#It was meant to be a “oh let's take this old and kinda cool one shot idea and see if we can make it into a fic”

[elizaxspears]

I DID IT. I FINISHED IT. I FINISHED MY 300k SebWill/Ronilliam FANFIC

THAT'S IT. MY GREATEST ACHIEVMENT

GOODNIGHT

[evilminji]

OKAY, FIRST? Like the Picture Says...

So!

Here I was, sittin', thinkin', pondering my thoughts. Thing to myself? "How could one? Presumably female, much like myself, Jedi repopul-" and THAT is when my brain, worn and weary, from years of The Internet? SLAMMED its fucking pint down on the bar counter, turned to me with an ugly scowl and sneered?

"You KNOW fucking how. Don't be coy."

( O.O) w-well alright then, brain. Little aggressive. Kinda wondering where you got the knife. I... I'ma just... go... *pint glass is thrown after me, shattering on the door as it just barely misses*

So! Yeah. Birth, probably. But STILL! That's like? Still ONE(1) fuckin Jedi right? And even IF Mr. "I am literally half midi-chlorians by blood" sired two Force Sensitives on his first go? That's no guarantee EVERYONE does?

Unless..... >.> we are taking into account a Force Sensitive RACE. THEN? Oh, THEN? It's not a matter of IF, but HOW MUCH. Enough to hit that arbitrary cut off point? What if you don't care? What if you say "everybody can be a Jedi"? Want to TRUELY spread the Light. Not just to those who are STRONG enough... but to EVERYONE.

There are a few races like that! But! That STILL? Doesn't solve the Puzzle! The Problem! Of how could One(1) VERY determined Jedi lady, who? Presumably is pretty cool with motherhood. Rebuild The Jedi Order, by NOPING™ out before Order 66.

Again, presumably AFTER taking on the role of Creche Master. And AFTER taking all the youngling on a Super Fun Unplanned Don't Tell The Other Grown Ups Suprise Feild Trip~☆ (yaaaaay!)(who wants snacks! Everybody got their travel bags and buddies? Let's gooooo~☆!)

Cause like? Still need a stable population. And enough Jedi to *obscene gestures multiculturally* at the Sith.

My? Proposal? We turn to the Wisdom of the Monster Fuckers. (Wait wait WAIT! Don't leave! HEAR ME OUT!) I KNOW this sounds like a sex thing! Not a sex thing! It's a "Who said Humanoid Meant Live Birth? Were fucking Aliens, Bro" thing! Just because? Our SI-OC? Was reborn AS a vaguely human shaped sentient?

DOESNT MEAN SHE'S A MAMMAL.

That weird hair color could mark her as some WEIRD, man! Fuck, for all we know she could be a fungus! It's vaguely body horror! You get over it! Adapt to new biology!

Learn?? You lay CLUTCHS. Fuckin EGGS. All baby making is external after the first bit. Something, something, easier to defend against predators. SI-OC doesn't remember that part. There was this high pitched ringing in her head then a thump. She was on the floor. May have fainted. What're you, a cop?

They offer her weird alien birth control.

She takes the birth control.

Learns she is a Rare and Near Extinct Species, a la Master Mundi. Learns it's VERY detrimental to her health to lay clutches. Takes a lot of resources, she can't LEAVE it, so with out a partner or community (or sufficient hoard of food) she WILL starve to death. It HAS happened.

No, seriously, look Mafame Che in the eyes. It HAS happened. And no you CAN'T "push your impulses into the Force". It's a biological imperative. Your body physically won't LET you.

Exactly three options. Babies born, they die, or YOU DIE.

......little intense. Got it. Yes she would like that birth control. She will continue to be both average and forgettable. Pay no attention to the Jedi Creche Master In Training! Oh look! It's kenobi! *yeets fellow jedi under the speeder*

Take some.... research trips >.> <.< >.> which is of course totally not scouting out new Temple locations! To the Wild Zone. Mmmmm, no one for WEEKS by hyperdrive! It's so calm out here!

Only took, like, 278 different planets scouted! To find the right one.

*starts building dwellings.* *starts directing "too old" Force Sensitives or Families that want to stay together and are willing to move, towards the location.*

New secret Jedi planet? Whaaaaat? Nooooooo. That would be illegal. Jedi can't break RULES! Don't be silly. Oh? Is that Skywalker? *same Speeder, new jedi. YEET!*

But WAIT! The War Approachth! D:> upsetting. Better get ready to give that "we totally need to Hide The Babies For War Reasons" presentation she has prepared. But FIRST?

A clutch. Got a transport pod ready to go. Got food stockpiled. Got the birth control out. Now? Just need a male! Too uh... contribute.

