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Legends Chapter 4: Presentation

Hello Riders! Before I get into this chapter I would like to share this picture of the Gauntlet. It's not my picture, I got it off the fandom Wiki page, credit goes to the artist. The picture helped me better understand how the obstacles were set up so I thought it would be helpful for all of you as well.

I love this chapter a lot, and I hope you guys love it as much as me. Remember to tell me your opinions on the story so far or ask me any questions you may have. I love hearing from you guys! And don't forget to let me know if you want to be added to the taglist.

Chapters 10-12 in Fourth Wing Pairings: Xaden x Younger Sister, Liam x Best Friend, Sawyer x Reader (mentioned) Warnings: Swearing, violence, character death, blood, spoilers from the book series Word Count: 11,785

Legends Masterlist

I talked about you during Presentation yesterday. There's a guy in my squad who asked about my childhood, and the first thing I thought of was how even when you were a kid you never took anyone's shit. Like that one time Xaden and I tried to keep the secret about the Venin from you. You said you were smarter than us and gods I believed you; I still do. -Recovered correspondence from Garrick Tavis to (Y/N) Riorson

The night before Gauntlet training starts, I stand with the other marked ones. This is our third meeting and we've only lost one other cadet since Parapet. "Let's make this meeting quick, the first years need rest since Gauntlet training starts tomorrow. How's hand-to-hand coming with you guys?" Xaden asks as he looks towards Carolyn, Dmitry, Julian, and Carina.

The four nod, sharing looks. "I've seen improvements." Garrick answers, "They've each won a few challenges and lost some, but no serious injuries."

"We're continuing the training multiple times a week, and we won't stop even with challenges pausing." Imogen adds.

Xaden nods, "Good. Any questions?"

"The Gauntlet has one of the biggest death counts in the quadrant, any tips on how to survive?" I ask.

Xaden holds my gaze, "Time doesn't matter. Even on presentation day. Just get through the obstacles safely, don't worry about being fast."

"Doesn't the time determine the order in which you walk presentation?" Ashton asks.

Garrick nods, "It does, but in the past there have been cadets that have walked last and bonded and cadets who have walked first haven't. So like Xaden said, your time doesn't matter."

"There are ropes every six feet, grab them if you need to." Bodhi starts, eyes sweeping over the first years, "Time will be added but they may save your life." His eyes lock onto mine. There's a flash of worry but I smile, reassuring him.

"Any more questions?" Xaden asks. When no one replies he continues, "Good. Head to bed. And good luck tomorrow." I turn to walk back with Liam but Xaden grabs my arm, "Let me walk you."

"Okay," I turn to Liam, "I'll see you tomorrow." He nods, running to catch up with Bodhi. I look back at Xaden, "What did you want to talk about?"

Xaden pauses, "Just be careful tomorrow, I know you'll probably do fine but…"

I smile, "I get it, Xade. I'll be careful."

He nods, "So, I've seen you hanging out with that Sawyer guy a lot."

I smirk, "Well, he is in my squad."

"That's it?"

"I mean…" I trail off before starting again, "Do you really want to talk about this?"

"I just want to make sure you're okay. He's treating you good?"

"I'm very satisfied." I try not to laugh at the look on Xaden's face.

"That's not what I meant." He rubs the bridge of his nose.

I giggle, "Sorry. Sawyer's great, I think you'd like him if you talked to him."

Xaden nods, "Good. That's good. I obviously don't know him well but," Xaden pauses, "You can do worse."

I smile, "That sounds like the Xaden stamp of approval. Wow, I never thought I'd see the day."

Xaden nudges my shoulder, "Listen, I know I'm protective of you and no one is going to be perfect for you in my eyes but I also know you're smart, strong, beautiful and you deserve to be happy. Plus, Sawyer is in your squad, so if you're going to have a relationship with anyone at least it's with someone who can't kill you."

I snort, "There it is. But Sawyer and I… We're not serious. We're friends, we get along. And sometimes we just need to… Let off steam."

Xaden chuckles, "Yeah, let off steam. Thank you for putting it that way." I laugh along with him, "I get it. I've been there, I just want you to pick your partners carefully and Sawyer is a safe option. A good option. I just don't want you doing anything in front of me."

I wrap my arm around Xaden's waist causing him to wrap his around my shoulder's, "Noted. I will try to be aware of my surroundings and not flirt or kiss or anything else around you. If you promise the same."

"Deal." Xaden smiles.

*_*_*_*_*

The next morning my squad stands in front of the Gauntlet waiting for Professor Emetterio. "Well, that's…" Rhiannon trails off. The obstacle course is carved into the side of the cliff that leads to the flight field, the Vale lays beyond that.

"Amazing," Aurelie sighs in awe.

Rhiannon, Violet, and I all turn to look at her, "You think that hellscape looks amazing?" Rhiannon asks, causing me to smile.

"I've been waiting years for this!" Aurelie grins, "My dad - he was a rider until he retired last year - used to set up obstacle courses like this all the time so we could practice, and Chase, my brother, said it's the best part of being here before Threshing. It's a real adrenaline rush."

"He's with the Southern Wing, right?" Violet questions. She turns back to the Gauntlet, studying the obstacle course.

"Yep. Pretty much desk duty for all the action they see near the Krovlan border." She shrugs then points about two thirds of the way up the course, "He said to watch out for those giant posts jutting from the side of the cliff. They spin, and you can get crushed between them if you're not fast enough."

"Oh good," Rhiannon states sarcastically, "I was wondering when it might get difficult."

"Thanks, Aurelie." Violet says. I remain silent, but nod in thanks.

"Still not sure why they call it the Gauntlet," Ridoc pipes up, cupping his hands and blowing air into them to try and keep warm.

"To ensure dragons keep coming to Threshing by weeding out the weaklings," Tynan sneers, folding his arms and casting a pointed look at Violet.

I cross my arms to stop myself from punching him, "Shut up, Tynan."

"Knock it the fuck off." Ridoc snaps at the same time. The whole squad turns in his direction. We've never seen him lose his temper, he's always so happy, cracking jokes and laughing.

"What's your problem?" Tynan pivots turning his full attention to Ridoc, who stands a half a foot taller.

"My problem?" Ridoc scoffs, "You think because you made friends with Barlowe and Siefert that you have the right to be a dick to your own squadmate?"

"Exactly. Squadmate." Tynan gestures towards the obstacle course, "Our times aren't just ranked individually, Ridoc. We're scored as a squad, too, which is how the order for Presentation is decided. Do you really think any dragon wants to bond a cadet who walks in after every other squad in processional?"

"Xaden told me the times don't matter." I say.

"And they're not timing us for Presentation today, asshole." Ridoc adds.

"Stop." Sawyer steps in between Ridoc and Tynan who are still chest to chest. "(Y/N)'s right. Or I guess Xaden. The order for Presentation doesn't matter. The last cadet to walk last year bonded just fine, and some of the cadets in the first squad onto the field were passed over."

"Little bitter about that, aren't you?" Tynan snarks.

Sawyer ignores the barb but I lunge, tired of hearing Tynan speak ill of my friends. Sawyer quickly grabs my waist, pulling me into his chest. "Easy." He whispers into my ear, I stay still but my glare doesn't leave Tynan, who is staring wide-eyed, shocked I almost attacked him. "Besides," Sawyer continues, like I almost didn't just punch Tynan, "It's not called the Gauntlet because it weeds out cadets."

"It's called the Gauntlet because this is the cliff that guards the Vale," Professor Emetterio says, walking up to the squad, "Plus, actual gauntlets - armored gloves made of metal - are slippery as hell, and the name stuck about twenty years ago." He cocks an eye at Tynan, Sawyer, and I. "Are you three done arguing? Because the ten of you have exactly an hour to get to the top before it's another squad's chance to practice, and from what I've seen of your agility on the mat, you're going to need every second."

There's a grumble from the group, Sawyer keeps an arm around my waist, pulling me slightly away from Tynan. He already knows me too well, because despite what Professor Emetterio just said, I still want to knock some sense into the dark haired boy.

"As you know, hand-to-hand challenges are on hold for the next two and a half weeks before Presentation so you can focus here." Emetterio flips a page in his notebook, "Sawyer, you're going to show them how it's done, since you already have the lay of the land. Then (Y/N), Pryor, Trina, Tynan, Rhiannon, Ridoc, Violet, Aurelie, and Luca." A smile curves on Emetterio's face, "You're the only squad to remain intact since Parapet. That's incredible. Your squad leader must be very proud. Wait here for a second." He walks past us, waving to someone high up on the cliff.

"Aetos is especially proud of Sorrengail." Tynan sneers.

Violet snaps, "Look, if you want to talk shit about me, that's one thing, but leave Dain out of it."

"Tynan," Sawyer warns, his grip on my waist tightens as I tense at Tynan's jeer.

"Like it doesn't bother any of you that our squad leader is fucking one of us?" Tynan asks, throwing his hands out.

I roll my eyes, "Not that it's any of your business, but they're not fucking. And so what if they are? Dain's hot. I say get it."

Everyone's eyes snap to me, "I thought you didn't like him?" Rhiannon asks.

"I don't, but I also have eyes." I shrug.

"It matters if it means that Violet gets preferential treatment!" Luca exclaims, "And of course you wouldn't care when you're fucking our section leader."

Before I can stop myself I laugh, "Me? Fucking Tavis?" My laughing slowly stops but a smile lingers on my face, "No sweetie, Garrick is my brother's best friend. I literally grew up with him, much like how Dain and Violet grew up together. Neither of us are fucking people in leadership."

Tynan's eyes widen, "Really?" He asks Violet.

She nods her head, "Really."

"Shit. I'm sorry. Barlowe said-"

Ridoc interjects, "And that's your first mistake. Listening to that sadistic ass is going to get you killed. And you're lucky Aetos or Tavis aren't here."

I quietly laugh, "Oh man, I can't wait to tell Garrick about that assumption of us." Luca's eyes widen but she doesn't say anything.

"Here we go!" Emetterio says walking back over towards us, "You'll get your time at the top of the course, if you make it, but remember, you'll still have nine practice sessions before we rank you for Presentation in two and a half weeks, which will determine if the dragons find you worthy for Threshing."

"Wouldn't it make more sense to let first years start practicing this thing right after Parapet?" Rhiannon asks. "You know, to give us a little more time so we don't die?"

"No," Emetterio replies, "The timing is part of the challenge. Any words or wisdom, Sawyer?"

Sawyer blows out a couple of slow breaths, his hand twitches on the small of my back, "There are ropes every six feet that run from the top of the sheer cliffside to the bottom, so if you start to fall, reach out and grab a rope. It'll cost you thirty seconds, but death costs you more."

"I mean," Ridoc points to a steep staircase set in the cliff, "There's a perfectly good set of steps over there."

"Stairs are for reaching the flight field on the top of the ridgeline after Presentation." Professor Emetterio says. He lifts his hands towards the obstacle course, flicking his writs, pointing at different obstacles. The fifteen-foot log at the start begins to spin, the other obstacles along the course begin to move as well.

"Every one of the five ascents on this course is designed to mimic the challenges you'll face in battle," Emetterio explains, "From the balance you must keep on the back of your dragon, to the strength you'll need to hold your seat during maneuvers, to-" he gestures upward, toward the last obstacle, "The stamina you'll need to fight on the ground, then still be able to mount your dragon at a second's notice."

"What if we don't make it up?" Luca asks the professor. She secures her hair in a loose braid. Mine is already up in a high bun, the same way I wore it when crossing the Parapet. "What's the alternate route?"

"There's no alternate route," Emetterio says. I could have told her that, "If you don't make it up, you can't get to Presentation, can you? Take your position, Sawyer."

Before Sawyer moves, he turns to me, "Are you going to behave?" He raises an eyebrow.

I smile, blinking innocently, "If they keep their mouths shut."

Sawyer sighs, he looks at Ridoc and gently pushes me into his side."Don't let her attack anyone." Ridoc nods.

"I don't need a babysitter, Sawyer!" I call after him

"Yes, you do!" He yells back, as he moves to the beginning of the course.

"After he makes it past the final obstacle, so everyone can learn from this cadet completing the course, the rest of you will start every sixty seconds. And… Go!" Emetterio says to the squad, ignoring mine and Sawyer's argument.

Sawyer takes off, he easily runs the fifteen feet across the spinning log but it takes him three rotations inside the wheel before he jumps out. Other than that I don't see a single misstep in the first ascent. He turns and rushes toward a series of giant hanging balls that makes up the second ascent, jumping and hugging one after another. With his feet back on the ground, he starts up the third ascent, which is divided into two sections. The first has giant metal rods hanging parallel to the cliff wall, Sawyer easily swings arm over arm to reach the bars. From the last bar, he jumps onto a series of shaking pillars before leaping back onto solid ground.

Sawyer makes it to the spinning logs Aurelie warned us about. He's making the course look easy as he runs across the logs. He pauses at the giant chimney formation that sits at about a twenty degree angle. "You got this!" Rhiannon yells.

As if he heard her, Sawyer runs toward the chimney and flings himself upwards, his body creating an X. He starts hopping up the obstacle until he reaches the end and drops down in front of the final obstacle, a massive ramp that's a nearly vertical climb.

Sawyer sprints towards the ramp, his speed and momentum take him two-thirds of the way up. Just before he starts to fall, he reaches up with one arm and grasps the lip of the ramp, hauling himself over the edge. Rhiannon, Violet, and I cheer for him.

"Perfect technique!" Professor Emetterio exclaims, "That's exactly what you should all be doing."

"Perfect, and yet he was still passed over at Threshing," Luca snarks, "Guess the dragons have some sense of taste."

Ridoc's hold on me tightens as I try to step towards Luca, "Give it a rest, Luca." Rhi snaps.

Professor Emetterio raises his eyebrows at me, "Are you ready, (Y/N)?"

I nod, turning to look at Ridoc, "You can let go."

He narrows his eyes, "You're to move right to the beginning of the course. No hurting Luca."

I nod. He slowly let's go of my waist, letting me move away. I turn to send a sickly sweet smile to Luca and Tynan, "I hope you both fall."

"Really, (Y/N)? Right in front of our Professor?" Ridoc scolds. He reminds me of Xaden for a second.

"I'm sure our wonderful Professor has heard worse." I turn to look at Emetterio once I reach the beginning of the course, "Ready when you are, sir!"

Emetterio looks exasperated but I can tell he's trying not to smile. He checks with the person at the top of the cliff then looks back at me, "And… go."

I take off, quickly running across the 15 foot long spinning log. Once I saw the course I knew this first part would be the easiest ascent. My balance is great, so I wasn't worried making it past this obstacle. Jumping off of the log, I quickly jump past all four of the pillars and enter the spinning wheel. The wheel goes through two rotations and on the third I jump through the opening, landing back on solid ground.

I take a quick breath, this first practice round I want to pause after each ascent. This practice session is all about testing the obstacles and knowing what I need to do to survive. My time can improve with the other practices. The second ascent is the 5 buoy balls. I jump up, grabbing the chain above the first ball. I swing the ball and launch myself onto the next one, doing this over and over until I reach the end of the ascent.

