “Oh yes, paradise for what the three of us? If Vash goes along with your plan.” Only for him to chuckle.

“It is amusing you think I’d save my species only for three of us to remain.” He seems fascinated by your palms as he turns one of them over before continuing. “I have a plan to create more independents, part of the reason why I won’t wipe all of humanity from the new world right away. They’ll need someone to care for them.”

You know you aren’t the smartest person on this planet, not by a long shot but you know the three independents that have been born were all miracles. If another had been born since they crashed you’re certain Vash would have known about them, would have sensed them. So how the hell is Knives going to make more of them? A bead of sweat starts to run down your back as you think of your conversations with Luida a few days ago. He wouldn’t? “How are you going to do that?”

You’re scared of what the answer will be but you need to ask, just stewing on what you think might be the worst case scenario for you won’t help you feel better. “I have a plan, the same one that will create paradise as well. Certainly, it requires some sacrifices but it’s all for the betterment of the plants in the end.” Seeing his full facial expressions are a little jarring but you can also see the twitch of his muscles as he keeps touching your hands, his thumb tracing one of the scars from the experiments performed on you. “I know you understand sacrifice.”

“Do you mean the humans or more of the plants?” A flash of his eyes and you think you might have crossed a line but it’s too late to worry about that sitting in the lion's den with no way out.

“Humanity is a vermin to eradicate, but for the plants yes.” A churning in your stomach at how easily he says it. How can he expect you to believe he wants to save the plants when he’s going to use some of them to make his paradise. “The humans used the red plants and pushed them to the breaking point for something selfish, finishing a city. They’re almost dead, so they will help form the base of my new paradise.” You want to throw up, to hear him say on one hand he wants to save the plants and on the other make such a casual statement as that. The bile rising in your throat as he finally looks you in the eye once more, surprised by how soft he looks. You could almost believe it was Vash in front of you right now instead of Knives with how tender his expression is.

“Nai, how can you say that so casually? You’re talking about killing some of your own people.”

Watching him give you a slow bink as if he doesn’t understand your objections so you try for a different tactic. “I know you think you have your heart in the right place, but if it happens think of those new independent plants find out what you did to make the world for them. How do you think they’d react if they found out you built them a paradise on the ashes of millions of lives you’d snuffed out? No one wants to live in a house built on a pile of sand, and that’s what you’re doing.”

“Simple.” Something about the way he says that one word sends a shiver down your spine with a deep sense of foreboding. “You’re going to teach them how important it is to make sacrifices for the greater good.”

“The hell I am.” You don’t know when you stood up but all of your attempts at remaining calm are cracking under the pressure. You don’t disagree with him that the humans are wrong in the way they’ve used the plants but you also have an advantage over the other humans that are trapped on this world, that have grown up seeing the plants as the only means to survive and the way information is controlled. “I’m not one of your little humans that believe in the so-called gospel you’ve created to fool them. To make them think you’re trying to help them, to save them!” Taking a few steps backward from the piano bench and slashing your hand in front of your body, placing a bit of space between the two of you knowing he can close it in an instant. “I know a cult when I see one, and you’re far from an angel.”

“So you really are as foolish as Vash.” Nothing on his face changes as he watches your little show of defiance. “You think they deserve to be saved, they’re a plague that needs to be eradicated.” You can see the fire in his eyes flash, a cold fire that makes you stand your ground.

“I do! Because you’ve set the board against them! You sit here in your tower judging them, holding them accountable for sins they don’t even know were committed in the past. You let them keep making those same mistakes because you keep them ignorant! They don’t know that the plants are alive, no instead you make sure the information out there is that they’re just batteries to be used and disposed of.”

Your screaming as you throw your own judgement at him with your eyes narrowed and your feet spread apart braced for whatever might come your way. “You’ve made them into villains and judge them for trying to survive when you refuse to let them see another way!” Your shoulders are shaking as you watch that look of cool indifference remain on his face as he throws his head back and laughs.

He laughs hard enough you see a tear form on one of his icy eyes, a casual swipe of his finger before he rises. “You think they’re innocent? Do you know how many of them have committed murder? Raped? Used children like toys for their own sick pleasure? They don’t care what it takes so long as they get to enjoy themselves to stand atop the pile of dead bodies that’s rotting underneath them.”

You can’t help but flinch because he’s not wrong, not all of them are kind. Some of them are exactly what he described. “They’ve proven time and time again they’ll do anything to come out on top, no matter the cost. They don’t learn from their mistakes.” He raises his hand and allows two of his blades to sprout from his hand and you swallow, seeing the wild blue eye near the base of one the gleaming metal spikes. “They continue to believe they are the masters of their domains and everything else is a plaything. They will never change.”

“Rem did.” It’s a whisper and the reaction is explosive.

Diving to the ground to avoid the mass of blades that expand outwards in waves, holding your arms in front of your face to shield the softer areas there as he screams. “She tried to control us! To make us into pawns for the humans, pets to keep her company until they could do the same to Vash and I as they did to Tesla.” Watching the blades return to him and forming his cloak once more as his body shakes with his fury. “That woman ruins everything.” Narrowing his eyes as he looks at you on the floor, your arms and legs covered in small slices. “Do not mention her in my presence ever again.”

A long inhale followed by an exhale from him before he’s striding towards you, pulling you back to your feet as if nothing had happened. “You need to be more careful, these will need to be looked at. I am aware you heal quickly, just not as quickly as Vash and I.” You don’t know how to react to the sudden attitude change he’s had again as his expression is gentle.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” It blurts out of your mouth but his expression doesn’t change. “You could have killed me and act like nothing is wrong.”

“I allowed my temper to get the better of me, as I stated I no longer wish to kill you.”

“Because I’m a tool to control Vash.” Snarling in his face as you try to tug your arm from his hold which makes him chuckle.

“You aren’t a tool. You’re far more important than that, just like the other plants here that will remain after paradise is created.” You flinch when his other hand brushes across your cheek and if you didn’t know you would have thought it was Vash showing you such a tender touch. Knives hands are far softer by comparison and there's no warmth in those digits.

“Only some of them I bet. You don’t care as long as it gets rid of the humans.”

“Such a harsh criticism” His hold on your arm remains but the other that is making your skin crawl pulls away. “Only some sacrifices are necessary as I have stated before.”

“Like your mother?”

“She wasn’t my mother!” This close the spit from his mouth hits your face but his reaction isn’t as violent as before.

“I wasn’t talking about Rem. I was talking about the plant that gave birth to you and Vash.” It’s a low blow and right now you don’t care, going for a jugular. “Was she a necessary sacrifice when ship five crashed or was she just an innocent bystander caught up in your plan to kill the humans?” A flash across his eyes and you know you have hit a nerve this time.

“That was different.” Grinding his teeth as the fire in his eyes starts to burn once more. “It was to protect Vash.”

“Sorry if I don’t believe you, but you strike me as the kind of person who will use any excuse to justify your actions. Even if it costs you everything you claim you care about.” Tugging your arm harder trying to get away from him, only to scream as you find yourself flipped around with your back to his chest and his breath washing over the side of your head.

“I will do whatever it takes to protect the plants, even if it costs me those that were used by the humans and more. I will have my paradise for us. Me, Vash, you, and all the independent plants that will follow.” The sound of a door opening and you watch an older bald man walk into the room.

“Knives! What are you doing?” You don’t miss the needle held in his hand as he starts rushing toward the two of you.

“I’m not a plant.” Snarling like a wild animal as you try to struggle more against him, freezing as his hand moves along your side in a motion so reminiscent of Vash it makes your body respond.

“No. You’re not. Yet thanks to my brother and all his time with you you’ve become rather special. All those nights when he’s been inside of you, pumping you full of his seed until you're bursting.” His voice has dropped and you feel sick. “The bond Vash and I share allowed me to see it all, Mayfly .” You almost gag at the way he states the affectionate name Vash calls you, so cold and chilling in his voice. “I know you’re body as well as he does, and I know a little secret.”

“Knives, she’s covered in cuts. What happened?” The man is closer in his lab coat and you don’t like the way he seems to ignore you like you’re a thing and not a person.

“Just a little outburst. She certainly has fire, I’m almost jealous of Vash finding her first.” Letting his voice return to normal minus the smirk you can hear. “Take her and clean her up Doctor, and ensure she’s clothed properly. She won’t be fighting anymore, not in her new role and I want her ready for when Vash arrives.” Tossing you towards the man and you stumble a little at the force of it.

“What role!” You snarl as the needle plunges into your skin once more and the edge of your vision grows dark. “What secret!”

“Silly thing. It should be obvious, you’re going to be the mother to all the new independents I’m going to create. Starting with my brothers' seed taking root inside of you. A lovely present for our birthday learning he’s to be a father.”

Your mind is reeling as it fades to black, you, you can’t be pregnant. It should have been picked up by the tests Luida ran back on Home. It’s only been a few days. Except. Last night you were with Vash and the two of you had been rather engaged in one another. Those memories flash in your mind, of your verbal exchange as your bodies were intertwined.

Are you?

Back to masterlist for series

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skipppppy · 1 year ago

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Anyway I’m bored and Carmen Sandiego renaissance is on the brain. What are these characters like when they aren’t focused on the main plot?? Non VILE/ACME/Caper related dialogue seems so few and far between.. I wish we got to see their lives outside work. So I made some headcanons abt it

CARMEN

Player was her first exposure to the outside world so she probably holds a lot of his nerdy interests close to her heart. She’s not the best at video games but plays them regardless. She especially enjoys sci-fi horror movies from the 80s that go big on practical effects

Finding random trivia about different countries is genuinely one of her favourite hobbies. The little info segments she does are not part of the edutainment show. She is genuinely just like that. This woman is a trove of fun facts please let her unleash them upon you

In the same vein she LOVES quizzes. After missions she will drag Team Red to any bar doing a trivia night in her vicinity and will wipe the floor with everyone there. Fear her

Enjoys people watching. It’s why she’s so good at charming strangers despite her socially stunted upbringing. She’ll sit alone in a busy train station for hours and watch everyone pass her by

PLAYER

Look. We know this kid is a nerd. It’s canon. But which niche of nerdiness does he fall into exactly?

Despite being an avid gamer he isn’t very competitive about it. He prefers single player rpgs, especially ones with active modding scenes. He doesn’t even know what vanilla Skyrim looks like he probably wasn’t even born yet when it released

He will, however, duo queue with Carmen on unranked Overwatch. They are both terrible at it and think it’s the funniest shit

Enjoys sitting back and watching a good speedrun. Will have a video of someone doing a stupid BOTW challenge in the background while he hacks security cameras and such

Runs a DnD campaign for Team Red which they’re all crazy invested in. Shadowsan is the only one who doesn’t care for it but he keeps rolling nat 20’s on the dumbest shit and derailing the campaign and he finds everyone’s reactions too entertaining to stop. They have a rivalry only a DM and a stupidly lucky rogue could have

ZACK

We already know he’s kind of a meathead that enjoys sports and cars and cheesy action movies but I also think he has a lot of softer hobbies that he keeps to himself bc he knows they won’t take him seriously

He’s a secret crocheter. He’ll mend the team’s clothes when they rip but that’s the extent of their knowledge. He’ll sit for hours by himself and knit while listening to music. Sometimes Shadowsan will find a new pair of socks in his bag. When Carmen got sick once she woke up with a handmade blanket draped over her. Ivy has her suspicions but doesn’t wanna intrude

He loves animals. He never really brings it up because no one ever asks. He always checks out local zoos and aquariums if he has the chance. Grew up watching Steve Irwin-esque nature shows and still does to this day

His love of eating is less out of greed and more his own form of cultural appreciation. Idk what happened to his and Ivy’s parents but for reasons he can’t explain their cooking is one of the few things he hasn’t forgotten, so he has a lot of sentimental food-based memories. And experiencing other countries cuisine connects him with that

IVY

PERIOD DRAMAS. They don’t have to be good they just have to be steamy. She enjoys the hot women in pretty dresses. She and Carmen watch Bridgerton together and laugh about how historically inaccurate it is

She LOVES renfaires and similar high fantasy roleplaying communities. Someone please buy this woman a suit of armour

As an engineering prodigy AND fantasy buff she has a massive interest in Blacksmithing and Swords. That’s her designated lesbian hobby. She’s been trying to politely worm her way into a conversation with Shadowsan about the blade he returned to his brother for months now but isn’t sure if it’s too personal of a topic for him so she’s nervous

Her sweet tooth encompasses more than just chocolate. She’s secretly grateful to Zack since he takes most of the flack for being a glutton. She makes note of any bakeries they pass by on capers so she can come back later in secret and go ham on the pastries

SHADOWSAN

I think his interest in Samurai history starts and ends with his love for Hideo. He’ll happily discuss it and he’s studied it passionately, but out of a sense of respect and duty to do right by the brother he betrayed

He will NEVER, EVER admit it to anyone but he genuinely misses the adrenaline rush from committing petty crimes. He was a criminal for over 20 years. Lifestyles are hard to shake and change isn’t linear. He’d never succumb to impulse but he’s just kinda bored

He microdoses on the urge by pranking people. Everyone always blames Zack so he never gets caught. He also enjoys sneaking up on people and making them jump. He’ll always insist it’s unintentional. It isn’t

He’ll read and meditate and train to keep himself centred but he’s still a rowdy young punk at heart. Team Red is the first taste of freedom he’s had after a lifetime of VILE faculty monitoring him. The first thing he bought for himself after settling in at the San Diego HQ was a motorbike. The second was a new tattoo. The third was a potentially lethal amount of whiskey that he drank in one sitting

