#Is it the fact the eyes aren't human but have human intelligence behind them

[sarifel-corrisafid-ilxhel]

I am looking up reference photos of front-facing red-tailed hawks, and I'm starting to think that the notable intensity of Tobias's stare was less "Red-tailed hawks are super intense looking" and more "Latent psychic warfare", because I can't think of anything funnier looking than a red-tailed hawk from the front. Sure, if they tilt their head down slightly and flatten their feathers, they get the Angry Eyebrows look -

- but that's goofy in itself. I used to do that as a kid and it never failed to get a laugh out of my family. And then there's this:

I'm sorry Tobias, I just can't be intimidated by something that looks like Jim Henson's best work. Also, that last photo has School Yearbook Photo vibes.

[worriedvision]

Your family consider you a failure - Wriothesley, Neuvillette

Okay so this is a very self-indulgent fic, basically reader had to drop out of university after they hit a real low with their health. A lot of mentions about being a quitter, and being a potential criminal and/or spoilt brat. It's a happy ending, although this is an angst plot. Wriothesley's one is longer than Neuvillette's...

--

Wriothesley:

When he asked when he would be meeting your parents, you were hesitant to take him. Your relationship with your family was shaky, and it didn't help that you still hadn't been able to 'pick yourself up'. It led to an argument, with Wriothesley talking about how lucky you were for having a family and you lashing out at him for trying to guilt you into taking him along for dinner. Your parents had heard of your relationship, and they were in favour of meeting the man. He was the Administrator, after all.

After some insistence, you finally invite him to meet your family. He fails to hide his excitement, asking what your family likes as he thinks of what teas he could take along as a gift, meanwhile you were preparing yourself for the family ripping your name apart and playing Cupid for another family member who accomplished more than you did.

"Oh, you must be Wriothesley!" Your mother greets your boyfriend, not you, at the door. "Please, come on in! We've been begging for our child to invite you over."

"Oh, I've been looking forward to this as well. It's nice to put a face to your family name."

Oh, our child is known for being a slacker with important things. Enough about them, I'll introduce you to everyone else!" Your mother giggles, Wriothesley just following in confusion at the sentence.

You stand outside for an extra minute, needing a moment to gather yourself. Unfortunately, your least favourite relative comes along.

"Come on, if you aren't careful I'm going to steal your boyfriend. He's a hot piece of action!"

-

Wriothesley didn't speak to you at the dinner table. In fact, he was silent. Staring at the table, he seems out of it.

"Oh, we have to tell you about (cousin)'s achievements. They are so gifted and talented!"

Oh crap, here we go. Your cousin brags about all of their degrees and qualifications, smirking at you whenever you'd make eye contact with them, and trying to impress Wriothesley. You were worried that your boyfriend was thinking about leaving you for one of your family members, especially with the jabs your mother made at the start of the meeting.

"_'s silent...Oh, sorry, I forgot you gave up." Your cousin chuckles. "I mean, failing to complete a degree and hiding behind health? Spoilt brat if you ask me." They continue. "Probably had to commit theft to keep their accommodation, how shameful."

"That's not true!" You plead, noting Wriothesleys shaking. "I've worked towards supporting myself."

"Oh, so you were lying about your health? Disgusting."

You hear a glass shatter in Wriothesleys direction, and upon looking over you gasp in horror. His hand had crushed the glass, now harmed by the glass.

"Is that what you think of people who can't get lots of qualifications? Well, let me tell you something." Wriothesley grumbles, hand still clenching as you try to calm him down. "I don't have degrees, nothing fancy. In fact, I have a criminal record, are you going to tell me I am a failure?"

"Well no, but-"

"In fact, I i think you are a failure of a human being if you are so close minded as to assume there is only one measure of intelligence." Wriothesley stands up, slamming his hands down on the table. You hold his unharmed hand, but this only makes him continue. "I do spoil _, but I do that because I love them. I am proud of my partner for picking themselves up, and I am ashamed they have you as a family."

"Oh? Didn't mean to strike a nerve there. Are your family-"

"Come, my love, we're leaving." Wriothesley tuts, you run to catch up with him. You hear your family call for you, your cousin calling you a gold digger as you keep going.

Upon your return back at the Fortress of Meropede, Wriothesley turns around and holds you close.

"I'm sorry for forcing you,"

You shake your head, crying into his chest as the long wait for the elevator to reach your floor continues. "I should have told you."

"What? That you're human? I'm not perfect either." Wriothesley sighs. Hearing a drip on the floor, you pull away, looking down at his harmed hand.

"Let's get your hand sorted."

---

Neuvillette:

When you proposed to Neuvillette, he requested to ask your parents for approval. He knew that some people would be intimidated by him, and approval from your family would reassure him you wouldn't get affected by this. Figuring it would be a quick visit, you agree.

If only you remembered just how cruel your parents could be.

Your parents tore into you, disrespecting you for needing some time to recover after failing to succeed in your first plan. The implications are that you were a criminal and pointing out the irony of you dating the Ludex, adding in the possibility you gave him a 'bribe' to be innocent.

Neuvillette held your hand, running his thumb over the back of it, and you note the rain has started.

"I apologise, _, it appears I made a mistake in wishing to meet your family." He sighs, your parents furrowing their brows. "I won't request another meeting with your family, given their behaviour towards you. As your fiancé, I cannot accept this slander. I bid thee farewell."

Your boyfriend walks out, you following with a warm smile on your face as you realise you chose the best man you could.

[yanderes-galore]

Hello can I ask for multiple xenomorphs platonic hc?

Well, okay, this may be short as they are meant to be vague when I write them. So take this small concept of a group of three xenomorphs taking to a scientist darling.

Mostly because scientist/xenomorph stories are a trope I enjoy- This is not realistic without a reason, of course, but it doesn't need to be.

Yandere! Platonic! Xenomorphs

Short Concept

Pairing: Platonic/Animal/Pet-Like

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Overprotective behavior, Stalking implied, Jealousy, Possessive alien pet(s).

As a scientist for Weyland Yutani you were put in charge of three xenomorphs.

Let's give them names.

Since birth you had labeled them as Subjects Alpha, Beta, Gamma.

Each has the greek symbol burned into their exoskeleton.

You considered them triplets, despite being born from three different hosts.

Once they were branded they were sent to you as their caretaker.

Congrats, now you're the parent of three aliens.

Then you grew used to the chestbursters that roamed close to you in and out of containment.

Honestly, the fact they took to you is surprising for everyone involved in the experiment.

You were scared of taking care of them at first.

Their skin is soft yet still sleek, not quite hardened.

They act like snakes and slither around you.

Sometimes they slither up your leg, your arms, or even lay on your shoulders.

That is until they get older and all three become young xenomorphs.

That's when you have to limit physical contact.

At this stage of their life... tails, claws, and teeth as considered deadly to you.

You find it strange when they chitter softly towards you, ramming into the glass for your comfort.

For example if you put your hand on the glass, they'll press their head towards it with a soft thunk.

Alpha, Beta, and Gamma prove to be loyal to you.

You care for them enough to defend them against your higher ups.

This makes them overprotective over you.

Their behavior is rather limited in captivity.

When others are around you they may act more hostile, but that's about all they can do.

Xenomorphs are rather intelligent.

There's no doubt the three would escape at some point.

When do they not?

It would be a complete surprise to you but your three test subjects are gone.

You need to be on your toes and aware of your surroundings.

This is because their next plan of action would be hunting you down.

In their eyes, you're their parent.

Not quite their Queen, but someone who took care of them.

When you aren't looking, the large xenomorphs will sneak behind you from the vents and grab you with outstretched claws.

Once escape is complete the three would take care of you the best they can.

They are adaptable so they're try to all be like you at times.

Imagine if you pet them when they were younger... so to calm you down they try to pet you too.

They'd also do the classic xenomorph chittering, clumping close to you in an attempt to keep you safe.

If it gets cold outside they may push you down then crawl on top of you.

This is an attempt to warm you, the bug-like aliens curling around you in this strange lump of shelled creatures.

Think of them similar to raptors or wolves.

They are pack animals and are hostile towards other creatures.

They do not hesitate to harm those around you.

As they've grown up around you they like more human activities.

Hugs and cuddling for example-

The xenomorphs adore each other as siblings (most likely sisters), and you as their parent.

They try to take care of you as thanks for taking care of them.

As you are technically their parent you have more free will.

For example, you may be able to go home but you'd have to smuggle them in.

They refuse to part from you.

Which means if you take them home they deem your house as the nest.

Expect resin to coat your walls and you never being alone without the aliens watching you.

It's not like they "sleep", the acid in their blood acts like a battery.

They're always up and alert.

Overall having xenomorphs in any capacity is dangerous.

The government of your planet may find out about it...

You could get hurt by them or their young...

Xenomorphs are also incredibly possessive, so good luck training your little pack of killing machines.

You're going to need it.

[luckyshotwrites]

Ch. 101 // This Doesn't Change Anything // Day Off

Contents (Warnings): What's left but to give thanks... (Angst, character and monster info as always). Read full chapter on A03

Wordcount: 4,000+

Song I correlate to this Chapter: these music has no words but yet it's very expressive (sad chill music mix)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Wicks

His body slogged on the verge of collapse.

It threw a Molotov of fatigue in rebellion, hoping to slow his movements. I can't rest yet. His thoughts fought the desire to catch his breath. 

Andras had drained exponential amounts of energy from the two. If he had failed to make contact that would have been it.

He pulled away and staggered. His legs didn't expect it—he caught himself nonetheless. Once he planted his feet firmly down, he spoke, not looking away from the headless body. "Are you alive, Alexander?"

"Yeah," Alexander replied in a huff.

The shirtless male was somewhere behind him. Wicks didn't know where precisely.

He swallowed back the sizzling bittersweet victory on his tongue, and his thoughts were directed at Andras. Ya terminaste.

Most mimics consumed someone whole, and then their form processed the information and acted as them based on their previous experiences and responses. They were nothing more than animals, consumed and procreating for survival. 

While Andras wasn't—Wicks knew of only one other case like him: a mimic overtaken by another person's will. Those mimics became people, no longer bound by their basic instincts. When that happens, they become intelligent, cunning, and heavily capable—and nearly impossible to find. 

He finally shifted his eyes and hazily swept the area. Shattered wood, glass, stone—everything lay around them. The ceiling groaned in its attempt to hold under the weight of the broken floor above and the numerous, slowly growing cracks. 

"Did you human case him at the end?" Wicks asked as he followed the rigged cracks down one of the wall faces. He did so until he landed on the blonde. He had closed the distance between himself and Wicks. 

"I couldn't without my-" Alexander sharply threw his hand at Wicks. 

Wicks grabbed it, but Alexander swung him by his sweater and out of the way.

Wicks heard a gag. He fumbled and twisted to the foe. 

He's not dead.

"It seems neither of you knew you had to burn the body to kill a mimic." Andras's chuckle rumbled gutturally while he held Alexander's throat. 

Its gargling notes furthered the fact that his head hadn't fully recovered.

Wicks's hue struggled to spark. He didn't have enough energy for a prolonged fight. He put up his hands besides that and steadied himself. 

"Don't move, Diageo, or I'll kill him." Andras cooed.

His brows came down, pushing together in unbridled frustration. Andras could drain Alexander's remaining energy and go straight for Wicks. He's not confident he'll win that, though, is he? 

To Wicks, they were at a standstill. Andras couldn't let them live. He'd been hiding this secret for who knows how long, and if they escaped, the C.P.P.A. would be on high alert, purposefully watching for unregistered mimics. 

He wants me within range to kill us both.

Alexander grabbed Andras's arm that held him and snarled, "Fuck it, and kill him." 

Andras's throat bubbled with laughter, "So suicidal, aren't you, Short Fuse? You should have given yourself to me if you didn't value your life." He purred with a darkening grin as he leaned closer.

His hushed tone still pittered against the walls loud enough for Wicks to hear. "Because, unlike you, I wouldn't waste your potential wallowing in your own inhibition."

Wicks could tell that Andras's words struck a nerve. Alexander's indignation faltered, and in response, he tightened his grip almost with urgency as if what Andras said would bring forth something that would hunt Alexander. 

I can't do that. Wicks wouldn't sacrifice him. 

Wicks used what he could to form a cloak around Alexander and ran at Andras. Andras broke the cloak with a quick drain but couldn't take all of Alexander's energy. He had to worry about Wicks's impending assault. 

I can't kill him. I don't have enough left. 

Wicks still braced to hit, and Andras reached out for him. 

Suddenly, it didn't matter. A portal opened and consumed up to Andras's forearm. The portal snapped shut and severed it before he could pull it back. Another opened above them and dropped it. 

The user took the confusion and distraction as their entry point. Behind Andras, another portal appeared. He had grown back his limb at this point but didn't have enough time to dodge her.

She threw her palm into his neck, directly at his seal. One of the most useful for monsters to hide amongst humans was also one of their greatest weaknesses. 

Because spells directed into them, especially those affecting the mind or physicality, worked best at it.

Soon, Andras's eyes rolled back, his shoulders slumped, and his body fell forward with a thud in front of Wicks. Normally, it wouldn't work so effortlessly, but all of them were weakened.

 The woman with splotches of white across her darker skin sighed heavily. Her jack-o-lantern irises slacked in disappointment. "Wicks." She walked over Andras's body and stopped at him. 

"Ma'am." 

Fortunately, Olivia was his boss, the leader of his Chaos Protection and Prevention Agency branch. This meant that it was considered big enough to garner her attention. It would have been worse if that being had not killed those coming out of the building. 

"I've seen the carnage outside," the middle-aged woman said. She stood shorter, but her presence was still chilling. Not that she was harsh or cruel, just powerful. She was a magus that far exceeded Wicks. "Why did you engage on this base without calling for backup?"

Wicks's eyes darted down. He didn't know how long the body below his feet would remain sleeping. "He had my sister." Wicks's lip curled, and with his minimal energy, he wanted to spend it erasing his body.

He had to seize. It's happening again, he reminded himself. His stained folly resurfaced. It wasn't something he considered while he was here. He hyper-fixed on the enemy and killed him. He didn't see what actually happened to Lynette. He figured it out out of fear.

Is she okay? Is it like before? What did he do to her? Will I- no. He didn't want to think about repeating the past. He shook away the past look on her face, the fear in her eyes, the refusal to follow him. It was so vividly painted in his nightmares.

He tilted to move, and Olivia's call finally reached him. "Wicks."

The clawed pangs in his heart tried to steer him toward where his sister would be, though he kept his eyes on Olivia. 

Her sympathy reached him. She put a hand up and onto his shoulder. "I understand," she said. She was one of the few who knew the extent of what he did. Every detail he reported. "Even so, the people we usually help are part of families too. We have protocols for a reason." She directed him to the Andras, "What if I came too late? Neither you nor...your friend looked safe."

Wicks couldn't argue. He glanced back at Alexander, and discomfiture settled near his heart. His lips pursed, seeing his failure. The side of Alexander's head, in particular, once obscured by the way Andras held Alexander, showed the shaved part of it. Wicks nearly killed him.

He almost forgot to answer. "He's a 'brother' to the one who married my older sister, Charletta. He's a registered hybrid."

Olivia flicked to him.

"I'm Alexander." He answered.

Wicks studied the rest of him. 

Olivia pinched the bridge of her nose, "so you called him in and not for backup?"

Wicks turned his head to her. "I followed him into this. He was at the crime scene first, and he was the one who found Andras." 

Olivia let her hand fall. "And you ran in without notifying the C.P.P.A. as well?"

Alexander turned away, huffing. "I did."

She took a deep breath, then exhaled loudly and pointed behind them. "Both of you leave this building and meet with Garter, who's watching the others. Other agents will take care of this. Get yourselves fixed up to go into questioning later," she ordered. Wicks could tell her wrath was directed more at him. 

Rightfully so. Wicks thought. He was trained for this, after all. 

They both listened to her order, and Wicks made himself walk, no matter how antsy he was to see Lentils. 

Side by side, he nearly gave into impulse and read Alexander's thoughts. That's enough. 

"I'm sorry I let that happen. I may not exactly like you, but I'd never do that without a reason," Wicks said, his head hanging in shame.

"It wasn't you. That was Andras." Alexander replied. "You don't have to apologize for shit." 

Wicks made his way over a few piles of stones, separating him and Alexander further. "I do have to apologize. I should have been more careful and expected something like this."

Due to the rubble, Wicks could only see the top of Alexander's head. They were heading toward the same opening. "Isn't that their whole thing? You don't know something's a mimic until they pop out and get you." 

What Alexander said was true. Few monsters were gifted with the ability to distinguish if someone was a mimic or not. His best friend, Garter, was one of them. At least he could use his third eye with more training. 

"It doesn't excuse it," Wicks said as they met at one of the holes he had created using Andras's body. "I'm still sorry and grateful that you saved me." 

He grunted in response. They waited for the other to go first. Wicks ushered Alexander, and the blonde did the same. 

The two seemed to become annoyed with each other. "If you're that worried about it, don't let it happen again." He pushed his hand up where his glasses usually were and grumbled.

"I won't," Wicks promised, standing near him at eye level. Now, you first."

Alexander squinted harder, and Wicks couldn't tell if it was to see him better or if he was out of refusal. Regardless, Alexander gave in and went to step over the threshold.

Then Wicks looked down. He slapped a hand across Alexander's bare chest so he didn't keep walking.

"What?!"

"Zetsu!!" Wicks called when he crouched down. Because of their 'you go first' waiting game, he didn't pay attention to what was in front of them. At the threshold, there was a hand limply hung over the rock. And behind it, Zetsu's body. "Why are you here? How..." A million questions flooded in, and all of them went unanswered. Zetsu was unconscious.

"A friend of yours? I found him partially impaled earlier. Then healed him and went in to see you and the freak."

"He kind of was? We chased him before I got the text about Lynette and followed you here." Wicks looked to Olivia in the distance, containing Andras. It was a perfect line of sight to where they fought him earlier. 

You were the one who did the human case on Andras at the last second, weren't you? Why?

Wicks picked up Zetsu's limp body. He was still breathing and had energy, which were both very important. Alexander offered to carry him—Wicks denied him. You can't take all the glory. 

He said it more as a joke. "Did you really go inside out of concern for me?"

Should I be insulted or worry about his intentions. 

"I went in for Andras."