I take another breath, assessing the next ascent. I jump up grabbing the iron bar, a hand on each side. I swing hand over hand, moving from bar to bar. When I reach the last one, I swing my body, aiming to land on the first shaking pillar. I wobble, reaching out for the rope in front of me to regain my balance. "You got this!" I hear one of the girls yell. I quickly regain my footing, leaping across the rest of the pillars.

Before I run across the logs Aurelie warned us about, I check behind me. Pryor is doing alright but he's hesitating before trying the third ascent, I watch as he wobbles, but rights himself with the help of a rope. I turn back around and sprint across the rolling logs. I smile when I make it across. That part was easier than I expected.

I take another breath then run at the chimney, launching myself upwards and landing in an X like Sawyer did. I check my hand and feet placement then hop up the chimney. Reaching the top, I grab the lip and pull myself up. I eye the ramp in front of me, take a breath, then run. My hand skims the top, just missing, causing me to slide back down the ramp. I shake out my shoulders, take another breath, then run again. This time my momentum takes me higher, and when I feel gravity begin to pull at me, I throw my right hand up, catching the top of the cliff. I sigh in relief, reaching up with my left hand as well to pull myself over the top.

Sawyer meets me at the top, pulling me into a tight hug. "You did it! Good job!"

I giggle, "Thanks. Some parts weren't as bad as I thought they were going to be."

Sawyer playfully rolls his eyes, "You would think that. Come on, let's go watch the others." We hear a scream just as we approach the edge of the cliff. We share a look then quickly look down, finding Trina who just started the fourth ascent. "You can do it!" Sawyer encourages.

"They go in opposite directions!" Aurelie yells from the bottom. Trina makes it past, causing Sawyer and I to sigh in relief. Pryor and Trina both finish the course, and come to join us at the edge, watching the others. Tynan is stuck on the hanging balls.

"He can still do us all a favor and fall." I mumble.

Sawyer lightly shoves me, "Be nice, he's still our squadmate."

"Yeah and? You're supposed to be able to trust your squadmates, I don't trust him. And I highly doubt he'll ever earn that trust. Same with Luca."

"Swing to the next one!" Trina calls, trying to encourage Tynan.

"I can't!" Tynan screams back.

"Rhi!" Violet yells, "The rope is between the first and second!" Rhiannon jumps up onto the first ball, swinging her body around and grabbing the rope for Tynan. Once he has the rope in his hands, he climbs down.

I snort, "What a fucking baby." Sawyer sends me a look but I can tell he's amused, I hold out my hands, "I know, I know. Be nice."

Everyone is either on the course at this point or has had their chance to practice. I watch as Violet starts on the third ascent. Her right hand loses its grip and she swings face first into the mountain. I cringe, hearing Rhiannon yell for Violet. "The rope is next to you!" Aurelie shouts.

Violet grabs hold of the rope, using it to grab onto the iron swings and continue her way up the obstacle course. Violet pauses before the fourth ascent, Aurelie standing with her. They exchange a few words before Violet runs across, cheering when she succeeds. "Go, Violet! Here I come!" Aurelie calls. She starts moving across the posts, a roar is heard from a dragon flying above, then Aurelie cries out. Her foot slips on the fifth post, she careens forward, belly hitting the sixth post, Violet tries to move forward to help her, but she can't make it.

*_*_*_*_* Garrick

I'm sitting on the couch in Xaden's room, Imogen, and Bodhi next to me. Liam is sitting on the floor and Xaden and (Y/N) are sitting on Xaden's bed. (Y/N) lays with her head placed in Xaden's lap. The six of us don't get a lot of chances to spend time together so when we do have a chance, we take advantage of it.

"So how was Gauntlet training today?" Bodhi asks, looking between Liam and (Y/N).

Xaden lightly taps his sisters forehead, "I heard you lost a squadmate."

(Y/N) nods, "Yeah, Aurelie. She was a good person."

"You holding up okay?" I ask, looking at her with concern.

Her eyes flicker to me, "Yeah, just sucks. I knew I was going to lose a squadmate at some point, we were lucky to keep everyone for this long." She pauses, cracking a smile, "You'll never guess what Luca said."

Imogen raises an eyebrow, "She's the bitchy one right?"

"The one you fought on assessment day?" Xaden asks.

"Mhm." She hums, nodding in confirmation.

"What did she say?" Liam questions.

I reach down to grab my water, taking a sip just as (Y/N) answers, "She thought Garrick and I were fucking."

I quickly pull my canteen away from my lips, choking on my water. Bodhi reaches over, slapping my back, "What?" I choke out.

(Y/N) nods, smirk evident on her face, "Yeah, we got into a whole argument before Emetterio showed up because Tynan was accusing Violet of sleeping with Dain and I said if she wanted to she should 'cause he's hot." Xaden flicks her on the ear, cutting her off, "Ow!" She sits up, turning to look at him, "What the fuck, Xaden!"

"Never look at Aetos like that, that's disgusting." He scolds, glaring at her.

(Y/N) rolls her eyes, "I'm not lying, he is hot! That doesn't mean I like him but I'm not blind. Plus you had a thing with Cat so you can't judge me." Gods, this conversation is going down hill quickly.

"Cat was an arranged marriage!" Xaden defends.

"And yet you still slept with her when you weren't actually married. If I was in an arranged marriage with a she demon I would avoid her as much as possible. But no, you had to get your dick wet."

Oh shit. My eyes widen as Xaden lunges for his sister. (Y/N) yelps pushing herself away from him. Bodhi, Liam, and I move quick. I grab onto Xaden, pulling him away from (Y/N). Bodhi wraps his arms around his younger cousin, making sure he's in front of her and Liam steps in between the siblings, arms raised to ensure they stay separated. I look towards Imogen who is fighting back a laugh.

Honestly, I kinda want to laugh too. And stealing a glance at Liam and Bodhi I can tell they do as well. We don't want Xaden hurting (Y/N), but (Y/N) has a point. And only she would have the balls to say that to Xaden.

"If I let go of you do you promise not to kill your sister?" I ask Xaden.

"If I really wanted to kill her, I don't even need to touch her." Xaden grumbles, his glare staying on (Y/N).

(Y/N)'s jaw drops in shock at her brother's words, "Hey! You love me! As your little sister it's in the job description to be annoying!"

Liam shrugs, dropping his arms, "She's got a point. And honestly, I miss Sloane so much. I can't wait until she's here next year, annoying the fuck out of me."

Xaden rolls his eyes, shoving me away from him, "I'm not going to kill her."

Imogen finally lets her amusement show, chuckling lightly as she asks, "So why did you saying Dain's hot lead to Luca saying you and Garrick were sleeping together?"

"Right," (Y/N) nods, she moves to sit on Xaden's desk. The rest of settling back in our previous spots, except for Liam who moves to sit in the desk chair. "After I made that comment she said that of course I'd be fine with it since I'm fucking our section leader."

"How did you respond?" Bodhi asks, still keeping an eye on Xaden.

"I laughed. Like Garrick could ever get with me."

I cock my head, "What the fuck does that mean?"

Xaden narrows his eyes, "Why the fuck do you care?"

My head whips back to Xaden, "I- I don't." I stutter, "But like what the fuck? I'm great in bed!"

Xaden's eyes narrow further, his glare cold, "Never talk to my sister about your sex life."

"That's not- I didn't-"

"Okay!" (Y/N) interrupts, "No matter how entertaining this is, I'd rather not witness a murder. And Xaden, no need to worry, Garrick can brag about his skills all he wants, I'm still not planning on ever sleeping with him."

Before either Xaden or I can reply Imogen speaks up, changing the topic, "Was your first day on the Gauntlet as eventful, Liam?"

Liam chuckles, shaking his head, "Definitely not. We were lucky to not lose any of our squad and there were no arguments."

Xaden pipes up, calmer than before, "We lost Carolyn on the Gauntlet today." We're all silent for a moment, that's another marked one, dead.

"There's nothing we could have done." Bodhi says quietly. The rest of us nodding in agreement.

Xaden looks at the time then sighs, "It's late. We should head to bed." We slowly start to file out of the room. Everyone is gone except for me and (Y/N), Xaden grabs (Y/N)'s arm before she can exit, "I love you. Even though you piss me off sometimes."

She smiles, "I love you too, Xade." (Y/N) reaches up, kissing his cheek, "Goodnight."

"I'll walk her back to the barracks." I mumble to Xaden, his eyes narrow, "Would you rather she walks alone?" Xaden sighs but shakes his head. That's what I thought. "Night."

I quickly catch up to (Y/N) who turns to look at me once I'm next to her, "Really feeding those rumors of us sleeping together."

I laugh, lightly shoving her away from me, "Shut the fuck up." I pause, "But seriously, why wouldn't you sleep with me?"

"Do you want to die? Xaden would kill you and possibly me if he found out that we slept together."

I raise a brow, "Is that the only reason?"

(Y/N) tilts her head, "That's the only reason I need. I value my life."

"He wouldn't kill you, he's your brother." I argue.

(Y/N) stops in the middle of the hallway, right by the door leading to the woman's barracks. She turns to directly face me, "Do you want to sleep me with, Tavis?" She questions.

My eyes, widen. Deny, deny, deny. "Wha-no."

That was very convincing. I hear Chradh, my dragon, say through our bond. I can practically hear the eye roll in his tone.

"Uh huh," (Y/N) nods, "Then this conversation is irrelevant. Goodnight, section leader." She opens the door, walking away before I can reply.

Even she's not convinced. Chradh speaks once more, laughing.

Shut up. I answer him, scowling.

*_*_*_*_* (Y/N)

The next morning I wake up early, I've decided I want to start running before breakfast. My stamina is good, but it can be better, and after running the Gauntlet yesterday and watching Aurelie die, I know I need to be at my very best. I finish quietly tying my shoes, not wanting to disturb anyone. I leave the room, stretching my arms above my head. "What are you doing?" I jump, looking up to see Dain glaring at me.

"I'm going for a run?" I say, though it sounds more like a question.

"By yourself?" He asks, eyes narrowing.

"Yes, why?"

"Have you ever gone for runs before?"

I raise an eyebrow, "Not here…" There's a pause as we both asses each other. "Can I go now?" I finally ask, pointing around him. He pauses once more, before stiffly nodding and stepping to the side. I walk around him, then turn back to look, confused on why he was asking me about my run. I shake my head, then continue, heading to the courtyard to start running.

I've been running for 20 minutes and decide that I should start heading back so I can get breakfast. It should be starting any minute and I don't want to be too late. Just as I'm passing the Iakobos River a cadet steps out of the shadows. He's a first year like me, I think he's in second wing but I can't remember his name. I nod at him trying to move past, but he steps in my way. "I overheard you talking with Aetos, saying you were going on a run by yourself."

"Yeah, here I am." I say shrugging.

"Traitors shouldn't be here." I roll my eyes, of course he hates me.

"Listen, I don't have time for this. Can't you just wait for Threshing to try and kill me? Or challenge me when matches start back up?"

"Not when I have the perfect opportunity right now." He takes out his long sword. I sigh, not wanting to fight, I quickly slip out two of my daggers, the only two I brought with me on my run.

He lunges, since he's fighting with a sword he has a longer reach than my daggers. I block his strike, stepping in closer. I stick my foot out tripping him but he quickly rights himself. He spins, lunging once more in a series of quick strikes. I manage to block each one but I need to move off defense and end this quickly.

I take a step in his direction, feigning right and moving left. I nick the back of his sword hand. He hisses in pain but recovers quickly. My breath is heavier, my run from earlier tiring me quicker. When he lunges again, his sword catches my side. "Fuck." I take a chance, sending a quick prayer to Zihnal, I throw one of my daggers, aiming for his throat. The dagger lands where I intended. The tall cadet stumbles, a hand flying to his throat.

I walk over to him, sheathing my extra dagger, "I'm taking this, since you wanted to try and kill me with it." I grab his long sword from his limp hand. "And I'll be taking this back." I reach down, grabbing the hilt of my dagger that's buried in his throat. "Say hi to Malek for me." I pull the dagger out, blood spraying across my face. I must have hit the artery in his neck. I wipe the dagger on the boys tunic. Watching as he takes his last breath. I sigh, sheathing my dagger once more and heading back to the quadrant.

There are a few cadets walking around, either heading to breakfast, their morning duties, or back to their rooms. Some do double takes, seeing the hole in my tunic with blood seeping out and the blood on my face. One cadet even leaping out of my way. I pay them no mind. My eyes sharpened into a cold glare as I head towards the dining hall, searching for Dain.

Just as I move around the corner, closest to the dining hall, I bump into him. "Are you okay?" He asks, noticing the blood on my face.

I scoff, "Just the person I was looking for. You have a second to talk in private, squad leader?"

"Are you hurt? Do you need the healers?"

"What I need is to talk with you."

His eyes narrow in confusion, "Okay? How privately?"

I whisper through gritted teeth, making sure that none of the passing cadets can hear me, "That depends on if you want people to know that your attempt to get your squadmate killed failed."

"What?"

"Oh, so that's how you want to play it?"

"Hold on, I never-" He stops himself, "Come with me." He quickly ushers me away, leading me to his bedroom. "What are you talking about? What happened?"

I roll my eyes, "That first year from second squad you sent after me? He's dead by the Iakobos."

"Someone went after you?"

"You should consider acting, Aetos."

"(Y/N), I never sent anyone after you."

I scoff, "Oh, so just asking about where I was going and if I was going alone was just out of per curiosity and a random guy - who I don't even know the name of - who hates me, managed to overhear and then attempt to kill me."

"I asked you where you were going this morning because I never saw you up that early before. And I asked if you were going alone because with your last name a lot of people don't want you here and traveling in groups is safer."

"You really expect me to believe that?" I yell, taking a step towards Dain. My hand flies up to my side, the adrenaline wearing off causing the pain to be worse.

"You're hurt. Let me look." Dain steps forward.

I recoil, "Stay the fuck away from me!"

Dain sighs, "(Y/N), I swear to Amari I never told anyone about your run and I never sent someone to kill you. Now either let me bring you to the healers or let me check your wound."

"I'm fine! I don't need your help." I try to storm past him, but he grabs my arm.

"Let me help." My glare never leaves my face but Dain doesn't back away.

"Let. Me. Go."

"No. As your squad leader, I order you to let me check your wound."

I scoff, "Oh, as my squad leader? News flash, Dain, I don't give a fuck what you are. I can take care of myself."

"I'll tell Xaden."

"Really? Tell him what exactly?"

"That you're too stubborn for your own good. That you won't let someone help you when you're injured. That you were dumb enough to go on a run by yourself when half the quadrant wants you dead."

"Dumb? I'm still alive in case you haven't noticed."

"Yeah for now, but what if that cadet brought along some friends. That wound on your side probably would had been a lot worse. You would had probably been with Malek right now."

I shove Dain off of me, knowing that I'm not indestructible and he's right, but not wanting to admit that out loud. "Fine. Want to check my wound?" I drop the sword, then reach down to pull my tunic over my head, "Go on. Check it."