JULIA

We know she has a passion for history outside her work in Law Enforcement so she definitely goes to all kinds of museums in her free time. She’s the kind of person who enjoys learning just for the sake of learning (she and Carmen have that in common)

Outside of that she’s surprisingly good at karaoke? She gets stage fright but really likes singing and will go all out if you hype her up. Her taste in music is the exact opposite of her appearance and personality. Lots and lots of death metal

An aficionado for different types of tea. She keeps like 10 flavours in her house at all times. She especially likes floral ones that taste light and sweet. She hates iced tea with a passion though

Goes to botanical gardens whenever the weather is warm and the season is right. She likes the history of the old manor houses but she also loves admiring the landscaping and the blooming flowers. She could sit on a bench surrounded by local flora and fauna for hours

DEVINEAUX

Chase is an entirely different person when he’s off the clock. The unhinged high-energy maniac who froths at the mouth about La Femme Rouge goes dormant once he gets home. Especially after he got stranded on VILE island. That really gave him some introspection about work/life balance

The biggest, softest, sappiest hopeless romantic you will ever meet in your life. Passion is just part of his nature and he gets his heart broken A LOT. It’s why he throws himself into his work

He’s a really good chef. Like REALLY good. Before he was a cop he did a few summers as a line cook in his teen years and he retained most of the knowledge. His pantry is STACKED and he tries out recipes he picked up from his ACME travels in his free time. He’s a tad snobby about it because he’s French but you will not complain about the stuff he feeds you

Old movie enjoyer. His favourites are film noirs, cheesy romances, creepy eastern european animation and german expressionism. He has a fervent hatred of Marvel

Also one of those insane people who get up at 5am to do cardio. One morning before a mission he met Agent Zari with barely a glisten of sweat on his forehead and sadly informed her that he only got to run 15k and he wished he had time to do more. That was the first time she ever knew fear

#carmen sandiego 2019 #cs #player cs #zack cs #ivy cs #shadowsan #julia argent #chase devineaux

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notsocooljess · 4 months ago

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Please Stay

hi… sorry about this. i mentioned about a month ago i was writing something outside of my comfort zone along the lines of fear. so here it is.

quarter quell AU

content warnings: major character death, canon-typical violence

read this in ao3 here

Katniss.

Her name rang through his head, managing to break through the aggressive clicks from the beetles they were fighting. At least “beetle” was the closest word Peeta could associate with the insect. These beetles were mutts, a creation of the Capitol’s design. With bodies as big as house cats' and pincers over a foot long, they were no feat of nature. Their shells were so strong that their weapons were nearly useless against the insects unless the blades were aimed at the beetles’ joints, which seemed to be left unshielded to aid in their mobility.

Katniss.

He can’t believe the gamemakers had managed to spin the arena on them again. He figured Beetee’s plan had satisfied all conditions necessary to buy them some time: it brought enough excitement to keep the Capitol citizens’ entertained while ending these unpopular Games as soon as possible. Was it not personal enough for them? Not gruesome enough? What, if anything, is ever enough for them?

They had spun it while they were close to starting the plan. It turned out Beetee and Katniss were right: the outer edge of the arena was able to spin as well. The centrifugal force of the outside spinning had sent their group barreling down the jungle and back to the sand of the beach. Their bodies had been launched into trees and rocks, leaving them bruised, bloody, and sore from head to toe. Any progress they had made in proceeding toward the midnight lightning tree was lost. Like before, they had to choose a wedge at random and hope it would be free of horrors until they regained their bearings on where they were on the clock face.

Johanna had made him choose which direction he wanted to go since he was the most familiar with the map.

Katniss.

She was all he could think about as he swung his machete into the unguarded area that would loosely be called the beetle’s neck. Johanna found her stride in using her axe to decapitate the beetles in rapid fashion, and Finnick was able to dual-wield his tridents to kill multiple beetles at once. Beetee sat on the ground between them, slinging a knife at any beetles that managed to make it past the two skilled fighters towards him. Their speed was impressive, but it was hardly fast enough to defeat the insects at the rate they were spawning.

Katniss seemed to be struggling against the mutts’ body armor. With no definitive eye location for her to strike and with little leverage from standing on the ground, her weapon of choice wasn’t ideal for the situation. From the corner of his eye, Peeta saw three arrows ricochet off of the backs of beetles into the winding trees.

“Katniss, climb if you can! Go!” he shouted at her as he sliced through two mutts in fast fashion. This is the quickest he’s moved since his heart stopped.

She was at his back, protecting the other side. He wanted to turn his attention to her and help her move up the tree, but the beetles were populating at such quick speeds that he could hardly pull his attention from the distance of his arm span in front of him.

At the speed they were generating, he was pretty sure the gamemakers were seeking one outcome: death.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, he heard her yelp.

“Katniss!” he yelled as loud as he could. As if on cue, the beetles started retreating from whatever hell they came from.

When Peeta turned around, he saw her. The fighting had shifted their position, and he was ten meters away.

She looked so small, her body dwarfed in its current position. Her knees drawn up to her chest as she laid on her left side, her eyes trained upward. Her chest heaved furiously with every breath. Her gray eyes panicked as they searched his. Her lithe hands desperately clutched her neck in an attempt to try to stop the bleeding from where the giant beetle-mutt’s pincers had severed her throat.

Peeta ran to her, his movements as fast as his false leg would allow. He kneeled right in front of her, and her face never stopped watching his.

“You’re OK. You’re OK. You’re gonna be OK,” Peeta repeated incessantly as he sprang into action. He ripped his undershirt off his back and tore the fabric into a strips he could tie around her neck to stop the bleeding.

When Peeta went to apply the compress, Katniss’s eyes grew wide, and she shook her head frantically. She didn’t dare to make a sound.

“Katniss, please. I can handle the looks of it. Please, let me help you,” Peeta pleaded with her. When she shook her head again, he saw streams of blood rush between the cracks between her fingers at the pulse rate of her slowing heart.

Desperate to help, Peeta went to remove her hands so he could quickly tie the fabric and stop the blood that was flowing freely from her neck. Katniss finally tried to protest his actions, but all she managed was an aggressive gurgling noise.

Peeta frantically searched her face, both terrified into action and paralyzed with fear. Katniss produced a singular cough that sprayed his face and chest with her hot blood.

Peeta’s head pounded. His face was hot from the weather and her blood and his tears. He went to move her hands one final time, but she responded with an almost imperceivable shake of her head. They had both faced death enough to know when it was inevitable.

He perched his body over her’s. His tears fell onto her, the tendrils of water leaving streaks in the dark crimson red that coated her hands and neck. Heavy tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.

“Please, Katniss. Please don’t die for me. Please stay,” he began, as sobs wracked through his body. His shoulders lurched forward as he watched her face scrunch in pain and agony and sorrow. The tears in the corners of her eyes finally rolled down the sides of her cheeks.

When she relaxed her face, her eyes met his sharply, the silver of her eyes rapidly transforming into a dull gray. Sorry, she mouthed to him, more tears trailing down her cheeks.

“Katniss, no. No. Don’t be sorry - please. Don’t be sorry. I wouldn’t be here without you. I couldn’t have done this without you. I can’t do it without you,” Peeta pleaded, his sobs pausing so words could escape him as quickly as possible, “I need you. I love you. I love you. Damn it, Katniss, I love you so much,” he finished through a choked sob.

Peeta could see she was trying to hold on for him, but the graying of her skin and the slowing of her heavy breaths told him his words were spoken on borrowed time. Her eyes searched his face again, saying everything she couldn’t.

As the heaving in her chest became dangerous, appearing painful, Katniss released the grip of her right hand from her neck. Using her last remaining strength, she extended her arm toward Peeta and placed it over the left side of his chest. Love, she mouthed to him.

She brought her bloodied hand up to his soaked cheek, and he clutched her hand with both of his. They stared at one another until the grip of her left hand loosened on her neck and her eyelids fluttered closed, shielding her silver eyes from the world for the last time. A second later, her canon fired.

#im sorry #i wasn’t originally gonna post this #but i figured i worked on it so i should post it #i was gonna add more past this ending #about peeta’s response to what happened #but felt this was an appropriate cut off #maybe i’ll expand it one day #but this is emotionally taxing to write and not my favorite idea tbh!!#even though i wrote it!#so that may be awhile away if it ever happens #katniss everdeen #peeta mellark #everlark #the hunger games #catching fire #everlark one shot #everlark fanfiction #jess writes

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hiatuswhore · 2 years ago

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♕ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʇɐᴚ ʇǝǝɹʇS ǝɥ⊥—ᴀ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴏꜰ sɥʇnɹ⊥

♕ A/N: Hey all! Thank you so much for all the feedback it is a great motivator and always makes me smile. I am really enjoying writing this and I already have a vague idea of where I want it to go. Keep in mind we only have season one of HOTD and will not being getting season two for a while so I am going to try to incorporate the plot of the book with my own ideas. I do not have a set number of parts for this mini series yet. If you cannot make out the title it says The Prince and The Street Rat—A Game of Truths. I introduced a new character, I am picturing Daniel Sharman but that’s because I am in love with that man. Also who are your favorite characters, I LOVE older Rhaenyra (young her was cool but I feel like older Rhaenyra is such a mood. Anyhow enjoy, and tell me what you think!

♕ SUMMARY: The world works in mysterious ways and so does the residents of Kings Landing. One never knows what they find in the alleyways and rooftops. Whores, drunks, knights, thieves, sometimes even Princes.

♕ WORD COUNT: 4.5K

♕ WARNING: Cursing, Violence, Sexually Suggestive. HOTD Spoilers.

previous — Masterlist — next

Aemond did not return the next day or the day after that. You busy yourself with work from Mysaria, listening to the whispers of the King’s failing health. Viserys the Peaceful, what a joke. Everyone but seemingly the royal family prepares for the pending war.

You sit at your window, staring mindlessly at the rain that falls from the sky. The darkness looms over the city, the annoyingly bright torches of the castle teasing all who reside outside of it. Yet, where the darkness meets, the light lies in the perfect view of your window. An almost mercurial design.

The door opening does not phase you. The silver-haired Prince slowly enters his steps across your room, filling the silence.

“Quite a long conversation with your mother,” You scoff, ignoring his stare as he stands to your right.

“Much came up. I’—“ Aemond's nonchalant tone makes your jaw clench.

“Too busy to at least pass a message of assurance?” You narrow your eyes at the sight of him, near seething as a grimace holds your features.

“(Y/n) you are overreacting,” He says. You stumble back as your eyebrows furrow. His demeanor contradicts the previous conversation. “There is no war coming.”

“Dammit, Aemond, you let her do it again! So what, your mother said all would be well, and you just believed that?” You gawk, shaking your head as you watch him sigh.

“(Y/n)—“He sighs, rising to your feet as you pace, cracking the muscles in your knuckles.

“Aemond, your life is the last thing I have ever desired,” You whine. His hands capture your own with a patient stare. Neither of you says a word as you squirm beneath his gaze.

“I’ve come with your gift,” He says, revealing a forearm-length box. The top’s identical to the one from his mother. A stillness captures the room as you eye the box wearily before accepting it from his hands. You open slowly, gaping at the lustrous glow of the metallic. The handle carved skillfully into river-like ripples, paying homage to your bastard status.

“I—this is beautiful, but we must discuss—” You huff. Aemond merely takes your arm, disregarding your words. He guides you to the fireplace, careful to not reach too forward.

“Heat it up,” His tone’s commanding as he studies your face. You frown, chewing on your bottom lip as you turn toward the fire. The blade reveals fiery red lines forming intricate patterns. “Do you like it?”

“Aemond, you’re dodging my questions,” You suck your teeth, dropping your shoulders as he drops his gaze. His silence makes your stomach churn as you fail to blanket your despondency.

“(Y/n) it is only a dinner,” He says, his eyebrows furrowing as you run your hands down your gown.

“In what world do I agree to this willingly, Aemond?” You say, leaning down to capture his gaze. Despite the scowl that paints your features, Aemond says nothing. A pregnant pause follows; pulling away from him, you place the dagger on your desk. Back at your window, you sit, your legs bouncing incessantly.

“I really tried, but mother insisted. She expects you present in a week’s time—in the gown, she gifted you,” His shoulders fall at his wide with a doleful look in his eyes. He watches as you visibly sink, your mind stuck in an endless loop of the Red Keep corridors.

“You promised. No royal drama,” You swat away his hands, your eyebrows knit together.

“You’re impulsive and an over-thinker. A painfully dramatic combination. This dinner shall be easy for you—smile and drink,” He reasons. You scold yourself for knowing better than to befriend a Targaryen.

“Dramatic is an exaggeration. You are protected by your title. I am merely a bastard. So my worries are reasonable,” You push at his arms, frowning. “I have nothing that protects me.”

“I’ll protect you,” He says, squeezing your hand.

“Aemond,” You say, tilting your head, and he mirrors you. A dry chuckle leaves him as he says you worry far too much. “You worry too little. If I’m doing this, I want something in return.”

“A comfortable room, coin, perhaps safety and security?” Rolling your eyes at his jest, he chuckles before asking you to name your price. Biting the inside of your cheek, the high possibility of war unnerves you more than you dare to share with Aemond. Nevertheless, you mutter, you will get back to him on the topic as you inspect your new dagger. The weight’s unlike your cooking knife you keep handy.

“I could kill you, you know?” You say, inspecting it closely—a tired smile taking your lips. He pulls your other chair by the window, scooting closer as his finger lazily traces your knee.

“You could try,” He says. Leaning back, you turn your gaze to the fire. His eye stays on you, the soft hum of the fire giving you an ethereal glow.