Then why aren't you mad at me more? Or, Wicks silenced the voice in his head. He let the fresh, dust-free air blow it all away instead. Let everything go for now.

...

Lynette

I thought I got away from all that. I shivered as Drake stood in front of me. Or, more so, he partially put his head on me protectively while growling at Garter.

"We're fine," I said—it didn't alleviate Drake's anger. He was still bound and fighting in those binds.

"I did it so you guys wouldn't run away, too," Garter explained for the tenth time.

He had swallowed Drake and me after our failed attempt to follow Alexander. I wasn't happy about it, but Drake was pissed.

He snapped and threatened Garter the whole time, mainly when he ate me. The C.P.P.A. seemed to arrive, so Garter released us.

All I want is to see and know everyone gets home safe, then go into a coma. I thought with a smile. I attempted to cheer myself up.

However, Drake and Garter's bickering was making it worse. I took a deep breath, stepped away from Drake, and positioned myself between them.

"I appreciate you both for helping me. Okay? We should be focusing on the others and hoping they come back..." My voice hitched. I saw Wicks nearing us, holding someone.

I didn't fully process who he was; I was too overwhelmed seeing him. I ran at him immediately. Neither could nor would stop me this time.

"WAIT LENTILS!!" Wicks yelled. He quickly set down who I soon recognized as Zetsu.

Drake said he left. 

The thought stayed for a second, and the next Wicks crashed into me and squeezed me like a stress toy.

I had to tap his arm to get him to loosen up and to make sure I didn't add a broken spine to my list of problems. When he stopped hugging me, he grabbed my face.

"Are you okay? Did he do anything to you? Where's the jacket and shirt I gave you this morning?" Wicks frantically said, pulling at the one I was wearing from Alexander.

Is he okay, too?

I saw that Drake seemed to have the same idea as me. He was not that far from us and was exchanging ideas with Alexander. Physically, he looked fine—at least as fine as my brother did—until I saw him turn his head.

Why didn't he fix it?

My eyes went back to my brother. "I'm okay. He, I," my eyes swelled. "I'm happy you're okay." My lips trembled as I studied Wicks. "Are you hurt?"

Wicks nervously laughed, "Lentils, I'm great. There's no need to worry about me." He hugged me. "I'm sorry it took me so long."

I gripped his sweater tighter. I didn't like that as I sank into it I smelled blood, and felt his fatigued body quiver. You're a terrible liar.

"Shush," I pressed my head deeper into his chest. "Don't say you're sorry for any of this," I told him. "You helped save us."

"Garter and..." he faintly uttered, "Alexander did a lot, too." His hand tenderly petted my current tangled mess. "You have dust in your hair."

"And your ponytail is coming undone," I muttered, looking up at him.

After he released me from the hug, he thanked Garter for watching us. Alexander propped Zetsu's body against a tree while Drake and him bickered.

Neither of them looked mad. Alexander looked at me, too. I didn't know whether he felt me staring or if it was by chance. I saw the hunger in his eyes and something else, almost like an ease. It appeared sympathetic.

Is he relieved that it worked out?

Using the other hand that Wicks didn't hold, I tugged at the shirt's fabric. This might be a bad idea. He's probably more hungry than anything.

I clenched my nerves and tugged lightly from Wicks.

"Lentils," his voice warned.

"One second," I said and approached Alexander. As I did, my unsteady nerves told me to return to my security, Wicks. 

"Lynette, it's not a good time," Drake attempted to discourage me.

I stopped at a reasonable distance and looked up. His gaze bore down on me, but I didn't let it hold me back. "Thank you, Xander." I said it with as much meaning as I could.

His eyelids slacked. "For what?"

Huh? I tilted my head. Why do you sincerely look confused?! "for going back." I said. I could feel the emotions flooding in. "For helping Wicks, whether he needed your help or not." I held myself from blinking.

Briefly, not only did his annoyed expression fall, but he quickly adverted his squint from me entirely. "I just wanted to kill Andras."

My heart thumped. What? I looked to Drake, who appeared pained by Alexander's response. What is he talking about? I peered up at Alexander again.

I stepped closer. I didn't know whether it was the anger from the situation, my helplessness, how easily Alexander deflected it, or that he thought I was too dumb to recognize what happened.

Is it selfish of me to think like this? I didn't care whether he said, 'You're welcome' or not. I cared that he understood how important it was. You didn't just come here for that. I wrote myself off most of the time, so it resonated deeper inside me than I realized. Is this how Wicks feels with me?

"Xander," I said in a way that made his body jump.

"What do you want?" He snarled in a low hum, turned away. "Unless you're offering yourself, don't get any closer to me."

I didn't move. "Stop disregarding this!"

He snapped his head back. "I went for my own fucking gain. There's nothing to thank."

You didn't... Wicks grabbed my hand. I firmly held his reminder as to why I was so mad. I stayed ahead of Wicks and prevented him from intervening.

And with a hard wheeze, I shouted at Alexander in anger.

"You're a liar!"

...

Alexander

His senses were in disarray. He didn't know what to feel—worn out, content, hungry, annoyed, or angry. His head throbbed, trying to contain them all. He hadn't expected it to go this way. 

Alexander thought everything would be worse. Anytime he involved himself, it always was.

That's when she moved closer. He wanted to ignore her, and he hoped she'd ignore him.

The compulsion rose, and his digits twitched anxiously. Alexander's body wanted to shift itself to eat her, much like any time he was around her. His lack of energy made it harder to control. 

When he panned to the shirt she wore, his body eased slightly, not by much, but enough for him to respond to what she said. He wanted to convince her that what she tried to say was nonsense. Alexander even snapped at her. 

Get away, you idiot.

She was persistent. Not that he didn't know that. It vexed him to no end. I'm a monster; I eat humans like you.

He didn't vocalize it like he did several times before. She should have...

What did she call me?

His ears were ringing, and his mind went blank. 

They had argued about many things. Lynette called him names, and he did the same to her, yet she had never said anything so serious—something that hurt like she slapped him across the face. 

"I saw the way you looked at Drake. You didn't want to leave him. You wanted to stay. He's your best friend, practically your brother," she continued.

Her usually sheepish pasture-green hue looked harsher, like an inferno directed at him. As far as she was concerned, he was the only one that mattered. 

Alexander took a step back, and she took another step closer. She didn't let him create any distance and let go of Wick's hand to do so. 

"And you still went back!" she hiccupped between her strangled breath, her throat still dry. "You didn't have to. You could have stayed with us and waited." Tears fell from her eyes. She didn't wipe them. 

You're- His thoughts couldn't come together seeing her.

"I know you and Wicks aren't on the best terms." She winced and still refused to cusp her aching throat. 

Stop looking at me like that. 

"I didn't do anything." That was all he could say, and it wasn't nearly as loud as she spoke. Thus, she denied he ever said it. 

"You have no idea how much it means to me that you did that." Lynette wouldn't give up. 

His head ached, and his mind was becoming inundated with memories—pathetic things he wished he had forgotten. 

He wanted it to stop. He wanted to shut her up. But Andras had to start this. Alexander had to get involved. He didn't expect her to be like this. Most people would leave him alone after he shut them down.

Leave already.

He didn't understand why it was so hard to speak. Not until his breathing was shallow. 

"Because I couldn't. I couldn't do anything if he needed me. So," He attempted to bring his hand to his chest. She snatched it and held it between both of hers. "Don't stand here and lie to me, Alexander." 

His exhale wouldn't leave. 

"You're owed as much thanks as everyone else here, especially from me, and I won't let you go without acknowledging it!"

His thoughts could no longer hold back what he once wanted.

"Mom!" He ran to her after he finished his homework at the table. He almost forgot to tell her what he realized today.  She had her back to him, occasionally poking the cooking beef on the stove. Alexander didn't judge. He knew it was hard for her since Dad did all the cooking before he left for the war. "Yes, Alex?" She always crouched to meet him. She was much taller than him.  And taller than his dad. She had gentler eyes most of the time, too.  "I think I know what I want to do." A childish joy lit up on his face. In school, they talked about what their parents did for a living. Since his mom didn't work, he talked about his dad. They classified him as a combat nurse. "You do?" She questioned, smiling. He nodded. "Yeah!" His grin widened. "I wanna be just like dad and help people."  "A hero like your dad, huh?" His mom laughed. It was contagious. "He really is super, isn't he?" "He is!" Alexander bounced in his socks, nearly slipping on the tile floor. "I can't wait for him to teach me magic stuff when he gets home."  "I know he'll be so glad to hear you say that." She perked back up as grease sizzled from the meat onto her arm. She flung her attention back to the pan. "How about you write down all the stuff you want Dad to teach you when he comes back?" And he did. He made a long list of things. A list he never gave to him because he ripped it up after his body changed forever. 

For a brief moment, it hurt again. Lynette reminded him of that. 

He heaved. Both of the hands in front of him, the one she held and the one he used to pry hers away, were covered in blood. 

It wasn't real. He wasn't there anymore. Yet his body acted like he was. He couldn't focus on her. Everything was blurring. He mistakenly thought he was spinning. 

That's how his steps felt. No matter how well his feet were on the ground, he couldn't hold them there. He squeezed his eyes to escape.

"Xander."

Her worry stung. 

He opened his eyes once more, pulled away completely, and turned around. 

...

Then, he did the same thing he always did.

He ran.

Hey, you, thank you so much for reading. I'm glad I put out a story that people can enjoy! I hope you continue to enjoy it as WE have a LOT more to go! YOU BETTER KEEP PROSPERING! (Nonnegotiable, as always~).

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What I’d do for a Livable Income Part 2 (Synopsis/Chapter - List)

[sarifinasnightmare]

The Vengeful Bride

Pairing: Sarah x Bucky

Rating: Teen and Up (I think). The pirates aren't nice and neither are the mermaids actually. Mentions of violence, gore and sexual harassment. Bad ass Sarah Wilson. 💪🏾

Summary: On an island somewhere in the Caribbean, there is a story about a town that nearly got destroyed by a greedy mayor and some pirates and were saved by the vengeful ghost of a bride who had drowned on her wedding day.

Prompt: Pirates/Mermaid AU

___________

On an island somewhere in the Caribbean, there is a story about a town that nearly got destroyed by a greedy mayor and some pirates and were saved by the vengeful ghost of a bride who had drowned on her wedding day.

The Widow Sarah Wilson had always been a strong, beautiful wild creature. Her parents had three children, two sons who prospered elsewhere and their daughter. When she was a child, she’d run barefoot all over the town and spend hours splashing and swimming in the sea. Other mothers would’ve considered her unmanageable, but she was also an intelligent girl who could perform the maidenly duties required of her very well, she just didn’t care for them. Her embroidery skills were flawless, her fingers flew cleanly over the piano playing dulcet music, she danced like a flower in the wind and her penmanship was enviable. However, she would much rather be at sea, on the family boat, reading books, caring for the wildlife and basking in the waves.

When she reached her majority, it seemed like no one was good enough for her. Amongst the swath of rosy maidens looking to find husbands, she was the bird of paradise who lured them without even trying. It seemed no one would tame her, but to everyone’s surprise she married! Her mother made the match to Mr. Ashley Wilson, a man who was nearly twice her age, recently widowed, very rich and looking for a fresh young bride. Many thought Sarah would put up a fight, but she obediently acquiesced to her mother’s desires and married the older man. She had been a resplendent bride and Mr. Wilson was said to have been gleeful at the fact that he got himself the untamable Sarah for a wife.

They were pleasantly married for a few years until the day came that Mr. Wilson was stricken with a stroke and became a bed-ridden invalid. Now the wild, beautiful Sarah became her husband’s nursemaid and the whole town clicked their tongues in sympathy. What a waste of beauty! Then after struggling for a year more, Mr. Wilson died, leaving his wife a young widow. What a shame! Now she lived alone in the huge house by the sea with all the wealth her old husband had left behind. She moved her now ailing mother into the house so she could see to her needs like a good diligent daughter. Poor Sarah, people murmured, so wealthy but bound to her ill relations.

What the people didn’t know was that for as long as Sarah had the sea, she had never once been alone nor neglected.

Her father had been from a world of water, filled with people called by many names: the Aycayia, the Maneli, Njuzu, or Sirenas; mermaids in simple English. He fell in love with her mother and sacrificed his home to be with her. Their children had a rare choice when they reached their majority, to become a part of the merfolk or to stay human. Her elder brother chose humans, her second took to the sea. Sarah herself loved the sea as well, because it was the sea that held her greatest love.

As a child she encountered a merboy called Bucky who had first been her dearest friend and playmate. He taught her to swim, to turn her legs into a sleek tail, to hold her breath, and they explored many of the inaccessible places around the island. Later as they grew, they became sweethearts, exchanging words of unending affection. He’d become a tall, broad shouldered, handsome warrior, with long dark hair and blazing blue eyes. She ripened into curves, balanced by fierce brown eyes and generous lips that had become irresistible to him. He wanted her to join him in the waters and she was more than willing. However, she was her mother’s only girl and she loved her deeply. So much so that she begged her daughter to stay with her at least until she died. After having lost his father, Sarah found she couldn’t find it in her to abandon her mother and despite her desire to be in the sea with Bucky she decided to be a dutiful daughter first.

Her mother never liked Bucky, thinking him wild and dangerous, so it was rather mean-spirited of her to make Sarah marry another man. She had hoped that by providing her daughter with every earthly comfort that she would be satisfied, but the old woman underestimated how passionately they loved each other.

In a secret cavern she quietly told him what would occur, and he of course did not take it well.

Bucky had been furious. “Your mother is a menace! Why would you agree to this!! I will kill that old fool before I let him have an inch of you!”

“Bucky-” She tried to explain.

“You think I would sit and allow myself to be set aside??”

“No! I will not leave you!” She protested.

“You are!!” He snapped, his eyes growing watery. “How would you feel if I set you aside?”

Sarah knew that abandonment meant death to a merfolk, because once love was given it could not be returned, so he could waste away, starved of her love. “Please Bucky don’t leave me! I take no pleasure in this but what can I do? Leave my mother to her misery? She lost her love too and clings to ways to keep me close.”

“She means to kill us.” He growled as jealousy seized him and he began to ravish her with kisses and love bites. Sarah clutched him, urging him on, wanting only the pleasure he could give her.

“I won’t let us part,” She panted, moaning as he tongued her breasts. “I will keep us together.”

Together they came up with a plan that while not perfect would be enough to satisfy their needs.

On her wedding night, a wild, beautiful Sarah Wilson waited with bated breath as Bucky, on two human feet, nude and wet with the salt of the sea on his skin, slipped into her new house, entered her room and deflowered his darling love. It was everything they had imagined it would be. She did away with her robe and threw herself naked into his arms. He carried her to the bed and let the netting wrap around them as they made love for the first time. They had played and touched before, but their first joining was infinitely sweeter than that.  While the servants thought that the grunts and moans were of the newly wed couple, it was Bucky between her thighs, muscles flexing, tightening as he thrust between her silky thighs. Sarah writhed and arched against him, swimming in ecstasy and clutching him tight as the pleasure waves of their orgasm drowned them both.

Where was her husband in all this? Drugged and deep in the throes of a hallucinogenic sleep that brought him sweet dreams of his new wife. That was how it went for years. Encouraged by his wife to have a drink before laying with her, he never knew that all those times he dreamt his encounters with her when in reality it was another man, a creature from the sea, that lay with his wife and pleasured her throughout the night. When he had his stroke, it made their life much easier. She no longer had to drug him to be with Bucky and when he died it was all the better. Her mother suspected something amiss but dared not voice it, least it fell into the wrong ears. The servants were perplexed by the odd wet spots that appeared occasionally around the house. One overly curious man tried to find the source of the spots and was discovered dead at the foot of the stairs, his neck broken and a look of utter shock on his pale face.

Bucky would allow no one to come between him and his love.

Now Sarah was a widow and a wealthy one at that. Free once more she resumed doing the things she loved, and no one gave it any thought. After all she was a rich, respectable widow dutifully caring for her mother; it was admirable.

“I tire of this half-life, Sarah.” Bucky said to her one night as they lay in her bed. “I want you home.”

Sarah caressed the long, wet hair from his face. “I want to, Bucky, you know I do, but I promised my mother to wait until she passed.”

“So it’s her death I require.” He growled, a hint of sharp teeth catching in the candlelight.

“Please don’t!”

He calmed himself. “I won’t, but I just love you so much and this waiting hurts me. To be so far from you is torture.”

She understood. Merfolk suffered when parted from their loved ones and she felt the painful ache just being half. The ache in her lover must have felt worse. “I do not wish for my mother’s death, but she is becoming frailer. It won’t be long.”

They held each other close during the night until dawn came, and Bucky reluctantly slipped away back to the sea. Sarah watched him go, conflicted by the burdens in her heart.

______________________-----

It happened that the governor of their town passed away and the homeland sent a new mayor to watch over them. Upon the arrival of Mayor Forks, the people knew they were in for some trouble. He was large, fat with grasping fingers and a wandering stare. The way his eyes trailed over everything of value and every pretty face instantly made the citizens wary.

Tax money immediately started to go missing, causing Forks to raise them to meet the quota. Unsavory looking men were permitted to enter the town and the mayor’s palace suddenly acquired some ugly guards. People grumbled and began to lament. The mayor had always been the guest of honor at the first dance of the season, and it was with gritted teeth that the young ladies were forced to dance with him, his hands pawing around.

Sarah had heard about this mayor but had studiously avoided him. She usually stood amongst the married and widowed ladies commenting on the matches although she was still young. The mayor took one look at her and was instantly arrested. A rich, beautiful widow! How could he pass her up?

Much to Sarah’s horror and disgust, Mayor Forks began to pursue her, and she absolutely refused him. It was the talk of the town. The mayor would send letters, flowers and gifts to her house and she’d send every item back. Twice he’d tried to enter her house only to be told her was either not at home (she was) or indisposed (she wasn’t). The one time he got close to her during a tea party, he slipped his hand onto her thigh, and she “accidentally” spilled hot tea on his hand. Using her ruined dress as an excuse to leave early she complained heatedly to her mother about it.

“We should leave this place before he does something worse to get you alone with him.” Her mother suggested.

“Mother, you wouldn’t be able to make such a journey. Plus, everything I need is here. I shan’t leave just because of him!”

“That’s because you won’t leave…because of him.”