His jaw ticks, but he nods to his bed, "Sit. Let me get my first aid kit." I roll my eyes, but do as he says. I lean back on my hands so I don't put pressure on the wound. I look down at the cut, the cut is deep enough that I'm going to need stitches.

"I'm going to get blood on your sheets." I say, looking up to him as he approaches, scowl still on my face.

Dain shrugs, "Wouldn't be the first time someone got blood on them." He squats down in front of me, "This may sting a little." He pours alcohol onto a cloth, then gently rubs it over my wound. "What happened?" He quietly asks.

I nod to the long sword that I dropped on his floor, "He had the reach with his sword, I only had my daggers on me. I misjudged and he cut me. So I threw one of my daggers into his neck."

"Well at least you're okay. And now you know not to go on runs by yourself." I purse my lips, "You will go running with someone, right?" He raises an eyebrow. He puts the cloth down, "You need stitches."

"I wasn't planning on it. Do you have a needle and thread in the kit?"

Dain nods, asking, "Running again?"

I roll my eyes, "Going with someone." I reach for the needle and thread that Dain pulled out but he pulls it out of my reach. I narrow my eyes but let him prepare the needle, "It's nice to have some alone time, when you're surrounded by other cadets twenty-four seven."

"Do you have a death wish?" Dain scoffs, "Lay back." He instructs, once I do he reaches for the wound, starting to stitch it back together.

I hiss in pain, "I can handle myself." I say through gritted teeth, "And if you're telling the truth then I don't have to worry about people knowing I'm running alone."

He shakes his head, finishing the last stitch, "I'm not going to tell anyone, (Y/N). You and your brother may not be my favorite people but you're in my squad." He gets gauze out of his first aid kit to cover the stitched up wound, once finished, he checks the time. "Shit. We're going to be late to formation." He stands, moving to his closet and taking out a tunic, "It's going to be big on you but you don't have time to get a new one."

I sit up, taking his tunic from his out stretched hand, pulling it over my head. My senses fill with the smell of leather and soap. When I look at him again, he's holding out an apple. My brows knit together in confusion, "You didn't go to breakfast. At least this way you're not functioning on a completely empty stomach." He holds out a cloth for me as well, "You still have blood on your face."

I reach for the apple and cloth, "Thanks." I mumble. I turn towards his desk, there's a mirror above it and I quickly clean off my face. Then I pick up the discarded sword just as he moves to open his door, holding it for me to walk out first. I take a bite of the apple as we both head to morning formation.

Once at morning formation, we get a couple odd looks seeing that we're arriving together and I'm wearing a shirt that is clearly too big. The attention is quickly taken off of us as Captain Fitzgibbons reads off the death roll, "Calvin Atwater, Carolyn Bennett, Newland Jahvon, Aurelie Donans."

*_*_*_*_* Dain

The next morning I'm up early waiting outside the first year woman's barracks. I'm not sure if (Y/N) was planning on running today or not but I'd rather be here just in case. Sure enough (Y/N) steps out of the room, almost running right into me, "Great. Why are you here?" She scowls.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes, "Going on a run again?" I ask, instead of answering her question. (Y/N) nods, "By yourself?" She nods again. "I'm coming with you."

"I'm sorry. What?" She asks, crossing her arms.

"I'm. Coming. With. You." I look (Y/N) directly in her onyx eyes as I slowly repeat myself.

"Why?"

"Someone almost killed you yesterday."

(Y/N) laughs, "The cadet did not almost kill me, he threatened to kill me and all he left me with was a singular cut before I took his life."

"Do the details matter? Someone wanted to kill you yesterday, and they took advantage of the fact you were by yourself. And clearly you didn't tell any of your squad or your brother about this because if you did I bet at least one of them would be here with you."

(Y/N) takes a step closer to me, standing so we're chest to chest. Her arms brushing against me, "I don't need protection, Aetos. I'm not Violet. I'm perfectly capable of handling people trying to kill me."

I don't back down, eyes narrowing, "Either walk back into the barracks and wait for breakfast, cadet, or run with me. Those are your only two options."

(Y/N)'s eyes narrow in return, "Why do you care?"

"You're in my squad, you're under my protection. No one is killing you on my watch."

(Y/N) scoffs, reaching back to tie her hair into a loose ponytail, "You know what? Fine. Hope you can keep up." She runs fast, probably trying to make me fall behind, but I stay with her.

I stay silent for a while but I need to ask her if anyone said anything about the day before, "Did anyone say anything to you yesterday?" When she doesn't answer, I try again, "Imogen tried to ask why we showed up to formation together. Then she asked why your shirt was too big."

I wait for her response, glancing at her out of the the corner of my eye. When she still doesn't answer, I continue, "I told her it was just a coincidence that we showed up at the same time and I didn't know anything about your shirt." She still doesn't respond. Gods, she's stubborn. "She's really protective of you, you know?"

"Well the fuck aware. I'll deal with it if she asks me." (Y/N) finally replies.

"So did the squad ask?" I question, she nods but doesn't say anything else. As our run comes to an end, I'm breathing heavier than (Y/N), which is saying a lot considering I'm already bonded to a dragon.

You need to run more. Maybe it's a good thing the first year is refusing to tell anyone else. Cath says to me. I roll my eyes but don't respond to my dragon.

"Gods, how do you have such good stamina?" I ask as I wipe the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand. (Y/N) smirks, but doesn't answer. My mind flashes to (Y/N) naked in bed, I quickly shake the thought away, "Really?" I ask exasperated.

Cath chortles, And you claim to dislike her.

(Y/N) laughs, "I didn't say anything."

"It was written all of over your face." I scold. She's attractive, that doesn't mean I like her. I snap at Cath, my jaw ticking.

"You can interpret my facial expressions however you want, Aetos."

I shake my head, "Same time tomorrow?"

(Y/N) sighs, "You seriously don't need to come with me."

"Are you going to tell someone else about the murder attempt?"

"It's a typical day for me. I can handle myself."

"I have no doubt that you can." I step closer to her, she tilts her head to look me directly in the eyes, "But I'm still not letting you go by yourself."

The tip of her tongue darts out of her mouth, wetting her lips, my brown eyes following the movement, "I'll see you tomorrow morning then." She says, before walking away.

*_*_*_*_* (Y/N)

The next few practice runs on the Gauntlet have gone great for me, despite being in minor pain because of my wound. I make it up each time and my time improves as well. I haven't had to reach for a rope again either. Violet and Tynan are the only two left in the squad who haven't made it to the top. I feel bad for Violet but at least Tynan has stopped running his mouth. I'm still holding out hope that on presentation day he'll fall.

It's the day before presentation and the last practice, I lay on top of the cliff, Ridoc beside me. We were the first two to run. Sawyer. Rhiannon, and Violet are standing before the chimney trying to figure out how to help Violet get up. Ridoc and I both decided not to watch since we can't hear them anyways.

"You're going to end up with the fastest time tomorrow." Ridoc says.

"Maybe in our squad, but Liam told me his best time and I doubt I'll beat him." I reply.

"Do you both have to be good at everything?"

I smile, "Yes." Ridoc laughs, shaking his head. A red dragon flies overhead, "Pretty."

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that." Ridoc sighs.

"Sure you will. In a matter of days you're going to be a badass dragon rider. Seeing them fly above you is going to be nothing compared to flying on the back of one."

"Very true, Riorson." Ridoc and I smile at each other, "Gods, I can't wait."

*_*_*_*_*

"Doria Merrill," Captain Fitzgibbons says from the dais, during morning formation. Formation gets tighter every day as we lose more and more cadets. "Kamryn Dyre." It's presentation day, one of the deadliest in the quadrant. "Arvel Pelipa." Imogen and Quinn suck in a breath. First years aren't the only ones at risk, we're just the most likely to die. I send Imogen a sad smile, she nods in response. "Michael Iverem. We commend their souls to Malek."

Formation breaks, "Second and third years, unless you're on Gauntlet duty, head to class." Dain says to the squad, "First years, it's time to show us what you've got." He forces a smile, gaze stopping on Violet.

Imogen looks at Violet, she tucks a strand of pink hair behind her ear, "Good luck today. Hopefully you won't fall…short." She turns to look at me, pulling me into a tight hug, "You got this, (Y/N). Make me proud."

I smile, "Don't I always?" She smiles back, ruffling my hair causing me to slap her hand away. She walks off with Quinn and Cianna.

"Best of luck," Heaton one of two third years in our squad says to us. They tap their heart, right over two of their patches and offers us a genuine tight-lipped smile before heading to class. I've earned a patch for being undefeated in challenges but like Xaden I don't wear the extra patches. Just the ones that say my wing and year.

"I didn't realize Heaton actually knew how to speak." Two lines appear between Ridoc's brows.

"Maybe they figure they should at least say hi before we're potentially roasted today," Rhiannon says, causing me to snort.

"Back in formation," Dain orders.

"Are you coming with us?" Violet asks him. He nods, but doesn't look at her.

A few seconds pass before Ridoc speaks once more, "We're the biggest squad," He's looking around, assessing the other squads.

"What are we down to?" Tynan asks, "Hundred and eighty?"

"Hundred and seventy one," Dain answers.

"For a hundred dragons? But what will we..." Trina starts.

She's cut off by Luca, "Stop letting fear leach into your voice. If the dragons think you're a coward, you'll be nothing but a name tomorrow."

"I hope you're nothing but a name tomorrow." I mumble under my breath. I'm the closest to Dain so he hears my barb, he sends me a look and I innocently smile back.

"Stop it. You need to support your squad." Dain scolds quietly.

"I'll support my squadmates that I actually care about, I'm not a squad leader like you, I don't need to care for everyone in the squad." He rolls his eyes, "Still want to go on those morning runs with me?"

"You're insufferable." He states. "How's your wound?"

"Fine, just like I told you this morning." Dain nods, "You still never answered my question."

"Fourth Wing!" Xaden calls from ahead, "Move out!"

Dain glances at me out the corner of his eye, "I'll see you for our morning run tomorrow. And I still think it was stupid to go for one today." Then he falls back, moving to the back of our formation. Our section is first, Xaden falls behind, walking next to me and letting Garrick lead.

"Good luck, I know you'll do great on the Gauntlet." He says, reaching out to give my shoulder a squeeze.

"I said when I got here that the only way I plan on dying is if a dragon doesn't find me worthy. So let's hope they like me."

"They will. If Sgaeyl likes you - which she does, and she's one of the hardest to please - how can the ones at Presentation not?"

I smile, "Thanks. I love you."

Xaden smiles back, "I love you too." He leaves my side, moving back towards the front of the wing, towards Garrick.

Forty five minutes later, it's my turn on the Gauntlet. I fly over the spinning log and leap from pillar to pillar, quickly hopping into the wheel. I hop out at the second rotation, completing ascent one. I jump onto the first buoy ball, grabbing the chain and swinging from ball to ball.

I take a deep breath before jumping up to grab the iron rails on the third ascent, I climb hand over hand making it to the shaking pillars. I aim my landing perfectly, bending my knees to brace the impact. I jump to each pillar and don't hesitate to run up the fourth ascent. All these morning runs were for this, to keep my stamina up during the Gauntlet, and in future battles.

I make it to the last ascent, I run at the chimney, my body making an X before hopping up and climbing on to the edge before the ramp. I take one more breath then run as fast as I can, when gravity starts pulling me down, I throw my hand up catching the lip and pulling myself up the rest of the way.

Sawyer and Ridoc run at me, enveloping me in a tight hug. They went before me, I'm the third in the squad to go. "Badass!" Ridoc exclaims, "You flew through the course!"

"Seriously, you made it look easy, (Y/N)." Sawyer says.

I giggle, "Come on. Let's go watch the rest of our squad." I make eye contact with Xaden and Garrick who both send me proud smiles. Then I turn to watch the rest of the squad. Trina, Luca, Rhiannon, Pryor, and Tynan all make it up. Violet is the last on the course, she's just made it past ascent four, stopping before the chimney. This is it for her, she hasn't completed this obstacle yet, but I know she can.

"You can do it!" Rhiannon yells to Violet.

"Or you can do us all a favor and fall!" Jack calls out. My head snaps in his direction but before I can move both Sawyer and Ridoc grab onto my arms.

"Let go, I only want to talk with him." I mumble.

"Talk with your fists,maybe." Ridoc mumbles, refusing to let go.

I roll my eyes but look back down as I hear Rhiannon yell, "What are you doing?" Violet is grabbing one of the ropes. She drags it horizontally across the surface of the cliff. She gets the bottom portion onto the chimney, pulling the rope tight. She plants one foot on the side of the shaft and gives the rope a tug.

"Can she do that?" Someone snaps. I turn to see Amber Mavis, the wingleader for second wing. Violet climbs the chimney, using the rope for leverage.

Once she makes it to the top Ridoc shouts, "Hell yes! That's our girl!"

"You got this Violet! One more!" I cheer her on. Violet takes a breath, unsheathing one of her daggers. She's runs as fast as she can towards the ramp, when gravity begins to pull her back down she swings her arm up, slamming her dagger into the ramp, a guttural scream rips through her throat. She reaches up with her other hand, grabbing the lip of the ramp, pulling herself up, using the dagger to step on for extra leverage.

Once up, she lays on her stomach, reaching over the edge to retrieve her dagger. Ridoc, Sawyer, Rhiannon, and I rush over, nearly tackling Violet in a group hug. "She can't do that!" Amber screams.

"Yeah, well she just did!" Ridoc argues.

"You made it! You made it!" Rhiannon cheers.

"Luck," Violet draws in a shaky breath, "And. Adrenaline."

"Cheating!" Amber yells, once more, stomping over to us.

I snap, not caring that she's a wingleader, "Back the fuck up."

Her jaw drops in shock, but before she can reply to me, Garrick steps in between us. She clenches her jaw but stops, "Watch your tone with me, cadet." I roll my eyes. She turns to look between Garrick and Xaden, "The cheater clearly used foreign materials not once but twice! It's not to be tolerated! We live by the codex or we die by them!"

"Gods," I mumble to my squad, "Can I punch her?" Ridoc snorts.

"I don't take kindly to calling anyone in my section a cheater," Garrick says, "And my wingleader will handle any rule-breaking in his own wing."

"Sorrengail?" Xaden calls out.

"I expect the thirty second penalty for using the rope," Violet answers.

"And the knife?" Amber's eyes narrow, "She's disqualified." Xaden doesn't answer, still watching Violet, "Surely she's out! You can't tolerate lawlessness within your own wing, Riorson!"

But Xaden remains quiet, waiting for Violet. "A rider may only bring to the quadrant the items they can carry-" Violet begins.

She's cut off by Amber, "Are you quoting the codex to me?"

"- And they shall not be separated from those items no matter what they may be," She continues like she wasn't interrupted. "For once carried across the parapet, they are considered part of their person. Article Three, Section Six, Addendum B."