.......look, she wants her legion of tiny jedi babies okay? They glow like STARS. Everything is BETTER with them around. And she's kinda come around to this whole... disgusting slime... goo... Thing™. Cause I mean? At LEAST it's not pushing one OUT! ( o7 Padme, you have her respect. But also you are a madwoman.)

The Healers, are of course, FROTHING at the mouth.

YOU DUMB MOTHER FUCKER. They hiss, like healing and very concerned paragons of needle weilding fury. Where the FUCK are you going to just? GET?? A male of you INCREDIBLY RARE AS FUCK Species? You damn near dead and no longer existent species??!? You have DELIBERATELY put yourself in EXTREME medical distress! For WHAT?! Did you HAVE a plan!?

Yeah. :3 I call it Pulling a Yoda's Linage *Yoda ears move from Concern, to Intrigued*

*click*

..........what was that. Jedi SI-OC, What Was That?? *comms start blowing up* What did you just DO?

Oh :3c simple. She asked. It's the only polite thing to DO after all. She DOES need assistance. Surely someone would be willing to offer. If they can. How? You may ask?? Why look so CONCERNED Councilors! She simply assumed, that? Since there is no way of KNOWING where in the Galaxy surviving members of her Race are? And time IS of the essence? She SHOULD reach as wide an audience as she can, as FAST as she can... RIGHT?

>:3c so, of course, she posted her request to the Holonet.

Video and all.

"Grettings, I am Jedi SI-OC. I am an [race] and currently a Creche Master here at the Jedi Temple of Coruscant. I require the assistance of a healthy, willing Male of my species, as I have laid a clutch. And wish to have it fertilized. I would like to have children. We would, of course, discuss co parenting the children before beginning. I have, attached, further details. Thank you for your time. May the Force be with you"

Sexiest shit a LOT of people for egg laying races have seen in years. Well... those with Very Specific Jedi Kinks. Of course, no one ADMITS to jedi kinks. But like... you've thought about it. Don't lie. Everyone's thought about it. It's them and the Mandalorians.*commiserating noises*

But like? The NEWS CYCLE.

Holy SHIT.

Yeah, yeah, tensions and possible succession from the Republic. Sith plots in the background. But? *new casters violently clear their planned segments for THIS* JEDI? Horny on main!? Is THIS ALLOWED? IS this horny? What race is that? C-can other people volunteer? And if so, who? We take to the streets! Sir, what's your opinion on-?

OUTTA MY WAY, I'MMA BANG A JEDI! *frenzied mob like behavior*

*temple guards, unnamused.* back! BACK! Horny jail! For ALL OF YOU!

Just?? It's? So, SO? Important to me? That their are Mandalorian [race] that show up. Because the need to repopulate their people is more important then *scrunch nose* Jedi(ew). That it becomes the Galaxy's hottest Bachelorette show. WHO? Amongst these Fine And Acomplished Men? Will the Jedi CHOOSE? To have babies with! They ask.

And, presumably, marry and learn the power of family and friendship and emotions and be HEALED by LOVE etc etc.

There are shipping charts. It's horrifying. The talk shows LOVE it.

Council? Day drinking. Except for Mundi. He's just like "....but did you HAVE to you they Holonet? It's so MESSY >:/ everyone's in our BUSINESS now." Cause he's not a hypocrite. Grumpy asshole? Absolutely. But not a hypocrite.

Just? The single most "....who?" Jedi ever. Causing the BIGGEST fuss. Right at the worst possible moment, for Sidious. Causing an explosion of glee and hope and laughter etc, all across the Galaxy. Good feeling towards the Jedi. EVERYBODY talking about them. There's gonna be HUNDREDS more!

If she does this AGAIN (in a decade. Madame Che was NOT joking on the stress it puts on the body) there could be thousands new Jedi over the coming years! (Probably why the Sith fuckin wiped them OUT, not that she thinks about it. Fuckers. Who's laughing NOW?! Huh? WHO LAUGHING NOW?!)

Again! Very, unspeakably Ace. Not a sex thing. I just think I'd be funny? That the Forces answer to The Evil Sith plan was... Babies™.

What are we? Fuckin YODA?

@babbling-babull @hdgnj @legitimatesatanspawn @spidori @hypewinter @mayfay

[oneforthemunny]

eeeee my favorite game ever!!!

bouncer!eddie, angst, “say that again”

oof starting off strong with some bouncer!ed angst!! also small tw mentions past infidelity and cheating. sorry it's the lore. also they're kinda really mean in their fighting.

"I don't even know why you're so mad." Eddie huffed, hands flinging upwards with dramatic irritation. "I didn't do anything."