“A bastard dining with the royal family. That’s something you don’t see every day,” You chuckle dryly, but a hearty laugh booms from Aemond.

“There was a time when I saw it every day,” He says, and you meet his eye rolling your own. You swing the dagger between your fingers easily, wearing a blank stare as Aemond watches you. The rest of the night continues in a quiet hum. You are uncertain when Aemond left or when you even climbed into bed. The following day drags without a word from the one-eyed Prince.

You stop by Daltis’ stand to find his son, Cayde. A smirk tugs at your lips, seeing the large metal crate in his hands.

“Lift me next? “You say, leaning on the wooden stand. Cayde chuckles, shaking his head, placing the crate down. “Just you today?”

“Yeah,” You nod, grinning ear to ear. Cayde unloads the crate behind the stand carefully. Amusement dances in his eyes at your mischievous smile.

“Where’s your royal shadow?” He asks, crossing his arms. He towers well above you.

“Why, jealous?” Then, tilting your head, you wet your lips.

“Of a Targaryen? Never. I like my simple life,” He scoffs. His eye travels from your tunic to the dagger on your hip. Shaking his head, another chuckle leaves him, “What can I do for you (Y/n)?”

“I need to talk to your Dad about traveling to Pentos,” You say, casually earning a frown.

“Does your shadow know about that?” He asks. You scoff, placing the usual rate for the travel arrangements on the table.

“Does it matter? I’m coming back. I’m looking to leave in two fortnights,” Cayde grabs the coins from the table, raising an eyebrow. He nods his head, pursing his lips. You pull back from leaning on the stand, bouncing on the balls of your feet. “Are you coming to Goran’s tonight?”

“Yeah. First round on you?” You walk away before he can continue. Despite your departure, he calls out, “First round on your Prince!”

Back in your room, you stare at the box beneath your bed. Aemond’s absence and a long time before meeting with Cayde leave you with your thoughts. Removing the gown from the box, the room proceeds to flip as you foolishly put it on. The front detailing’s meticulous, revealing a sliver of your chest. Clover-like patterns bind the slit, almost hiding it from view as the sleeves reach your wrists, and extra cloth hangs beautifully from your elbows. A walking message to Rhaenyra and her family—a pawn.

You nearly rip the dress as you struggle to remove it. Hastily fumbling with the clasp as though it burns your skin. Then, back in your tunic and pants, you abandon your room to the best seamstress you know. Daltis’s wife. Taliya welcomes you warmly into her home. You mirror her expression seeing many of Cayde’s features from his mother.

“Mother, I’m going to meet—“Cayde trails off at the sight of you. His mother stands holding a piece of thread around your midsection.

“Alright, dear. I will have it ready, I assure you,” Taliya says, taking your hands with her own. The corner of her eye crinkles as she smiles at you.

“You ready?” Cayde says, grinning ear to ear. He waits to follow you out. The night sky greets you both with a soft hum of nightlife chatter. People drink, laugh, and fuck unapologetically through the streets. You both navigate the crowd with an unflinching calm. “Hey, should we be worried about the succession? I don’t know how much your friend tells you.”

“Honestly, I am uncertain. Aemond blindly listens to his mother, who stays blissfully ignorant of all that is to likely come,” Cayde matches your pace perfectly. The torches set an orange glow beneath the night sky.

“I do not believe he likes me very much,” Cayde says, raising an eyebrow as a laugh leaves your lips.

“That is just Aemond. Ignore him,” You say, turning down an alley. The sound of loud music fills the dirt passage. Cayde knocks three times before Aryn’s face appears at the door. He gives you both a once-over before opening the door.

Cayde orders the first pitchers of ale as you both settle at a table. You listen intently as he explains his concern for the safety of King's Landing. You both speak over the music, just enough to hear the other.

“You are not alone in your fears,” You confess, placing your hand on his. He sips his drink, eyeing your hand. Your eyes scan the room—a woman laughs obnoxiously on a man’s lap as they speak with others sitting around them. A couple dances lovingly by the musicians, and the bartender moves at the speed of light to keep up with the growing crowd.

“What’s in Pentos?” He asks, raising an eyebrow. You pull back, taking a long sip of your ale.

“You know the rules of this business. No questions outside of the necessary,” You say. Taking another sip, Cayde rolls his eyes. “Shall we play our game?”

“I’ve known you most of my life. What more could we possibly not know about each other?” Cayde questions, a grin growing on his lips as mischief dances in your eyes.

You sit up on your knees and narrow your eyes at his nod. Your gaze softens as your lips part, “You fear taking over your father's business.”

“I told you this; that’s cheating!” He says, shaking your head; you remind him he told you his father's intentions, not his own feelings.

“Drink,” Your smile widens in delight as Cayden begrudgingly brings his cup to his lips. You lean forward again, your ‘focusing’ stare pulling a chuckle from Cayde’s lips. “You—“

Trailing off after a few seconds, Cayde grins victoriously, “Too long, drink.”

You roll your eyes, raising your cup. He backs you into a corner with his first two questions, leaving you to drink for both. You both ping pong for a while, others within the room virtually disappearing. A mop of messy white hair pulls you both back into the room. Wearing a grin, he lazily blows a strand of hair from his face. The heavy bags blend seamlessly with the bloodshot of his eyes.

“What’s a place like this doing with a girl like you?” Aegon’s question earns an eye roll as he fills your pitcher with the contents of his own.

“You likely put the poets to shame your grace,” You raise an eyebrow as he closes his eyes, near shuddering.

“Say it again,” He coos, grimacing as you bring the pitcher to your lips and meet Cayde’s gaze. His knuckles turn white around his cup. Aegon opens his eyes, grinning near maniacally. He turns to Cayde, lifting his cup and bumping Cayde’s. “Come on, you two, I wanna play your little game. I’ll start—you two fucked.”

Neither of you moves as the Prince’s gaze bounces between you both. He chuckles darkly, reminding you both of the rules. After several seconds you bring the cup to your lips. Cayde hesitates before doing the same, an obnoxious laugh leaving Aegon.

He tauntingly mimics your tactic, narrowing his eyes at Cayde. The two lock in a silent stare before Aegon looks forward. He lets out a laugh as if he remembers something, “Mhmmmm. You’re in love with her.”

“I’m done playing,” Cayde’s baritone voice fills the silence as he slams his cup, rising to his feet. Your eyes flicker to Cayde, who glares at the unfazed Prince. The music stops as all around you watches. You lay your hand on your dagger as your heart pounds. Cayde heads for the door, halting as Aegon’s voice fills the silence.

His deviant smile gone, now wearing a chillingly calm demeanor, “Finish the game. You’re in love with her.”

Cayde’s back faces the both of you, and you glare at Aegon, who ignores you. He grabs Cayde’s cup holding it out as he turns back. Cayde snatches it from his hands, eliciting a quiet gasp as you watch him lift it to his lips.

“And you’re afraid my stiff—rather taciturn little brother will find out and rip you out, root and stem,” You rise to your feet before a word can leave your lips; he roughly grabs your face. He turns to you, his eyes boring into your own as he reveals nothing beneath his surface. “I am giddy with the news of your presence at court. No longer Aemond’s little discretion.”

“Enough,” You swat his hand away, tilting your head as he eyes you. Cayde storms out as Aegon sits back down. You stand gobsmacked as the entire room watches you. Swallowing thickly, you follow after Cayde, abandoning the tavern. The passageway to the streets reveals a blur of faces, but none of them are who you are searching for. You opt to return to the Inn Keep, uncertain what to say to Cayde after the night’s events.

You are sure Cayde avoids you avidly, the days following without seeing him. If Aemond knows of your time in the tavern with Aegon, he says nothing. The day of the supper arrives like a looming storm cloud.

You lay on your back, fiddling mindlessly with your coin pouch. The green gown sits beneath your bed, still in its box, awaiting the hour the Queens summons begins.

Sitting by the fireplace, Aemond pauses on his page. Re-reading the same section for the fourth time, his eye lands on you. Still fiddling with the coin pouch with an absent focus. Your nose crinkles, the skin crawling sensations pulling your gaze to the wayward Prince. His aloof expression and clenched jaw meet your furrowed eyebrows. Snickering at the face, he bares for the public.

“Your dramatic smolder-glare thing may work on others. But how can one expect me to be afraid of you when I know you cry like a blubbering baby,” You chuckle. He tilts his head, raising his eyebrow and sighing as you roll your eyes. “I’m rather nervous.”

“Are you? I never would have noticed,” Aemond hums, and you scoff, rising to your feet. You pull your riding pants off, rubbing your skin in mint oil. As the hour draws near, you know you must begin preparing. The crackling of the fire fills the silence. You sloppily unlace the tunic turning to Aemond, who almost stealthily averts his gaze.

“Certainly not Aemond the Honorable,” You tease, slipping on your nightgown. He fails to hide his sheepish pout while avoiding your gaze. Finally, he mutters sorry, earning a chuckle. “You wonder why I giggle when you intimidate people. If they only knew. Now you must go. I need to get ready. Do not start. Ser Barlo will escort me.”

Aemond chews his bottom lip in silent contemplation before rising to his feet. He stares at you, and you raise your eyebrows as he appears ready to speak; his lips part for a second before shutting.

“I will see you at supper,” You nod your head, grinning to yourself. At the window, you wait until his silver strands shine in the sun outside your window. Then, deftly abandoning the widow, you retrieve the Targaryen box beneath your bed. Supplanting the dress with a satiny blue gown from the crown's coin.

Your advent to the hall disseminates a silence as an orator announces your late arrival. The clench of Aemond’s jaw and the droll of his eye leaves you smirking at your machinations.

“My apologies for my tardiness, your grace. This invitation is a very high honor. I put much effort into an appropriate appearance to offer reverence to your statures,” You curtsy with perfect precision ignoring all the eyes on you while holding the Queen’s gaze. Her frayed smile contradicts her warm tone. She has you sit between Helaena and Aemond.

“That is a very lovely dress,” Helaena breaks the silence with a giddy smile. You return her fervor by mirroring her expression before taking a sip from your chalice. Across from you, Otto Hightower eyes you unabashed as you match his stare. His cold look matches his stern features—akin to Aemond’s observant nature. Helaena closely inspects the neckline of your gown, “The ripple detailing is quite beautiful.”

“Thank you, Princess. I thought it would pay great homage to my upbringing in such a foreign setting,” Your eyes cut to Alicent, who freezes down at her food. You turn back to Helaena, entertaining her inquisitive nature of your life beyond the Keep’s walls.

The room fills with steady chatter as you find yourself, much to Alicent’s chagrin, exchanging stories with Helaena. The Princess covers her lips as she struggles to contain her giggles as you describe Aemond’s struggle to climb your rooftop home. A frown captures you as her giggles immediately dissolve. Helaena stares forward in a sudden stupor. Beneath the table, her hand grabs your own, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“For only water can withstand the beast. Pride will drain it dry,” Your eyebrows furrow as she releases your hand, turning forward with an airy smile as if the last few seconds never came to pass. Whether the others ignore it or do not notice, you shrug off their ignorance.

“Princess—“Your whisper drowns away as the King rises from his chair. He removes his mask, revealing the decaying beneath, pleading for his family to come together. You find yourself fiddling beneath the table; glancing at Aemond, you avert your gaze as he watches you. Princess Rhaenyra rises to her feet, raising her cup. The King reattaches his mask with the help of his wife as his oldest child toasts to the Queen. While studying each of their faces, your gaze cuts back to Aemond. This time unrelenting at his commandeering stare. A common thread linking them, all of them fractured beyond repair. The King, wreaking glue that binds the lot of them. You cover your sigh with a sip of wine at the Queen’s toast, a meaningless gesture.

A dry chuckle leaves your lips, blanketing it with the clearing of your throat as Prince Jacaerys slams his hands against the table. Aegon returns to his seat while Aemond rises from his own, and a stillness accompanies the tension. You bite at your potatoes, meeting Otto’s easygoing gaze—no longer cold and calculating. He offers you a half nod, neither of your reacting to the brewing hostility. It’s almost as if you are the only two who understand the inevitability on the horizon. The Prince offers a tribute, uncertainty lingering as all resume sitting. You glance at Helaena with a frown as she whispers about beasts beneath boards. Once again, no one around the table acknowledges her.

“I would like to toast, first, to our guest (Y/n). You are as lovely and kind as my brother detailed. I desire more of your presence at court,” Helaena beams down at you as the table watches you. Offering a wry smile, you glare at Aemond’s amusement as all sip their cups. Helaena turns with a smile, “Also, to Baela and Rhaena. They’ll be married soon. It isn’t so bad he mostly just ignores you—except sometimes when he’s drunk.”

The King calls for music as you finish your wine. Prince Jacaerys offers his hand to Helaena, and the two abandon the table to dance. You nearly flinch as the younger Velaryon holds his hand at your side. He smiles sweetly, and you ignore how Aemond grits his teeth at the sight.

“My aunt is right. Your dress is lovely, my lady,” Prince Lucerys says as he guides you comfortably from his brother and aunt. You tower him by several inches, chuckling softly at his words.

“Thank you, Prince Lucerys, but I am no lady,” You say, falling in sync; you both jump opposite each other twice before locking arms.

“While that may be true, that does not incline me to treat you any less than,” His smile almost infectious as his genuineness shines. He misses how your own smile falters. How is this the same boy who took Aemond’s eye? The Velaryon Princes grin as they skillfully switch without disrupting the pace.