I smirk, waiting for Xaden's reply, but it's Amber who opens her mouth once more, "That Addendum was written to make thievery an executional offense."

"Correct," Violet nods in agreement, "But in doing so, it gave any item carried across the parapet the status of being a part of the rider." She unsheathes the dagger she used, "This isn't a challenge blade. It's one I carried across and therefore considered part of myself."

Amber's eyes flare but Violet speaks once more, this time looking at Xaden, "The right way isn't the only way."

Xaden holds her stare, "She has you, Amber."

"On a technicality!" She tries to argue.

"She still has you."

"You think like a scribe!"

"I know." Violet agrees. Amber marches off, clearly pissed.

"Sorrengail," Xaden says, causing Violet to turn to him once more, "You're leaking." He gestures to her hands, "Do something about it." Rhiannon helps Violet cut the sleeves off her tunic to bandage her hands, then we wait for the rest of the cadets to either make it up the cliff or die trying.

*_*_*_*_*

There are 169 first year cadets left by the time everyone finishes the Gauntlet. Even with Violet's penalty for using the rope, we ended up eleventh out of thirty six squads. Liam won the Gauntlet patch, being the fastest one up. I asked Xaden, where I placed individually and I was third, which I was happy about.

The box canyon that makes up the training field is a colorful array of reds, oranges, and golds. Autumn was always my favorite time of year. I love the crisp air and the colors littering the trees; everything looks serene.

The dragons line the valley, standing twenty-five feet tall. They're in a formation of their own, lined up several feet back, close enough to pass judgment as we walk past. "Let's go, Second Squad, you're up next." Garrick calls out. "Into formation." We all move, Rhiannon, Violet, and I ending up near the back.

There's a sound like rushing wind that stops quickly, one of the dragons wasn't happy with one of the cadets. Garrick's eyes skim over the group, stopping on me, "Hopefully Aetos has done his job, so you know that it's a straight walk down the meadow. I'd recommend staying at least seven feet apart-"

Ridoc interrupts, "In case one of us gets scorched."

"Correct, Ridoc." Garrick's gaze turns away from me, addressing the whole group, "Cluster if you want, just know if a dragon finds disfavor with one of you, it's likely to burn the whole lot to weed one out." He pauses, "Also, remember you're not here to approach them, and if you do, you won't be making it back to the dormitory tonight."

"Can I ask a question?" Luca says from the front. I roll my eyes, Garrick nods, but his jaw ticks. He's annoyed, he doesn't like Luca on my behalf plus he's always been impatient. "Third Squad, Tail Section of Fourth Wing already went through, and I talked to some of the cadets…"

"That's not a question," Garrick lifts his brows. I smirk at his tone. He's intimidating to everyone else, but to me he's just a big teddy bear.

"Right. It's just that they said there's two feathertails?"

"F-Feathertails?" Tynan sputters, he's in front of Violet. "Who the hell would ever want to bond a feathertail?"

I roll my eyes, I tend to do that a lot whenever Luca or Tynan open their mouths, they have that affect on people. "Professor Kaori never told us there would be feathertails." Sawyer says, "I know because I memorized every single dragon he showed us. All hundred of them."

"Well, guess there's a hundred and two now." Garrick replies, "Relax. Feathertails don't bond. I can't even remember the last time one has been seen outside the Vale. They're probably just curious. You're up. Stay on the path. You walk up, you wait for the entire squad, you walk back down. It really doesn't get much easier than this, kids, so if you can't follow those simple instructions, then you deserve whatever happens in there."

We follow the crowd of first years, stopping in front of Nyra, the senior wingleader. "They're all yours," Garrick says. He walks past me, squeezing my arm, "I'll see you later." He whispers before walking off.

"Single file." Nyra calls to the squad. I move so I'm the last person in line, Rhiannon and Violet right ahead of me. "Talk."

"Nice day for a Presentation," Ridoc jokes.

"Not to me," Nyra narrows her eyes, "Talk to your nearby squadmates while you're on the path, as it will help the dragons get a sense of who you are and how well you play with others. There's a correlation between bonded cadets and level of chatter."

She pauses, looking at each squad member, "Feel free to look at the dragons, especially if they're showing off their tails, but I would abstain from eye contact if you value your life. If you come across a scorch mark, just make sure nothing's currently on fire before continuing along. See you after your stroll."

She sweeps her hand, stepping to the side. The line starts to move, everyone giving the suggested seven feet before following. We pass a trio of reds first. "I can't even see their tails!" Tynan shouts from ahead of Violet, "How are we supposed to know what breed they are?"

I roll my eyes but keep my mouth shut, "We're not supposed to know what breed they are," Violet responds.

"Fuck that, I need to figure out which one I'm going to approach during Threshing."

"Pretty sure they're the ones to decide, Tynan. Or have you already forgot what Kaori taught us?" I say, I probably should have left that last part out but I might as well be authentically myself. The dragons need to know the real me and make their decisions based on that.

"Hopefully one of them will decide you don't get to make it to Threshing," Rhiannon says so quietly that I barely hear her.

I laugh, "Him and Luca." I reply just as quietly, causing her to laugh as well.

We are now approaching a set of browns. "They're a little bigger than I thought they would be…" Rhiannon trails off, "Not that I didn't see the ones at Parapet, but…"

"So do you know if you're having a niece or a nephew?" Violet asks, trying to distract Rhiannon.

We pass a handful of oranges as Rhiannon replies, "What?"

"I've heard some of the healers can make pretty good guesses once a woman is further along in her pregnancy."

"Oh. No. No clue. Though I'm kind of hoping she'll have a girl. I guess I'll find out once we finish the year and can write our families."

"Ugh," I groan, "I hate that rule. It's so dumb."

"Agreed." Violet pipes up, "It is a bullshit rule."

"You don't think it encourages loyalty to the wing?" Rhiannon asks us.

"Honestly, I just think it's about control." I shrug.

Violet answers next, "I think I'm just as loyal to my sister whether I've had a letter from her or not. There are bonds that can't be broken."

"I'd be loyal to your sister too," Tynan calls out. He turns around, facing Violet, "She's one hell of a rider, and that ass. I saw her right before Parapet and damn, Violet. She's hot."

"Turn around," Violet makes a spinning motion with her finger, "Mira would eat you for breakfast, Tynan."

"I'm just wondering how one of you got all the good traits and the other looks like she got the leftovers."

"Are you blind? Violet's so hot. I think it's just in the Sorrengail genes." I say. I think of Brennan, who is also very attractive.

Violet laughs, "Says you. The Riorson's clearly have some good genes too."

I laugh, "Are you saying me and my brother are hot, Violet?"

She doesn't answer but Tynan speaks up again, "All I'm saying is maybe I'll write a letter of my own to your sister once we get privileges."

"A nephew would be good," Rhiannon says, changing the topic. "Boys aren't too bad."

"My brother was awesome, but he and Dain are my only experience with growing up around little boys." Violet replies. "Though I think Dain was probably a little more rule-abiding than most kids." I snort, picturing little Dain always following the rules. "He likes order and pretty much detests anything that doesn't fit neatly into his plan." She pauses, "What about you, (Y/N)? What was it like growing up with Xaden and Bodhi?"

I quietly laugh, "They was the best. Xaden's always been there for me, even when we were separated. Bodhi too, though Xaden was always a bit more serious than Bodhi. Xaden never tried to stop me from hanging around him and Garrick even when I was being annoying. He's definitely my built in best friend."

"What about Garrick?" Rhiannon asks.

"Garrick too. He could had gotten annoyed so many times with me following them around but he never minded. I remember we used to play hide and seek in the halls of Riorson House, Gods that was so much fun. And Liam…" I trail off, "When Liam and I met we were attached at the hip. I was miserable whenever he was gone. I think Garrick, Bodhi, and Xaden let me hang around them so much because they hated seeing me upset."

"They sound great," Rhiannon replies.

"Yeah, they seem to really love you." Violet says.

I smile but don't answer, my head is filled with memories of growing up in Aretia. "You guys done bonding back there?" Tynan sneers, "Because we're almost to the end of the line, if you haven't noticed." He pauses, "And I still haven't figured out which one I'm going to choose."

"With arrogance like that, I'm sure any dragon would feel lucky to share your mind for the rest of your life." Violet replies.

The rest of the squad is gathered at the end of the path, facing our direction. Their focus is to the right, there's a brown dragon up ahead, though I can't see what's behind it. "What the hell?" Tynan stares.

"Keep walking," Violet orders. Her gaze is so focused she stumbles right into Tynan.

"Get off me, Sorrengail." He hisses, shoving her back, "Who the hell would bond those?"

That's when I see them, two feathertails sitting side-by-side. One gold, the other silver. "They're fucking yellow and gray." Luca's lip curls in disgust, "So not only are they obviously too small to carry a rider in battle, but they're not even powerful enough to be a real color."

I roll my eyes, "There's so much we don't know about dragons, how do you know that there aren't more silver and gold dragons in the Vale? I mean we learned about a white one, and there's no other like her."

"Maybe it's a mistake," Sawyer says quietly, "Maybe it's a baby orange and black."

"They're fully grown," Rhiannon argues, "There's no way the other dragons allow babies to bond. No human alive has ever seen a baby."

"It's a mistake all right," Tynan agrees with Sawyer. He scoffs, "You should bond one of them, Sorrengail. You're both freakishly weak. It's a match made in heaven."

"It looks powerful enough to burn you to death," Violet counters. I want to punch Tynan on her behalf but I can't stick up for her like that in front of the dragons, she needs to prove herself.

Sawyer lunges between Tynan and Violet, grabbing Tynan's collar. My jaw drops, that's unbelievably hot. Especially since he's held me back from punching Tynan so often. "Don't ever say that about a squadmate, especially not in front of unbonded dragons."

"Let him go - he's just saying what we're all thinking," Luca mutters.

"You two are the only ones thinking that." I snap.

Trina places a hand on Sawyer's shoulder, "Don't make a mistake in front of them. We don't know what they'll do." Sawyer drops Tynan's collar. We all step away from each other so we're not grouped together anymore.

"Someone should kill them before they bond," Tynan sputters, "They're just going to get their riders killed, and it's not like we get a choice if they want to bond."

"You're just picking up on that now, are you?" Ridoc shakes his head.

"Well, I think they're beautiful. Garrick's probably right anyways, they're just curious. They can't carry riders, it wouldn't make sense for them to bond. The rider and dragon would both be in danger."

"We should go back," Pryor says, his gaze darts around the group, "I mean… if you think we should. We don't have to, of course."

"For once in your life," Tynan snaps, pushing Pryor to start walking, "make a damn decision, Pryor."

Sawyer goes after Tynan, me following behind, then Trina behind me. "So, Sawyer. After all this time telling me to be nice…" I trail off, teasing the tall boy.

"Do as I say, not as I do." Sawyer replies, laughing.

"I mean, it was kinda hot, seeing you be protective like that."

He glances back at me, "Oh, really? Is that what does it for you, (Y/N)?"

Before I can answer Tynan inserts himself in the conversation, "Please, you can do so much better than someone who had to repeat a year, (Y/N)."

"Sawyer already knows I think he's brave for repeating."

"Brave?" Tynan, whips around.

"Keep walking," Sawyer scolds.

Tynan walks backwards looking around Sawyer to eye me, "Yes, brave. It's brave enough showing up expecting to do three years then live out your life as a dragon rider, but to add an extra year to the college where other cadets constantly try to kill you? It's brave."

"Thanks, (Y/N)." Sawyer says.

"Whether it's brave or not, you deserve someone who didn't have to repeat." Tynan replies.

"Oh yeah? Like who?"

"Well, I bet I'd be better than him."

I roll my eyes, "Only in your dreams, Tynan."

"Oh you've definitely been in my dreams."

"Ugh, Gods, that's disgusting."

"Turn back around, Tynan." Sawyer snaps. Tynan smirks but turns back around.

"You can move a little faster up there, Pryor." Rhiannon calls out.

"Maybe we should slow down and take our time?" Pryor replies, but it sounds like a question, "Or I guess we can go faster if we want to get out of here." A red dragon steps out of line, halting the squad. It opens it's mouth, exposing it's fangs. The fire erupts from along the sides of it's tongue, right at Pryor. The scent of sulfur and burned grass enters my nose.

We pause, waiting for the fire to stop, "Fire's out." Tynan calls, then continues to walk the path. I pass the pile of ash that used to be Pryor, trying to think of something else to talk about.

"Xaden approves of you, Sawyer."

He laughs, "What do you mean?"

"He knows we've gotten close, said I could do worse. That's approval from Xaden if I ever heard it."

"Well that's good to know. Your brother is intimidating as fuck."

"Yeah, maybe to others."

"To everyone, the only reason you're not intimidated by him is because he's your brother." Tynan says from up front.

"Nah, plenty of the marked ones aren't intimidated by him. We just know him better."

"He kinda scares me," Trina says from behind me, causing me to laugh, "Honestly, you're a lot like him from what I can see." We hear another whoosh of fire from behind us, I glance behind me just to make sure it wasn't Trina.

When I see she's still there I reply, "He was basically my hero growing up, so I'm not surprised we seem so similar." We walk past the last of the dragons. Everyone in the squad besides Pryor and Luca make it out.

Taglist: @desprrssooo-espresssooooo

#series rewrite #the empyrean #fourth wing #xaden x sister!riorson reader #xaden riorson #dain aetos #violet sorrengail #bodhi durran #garrick tavis #imogen cardulo #liam mairi #rhiannon matthias #ridoc gamlyn #sawyer henrick

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gotham-daydreams · 6 months ago

Note

I love your concept of batman!reader, it makes me want to rip out chunks of my room wall with my teeth. So perhaps you can tell me and the rest of the audience something more about that universe.

Cheers!

Of course! And if anyone has any specific questions about anything in particular I'd be happy to answer them as well :]

Nevertheless, the universe itself is... interesting, I'd say!

It definitely falls into this small category I'm sort of making for myself in terms of characters where they "do too much", even if their reasons vary. Since let's just say that Batman!Reader is honestly a little too much like Bruce, and if he was somehow more dedicated to the mission. And by 'dedicated' I mean if you take Bruce's self sacrificial nature, and crank it up to eleven.

It's a shame too because Bruce obviously wants 'Batman' to act more like 'Nightwing' - a symbol that people can look to, not in collective fear, but as a symbol of hope and justice. Batman!Reader on the other hand, does not make that possible. In their own way, they really try to become Batman and disregard the human beneath it all entirely. But that's getting a little too much into the actual story itself-

I will say that in this universe, Gotham is actually safe. The crime it was once know for has taken a heavy hit, and everyone is safe - but at the cost of criminals essentially fearing for their lives. Your average citizen is safe, but for those under the streets and in back alleys, its very much like they're "under new management", and one that isn't as forgiving as the Bats that came before the current one.

Though, that is by design.

As I said in the little summary/concept, everyone is dead - but they didn't all die right away. There was a process the reader went through to get the cowl, and they actually were able to dawn it before everyone got the boot - but as you can guess from said little summary, they still don't quite feel like it's their own. Batman is still Bruce, it's still Dick to them, even if practically everyone else in the city would definitely be confused if either of those two were to dawn the cowl again - if they were able to.