"Yeah, you didn't this time." You snapped, teeth clenched in such a fury you were surprised they didn't snap, crack and fall out like an old Tom and Jerry cartoon.

"Oh, here we go!" Eddie threw his head back. "Here we fucking go again-"

"-Yeah, here we go again, you asshole-"

"-Why do you always do this, huh? You always do this-"

"-Do this?" Your voice shrilled, lifting into a yell. "I didn't do anything, you fucking piece of shit! You were the one who couldn't keep your dick in your pants-"

"-Oh, don't fucking do this! Don't fucking start this! We weren't official! We hadn't made it official, you know that!" Eddie's own voice raised, rising above yours.

"Oh, we hadn't? We hadn't made it official?" You sneered, eyes narrowing in challenge.

"We didn't-"

"-We didn't but you told me you loved me? We weren't official, but you were telling me you loved me, and I was the only one you'd ever loved, and you were staying at my place every fucking night!" Your voice was beginning to scratch with how harshly you were yelling, body burning with a furious rage.

"Jesus fucking Christ, you always fuckin' bring that up. How many times are you going to throw that shit in my face? I told you I'm fucking sorry, I'll say it again- I'm sorry." Eddie's tone lacked the sincerity it usually did, the heart crumbling sincerity and remorse that it held the night he'd poured his heart out to you after. This time, it was filled with annoyance, dripping with sarcasm.

"You're not fucking sorry. If you were sorry you wouldn't be such a piece of shit, you wouldn't continue to do this. Let all these girls touch all over you, entertain them!" You jabbed a finger towards him. "Honestly, how would you feel if I let some guys do that to me? If I was slutting myself out for them the way you are-"

"-Oh, like you don't." Eddie scoffed with an eye roll. "Like you don't act like a slut to get tips. It's so much different though, right? Because you're getting money out of it. Makes it so much better."

The room fell quiet, both of you shocked by his words, the anger and harshness in them. Your heart beat thunderingly in your ringing ears, mouth falling slightly with shock. Eddie's eyes widened, mouth closing with realization.

"What did you just say?" You sneered, a much quieter tone than before, but somehow it was worse. Made Eddie cringe, a shiver running up his spine.

"Wait, ok, hold on," Eddie stammered, holding his hands out gently. "I-I didn't- I didn't mean that, baby, c'mon. You know I- I was just fucking mad-"

"-But you still said it." You grit. "So say it again. Look me in the eye, and say it again."

"What? No." Eddie shook his head. "No, I-I didn't- I'm sorry, alright? I shouldn't-"

"-No, say it. You clearly meant it." You glared at him, voice eerily even and calm. "So say it again. Be a fucking man and say that again."

"Look, I-I'm gonna go for- We need to just chill." Eddie's heart was hammering, racing so hard his head was spinning, hands shaking when he grabbed his keys and lighter. "I-I didn't mean it. I-I was just mad, and-"

"-And you think I'm a slut?" Your lips pressed together, eyes flashing in a hurt that had Eddie's stomach turning. "I'm the slut? Me?"

"Ok, I'm not-" Eddie ran a hand under his bangs, damp hairline and clammy hands running over his forehead. "I'm going to smoke, ok? Let's just- let's take a time out." His voice was rising in octave, nearly squeaky with guilt.

"You cool down, I'll cool down, and-and we can come back and talk like adults." Eddie stepped backwards, eyeballing you carefully. His heart sank when he saw your lip wobble, eyes watering with tears threatening to fall. His hand wrapped around the doorknob, knees tensing when you turned, stomping towards the bedroom, slamming the door so hard the trailer shook,

[applecore6]

cw: use of she/her

“Do you think if we went to high school together we’d be together? Like high school sweethearts?”

“Hm?—” Her head perks up at the sound of his voice before processing the question. “—Oh we did go to high school together.”

“Hah?” Kuroo’s caught off guard by her matter-fact tone—as if it was common knowledge.

“Mhm. You went to Nekoma, right? I do recall hearing about the volleyball team. Weren’t you guys like really good?” She’s being way too nonchalant about this..

“Good is an understatement— What do you mean we went to high school together?”

“I mean we both attended the same educational facility??”

“No I mean, why have you never told me?”

She hums a sound as if saying I don’t know

“I’m not really one to come up to people and say “Hey, I recognize you. Did we go to school together?” that’s just breeding grounds for embarrassment.” She continues tapping on the screen in her hands, playing the mindless mobile game that just finished downloading. “Plus high school was a horrible time for me. I try not to dwell on it.”

“Horrible?” He tries not to pry. Tries.

“Yeah. Horrible.”