“My lady,” Jacaerys says, spinning you carefully as he pulls you an appropriate distance back. His hand ghosts cautiously near the small of your back. “Is this alright?”

“Of course, Prince Jacaerys,” You force a smile on your lips as your mind tries to make sense of your juxtaposed understanding. Jacaerys chuckles, insisting outside the ears of formality to only utilize his name. Chuckling softly, everything said beyond his request fails to reach you. How are they the monsters of Aemond’s youth? Jacaerys spins, returning you to his brother, who greets you gleefully. You cannot fight the giggle that bubbles in your throat.

“May I?” Princess Rhaenyra appears at your side, ruffling her son’s hair as he steps back, bowing respectfully.

“It has been a pleasure, Lady (Y/n). You are an excellent dance partner. I hope to find you at the next,” You curtsy, glancing at his mother, who beams at her son the same way Taliya does at Cayden. Disregarding the twist in your chest, you clasp your hands in front of you.

“We shall, Prince Lucerys. I am many things. Never an oath breaker,” Lucerys returns to his seat as his mother leads you further from the table, “You honor me, Princess. I deeply admire the prospect of a woman on the Iron Throne.”

“Thank you, my dear. Your support, as well as others, mean everything to my claim, but I come to you not of politics but regarding Ser Harwin Strong,” Your smile falters as her words as she locks your arms, and the two of you circle each other. Her resolve softens as she manages to keep you both on tempo, “He cared for you deeply, and I fear I have failed in maintaining his desires for your well-being. If you ever need for anything, dear girl, know you will always have a place with my family and me.”

Before you can process her words, the music halts at the King's pained groans. Guards carry home back to his chambers as you and Rhaenyra return to the table. At your seat, Aemond sits with his body turned toward you—his gaze bouncing from his eldest sister to you. Silence sits between you, and neither of you moves to break it.

The kitchen servants appear around you, carrying a giant roast pig in front of you. You stare at the roast fighting the urge to glance at Aemond, who willfully ignores its presence. Beneath the table, you reach out in search of his hand, but instead finding his knee, you awkwardly rest it there. You look up, meeting his gaze, and despite the music, the room almost silences around the two of you. The moment's brief, snickering rips you both from the calm. Lucerys’s laugh reaches across the table as he deliberately glances at his uncle. It’s nothing short of child-like stupidity—cruelty. You squeeze Aemond’s knee as he stares at his nephew, failing to draw him back to you.

“Final tribute. To the health of my nephews. Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise…” He trails off as if he imagines the fire he will light, his condescending tone sending an eeriness across the room. The Queen calls out Aemond’s name in a warning tone, but it does nothing to stop her son from playing with unspoken tensions, “Strong. Come, let us drain our cups to these Strong boys.”

You gaze at the guards that line the walls, their hands ghosting on the hilts of their swords. Then, at Jacaerys’ challenging tone, you slip a dinner knife beneath the table cloth, casually sipping your glass, “Why? It was only a compliment. Do you not think yourself strong?”

The sound of Jacaerys’s fist against Aemond’s face sets off many moving parts. Prince Daemon grabs Lucerys, who rises to his feet as you shift right, stopping Aegon from lunging for his nephew. Unfortunately, you cannot see all that occurs behind you as Aemond lets out a dry chuckle. Aegon glances down at the knife that halts his movements dangerously close to his crotch. A smirk takes his lips as you raise an eyebrow at his amusement.

“You only grow more interesting with time, lady (Y/n). But, if I may, your presence only grows the hunger for what some call my salaciousness,” He whispers, grimacing; you retract the knife and your close proximity as the guards defuse the tension.

“I do hope you are prepared to starve, your grace,” You grit your teeth as Aegon grabs your wrist, pulling you back in. The others blindly focus on the Velaryon Princes, who struggle against the guards holding them back. Aegon chuckles, tormenting you right beneath Aemond’s nose.

“Make no mistake (Y/n). I will have you. This game of cat and mouse only makes it more exciting, wouldn’t you say?” He wets his lips, scanning over your features with a heady stare. You rip your arm away, watching as he drinks in your lack of subservience. His dark machinations for your body reflect in his eyes as he studies every inch of you. Finally, you rise to your feet, grimacing at the Prince, garnering the attention of the Queen. She frowns, her eyes watching her eldest son with wistfulness.

“(Y/n),” Ser Barlo appears at your right, holding out his arm to escort you home. Aemond’s no longer in sight, and you do not look for him. Ser Barlo says nothing as you grip his arm tightly through the corridors, your head nearly spinning as you do your best to hold your composure. Only back in your room do you allow the quiet sobs to rattle your entire being. Ripping the dress from your body fervently, gripping yourself as you watch the gown burn in the fire. Silently cursing yourself for ever wearing it—for allowing yourself to fall in the clutches of the dragons.

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bharv · 11 months ago

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Fic: A Promise Made

Enver Gortash/The Dark Urge, end of game spoilers ahead. 1k, M rating

Read it on Ao3

Memory pushes through the ruined bloody mess of her mind as she kneels by his broken body. Tiny threads start to pool in the moment’s breath before the end. Time is different here, suspended and slowed, but she knows that it doesn’t stop time moving fast in the plane they must return to, the plane on which the Elder brain- no, the Netherbrain awaits. He is crumpled in front of her, thinner than she thought. The way he held himself tall… she had always seen him as so thick and strong, mighty and regal. Now looking at him, curled up on the stoney crags of the astral prism, he looks smaller. Weakened. Broken.

She turns him over.

There are no eyes.

She would have taken his eyes to honour him.

Eyes so dark that anybody with a passing glance would think they were black, but she knew better. They were like spilled oil, thick with a shine of iridescence, sparking in the morning light with hues of green and blue that shimmered in warm light. She remembers one morning unbidden, a morning when she lay next to him in his bed and waited for the dawn light to come. She remembers, though she does not know when, or why, or how she found herself in his bed. She remembers watching his eyes open with surprise, an instinctive reach to try and grab a weapon that she intercepted with ease, and then the softening of his gaze as he realised it was her, as he moved from a furrowed angry confusion to a soft and wanting awe, his eyes wide in the soft light that pooled through his expensive glass windows, so clear and so bright.

Come to join me for breakfast, my dear?

She cannot push further, even though she craves it. She curses her broken mind for all that is lost forever, all that he can never tell her of, all that was robbed from her. She curses Orin who took it all and was left with less, and she curses her desire for the knowledge of it.

She should not desire anything beyond death, and here was death and she…

She knows it was his mind that she loved first. She remembers that moment of surprise at his genius. She remembers the sharp light of bombs errupying in the house of wonders. She remembers neat pencil marks from a fastidious careful hand, even if the words elude her. She remembers pouring over his letters to find layers of meaning that he placed for her to find in her delight that now are hidden from her forever.

How cruel it is to see his brain burned black, shrivelled behind his melted eyes.

“We must go,” Minthara tells her coldly, her own blackened illithid-eyes looking down on her in judgement. She nods back, and gets to work taking what she came for.

It is easy to take his hand. A simple twist and crack, a strong pull and it is hers. Just a little flesh. Just a little token. She has done this so many times that it is second nature.

The gauntlet slips away without the wrist to keep it, and she is surprised that it articulates enough to allow for more space around the back of the hand. She pulls it from the dead flesh and places it against her own hand. It sits flush, and she remembers another time, sat on a hard desk in a room full of fire.

If you wish it, his voice whispers in her ear again, I will make you a holder for your netherstone that sits close to the weapon of your great hand. You can see how it will articulate, how it can allow for you to move, to grasp, to tear.

She remembers tracing her hand over the design of it, heavy and gilded. The gauntlet is a symbol of your Master, Gortash, she had told him as he moved to stand between her legs. She could still feel the heat of his body against her. I will adhere to my Father’s demands. His lash is a blade, and I will be the happy carrier of it.

Her Father demanded loyalty. Her Father demanded her love. Her Father demanded her body be an instrument to his will, her mind be in service to his plan. Her Father demands that she move on from this place and leave behind all that once she was. All that once she treasured.

She takes the rings from his hand quickly, while the flesh is still pliable enough that it won’t glove the skin. She fastens the gauntlet to the fingers, slips on the mocking face of the ring of Bane and thinks of his soul bound to the Tyrant. She had told him once that she would challenge his God for him. That she would drag Bane out by her fingertips and demand that he be given to her alone. Perhaps now… perhaps when she is done, when she has delivered the world, perhaps then her Father will grant her one last boon. Perhaps he will allow her.

Did she ever tell him that she loved him?

Did he ever dare ask?

She looks up and sees her friends, her lovers, her allies. No. Her followers.

There can be no equals past this point. Only victors.

“Thank you,” she tells the Emperor, “For bringing him here.”

“It was not intentional,” it replies coldly, and she feels foolish for saying so, and even more foolish when she realises she will never be able to come back for the rest of his body. Not if she does what she must. For her Father. For herself. Those thoughts must be halted while it is not safe, while her mind is not her own.

His body will stay here beyond time.

Her body will pass into a new existence.

She presses her lips to the calloused fingertips of the severed hand and remembers his eyes wide in awe moments after the first time he kissed her. She pushes the palm to fold the knuckles, allowing her lips to graze across in a gentle sweep, feeling the cool metal of his ring warming on her own fingers, feeling a sweep of power through the flex of metal on her strong hands.

She will carry this small part of him until the end of everything, a hand and a gauntlet and a hundred small torn pages of moments in her mind.

It will have to be enough.

Until the end of everything.

She will carry him until the end she brings.

#enver gortash #manva Warhelm #the dark urge #durgetash #bg3 #bg3 spoilers

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pinkprimrose05 · 1 year ago

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character asks bc other anon was a coward: blade

HAJFTOVNWHYFAGDYSDNTJ

General opinion/How much I care about them: Ren Blade Yingxing my beloved beloathed depressed miserable angsty bastard aaaaaaa-

This man, oh my god. This edgy mess is somehow the second fastest blorbo to be coined as such in my blorbo-having history, and I think that alone says a lot. But even if not, he has his special little spot for being: 1) my first HSR fave, 2) my current main (the gameplay is ridiculously fun holy shit), and 3) the reason I downloaded the game at all (shoutout to Bronya, of course, but it was mainly Ren).

Also I really like the fact that he's genuinely batshit insane. An unapologetic menace to the galaxies. He can be so unhinged and evil sometimes, and that's a new flavor of fave in my collection. Did I mention the story doesn't try to redeem him at all? Because it's true! Extremely uncommon win on the hyv writers' part there; doubly so because they manage to balance this aspect with the subtle gap moe they love to give to all their stoic characters.

Yes. Ren is simultaneously edginess incarnate and a tired grandpa that sucks with words and doesn't know shit about technology. Oh and he keeps getting roped into Situations by his colleagues- and goes along with them all the time! The dude was literally asked to pose for a movie cover and he just. did that. No questions asked. Nothing.

I care about him a very normal amount. He's so neat and- oh my god I forgot to mention the aesthetic. Black/blue/red/gold is such a banger color scheme. He also has a spider lily motif and that looks very cool! And the pretty ribbon on the back of his coat is a 10/10 design choice. His only problem is that the game keeps forgetting to edit his silly beta design sneakers out of splash art, and that the washed out jeans clash hard with the coat. But otherwise? Perfection. I could (and did) stare at him for hours on end.

A ship I love: Kafblade is one of those pairs that you can read as romantic or platonic with equal efficacy and I love that for it. They're partners in crime! There's a great sense of trust and faith between them! They're each other's guardian and tether and the one who understands them best and they're such an awesome dynamic, good lord.

Honorable mention goes to jingren for the old man yaoi potential to take the relationship in a very (bitter)sweet or very sad way. There's something to be explored here and I wish canon could give it consideration someday.

A non-romantic relationship that I love: Stellaron Hunter agenda!!! They're so awesome individually and as a group, and the comedy is just lovely. You have Ren wrangling two terribly reckless women because in some way, by some miracle, he happens to be the braincell holder among the three. You have him trailing after Kafka on one of her shopping sprees with a whole bunch of bags and coats, you have him going to an arcade with Silver Wolf because she wanted to show him this brand new game she's been talking about nonstop for four days, and you have him in an impromptu shooting session with them both because they wanted to make silly movie covers and needed an extra actor.

They're one small hilarious family and I adore them so so much, you have no idea. Can't wait until Sam and Elio make an appearance in the story so I get more fuel for shenanigans.

The NOTP: None here sir, as long as the ship is normal it's fine by me.

My biggest headcanon about them: Ren is autistic and you will pry this hc from my cold, dead hands. He's stuck in his own head 80% of the time. He doesn't do conversation at all. Back when he was still Yingxing, he used to spend so much time at the forge when inspiration struck him, to the point of tuning out everything until his friends physically dragged him out to touch grass. He's an autistic nerd through and through, and even several thousand deaths can't take that from him.

An idea for a fanfiction I would like to write/read about them: One idea I've been curious about lately is what would happen in a roleswap scenario, where the Astral Express crew find Ren before the Stellaron Hunters do. He may not make for a great archivist, his state of mind may be less-than-stellar, but it's interesting to imagine the dynamics between him and the crew- and hey, who doesn't love taking sad guys out of situations for a change?

I'm filing this concept for later, just in case. Who knows? The writing ghost visits when I least expect it.

Something that makes me think of them: Everything these days The flute, the sound of wind blowing, red spider lilies, and -to the immense detriment of my composure in public- mentions of the word blade in any context ever. Why gee, thanks for permanently altering my brain chemistry.