Alfred is actually alive! Albeit very old and definitely living his last days, as one can imagine.

There is new technology! But I won't go into specifics since I'm not really all that smart and can't really say anything besides "everything pretty much has an upgrade", so...

Batman! Reader is actually very anti social and needs to get out more, it really is like the early days of Bruce being Batman, but worse.

Reader also had their own Robin at some point named 'Sparrow', things... did not go well on that end.

I imagine that the Wayne Manor is on a hill, at least in this particular universe, and everyone is basically buried there a little ways away from the manor. The reader even had the Grayson's and such moved so no one would be apart from their family, it makes them feel closer that way and makes it easier to visit them. Not to mention it avoids a certain incident that happened a long while ago from happening again.

There are new villians! One of which actually causes the batfam from another universe to come into Batman!Reader's dimension. Another raises the dead, but that isn't important as of now - and there are more... as I come up with them and also remember to write them down! Do they have names? Not at the moment! And also I kind of suck at names if no one could guess from the titles I come up with.

There is a statue in Gotham of the Batfam - minus Batman for obvious reasons, but Bruce and Gordon are squeezed on there. Blüdhaven has a statue of Nightwing. In the building for Wayne Enterprises, they have little holographic models of their previous CEOs and such, along with everyone that's come before, Tim is the latest one on there - the reader has yet to submit their model. To which, a friend of their's is helping them with the buisness - think of her as this reader's Lucius Fox.

Batman! Reader only has two other servants aside from Alfred (though they are more like the reader's only friends), mostly to keep the Manor clean and take care of Alfred while they're away.

Reader is also very tech savy and into how machines work and what not, all that nerd stuff! So very much like Tim, Bruce, and Barbara in that way. There is always something to get done and improve, and I will say that the stuff Alfred used to get around - the reader made themself.

In classic fashion, Alfred is actually very disappointed in a lot of the choices Batman! Reader has made in their life, but so are those closest to them, so be fair...

With no context, Batman! Reader is like if "ManBat" actually succeeded.

----

If anyone wants to know more, or has any questions, feel free to ask away!

#talking daydreams #yandere batfam #batman reader #darkest night

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energ00n · 5 months ago

Note

Ok, making this clear now, this isn't an ask, but a message to those who keep bothering energ00n here. Some of yall are tripping hard or just are being plain ignorant or just being hateful cause y'all can never be happy & never touch grass for some reason.

That last post about Jazz being black and accusing energ00n here for being...idk, stereotypical or racist, is just plain stupid. Was there any racists moments they did or made? No. Was there any stereotypes? No. Was there any indication that he's a black man in all this and not a giant fucking robot in any sort of context whatsoever??? No! If anything, they're just treating Jazz like Jazz and in character in their own way, just cause they don't know the entire expansion of Transformers does not mean they are painting Jazz or any of character in a bad light. Like, for God's sake, I'm black, you wanna come at them with that shit then you better be ready to deal with my ass.

Secondly, those who are being ignorant or being downright annoying by saying this is bad, this awful, repeatedly asking questions just cause your ass doesn't wanna scroll down and read, then you might as well leave. Energ00n has answered the questions someone else beat you to, it's not that hard to read and scroll down. Plus, if your upset over a fan creation then this isn't the space for you, and who the hell takes the time & day to diss on a fan creation where nothing legitimately bad has happened. There is no proshipping, no racism, no hateful content, no misinterpreting anyone, none of that. Just a person who loves Transformers and wanted to share a really amazing AU with the world.

So please, leave energ00n alone and let them do their thing. They have made it clear multiple times, they're not an asshole for having boundaries, they're not a bad person and haven't done anything wrong. Get a life and go join a different fandom if you feel the need to critize someone for doing something they enjoy. Seriously, go after people who are problematic instead of waisting your time trying to justify an argument that never existed to begin with.

(Again, I'm sorry, just had to get it off my chest)

You're too kind to me!!

I've have a few black folks saying that my portrayal of Jazz is fine and it really warms my heart. I feel troubled that you guys even had to defend me because this is the most nothing burger situation ever. My Jazz was largely inspired by his character in Transformers: Exodus the TFP prequel novel, quotes and all. If I put any trope into Jazz, it's the Kdrama, anime, cliche love triangle trope, I have noooo clue what anon was talking about.

I'd like to note that you guys don't have to worry for me!!! I'll still get hotheaded at repetitive or weird asks but it's still entertaining to me than legit anger. If I really get stressed from asks or hate, I'll just shut off anon asks. I know how to handle myself, just want you guys to join in on the laugh whenever we get some weird asks lol

#ask ene

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sporeclan · 6 months ago

Note

Hellooooo! I’m working on a clangen blog of my own, so I’m going around asking my favorite clangen blogs some questions. I’m happy to get answers to whichever you feel like answering (or none at all if you don’t feel like it!)

What program and file size do you use?

If you use a font, what font is it?

How far ahead do you recommend playing?

Do you have any advice for layouts?

Do you have any tips for lighting/drawing fur?

Do you have any tips for making cats look more unique?

If you do backgrounds, do you have any advice for creating them?

If you use them, where do you recommend finding reference images?

Hi!! :D

1) I use Clip Studio Paint! Unfortunately not a free program, but I'm very very fond of it. Definitely recommend it to anyone who has the money! My file size is about 1680px wide, I believe? With varying heights. I definitely wouldn't recommend doing it that way, but it's what works for me so :')

2) I made the font myself, actually! Highly recommend doing that tbh, it's a happy medium between getting something handwritten looking without having to spend a thousand years writing haha :D There are probably a hundred websites out there that let you make you own font, but I used Calligraphr

3) It depends! For me playing to about 12-15 moons ahead with a minimum of 6 moons works really well with my style and workflow. Makes me able to cobble together these small interpersonal plotlines while also letting me occasionally play and get new drama to get invested in these characters all over again about. But if I were going for something with a major overarching plot, I would probably go a lot further ahead, if not straight up take the playthrough as far as I'd want it/until a game over just to not risk rng screwing with my plans

4) I would suggest looking up comic panelling tips in general for a better explaination than what I can offer, but I'll try to explain my basic process :'D I mostly go by heart, but I do like to sometimes follow this rule of thumb I like to call the 'Z'

When we read text, we learn to go from left to right, then back to left at a slight diagonal to get to the next line. By following that simple shape when placing characters and especially text, it makes it flow much more naturally to us. And when your pages flow well, you get to break that flow when you want a scene to feel more tense! I tried doing that with the last two panels of the page above and I really liked how that came out :D

Another couple of tips is 1) try not to make the panels too uniform 2) if you want to use two panels for one scene, slanting the side of a panel can make it feel like they flow into each other better, like matching two puzzle pieces if that makes sense 3) small overlapping panels are great for reaction shots and so fun to do!

And lastly, don't be afraid to break the panel border!

It can add a lot of momentum and impact if used right! Plus it's so fun to do <3

5) No sorry, I don't do lighting/shading in my comics at all :'D

6) I have a couple posts here and here describing my own process a bit! But otherwise I'd like to refer to whisper-cats' response to this same prompt, it's pretty in depth and I think they give some really solid advice here!

7) Not particularly, just find a style that works for you the best. I don't do a lot of backgrounding, but when I do, it's in this lineless limited palette style because that's just my favourite kind of background to make

I do highly recommend trying to limit how much time you spend on a background. Don't burn yourself out on one panel because then you'll never wanna finish the whole page!

And for 8), I dont use references so sadly I can't give you any good recommendations there either :')

I hope any of this made sense, lol! Good luck with your blog!

#chitchat #ask #advice #thank you so much for the question! <3<3<3

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inevitably-johnlocked · 8 days ago

Note

Steph, can I ask if it’s rude to request a fic writer to write more? I follow this one writer and she’s amazing but she posts so infrequently (she did mention a year ago she has mental health she’s dealing with). She recently posted again saying they’re updating soon and I’ve commented, but it’s been a few weeks since and she has yet to. Is following up rude? Please share your thoughts kindly I have good intentions I wear D:

Hey Nonny!

I'm going to be as kind as I can, and what I'm about to say may upset you, but you also have to understand that I am ALSO a creative that has gone through numerous mental health issues and have been fortunate enough to have fostered a very understanding community here on this blog.

Short answer: Yes. It is incredibly rude to essentially demand someone to write something that you are not paying for.

Because that's how this ask is essentially coming off to me as: You read that they had to take a hiatus due to mental health, they came back and said that they MAY have time to return, and then when didn't follow through, you essentially reminded them that they are a failure for not getting something out for you.

You even mentioned that this writer is going through a mental health crisis. To be very blunt and frank, they DIDN'T owe anyone even that revelation. No one is OWED a reason why one has put something on hold. They were doing their fans a kindness by explaining that they needed to take a mental health break. As a personal anecdote, I tell my followers when I need a break, they understand, no questions asked, and no push or demand during my hiatuses for me to come back, just kind words of "get well soon". It should be the same for writers and artists too.

The only exception is that if this was a commissioned fic that YOU paid for, then yes, it is okay to follow-up, kindly. Other than that, the author owes no one an explanation on why they abandoned a fic. AGAIN, I reiterate, that they are WRITING THIS STORY FOR FREE DURING THEIR FREE TIME IN THEIR ADULT LIFE.

Given the way this ask is worded, I postulate you can't be any older than your early 20s (I'd hazard that you're still in your teens), and it's only because most Millennial-and-Older-generations understand that life steals a lot of time from us, and we do not have the luxury of free time when we have families, events, schooling, self-care (mentally and physically), and DAY JOBS (possibly MORE THAN ONE in this economy) and sadly that steals away a lot of time.

And I'm really sorry, I'm not trying to be mean, Nonny, but you're coming off as entitled and rude. A lot of your favourite authors are 30-40+ years old. They are not teenagers with a lot of time on their hands. They are single moms and dads who are trying to work through a tragedy or a breakup. They are disabled people struggling to make ends meet. They are single income people stressing through school AND a night job to pay for their schooling. They are people going through a plethora of medical issues and debt that no one in their lives may even offer to help them get through. They are people who have been homeless for months and only now found somewhere to stay.

And STILL, creatives' primary desire is to make people happy. For free.

And to be very frank, Nonny, pestering people to update and/or provide content NOW is one of my pet peeves about the younger generations who grew up with instant gratification via social media. People are NOT streaming services. They are NOT Ubers. They are NOT specimens in a petri dish (even if they joke about it). They are human and deserve kindness and love and understanding.

If anything, pestering people to "finish" something they are not getting paid for only leads to bitterness and resentment, and in turn could have them NOT finishing it out of spite. They will lose enjoyment of the craft they once loved because they will tie their self-worth to their ability to finish something... and if they can't finish it, well... Let's just say that imposter syndrome is VERY strong in creative circles. We often feel like we aren't worth the praise and love we receive. I’ve spent a lot of time with authors and they really REALLY are passionate about their writing, and have expressed that the pressures of feeling like they will disappoint other people hangs over their heads a lot.

I'm sorry if this reply came off as overdramatic, but I'm just trying to get you to see this from the other side. I always, ALWAYS, put myself in other people's shoes, and this is what I'm trying to do for you here. Put yourself in their position, and have some empathy for what they are going through. Maybe this is because I've my own plethora of mental health issues as well that it's easier for me to do so, but I really truly am not trying to shame you.

I do believe that you have good intentions, Nonny, I REALLY do, which is why I'm approaching this more positively than I normally would have. Because I GET IT. I understand, because I can ALSO put myself in your shoes too. But the way you're currently approaching this is "not it".

So, how to approach this now? Honestly, Nonny... Back off a bit. I KNOW you want the story to be completed, but unfortunately real life tends to take precedence over fandom life. Lord knows that I've had to pull back a lot over the years because of my real life and adulting sucks. And in a few month's time, if the author still hasn't posted, you CAN just comment on the story saying "thinking of you. I hope you are well." and that's it, just to let them know that someone out there does truly love their writing and is there for them when they return. And if/when they do return, let them know how much you appreciate their story, and that this chapter was brilliant. But don't ever mention the delay in the story. Again, as I said, I can tell you from experience AND from my author friends is that they feel awful that they don't have the spoons to write more often than they do.

And I don't usually promote NOT reading a story, Nonny, but if this is how you feel every time you read a Work in Progress, it might be best for you to only read completed stories, and Mark For Later or Subscribe to a WIP so you can be notified when it's done. This isn't a slight against you, just a "coping mechanism" (sorry, best words I can use to describe this) to avoid this very thing from happening again.

That all said, thanks Nonny for giving me the chance to start a discussion here for others, especially authors, to chime in. And I really do hope, Nonny, you look inward and understand that this was NOT meant to hurt your feelings. More as a teaching moment, from Big Sister Steph, LOL.

#steph replies #fandom life #my advice #chatting with nonnies #ask me anything #author appreciation

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doonalli · 5 months ago

Text

The Point of Alice's Death in 3-1 (Mini-Analysis)

Gonna start trying a new thing where unlike my other analyses where instead of making a long post about specific characters i make shorter ones about particular scenes in the chapter.

So while it may not be as long I still hope I'm able to make you appreciate the chapter a little more bit by bit regardless With that said I want to talk about a specific (controversial?) moment, being the Yabusames death in 3-1

I'll be focusing particularly on Alice because I'm an Alice router lmao, but I'd love if any Reko'ers were able to add their own input too!! So a common criticism of the Yabusame's death is that it "comes from nowhere". Not in the sense that Ranmaru killing them came from nowhere (I've explain already why that's just not true in my Ranmaru analysis) but in the sense that it makes no sense why they specifically were targeted rather than anyone else.

At first glace it seems like it has nothing to do with their arcs at all and the easiest answer is to just say "they just so happened to be there" but this is a story and Nankidai could have chosen anyone to be there. Yet it was them specifically, so why is that? Disregarding the fact that it couldn't be anyone else REALLY for plot reasons, (Qtaro already being dead, Keiji being trapped, Gin being needed for the Banquet and Sou because it's likely he'll be necessary for 3-2) because that doesn't feel like a real answer to me, and because I feel like there is more to it than just that. One important note to call attention to is that Alice dies exactly in the same spot as Hinako did. Obviously, this already draws a connection as Alice was the one who doomed Hinako in the first place by leaving early and "betraying" her in the First Trial.

But this also leads into what in my eyes is the most important aspect of this death, which is the fact that Alice never found out that he killed Hinako in this route. Now that may seem like a point against this death, as it kills Alice before this moment in his arc, which should be important, but stay with me for a second. One of the major points of Alice's arc is the way his character asks the question of if your even better of knowing in the first place. This is shown in one of the first major changes in his route where he actually ends up using Safalin's machine where Reko didn't

Gin tells him that it doesn't seem right what he did while Safalin affirms that she still believes her machine is one way to achieve happiness.

In particular she says "If all you have is burdens, that isn't life..."

And it's this question that seems to loom over Alice over his arc for the next chapters.