They had only been dating a couple months. A group assignment in their biology class marks the first interaction they ever had. He thinks about what she said a little.

“So.. if you hated high school so much, what drew you to me,” he vocalizes.

“The eccentric hairdo,” she replies curtly. “No but— I don’t know I’m not the best with words at the top of my head, but you really.. opened me up(?) not in a weird way. I just would’ve never voluntarily gotten to know a guy like you, but we started—y’know— being with each other a little more, and I thought, woah this guy is not what I expected at all.”

The words coming out of her flow out into the air straight into Kuroo’s brain. He feels the entirety of his face heat up at such a vulnerable confession from her.

“Umm.. back to the original question,” he mumbles out.

“Huh— oh yeah. No I don’t think we would’ve dated in high school. I was waayy too cynical. I probably grouped you with the rest of the jocks. At least now I know you’re a harmless little shit.”

Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, Kuroo couldn’t help but feel a little let down(?).

She hums out a sound at the sight of his face. If he had cat ears they’d definitely be pointed down.

“Hey. What’s with the face, don’t tell me you’re hurt little 17 year old me didn’t wanna date 17 year old Kuroo,” she teases him, but she can’t help the little bubble of pride she felt in her chest.

“I don’t know you’re just, you know, you. You’re really cool, and to be honest I’m kinda-what’s the word- I don’t know like. You’re telling me I could’ve known you even longer, spent even more time with you, maybe even know you a little better.” The words on his mind spilling out his mouth faster than he realizes.

It’s silent. She feels her chest tighten a little, and the feeling drops down to her stomach, spreading throughout her body. If this were a dumb 90s cartoon, she would’ve definitely gone comically red with hearts floating around her head like birds.

“Don’t worry you didn’t miss much—”she pauses thinking of the right way to word what she’s thinking “—I don’t remember much from high school if I’m being honest, but I remember the first time we met, I remember getting to know you, and I remember it felt good. I understood what people meant when they talked about young love, it feels like life before meeting you was kinda blurry, sometimes I forget that I’m a full fledged adult that’s lived years before this.”

It’s buzzing in both his ears. He doesn’t know what to say except—

“I love you, too”

Maybe they didn’t take the first chance they had together, but they’re with each other now. And they know they’ll be with each other tomorrow.

my writing is very bland and dialogue heavy, but i’m trying to get into it which is why im just vomiting into my tumblr drafts rn. forcing myself to write so i can get better T_T. theyre also very dialogue heavy cuz i dont rly have many ppl to yap to so in my head im having yap sessions with these characters.

this is kinda inspired by troy and annie from community with little crumbs of myself. (i fear im projecting myself onto the reader too much, but who cares this is my outlet)

[kneelingshadowsalome]

i KNOW i might sound insane, but what if vampire! Engel sets up traps around her isolated dark castle to capture any animal that is unfortunate enough to step on one of them, because she swears to not ever consume human blood and swore to only consume animal blood

and vampire hunter! König unluckily (luckily??) stepped on one of the bear traps, and she heard a scream from outside, so she went out to check and SHE SMELLED the smell she tried so hard to hide herself from

And she just kinda stood there, drooling and saw a very big BIG man, she thought it was a bear until he pulled out her dagger and pointed it at her, while panting in pain

IDKKK ITS GIVING ENEMIES TO LOVERS? STRANGERS TO LOVERS????? I worte this ina hirry because im about to cry thinking about it

Oh god the angst exploded in this one… sorry not sorry but these two are just UGHHH

König thought he was getting rescued when he heard the sound of soft footsteps. His stomach sinks when he sees this is not the case: his situation is far more dire than he thought. Not only is he stuck in an old trap and about to lose a foot: he's being hunted by the most dangerous, most beautiful little predator he has ever seen.

She's prowling, hungry and keen, crawling barely ten feet away from his sorry corpse-to-be. Her eyes glow in the darkness as she licks her lips; she's looking at her prey like a cute little house cat, dark and treacherous and extremely curious. He can't understand how those perfect hands could've managed to set all these traps: they look so dainty and frail. But looks can be deceiving when it comes to vampires. She's probably stronger than an average human male.

He can't hear her thoughts, which must be filled with the desire to drink. He doesn't have to: any vampire hunter can see that this one hasn't eaten properly in a while. Her lips are pale, she's breathing fast, she even moves on all fours like she's either too afraid or too weak to stand. Her fingers curl around the moss as she looks at him; her body almost trembles with anticipation.

When he draws his blade, she lets out a hiss and recoils further into the shadows. He's a pathetic mortal and a weak man for mourning the loss of that pretty little face and those lovely, enchanting eyes. He knows that she's a vampire, she's supposed to seduce her victims, but he can't help his sinful thoughts.