Sarah gave her a hooded glare. “I love Bucky. I gave into your wishes to marry, and I obeyed, mother, but he is the only one I will ever allow to truly have me.”

“Have you told him about this mayor?”

“Indeed. It has become a sore subject.”

Bucky barely tolerated her first husband and was furious at the realization that now there was another suitor. Sarah was more than fine with him killing the fat pig, but it proved to be more difficult than assumed.

“Those men he has around his house are always patrolling and they’re not just anyone, they’re pirates.”

Pirates and merfolk shared the oceans but that did not make them allies. Thieves, rapists, opportunists, they would gladly take advantage of any mermaid or merman they found. Therefore, it was in a merfolk’s best interest to kill them. Seasoned pirates scoffed at the fantasy of beautiful, playful mermaids; they knew the truth, some had the scars to prove it.

Bucky was a warrior and was not shy about spilling blood but doing it alone amongst a band of unscrupulous pirates was risky. He urged caution and she agreed, sensing that eventually her rejections would cause Mayor Forks to do something more diabolical.

Then, on a beautiful festival day, the mayor revealed his grand gesture. During his speech he publicly proposed to Sarah thinking that having an audience would finally force her to agree, but she sneered at him and openly refused in front of the whole town. At that point the mayor’s thin veneer of civility fell and his true monstrosity emerged.

Slowly more unsavory pirates were permitted into the town, they menaced the people but were momentarily held back and the people were scared at what would happen next. Finally at a dinner party Mayor Forks made his announcement.

“I want you all to spread the word. I want to make sure everyone knows.” He began. “That I will not be humiliated by a woman in such a way. Since she cannot acquiesce kindly then force shall be necessary. If the Widow Sarah Wilson does not marry me within a fortnight, then my companions will gather all the ladies of the town, rich or poor and I shall let them have a grand time with them as they see fit. If any survive the event, they can return to their families. Do not attempt to leave as I have the ports well watched. Instead, may I suggest the good people focus on getting the good widow to prepare for her wedding day and resign herself to be my obedient little wife.”

The horror swept throughout the entire town. Cries and wailings echoed everywhere. Instantly the town turned on Sarah, demanding that she submit herself to the mayor. Then sensing she might try to flee he took it one step further. Upon his orders the pirates attacked, grabbing the girls and taking them into the local prisons. Screams and prayers could be heard as the mayor decided to hold the girls ransom to ensure that Sarah would appear. She was stunned by the outcry and for the first time felt a finger of fear up her spine.

Bucky had enough. “Come with me now. He’s given you no option but the sea.”

“And leave all these maidens to be made whores of?? I cannot be so heartless!” She argued.

“The town is against you!”

“The town is afraid! You cannot blame them for trying to save their daughters!”

“So you will do this? You’ll give yourself to that pig??” he asked, almost trembling with rage.

“I must and yet I cannot endure it. I must kill him and his pirates.” She declared coldly.

Bucky was surprised. Sarah had always been gentle despite her fieriness so to hear her speak of bloodshed was new.

“Do you plan to drug him?” He asked tentatively.

“No, he requires something much crueler.” She replied.

_______________________----

The mayor arranged the whole event, spending lavishly as he soon expected to have all of Sarah’s wealth in his coffers by the end of the night. The whole town showed up to this wedding, though there was no joy amongst anyone except the mayor, who looked at his intended bride garishly dressed in a gown he ordered her to wear with lewd anticipation. Sarah barely gave her consent and refused to offer her lips for a kiss and frowned at the sloppy feel of his mouth against her cheek. He tried to paw at her on the carriage ride to their reception. She slapped him and he slapped her back. Enraged, she struck him hard across the face with the back of her hand and he sat back stunned by the violence and strength. She hissed at him, and he swore he saw sharp teeth, but before he could question her they reached the governor’s palace and she nearly leapt out of the carriage to avoid him.

The festivities were hardly that. People didn’t want to dance to the music and hardly anyone ate; their minds preoccupied with their daughters and ashamed to look at the unfortunate bride in the eye. A few even apologized but Sarah paid them no mind, focused on what she’d have to do to survive the night with her grotesque new husband.

Getting drunk and feeling good, Forks decided to find his wife for a dance. Sarah refused him, but he grabbed her waist and forced her against him.

“You’re mine now. You do what I say like a good little wife.”

“You are mistaken if you think I’ll be so submissive to a pig like you.” She snapped.

The man chuckled drunkenly. “You forgot that everything that was once yours is now mine.” He hiccupped and she could smell the alcohol in his breath. “In fact, I already sent my men to your house to empty it of all your fine things. I plan to make a profitable sale of the property afterward.”

“How dare you! My mother will be scared to death!” she said, gritting her teeth as he grabbed her buttock.

“No, your mother will be dead. I have no patience for a dying old hag, so I told my men to deal with her quietly.”

“NO!” she cried, and all her careful planning came to a grinding halt as she picked up a dinner knife and stabbed him in the chest in front of all their guests. He cried out in agony, and everyone gasped, but Sarah didn’t care as she picked up her skirts and ran out of the palace to go save her mother.

Spotting a carriage, she pushed away the driver before climbing onto the seat and urged the pair of horses to gallop through the night streets.

Meanwhile, her mother was gasping for breath as she tried to flee her assailants. The horrible men had broken into the house, killed the butler and started ransacking the place. The servants fled, screaming, leaving the old woman to fend for herself. Terrified, the lady stumbled down the stairs, hurting her ankles, but she could not stop. Desperately she tried to escape to the beach only for two men to give chase, hooting and laughing as she stumbled and fell on the uneven sand. They grabbed her, dragging her into the cold water and started to dunk her in, enjoying her cries of distress.

A sudden unnatural swish of the water distracted them momentarily, then a manlike creature jumped out of the waves, grabbed one of the pirates and pulled him effortlessly into the sea. Terrified the other man released the old woman, who gasped and stumbled, and pulled out a knife, staring wildly into the dark waters. Kelp suddenly flew at him, wrapping around his neck, yanking him into the waves. There was a momentary struggle before his head, and only his head, bobbed up to the surface.

Sarah made it to the house, saw the disaster, but the moonlight reflected the pale gown her mother was dressed in, laying in the sand in the distance and she ran down to her side.

“Mama! Mama!” She cried in despair as she reached the beach and turned her mother over to check on her.

The old woman sighed weakly, wet, sticky with sand but very much alive. “My baby.”

“Mama! Oh God I was so scared!” She wept even as she smiled in relief.

“What happened to the mayor?”

“I stuck a knife in him. Hopefully he’s bleeding out like-”

A hand reached out, grabbing the back of Sarah’s neck and began to strangle her. It was Mayor Forks, bleeding but still very much alive.

“You bitch!! You thought you could get rid of me! I’m your husband! I’ll teach you how to behave! I’ll make an example of you!”

Her mother tried to rise and get him off her daughter, but he kicked her aside and dragged Sarah into the waves, still strangling her.

Sarah hissed and fought, but the weight of the now wet dress was heavy and from the angle she was at she could not fight him as he forced her head into the waters.

“I’ll teach you! You stupid bitch!” He shouted as he tried to drown her. Unexpectedly there was a yank as if something was pulling on his bride. Startled, the mayor loosened his hold on her, which was a mistake because the moment he did, she was abruptly taken from him and dragged further into the sea.

Frantically he tried to seek her, hoping to catch onto the heavy skirts. “No! No! You don’t get to slip that easy from me! You’re mine! MINE!” Eventually he felt the fabric and pulled it up with all his might, only to find it empty of its owner.

Forks was mystified, then heard a splash. Looking up he saw a pale-skinned, nude, dark haired man glaring at him with deadly intentions. Before he could make demands, Sarah rose beside the man in her shift that clung like thin tissue over her beautiful body, and she too looked at him cruelly.

“Get back here. I’m not done with you.” The fat man snarled.

“I’m not done with you either.” She hissed, revealing sharp teeth. “My plan was to see you dead tonight and I intend for that to happen.”

“You…I will have every woman violated if you touch me!” He threatened, a surge of fear rearing his head when he realized that the pair were approaching him menacingly, and he had no real way to protect himself.

“The only one who’s going to be violated is you little pig.” Bucky growled, large hands revealing long claws. “You’ve fattened yourself plenty. Time to carve you up.”

The man now looked over at his bride and saw as hint of sharp teeth he thought he’d glimpsed earlier were now on full display. “Still want that kiss?”

He turned and ran and promptly lost his footing in the waves. Sharp hands grabbed his ankles, pulling him into the sea, dragging him to and fro until he was crying for mercy. He managed to scramble to the beach, his clothes in tatters, but they shot out of the water, like an orca catching prey. Pulled close, he was turned onto his back, giving him only a glimpse of the sleek, dark, tails and fins before they ripped him open. He screamed and screamed until he died with a pathetic whimper.

Sarah wanted his body to be found on the beach, so they left him there to rot. Glancing up she then observed the jail where the girls were being held. “I need to go save them. Once these pirates realize that he is dead they will run wild and do as they please.”

“You are free, and your mother is safe. You’ve risked enough for these people.” Bucky protested.

“I love you, Bucky, but you either help me or stay out of my way.” She replied before diving into the water.

He growled before dutifully following his beloved mate.

___________________------

The tension in the prison was high. Word had spread that the bride had stabbed the groom and now no one could find either of them. The girls didn’t know what that meant, but the loud arguments going on did not put them at ease.

“What do we do?”

“Are we still getting paid??”

“Fuck it all! I’ve been itching for that one all day!” A particularly ugly pirate approached the cells, causing the girls to huddle themselves in one corner.

“Ain’t no one saving you now little girls! Time to pay up!”

They cried and whimpered in fear.

A harsh breeze suddenly ran through the corridors of the jail, blowing the flames out, leaving them all in darkness with only the pale moonlight. A soft, dulcet voice echoed through the halls and the pirates began to unsheathe their swords.

“We need to get out of here, now!” And older pirate ordered.

“The fuck?? Why? What’s going on??”

A noise echoed down a darkened hall, sending several of the girls scrambling to the other side of their cells to avoid whatever was coming.

“Out! Out now!” The old man’s throat suddenly opened up as a dark-skinned, clawed hand dug through it and yanked the man violently against the wall, smashing his face on the stone. The younger man fumbled his pistol and tried to aim it, but a pale creature attacked him from the side and ripped him open.

The girls huddled, frightened as the sound of screams and muscles being ripped apart echoed throughout the prison. Those who were brave enough to look were shocked to see the nearly naked form of the Widow Sarah, killing the pirates in horrendous fashion. She looked nothing like the dignified widow, but like a demoness, her hair long and free, her white shift blood stained and her eyes burned with rage.

Bucky took a cutlass and used it to kill any pirates outside the prison, showing no mercy. Merfolk were fine fighters in and out of water, but there was a limit and Bucky knew that he could not remain exposed for too long. In the distance he heard more shouting and peered over a ledge to see it was the town’s people rushing with muskets, pitchforks and torches coming to save their daughters. Quickly he ran back into the building to get Sarah.

“They’ve come for their daughters!” he announced, ignoring the corpses. “We have to leave.”

Sarah agreed, then glanced at one girl still brave enough to look. “See to my mother.”

The lovers turned and fled. Running, they reached the edge of a small cliff and dived into the cool, dark waters. As soon as they reached a certain distance, Sarah gladly removed her shift and allowed her body to make its change, turning limbs into a sleek tail and fin that resembled a dolphin. Bucky smiled, pleased to finally have his beloved all to himself and gathered her in his arms for a kiss.

Home, he urged her, blue eyes blazing with love.

Home, she agreed, smiling back and allowed him to pull her into the comforting darkness of the sea and towards the place she had longed for.

__________________----

The girls told a wild tale about Sarah coming to save them, of ripping pirates to pieces before disappearing like smoke. Men went to the widow’s house and found chaos and Sarah’s poor mother shivering quietly on the stoop. She spoke of her daughter being strangled by Mayor Forks which sent them all to the beach where they found the remains of the political pig being feasted on by the seagulls and wild dogs. Her wedding dress was found clumped against some rocks and they made the tragic conclusion that they had probably killed each other, and her unfortunate corpse was dragged into the sea. How then did it explain what the girls saw? Clearly, they were overwrought and delusional, but that didn’t explain the dozens of dead pirates. The one girl who had been brave enough to look declared that Sarah must’ve returned as a vengeful spirit to save them and they owed her a debt of gratitude. Shocked and a little frightened, the citizens agreed and mobilized.

Quickly they took their daughters home and began to cleanse their town of the mayor and his evil. The elites, not nearly so willing to believe in the supernatural but also not willing to tempt fate, did their part. Craftily they spread the rumor of a pirate attack that killed their mayor and several others including the wealthy widow. Fortunately, her mother lived, and they made sure that her house was restored, that she was safe and even summoned her son to come fetch her.

The old woman was grateful for their kindness but wasn’t a fool. She knew what had become of her daughter and what had transpired. Bittersweetly, she walked the shore of the beach, staring out into the sea knowing that her daughter was now living happily below the cold depths with her true love. Although she did not keep her promise to her mother, it didn’t hurt so much. She was a mother, she understood and in the end all she wanted was her children’s happiness. Her eldest son would be arriving soon to take her with him to his home, so at least she wouldn’t be alone and when the Lord finally took her, she would rest at ease, knowing that all was well with her kin.

The house and all the goods inside were sold and soon the old woman boarded a ship that belonged to her son, who saw to her comfort. Looking back as her island home grew smaller, she and her oldest son noticed something or someone bobbing around in the middle of the sea. It was Sarah. She waved at them and blew her mother a kiss. They waved back and she blew a kiss back, stifling tears.

Sarah watched as the ship disappeared over the horizon. Bucky popped up beside her, glanced at the ship, then kissed her naked shoulder. “We need to go, my love.”

“I know. I just wanted to say good-bye one last time.” she replied, her eyes watery.

“You don’t regret us…do you?” He asked worriedly.

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders. “Never. I regret nothing. I love you, Bucky and there’s no place I’d rather be.”

He smiled triumphantly before kissing his true love and sank them under the cool, blue depths where they could revel in their passion more freely.

The story of the vengeful bride was told amongst the daughters who passed it to their children who then carried it along to their own. A few claimed that on the anniversary of her death one could see her wandering the beach in her wedding gown singing a sad song. Few were brave to see if it was true, the rich preferred to ignore it, but the commoners often left trinkets and food in thanks for her help. Some called her an angel, others a devil, but no one considered her a mermaid which was just fine with the merfolk who didn’t care for human attention. As for Sarah, she didn’t care of what was said, she was safe and loved, wrapped in the arms of her beloved Bucky and that was all that mattered.

The End

[exlwandering]

The Most Important thing

I remember when the deal maker was first brought into the world. He opened his eyes and saw the reality of his angelhood and without a single question. Took it upon himself to crown him all-powerful. Of course he wasn't and he isn't. No. He's just an idiot with a pair of wings, a nice suit, and a presumably quick mind.

Very quickly into his existence. He learned how the hierarchy worked. He was nearly at the top. Most other archangels were pretty far below him, but those in between both of ark origins and not were quickly drawn to the deal maker or more specifically his willingness to help others with their problems. Many people came to him with deals and trades nearly every day. Some people like archangels Punishment or  Lady luck and Miss Gamble got exactly what they wanted. Punishment’s part of the story is a little boring. He asked for  a weapon that would never dull and never kill no matter how brutal the wound inflicted, veyr in character for him you might have guessed. The Deal Makers price: that he may be called upon whenever the deal maker or those above him wished, which to be honest was never a real price. Just another reward in most ways. His only real quam with this arrangement was that he couldn’t punish who he saw fit to if they were too important, like the Judge.

 The Lady luck and Miss Gamble got just what they wanted too. But instead of a deal or a trade they played a simple game of luck with one winner and three rewards on the line. A feather from each of their wings all pristine black and shiny blue. The deal maker thought it was a ploy for more power that the girls were stupid for trying. Thinking that losing a feather would be so great a loss to him that he would have lost some of himself to the girls, but that's not what it was. He quickly discovered all that they really wanted was to play a game that had some real stakes to it. It had been a long time for them after all.  In the end, Miss Gamble won  and in the end she burnt the other two's feathers right in front of them before returning her own to her wing. The girls walked out laughing and the deal maker walked out with a lesson. Never play a game. You aren't certain you can win if you even play one at all.

Other times though, it was the deal maker that got all of the glory. Sometimes humans would call on him and other times it was golden wings or even more archangels. Some humans were clever. I remember a time where one had already initiated the deal and another Man swept up from behind the first man and held a knife to his throat" you are going to make the deal. I want you to make" he whispered in the poor man's ear like whispering would stop the deal maker from hearing the destruction of a deal that he was in fact very proud of. Archangel Mercury was there and I only bring him up because of a very unique feature he has. He can move at near light speed and because of that he perceives things at that same speed. So when the deal maker moved about as fast as sound reached over for the man with the knife's head and ripped it cleaned off, he saw everything in perfect clarity and saw again in perfect clarity as he stood right back where he was, smiled, wiped his hands off before asking "So. Where were we?" And if you're wondering, no, the first man did not survive his deal not to any meaningful amount of time anyway. 

The type of power that the deal maker has is one that makes people very cocksure, arrogant, stupid, and overconfident but it also makes one curious. It makes even the most resolved and intelligent people Make the stupidest decisions to get knowledge or more specifically more knowledge because that's the truth about this kind of power. That's all. It is knowledge and friends in high places. The deal maker has always only had one power to have a mind that never forgets anything. Every sensation, every sound, every word is all captured perfectly in his mind. That's really all he has, so he's always looking for more. Or he was.

He was looking through an ancient Golden Wing library one day. Just going through their old magics and learning what little written history the golden wing people actually had. When he saw me on the cover of a book, he pulled it out and examined the  old golden wing  leather, my eyes being solid in gold. wings behind me. I know that he thought it was odd to say the least. It was clear that I was an Elder. Elders as many of the golden wings called them tended to be so specific what the designs they made for their bodies. 100 eyes a thousand arms 1000 ft long tails that splinter into long veins. That kind of thing, but I am rather simple mainly because I for one didn't get to design myself. Not really in a way that counts at least.  But I guess that doesn't really matter. What does matter in the story is that he opened my book and found all sorts of other little stories about me and the people like him. He didn't take it very seriously though he thought that the people that I made deals with we're like the people he made deals with numb in the head or completely empty in the head. But honestly they've all been exactly like him and no matter how I pity them, they always pay for what they ask for but he laughed and laughed at the people in the book like they couldn't be him. 