Later Alice is face to face with Midori, someone who is responsible for ruining his life, right after finding out he didn't really kill him at all, and earlier in a similar situation he acted very aggressive towards Gashu

and you'd expect him to be way more mad because he has more reason to fight with Midori. Yet when he fights...

Alice is awfully calm, something he even notices himself, and it just goes to show the change between the before and after of his choice.

Even Reko, when faced with the same choice, was fully ready to fight.

And this leads Sara to question something important

So why am I even bringing this up? Well, it's because Alice's death brings up the most extreme form of this question. When he dies here, he dies not knowing he killed Hinako, but he DOES know he didn't really kill Midori

At this point Alice is in a state where he is fully oblivious to the murder he committed, thinking that he didn't kill anyone. In a way you could call this Alice's happiest state, dying not as a "real murderer", but as an "innocent person".

But is that really a happy ending? He IS dead after all; sure he isn't a murderer anymore but still. And that's what I think his death wants to ask; Is that happiness a good thing?

Maybe once 3-2 drops we'll be able to actually get an answer to the question in Kanna's route but for now it's interesting that the possibility could even happen in the first place, and I think that will make whatever the answer is end up being, hit all the harder knowing that this was a real possibility.

But another part to death in YTTD is the effect it has on the people alive, and Alice's death does this too.

After the death Sara will think about who Alice was and what he meant as a person (and Reko too, maybe even more for her)

And their death is what finally pushes Sara to swear not to be who Midori says she is.

This scene genuinely means something to everyone in the cast, it shows Sou refusing his emotions, Gin and Sara's relationship and calling attention to his sin, showing us that YTTD won't just write him off as a kid and respects his agency in the situation, and a major moment for all the dummies (which I've talked about in each of their respective analyses).

On a more sentimental level the Yabusame's were also the ones who consistently helped Ranmaru with accepting his humanity and self-confidence, so by having him kill them specifically it shows how Ranmaru ignores those words they said representing how he denies his humanity.

And most importantly it leads us to a very important scene from Q-taro where he talks about how we are all carrying sin.

And who better as a backdrop for this moment then Alice Yabusame. Someone who spent so much of his life burdened by his sin and being unable to forgive himself for it. Reko fits in a way too with her past actions and her regretting not forgiving/believing in Alice when she had the chance. Thematically it just makes sense for them to be there, just to really hit home the message Q-taro presents.

So ultimately, I think it just makes sense for the Yabusames to have been the ones who died there and that it isn't indicative of "bad" or "lazy" writing but instead actually really well done and clever in the way it adds to their arcs while also acting as a good full stop to it too.

Through how it brings together many other characters to add a note into quite literally everyone who is present's arc, and through how it completes Alice's arc in a truly poetic way, I think not only is it not a bad choice to kill them there but actually one of the best examples of YTTD using one of its most unique strengths in its split routes for its character writing.

And I hope I was able to express just why I think that is here.

================================================================================================ AFTERWORD: So yeah, I think there is more to Yabusame's death than it can seem at first and maybe I've helped you see that too or maybe you think there is something more to add or you just think I'm insane and there isn't actually anything to it idk lol

I also understand that some people like the Yabusames and are simply mad that the route they chose ended up killing them for something they felt was out of their control, but at the end of the day this is a story and characters dying is a part of it, you can feel saddened by their death, its expected even, a death SHOULD affect you in that way, but I hope you can see how this death is so much more than that and the way its masterfully woven into the themes of their characters.

It's pretty common to see criticism of this death as "pointless" or "just for shock value" and it saddens me because there is far more to it and to Alice and Reko as characters then that and so I wanted to write this in an effort to show off just how much thought is put into them even in CH3 when it's possible they aren't even there. either way I hope you enjoyed reading this mini analysis and that I got you to think about it even a little bit more!!! See you next time for a bigger analysis more akin to what you'd usually see here.

#your turn to die #yttd #yttd dummies #yttd analysis #yttd spoilers #analysis #character analysis #alice yabusame #reko yabusame #reko yttd #alice yttd

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yokumirumerafan · 4 months ago

Note

hi again i want to thank you for the muzan request i ehoyed reading it so much i think you write him really well! i always appreciate how you answer requests in slightly different ways as opposed to just writing straight up headcanons (which i love too dont get me wrong) i just think it makes your writing so fun and refreshing! on that note, after reading your nsfw alphabet on muzan (🥵) i'd love to see a fluff alphabet on him for example you can find one here: https://www.tumblr.com/snk-warriors/173203415802/fluff-alphabet?source=share

hope you have fun writing this! and im so happy to see all the success you're having with your blog🥰 im rooting for you!

EEEEEEE thanks alot for the link I'll use it in the post. Also Thanks I try my best on the work I do (I don't, I just write whatever the fuck comes to my head) and I'm glad that I actually start getting acknowledged by people, because in the first place tumblr was just for fun and I expected to fail on all my fics like I did in any other platform. But here we are!! Also I do absolutely love writing for Muzan and demons/villians in general, but anyway enough of my yap-

Muzan Kibutsuji Fluff Alphabet

A - Activities

Muzan isn’t one for idle activities, but he enjoys walking through lavish gardens at night, playing classical music, or reading together.

He also likes watching his s/o dress in fine clothing—admiring them as if they were a work of art he possesses.

B - Beauty

Muzan admires control and poise, so he finds it beautiful when his s/o carries themselves with confidence and intelligence.

Physically, he has an eye for delicate hands and expressive eyes. The way his s/o looks at him—with love, fear, or adoration—fascinates him.

C - Comfort

Muzan doesn’t handle emotions well, but he will remove whatever is distressing you.

If it’s a person, they may disappear.

If it’s an internal struggle, he’ll command you to be strong. It’s his twisted way of caring.

However, he will let you rest beside him, playing with your hair in silence.

D - Dreams

He doesn’t dream of a peaceful, simple future—he dreams of eternity.

His ideal life with his s/o? By his side forever, as an immortal, free from weakness and mortality.

E - Equal

Muzan does not see anyone as his equal—not even his s/o.

However, he grants them more freedom and respect than others.

His dominance isn’t just about power—it’s about protecting what’s his.

F - Fight

He doesn’t fight with his s/o—he fights for them.

But if there’s a disagreement? He does not like being questioned.

Arguments are cold and sharp, and he expects you to apologize first.

G - Gratitude

Muzan doesn’t express gratitude openly, but he shows it in actions.

If you bring him tea, he accepts it without complaint.

If you support him, he ensures you live in luxury.

If you’re truly special to him, he won’t let anyone touch you.

H - Honesty

He keeps secrets. So many secrets.

But he expects you to be completely honest.

If he ever shares his true feelings or vulnerabilities, know that you’re irreplaceable to him.

I - Inspiration

You don’t change Muzan—but you intrigue him.

If you have a unique perspective, he’ll actually listen.

He may even adjust his actions slightly based on your influence, which is unheard of.

J - Jealousy

Oh, absolutely. But he won’t cause a scene.

Instead, the offending person will mysteriously vanish.

He may pull you close and whisper, “You belong to me alone, don’t you?” in that eerily soft voice.

K - Kiss

Deep, slow, and possessive.

His first kiss? Calculated. A test to see if you’d pull away or melt into him.

He doesn’t just kiss—he claims.

L - Love Confession

Muzan doesn’t confess in a traditional way. Instead, he’ll say something cryptic like: “You will stay by my side. There is no other option.”

He doesn’t ask for love—he demands it.

M - Marriage

Marriage in a human sense means little to him, but if you insist, he will grant you a wedding.

If he does propose, it’s with something ancient, valuable, and drenched in meaning.

The ceremony would be private and eerie, but unforgettable.

N - Nicknames

He calls you “My Dear,” or “Beloved.”

If he’s feeling possessive, “Mine.”

In rare soft moments, your first name, spoken like a secret.

O - On Cloud Nine

Muzan in love is dangerous. He becomes more obsessed, more controlling.

He watches you constantly, ensuring you’re always near.

Others might not see it, but his affection is all-consuming.

P - PDA

Private? Yes. Public? No.

Behind closed doors, he’ll have you curled into his side, tracing patterns on your skin.

In public, a simple hand on your lower back is enough to claim you.

Q - Quirk

He never forgets a single detail about you.

You mention liking a certain tea? It’s now stocked in your home.

He knows your habits better than you do.

R - Romance

He doesn’t do cliché romance—he does grandeur.

A garden of blood-red roses that bloom only for you.

A night where the entire city seems empty, just for you two.

Romance, to him, is power and devotion intertwined.

S - Support

If your goals align with his, he will make them happen effortlessly.

If they don’t… he will persuade you to change them.

His support is absolute, but conditional.

T - Thrill

He enjoys new experiences, especially ones that deepen your bond.

A new city, a new era, a new challenge—he thrives on power and control.

U - Understanding

Muzan knows you inside and out.

He can read your emotions with a glance.

But empathy? That’s harder. He learns only for you.

V - Value

You are as important as his goals—which is saying a lot.

Muzan does not lose.

If you are his, you are his forever.

W - Wild Card

His voice at night is different.

When the world is asleep, his usual sharp tone softens.

He speaks in low murmurs, words meant only for you.

X - XOXO

Not outwardly affectionate, but in private? Deeply intense.

His touches are slow, calculated—like he’s memorizing you.

He worships your presence in silence.

Y - Yearning

Muzan does not “miss” people. But with you? It’s unbearable.

If he’s away, his thoughts are consumed with you.

He’ll return sooner than expected—just to see you again.

Z - Zeal

He would defy death for you.

He’d tear apart the heavens if it meant keeping you safe.

If Muzan Kibutsuji loves you, then his devotion is eternal.

#demon slayer muzan #demon slayer kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer x reader #demon slayer #demon slayer x y/n #demon slayer fanfic #muzan x y/n #muichiro x reader #muzan kibutsuji #kny muzan #kimetsu no yaiba muzan #kny x reader #kny fanfic #kny #merafan

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fanfictiongirlie · 8 months ago

Text

Marvel: Let Us Teach You - Chapter Ten

Click Here For Story Masterlist

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader x Steve Rogers

Description:

"Okay daddy, I trust you" I say. "What will you show me?"

"We'll start with something small, is that okay doll?" I nod to him, wanting him to know I said yes. Steve smiles at me, taking a deep breath, he swallows hard before speaking again.

"Lie back on the bed doll"

(Bucky and Steve have a daughter, and they teach her about sex)

Rating: Explicit

Words: 2,328

P.s... This fic is not for everyone, it has incest. That is not a thing everyone likes reading, so if you don't like reading stuff like that, this isn't the fic for you. I'm no condoning any of this, this isn't real life, this is fanfiction :)

In the morning, I woke to Steve and Bucky smiling at me, I giggled a little at the fact they were both just watching me.

"Morning doll, sleep well?"

"I did, what do we have planned today?" I asked, hoping they would say lazy day, I think we had more lazy days than productive days.

"We thought we'd have a lazy day doll, if that's alright with you?" Bucky smiled. I beamed, getting exactly what I wanted.

"That's completely alright with me" I giggled, snuggling closer to Bucky.

"Oh yeah? You sure doll...we're not too boring for you?" Steve teased, his fingers trailing up and down my arm.

"Never" I reply "I would much rather spend my time with you than anyone else" Both Steve and Bucky smiled at me, Bucky's arms tightening around me.

"We feel the exact same way doll, the moment we're away from you, all we do it count down the minutes until we see you again" Steve spoke, I giggled a little and tried wiggling away from Bucky.

"You two are so squishy" I giggled.

"Squishy huh? Did you just call us... Squishy?" Bucky speaks softly in my ear.

"Yeah!"

"Well isn't that a nice way to speak to your daddies" Steve spoke in a pretend angry voice. I said nothing, but snuggling into Steve, Bucky followed my movements and snuggled us both.

"You're lucky you're so damn cute doll" Bucky whispered.

"Do we need to prepare daddy?" I ask, my eyes looking right up into Steve's eyes. Steve looked at me a little confused at first.

"Prepare for what doll?" He responded.

"For when we have sex" I say quietly, my cheeks going red.

Both chuckled a little, Steve smiled at me and moved his hand to hold my cheek.

"We'll darling, I'll need to use my fingers down there, make sure you're all relaxed and comfortable" Steve explained, his thumb stroking my cheek.

"Okay daddy" I smiled, happy to have my question answered, my stomach grumbled a little and I giggled.

"Someone's hungry, I guess we better make you some breakfast" Bucky spoke, his lips tickling my ear.

"Yes please" I say and we all crawl out of bed.

"Why don't you shower whilst I make breakfast" Bucky smiled at me.

"Okay" I say grinning, I looked over to Steve "Join me?"

"Of course doll, I'd love to" He smirked and followed me into the shower room.

I undressed and stepped into the shower, feeling the water hit my body, Steve stepped in and began covering me in shower gel making sure I was al bubbly. I copied his actions and washed him, it felt relaxing, the two of us showering, washing each other. Once all cleaned, I got dressed for the day and made my way to the kitchen, Bucky had finished making breakfast, so we ate together, sitting quietly.

"What would you like to do doll?" Bucky asked.

"Maybe we can play some games?" I ask.

"Sure doll, that sounds fun, we can do that" Steve smiled.

"Let's set up the Nintendo Wii! And I can show you both how to play...again" I smirk. Both Steve and Bucky laughed a little, they were awful at video games, and I mean awful, it was hilarious to watch, and secretly I loved watching them be awful at games but still trying to be good.

"That sounds perfect" Bucky grins. We finish up breakfast and Bucky and Steve go and sit on the couch, I set up the console and gave both Bucky and Steve a controller each, of course I showed them how to use the controllers, and that they had to point it at the sensor in order for it to work.

"You're like our little gamer girl" Bucky smirks at me.

"Well you didn't have video games in the 40s, someone had to teach you" I responded, giggling.

We play for hours, most of the hours are them learning the games, but nonetheless it was fun, and I loved winning every game, or getting higher points for them, it was the only time I did win against them. They hated losing. We had a few food breaks, but mostly snacks, we were in the gaming zone.

"Can I ask something?" I ask randomly during a game of Wii Resort.

"Of doll, ask us anything" Steve smiled at me as I turned to him.

"Will daddy watch us, when we have sex?" My cheeks felt red and warm.

Bucky suddenly pulled me into his arms holding me close. "Of course I will doll! You think I'd miss it?"

"No" I giggled, wiggling in his arms.

"I will be preparing you my sweet, and then daddy will show you sex" Bucky explained in my ear, he said it deep, his voice sounded low and husky in my ear.

"Okay daddy... Can we do it now?" I asked, looking at Steve with my puppy dog eyes.

"Of course we can, are you ready?" Steve asked, I nodded, and the three of us rushed to the bedroom, Steve crawled onto the bed, and watched Bucky and me. I started to take my clothes off, but Bucky stopped me. He slowly started taking my clothes off, kissing my skin as he went. Once I was naked Bucky lifted me to lay on the bed, he laid me next to Steve so I was pressed against his side. Our skin touching.