No woman has ever looked at him like that…

No woman has ever prowled upon him, it's usually the other way around. It won't take tremendous strength to kill this lovely little creature, but it will take a tremendous amount of willpower, a thing he used to have in abundance before he met her.

"Shy one. Did you set all these traps?" He asks and lowers his blade. The woman slinks back into a beam of moonlight, now standing on her own two feet. Her hips sway like in a dream, her red little tongue darts across the pale, bloodless lips.

"Who else if not me?"

Her voice is cool, cascading silk. It's calling him in like a siren song, forcing him to lower his dagger even more. She's dressed like an angel, in the purest white. A cruel joke from a vampire, or a desperate attempt to recall who she used to be when she was alive.

But her eyes are innocent – she's either the most cunning vampire he's ever met or then she's trapped, far more badly than him.

"You like to torture your victims?"

His question leaves the creature blinking. Then the curious eyes narrow to slits, the confused, hungry little mouth begins to pout.

"No. The traps are not meant for humans."

"No…? Why am I caught in one then?"

"Perhaps because you're clumsy."

She's cute when she's annoyed. Vampire charms or no, she lashes out so tactfully and elegantly that he cannot help but smile. What a proud, stubborn little creature… She's a sad, lonely little thing, just like he is. He would love to take her home as a pet.

His eyes must be softer when he smiles because it throws the vampire off guard. She takes a curious step towards him.

"If I set you free… will you leave me in peace?"

Her eyes are big and pleading now, free of any deceit, and he curses in his mind. If she's trying to allure him into another trap, it's working far too well.

"Ja," he tries to keep his voice even, "But if you try to drink from me–"

"I don't drink from humans."

"...Why not?"

There's no answer. But she takes another step, then another, then floats down to help him out of the huge trap meant for game. Her suspicious eyes dart to his blade every now and then until he decides to sheathe his weapon. The old hunters would deem him dead after this, but he can only concentrate on the woman before him. Her weak frame summons an immense amount of strength to open the trap.

The scent of blood must be like opium to her as the fresh wound on his leg becomes exposed. Her nostrils quiver and flare, her eyes flutter closed as she sighs softly. For that sweet, soft sound alone, he would open his veins for her himself.

"Fräulein… Are you alright?" He asks while bleeding profusely all over the ground. If she attacks him now, the culling would be well earned. No man should be this weak-willed.

"You… You smell good," she moans, her voice filled with so much longing that he can't take it anymore.

"Scheisse... Listen. One bite. Ja? You can have one bite and then I'll–"

Darkness and light envelop him all at once.

She dives forward like an eager lover, her body cold and frail and yet, so demanding when it hits him like the softest tide. He falls back, taking her with him, the vampire woman who is everything he ever wanted.

Her lips tremble on his neck for a while before she opens her mouth and sinks her tiny little teeth in. What else can he do but clutch her – in pleasure and in pain as she drinks and drinks and drinks until he's hard and groaning under her. The pain in his leg turns into full, ecstatic pangs of rushing blood, his ears are ringing with the song of it.

All he can feel is her. He can feel her relief and her hunger and the quick but quenching thirst, it makes him so happy his heart is about to burst.

The shy little lady is all but fearful now. She doesn't seem to care that his hands are roaming across her back and all over her waist. No: she hums and purrs with delight, attaches to him like she's in desperate need of a release too. She hasn't had a hearty drink in ages, then. He's glad to provide it for her: death is a small price to pay if he gets to hold her like this. If she kills him in these woods, it will be a good way to go.

"You don't… drink from humans, ja?"

He tries to laugh, but his voice comes out as a dry croak. The body above him goes tense like a bowstring.

"Don't be shy, kleine Engel," he rumbles when a pitiful sob disrupts the drinking. He only holds her closer: if these are his last minutes alive, he will spend them with this woman in his arms. The reassurance works, in a way: she draws breath so fast that the last gulp turns into a suck. It forces his whole body rigid; nothing has ever felt so good. But then she stops, and lets him go with an agonized, heartbroken look.

Vampires can't cry, that's what he was taught long ago in the academy. The demons of the night are to be hunted because they can never shed a tear for their sins. But this angelic creature, now warm and full and lush in his embrace, has tears streaming down her face.

"What did you call me?" She asks with a frail, thin voice. The white shadow above him is made of pure light as his senses begin to fail. He barely discerns that she looks more healthy, even more mesmerizing than before now that she has had her fill. He whispers his last words into the night air, just before losing consciousness.

"An angel…"

It's dawn when he wakes up without ever expecting to do so.