Eventually, it became almost an obsession to look for more information about me. A great many of his deals began to revolve around finding more: books, more stories, more remnants. He even came right up to me one day. “Pet, do me a favor and run to the Golden Wing library. Look for books with this image on it." He would say to my sorry State and even when my face was right there to examine side by side he didn't notice the similarities. It makes sense though. Even I had forgotten who I was. I couldn't remember much those days or at all really but I can now and I can remember all those pointless hours looking for even a scrap of my old self. It was almost poetic until finally the one who controls me. She decided to play with him. If he had such an interest in meeting us at our worst, who were we to deny him? She gave me a book. Our old book that could tell anyone exactly how to play one of our games and when I returned with that he could barely keep himself from jumping for Joy. This vain little boy had gotten exactly what he wanted. 

I was in the room with him while he was getting ready to meet me. He had me fetch perfumes and hair products. His best suit. A pristine and vibrant red. He got dressed and washed his face as best he could. He shaved himself carefully and moisturized his face. His hands. Looking at himself in admiration, turning his own head in his hands, paying special attention to the right side of his face. His good side he always said. No doubt that he thought he was about to meet someone who would become a great friend, someone who might swoon for him and his genius. But no matter what he thought he went to his main place of business. This long corridor with black and red velvet curtains, lining the walls and two plush couches on either side of the room, one armchair for him and one long couch for guests. I suppose the specifics don't matter all that much.

He opened the book and with full confidence. Tried to summon her but it didn't really work how he was hoping it would. There was no immediate response from her busy with Cynthiess, who I'll talk about another time, but the important part about this was the dealmaker's reaction. The thought that she wouldn't just immediately show up was baffling and you would think it would serve as an omen to him. But I guess it didn't because when she finally got fed up with the endless summonings and was finally able to respond, she brought him to her. 

The wall in front of him bent around this opening that led to this vibrant purple room and after maybe just a second of excitement. He walked in. 

"What do you want? Deal maker?" But she didn't show herself. She kept the mass of herself hidden. Maybe inside the walls? It doesn't matter. He looked confused for a moment and then shook his head. 

“It took you long enough to respond... The body."

She was quiet for just a second before laughing so loud he had to cover his ears" the body??? What are you stupid? You would think that the person who’s been so obsessed with us would know which one he's talking to!" She got quiet for a moment giggling all the while.

" What is it you want, Deal Maker? I hope it's not just to socialize. I'm very busy after all.."

“Well of course as am I.... What should I call you if not the body?" 

Her giggling persisted, echoing through the room, “Just she or her works fineDeal maker…”

I felt him lean forward as he almost corrected her. "The deal maker" but he didn't. 

"What do you want." 

He stood there for a moment thinking. And for a moment it looked like he didn't know what to say until he remembered his senses "Depends… What will it cost me?"

"A  good question as to be expected. Hmm..." She pondered and as she did so her thousands of arms began to pull through the walls like ink through a piece of cloth but he didn't seem to notice. I know what she was thinking about not necessarily what it would cost him but how much she could cheat him. How to simply throw away willingly, the arms were curling around the floor, damp and cold and shiny in the soft light of her room. Slowly they wrapped not around the deal maker, but simply around his vicinity leaving plenty of space for him to simply ignore her. 

"I want what you love more than anything. What's the most important thing to you deal maker." 

He started to think to himself then and I only really remember because I wasn't the only one hearing his thoughts. She was hearing them too. 

How in the world could she take something like that and is there even something I value that much? I doubt it. And even then I suppose the only way she could take it from me would be if I told her what it is. So all in all a safe-ish bet but no matter what she takes I can recover. There's nothing so important that I wouldn't be stronger for it can name anything just for the price of one measly thing I care about.... Well that might be a deal I can't refuse... 

" I could have anything for that price?"

"Anything at all. I can promise anything. And carry through with it."

" Then I want it all. I want to know everything you know"

"Shake on it?" 

She stuck out her horrible inky and dripping and boneless hand and he took it and started screaming. The ink of her hands pulled under his skin and stained it with her insignia: her own eye on his palm and her hands wrapping around the muscle of his forearm all the way up to his shoulder  and while painful it was not why he was screaming. A white light cracked under the skin of his face. His right eye went completely white mainly because it was rolling into the back of his head. He doubled over but she didn't let go of him even when he was kneeling and clawing at the burning skin of his face. 

"What are you doing?!?!"

One of her hands reached down and grabbed him by the face squishing his cheeks together like you would a child. "Taking what you care about most. I'll be honest though. The ‘Good side’ of your face is pretty damn vain. but to each their own."

His screaming got more and more high-pitched and his tears only falling from his left eye, we're staining themselves red leaving dark black trails down his suit. But finally the right side of his face fell off. 

She let go of his head and his hand letting him fall to the ground weeping and drooling onto the floor. She picked up his face Serene and soft in her comforting hands, the back side of his face emitting a soft, warm light that same light emitting himself from the right side of his head. He no longer had a full face to call his own and where half of his nose, his right eye, eyebrow and cheekbone had once stood a smooth white surface that glowed faintly now sat, visibly lower and deeper into his head than the rest of his face.

"And now," her hands reached down to his face again, softer this time almost tender, like she used to hold me. She directed what was left of his face to look at her beautifulv eye, "my part of the deal " . In a moment thoughts burst in his head like a bubble waiting to rupture in his skull. He couldn't begin to comprehend laws of the world that made no sense and that contradicted each other. He saw it all. He saw everything about everyone present, past,  what was yet to happen just for a moment but when it was gone he was not quite left the way that she thought he would be. Instead of broken he looked up at her eye again. Smiling weekly, his gaze full of admiration " whatever you want. Whatever you need I'll do it..."

You could feel the room shift like she was smiling and without a word she pulled a mask out of the air bright red with pearls and rubies outlining the edges and gold accenting the brow and eye filling in the space that she had left behind. With what little strength he had left he took it and tried it on and of course it was a perfect fit he passed out soon after that, he was smiling though. 

I don't really know what the point of telling this story was. In the end the deal maker was infinitely better off he made more deals everyday until eventually Cynthiess and the Judge made the collective decision that he was too powerful for even them to contain at least within the confines of their little laws. As magic as they may be. So instead they opted for a more permanent solution. One that required the deal maker to be trapped in his own business room. He still makes deals though and he still is very powerful and he is still better off for it all. It's funny how things play out. I've seen so many things, all of them enough to drive anyone mad and clearly it drove him mad for centuries. No scratch that trillions upon trillions of centuries. He has been sitting in that room. Only the occasional whisper keeping him company the people that he once depended on to protect him are no more. In the end like war he was all alone and still he was better off for it. I suppose that's something I can understand in some small ways but not really. The big difference between us is that one of us is actually happy with the decision that they made. And I’m sure you can guess who. But really, in the end all that matters is if you want to hear another story. I've got plenty of time on my hands after all.

[nebula-0-system]

Lesbian Dating

it's so hard, it's a bitch and i just wish some pretty girl would just make me her bitch instead.

anyways, i'm really just mad at the social and psychological superstructure that humans have built around the idea and concept of dating leading it to be this coveted and hidden thing that's hidden behind scaffolding of opinions of people building ever higher trying to get a look, only for those actually wanting to date having to put up hundreds of walls around themselves to keep out the ever growing tsunami of people that aren't worth their time from getting in, despite the fact that the more walls they build, the more cracks get in bc they can't maintain that many walls, leading to them, inevitably, changing who they are, quitting, or just overall hating the structure too and delving into toxicity and likely becoming one of the many people in that tsunami ruining the entire social structure, process, and overall concept of dating for everyone still looking, and the fact that when people act differently about it by telling people to back off and being picky and being more than happy to throw down napalm around themselves to watch that tsunami of toxic suitors burn as the flames dance within their eyes, people are suddenly terrified, when it was the toxic suitors that are the cause of the flames, and their actions of walking into them anyways assuming they will not be burned is the cause for people hating the one who cast the flames to begin with when it was the person's actions that were responded to, cause and effect. that's exactly what i do. i cast the fire, and i let anyone who tries making dating harder for me or cause a problem walk into it and burn, and anyone who comes with good intentions can merely walk through, freely, and yet, nobody has. it's just a whole social construct that's got me real fucking pissed because my options for dealing with it are:

1: succumb and become like everyone else and deal with that shit (not my fucking scene, fuck that)

2: forge my own path and terrify the people that don't understand psychology or hate me for putting words to "that which should remain unspoken" because of other more complicated and traditional neurotypical sociological norms of using subtle messaging and subtext and borderline manipulation to communicate instead of fucking english, and because i'm autistic and can't understand (or just outright ignore out of defiance + pathological demand avoidance) social cues and social "rules" that people have in place like not putting words to "unspoken" things, and high emotional intelligence, it's suddenly making me the black sheep because people can't just communicate instead.

thank you for coming to my ted talk

[flamesandlutes69]

to be honest I ignored the excessive toilet humour in the rabbids original series and was just fascinated by how their mind works, to create all of those weird gadgets and make all those decisions. They're like little humans with no sense of morality yet they always seem to end up on the good side of the compass anyways (mostly with the assistance of another few humans though).

like, rabbids dont seem to really have a concept of what most human items are. Whenever they find a new object, they find out it's properties (observation) then try and find a use for it that is molded from their brain structure. For example, when they first found plungers. They found the sticky property, then the wooden handle, so they used them how they saw objects in human media; as grappling hooks, and swords, as two examples. But then you have original ideas, such as wearing them as hats, or... fighting with the plungers attached to their asses. Which is kind of impressive considering their eye placement wouldn't allow them to see behind themselves much.

I'm gonna admit, despite being a mostly stupid fart joke pop culture reference pointless series, the team behind Rabbids add some sort of reasoning behind their actions. (As the series started out with Rabbids in containment, being experimented upon.)

I still don't like the flat villain in the new series, and the fact that the robot in the sub has to wrangle them up like cattle every time something goes wrong. At least they show some sort of pack bonding to the robot. I kind of felt bad for it whenever they toss it around, acting as if it didn't just save their asses a few episodes ago.

But that's the thing; even though sometimes they act like a hivemind, mostly the rabbids have unique personalities that cause conflict in the plot, even if these conflicts are often childish and nonsensical. Most of them have a sense of space, awareness, and danger (the danger instinct is mostly for immediate threats though, like the episode with the President (Mr. I'm Definitely Not Biden) in the jungle). Anything else is really chalked up to their intelligence and animalistic instincts, which is expected because despite having the intelligence to interact with human objects and show (maybe?) complex emotions, they are still animals at the end of the day, who are somehow wired to be hellbent on destruction. (By the way, in the lore (I think Rabbids on Mars? Whatever it's called), it's revealed that rabbids are near indestructable, so they're like tardigrades. This doesn't make sense because I'm pretty sure a few rabbids get vaporized by lasers at one point)

Plus, due to their copying of human (/ martian???) behaviours (see species mirroring) they think they aren't rabbids, so their brain simulates emotions such as fear, jealousy, et cetera. Without the mirroring, they would likely be absent of complex emotion.

Well anyways. That's my thoughts on the Rabbids. Its not structured and im sorry if you thought my autism wasnt severe. save the hyperfocus. my final message. goodby e

watching the "new" (1yr) phantomstrider video about hated spongebob episodes and most of these were my favourites as a kid??? like the worm, the wait, whobob whatpants, the concert. man this is worse than when I watched a video of someone bashing garfield the movie and rabbids and then found out most people consider cloudy a chance of meatballs "good". my world after becoming conscious again is sooo weiiird

[grailfinders]

Fate and Phantasms #200

Wow, what a milestone, huh? It feels like only yesterday we were building Mash. Didn't even know you could grab multiple fighting styles back then. We were also one person back then. Things change. Things change even faster when you have magic eyes that let you bend anything you can see, so let's hurry up and build Asagami Fujino already. She is a Quandrix Sorcerer to tear apart anything she lays eyes on, as well as expand her field of vision beyond what her eyes can see. Dangerous combination, that.

Check out her build breakdown below the cut, or her character sheet over here!

Next up: In the dark of the night, evil will find you! (If Rasputin ever become a playable character I am really going to regret using that one here.)

Wait, what's that...

Race and Background

No surprises here, Fujino is a Variant Human, because normal humans can't tear people apart with their mind. That means she gets +1 Dexterity and Charisma, as well as proficiency with Perception (kind of her deal) and the Tough feat. HP isn't just how much body you have to get hurt, it's also how badly getting hurt affects you. Fujino's deadened sense of pain means she can take hits and keep going, purely due to the fact that she doesn't realize she should stop. That means you're getting an extra 2 HP each level.

Fujino is a schoolgirl, so the closest thing we have is the Cloistered Scholar background. That gives you History and Nature proficiency.

Ability Scores

Your highest score should be Charisma. Your magic eyes are an innate part of you, and it's really easy to be frightening when you can tear a bridge down around you. Second highest should be Constitution, for the reasons we outlined in your background feat. Your Dexterity should probably be pretty high, you fight in clothing, and you fought against Shiki for more than five seconds without dying. That's impressive. Your Intelligence isn't that bad, though you're still going through school. We aren't dumping Strength, it's alright, but we are dumping Wisdom. You have a hard time feeling yourself and feeling connected to other people.

Class Levels

You're a Sorcerer, giving you proficiency with Constitution and Charisma saves, as well as proficiency with the Intimidation and Arcana skills. You've got magic implanted in your face, and again, bridge. As a Sorcerer, you can cast spells using your Charisma. Blade Ward deadens your senses further, giving you resistance to physical damage types for a round. Mending lets you twist a small item back together, instead of tearing it apart. Sword Burst is a short range bending... sorta. Force damage is hard to quantify. But it's free, so that's nice. You can also Shape Water to bend liquids to your will. For first level spells, Mage Armor helps you not die, and Magic Missile lets you shoot little bursts of twistiness that'll never miss. You also join the school of Quandrix, which gives you the starting gift of the spells Guidance and Guiding Bolt. They aren't super in character, but they're free, so suck it up. More Importantly, you learn Functions of Probability, helping you bend luck in your favor. When you cast a leveled spell targeting a creature, you can add an effect to a nearby creature (yourself included). A Diminishing Function forces a wisdom save (DC 8 + Chr mod + proficiency), and if it fails it subtracts 1d6 from the next attack roll it makes this round. Turns out swordfighting is hard when your sword is a corkscrew. Alternatively, a Supplemental Function lets a creature add a d6 to an attack or save made in the next round. This part is less believable, but if you're creative I'm sure it'll look good.

Second level sorcerers are a Font of Magic, giving you sorcery points equal to your level per long rest. You can turn them into slots, or turn slots into points. Eventually you can do other things. Also, you can cast Thunderwave now. It destroys objects, you destroy objects, it's a match made in heaven.

Now that you're a third level sorcerer, you can make your spells truly your own thanks to Metamagic! If you cast a Heightened spell, one creature in its effect has disadvantage on their save against it. If you cast an Empowered spell, you can re-roll a couple damage dice. Tearing people in half is generally hard to avoid, and kind of damaging. You can also bend the air itself by casting Dust Devil, creating a Medium sized tornado, dealing damage to creatures nearby and pushing them around. It'll even pick up dust and make things hard to see, though that's kind of a drawback for you.

Use your very first Ability Score Improvement to bump up your Charisma. Kind of a spell-based build, to be honest. Speaking of, Mage Hand probably doesn't have much tearing force behind it, but it's free. You can also cast Shatter for more indiscriminate destruction.

Fifth level sorcerers gain third level spells like Clairvoyance! Now you can see a bird's eye view of the battlefield, tearing your way through it like, well, you.

At sixth level it's about time you started bending the earth to your will. You can Velocity Shift nearby creatures if they start their turn or move within 30' of you. If they fail a charisma save you can shove them to any other point within 30' of you. You can react this way 30' per long rest. Twist debris at people and watch them scatter, it's fun. To help with that, you can also cast Erupting Earth, bending the ground in a 20' cube. This forces dex saves on creatures in the cube, dealing damage and making the area difficult terrain until it's cleaned up.

Seventh level sorcerers get fourth level spells like Stoneskin for even more deadened senses. Now you resist physical damage without having to waste your action every turn. It does use your concentration, but it lasts an hour.

Another ASI! Max out your Charisma for super special eyes. You can also Control Water to create truly damaging whirlpools. There's other options, but whirlpools! Who'd want anything else?

Oh hey, I found something you might want else. It's fifth level spell Bigby's Hand! You can grab people and play with them like a stress ball. Technically there isn't a twisting option, but a Grasping Hand is probably the best you'll do. It'll grapple a huge or smaller creature, and if it successfully does so you can Crush it as a bonus action for damage.

Another Metamagic option! Technically these spells are all just you looking at things, so grab Subtle Spell so you don't have to yell out all your attack names. You can also Mold Earth. It's not that powerful, but it's free twisting. You also get Telekinesis! Again, no "twisting" in the rules, but it's strong enough to lift an object of 1000 pounds, and fine enough to open a door. Their heads should be popping off here.

Sixth level spells! Here are the big boys of the spell world. If you twist anything enough, eventually it'll Disintegrate, dealing plenty of force damage and leaving behind a mess you can't even revive. A little too clean for Fujino, but it's destructive enough.

ASI time. Bump up Constitution for a thicker skin and more HP. HP changes retroactively, so you get an extra 12 HP here.

Did you know turning into rotini is painful? Your enemies certainly know that, thanks to Power Word Pain. If a charmable creature has 100 HP or less, their speed drops to 10', and it gets disadvantage on all attacks, checks, and saves, aside from constitution saves. If it tries to cast a spell, it'll be wasted if it can't pass a constitution save. The target stays in pain forever until it can pass a constitution save.

Cool, so fun thing about these Multi Class Subclasses! As long as you're the correct level, you can take any one feature they have each time you hit the appropriate level in your main class. Since the highest requirement is 14, we're taking Quantum Tunneling now, and we'll pop back to the other one later. Your senses permanently deaden, giving you complete resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage. You can also bend your way through any physical objects, as long as you're willing to deal with a halved movement speed and 1d10 damage each square you move. You also have to end your turn in an empty spot. Playing to character this should leave a huge hole behind you, but maybe you're conscientious? You weren't raised in a barn, after all.