"You sure you're ready doll?" Bucky asked me.

"I promise daddy, I'm ready"

Bucky smiled at my answer and moved so he hovered over my body, he kissed me gently, his lips feeling soft and gentle against mine. His lips stayed on mine for a little while, taking things really slow. His lips left mine, kissing along my jaw and down my neck, he sucked my neck gently, leaving a mark. He kissed down my body, leaving little marks over my chest, his tongue played with both of my nipples until I was panting for more. He gently bit down on my nipple, his fingers finally threading through my wetness, I was soaked, I could hear how wet I was, I felt dirty but it wasn't a bad feeling.

"How d'you feel doll?" Bucky asked, his tongue tracing circles around my nipple.

"Really good daddy" I whimpered as two of his fingers pressed into my wet hole. I looked over at Steve, seeing him watch us, his hand was around his cock, I felt fuzzy inside when I saw it.

"That's what we like to hear doll, you're doing so good" Steve reached down to whisper in my ear. I whimpered loudly, Bucky's fingers moved in and out, repeating their motions faster and faster.

"Feels so good" I pant loudly.

"What's the plan doll, wanna make you feel oh so good" Bucky mumbled, his lips moving against my skin, his fingers slowed as he entered a third, I whined a little, it hurt the tiniest amount, but I could take it. He slowly moved his three fingers.

"So full daddy" I gasped. He looked up from my chest, his eyes full of worry, he stopped moving his fingers.

"No, don't stop daddy" I whined. Bucky chuckled, he moved up to kiss my lips. I spread my legs further apart, wanting more of what Bucky was giving. Bucky chuckled, his lips on my neck once more.

"You like that doll?"

"How will you know when I'm ready?" I asked, my words stuttering.

"I'm stretching you open baby, so daddy can put his cock inside you" Bucky whispered, his voice sounded so different from normal.

"Will I hurt?" I whimpered, a little nervous.

"Only for a short while darling" Bucky whispered, telling me the truth "We promise only for a little while" His fingers sped up. his hips were rubbing against my leg.

"Okay, I trust you" I whisper.

Bucky smiled at my words "You're such a good girl, you're doing so good" He whispered against my neck "Stevie I think she's ready"

Steve asked me again if I was sure, and I told him I was 100%, I was so ready. Steve looked over to Bucky and then back to me, his hand was touching his hardness. They moved around, Bucky moved to lay next to me, whilst Steve took his place hovering over me. He moved his hardness to line up with my hole.

"Hold Bucky's hand baby" Steve whispered. I listened to him reaching over to hold Bucky's hand, I shut my eyes and braced myself, I felt him poking at me, and slowly he pushed his hard cock into me, I gasped loudly, holding onto Bucky's hand tightly, my other hand reached up to hold Steve's arm, I held on tight. Steve pushed further into me, he groaned as he was now fully inside of me. I moaned loudly, feeling fuller than I had ever felt. My eyes were shut still, my head resting on Steve's shoulder, and pain and pleasure surged through me.

"That's it baby, you're doing so good" Steve whispered. The pain soon stopped and slowly Steve started moving in and out, slowly and gently, I moaned loudly at his movements, this felt amazing. Steve's breath was heavy, his head rested by my ear, and he was moaning with each thrust. Bucky was watching me, making sure I was okay.

"I'm so glad we doing this, it feels so amazing daddy" I moaned, I felt so stretched, his cock was so big, it was hitting so many amazing places, letting the feeling overcome my body.

"We're glad too, you're doing so good" Steve groaned loudly in my ear. His movements were still slow, so slow, I wanted more.

"Daddy, can you move faster?" I asked, my voice not sounding like my own. Steve nodded at my request, his lips finding my shoulder, kissing me, sucking marks, he moved his hips faster, thrusting into my quicker than I could imagine, I screamed loudly, holding onto his shoulder and Bucky's hand. Steve's hips backed away and then collided with mine again, each time harder, instinctively I moved my legs up, wrapping them around his waist, somehow allowing him to thrust into me deeper than before.

"Daddy you're so good at this" I panted, my words coming out with loud moans. I moved my head to face Bucky, he obviously knew what I wanted and moved forward pressing his lips to mine, I kissed him until I moaned again, allowing him to explore my mouth with his tongue.

"I love you both" I whimper, moving my head away from Bucky's lips.

"We love you baby" They both spoke at the same time. I moaned loudly, my head starting to feel dizzy.

"So close" I whimper, wrapping my legs tighter around Steve's waist. Steve's hips thrusted into my harder and faster, I screamed at the feeling as I cam hard, feeling my body shake as it hit me. I held onto Steve's arm and Bucky's hand hard, the only thing keeping me from blacking out at the feeling.

"Oh daddy, that was wonderful" I whispered wistfully.

"Good baby, I'm real close" Steve answered, his hips moving still.

"Daddy!" I gasped "Where will you come?"

"Can I come inside of you?" Steve asked me, his head moving to stare into my eyes. I nodded, he moaned loudly and pressed his lips against mine, his hips rutted against me, his movements becoming irregular, he moaned loudly, his breath getting heavier until he let out a loud groan, his head fell to my shoulders and I felt his cock pulsate within me, a warm feeling following that.

"That felt so good" I smiled, my legs rested back on the bed, feeling overused and shaky.

"You did so good baby" Steve whispered to me, kissing my cheek.

"I did?" I asked, looking at them both happily.

"Yeah doll, we're so proud of you" Bucky responded. I looked down seeing Bucky had finished all over himself.

"Sorry doll, couldn't help myself watching you both" Bucky grinned.

"I'm glad you felt good too daddy" I whispered, leaning over to kiss his lips. Steve moaned as he pulled out of me, I suddenly felt empty, my hole clenched around nothing missing the feeling.

"I want to run you a nice bath my darling" Steve smiled to me, his lips pressing to my forehead.

"Okay daddy, I really enjoyed myself, thank you" I whispered to Steve. He smiled at me and left the room.

"Would you join me daddy?" I asked Bucky, he nodded and helped me out of bed, my legs still felt shaky. I followed him into the bathroom, Bucky slipped into the water first and patted his chest, I smiled and climbed into the water and rested my back against his chest.

"You feeling good doll?" He asked, his voice soft in my ear. I snuggled into his arms, feeling safe and warm.

"Perfect daddy, I'm sorry you didn't get to have me first"

Bucky chuckled, his chest moving me in the water.

"It's okay doll, I'll get my turn soon enough" He whispers.

"Exactly!" I say, my eyes feeling heavy as I use the sponge to clean myself. Bucky grabbed the sponge and took over, he slowly washed my skin, his lips gently grazing across the skin of my neck.

"Mmm so relaxing" I sigh.

"You like that sweetheart? Feeling relaxed?"

"So relaxed, I may need to get out and go to bed" I giggled.

"You getting a little sleepy?" He asks.

"Can you blame me?" I answer.

We got out from the bath, and Bucky toweled me dry, I heard Steve in the shower as we left the room. Bucky and I crawled into the bed, and he pulled me in close.

"Daddy?"

"Yes doll?"

"I feel sore down there, it that normal?" I ask, my eyes shutting as I laid with him.

"Yeah doll, it's normal, it'll go away soon" He explains.

"Okay daddy, goodnight"

#bucky barnes smut #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes fic #steve rogers smut #captain america x reader #steve rogers x you #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers fic #steve rogers x female reader #steve rogers x reader x bucky barnes #first time #smut

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actual-changeling · 2 years ago

Text

I do wonder if Crowley's optimism is actually optimism. If it weren't 4 a.m., I'd do a philosophical deep dive, but since it is, I'll just try to string some thoughts together.

At the core of Crowley's questioning stands, "What is the point of it all?"—it's what he wonders as Starmaker and what he defeatedly asks Shax at the beginning of season 2. It strikes me as a very specific flavour of trauma-related existential dread reinforced by his fall and the concept of the ineffable plan.

The thing is that Crowley already knows the answer to that question; it's just not a satisfying one. Because what is the point of it all? of us? of our lives? of all the suffering and the good and the bad and, well, everything?

There is no point. It's a fact you need to come to terms with rather quickly if you grow up traumatized, otherwise, you will break. There was no point in Crowley falling, just as there's no point in anything he or Aziraphale did over the last few millennia—they just are.

It's why any meta questions focusing on God won't get anywhere, there is no answer God would ever offer us or them; there is no answer that matters, period. Maybe God has one, maybe they don't, but it has zero effect on the story or what happens to them. It's terrifying, in a way, to think about it like this, because if there's no point to any aspect of our lives, why bother? Why bother when there are so many horrible things that could happen?

And THAT is where we come all the way back around to Crowley's optimism. He has long accepted the lack of answers (though I can tell you from personal experience that you never really stop asking anyway), but he needs to find a way to live with the world as it is.

'Everything's going to be fine sooner or later' isn't optimism; it's what you need to tell yourself to not jump in front of the next train.

Crowley's optimism is dreams. Dreams of him and Aziraphale being happy and together, dreams of their cottage in the south downs, dreams of heaven and hell never touching them again.

Dreams of life turning out to be better than what he is currently living.

From the outside, it can certainly look like optimism, but I see him, I am him, and I can guarantee you that it's not. It's a tiny pinprick of light in an otherwise dark sky that may or may not be actually there, but if you stop telling yourself that it exists, there's nothing left but darkness. You're afraid of the dark and its teeth because you have been bitten by them before.

So you keep repeating it over and over and over, and maybe one day it will no longer be a lie or you will be the light, but for now this is what you got.

It is also the reason why Crowley is going to be a wreck in season 3. Finally, he thought, we can be together and happy, and in love without being afraid. He reached for the pinprick of light, thinking it to be a star, and got ripped apart by sharpened teeth instead. Crowley needs that lie, and he just got completely disillusioned.

What's the point when, after everything, Aziraphale still leaves him?

No matter how much they love each other, Crowley needs to find an answer to that question within himself, not in Aziraphale or anyone else.

#alex talks good omens #good omens #ineffable husbands #crowley #aziraphale #good omens season 2 #go2 #aziracrow #crowley x aziraphale #ineffable divorce #the final fifteen #good omens meta

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silenzahra · 4 months ago

Note

Okay, my friend. Since you said it would be okay to send you more asks, here I am!😁

I'd like to know your answers to 5 and 15.

And... this one may be a bit too much to ask and it's totally okay if you say no (with your 23 WIPs I can't blame ya for preferring to just focus on them instead lol), but in case you'd like to treat this as a fun quick challenge, can I add 1 and ask for Mario's POV for part of your fic An electrical aura?🥺🙏 Like, the beginning when he and Luigi are separated, before he gets knocked out.

No problem if you choose to only answer the first two. And let me add another reminder that it's always okay to take as much time as you need, and it's especially understandable if you take a bit longer in case you accept that last request as well❤️

Based on this fanfic ask game ✨

Yayyyy I'm so glad that you sent a second ask for this game, my beloved @megamagimugi! 😄💖

First of all, I'm sorry that this ask has been sitting in my drafts for about three weeks, but since you made such a special request, I thought it'd be worth it to take my time to respond to it 🤭 But first, lemme answer your questions!

5. What's something you learned while researching a fic?

A person can take less than an hour to be frozen to death when conditions are dangerous enough. You can easily guess what fic I was researching... and also that I obviously didn't apply this to it or else I'm afraid poor Mario would be an only child 😅

(Even though I didn't add any of this to the fic itself, I simply thought it'd make sense that things worked differently since Pi'illo Island is a fictional place that exists supposedly in another universe. So some things can work like they do on Earth while others don't.)

15. Does anyone you know in real life know you write fanfiction?

Only a couple of my friends, and in all honesty... it's not a subject I talk about with them that much 😅 As for my family, they have no idea, and I'd prefer it to stay this way lol (they already think I'm weird enough 💀).

1 - Write a scene from An electrical aura in Mario's POV.

Okay, Mugi. THIS is what has taken me longer. Not only because I've been busy, but also because I wanted to do this fic and our dear Mario justice, and write his perspective in a way that would be interesting.

And, taking into account what day is today (at least at our end hehe), I thought this would be the perfect chance to celebrate Mar10 Day and also...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY DEAR MUGI 🎂🎉🎊🥳🎁

I sincerely hope you'll enjoy this story! Thank you so much for sending this question, my beloved lost twin, as I've had SO MUCH FUN writing this 🤩❤️

@bberetd (if/when you can/want, my beloved bestie 🫂💖), @vulpixfairy1985 @pepperycar @smokszyvverstar @dragon-fly34 @luigixfanxayjay @eleventhhourfactor Tagging you in case you'd like to read this new perspective I wrote for one of my fics! 💖 (The original, full fic is right here, btw).

⚡ An electrical aura (Mario) ❤️

Mario doesn't like being separated from his brother.

It was hard enough having to watch that mechanical arm taking away the barrel Luigi had gotten into to try to help him unblock the door that would open up a new access for them in the mysterious Woohoo Hooniversity. Mario swallows hard as he remembers how his heart threatened to leap out of his body when his twin was snatched from his side and how his soul shrank at the shriek of alarm that Luigi emitted from inside the barrel.

This time, however, at least Mario has the comfort and relief of knowing that his little brother has freedom of movement, even if it has to be inside a building that has forced them to be separated.

The moment they came across that first barred door, Mario immediately understood, his heart heavy in his chest, that he was going to have to stay on this side while his sibling crossed it without him being able to follow. With his eyes shining with consternation at their imminent separation, Mario turned to Luigi. Coming face to face with his brother's glance, filled with the same feeling, Mario hastened to put on one of his many masks and composed a reassuring smile, berating himself for having shown, even if only for a second, discouragement in front of his twin.

It's not that he doesn't trust him. Of course he trusts Luigi's abilities. His younger sibling is agile, fast, intelligent and much braver than he himself believes. Mario has no doubt that he’ll be able to overcome any challenge, with or without his help.

He simply hates the idea of losing sight of Luigi for more than a few minutes, especially when they are in a hostile environment.

Sighing, the plumber puts a hand to his chest, which feels warm, serene and at peace at having recalled his brother in his mind. Luigi always has this effect on him, and at times like this, when everything around him is ice, Mario appreciates it more than ever.

Joke’s End really is a graveyard, inhospitable, cold and inhabited only by vermin. And by that strange blue girl who carries a scepter, although they haven't had much chance to interact with her. In all the time they’ve been traveling through the Beanbean Kingdom, neither of the brothers had heard of that girl who apparently lives alone in the most deserted and unpleasant place in the country. Why would she choose a place like this when the nation has beautiful, captivating areas like, for example, Chucklehuck Woods, Little Fungitown or Gwarhar Lagoon? Mario can't make sense of it. What he most wants right now is to leave this place, his hand holding his twin’s tightly, and never return.

But, at the moment, Mario remembers as he hugs himself, they have a mission to accomplish. He can’t worry about how tremendously alone he feels right now. Even though the sensation of loneliness is greater and more overwhelming than on all the previous occasions he’s experienced it in his life.