Someone has kept the beasts away during the dark, dangerous hours of the night. His wound is treated and his water can is full when he comes to. She has even brought her some bread and cheese on the forest floor. Stolen, no doubt, from some local homestead. The only evidence of him holding her in his arms last night are the two little punctures he finds on his neck. Small, neat and cute, just like her.

It doesn't help to know that vampires rarely leave their victims alive unless they wish to come back to them. It doesn't help to know that the reason for their return is usually the desire to turn the victim into a vampire – into a companion.

He should pursue and hunt her, but he's too weak. Or that's what he tells himself, at least. Deep down he knows he wouldn't do it even if he was in his prime.

After all, he could never kill an angel.

[helloalycia]

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐑 [𝐓𝐖𝐎] // 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐘 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐃

summary: as Lucy Gray begins to spend more time with you, you wonder if it's only because of obligation or if she actually wants to spend time with you.

warning/s: mentions of cheating.

author's note: just wanna say that i really appreciate reading everyone’s thoughts on my stuff, whether it be an anonymous message or a comment on the post! it’s harder to get feedback on tumblr vs. wattpad, so it means a lot when i do! that’s all – hope you like this part 🥰

one / three / masterlist / wattpad

It was sweltering out today, much hotter than usual, and for some insane reason, Y/S/N wanted to spend the day playing in the park with her friends and I. I couldn't exactly deny her cute little face when she asked, so that was how I found myself kicking around a ball with a bunch of ten-year-olds.

I was so focused on not kicking it too hard to hit them by accident that I didn't notice Maude Ivory running into the park and joining the kids' side to play. I looked where she ran from and spotted the rest of the Covey waltzing in, minus Billy Taupe of course. They joined Maude Ivory's side, chatting to the other kids and Y/S/N, as Lucy Gray approached me with an amused smile.

"Why, how cute," she commented, and I finished kicking the ball to one of the kids before glancing at her with a quirked brow.

"What?"

She smiled as she joined my side, nodding to the kids. "Taking Y/S/N out. Playin' with the kids."

"Well, it was either that or have her cooped up inside. And I'm sure she'd be more annoying there," I joked. "Feels kinda pointless though, since it's hotter out here than it is inside."

She chuckled, about to respond, but Y/S/N ran up to me eagerly, interrupting our conversation.

"Y/N, do you have the skipping rope?"

"Hold your horses," I said with a suppressed smile, before kneeling down to dig the skipping rope from my bag.

"Hey, Lucy Gray," she was greeting the singer enthusiastically. "I liked your song the other night!"

Lucy Gray quirked a brow exaggeratedly, hands on her hips. "And what were you doin' out that late to hear me sing, sugar?"

As I stood up, rope in hand, I caught Y/S/N smiling nervously.

"My mummy took me on a walk around town and I heard it from outside the Hob."

"Well, that's no good," Lucy Gray said with a frown. "No performance should be heard like that."

"I'm not allowed inside," Y/S/N said with flushed cheeks. "Mummy and daddy says it's for grown-ups. Like you and Y/N."

Sighing playfully, Lucy Gray said, "I guess it's time to change that, don't you?"

Y/S/N's smile grew into a hopeful one and I glanced at Lucy Gray, wondering what she meant by that.

"We're headin' down to the lake to cool off," she said, this time to me. "You wanna join?"

I opened my mouth, not sure what my answer would've been, but Y/S/N jumped up and down excitedly.

"Yes! Yes! Oh, Y/N, please let's go!"

I blinked. "Erm–"

"Oh, please, please, please," she continued to beg, shaking my arm.

"You gon' say no to that little face, darlin'?" Lucy Gray teased, putting me on the spot.

I gave her a disapproving look, before sighing and giving in to Y/S/N. "I guess we're going to the lake."

Y/S/N grinned and hugged me quickly before looking to Lucy Gray. "Let me just say bye to my friends."

Lucy Gray laughed and nodded, watching her run off to her friends.

"You know you're gonna have to sing for her now, right?" I asked Lucy Gray with amusement, putting the skipping rope back in my bag and grabbing it.

"I'm well aware," she answered. "Though, it'll have to be after a dip in the lake. I could just about melt right now."

And if that statement wasn't accurate then, it was on the walk down to the lake. A much longer walk than I thought, I was already sweating through my shirt, but it didn't seem to bother Y/S/N who was chatting and giggling excitedly with Maude Ivory and Clerk Carmine up ahead. It was a heartwarming sight, though it made me wonder why we were here at all.