Your eighth level spell is Earthquake. Now no structure in your view is safe from your destructive powers. Tear open the earth, shatter structures, and interrupt concentration, there's nothing you can't do!

Bump up your Dexterity this ASI. Not getting hit is still pretty useful, even if you can't feel it.

Remember when I said turning into rotini hurts? I was wrong. Actually, it kills you. Please grab Power Word Kill to reflect these changes. You have become death, destroyer of mages. You also learn how to cast Distant Spells, doubling your spell's range. Your range should be "anywhere in sight", so this is a step in the right direction.

Okay, I guess we'll grab Null Equation. Once per turn you can twist up a creature you damaged. If they fail a constitution save, they get disadvantage on strength and dexterity saves, and they only deal half damage with weapon attacks, all for a round. You can do this Proficiency times per long rest. Again, real hard to hit people when your femurs are spring shaped.

Use your last ASI for more Constitution for more HP and better concentration.

We've finally done it, we've made a pure sorcerer build! It's time to finally learn the dark secret of the Sorcerer capstone. What feature could be so powerful we've completely avoided it for 200 builds? It's Sorcerous Restoration. You get 4 sorcery points per short rest. It's not good. Sorry.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

You're good at dealing damage, and your most powerful spells deal Force damage, which almost nothing blocks against. That means you're consistent and deadly, a solid combination.

You're so good at damage that it isn't just limited to creatures. Use telekinesis, mold earth, and shatter to tear apart structures that are getting in your way. Walls? Torn down. Steel Beams? Melted. Bridges? Falling down.

Despite spending your entire time in a class with the worst hit dice imaginable, you're pretty tough to kill, with just over 200 HP, a decent AC for a spellcaster, and permanent resistance to physical damage types. To make things worse for fighters, it's also a pain to get near you, since you can tear up the area around you and shunt melee fighters away as a reaction.

Cons:

While you do have magic missile, a lot of your spells deal damage in wide areas, so your party might have words with you about using earthquake one too many times.

While you're good at tearing things up, that's just about all your magic can do. There's the occasional Clairvoyance and some defensive spells, but by and large you're either dealing damage or doing nothing.

Despite your great physical defense, you struggle a bit more against other damage types. If you end up fighting someone who can turn their knife into psychic damage, you might have a problem on your hands.

[knockknockchicagopd]

❛ BLACK JACKET WITH WHITE LETTERS ❜

❚❙ REQUEST BY ANON: Would I be able to request prompt 16 “You're mine. I don't share”. With Hank voight where they go to one of those police events and she works in his unit and they are a couple with her being younger and they dont have to be in police uniform so she wears a really nice dress and as he introduces her and talks to other people he knows, some of the men check her out and try flirt with her and he notices. Could there be a bit of smut if not that's cool to ❤❤

❚❙ HANK VOIGHT MASTERLIST.

❚❙ WORDS: about 3k.

❚❙ Warnings: swearing, unprotected sex.

❚❙ A/N: this writing hasn’t been edited, you may find some grammar mistakes, I’m sorry about that. If you find a description about body or a word out of place, or something that makes you feel uncomfortable / unrepresented, let me know by a private message and I will change it delighted.

❚❙ GIF credits: to my amazing @sonsofeorl.

❚❙ General tag list: @melblacc @rebelwrites @skyofficialxx @sesamepancakes @scarletsoldierrr @mondefantastique @that-chick212 @enbyamaro @inlovewith3 @ocetevasgirl @destynelseclipsa @miahelen @jadakiss13 @mcgreads @graniairish @teller258316 @i-love-scott-mccall @tclaerh. Hank Voight tag list: @sophie-writes. If you wanna be added to my tag list, send my a message! ⚡

Fortunately, it's been a quiet day, otherwise, you couldn't deal with a Districts event like the Commanders call them. A meeting that reunites every officer, inspector, detective, and whoever who wears ‘the blue uniform’; including special agents from the FBI. These last ones are the kind of man who pushes you out of your good mood with all that quackery about serving the whole country, the unlimited resources, the missions. Every time you hear a fed talking about how passionate and exciting their jobs are, you just want to punch their faces. Mostly, they're behind a desk while cops like you are protecting the streets of Chicago in the firing line. But, as Burgess and Upton said, it's time to have some fun. And anything else.

Since you don't have to wear that horrible uniform you use at official events, you have chosen a breathtaking black silk dress that fits your anatomy to perfection, falling from your chest, with a spaghetti strap neckline, to your ankles. And a pair of skyscraper highlights on the same color, with the small difference that the heels are tremendously golden. Your back is almost bare, being crossed by four fine strips, knowing it's going to give Hank some trouble. Oh, you're going to have so much fun tonight. You are very sure.

The soft make-up delights your cute, but lethal, outfit on point ready to leave Kim's house accompanied by your friends. You've arranged to meet at the party with the rest of the Unit since your future husband and Antonio needed to be from the start of the event, which means the three of you are going to earn more than some gazes by assisting alone, with no male figures by your sides. As if you need some kind of protection. Men (...).

Stepping out from your car and giving the keys to the parking attendant, who seems he's having a heart attack after watching you walk with so much cockiness and sensuality, you come into the party. The look you exchange with Kim and Hailey as soon as you check the reaction of the assistants, makes you draw a triumphant smile while raising your chin in some kind of greeting. You aren't going to stop now, leading your steps straight to your partners. Ruzek chokes on champagne with his eyes over Burgess, while Hank looks at you over the edge of his glass of bourbon taking a sip.

“You should work like that every day”. Antonio opines welcoming the three of you in his arms.

“I second that, brother”. Jay quickly adds making a toast with his cup of red wine.

“Bet you'd be the one who wouldn't work”. Hailey replies palming his chest, making you giggle.

In the meantime they continue arguing about the dress code, a strong arm gets placed around your lower back to push you somewhat closer, letting his hand fall over your hipbone. You know exactly what it means. Hank isn't the kind of jealous man, who needs to mark his territory like a dog. But you know that sometimes he feels insecure because of the age gap. He trusts you blindly, that's a fact, but he's human; he has fears and you understand it. Putting your left hand on the back of his neck, you caress his scalp almost unnoticeably, tilting your head to leave a gentle kiss on his cheek earning a satisfied grin from him.

“You look really beautiful tonight”. He whispers, watching you sideways as if it's a secret between you two.

“Thank you, Sergeant. I always try to do my best”.

Hank chuckles against his glass about to have a last sip till emptying it. Taking it from his hand, you pull yourself away to go to the bar and ask for two more drinks. You're thirsty and too sober to be a Friday night. Checking some emails on your phone while the bartender serves your order, you can't help but listen to some backtalk about your career. A couple of suited men combed as politicians and wrapped on a strong scent that throws your stomach. You try to ignore them until they're close enough from your position to offer you a hand in a formal greeting.

“Johnson and Derrick. FBI”.

The blonde one looks like a senior official, while the other looks like a newbie. Turning towards both, you come into the forced polite mood to stretch his hand firmly.

“(Y/L/N), Intelligence Unit, gentlemen. A pleasure”.

“The pleasure is ours, detective”.

“Special agent”. You correct him inevitably, even if it sounds arrogant.

“Special agent, of course”. Johnson replies with a nod of his chin. “I've read your file lately. I have no words to describe it. Graduated with excellent grades in Yale, two years in the Army, another undercover in a Cartel… And you also know how to fly a helicopter”.

“If you weren't from the FBI, I could think you've been stalking me like one of your serial killers, sir”. The sarcasm in your tone of voice earns your Unit's attention, very focused on the conversation between the feds and you.

“Who catches a monster without becoming one, right?”

The man introduces a hand under his jacket to offer you his business card. But you don't take it, just looking at it for a second before raising your eyes towards his.

“In your academy shows you to have the big balls to disrespect a Sergeant or a Chief, by trying to steal their officers in front of their faces? Because mine shows us to serve and protect the citizens”.

His gesture changes suddenly in a sight, hearing some chuckles behind you coming from Hailey and Kim. Raising both eyebrows as you don't get any reply back, you just nod before grabbing the two drinks you have asked for when they interrupted you. Coming back to your friends, you can't help but wrinkle your nose in a gesture of disgust earning more giggles from your partners. But it doesn't seem funny for Hank, who you know he's killing them in thousands of ways inside his head.

As the night passes, you notice Agent Johnson's eyes on you with no shame, starting to make you feel uncomfortable. Although you would be delighted to embarrass him in front of everyone, he has had enough from you. But this doesn't end there. Excusing yourself, you step to the terrace almost emptied to have some fresh air, knowing he's going to follow you. Maybe, to insist a little more. He was so interested in recruiting you to miss the chance.

And as you thought, he's that predictable. You don't turn because of his steps coming closer, but because he pretends to clear his throat to claim your attention. Crossing your arms over your chest, you tilt your head to a side feigning curiosity with a forced smile showing up on your lips.

“I would like to apologize for my behavior. In my profession isn't habitual to find agents of your characteristics”.

“For sure, sir. It doesn't matter”.

“You could have an extraordinary career in the FBI”.

“I already have it where I am. I don't need schedules, cheap suits, and an earpiece to succeed”.

“I understand your relationship interferes in your decision, but you do—”.

“I'm sorry, you said what? Did you…? Oh, god, I can't fucking believe it”. You can't help but laugh shaking your head. “I don't have any relationship as soon as I wear my badge, sir. And you are starting to cross a line you don't want to cross. Believe me”.

“Ma'am, don't misunderstand my words, nor my intentions. I just think ma—”.

“Nobody asked you to think, Johnson”.

Raising your eyes over his shoulders, you can see your boyfriend sipping his glass of whisky, joining the talk as he tries to keep calm. You know Hank to perfection. If he wasn't your boss, he would have punched him already.

“If you continue pissing off my agent, we're gonna have a problem”.

The man just nods, alternating his gaze between the two of you. Seems that he has admitted his defeat.

“Beautiful and lethal. You're a son of a bitch with so much luck, Voight. Take care of this diamond. Or she will end up wearing a blue jacket with yellow letters”.

“Uh-huh”. He replies as you continue remaining silent.

Passing your boss away back to the party, leaving you alone, you can't hide the proud smile that turns your gesture into a funnier one. Taking short steps towards him, you steal the glass from his hand to drink from it under his attentive brown eyes.

“Blue isn't my color. Not at all. I'm more into black”. You whisper referring to the jackets you are used to wearing in the Chicago department.

“Hm…”

“Imagine having your badge hanging from your neck all day like a collar. Do I look like a dog? I prefer to have it on my belt. And I'm already used to the disgusting watered coffee we make in the twenty-one”. As you continue giving him more reasons, your forefinger traces a path up from his chest to his nape. “And I have so much fun driving my Dodge all around Chicago”.

“Anything else you wanna add?”

“Hm… no. Actually, not. That's all, sir”. You reply puckering your lips, pulling yourself away some inches with a playful aura wrapping you both.

“Now lemme tell you something here”. Hank says then, leaning over your ear. “You're mine, I don't share”.

His voice and his characteristic raspy voice gives you some chills down your spine bone. Biting your bottom lip unconsciously while he stands up, you know the party is over for you and it's time to go home. Holding your hand and taking back his glass of whisky, you walk inside to say your goodbyes before leaving the fancy place straight to the underground parking. You are not going to lie saying you don't love his dominant mood when the occasion demands it.

As soon as you reach your car, you can notice sideways Hank making sure you're totally alone. He doesn't usually take risks of being seen in public too lovey-dovey, but it's not about it this time and you can't wait for him to go ahead with his intentions. Of course, he doesn't make you wait for too long to push your back to the copilot door, attacking your neck in the meantime his hands grab your hips stealing you a low gasp. Hank makes himself between your legs, urging you to surround his waist with one of them to close the distance that separates you, feeling the need he has to mark his territory, as rarely he shows.

“Take me home”. You almost beg closing your eyes as his teeth are nailed on your most sensitive spot, earning a soft grunt that vibrates your body.

“I'm gonna take you here, sweetheart. Any problem?”

“Hell, no, sergeant”.

“Get in the car. Now”.

You don't complain, taking it as an order when he takes two steps back releasing your body and opening the back door for you. And the next minute passes too fast, rolling up your dress as Hank undoes his belt and unzips his pants. In just a sigh he's deep-buried between your legs. It's the first time you take this kind of risk, almost in public, and the horniness it produces is driving you crazy. With your lips almost touching the others, you moan uninhibited every time his hands on your lower back urge you to keep swinging your hips, sitting on his lap.

The way his eyes memorize every gesture drawn on your face has you breathless. It's a sensation you can't describe. Hank has some kind of power over you that you haven't experienced before, even if you think you're indomitable he always manages to make whatever he wants with you. And you know it. You let him do it. Just like right now, marking his territory with desirous bites and wet kisses all around your exposed throat. The most visible part of your body. He doesn't need to prove anything. He isn't the kind of man who needs to call out any other man who dares to lay his eyes on you. Everybody in this damn city knows you're more than his pupil and they're too scared to say hi, although there's always an exception to the rule. In this case, the FBI agents acting like carrion birds.

The mist clouds the windows, as the heat concentrated on your bodies makes you sweat slightly. Hank takes the control turning you under his body against the seat in a position that puts you to see the stars. Every move of his pelvis is accurate, hitting your g-spot, satisfied with how good his name sounds getting drowned between pleased moans once and again. With every push to your body, his dick is dug deeper through your tight wetness making him grunt into your ear, feeling more delighted than never before. And everything is because of the way you had to reply to that FBI agent in front of everyone, showing him how clear you have your preferences; not only because of your relationship, as Johnson pointed out. But because everybody in Chicago is aware that there's no better boss in law enforcement. There's no better Unit than the Intelligence one from the police department of your hometown.

As your legs get wrapped around his waist to pull him closer, one of his arms surrounds your middle back while his free hand flies straight to your throat. Keeping your eyes closed, the suffocating sensation within your lower belly continues growing with every thrust that steals the air from your lungs and races your heart over its possibilities. You're close. So close that your mind is a total blank, just focused on the way only he can make you feel. So good, so desired, so full of life. He knows it, he takes it in advantage. And he enjoys it more than anything.

“Oh, fuck…” Hank got you almost in tears because of the pleasure, traveling your hands to the back of his neck, nailing your nails there. “God… I'm gonna… Fuck, Hank, don't stop, please… Don't stop”.

“I won't, my love… Not till you give me what I want”.

His voice always plays dirty with your mind. The way he has to drag every syllable on his tongue with that husky voice that puts you to tremble, as he continues burying his hard dick inside you with no mercy, speeding up as soon as he feels your legs clung to his body slightly shaking. Because of the fewer insecurities he has about your relationship, he feels proud whenever he makes you reach that sweet sensation of the orgasm taking control of your anatomy. He doesn't care if he has to use his hands, his tongue… whatever. It's not only about sex between the two of you, of course not. But making you cum screaming out his name is an every-day-goal.

And you don't make him wait for too long, arching your back when a lash of heat hits your spine and the grenade inside your lower belly explodes. Your gasps fill up your car, while he continues fucking you harder than seconds before not showing any compassion to your exhausted body, looking for your lips to devours them desperately. His tongue starts a fight for dominance, winning over yours like every single time, in the meantime his fingers grips tightly your throat. Instinctively, you swing your hips in sync, provoking every move to go deeper among your shaky legs.

Hank can't hold it anymore, digging his cock to the limits of your guts, almost hitting your soul with a last strong lung. His warm seed fills you up completely, keeping pushing his body against yours, pressing both to the seat with his hands now placed on the headrest. It feels like a whole set of fireworks. Your moans complement his delighted growls to perfection.

“Don't move, please”. You beg with a thin voice thread, at the same time he rests his forehead on yours.

The two of you can barely breathe, trying to recover after an intense session of your favorite cardio workout. From nowhere, you can't help but giggle in unison. You can't believe you just fucked inside your car and with the risk of being caught in the act. A sergeant and one of his special agents. Even if it's your free night and you're in an established relationship, he's still your boss.

“I would miss working with you”.

“Huh?”

“If I get the FBI's offer”. You mumble, leaving clumsy kisses all around his face. “You're the best cop Chicago has”.

“You don't have to butter me up for a second round”.

Shaking your head briefly and laughing, you caress his scalp so gently as he sinks his face into your sweaty neck.

“Now you said so… maybe I have the fantasy of being bent over your desk”.

“Maybe?”

“Yeah, just… maybe”.

“Then maybe I could bring you to my office, before going home. There's some paperwork to attend to”.

[aphrodite-would-be-proud]

Anon said: I hope I'm not too late to slip in a request! I was actually hoping for a more platonic request with Miche? Just how he would help out a new cadet on his squad or something... Maybe there having a hard time fitting in now that there on a section commander squad or even worried about an upcoming expedition. Miche is one of my biggest comfort Characters and I'm such a shy person lol...I love you blog by the way, it's such a comforting place...🥺

Miche reassuring you that you're enough.

{Miche & reader | tw:none | platonic, comfort | canonverse}

{ "The Interior of the Palm House on the Pfaueninsel Near Potsdam" 1834 by Carl Blechen 1798 - 1840 }

No one can deny that the survey corps had a...certain reputation between the people, for being ruthless, unhinged and not a place for someone hoping for a future.

Their leader is known for gambling with human lives, their strongest has a criminal history record and their most intelligent, does experiments that would put medical student dropout Frankenstein himself to shame.

In short, you'd be crazy for walking there with your own two feet and expecting a crumb of compassion.

You don't go looking for fish in the desert.

You've heard it all, those sayings people keep reciting like a broken record whenever you'd bring up joining the survey corps.

"You'll just end up titan food"

"Why do you want to throw away your life?"

"God your poor family…"

And despite all of that, you still marched on, despite everyone who told you to quit.

Not only did you join and stayed alive for so long, you've even managed to climb the ranks in record time.

So fast in fact that you were assigned to join a section commander's squad after a very successful titan capture mission that earned you a pat on the back from Erwin.

Being pulled from your friends and moved to a new place where you were surrounded by veterans who've been in their positions for 10 years or more, was quite sudden and shocking.

One thing that should've eased your nerves, was the fact it was squad Miche you're being put into.

Anyone in the survey corps can tell you that in comparison to other squads, this was the most...friendly per say, since they prioritised teamwork and coming back alive over everything else, knowing together they're much stronger and willing to protect each other no matter what.