#damn thanks yuuto this was a blast to answer. if you wish to hear more just say the word :D #honkai star rail #hsr #hsr blade #blade hsr #hsr yingxing #friend's asks

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dragonmurray · 1 year ago

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Beautiful Vengeance

Triggers - Angst, some fluff

Agent Y/n is tasked with watching Loki as he tries to gain the Avengers trust. One day he disappears, can Y/n save the day

“You were right” Tony said, standing in the lounge of the Avengers tower in his Iron Man suit.

“Oh?” Your nonchalant reply whilst laid on the sofa, legs dangling off the arm while dressed in your Avengers suite. Similar to Black Widow’s in design, but a deep blue with grey seam details. You were an unofficial member of the team. It actually came from your work shadowing Loki when he returned to earth with Thor.

At first he was placed in a cell and you were one of the guards keeping an eye on the trickster. While others were wary of him and refused to interact, you made the effort to learn more about him. Over time you started to bring him books to read, small interactions as you discussed what you were both reading, a shared love of literature. You felt a connection to Loki. You yourself had struggled to connect with people, you were guarded and often came across as harsh or rude. But under the surface was a passionate person who was fiercely protective of those who deserve it.

As the Avengers started to give Loki more freedom you were charged with shadowing him. It made sense, though you were quiet around others you were a fierce fighter. Choosing blades over guns wherever you could, rivalling Black Widow with your prowess. Loki seemed to enjoy your company and you would walk the tower together each morning before you observed his training with the rest of the team. He spent a significant amount of his time in the library or in his chamber, giving you time to train by yourself and catch up on your own reading.

Recently a new addition to the tower had been taking some of his attention. Another female agent who had thrown herself at him the second she came across the two of you on a walk one morning. She had attached herself to him whenever possible. He seemed to enjoy the attention although he was always quick to tell you it was purely a distraction. There was something about her you couldn’t quite put your finger on, she was trying too hard to be close to Loki, she would try to get him away from you as much as possible. It didn’t sit right with you, and not because you were jealous. Although maybe you were, maybe you liked your routine with Loki, maybe you looked forward to your time together more than you did with others. But still, something hadn’t felt right.

One day, Loki didn’t meet you for your usual walk. You tried to locate him but couldn’t, Friday couldn’t track him or understand how her security protocols hadn’t picked it up. The Avengers were quick to say he had escaped and needed to be hunted down, but you didn’t think that was the case. She was missing too, his leach. Tony thought he had kidnapped her after she got too close. You argued with him, standing in Loki’s corner saying you believed her to be a Hydra agent and that actually he was the one in danger. Who would believe in a trickster though? That was, until Tony stood in the lounge suited up telling you you were right.

“We were able to trace calls from a burner phone to a Hydra base in Germany. Our intel shows they planned to kidnap Loki and experiment on him, take the opportunity to turn themselves in to Gods. We don’t need any more of those so let’s roll kid” Tony motioned for you to head to the jet.

“Do we both get an apology?” You said as you rolled off the sofa, at this point Tony noted you had blades strapped to your back, you were ready meaning you’d known how long it would take to track Loki down. You were smarter than he realised.

“Sure kid, I’m sorry I doubted Reindeer Games, a known criminal mastermind and God of mischief. But I am sorry I doubted you, you’ve proven yourself and I should trust you more. Now move your butt and let’s go get your man” Loki wasn’t your man, but you rolled your shoulders, lowered your head as a menacing stare settled on your face. You were going to kill them all for taking him.

The Jet landed just outside tracking range in the middle of a forest as you, Iron Man, Cap and Sam made your way towards the base. Once close you hid while Redwing scouted the area for you.

“Redwing says there are 10 guards outside the building, only part of it is above ground, it looks to be massive inside but we can only detect 20 heat signatures inside at this range” Sam said as Redwing reattached to his suit.

“I’m not thanking that thing” quipped Tony. “Ok team, we’re going in hot, Y/n you head inside while we clear a path for you. We split up and whoever finds Loki shouts Bingo as loud as they can, let’s move”.

With that you and Cap set off running while Tony and Sam flew to take out any artillery defences. Cap burst through a wire fence, spinning left to take out 2 guard with his shield before they had a second to react. You kept running forwards towards the entrance, you had a purpose and would not be steered from it. Cap swung right taking out another 2 guards headed in your direction. At full force you slammed into the entrance doors taking them off their hinges, swords being pulled from your back as a Hydra agent lunged at you. A sword through his stomach and you were moving on through the base.

You strode with determination through the corridors. No running. You were angry and ready for anyone. Blades flying through the air taking down any agent daring to cross you. 3 down, 4 down, 7 down. Kicking down doors in each corridor but finding nothing. Where could he be?

Meanwhile, Loki was chained to a chair in a cell, magical bonds on his wrists preventing him from a quick escape. His ‘friend’ was in front of him, stood with one hand on her hip acting as though she had won first prize. “You’re stuck here Loki, you have no power and we’re going to take what we need. Maybe if you cooperate you’ll come out of this alive” she said, blonde hair framing her face as she attempted to look intimidating. She didn’t know what was coming.

Loki’s god like hearing was telling him though. The sound of a pair of boots striding in his direction, he recognised them. Blades clashing against bodies, he knew those blades, he knew those moves. He’d secretly watched you train by yourself each day, always in awe of your grace and poise. You once told him that you would protect him, not just guard him. Here you were keeping to your word. A smirk crept on to Loki’s face. The woman in front of him frowned “what do you have to smirk about?”

With perfect timing the door behind her flew off its hinges sending her to the floor with a gasp. As the dust settled Loki looked at the door with a smile on his face, there you were, vengeance in your eyes and blades at the ready “Agent, it’s good to see you”.

“You still have one of my books Loki, I couldn’t let you die just yet”. Turning your attention to the treacherous bitch standing and raising a gun, you lunged forward sweeping her legs from her and pinning a blade through her shoulder and embedding into the concrete floor. “Stay down, I have questions” You took her gun as she screamed in pain and started begging, not an ounce of resilience in that one.

Loki still had that smile on his face as you took care of the chains and bonds using the key you found on the traitor. “Are you ready to get out of here?” As you walked around Loki to start heading back out he grabbed your wrist, spinning you to him and holding you against him as your breath caught in your throat.

“I knew you would come” he said, one hand cupping your face as he brought his lips crashing down to yours. The kiss took your breath away, for a moment you were too shocked to react but you quickly melted in to him. Hands clinging to his back, his tongue sweeping your lips as you opened up for him. He tiled his head depending the kiss and a growl came from deep in his throat.

From the door way Tony ruined the moment “I’ve just walked past 15 bodies but this is still the most disturbing sight I’ve seen today. Please can we leave? Now? I need a drink”. Turning to leave and stopping Cap from suffering the same sight as they headed back to the Jet.

Loki lifted his head, pressing his forehead to yours. “I have waited a long time to do that Agent”.

Still too stunned to speak you just nodded as your breathing tried to return to normal.

He took your hand and headed for the door. “Come, I have not finished with you yet…”

#loki friggason #loki fluff #loki god of mischief #loki x reader #loki of asgard #mcu loki #mcu #loki #loki laufeyson #the avengers #marvel #loki odinson

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a-pale-azure-moon · 3 months ago

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I'm a day late on this, but happy 5th anniversary to FE3H, the game that unexpectedly rewired my brain chemistry!

I've been a Fire Emblem fan since I first played Blazing Blade back in 2003 (yes I'm old), so when 3H was announced, I immediately pre-ordered it. I purposely stayed away from rumors, leaks, and most official information about it because I wanted to enjoy it spoiler free. (Much of Fates got spoiled for me and I didn't want a repeat of that.) The most I indulged in was watching the trailers for the individual houses when they came out. And that trailer. You know the one.

youtube

So I got the game shortly after launch, once Amazon shipped it to me, and I had no idea which House I was going to pick. I was slightly leaning towards the Golden Deer, largely from Claude's design and how he seemed "different" from previous FE lords, but I was truly undecided when I started. It was really a coin flip between the Lions and Deer right up to the point where the game forces you to choose. What ultimately made me pick the Blue Lions was actually Mercedes; I wasn't aware that recruitment was a thing yet and her Live to Serve skill stood out as particularly useful to me. Healer who can keep herself healed? Yeah, I want that on my team!

If I'm being honest, I didn't find anything about Dimitri particularly special right away. I certainly liked him, mostly because of his amazing voice (thank you Chris), but I recognized him as a Marth clone right from the start, so a lot about his character felt "generic" to me at first. The tone around him was considerably more somber compared to previous lords, and I was curious about why that was so, particularly since the timeskip trailer had spoiled that he goes through a dramatic transformation later in the story. So I was paying close attention to him as the game unfolded, but it wasn't until his breakdown at Remire in chapter 8 that it hit me just how radically different he was compared to previous Marths. That's where I got super invested in his story and started sacrificing sleep to play the game so I could find out what happened next. By the time I finished, my whole brain had been transformed into this:

(I forget where I first saw this image, so my apologies to whomever made it.)

2019 was a difficult year for me; my mom was going through some health issues, and my dad wasn't being particularly helpful in the ways she needed, which left me to pick up the slack (my older sister lives out of state and was/is busy with her three kids). I was also still trying to break out of a festering creative slump that had gone on for way too long, but changing that mindset is hard, especially when you've convinced yourself that everything you write sucks (and that therefore you suck).

So 3H and Azure Moon in particular wound up being a great comfort to me through an emotionally draining year (and then the pandemic hit...). Dimitri's story and character arc resonated with me in all the right ways, and it lit a new creative spark inside of me, the likes of which I hadn't felt in a long, long time. I almost wish I hadn't picked the Lions first, because the other routes wound up being a big disappointment to me when they failed to reach the same emotional high. I think I would've become a Lions stan even if I'd saved their route for last. It left THAT strong of an impression on me. I mean, I became obsessed enough that I wrote a freaking book, lol.

I'll be the first to admit that this game isn't perfect; some of its mechanics are wonky, classes aren't well balanced, there's not enough map diversity, Maddening Mode was definitely not properly play tested, and there are genuine flaws in some of its writing. I won't even get into the trashfire that is 3H discourse (which is somehow still a thing after all this time). I don't even think it's my favorite overall game in the series, but it's in my top 3 with Awakening and Path of Radiance. But the impact the game left on me is difficult to understate. I'm so happy it's a thing that exists and that it helped guide me to my current path.

#my writing #my ramblings #personal #happy anniversary 3h!#dimitridimitridimitri #Youtube

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dragonsfell · 9 months ago

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jaheira banter from bg2, part 1.

DO NOT REBLOG. Here's some conversations from Jaheira in Baldur's Gate 2; that I wanted to highlight. I owe the enhanced editions of the originals and play to plan again, but I wanted to share some some the interactions Jaheira had; to see where she came from // i wanted these saved on the blog // a warning that given the age of these games and the edition of D&D they spawn from; fantasy racism was at its height and everywhere and alignments were ever present & very black and white

With Aeerie ; a wingless avariel (winged elf) and lawful good cleric

Aerie: This... this light makes your hair look really pretty, Jaheira. Jaheira: Don't be a fool, it does nothing of the sort. Aerie: But— Jaheira: Put your silly romantic notions aside, Aerie. This isn't some childish fantasy, nor some grand adventure. Any one of us could die out here at any moment. Aerie: But we can go to the priests and—and they raise us from the dead again, as good as new, can't we? Jaheira: Sometimes they don't come back! Sometimes some people, no matter how much you love them and no matter what you try to do, get... they get taken away. You're young, Aerie... You'll figure it out soon enough.

the rest will be under th cut, because there a lot I wanna share. DO NOT REBLOG.

With Anomen ; a lawful neutral human fighter/cleric

Anomen: Lady Jaheira, it seems quite strange to me that a woman of clearly noble past would choose the life of an adventurer. What has brought you to this dangerous path? Jaheira: It is a path of conscience. Some druids choose a contemplative lifestyle, but I sought a more active role in the furthering of nature's cause. And you? Did you become a priest of Helm only for honor and glory? Anomen: Of course not. The righteous path ever beckons. It is merely a dividend of the Order that a member can make a place for himself in this difficult world. Jaheira: I see. What place you choose to make for yourself remains to be seen. Anomen: It does, but I assure you that you will not be disappointed. - - - - - Jaheira: You wear the scars of battle with pride, Anomen, like one who truly believes his cause. Anomen: I must. It is what pushes me forward. Doubt is the enemy. Jaheira: Those that never question do not see the whole of the issue. Anomen: The whole issue is not important. There is only the here and now, and what can be done within. Jaheira: Your world is small, if focused. The more impressive picture is always larger than you can see.

With Dorn ; a neutral-evil half-orc

Dorn: You have fire. I respect that. But I warn you, druid: Attempt to poison me again and you will not see the next sunrise. Jaheira: What nonsense are you babbling? Dorn: This concoction. You neglected to account for my orc blood. Next time, try something more potent. Jaheira: Do not be ridiculous. I am a druid, not an assassin. Dorn: Then how do you explain this vile brew? Jaheira: It is a mixture of myrtle and willow— Dorn: IT IS POISON. Jaheira: Drink it, Il-Khan. Or next time I will leave your wounds untended.