Yes, Maude Ivory and Y/S/N were friends, but never close enough that Y/S/N had been invited to hang out with her and the rest of the Covey. And all the same, I'd worked with the lot of them, but had never gotten close enough to them that they'd invite me out also. Lucy Gray invited me, and I hated that it might have just been because of the fact that I'd looked out for her recently. An obligatory friendship, if you will.

"Someone's stuck in their head."

A testament to that statement, I failed to notice Lucy Gray slowing down her walking so she fell into step with me as we walked through the woods.

I smiled a little, though I was definitely still overthinking. And then I decided to just come out with it. "You don't need to do this, y'know."

"And what is it that I'm doin'?" she asked with a stifled smile.

I couldn't look at her as I said, "Feel like you owe me for the past few weeks. Hanging out because of it."

"Are we not friends?" she asked, and when I looked to her, I saw the teasing glint in her eyes. "Can friends not hang out?"

I swallowed hard the longer she held my stare, brown eyes glistening golden in the sunlight. "Well, I– before everything, I just thought– we weren't–"

Oh, gosh, why did she always have me flustered?

She started to laugh, eyes squinting as she did. "I'm only teasin'. But to answer your concerns, I'm not doin' this because I think I owe you. I just always found you interesting, and I suppose it was finally time to see why."

I breathed out through my nose, unsure how to reply, but my face was definitely heating up at her words. Goddamn the pretty girl with the ability to make everything sound so smooth.

After what felt like forever, we finally reached the lake, particularly a spot where there was a dock, a boat and a little cabin. It must have been used regularly by the Covey as it looked well-worn, but it was stunning nonetheless.

It didn't take long for everyone to strip out of their clothes and jump right in, savouring the refreshing cold water of the lake. After helping Y/S/N out of her dress, I jumped out of my trousers and shirt before the two of us jumped in together, splashing everyone and earning both groans and laughter. A smile was fixed on my lips as I looked over Y/S/N, who was swimming to Maude Ivory and splashing her playfully, the two of them giggling like the kids they were.

"Much better out here, right?" Lucy Gray swam from behind me, a grin on her face.

"It is," I agreed, pushing my hair from my eyes. "We've been out here a few times. It's where we learned to swim, though not on this side. I didn't even know this existed."

"Yeah, it's mainly a Covey secret," she said, glancing out at the cabin.

"It's pretty," I said, following her gaze to it. "Thanks for bringing us. But I'll probably forget where it is. It's easy to get lost out here."

"I can teach you the route if you want," she offered.

"You're gonna have to now that you've shown Y/S/N this place," I joked, before looking out at my sister, who was having the time of her life. "She'll never wanna leave."

Lucy Gray laughed, a vibrant melodious sound, as pretty as her singing voice, that sent a flutter of butterflies in my stomach and a fuzzy feeling in my chest.

We swam in the water until the pads of our fingers and toes were shrivelled, playing games and enjoying the coolness against our skin, then we got out and dried off under the sun. I was chatting to Barb Azure and Tam Amber about everything and nothing as Maude Ivory and Clerk Carmine went to pick some herbs.

Meanwhile, Lucy Gray was giving Y/S/N the performance of her life, serenading her with all her favourite songs and making her the most excited I'd ever seen her. Y/S/N was sat cross legged before the brunette, watching her with adoration, like she'd never seen someone so enchanting.

I caught myself glancing over too, unable to look away when Lucy Gray's voice was so rich and captivating, declaring everyone's attention. The Covey were used to it, but I wasn't sure I ever could be. And right now, as she strummed a few chords on her prized guitar, the most beautiful ballad escaping her lips, her curly hair wet but drying, dripping little droplets of water onto her dress... I was certain I was utterly and hopelessly enamoured by her.

Trying very hard to remain present in the conversation with the others, I brought my attention back to them, but not before my eyes caught sight of Maude Ivory and Clerk Carmine pulling at some roots in the distance. Clerk Carmine, in particular, didn't look very happy, and I realised he was a little quieter than usual today.

"Hey, is Clerk Carmine alright?" I asked the others.

Barb Azure followed my gaze before sighing quietly. "Yeah, he just misses Billy Taupe."

I fell quiet, feeling guilty for some reason, even though I hadn't done anything wrong. Billy Taupe was his brother, and I couldn't have imagined how difficult this whole situation was for him.

"He shouldn't," Tam Amber said bitterly. "Not after what he did to Lucy Gray. To all of us."

"Yeah, that wasn't very nice, was it?" I mumbled, and they shook their heads in response.

It was awkward, or maybe it was just awkward on my end. They used to come to the lake with him, and now they were here with me. Wasn't I intruding?

"Y/N!" Lucy Gray called to me, as Barb Azure nudged my arm.