While yes they did have their quirks, it was almost nothing in comparison to Levi's strict hygiene rules and Hange's workaholic routine or Erwin's unreadable intentions.

And yet, you felt unease at the whole situation.

You were clearly "that new cadet" in this old group of close-knit people, almost standing out even.

You wanted to prove yourself, you've done it before to all those people so why is it any different now.

Maybe...because they are actually experienced soldiers this time, and not strangers living in blissful ignorance inside the walls.

Maybe because you feel the growing burden of expectations set on you for being the newest person in the squad, and being put there by none other than the commander himself which would raise some eyebrows if you couldn't deliver.

Uncertainty and doubt began pooling up inside your mind, making you second guess decisions and overthink actions.

And it's not like the squad members were leaving you out, no in fact they were doing their best to include you.

….maybe even too much actually, it didn't help that all of them were outgoing people, it was overwhelming.

Nanaba was an unofficial stand in caption when Miche wasn't around. Having a confident yet compassionate personality made her protective of her teammates, almost like a big sister, earning her a lot of respect.

So much in fact that it would unintentionally intimidate people out of approaching her

Gelgar was a strong believer in Miche, loyal to a fault almost. Yet he wouldn't say no for a chance to relax and grab a couple drinks, being friends with so many people came naturally to him with his mellow personality and overall friendliness.

Maybe a bit much too friendly? That personal boundaries were often crossed without him realising it. 

Lynne was a good balance between the two, she was considerate of others feelings...even so much in fact that she tended to sugar-coat almost everything.

Thomas and Henning were close with each other, both serious and determined. But maybe because they were so used to each other that dealing with new people became...strange, for conversations with them resembled an awkward dad attempting to check on you but not actually putting much effort to understand.

Meanwhile, you were a reserved and shy person.

It was a miracle that you managed to get a group of friends in cadet training that stayed with you throughout the years, but now after being transferred it was all turned to dust.

You have to start again, meet people again and talk to them while wondering if they actually like you or are pretending to be nice because they don't wanna come off as rude-

On top of that, Erwin seemed to keep an eye on you after your last mission, silently conveying the trust and expectations he's putting your way, to not fail him and show you're worthy of this special treatment.

It was too much, too overwhelming and draining.

Dread and uncertainty loomed in the corners of your mind, only metastating in size as the date for the new expedition was announced.

To add fuel to the fire, apparently everyone seemed almost...excited or nonchalant for going out there again, like this is a mere walk in the park as they began making preparations and training.

Were you the only one that felt nervous? Oh god.

Your legs felt like they were weighted down by stones as you stared at the large board in front of you, a white sheet signed by the commander announcing next week to be the date of the expedition, several names listed below for who'd be required for service.

Your name was at the top, even with a line underneath it. The fact it was in cursive didn't make it any less gut-wrenching.

The chatter of people around you, discussing the plans and joking with each other, began blurring out at the back of your mind.

The weather seemed colder as shivers ran down your neck. A rolling feeling in your stomach making your throat tighten, your own voice inside your head was the only noise you could hear.

All those thoughts and worries creeping from underneath the dark corners that you've been pushing them into all this time, like a swarm drowning you in their "what if" and skepticism, full of doubt and illogical pessimism for worst case scenarios.

Thoughts that aren't even your own joined them, ones you never had and knew weren't true and yet amidst the storm it was hard to tell the real from the ones passing through.

You know you're capable, so why…

Are you capable?

Yes…

but are you really?

...

And how are you even sure?

Before it could pull you deeper into that hole of despair, something snapped your attention back to reality, a hand nudging your shoulder. 

"You really didn't hear me huh." The voice came from behind you, a tall figure stepping closer till you were in his shadow.

Miche looked at you with a tilted head, his lips pressed into a thin line as his eyes bore into you like he's attempting to guess what's going inside your brain.

You've been too lost inside your mind you didn't notice that you were the only one left standing in front of the board.

From the way Miche's shoulders fell after reading your expression, eyes softening after glancing at your name on the sheet, he was quick to catch on.

Before you could say something to save your face after being caught in this state by none other than your new captain, Miche just told you to come with him, making sure to walk beside you، protectively staying close that no one on your way would interrupt.

Passing the corridor leading to his office, you gave him an uncertain glance as he simply gestured for you to continue walking for whatever unknown place you're headed to.

Soon enough the buildings and stone streets faded the further you went on, grass and dirt roads taking its place.

It wasn't a long walk per say, but more of a secluded area that took both of you some turns in seemingly shady alleyways to reach.

You couldn't hear the horses or soldiers walking anymore, only the soft flowing of the nearby river.

The tall grass barely reaching below your knees, some ladybugs crawling on top of the scattered daffodils in-between, the closer to the river cliff you got the taller it became.

The first thing Miche did, wasn't explaining to you why you're here, or what exactly he was after.

No, he barely said a word even, only taking in a deep breath as the wind had the courtesy of pushing his bangs back, eyes finally in clear view now.

Gaze meeting yours, he gave you a nod, a gesture to do the same thing.

You reluctantly took a deep breath.

He smiled.

Both of you sat by the river, he gave you his jacket to sit on.

As the silence grew between you, even while it wasn't the uncomfortable kind, it was clear he was struggling to phrase something, the right words just not coming to mind.

Turning his body towards you, he finally said, "how about i just..listen, let it out.".

It wasn't easy, you can't just pour out your heart to your superior.

Not to mention the military wasn't a place for weakness, could you really openly admit to your worries?

Well, yes you could, because it isn't weak, it takes great strength to face something scary and admit to it.

It's strength that got you this far.

How could you ever mistake vulnerability for weakness?

Keeping true to his words, Miche didn't interrupt you as you slowly opened up about what's been troubling you.

He patiently listened, occasionally humming for you to go on whenever you'd lose track.

And by the end of it, after you poured out all your frustration, sadness and worries, it felt...like a weight lifted off your shoulders.

Miche looked at you with understanding in his eyes, as if he himself has been in this exact same position years ago.

...and maybe he was, considering his behaviour wasn't what's socially common, he would've definitely stood out back before he had the respect of being a captain.

He isn't a man of words, for actions spoke much louder.

That's why he became more attentive from that day on, offering to help you train, giving you a smile whenever you passed by and sitting near you whenever his squad were gathered so he'd ask for your opinion on plans or simply share looks whenever they began joking with each other.

He didn't attempt to make you change, instead he made changes to accommodate you.

You're part of the team and he made it clear.

And while he couldn't give reassuring words, he certainly gave his time and energy, paying attention to you, reading your moods and listening whenever life becomes too much.

Maybe he saw his past self in you, and wanted to give you all the comfort, attention and care he wished for back then.

Even if it was mere hugs and shoulder pats that he could offer, he knew small things can make changes overtime.

For him, it's not getting rid of your stress that he was attempting to achieve, no, for life is full of stress.

Instead, he wanted to offer you ways to deal with the stress, to acknowledge it as it is and be heard, to be understood.

Because while stress will pass either way, it didn't mean it had to pass painfully.

You weren't alone, he made sure of that.

Maybe he got too attached, maybe someone might say he's giving you special treatment, maybe Erwin would give him a backhanded comment every now and then.

But since when did Miche pay attention to these things? 

Well...he can't deny he might be giving you more break days than the other Cadets, larger food portions and even most of his time.

But he won't justify himself to anyone either, he doesn't have to.

Because after all, there really isn't any ulterior motives behind his actions, they were as simple as they came.

It was pure genuine care, the type that makes someone want to protect a person and watch them grow healthy.

The type that made him offer you a thumbs up after each training session, a proud smile on his face for how much you're learning.

Maybe some slight teasing about how if you keep this up, you might even replace him as the second strongest one day.

And while he said it with a joking tone, the hopeful pride-filled look on his face told a whole nother story.

you're not sure if it was a joke or a promise.

[sadviper]

Kim Jin Won: Interview with Kankoku TV Drama vol. 97 (Aug 2020)

Director Kim Jin Won

A transformative drama about the birth and founding of the Joseon nation. Spinning a tale of the common people.

Director Kim Jin Won has been recognized for his delicate and heartwarming productions such as "The Innocent Man" (2012 KBS) and "Wonderful Days" (2014 KBS). From the time he first dreamed of directing dramas, he thought of telling stories from the point of view of ordinary people rather than from the viewpoint of the rich and blessed. It was the same for “My Country” (2019 JTBC), which was the director’s first time managing a full-scale historical drama. Although the theme was the founding of Korea, the starring roles were not famous figures such as Yi Seong-gye and Yi Bang-won, but the common folk at the lowest rungs of history. A human drama performed by fresh young stars and historical facts are exquisitely entwined to create a dynamic historical production. 

The contrast of Se-jong and Do-hwan as they unveil expectation-shattering performances

--What is the story behind how you became the director for “My Country”?

KJW: Can I speak frankly? To tell you the truth, I don’t really like historical dramas. But when I read the synopsis, it seemed very interesting. It was refreshing to have well-known figures such as Yi Seong-gye and Yi Bang-won play supporting roles in a story about the early days of Joseon. Instead, it pulls the story from the point of view of the commoners. While reading the script, I understood what regular people were thinking during the founding of the nation. That was interesting to me and I agreed to take on the production.

--When talking about the closing years of Goryeo to the early days of Joseon, aren't there essential people or events that have to appear?

KJW: We also thought it would be more interesting for Jeong Mong-ju (🔺1) and Jeong Do-jeon (🔺2) to make appearances, for they are indispensable to this era. The scale of the story would become larger and more dramatic. However, if we did that, it would be too similar to other works, so I abandoned the idea. First, the scriptwriter and I promised to not distort historical facts, and following this guiding principle, we developed the story.

(🔺1) Jeong Mong-ju (鄭夢周): A Confucian scholar and literary vassal who made a name for himself in the late Goryeo period. Yi Seong-gye and Jeong Do-jeon, who aim to establish a new country, oppose him. While planning their assassinations, Mong-ju himself is assassinated by Yi Bang-won's aides.

(🔺2) Jeong Do-jeon (鄭道伝): A politician who exercised his talents as an aide to Yi Seong-gye. He plays a major role in the founding of Joseon and the early national administration. He comes into conflict with Yi Bang-won, who was trying to succeed his father and become the king, and is subsequently killed.

--On the other hand, there are also fictional characters such as Seo Hwi (played by Yang Se-jong), Nam Seon-ho (played by Woo Do-hwan), and Han Hui-jae (played by Seol-hyun <AOA>).

KJW: Yes. Hwi and Hui-jae are characters we created from scratch. We researched how the common people lived during the founding of Joseon and the civil war that is known as the “Strife of the Princes”, and came up with these fictional characters. Nam Jeon, the antagonist and Seon-ho’s father (played by Ahn Nae-sang), was created by mixing together the real historical figures of Jeong Do-jeon and Nam Eun (🔺3). If anything, there are more elements of Nam Eun than Jeong Do-jeon. Nam Eun had several sons, but we made a single motif out of them and created Seon-ho. However, all his rebellious opposition to his father was our invention.

(🔺3) Nam Eun: A politician who was active from late Goryeo to the beginning of the Joseon era. He supports Yi Seong-gye with Jeong Do-jeon and contributes to the founding of Korea. However, Yi Bang-won launches the civil war that is called the "First Strife of Princes" and there Nam Eun loses his life.

--At the drama’s press conference, you told us about your dream casting.

KJW: Previously I produced “Just Between Lovers” (2017 JTBC) and wanted to cast Yang Se-jong as one of the main characters, however, during the preparation stage, that character was removed and I wasn’t able to make him an offer. Ever since, I’ve kept a close watch. Looking at Se-jong, he has a soft image and seems suited for melodramas, but in reality, he’s very manly and even handles his own action scenes. The character Hwi is adept at martial arts and is intelligent, but behind the scenes, he was a difficult character who carried an extraordinary amount of loneliness and heartache. When I met Se-jong, just as he was, I could see Hwi’s painful silhouette, and on the spot, I proposed that we work together.

--And what about Woo Do-hwan?

KJW: A long time ago, I asked my industry peers if there were any actors that were attracting attention recently, and that’s how I learned about Woo Do-hwan. At that time, he was a real newcomer with only two works in his filmography. To tell you the truth, Seon-ho’s casting was nerve-wracking. If the other actor can’t match Se-jong’s presence, then it’s difficult for a story that is spearheaded by dual male leads. After worrying over it, Do-hwan came out as the top contender and I made him an offer.

--How were the two on set?

KJW: They are the same age, but they are completely different types. Se-jong is the type of actor who acts after his emotions boil out of him. His emotions won’t emerge if he isn’t convinced, so he needs time to immerse himself in the role and empathize with the character. Do-hwan is the opposite; he is the type who enters the character instantly. Their styles differ but that difference created a transformative, synergistic effect. Se-jong said that one of his few friends was Do-hwan; they went as far as becoming best friends. They often came to me and talked about how they learned a lot from each other.

--During filming, at what point did you feel their charisma?

KJW: First of all, the scene where Se-jong was dragged off to jail was a performance that truly exceeded my expectations. He struck his head against the wall and was suffering, but his eyes! They were eyes that you can’t take a second time. Afterwards, I saw that his forehead was red and swollen. For Do-hwan, it was when we filmed the scene where his haggard figure was seated after Hwi’s sister, Yeon (played by Cho I-hyeon), experienced a traumatic episode. During rehearsal, tears spilled out of Do-hwan’s eyes. I didn’t expect him to cry; I immediately stopped the rehearsal and switched to filming. I thought that the actors properly captured the emotions; I told them to play those two scenes as they wanted to. Their performances were realistic and absolutely heart-wrenching.

Regrets for the limited romantic kiss scene

-- At what point did you feel Seol-hyun’s appeal and pick her for the role?

KJW: Casting the role of Hui-jae was a bit difficult. The drama was male-centric, and there was no clear romance. Be that as it may, even though the role is to become Hwi and Seon-ho’s emotional support, I thought that it had to be an actor that everyone understood. If it were Seol-hyun, she would give a skillful performance.

-- Seol-hyun’s performance received particularly good reviews.

KJW: I’m the most glad about that. During the middle of the broadcast, we held a press conference and from the very beginning, the reporters paid her many compliments. Without a doubt, her popularity increased with this work. She had a strong desire to do well, and together we discussed it and made it happen. In particular, Seol-hyun’s charms shone especially bright in the scenes with Seo Seol (played by Jang Young-nam), who manages the brothel.

-- There is one more main character: what is the story behind casting Jang Hyuk for the role of Yi Bang-won?

KJW: This casting was also very stressful. This drama was so nerve-wracking that you could say casting took up more than half the effort. In particular, Yi Bang-won is a figure that symbolizes this era, so I want an actor with a powerful presence to play the role. Otherwise, the scale will shrink and Yi Bang Won’s charisma as he faces the main characters will disappear in the second half. If you watch the drama, you’ll know that Yi Bang-won is involved in everything: he is in conflict with Seon-ho; he develops a close rapport with Hwi; and he fights for power with Yi Seong-gye and Nam Jeon. It requires an actor with profound emotions. The first person who came to mind was Jang Hyuk.

-- While filming, when was the moment that you thought ‘as expected’?

KJW: Jang Hyuk can dominate the screen with just the look in his eyes, without having to say a word. Also, he is as erudite as a historian, so I had an easy time as the director. The most memorable scene is the one with his father, Yi Seong-gye (played by Kim Yeong-cheol). In the scene where the two of them argued over the throne, initially I thought they would show a top-down hierarchy between a father and son. However, after rehearsal, Jang Hyuk and Kim Yeong-cheol were able to portray their relationship on equal footing. Man versus man. There was no discussion, it was a spontaneous expression. I could clearly see that Yi Bang-won was facing his father as a man. I thought it was excellent.

-- From the young to the veteran, the appeal of the actors was outstanding, and I enjoyed the male friendships.

KJW: First of all, what’s wonderful about Kim Yeong-cheol and An Nae-sang is that anyone who performs alongside those two ends up looking better. They only have to stand on the side, and it makes the other person look cool. Even Jang Hyuk, who is already strong enough, doubled in appeal when he was with them. After that, Jang Hyuk gave a lot of advice to his juniors. In the drama he was taciturn, but in reality he is quite talkative (laugh). Whenever he thought he didn’t have to be on set, he was always talking to his juniors by the side of the car that was used as the make-up room. Male friendships are good, but it’s just that I wanted to show more romance.

-- You mean Hwi and Hui-jae’s romance?

KJW: Yes. It wasn’t easy to incorporate the romance because the scale of each episode was so large. The only thing I was particular about was when Hwi was first taken to the battlefield--instead of remembering his sister, Yeon, he remembers Hui-jae. When I went to military service and woke up in the morning at the training center, the first thing that came to my mind wasn’t my family but my girlfriend (laugh). In the end, I changed it so that Hwi remembers both Yeon and Hui-jae. This was because Hwi is in a unique situation where he doesn’t know how Yeon is doing.

-- What about Hwi and Hui-jae’s first kiss scene?

KJW: I also have a lot of regrets concerning that scene. It was the first important kiss scene, but it took place in such a crappy little room! Hwi being beaten up, his lumpy face, and the shabby location are what I remember when I think about that scene. The art director and I did our best to film it as beautifully as possible. Otherwise, Hwi and Hui-jae’s feelings won’t be conveyed properly to the audience.

-- The early scene of paper lanterns soaring into the sky was also beautiful.

KJW: I put a lot of effort into that. It was the only happy time I could give Hwi before he heads out for the battle called the Liaodong Conquest. The script only called for flying kites, but I thought it would be unnatural to fly kites from day until night. After worrying about it, I ultimately decided to fly paper lanterns at night. The atmosphere was romantic, which was very nice.

Putting your heart and soul into the battlefield scenes

The trouble with bows and arrows in acting and film

-- You put in a remarkable amount of effort, not just for the romance scenes but also for the war scenes?

KJW: I poured the most effort into this part. There are a total of three battle scenes, but I filmed them all over six days. Of those, I focused the most on the scene for the Liaodong conquest. Hwi is suddenly taken to the battlefield, he’s bewildered and confused as to why he’s there, and he has to survive. I decided to film in one continuous take in order to highlight the figure of Hwi fighting without knowing the situation he’s in, but an entire day was gone just from checking the flow lines of the cameras and actors…It was an enormous challenge for me. It was very difficult.