With Haer'Dalis ; a chaotic neutral tiefling blade

Haer'Dalis: Why do you stare at me so, Jaheira? Have I offended you? My manner is oft grim, but I did not think you so sensitive to it. Jaheira: No, no, I find your wit a treat, especially when it is unleashed upon the hapless that did not see it laying in wait. Haer'Dalis: Then why the glances as my head turns away? Jaheira: Forgive me the curiosity, but you are quite alien to me. You are not of this place and do not fit into the natural order, at least not by design. Haer'Dalis: Ahh, then you are wary and are intent on keeping me under guard?Jaheira: Not so much, but I am interested to see where your niche finds itself. I am wondering what you will balance, for all things have their counterpart. Haer'Dalis: I see. Perhaps I straddle the fence, providing my own balance. Perhaps I drop things on either side as whim dost take me. Jaheira: Or perhaps you enjoy the discord of chaos because you have not found that niche yet. We shall see. - - - - - Haer'Dalis: Ah, my hound, this city be the great world of commerce! Perhaps we can sell Jaheira? Jaheira: *groan* Cut your wit, bard. The day has been long already without adding hours to it. Haer'Dalis: Cut my wit? Why, certainly, if I could only use your nose's razor edge to perform the task. Jaheira: Aye, it seems I've sharpened it upon the grindstone of your heart. Haer'Dalis: Well, my frumpy ptarmigan, I must protest— Jaheira: "Methinks thou dost protest too much." Aye, I can quote the poets too. If you must protest, I respond only to hunger strikes and, even then, too late. Haer'Dalis: Oh, <CHARNAME>, raven of sympathy! Yon woman is stifling my creativity and stealing thunder from my wit! I swear I cannot work amidst the lashings of her tongue!

With Hexxat ; a neutral evil vampire thief

Jaheira: You should know that I neither trust nor like you, Hexxat. Hexxat: I'd have been happier simply suspecting as much. Jaheira: <CHARNAME> seems to like you well enough, and I have great respect for HIM/HER Hexxat: As do I. Jaheira: I know you did not seek to become what you are. I will try to look past it as best I can. Hexxat: Thank you, Jaheira. I shall try to prove myself worthy of your respect. - - - - - Jaheira: I must admit you have surprised me, vampire. Hexxat: Oh? Jaheira: I expected you to betray us at the earliest opportunity. Yet you still remain by <CHARNAME>'s side. Hexxat: I would feel the same in your position. Jaheira: I would still slay you, given the opportunity. Hexxat: I'll be sure to bear that in mind. Jaheira: But for now... I am willing to accept your place in the party. Hexxat: That means a lot to me, Jaheira. Sincerely. Thank you.

With Keldorn ; a lawful good human inquisitor

Jaheira: Keldorn? You look pensive. Are you well? Keldorn: I am well enough, Jaheira, though our circumstance gives me reason to pause. Jaheira: Hmm. I have been thinking as well. It is hard to draw a line in the sand and say, "This side represents balance; this other side does not." Keldorn: Balance? Would that balance were the worst of our worries. Jaheira: Ah. Having trouble with the black and white aspects? Keldorn: That would be an understatement. I am quite certain of what evil lies ahead, but I am finding problems with identifying the "good" path around it. Jaheira: I'm not sure what to say. We do what we can when the opportunity presents itself. Keldorn: That would be all that can be asked. Torm guide us; we need his wisdom.

With Mazzy ; a lawful goodd halfing fighter

Jaheira: Oh, omnipresent authority figure, what are your commands now?Mazzy: Jaheira, there is a level of sarcasm in your tone that is perhaps unnecessary. We have a leader that honestly tries to anticipate our needs... 1. Player: Heed Mazzy well, Jaheira. Mazzy: As I was saying, <HE/SHE> has enough trouble keeping this ragtag group together. Perhaps it would be better to be more constructive, and less... Jaheira: Bitchy? Mazzy: If that is how you wish to put it, yes. Jaheira: Worry not for the feelings of <CHARNAME>, small one, as <HE/SHE> and I go far back and have an understanding of sorts. Mazzy: As you will. It was only a humble suggestion. I've no wish to intrude upon your relationship with <CHARNAME>.

#[ ABOUT ] Jaheira #i wanted to throw some of these out for study #i am gonna be playing the og games #and while the jaheira romance is weird for a lot of reasons #( she's old friends w/ gorion and like an “aunt” to GW + her husband of 10 years has only been dead for like days/weeks for her romance )#[ STUDY ] Jaheira #[ ABOUT ] All Headcanons

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thryth-gaming · 4 months ago

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Apex vs Alpha and the Parental Units

I believe I've mentioned this game before on this blog, I know I've mentioned the RPG based on it, but just in case. Here's a summary.

Sentinels of the Multiverse is a co-op/solo card game where you pit 3-5 superheroes against a particular villain deck.

Each character has their own themed deck with a different gimmick, as do major locations in the world setting. And decks are very well designed such that their deck very well represents their themes and narratives. Within the last 5 years a new edition of the game has streamlined mechanics, adjusted some decks that were a little clutzy in the past, and introduced some new characters.

In this case I decided I wanted to try out one of the new villains from the Rook City Renegades expansion: Apex.

Apex is a werewolf lord, a self-styled king, and he seeks to create a world where werewolves dominate the world and are free to hunt whoever they choose.

His deck focuses around getting werewolf followers into play who have high hit point totals. Typically follower cards have around 3 to 8 HP with some occasionally having as high as 14 or 15. It is rare to see follower HP totals higher than that. With an intergalactic battleship in one deck having around 25.

There are 6 sub-villains in Apex's deck, one of them has 13 HP (she's a vampire) the other 5 range between 21 and 25 HP. And they suffer less damage from enemies that have less hit points than they do. Most of his cards summon werewolves from his deck, empower his werewolves, or give him or other werewolves attacks.

As villains go, Apex's HP is on the low side, only Baron Blade shows at less max Health at 40, and that's deceptive since when you get Blade to 0 the first time, his card flips and he gains 30 more HP. But Apex also has a lot of healing cards in his deck and if he can keep his health above the heroes, is harder to damage.

That said, HP in this game is more narrative than physical health. With Spite, it represents the difficulty of tracking him down and stopping his serial killing rather than a full out battle. With Baron Blade, his first 40 HP represent destroying his doomsday machine and the next 30 represents him in his power armor. So on and so forth.

And he puts out a lot of damage.

When I first scanned his cards, I was a bit intimidated to be honest, but then again, I have an understanding how to build a team to cover each other's weaknesses. Apex has a chance of overwhelming a player with his aggressive styles, and there are a few twists in his deck, but his basic mode is easily handled by a player familiar with the game. Unless luck is really against them.

Now, let's get on to the team.

First up is Tabitha Taft, aka Alpha.

She is a new hero introduced into this edition and is a, obviously, a werewolf. Her deck focuses around putting her six "Aspects" into play to access pieces of her lycanthropic nature without going full wolf and hurting people she doesn't want to hurt.

As you can see, each of her Aspects gives her abilities or bonuses that let her do things without spending one of her normal card plays or power uses, but comes at a risk. When she has 3 or more aspects in play, she will attack whoever on the board has the least HP once for each Aspect.

This can get dangerous especially when there are effects boosting the damage of heroes. Also, she gets affected by Apex's cards that boost the damage of werewolves because she has the tag Werewolf. So, usually when I've played her, I tried to keep the number of aspects in play low, only taking a risk when I was confident of being able to engineer villains having the lowest HP on the board.

But in this case... I had a plan... and it worked gloriously.

I've previously played both her base version and her "Reporter Alpha" version, which was when I was playing her more for scrying and deck control than for damage. In this case, I wanted to focus on her basic version since I think the Reporter version comes from early in her career when her lycanthropy was first starting to show itself.

As a note, the flip side of each hero shows their defeated side. A defeated hero doesn't get their full turn but instead gets a choice out of three options that they can do to help the team.

The above are Tabitha's flip sides for her base and reporter version and part of why I'm showing you this is because the flip side of her base version shows Apex. See, turns out most werewolves are cursed and sterile... Tabitha is the first werewolf to ever be born.

In fact there is a quote on one of Apex's cards that has Nightmist (we'll see her later) talking to Alpha about this:

"They act as though they are far greater than humanity when truly, they exist as a corruption. You, however, are something different."

So, Tabitha, as a natural born werewolf, is key to Apex's plans for world domination. I'm not sure, but I think it's also implied that Apex may be her father (see "A Horrible Truth" as the title of the defeat side of her base form) somehow. Apex has alliances with vampires and other mages so he may have engineered her birth somehow.

So, this is a personal fight for Alpha. A fight for her independence and escaping the oppression of a pack of hyper-violent predators who would rather give-in to their curse than transcend it. This is not her first rodeo, she took the name "Alpha" as her hero name because she fought to become the Alpha of her old pack and then said she was done with the nonsense and walked away from it. Basically exposing the whole artificial hyper-violence that the alpha concept was by just not caring save wanting to be done with it.

However, Apex and his group are far stronger than her prior pack.

And now the Parental Units

You may be wondering why I called this "Alpha and the Parental Units" because the rest of her team are:

Nightmist, premier sorceress who transcended her own curse to become a creature of magic.

Legacy, basically the good dad of the superhero community.

Mister Fixer, old gruff martial artist and sifu who's been around the supernatural block a few times.

Expatriette, the tactical team leader of Dark Watch, take Nick Fury and the Punisher, mix them up as a Magneto's daughter.

And let's get to those characters.

This is the last character that's going to be shown two versions of themselves.

This is Nightmist, at one time she was a private investigator, the grand-daughter of Joe Diamond (the character in the Arkham Horror board games). While her father apparently tried to keep her away from such things, the back of her cards implies she was Joe's sidekick for a while. Also a line on one of the Relics in her Estate's deck (an environment not being played here) says he gave her his collected journal of monsters for her to continue the fight.

In any case, she at some point was investigating a cult or infiltrating a cult, I'm unsure of which, and came across an arcane tome that blasted her with a terrible curse. In essence, she became infused with the essence of the Mists of R'lyeh, yeah Cthulhu stuff. She started to learn sorcery to deal with her curse and was initially a cursed human woman able to resolve into mist form (that's her base form on the left).

Later on, she was exposed to a drug invented by an evil scientist (Baron Blade) to remove superpowers from people and it at least suppressed her curse, leaving her a basic human again. She began to find that she was no longer happy as a human being, it didn't feel like her true self anymore. And then a threat came and the magic she was capable of without the curse wasn't enough, so she retreated into a demiplane to meditate for what was to her centuries though little more than a week passed in the outside world. When she returned, she was no longer a cursed human but a creature of arcane and eldritch nature.

As regards Nightmist, I already noted there's a quote of her telling Alpha that she's different from other werewolves. Initially she advised Alpha to get the curse lifted, though follows it up by asking why she holds to it. So eventually it feels like Nightmist realized Alpha is a bit like her, someone who is more naturally not human.

And also, Alpha's curse being her nature rather than a corruption of her nature the way normal lycanthropy is in this setting.

Nightmist has acted as the mentor to a former villain trying to become a hero (the Villain Matriarch who later becomes the Hero Harpy) and find control over her chaotic magic and the artifact bound to her and manipulated her into her villainous behavior as a teen.

Now, Nightmist is a deck that is fueled by discard cards. All of her spells and many of her powers require Nightmist to discard cards in order to accomplish things or control her magic. So there are a few cards that give her the opportunity to draw more cards to make sure her hand is filled. Normally, Nightmist will empty and reshuffle her deck fairly quickly. In a long game, it can happen multiple times. Nightmist's base version has an innate power that involves drawing cards to help deal with this.

Mentor Nightmist does not have card draw innately.

This heavily effects her ability to keep her hand filled and thus limits the options she has on her turn or to react to incoming issues.

However, what Mentor Nightmist does give me is the ability to safely unleash Alpha. Because when Nightmist uses her innate power she chooses a hero and until the start of Nightmist's next turn, any time that hero does damage, Nightmist decides whether to give it +1 or -3. I've used this for Nightmist's own spells as she has some spells that hit her or her allies for damage. But in this case, it neatly covers Alpha's 1 melee damage on each Aspect attack... heck it even covers that if there's effects boosting Alpha's damage twice.

What this means is that while Alpha is attacking who I want her to attack, we can make that attack stronger. When Alpha attacks someone else, we can reduce the damage to 0 in most cases. I tend to view this as Nightmist teaching control techniques to the other heroes or using them herself. As someone familiar with dangerous powers and how to make sure they are safely controlled.

So, far and away from my normal worry about having too many Aspects. Now I can just get all the Aspects I want.

Legacy is a very famous and beloved American superhero. He has the classic blonde-hair, square jaw Midwestern charm going on that calls back to comics in the Golden and Silver Age. A blend of Captain America and Superman. He has a very interesting power origin.

See, way back in the Revolutionary War, one of his ancestors worked with Paul Revere and developed an uncanny sense for when danger was coming. According to the in-game lore, this person was the man who lit the lanterns that set Paul Revere on his ride. Ever since then, the first child of each new generation would gain a new power... and the power of their predecessors. So each new Legacy was stronger than the last in some ways. (or at least had more versatility).

According to the lore podcasts by the creators this is the list of powers:

Joseph Parsons - Revolutionary War - Danger Sense

Paul Parsons - War of 1812 - Very Athletic. Not superhumanly so, but very Peak Humanity Athletic

Paul Parsons II - No war, Lucky Paul - Superhuman fast. Not Tachyon level but still faster than any human CAN run.

Paul Parsons III - Mexican American War - Superhuman strength, like 'Lift and throw carriages/cars'

Paul Parsons IV - Civil War - Single Attack Negation (can take a cannonball to the chest, but it has to cooldown)

Paul Parsons V - Spanish-American War (Also was the first Parsons to move to Chicago) - Vitality. VERY high-grade general stamina. Walks off sickness, ages slower, heals faster.