He just hopes he's nearing the end. He’s followed every rule and met every challenge as he came across them. He hasn’t tried to stray from the path that the place itself was indicating to him, despite having been tempted to try quite often. Also, after so long, he has once again fought his enemies alone, which felt strangely... alien. He doesn’t understand, as he’s used to doing so given the numerous adventures he’s undertaken alone.

But of course, this time, everything is different.

This time, since they arrived in the Beanbean Kingdom, Luigi has been by his side. They’ve battled together, joining their strengths, performing their combined attacks and watching each other's backs. More than once, Luigi has saved his life, and it’s thanks to him that he’s still breathing... and that he’s still human. If it weren't for his sibling, Mario might have already turned into a bean because of that mushroom he won in one of Little Fungitown’s games.

So, for him, having to fight alone again after having gotten used to always having his little brother with him...

Mario didn't like doing it. He didn't feel like himself. He didn't feel as... strong.

He longs to be reunited with Luigi more than ever. His twin gives him the strength he didn't know he needed. Together, they form an insuperable team. They are unstoppable. They are unbeatable.

Besides, he's had enough of seeing Luigi through a barred door or sensing his presence on the other side of a thick wall of ice and not being able to do anything to be reunited with him again. All those times when only iron separated them, Mario had to be content with placing his hands on those of Luigi, who clung tightly to the bars and gave him puppy eyes while pouting, breaking his heart and forcing him to make a harder effort to keep a serene smile on his lips.

“Soon we’ll be together, Lu,” he assured him, imbuing his voice with all the calm he was capable of and all the affection he felt for him. “We'll soon find a way, you'll see.”

His only intention was to soothe his sibling, as he cannot bear to see sadness and despair taking over those blue eyes that are a reflection of his own. Even so, of course, Mario firmly believes in the words he’s spoken to him every time they’ve crossed paths and hopes that their efforts will not be in vain and that they won’t take too long to find each other again.

Mario has always admired Luigi. His strength, his courage, his intelligence, the way he overcomes his fears despite his anxiety and his many insecurities. His younger twin is so much more capable than he himself realizes, and Mario only wishes that he could finally see it and be able to love himself as he deserves.

His reaction to his older brother's encouraging words, the way he pursed his lips to form a weak but genuine smile, how he swallowed before nodding, fully trusting him and ready to move forward... All this only causes the fervent admiration that Mario feels for Luigi to skyrocket, strong and intense like the most powerful and devastating wave. Bright and radiant like the sun that bathes the moon with its light and makes it sparkle and stand out in the sky.

Steadfast, resplendent and imperishable, like his love for his sibling.

This is what drives Mario forward: the longing to be reunited with his adored little brother, to hold him in his arms again, to feel his warmth enveloping him once more. The desire to keep the promise he’s made to him and to end this adventure as they began it: together.

On his journey along the only possible path, Mario has reached a small, narrow room in which, in front of him, there’s but a barred door and, on the other side of it, a wall of ice. All he finds in it is a block, the umpteenth one, he supposes, as he’s not keeping count, although in the room before that one he’s just hit another one exactly the same. A little fed up with this strange game, Mario jumps out with his arm outstretched and his fist hits the new block.

He doesn't see anything happening around him, but he does hear a noise coming from the other side of the ice wall on his left. He assumes that Luigi must be there. He’s seen him just a few minutes ago, crossing parallel walkways that converged at two different doors. So close and yet so far away at the same time... Mario’s been very tempted to cover the distance between them with a jump, but he restrained himself, assuming that if Joke’s End insisted that they continue to work separately, it must be for a greater cause.

After all, the brothers are still working together even though they aren’t physically present next to each other. Like a team. So Mario has no choice but to be content, at least for now, with having verified first-hand that his twin is fine.

With nothing more to do in this room, Mario, also for the umpteenth time since they arrived at this place, retraces his steps. He quickly crosses the room where only the block he activated before remains and turns left. This room is larger, with iron fences that he assumes serve as a decorative element, since they don’t act as a separation between two elements, and a large step that he must climb to reach the area where there are, arranged on either side, pairs of ice stairways leading to the upper part of the room.

The problem is that there are monsters everywhere.

Earlier, in order to access the rooms with the blocks he’s just hit, Mario limited himself to dodging them and stealthily passing by their side. He’s not proud of this, but over the years he’s learned to work out when he has a chance of success in battle and when, for reasons such as being outnumbered or having been previously injured, it’s better to avoid the enemies. When he came across that room filled to the brim with vermin and remembered that he didn't have Luigi by his side to carry out their combo attacks, Mario thought that the most sensible thing to do, what his younger sibling would do in such a situation, was to keep away from them.

Of course, he doesn't intend to leave it at that. As soon as he’s rejoined Luigi, they’ll return.

And then the monsters will suffer the wrath of the Mario Brothers.

But, for now, in order to return to Luigi, he’d better be cautious again. As much as he wants to finish them all off, which would undoubtedly help him release some of the tension that has taken hold of his soul since he separated from his twin, he must restrain himself. The time will come to fight these monsters as he wishes to do.

Right now, his main goal is to finish his mission and hold Luigi in his arms as soon as possible.

So Mario passes slowly by the iron bars, dodging a Glurp moving at full speed along the floor. He can’t help the memory that comes to mind of the pain and discomfort he felt when he was poisoned by one of its toxic clouds, which was followed by a feeling of immense gratitude for his little brother's eagerness to carry extra Refreshing Herbs in their luggage. He felt especially relieved to have them when Luigi was the one to be affected by the monster's attacks.

On climbing the first step, Mario doubles his stealth when he spots an Ice Snifit wandering around this area of the room. Instinctively, he massages his left arm, as he clearly recalls the freezing sensation that spread through it when one of them, shortly after arriving at Joke’s End, hit him squarely with those spiky chunks of ice that they expel from their mouths. He’s extremely grateful to have acquired the Firebrand on that little island in the middle of Oho Ocean, although not so much for himself as for Luigi. His poor little sibling has suffered the effects of frostbite on too many occasions.

Mario, of course, made sure that each and every one of the culprits paid for hurting his twin.

He tiptoes. He knows he can do it. He knows he can dodge the Ice Snifit just like he did with the Glurp. He just has to move very slowly behind it to reach the steps on the right-hand side of the room, which will lead him quickly to the exit. Bit by bit, Mario moves forward, sure that he will succeed, his eyes fixed on the monster, ready to run away if necessary. He’s so close now, he’s almost there...

Suddenly, his foot hits a piece of ice protruding from the floor. Mario screams and falls, his knee colliding against the icy ground, scratching fabric and flesh and making him wince. At the same time, his neck hits the edge of the step he intended to climb, which makes him realize that he’s actually come nearer than he thought and was so close to succeeding.

Mario groans and massages his neck while he tries to lift his leg so as to keep it away from the floor. He clings to the step in an attempt to get up, as he’s sure he’s going to have to run despite his hurt knee. At this point, he has no doubt all monsters in the room must have turned to him.

He won’t let it stop him.

With an enormous effort, Mario manages to get back on his feet, but he can’t put any weight on his injured leg. As he suspected, when he looks around, he realizes that the attention of the Glurp and the Ice Snifit is focused on him, and he’s sure that the rest of the vermin that he hasn’t seen yet must also be staring at him.

Whether he likes it or not, he has to flee. He can’t fight with a wounded knee.

Immediately, the plumber turns towards the step he had just reached, determined to climb it and escape no matter what.

He jolts as he realizes that there’s already something, or someone, on said step.

A Clumph, with its green skin that makes him think of a nurse’s uniform and its purple hair that reminds him of a bunch of grapes.

With eyes wide open, Mario takes a step back as he notices the heavy club that it carries everywhere... and that it’s lifting at full speed.

The impact against his forehead takes him so by surprise that he lets out a high-pitched scream, which is abruptly cut off when the implacable darkness takes hold of him.

Mario sees nothing. He hears nothing. He’s completely lost control over his body, which feels far away and out of reach. Does he even still have a body? He doesn't understand what’s happening to him, nor is he sure he wants to find out.

As, despite everything, despite his daze and his dulled senses, Mario experiences a soothing feeling of... placidity. Comfort. Darkness envelops his soul like a warm blanket protecting him from all the evils that could ravage his body. Why not stay here, curled up and cozy, while he rests after his arduous adventure?

Still, even though at first he tries to ignore it, Mario perceives there’s something deep in his heart, pulling at him.

It's like a thread, thin but solid, that somehow connects him to something… or maybe someone? Mario doesn't know, and at the moment he doesn't want to think about it. He feels so comfortable in the arms of darkness, with no trace of pain, discomfort or pressure...

He'll only stay a little while, he promises the thread that pulls at his heart. Just a few minutes...

Mario is unaware of how much time has passed when, to his surprise, he realizes that he’s sensing something. Something physical. Are those... an arm and a hand? Real, human ones? Does he have a body again? How else could he perceive the hand that lovingly and carefully cradles his head, and the arm, slender but strong, that envelopes and embraces him as if trying to protect him from any harm?

Then he discerns something else. Something... electric, as if he were surrounded by an electrical aura that, nevertheless, makes him feel at peace. Safe. Secure.

Somehow, Mario knows that this electricity doesn’t pose a danger to him.

In a way, there’s a hint of familiarity in both things, but the darkness is still too tempting, too alluring. Mario is about to ignore the touch and that electrical aura to return to his refuge when, suddenly, he stops perceiving them.

And he feels empty.

Something is missing. That hand, that arm... He needs them to touch him again. He needs to revel in the warmth and peace they arise in him, so different from the sensations he experiences when blackness embraces him.

He doesn't want to return to it.

He realizes at this very moment that the grip of darkness cannot provide him with everything that this human touch, in just a few seconds, has given him. Warmth? How could he have sensed warmth when the darkness is cold as ice? Nothing can compare with human warmth, the kind he felt when those arms held him tightly, protectively…

… affectionately.

Mario takes a deep breath, which suddenly reminds him that he has lungs. He has hands and feet. He has a heart that continues to beat in his chest, keeping him clinging to life. He has a body that still belongs to him and that someone, and he’s convinced that he’s right in his assumption, cradled and embraced with love just a few moments ago.

Unfortunately, with this revelation comes pain.

It hits him unexpectedly, drilling into his skull and making him squeeze his eyes, which he doesn't remember shutting. He feels like a pressure cooker is going to explode inside his head, and it’s as if his neck and knee were being torn from the inside. He tries not to move, to give himself a few seconds to get his bearings, to take slow breaths, but the pain won't go away. Mario curses himself for his weakness. How could he have been so clumsy as to let himself be defeated so easily?

At least, he thinks as he attempts to focus on the other things he can perceive, he feels something soft and fluffy under his head. He imagines it must be his hat, as he notices that his hair is not covered, and he promptly deduces who must have placed the garment there to try to provide him with some comfort in the midst of his pain.

Suddenly, his ears, which are becoming less and less deaf, catch something that makes him open his eyes a crack: thunder.

Thunder? Is a storm brewing overhead?

He’s met by the blinding glare of ice, which forces him to squeeze his eyelids tightly shut before daring to open them again. His glassy gaze gradually comes into focus, and then he spots the glints of blue and green energy dancing in front of his field of vision.

Confused, Mario opens his eyes fully, believing that perhaps the blow to the head that has robbed him of his consciousness is causing him to hallucinate. But no matter how much he blinks, squeezes his eyes shut and opens them again, the electric flashes are still there.

Until, before his astonished glance, they begin to turn into powerful, sparkling lightning accompanied by... a scream.

It’s a loud, earthshaking, heart-rending scream, full of rage and fear that Mario believes that, if he tried, he could touch them with his hands. It’s so sudden and unexpected that it brings him entirely back to reality. It’s so rampant, intense and thunderous that it penetrates to the very depths of his soul and clings to it with desperation.

Bewildered, Mario tries to move. He wants to understand what’s going on, to remember exactly where he is and what he was doing, to find out if the person who’s shouting is the same one who, minutes ago, was holding him in their arms with infinite love and tenderness.

His body, however, protests. Mario lets out a soft groan as he realizes that he’s going to need help to get up. Still, he’s never been one to give up easily, so, stubbornly, he squeezes his eyelids again and begins to turn his head. He ignores the stabbing pain in his neck and the strong dizziness that overwhelms him with the movement and, obstinately, opens his eyes slowly. It takes him a couple of blinks to focus his gaze again, but as soon as he does, he forgets the pain.

Just as he suspected, there he is.

The person who was hugging him a moment ago. Who made him feel a sensation of warmth thanks to the electricity that emanated from him. Who placed his hat under his head to try to save him from some discomfort, always taking care of him, always watching over him. Who has woken him up completely with his outraging scream... and with the incredible electrical storm that springs from his outstretched hands.

Luigi.

Of course it's him.

Mario smiles as his suspicions are confirmed, but, despite the relief that floods him with the realization that his little brother is safe and sound, his attention is immediately drawn to the electricity that Luigi is unleashing. Mario lets out an exhalation of astonishment at the power of the lightning, which comes one after another without ceasing, tearing through the air, and at the ease with which his twin summons it, as if he were its absolute master, as if nature itself were prostrating itself at his feet.

The plumber is left speechless. He’s never doubted Luigi's strength and abilities, and he knew that his sibling’s Thunderhand is as powerful as his own Firebrand.

But to see for himself just how far Luigi’s magic can go, just how incredibly mighty he can be...

It's astonishing.

In a way that he finds beautiful, fascinating and even reassuring.

Mario only needs to observe the storm for a moment, to notice Luigi's tense and rigid posture for a second, to remember the shout full of anger he has just let out, in order to understand that his brother is doing all this… for him. To protect him. To make that Clumph pay for attacking him and knocking him out in one blow.

A deep and immense pride intermingles in his chest with the fierce and unwavering love he holds for his twin.

Luigi is exhausting all his energy, pushing his power to the limit... for him.

Literally.

Mario feels like he could burst into tears.

His heart beats warm and full, as if it didn’t have enough space to contain his deep, older-brother love. He senses the thread connecting him to Luigi more solid and ironclad than ever, feeding on the affection his younger sibling has for him and his eagerness to keep him safe and giving him, in return, all the adoration and devotion that Mario treasures for him and that could cause his chest to burst at any moment. He gasps, moved, and his lips form a new smile, broad, firm and satisfied.

When, seconds later, Mario watches Luigi falling to his knees while panting, he wants to run to his side, to help him, to hug him, to cradle him, to shout how proud he is of him, to praise him tirelessly because what he’s done is amazing, to thank him a thousand times for doing it all for him. His whole being is brimming with love and he believes that, even with all that, it wouldn’t be enough to express to Luigi what he’s experiencing right now, what he makes him feel.

But, since his body still refuses to move, he has to settle for swallowing before opening his lips.

“Lu?”

#an electrical aura #an electrical aura (Mario's POV)#zahra's fics #zahra's writing #ask game #answered asks #ask box #fanfic writer ask game #writing challenge #mario's POV #new POV #platonic brotherly love #DO NOT TAG AS SHIP #megamagimugi #silenzahra

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