 -- It was also impressive that bow and arrows were used as the main weapons instead of swords.

KJW: When I first spoke to the screenwriter, I wanted to take a different approach from other historical dramas, so I chose bow and arrow. However, that was the start of my troubles. Swords look cool and film well when you swing them around, but you can’t do that with bows and arrows. This time, I realized this while shooting. The actors also had a lot of trouble. Drawing the bow requires considerable power, so when they spoke their lines, their hands would quiver. Luckily they were all skilled at action and did a great job carrying it out.

-- One month after the start of filming, you regretfully asked yourself, “Why did I decide to do a historical drama?” (laugh) Was this because of the battle scene from before?

KJW: No. I didn’t have regrets during that time. It was during the appearance of the children. Two child actors played the queen’s (played by Park Ye-jin) sons. They only appear a few times in the drama, but for the sake of that scene, those two suffered a lot. I’m a father with a child their age, so it was really heart-breaking. When I was an assistant director, I shot a historical drama and I realized that it didn’t suit me, but unfortunately, over time I forgot. Hahaha.

--Seems like you really value the actors. When viewing the making video, the actors are often heard voicing their opinions.

KJW: That’s not always the case (embarrassed laugh). “My County” had many large-scale scenes, so I communicated the way I would with a contemporary drama. In particular, I had all kinds of discussions with the protagonists Se-jong, Do-hwan, and Seol-hyun. Thanks to this, the burden on each other was lightened, and we were able to save time during filming. After listening to the opinions of all the actors, I have an image of the scene before I film. However, for important scenes, I felt that I should capture the emotions the actors are trying to express rather than just capturing beautiful images.

--This is your second drama since transferring to JTBC. What is the story behind your transfer?

KJW: I wanted to continue directing. KBS is also a very good company and I learned many things there. But as any organization gets older, the time comes when you have to move to the next step on the ladder. It goes from director to producer, then from producer to a desk.  I transferred because I still had a strong desire to be in the field instead of in a managerial position.

--What are your plans now?

KJW: I don’t have any plans yet, but I’m joking with the staff that my next project will be set in Seoul, so they don’t have to go to the countryside and practically live there (like for “My Country”), hahaha. There is a project that I want to create for myself. A bright and healing work. After I transferred companies, I was told I could do what I want, so the first thing I filmed was the drama “Just Between Lovers”. After that, someday at least once, I want to try making a drama about the story of the Sewol issue. Nothing exciting, but the kind of story that heals the trauma.

[mistaeq]

Tuesday, 29th December

Greek Mythology!Duwang Gang AU: Headcanons

TW // sliiight nsfw-ish or non-con hints in dionysus' part. come on it's dionysus.

Today I offer you these babies. Tomorrow who knows. Hope you enjoy, I had fun with writing these.♡

Greek Mythology AU: Duwang Gang Headcanons. [includes: Higashikata Josuke, Nijimura Okuyasu, Kujo Jotaro, Hirose Koichi, Yamagishi Yukako, Kishibe Rohan]

WORD COUNT: 2k

HIGASHIKATA JOSUKE as APOLLO

Seen as the most beautiful god, Apollo has been recognized as a god of archery, music and dance, truth and prophecy, healing and diseases, the Sun and light, poetry, and more. One of the most important and complex of the Greek gods, he is the son of Zeus (Joseph) and brother of Artemis (Holly). As the protector of young, Apollo is concerned with the health and education of children.

He's seen every early morning, on his chariot, to bring the sunlight up in the sky, all over the Olympus. Josuke's the dream of many nymphs, who look at him from afar, singing songs for the god with their sweet voices, a sound so sweet, a sound so celestial... which is covered up by Apollo's voice fucking around the Olympus with young Dionysus (Okuyasu), pulling pranks on Poseidon (Jotaro) or getting drunk.

You're the most envied creature out of everyone in the Olympus, because Josuke only has eyes for you. Envious nymphs stare at you, and comment on you, trying to convince themselves that they're way better than you are.

"Don't listen to their envy and their insults, they don't know how to cope with the fact that I have clear preferences..." he'd say, caressing your cheek and neck. "This is what poisons relationships and romances... envy... jealousy... but we don't have these useless problems, do we, love...?"

His relationship with other gods on the Olympus is usually fine, but it's not like he cares about hiding his feelings. Almost everyone who knows Josuke, will get to know after not even a week that the god is crushing on you, and that he wants to marry you. You sure hope he's not gonna behave the same way he did to Daphne...

It seems that he has healing powers, and if you happen to not to be a deity, he'll gladly use them on you, Josuke wouldn't forgive himself if anything happened to you.

NIJIMURA OKUYASU as DIONYSUS

Surely not known for his capability to reasonate, Dionysus was the ancient god of wine, fertility, ritual madness, theater, and ecstasy. The god is shown to be a beardless, sensuous, naked or semi-naked youth. Though Dionysus was mostly a kind and generous deity, he could be cruel when he needed it. For some reason, Aphrodite (Yukako) doesn't want to get close to him. She looks scared.

He doesn't do much, during the day. Let's say his favourite thing are feasts. Not really chaste ones, to be completely true. Okuyasu's mind is almost totally hedonistic, and won't feel guilty just because he spent a day watching dancing maenads and had fun teasing them with his Thyrsus instead of caring about whatever mortal dude needed him on Earth. Most of the time he's drunk, but Josuke has his back for some reason.

Many say they don't envy you for being the god's favourite creature, but you don't really care. You enjoy lying down with Okuyasu, caught in a ecstatic feeling as he turns you on with his touch and teaseful words whispered at you.

"Tell me, is it embarrassing for you to be the only one to lie beside me during feasts?" He'd run his lustful gaze and hand all over your body as he asks so, and smirk a little. "No? It isn't...? Sounds like you really like it instead, to be completely honest. Good... really good, in fact. Kiss me now."

He doesn't really have a brilliant relationship with other deities, apart from Apollo. He sometimes sees Echo (Koichi), but not much more. Still, everyone knows it when he has someone he's interested in. The man becomes possessive, Okuyasu will make sure everyone knows you're his. He might give a demonstration during feasts.

He likes to feed you grapes, and in case you liked wine, Okuyasu would want to hold the glass for you as you drink. He likes to do this for you, and you don't mind letting him.

KUJO JOTARO as POSEIDON

Poseidon is the violent and ill-tempered god of the sea. He is nowadays known exclusively as a sea god, but in ancient times, he may have been the god of the earth and fertility or even the supreme god of the sky. His huge height and strength come from his Titan parents, Cronus and Rhea. What he can't acquire with romance and gentleness, he does with violence and craftiness.

He sometimes uses the sea as a coping mechanism for his tiring life. Jotaro doesn't find his ocean so bad to be in, he concentrates and spends his time doing stuff gods... do? What does he really do, is not clear? Apollo and Dionysus tried to stick their heads into the water to spy on him several times, without any result. It's not like he's so happy when mortals need his help, but he can't pull back from his duty.

Poseidon probably noticed you because you weren't bugging him for pointless stuff. He likes pleasures too, like most of the deities do really, he just needs to find the right creature for him. Jotaro doesn't enjoy partners who talk too much.

"Don't worry about being a bother for me. You're the first one who isn't truly bothering me, I take it as a goal by now." he'd say, after he closed you in a bubble in order to bring you under the sea with him. "I never dare to show my realm to people who I judge as annoying, remember that."

It's not like he doesn't have a good relationship with other deities, he basically doesn't really care. He'll just be happy with being under the ocean whenever he feels Josuke and Okuyasu approaching, or not to be there during Apollo and Calliope (Rohan) debates. Give him some deserved peace and an ocean and he'll be grateful forever.

If Jotaro lets you in his private place which is the ocean, consider yourself special for him, for he hates having people there, above all people who are there for him purposely.

HIROSE KOICHI as ECHO

Echo is a mountain nymph, or oread. The myth says that Echo offended the goddess Hera by keeping her in conversation, in order to prevent her from spying on one of Zeus' lovers. To punish him, Hera deprived him of speech, except for the ability to repeat the last words of another. Because of this, his good heart is often misunderstood, but he managed to be appreciated nonetheless.

Koichi would rather have no conversations, for he's not able to say nothing more than the last words his interlocutor said. But he's down to make people understand what he wants to say, by writing it down or through gestures. Apollo approached him once, and brought Dionysus along. He doesn't know how to feel about hanging with gods, but since his issue isn't a problem to them, he'll keep them around. Until they misbehave...

When he gets to know you and notices you aren't willing to exclude him for he doesn't talk properly, his heart melts. Echo wants to spend most of his time with you now, since you make him feel comfortable about the problem Hera caused him.

"I love you, I love you, love you, love you, you, you..." he'd repeat, after you told him that. When he wants to say something like this, you say it for him, so that he can repeat it and say it as well. "You're important to me... important to me... important to me... to me... to me... me..."

Look, he's trying his best, really. Deities aren't known for their inclusive ways, and when he asked you if it was because of his past, you quickly said it wasn't. Nobody cared about it there. Deities were like that with every nymph. Echo had a chance to build up a good relationship with Calliope (Rohan). The muse taught him a lot.

He has fun bringing you to places where your voice echoes, to make you judge who does it better between him and the nature. Needless to say, Koichi always wins.

YAMAGISHI YUKAKO as APHRODITE

Aphrodite was known primarily as a goddess of sexual love, beauty, fertility and even occasionally presided over marriage. Even prostitutes considered Aphrodite their patron. She's had many mortal lovers, and none of them should have ever dared to make her upset. She won't be down for forgiveness, she's really never been. Still, Aphrodite found herself often in trouble due to her personality.

Differently from many other deities, Yukako's real fun consisted in watching humans' love stories bloom and wither. Sometimes she was the reason, sometimes she wasn't. Mortals were so easy to play with. It was when she thought that playing gods was just as simple, that she got caught into a trap. Since that mistake, she decided she would have been amused enough to be happy by mortals' love stories.

Oh, Aphrodite's so used to creatures - above all gods - who tried to stick around her for her body only, so that when you give an appreciation for her intelligence, she'll remember it and love you forever. It's like you signed up a free trial to be loved.

"You know, it's difficult to make me feel love so strong I don't even think about the lustful part... but apparently you managed to do so..." she'd say, sitting in the calm forest as she hands you a flower. "It's good to know someone doesn't love you for your body only but for yourself as well."

Yukako's relationship with other deities and creatures is just... ambiguous? She may never judge what's behind everyone's gaze. Hatred? Love? Lust? Who knows. All she knows, is that the only sight of Dionysus makes the ground under her feet disappear in fear. Compared to him, she'll just be fine in everyone else's company.

Everything she does, it's for the good. If it happens to harm you, Yukako definitely didn't mean it. It'll be enough to tell her, and believe me, it won't happen again.

KISHIBE ROHAN as CALLIOPE

In Greek mythology Calliope is the muse who presides over eloquence and epic poetry. He's called the "Chief of all Muses". He's down to help every literate artist who needs him, gives inspiration and guides the mortals' talented hands, as far as they deserve his power. Calliope's used to be mentioned, and might happen to get upset if not. Even if he's only halfway a deity, he's known for his confidence.

The most famous out of the Muses, Rohan won't forgive anyone who's never heard about him before. He can be seen around Echo a lot lately, since he found the nymph's story interesting and won't hold back from inspiring a mortal with writing about what happened to Koichi. He's used to collect creatures' stories, in order to be written by someone who's talented enough to talk about them properly.

He probably got interested in your story first. Then, for some reason he grew possessive of it. Calliope won't let a mortal put their filthy hands on a story so pure. Let the Muse be the only one who can properly love you.

"This story of yours is so beautiful, I can never have enough... and it's mine only, is it, y/n? Is it?" he'd ask him forever until you answer yes, he'll find no peace at all. "Let me get inspiration from you. Let me be the only one who can properly appreciate your life... just like you deserve."

His relationship with other creatures and deities is... rather good? Rohan's used to have debates and discussions with Josuke, and most of the time they just disagree. Though, many envy his capability of being so creative and smart, mortal writers ask for his help several times. Aphrodite and him sometimes fight over Echo.

He'd write lots of poetries in order to edulcorate your feelings towards him and make you forgive him for his excessive possessiveness. Rohan often succeeds.

[aphrostarot]

Self-Love Pick a Pile

How can you be more loving towards yourself?

Please remember that this is a general reading and some things may not apply to you. Don't force it to fit. I offer paid readings on my page if you would like a personal reading. Prices are listed there. Please message me if you are interested!

Pile One (Amethyst):

How do you see yourself?

Five of Cups:

In your eyes, you are very hard to please since you are very fixated on the past. You can never forgive someone who wrongs you. Since you have been burned in the past, you tend to focus on the negative and be pessimistic rather than getting your hopes up. It is difficult for you to love yourself, which leads to a great deal of neglect of yourself. However, you see yourself as a very empathic friend, someone who will always be there for you when you are in need.

The Mastermind:

A Mastermind is never left holding the bag. She conceives the grand plan and then flees the law, living in hiding. To keep someone in her life, she needs a great deal of trust. You see yourself this way. As extremely intelligent and powerful.

How do you speak to yourself?

The Emperor:

Emperors are very powerful leaders who rule with an iron fist. You talk to yourself in a very bossy and powerful manner. Your attitude towards yourself feels very harsh to me. The demands you place on yourself are extremely high, and you are ruthless when it comes to your own success. Your own worst enemy is you.

How can you remind yourself you are worthy?

The Empress:

A future filled with abundance is signaled by the Empress. It is telling you that things are going to improve for you soon. By remembering how far you have come and how far you have yet to go, your guides are telling you to remind yourself of your worth. Keep in mind that it will come no matter what. Believe in yourself and your guides, because they do not lie to you. Don't doubt your worth, you're a fighter and are more than worthy of obtaining abundance.

Grey:

This card reminds you that endings are inevitable and to let go of the past. Your past experiences have caused you to hang on to things from the past and can cause you to not easily let go. Your guides are telling you with this card that you can remind yourself of your worth by letting go of the past and moving on to the next phase of your life. Things can go wrong sometimes, but that doesn't mean they always will. Let go of the idea that bad things are destined for you.

How can you love yourself more?

Five of Swords:

Because you believe everything that has happened to you has happened because of your own faults, this card makes sense for you. A feeling of defeat that arises because of one's own faults is portrayed on this card. It is hard for you to let go of the past and move on. Your guides are telling you that yes, bad things happen, but you aren't always at fault. It is possible to overcome the mistakes you have made in the past. To begin that process, you need to love yourself for who you are, which includes your past mistakes.

Storm:

Recently, you have suffered so much hurt and this has affected your ability to take care of yourself. Your guides are saying that that hurt is about to end. You can begin to love yourself by believing that good things will happen to you. Believing that your guides will lead you in the right direction.

How can you see your beauty?

Two of Wands:

This is the card of partnership, and having it come up here shows me that the way to start recognizing your beauty is by welcoming someone into your life who can help guide you. You've been unable to recognize your own beauty for a long time now, and your guides say that the only way to do this is by inviting more people into your life rather than rejecting everyone because of bad experiences in the past.

Sun:

The Sun is all about bringing happiness back into your life. You have been struggling for so long and you have lost your happiness as a result. You can recognize your beauty by finding happiness in your life again, according to your guides. This can be accomplished by trusting others and letting them in.

Pile Two (Sodalite):

How do you see yourself?

The Magician and Ace of Wands:

With both of these cards, you see yourself as being very creative and skilled. As a successful and driven individual, you've accomplished a lot in your life, and you're celebrating it. In the picture of the spread, these two cards depict someone holding a wand in the air. Having worked extremely hard to get where you are and having been successful at it, now you can raise your trophy (the wand) in the air with great pride and happiness.

The Earth Mother:

I get strong Green Witch energy here. You are very connected to the earth and draw on it to succeed. You are a very feminine person regardless of how you identify because remember, every single human being has both masculine and feminine energy within them. You, however, channel your femininity much more than your masculinity.

How do you speak to yourself?

Page of Pentacles:

You listen to your body well and make sure you are taking care of its needs. You constantly are trying to learn more about yourself, making sure you are asking yourself questions and listening to your aches and pains as signals of when to take a break. You speak to yourself very kindly and try very hard to take care of your body because you believe that your body is your vessel in each lifetime so, you want to take good care of it, and a part of that is speaking kindly to it.

How can you remind yourself you are worthy?

The Emperor:

You are very good at listening to your body and recognizing when to take breaks, as we have established. You take excellent care of yourself, but only your physical self, not your mental self. As your guides suggest, you can remind yourself of your worth by taking control and being in charge of your thinking. Yes, you are kind to yourself, but you are also very lenient when it comes to your mental health. It's time to be bossier towards yourself and to ingrain in your brain that you are worthy.

Potion:

This card reminds you that self-love is needed here. While you have mastered self-care, you've been lacking in self-love. Make sure you take care of yourself, do something that makes you feel beautiful, reminds you that you are worthy.

How can you love yourself more?

The Hierophant:

In your self-love journey, the Hierophant encourages you to seek out community. You need to go back to your tried and true, if you're a part of a religious group or organization of sorts, now is the time to seek peace within them. If not, find peace in your friendships. The guides want you to find structure in your life through a community, and by doing so, you will be one step closer to loving yourself.

Shark:

You are reminded to swim away from your current situation with this card. In your life, by someone you know, and even by yourself, you are not being treated right. The first step to loving yourself more is to surround yourself with people who love and support you.

How can you see your beauty?

The Star:

You've recently lost hope in your self-love journey, and having this card come up is a sign to hold on to your comforts, and to remain hopeful because positivity is on its way.

The Empress:

Do something luxurious, treat yourself. Feel beautiful inside and out. This is how you can start feeling beautiful. With this card coming out, you are a goddess, and you need to remember this, celebrate your accomplishments. You have grown so much in your life and you need to acknowledge that.

Spaceship:

You have been made to believe that you are not beautiful and now you hide. This is not the way to live, and this card encourages you to embrace your beauty and be confident. You do not need to continue hiding behind your conditioned fear. You should be proud of who you are and how you look.

Pile Three (Rose Quartz):

How do you see yourself?

Three of Wands:

You consider yourself to be extremely optimistic and a dreamer. With great tenacity and drive, you have achieved a lot. You consider yourself very competitive, going after what it is you want with a very cutthroat approach. You believe that you are better than others because of your drive, which usually gets you what you want from life.