Paul Parsons VI - Legacy I - World War I - Flight

Paul Parsons VII - Legacy II - World War II and Korean War - Super Eyesight

Paul Parsons VIII - Legacy III/Heritage - No War until OblivAeon - Bulletproof skin. Unlike PP4, he can tank a lot of weaker attacks with no cooldown

Pauline Felicia Parsons - Beacon/Legacy IV - LASER EYES

This game has insanely deep lore... it's all unnecessary to playing and loving the game, but man... the depths the devs went to in detailing not only the in-game universe but also a fictitious publication history for the comics is amazing. Legacy is very much a call-back to the uber-patriotic, sometimes outright propagandist age of comics. Unlike characters like Omni-Man or Homelander, however, Paul is more in the line of Superman and Captain America as I said in that he represents a more hopeful ideal of what we wish America could be rather than what it is in truth.

It is refreshing to see a "Superman-clone" that isn't a deconstructed asshole. (though there is an evil Legacy from an alternate timeline that exists in the old edition as a villain and given the next expansion deals with the multiverse, I'm expecting we'll see him again) Though the issue of an idealistic USA existing on Indigneous land is troublesome. I need to ask around and see if there's some lore on this. The devs are usually self-aware on these issues so I wonder if this is a blind spot or if I'm just missing something here.

Anyway, enough of me addressing the cognitive dissonance here, and back to the game.

So, Legacy's deck does have some impressive damage cards in it, but it also has a lot of support abilities. His innate power increases the damage of his allies and he has a card that essentially doubles that effect. He also has ways to heal allies, give card draw, give card plays, and also he has quite a few ways to tank damage. Which was my original plan for him here. However, while I got some of his tanking cards in hand (and even played one) the support cards were almost always the best play at hand in this game.

Okay, so here's where we get back into the insane amount of in-universe Lore. In the fictitious publication history, he came out of the 60s and 70s and a mixture of Blaxploitation and Kung-fu stuff (and apparently vampires too) and started as a side character that began to get increasingly popular and they even talk about how he started to get more detailed in mid-70s around "the time comics started to get better". As the Blaxpoitation craze started to end he just... stopped being popular and people forgot him.

Move forward a few decades in the 90s (still fictitious publication history) when they introduce a villainous martial artist known as The Operative, they introduce an auto-mechanic called "Slim" as her original mentor. And this "Slim" is the original "Black Fist". And now he comes out of retirement as "Mister Fixer" using his tools as weapons. Now that he's in the hands of writers ready to do some interesting stories beyond "I know Kung-fu" and start to get into his position as a mentor who has seen a lot of tragedy through his life and knows about hubris. (and apparently he's blind... I just learned that.)

Yeah, the completely optional lore of this fun co-op/solo card game includes lots of commentary on the highs and lows of comic book history.

See the podcast episode here:

Anyway, Fixer's deck is mostly about pairing a Tool and a Style to modify his attacks. These do things like change the targets he gets or add an extra effect when he does damage, etc. He has a lot of ways to switch out his cards, attack multiple times, switch styles between attacks, and so on. I found it very easy to add cards into his hand (this game does NOT have a maximum hand size. I have had games where my deck and discard had 0 cards in them on some characters) so he always has a lot of options of what to do in a game.

In this game, I was trying to handle multiple high-HP followers, so after finding the Jack Handle I stuck to that and only switched styles once... though I was considering switching to a third style near the end.

Also, I was today year's old when I realized "Mister Fixer" acronym's to MF... as in obvious Samuel L Jackson quote. Yup, Fits.

Expatriette is one of my gals (the other two main ones being Fanatic and Harpy). So, take The Punisher, Deadshot, and Nick Fury, roll them up into a bundle shaped like a Canadian woman whose mother is basically "what if Magneto was actually evil and not just very rightfully angry".

That's Expatriette.

She starts out as a hired killer and apparently was contracted by villains to kill Mister Fixer. However, she seems to quickly switch over to the good guy side and is even one of Mister Fixer's teammates on Dark Watch alongside Nightmist, her boyfriend Setback (a golden retriever man with weird luck), and Nightmist's apprentice, The Harpy.

(To be honest I haven't listened to a lot of the lore podcasts. I love the bits I learn from fandom pages, but also, the game is just fun, you know? And the podcast competes with Kikoskia, Storyteller Squad, Monster's Playbook, Knights of the Night, AltHaven, The Writer's Room, Insym, and Critical Role.)

Her deck in the original edition was kinda meh. It gave you guns, lots of guns, but it was a bit slow to get everything into play and get her going. And in general she was a one-trick pony. She had some control options and the ability to remove Ongoing effects, but mostly she shot things.

The new version of her is so... so much more versatile and also builds much smoother. Giving her innate power the ability to do damage and play an item was amazing. And the Ammo is far more fluid to use (you used to have to attach it to specific guns each of which could have a single ammo attached, except shotgun, which could have two).

I do miss Pride and Prejudice being separate cards though... they were designed to make a single picture when you set them next to each other (which unfortunately order them as "Prejudice" and "Pride", which was irksome). But putting them as a single card just works better.

However, the biggest change that Expat got was that she got a lot of team support cards. She now has a lot of options to give other players actions outside of their turn and it is amazing. She's always been described as a tactical genius but her deck in the original edition never reflected that, only show casing her shooting skills.

The above guns, ammo, and other cards are ones that got played in this game. If the game hadn't ended when it did, I would have played a card another such card called "Comprehensive Plan"

Dark Watch doesn't have a leader per se. They sort of just go with things. Eldritch stuff they turn to Nightmist, martial arts and weird supernatural stuff they turn to Mister Fixer, everything else and general battle plans they turn to Expat. Harpy and Setback are the least leadery of the five.

So, this is the environment deck I went with. Megalopolis which is the typical shining idealistic "what we wish reality was" city like Metropolis from DC comics. Now, it may have made more sense to choose Rook City given that every character I put on the team is a Rook City resident except for Legacy. Heck, Nightmist, Mister Fixer, and Expatriette are three members of the signature Rook City supergroup: Dark Watch. But I liked the idea of werewolves fighting it out on the streets of the shining city rather than the grim one where supernatural nonsense usually happens. Also, this makes Legacy's presence more probable.

What I figure is that Alpha was in town for some reporter thing as Apex tracked her down. They came through Rook City which picked up the attention of Dark Watch, though Harpy and Setback were unavailable for some reason. Then when the first attack happened, Legacy was on hand and the brawl started.

Environments in this game are on nobody's side. Some are more friendly to villains, some are more friendly to heroes, most are rather neutral and mess with everybody. Megalopolis features a lot of citizens in peril, making it mostly a headache for the players. That said, there are a couple of cards that help heroes out and as this is the shiny "we wish it were so" city, this includes "Police Back-up" (the corrupt cops are all in Rook City, don't you know?). There's also a lawyer friend. But mostly, the city makes it hard for players to use their powers or gives them a count down to worry about.

The environment is the last deck to play in any round which is why it is the last deck I talked about. (and also, you now know how long this game lasted)

So, let's get on to the actual game.

Round One - (werewolf) FIGHT!

Apex

Apex started out with three werewolves in play:

Timber - attacks multiple of the highest HP

Rowan - attacks the lowest HP

Flint - attacks the highest HP

He didn't need to heal and there was no werewolf with more HP than him, so he didn't flip. He moves to play phase and plays The Pack Hungers. This gives all werewolves more damage and causes them to suffer toxic damage.

They're HUNGRY!

At the start of his next round it would heal him and check to see if any werewolves were low on health and destroy those. I guess the implication is they eat their own if that person is weak.

Then all the werewolves attack, dealing damage across the board. Apex hits the highest HP hero and then all werewolves. Timber, Rowan, and Flint do their attacks after him. Then Pack Hungers hits all werewolves including Apex.

Nightmist

Nightmist is at 18 HP out of 28... she got hit pretty hard.

She plays Call Forth to summon the Amulet of the Elder Gods which she immediately uses to redirect the infernal damage from Call Forth away from her to strike Rowan because enemies that target the lowest HP targets are scary and can wear down vulnerable heroes fast.

She then uses her Magical Mentor power to boost Alpha and Draws Master of Magic... which is the other main set-up card I look for when playing Nightmist.

Alpha

Alpha is at 26 of 32 HP.

She plays Fatal Feast which discovers Insatiable Hunger. I didn't note it down, but I think the target was Rowan (again, villains that stalk low HP heroes are scary)

Alpha then uses her Prowl power to discover another aspect and gets Lupine Senses. Neither Insatiable Hunger nor Lupine Senses were may first choice in this case, but in retrospect they probably should have been. They worked out pretty well.

She draws Hamstring, which is what I call a "Shut Down" card because you can use it to shut down the Villain partially for a round.

At her end phase she only has 2 Aspects, so no attacks happen.

Mister Fixer

Mister Fixer is at 27 HP out of 29

He plays Zen Maintenance to collect Hoist Chain and Harmony.

Note on the difference between "Collect", "Discover", "Salvage", and "Summon".

Collect means you can name a particular card of the named type and put it in your hand.

Discover means you reveal cards off the top of the deck until you find the number the card asks for and then you put them into play.

Salvage means look through the trash and grab a card of the desired type to put in your hand.

Summon means you name a particular card of the named type and put it directly into play.

Mister Fixer has some Discover, but he has a lot more Collect and Salvage, giving him more control. He has options in his hand rather than depending on the random chance of Discover.

I was thinking I might need the Hoist Chain's ability to reduce the damage output of villains hit by it. I then used the card play granted by Zen to play The Manifold Path and that brought out the Jack Handle (perfect for this situation and I immediately realized that) and Alternating Tiger Claw, also excellent for this situation given it made his damage irreducible which got around Apex's protection.

Then I used his Strike power which he used to attack Apex, Timber, Rowan, and Flint. Usually he'd only get one attack, but Jack Handle let him hit up to five targets and there were only four.

Then he draws Dual Crowbars.

Expatriette

Expat is at 23 of 28 HP. She got hit pretty hard as well.

She plays Arsenal Access which discovers her Modified SMG and some Liquid Nitrogen Ammo. She then draws another Arsenal Access and plays her Double-Barreled Shotgun off that card.

She shotguns Rowan and decides not to use ammo right now. Again, stalker enemies are scary.

Then she draws hollow point

Legacy

Legacy is at 22 out of 32 HP. He got hit as hard as Nightmist.

Legacy plays Bolster Allies which gives everybody a card draw including himself.

Legacy draws the Ol' One Two

Nightmist draws Essence Transfer

Alpha draws Silver Bindings

Mister Fixer draws Overdrive

Expatriette draws Backup Plan

He then gives Nightmist a card play. Nightmist chooses to play Starshield Invocation. The discarded card shows a "4" on the Infernal number. Her Amulet of the Elder Gods upgrades that to 5. And now all damage to heroes is reduced by 5 until Nightmist's turn.

Legacy then uses his Galvanize power to boost Hero damage.

He draws Dauntless Durability, one of his tanker powers.

Megalopolis

Plays "Persistent Paparazzi" meaning heroes will now take 1 fixed damage whenever they use a power. "Fixed" means it can neither be increased or reduced, though it is still blocked by immunity to damage.

Round Two

Apex

Not much damage was dealt to Apex, so he heals completely. He gets 5 healing from himself and 5 from The Pack Hungers, though he can't go over his Maximum of 50. There are no werewolves at 3 or less HP so no one gets destroyed. But The Pack Hungers destroys itself.

As a note "Destroyed" only means "not in the scene/available for use anymore" it could mean knocked unconscious, trapped, or forced to flee for living creatures or disarmed, stolen, or otherwise unavailable for items. Fanatic (not in this game) has multiple cards of her signature sword representing her ability to recover it quickly if it is lost, not that she has actual multiple copies of Absolution.

Apex plays his top card and gets "On the Blood Trail" which brings Gumbo into play. Gumbo immediately attacks the lowest HP Hero target because of the card but this is reduced to 0 by Nightmist's Starshield.

Now, the werewolves throw themselves ineffectually at Nightmist's Starshield. In frustation, Apex damages all his pack (I mean he does this every round, I'm just imagining it's because of frustration with being blocked by Nightmist here). Then Gumbo snaps back at Apex because Apex has the most hit points here.

Nightmist

Still at 18.

Starshield tries to deal damage to Nightmist at the start of the round, but she discards a card to redirect the damage to Rowan causing Rowan to be defeated and go to Apex's trash.

No more stalking for you.

She plays Master of Magic. She uses Magical Mentor to Boost Alpha again (she does this every round) and takes 1 psychic damage from Persistent Paparazzi asking her questions.

The paparazzi makes me think this is not one fight but an ongoing situation across the city over several days. I'm also aware that Alpha's day job is that she's a reporter.

She draws Scouring Mists and then Master of Magic allows her to draw up to a hand of 4 getting her Essence Transfer and a second copy of Master of Magic.

Alpha

Still at 26.

Insatiable Hunger can't destroy any target so she discovers an Ongoing and finds Rip and Tear.

Lupine Senses reveals "On the Blood Hunt" for Apex and she decides to trash it instead of draw cards.

That ends her Start Phase and she then plays Hamstring targeting Apex. This prevents Apex from doing any damage until Alpha's next round. It's also some significant damage since she's boosted by both Nightmist and Legacy as well as the bonus damage she gets on Apex for being his Nemesis.

She decides to use her Prowl power instead Rip and Tear in order to discover a new Aspect and gets Powerful Frame so attacks coming in on her deal -1 damage unless irreducible or fixed. Under normal circumstances, I'd probably stop at two Aspects, but hey, Nightmist is teaching Tabitha how to better control herself... and Nightmist admits that Tabitha already has a lot of control.

She takes 1 damage from paparazzi. Oh the stress you must feel during shop talk with other reporters, Tabitha, trying to keep your secret.

She draws Furious Slash.

Now End Phase happens and she has 3 Aspects. Timber has the lowest HP on the board so she goes to town on him attacking him once for each Aspect in play.

Mister Fixer

Still at 27.

He plays Harmony. He has both a Style and a Tool so he now deals +1 damage with his attacks.

He uses strike with Jack Handle and Alternating Tiger Claw style to attack all four werewolves with irreducible damage.

I opted not to collect another tool.

He now draws a second copy of Harmony

Expatriette

Still at 23

Plays Lock and Load.

First she summons Pride and Prejudice... just for the flavor of having her signature handguns in play.

There are now 3 guns in play so the next step of Lock and Load discovers three Ammo: Thermite Rounds, Shock Rounds, and Hollow Point Rounds.

Finally, she chooses Legacy for the last step of the card and he plays the top of his deck: A True Hero. Legacy Draws Bulletproof Skin and Thokk. Everybody else heals 1, neatly canceling the Paparazzi damage.

She decides to fire her SMG with Hollow Point rounds to hit all the werewolves. This defeats Timber as Timber was weakened severally by Alpha and Mister Fixer. So he goes to Apex's trash.

She takes 1 point of Paparazzi psychic damage, neatly canceling the healing from Legacy.

Draws Assault Rifle.

Legacy

Still at 22.

Simple round, he plays the Ol'One Two and hits Flint for 2 damage. Then he uses the extra card play to play Bulletproof Skin so that he is now also reducing incoming damage. (remember HP is narratively covering lots of things... he always had Bulletproof Skin, but now it becomes narratively relevant)

He Galvanizes and draws Inspiring Presence

Megalopolis

In the start phase all the Heroes choose to discard a card to get rid of the Paparazzi. When a card demands that I discard cards to remove it, I always imagine the discarded cards are the method the characters used to solve the problem

So, I imagine that Legacy reassured people that he was involved in the situation, the man doesn't have a huge ego, but he has that perfect amount of lovable confidence. Nightmist probably started talking magic and perhaps some reporters got a little lost in the terms and also the fact that they were speaking to someone who had mist for hair. Expat just ducked the whole scene and vanished into one of her caches until the reporters lost her. Mister Fixer parkoured well past their ability to follow. And Alpha dealt with the stress of being around her colleagues by locking herself up for the night.

"Arg, I can't stand Lisa and Tom one more minute, I've got to go chain myself up."

"I know, right, Tabitha? Sometimes I feel like I'm just going to go beasty you know?"

"...." staaaaare "I'm going now. Khalil."

And now Megalopolis played "Bank Heist in Progress"

Round Three

Apex

Apex Heals 4 because there's only four werewolves in play: himself, Alpha, Gumbo, and Flint. This isn't enough to heal all his wounds but he also still has the most HP of all the werewolves. So he doesn't switch.

He plays Making of an Alpha to force Alpha and Fixer to fight as they are the two highest HP heroes. Mentor Nightmist had boosted Alpha so reduces the damage she deals by 3 causing Fixer to only take 1 damage. I should have used Fixer's reaction here to use his Jack Handle to hit all the villains, but I forgot about it.

Making of an Alpha then plays the top card of Apex's deck and puts into Play "Hunting Party". This brings back Rowan and pulls out Blood Magic's Boon. This is actually good in some ways since now all the werewolves are dealing Infernal damage so when Rowan stalks and attacks Nightmist, Nightmist can use her Amulet to redirect it.

Apex deals 0 damage because Alpha still has Hamstring in play (it was conceivable something could have destroyed it before it got to his time to do damage).

Such a great Apex predator unable to do any damage at all for two whole rounds. Not even able to snap at his bulli- I mean oppres- I mean loyal pack mates.

Flint hits Mister Fixer. Gumbo hits Expat and Apex, Rowan attacks Nightmist and here I decide to stop focusing on minions and redirect that damage to Apex.

As a note, I DID end up using Fixer's Tiger Claw Reaction here and attacked all the villains with the Jack Handle. Since you can only use each Reaction once in a turn and he only had one Reaction in play, it became a non-issue gameplay.

Just would have been funnier to use it at Making of an Alpha.

Nightmist

Still at 18

Plays Essence Transfer, chooses to use Master of Magic's option to discard from hand if the top-card discard isn't something she likes. Drains Apex and uses that to heal Legacy.

Magical Mentor to Alpha as last round.

Master of Magic lets her draw up to four cards and she gets Scouring Mists, Droplet of Lethe, Essence Transfer, and Mistform. The last is not useful right now because it only protects against non-Infernal damage and the Blood Magic's Boon makes all the werewolves deal infernal. In the past edition it was just general damage immunity and far more powerful, allowing Nightmist to effectively tank at the cost of having no actions except drawing cards. The new version is much more limited.

But to be honest, Mistform in the old edition was mostly boring unless you were playing solo and controlling every hero. Even then... it's not great. Having it for one round is fine for me.

Alpha

Still at 23.

Insatiable Hunger discovers Badger the Bloodied which immediately allows her to defeat Flint. (yeah, I decided not to focus minions, but I'm going to take advantage of vulnerable ones) And now she has a reaction for when she takes damage.

Lupine Senses reveals Chel and I decide putting a new werewolf in play isn't the worst thing this deck can do to me, so I put her back on top and draw 2 cards but didn't note down what the draws were.

Now... that's Alpha's Start Phase.

At this point I choose to skip her Play and Power Phases to jump straight to Draw Phase in order to deal with the Bank Heist.

I'm thinking that was some terrified bank robbers.

"What the fuck?! A werewolf? This is Megalopolis, aren't all the weird and crazy heroes in Rook City?"

She Draws Lycanthropic Frenzy

Now, her turn's not over.

End Phase comes AFTER Draw Phase and she has Three Aspects in play.

Flint is the lowest HP on the board so Alpha goes to town on him and he's defeated and sent to Apex's trash.

What was it you said again Flint? "We'll fight, you'll die?" well... I can see how that worked for you.

Mister Fixer

Mister Fixer is now at 22 out of 29.

In Start Phase he opts to use Harmony to play a style and replaces Alternating Tiger Claw with Driving Mantis.

He loses the irreducible damage, but that's not much impact with Galvanize going on and Inspiring Presence on the horizon, and thus means he draws cards whenever he uses a power. The Reaction change now means he uses a power instead of just hitting a target. Which sounds like the same, but now he's dealing damage AND drawing cards. So it's a boost.

I considered changing tools but since I know we have another werewolf coming up due to Alpha's Lupine Senses, I figure it's more important to keep the AoE damage going with Jack Handle.

Interestingly... it looks like I accidentally skipped Fixer's Play Phase here... or I just forgot to note it down. Whoops.

Anyway, he Strikes and hits the three present werewolves and then draws Manifold Path and Riveting Crane style... which has an even more appealing reaction on it.

So, I have ALL these cards, plenty of discard fuel. And with Galvanize, Harmony, AND Inspiring Presence, that would be 4 damage instead one. And with the Jack Handle that would be hitting pretty much every enemy.

Yup... that's good stuff.

So at this point I'm already thinking of going Full Throttle which I drew at some point on the next round and just tearing the villains apart.

His Draw Phase produces another extra Harmony. Yeah, Riveting is looking pretty good.

Expatriette

Expat is at 20 out of 28 HP.

She plays Backup Plan

First she discovers Liquid Nitrogen Rounds

Then she lets Alpha hit Apex. In retrospect having Fixer do this would have been more efficient as his Jack Handle would make it AoE, but the flavor of directing Alpha at Apex. The juicy juicy flavor of it.

Then she lets Legacy heal 2.

Then she chooses to Salvage her Hollow Points back into her hand.

On to Power Phase and some quick math says that both Double-Barreled Shotgun with Thermite and Hollow Point and Pride and Prejudice with Thermite and Hollow Point will do the same damage (if Inspiring Presence was up, Pride and Prejudice would do more damage since the Galvanize and Inspiring boosts would each happen twice for 4 extra damage instead of 2 on the shotgun's one hit.)

So, again, I opt for the flavor of Expat using her signature weapons and just unleash both guns on Apex.

She then draws Comprehensive Plan.

Legacy

Legacy is at 24 out of 32 HP.

He has a simple round. He plays Inspiring Presence, everybody heals except him and then he Galvanizes. All his allies are now dealing +2 damage.

I have to say most of Legacy's tank build ended up in my hand for this game. Of the cards below, only Heroic Interception never appeared.

However, between Nightmist's turn one Starshield and Alpha's turn two Hamstring, I was already handling damage fairly well. Apex wasn't hitting me with cards to destroy my set up (destroy Items or Ongoings) and Megalopolis was being annoying but wasn't throwing anything I couldn't handle at me.

I also had some decent damage in hand.

But seriously, it was just way more effective to boost Legacy's allies than to do the actual damage.

Narratively speaking, he would still have been in the fight, getting his punches and going toe to toe with werewolves, but the main effect of this would be to open the path for his allies to effectively shut things down and keep the morale of the heroes and public up.

Speaking of Megalopolis

Megalopolis

Plays Hostage Situation.

Now, at the end phase, we're given a chance to discard cards to solve the situation without having to divert actions to hitting him. But you know what? This is a 6 HP target. Rowan is still in the field and she's going to attack the lowest HP target, and Chel is going to play now too and she'll do damage too.

You know what? Yeah, I'm good, you can be werewolf bait, hostage taker.

Round Four

Apex is at 30 HP. He heals 4 because there's just him, Alpha, Rowan, and Gumbo in play. Then Blood Magic's Boon causes him to suffer 3.

He plays Chel. Leaving Chel on top was the right play. A nasty One-Shot or Ongoing could have made things come out different. As it is, he only gets a new minion.

Apex finally gets to do damage! ^_^

He hits Legacy and has his damage reduced by Bulletproof. Then he attacks all the werewolves. His damaged is reduced against Alpha, but also increased as he's her nemesis.

Rowan hits Hostage Situation, Gumbo hits Legacy for 3 and Apex for 2, Chel hits every non-villain including the Hostage Situation. Since Sequencing matters this is the order I did Chel's hits:

Chel hits Hostage Situation for 2.

Chel Hits Fixer for 2,

Fixer's reaction hits Chel for 5

Fixer's reaction hits Rowan for 5.

Fixer's reaction hits Apex for 5

Fixer's reaction hits Hostage Situation for 5. Hostage Situation is defeated. Ending it with a Hero instead of Werewolf villains means I think Fixer saved the hostage and hostage taker from the werewolves.

Chel hits Nightmist for 2.

Nightmist redirects the infernal damage to hit Apex for 1

Chel hits Alpha for 1 (Powerful Frame)

Alpha's reaction hits Chel for 5.

Chel hits Expatriette for 2.

Chel hits Legacy for 1 (Bulletproof Skin)

Nightmist

Nightmist is at 19 out of 28 HP.

She plays Essence Transfer and hits Apex for 6 she then heals Alpha for 5.

She boosts Alpha and draws Coalescing Spirit (Which has a picture of her aiding Alpha, so wish I could have played that for the flavor).

Oh well.

In any case, this was where I realized Alpha could finish it as Apex was at 17 health and she had a LOT of damage available via Galvanize, Inspiring Presence, and Magical Mentor.

Alpha

Alpha is at 25 out of 32 (my notes say 28, I think I misread my ticker, some of the wheels are put together wrong and I may have seen an upside down 5 as an 8)

Going to her Start Phase before skipping to the end.

Insatiable Hungry can't destroy any target and I want to Discover anyway. And it Discovers Hamstring that's where "Bwuahahahaha" got scribbled in my notes.

Anyway. That's 6 damage to Apex. I would say he can't do damage until Alpha's Start Phase, but it IS Alpha's Start Phase so Hamstring gets destroyed as soon as her other Start Phase events finish.

Not that it matters. It just made me laugh because it was just such a thumbing the nose at him.

From here, Lupine Senses reveals "Making of an Alpha" and I replace it to draw two cards: Rip and Tear (already in play) and Fatal Feast.

I look over my options and reason that Lycanthropic Frenzy has her attack all targets and has a quote from Apex praising her for giving in to her nature. So I'm avoiding that one. I had a couple of other options, but ultimately I go for Fatal Feast again.

Fatal Feast discovers Eye for the Hunt... and now she's doing +4 damage each attack (Magical Mentor, Galvanize, Inspiring, and Eye for the Hunt). Now, this would be dangerous if the game were taking longer because her Aspects could now do enough damage to get around Magical Mentor taking 3 off, but... it doesn't matter.

That takes Apex to 6.

Then we come to Power Phase and I use Rip and Tear.

Apex doesn't even survive the first of Rip and Tear's two hits.

Wrap-Up

Apex is aggressive and has some potential for being tricky, but is a fairly simple and straight-forward Villain. Handling his pack is important and having the ability to prevent or reduce incoming damage is essential.

Mentor Nightmist works exceptionally well with Alpha. Even though I only ever had to reduce her damage once, the simple confidence I could handle it if I didn't control her targeting well enough gave me the confidence to lean hard into her being a full-on werewolf. Even though I only got 4 out of 6 aspects into play.

And it was such a flavor win for Alpha to land the final blow.

I had some math errors and missed plays but nothing that impacted the final result. At one point Rowan just vanishes from my notes in the end of Round three, no indication she was defeated. So I had to extrapolate what happened.

#sentinels of the multiverse #superheroes #greater than games #co op games #solo games #play report #werewolves vs superheroes

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