The Spinster:

The Spinster is not bothered by the hustle and bustle of society. They rebel against everything society expects of them. Most of the time they are alone, and they prefer it that way, keeping to themselves, and most people view them as something they should not strive to achieve. The reason for this is that they do not get married and keep to themselves. You consider yourself to be an outlaw.

How do you speak to yourself?

Two of Swords:

There is something about you that I feel is so stubborn that you won't accept that you need to improve in terms of self-care and self-love. You are perfectly fine in your eyes, and nothing needs to be changed. You talk to yourself in an extremely negative tone, pushing your feelings aside and sticking to the facts, which are that you do not need to change anything, regardless of whether that is true or not. It feels to me that even when you feel like you should change you do not because you fear it which results in negative self-talk.

How can you remind yourself you are worthy?

The Star:

As the card of hope, having it appear here means that yes, you know you will be rewarded for your hard work but not because you hoped for it, only because you worked for it. As a result, you don't rely on hope in your life to understand your worth, just your hard work. Your guides want you to let go of that all-facts mindset and to let yourself dream and hope for things. Take care of yourself during this time. You view yourself as being very optimistic but your guides are telling me that you really are not as optimistic as you think you are because you are lacking hope in your self-worth.

Flower:

This card tells you, to be honest with yourself, you have been lying to yourself for some time now. Trying to convince yourself that you are better off than you really are. It is important for you to take care of yourself here, stop pretending you are better than you are.

How can you love yourself more?

The Hierophant:

In your self-love journey, the Hierophant encourages you to seek out community. You need to go back to your tried and true, if you're a part of a religious group or organization of sorts, now is the time to seek peace within them. If not, find peace in your friendships. Now is not the time to be alone. You need to seek out the support of others. Your guides want you to find structure in your life through a community, and by doing so, you will be one step closer to loving yourself.

Sword:

There has been a change brewing in your life for some time now. This card encourages you to make a change, whether it is cutting your hair, making new friends, finding a new job, etc. To love yourself more, you need to make a change.

How can you see your beauty?

Ace of Cups:

The Ace of Cups is a reminder to embrace all of your emotions. You have run from your emotions for so long that now is the time to embrace them. You will be able to recognize your own beauty more easily if you do this.

Lioness:

As a result of growing so much, you have accumulated some scars along the way. Your guides are telling you to embrace every scar you have whether physical or mental because they are a symbol of your strength. Now is the time for you to recognize that you are incredibly beautiful and strong.

Pile Four (Amazonite):

How do you see yourself?

Knight of Wands:

In your eyes, you are very confident and will never back down from competition. Because you believe in yourself so much, you are not afraid to take action. You are confident that you can achieve everything you set out to do since your qualifications are impeccable. Passion and rebelliousness are two things that you think make you irresistible.

The Delinquent:

Delinquents are symbols of youthful rebellion. This is who you are in your eyes. Rather than doing what everyone wants from you, you would much rather break the rules. You are the definition of an angsty teen in your eyes.

How do you speak to yourself?

Five of Pentacles:

It seems like you are very hard on yourself. You have experienced many losses in your life and because of this, part of you feels to blame. You are very difficult on yourself as a result. Your guides are sick of you blaming yourself for mistakes.

How can you remind yourself you are worthy?

Page of Swords:

Your intelligence and quick thinking make you an exceptional individual. As a result, you are very aware of everything happening around you. Your guides tell you that by recognizing these things about yourself, you will be one step closer to understanding what you are capable of and accepting your worth.

Nostalgia:

You have been too focused on the past and what could have been. Rather than focusing on your imaginary life, your guides say you should improve your present life. You cannot change what has happened in the past, but you can change your present by reminding yourself of your worth.

How can you love yourself more?

The Heirophant:

In your self-love journey, the Hierophant encourages you to seek out community. You need to go back to your tried and true, if you're a part of a religious group or organization of sorts, now is the time to seek peace within them. If not, find peace in your friendships. Now is not the time to be alone. You need to seek out the support of others. Your guides want you to find structure in your life through a community, and by doing so, you will be one step closer to loving yourself.

Homeward:

You are encouraged to take yourself out on a date with this card. Give yourself a night in or a night out that allows you to slow down and pay attention to yourself since you have been ignoring this for some time. It's time to learn more about yourself. You need to fall in love with yourself again.

How can you see your beauty?

Five of Cups:

For some time now, you have been very self-conscious and insecure about your beauty. Every day when you look in the mirror, you feel as though you lack everything society deems beautiful.

Death:

It is through losing this mindset that you will be able to recognize how beautiful you are. It's time to let go of the way you think of yourself and embrace how beautiful you are. You don't need to think of beauty in terms of what society says, as that is incorrect. Everything and everyone is beautiful, you just have to change the way you see things.

Potion:

This is the card that tells you to love yourself. You are being encouraged to do things that make you feel beautiful by your guides. Take a luxurious bath, use a rosewater face mask, journal, etc. Making yourself feel loved is the key to recognizing your beauty.

Though tips are not required, they are very much appreciated. Thank you!

Venmo: @ aphrostarot Paypal: paypal/aphrostarot

[txtifan]

Random Ramuda Headcanons

AN: In honor of my favorite hypmic boy and the fact that 2nd ARB is driving me crazy I decided to use this as a reason to start posting my headcanons,, I'm still debating on if I wanna open writing request or not but maybe this will help me decide. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy ^^

Under cut because these headcanons are quite long- also spoilers for Before the 2nd ARB FP drama track

Kinda getting straight to the point, I like to say that there are two sides of Ramuda. There's 'optimist' and 'pessimist'

Everyone but a few members of Chuuoku only know Ramuda for his fake, optimist self

But then there is Ramuda's true self: a pessimistic, deep-voiced, and maybe even intelligent man

Who probably hates the fact that he has to be a ditz when playing his optimist role

And it doesn't help that his pessimism gets the best of him and makes him believe that he'll always be this way until he dies

"A man who had to fake his true identity and follow orders as he works himself to death," is what he would label himself

Until the events of The Loneliness, Tears, and Hope of a Puppet happened

Now he doesn't know what he is or what he's supposed to do

While he proclaims that it's awful now that Chuuoku has gotten rid of him, in logical sense, it's actually better

And that's what Dice and Gentaro are there to remind him of

Because they definitely are not leaving him alone after the events of the drama track

Gentaro would probably tease him about it, not in an jerk matter, but in a, "You really can't fake it all anymore, we already got a hint of it" type of way

Other than telling Ramuda out loud, this is the closest thing Gentaro does to just tell Ramuda that he can put trust in them and inform them on what's going on

And of course Dice is somewhat off the walls over the whole situation

He'll always ask Ramuda when he can be labeled as a survivor so he can tell the two everything about the clones and such

And even though Ramuda always responds with a decline, or maybe even a threat in his deep-tone voice, he can't even get mad at them

In all honesty, he would tell them, he wants to in fact. But he's scared to

This whole time he wanted to prove to Chuuoku that he wasn't a failure, that he was the best clone they had and prove them wrong

So if he was to cave in and tell them everything, to go behind the backs of the ones he's been loyal to for possible years scares him deeply

He also would have no choice but to throw away any hope of being considered a success in their eyes, because he did a common human action and gave into peer pressure

And he's no human

...Right?

Because humans do nothing but make mistakes, have emotions, and fail orders

Surely the time he disobeyed the order of using the true hypothesis microphone to put Jakurai to sleep can be overlooked

No doubt the unexplained frustration and irritation he had whenever Ichijiku called him on the phone can be ignored

And of course, that one time back in the TTD era where Ramuda made the mistake of letting his true self rash out at Jakurai won't be counted

So it's obvious that Ramuda isn't human, not even close!

Is what he would basically tell himself mere moments after stressing over the possibility of him dying because he's getting low of candy supply

Yeah, at this point, everyone but Ramuda can agree that he can be considered human at this point.

But God forbit you grab the guts to just tell him this out loud in his face

He is going to be PISSED

It's one of the last things he wants to hear from anyone

Now, Ramuda isn't cocky- but when it comes to him being either a clone or a human, he gets very subjective and wants to believe he's a clone no matter what

Since, in his eyes, being a clone is a good thing. It means he isn't the oddball out of the undefined number of clones out there

But then he thinks of his teammates- they definitely aren't normal out of the many gamblers and writers out there

Gentaro's entire personality isn't even close to any other writer Ramuda has encountered

And Dice's luck in gambling can be so disastrous it's abnormal

So when it comes to this unique division, Ramuda has to be special in some way

Even though he wants to say he's special because of his designing skills, or his special ability of getting the ladies, deep down he knows it's not that

Yet when he wants to think about the topic any longer, fear stops him

If only he could just talk to someone, anyone, who would be able to not only hear him but help him out

But maybe they're already here, he just needs to set all of his concerns away and open up to them

So, while carrying years of stress, worries, fears, but yet a small bit of hope on his shoulders

He walks into the room to see both of his 'friends' turning their attention to him. With a deep breath, he says:

"Get comfy. If you want the whole story, then we're to be here for a long time."

[canis-lunaris]

Introducing: The Wandering Witch AU

(With transgirl!Remus, questioning!Sirius and endless conversations about the metaphysics of wandless magic)

This is the latest installment of our various Wolfstar AU's with August, one we came up with while we were on a mini-holiday, celebrating our third anniversary.

In this universe, pureblood-supremacy is rampant, keeping the Wizarding World in the permanent dark ages. Muggle-born wizards are only allowed a wand upon being accepted at a magic school, and most institutions favour pureblood children over half-blood, or muggle-born students. Wands are registered and heavily regulated, including tracking-spells and random spot-checks for counterfeit, or unregistered wands by Ministry officials.

After a werewolf-attack at age 4, Remus Lupin’s father tries to teach her magic using his own wand, knowing she would never be allowed into Hogwarts. However, performing magic with someone else's wand is not only dangerous and illegal, but also extremely difficult. Remus — a savant, who can sense magical currents in a way none of her peers can — realises that she doesn't need a wand to focus her power, and instead develops her own way of casting — or spell-weaving, more accurately —, tying an intricate web of knots between intent and the ambient magical currents to shape reality to her will. While admittedly crude and volatile, her technique turns out surprisingly potent, which makes her more than capable of protecting herself against the many dangers of a transphobic, werewolf-hating world.

Because her condition places both her and her family in a vulnerable position (the "werewolf-issue is an ages-old favourite talking point of mainstream wizarding politics, including a fearmongering campaign designed to marginalise intelligent magical creatures and eradicate non-human magic users), the Lupins decide to avoid registering their child after the attack, relying on the help of muggle medicine and corrupt healers to nurse her back to health after the transformations. They move frequently, bouncing Remus from school to school, but once Remus has gotten a basic education, they settle down in an isolated cottage on the Scottish highlands, and her mum takes on the duty of homeschooling her.

Having been brought up in a mixed family and lived the majority of her life as a muggle, Remus is well-versed in the matters of 21st century life. Once they settle into their new home, she starts transitioning, takes up Luna as her middle name, but keeps Remus as her first name, refusing to abide by arbitrary societal rules about names being connected to certain genders, rather than the people wearing them. After both her parents meet a tragically early death in a car accident, Remus finds herself alone in the world, with both a house and a large sum of money to her name; she sells the cottage and spends her parents' life insurance settlement on getting bottom surgery, then sets out to travel the world, looking for someone, or something to find a meaningful connection with.

----------

On a glance, Cassandra Black is everything her most ancient and noble house could want for an heir. She is brilliant, powerful and a downright genious when it comes to magic; the only problem is, she's a bit too smart for her own good, and no amount of discipline can keep her from asking too many questions. The only thing her bewildered parents achieve with their constant, increasingly violent punishment is that young Cassandra stops asking them, and starts looking for answers of her own.

By the time she's 11, she's thoroughly disillusioned, worlds away from the conservative, blood-supremacist doctrines she was brought up with. Upon entering Hogwarts, she spends the first free breath of her life on convincing the Sorting Hat not to place her in Slytherin, a decision she pays for with the world as she knew it. In return, she gains a new, brighter one, full of friendship, adventure and budding romance — although dark secrets, stomach-turning injustice and bitter heartbreak too. When it comes to her parents' attention that she is sleeping with a witch, their treatment turns from toxic hostility to open abuse, severing all emotional ties between Cassandra and the House of Black. She spends five years as a proud Gryffindor, but by the time her 16th birthday rolls around, she feels like she'd learnt everything Hogwarts had to offer — the good and the bad alike. She decides not to return to the castle for the sixth year: instead, she uses the start of the school year to orchestrate an elaborate escape plan, that would make it impossible for her family to find her. She breaks her wand and vanishes into the night, never to be seen again.

British Wizarding society erupts in chaos, because even one as scandalous as the Black heiress, the mysterious disappearance of a 16-year-old, pureblood-aristocrat (and a witch, for that) brings the Ministry's messaging about public safety into question, and the story keeps the tabloids busy for the better part of a year. The family puts out an enticing bounty on their firstborn's head, but regardless of the spectacular reward, no one can locate Cassandra, and without a wand to track, she proves to be impossible to trace. Eventually, the tabloids move on and the story slowly fades into the background, although, en lieu of a body, they never officially assume her dead, and the family never gives up the secret search for their wayward, blood-traitor daughter.

----------

Three years later:

Somewhere, hidden in the mountains of Scotland, there is a halfway-house, for magical folks who need to get off the grid, for one reason or another. Remus is a regular visitor, using the shelter's reinforced cellar for the full moon, and taking her time to recover at the quaint little house for a while thereafter. Nobody bothers her there, and while people do use the retreat — it's always clean, stocked with food, healing items and clean bedding, among other obvious signs of habitation —, she'd never encountered any other guests during her visits. This time, however, an unpleasant surprise welcomes her, in form of a backpack and a half-drunk bottle of wine on the porch, and soon, she finds the owner of the items as well, lounging on her favorite sunning spot.

The stranger looks ragged; unkempt and malnourished, and when they speak, their voice sounds hoarse, like they haven't used it for a long time. Remus is immediately weary, even though the stranger looks very young and rather unimpressive, expect for the very posh accent and the fact that despite their extremely strong magical aura, they did look startled, almost terrified when Remus walked up behind them — and yet, their hand never even twitched to draw a concealed wand.

"I’m armed!" the stranger warns — maybe they expected a muggle? —, but still doesn't move to reveal any weapon. Remus is quite certain she could take them on in one-on-one combat regardless, should it come to that, but she finds it alarming that this runaway teen would survive alone in the wilderness for what seems like a considerable period; a feat that requires a number of skills and the kind of training that does not come with the elocution training the stranger's speech suggests. Not just the accent, the face too... Under the layers of dirt, severe sunburn and a fading black eye, there is just something eerily familiar about them.

She introduces herself as Remus — it's one of her favourite ways to quickly size up a person, based on their reaction to her obviously masculine name. She does the whole cheeky, "whatchagonnado" act she perfected throughout the years, expecting anything from a spiteful comment to a confused eyebrow-raise in response, but the stranger just nods and gives her a polite "hello, Remus", like this was the most normal interaction between two people who just met at a shelter for magical misfits, in the middle of fucking nowhere.

The stranger, however, is less forthcoming about their identity, and Remus has to openly ask for their name after 10 minutes of tense, but idle chitchat. The stranger blushes a deep red, and once again, there is that flash of panic in their eyes, before they blurt out "Sirius... Black."

"Oh."

Of course, Remus thinks, wondering how she missed it before. She knows exactly who Sirius is, or who they used to be — she'd seen this face a million times before; a younger, smoother version with fewer sharp angles and without the haunted look in their bloodshot eyes, but the very same face was once plastered all over Britain — on missing flyers, in front page news, later on wanted posters... 10.000 galleons are a fine bit of money for a head like this. She gives the stranger a sideways glance, and they glare right back at her, with a defiant expression that might have betrayed their famous origins, even without the esteemed family name. The Blacks, they do all look the same...

"Well, that answers the question whether you're a muggle" Sirius remarks with a bitter chuckle. "Look, I know what you're thinking. And yes, they do have the funds, but just so we are clear on this, if you move to draw, I'll attack you, and it's gonna be over before you ever reach your wand. You will lose, most likely die, and then I'll have to spend this lovely evening digging a hole for you in the woods instead of sharing a bottle of crappy wine. So, just don't, okay?"

Remus can't help but admire the kid's bravado — they aren't stupid, she can tell that much, if from nothing else, the fact that they somehow successfully evaded one of the most powerful magical families, and their countless footmen, for over three years without ever leaving a trace; and yet, they seem to know when they're outmatched.

"Who says I'd need to draw?" she smirks, hoping to provoke a quick duel out of the youth. She likes to get the power-struggle out of the way early on, just so nobody gets ideas while she's sleeping or in recovery. The young Black might turn out to be a reluctant ally, but they could mean real trouble after the full moon, if they were to follow family tradition in wanting to rid the world of a monster like herself. Three days left until the next transformation, which means she's at the height of her power, so taking Sirius out here and now would be the wisest, and she thinks she could do it without harming them too badly. Nothing she couldn't fix in a blink afterwards.

Sirius measures her with a curious squint, slowly raising their left hand into the air. All five fingers are adorned with a variety of silver rings, from plain, thin bands to heavy signets with rune-engraved stones. A web of glowing lines flare up on the back of their hand, spreading out from an intricate magic sigil on their wrist. They emit a faint, blueish white light, running along each finger to the tip, as Sirius charges up for a wandless spell. Flashy, but creative, Remus thinks, truly impressed for the first time. She's used to wizards relying on their wands to do the work for them, and she knows seven different ways to dismantle the connection before they ever get to fire off. The stranger's magic is different — it's raw and unpolished, but brutally powerful, and very complex, in a geometric sort of way. This would be more difficult than she initially thought, and she's unsure if she could immediately disarm Sirius without having to literally dis-arm them.

To avoid confrontation, she raises a hand in front of her too, conjuring a harmless little will-o-whisp in her palm — a trick she developed as a child, tied up on the bare cement floor of her parents' basement, waiting for the curse to take hold. There was no light in the basement; she was lonely, cold and terrified, so she made herself a friend, a cold flame to keep her company while she was waiting for the moon.

Sirius' eyebrows disappear somewhere under their tangled fringe, but their face lights up with a huge, mischievous grin:

"Remus, the girl raised by the wolves... You're not boring at all, are you?"