I zoned back into reality, looking up and realising Lucy Gray had been calling me a few times, now stood up and waiting.

"Sorry, what?" I said, confused and still a little distracted by all the Billy Taupe talk.

"I said I need a hand getting the fishing pole," she said with a chuckle. "C'mon."

"Right, yeah, sure," I said with a nod, before standing up and dusting my trousers off.

Quickly glancing around, I spotted Y/S/N with Maude Ivory and Clerk Carmine, collecting herbs. Trusting them to it, I followed after Lucy Gray and into the cabin, where she led me to some floorboards that came loose, revealing the fishing rods.

As we kneeled down to get them, she said, "Why the long face?"

"Huh?"

"Back there," she said casually, reaching in for the fishing rods. "What happened? Did someone say something?"

"What? Oh, no, nothing, sorry," I said, realising I needed to get a better grip on my facial expressions.

"No need to be sorry," she said in a way that was lighthearted but didn't feel like it. "I was just worried."

I glanced at her, wondering why she cared about me all of a sudden. Yes, she said we were friends, but was it just that or an obligation? Again, I was getting lost in my head, so I tried to ignore it and instead helped her grab the rods.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon fishing, cooking our catch up over a fire, and then the others took a well-earned nap under the tree in the shade. Only Lucy Gray and I were awake, myself unable to sleep so freely, feeling the need to watch over Y/S/N, and Lucy Gray doodling in her notebook.

"You think a lot," she spoke up, startling me. And when I looked to her with confusion, she said, "You're always stuck in your head, darlin'."

I pursed my lips, shaking my head as if it would clear my thoughts. Billy Taupe came to mind, as did Clerk Carmine's sullen expression, and I couldn't help but ask Lucy Gray, "How have you been lately? Y'know, with the whole Billy Taupe thing?"

She closed her notebook, hands pressing to the top. "As good as can be."

I watched her, anticipating she wasn't finished.

"It was a bet, y'know," she said softly, though not as upset as I thought she would be. "What he did. He wanted to see if he could have the both of us. I don't think she knew, Mayfair, but she ain't sorry about it either."

I frowned, my dislike for Billy Taupe only growing the more I learnt about him. He sounded horrible, and I wondered if he was always like that. Surely not, if Lucy Gray had loved him once upon a time.

"That's awful," was all I could think to say. "I'm sorry."

She shrugged it off, and as much as she played it off like it didn't matter, I knew it did. Even just a little.

"He isn't causing you any trouble, is he?" I asked with a hint of concern. "Him or Mayfair?"

"And what if he is?" she asked right back, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

I shrugged, not picking up on her joke right away. "I don't know... I can try to have a word with him, I suppose."

She laughed softly. "You're too cute."

That's when I realised she was indeed joking, and I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment, looking ahead.

"I appreciate it, but no thank you," she continued, nudging my arm slightly. "You're not to get involved, remember?"

I exhaled quietly, nodding. "Okay. Forget him. What about you?"

"What about me?" she played along, leaning on her knees and looking at me.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, meeting her gaze.

She hummed, looking up in thought. "I was hurtin'. Still am, a little."

I nodded in ackownlgedgment, feeling bad for her. "Do you miss him?"

"For the Covey, yeah," she admitted. "He was family for a while. But not for me." Sucking up a breath, she leaned over her knees and looked out at the lake. "I may have once loved him, but not anymore. And I definitely can't trust him again."

I hummed softly, understanding what she meant. It couldn't have been easy to cut someone off who'd been so close to her and her family.

"Enough about him, anyway," she said, offering a smile my way. "He don't deserve my breath."

I returned her smile, deciding to change the subject. "Right... well, I guess now is the perfect time to thank you for today. For making Y/S/N the happiest I've seen her in a long time."

"She's lovely, and made me just as happy," she retorted nonchalantly.

My smile widened at her kind words, and then hers widened too.

"You have a pretty smile," she complimented.

I blinked, surprised and embarrassed, before mumbling an awkward thank you. She laughed at my dismay, before laying back against the blanket. I did the same, looking up at the sky peacefully.

"Y/N?" she said after a moment of quiet.

"Yeah?" I replied, not tearing my gaze from the lone cloud in the sky.

"I know we said we weren't gonna talk about it, but I'm kind of glad Billy Taupe did what he did."

I furrowed my brows together, confused. "Why?"

She paused, and then admitted, "Because I wouldn't have become better friends with you."

Naturally, a smile curled on my lips, and that familiar flurry of butterflies began making its way into my heart.

A few more weeks passed, and in that time, Lucy Gray was proving to be a great friend, though my crush on her was only growing bigger the more I spent time with her. As well as working together, the Covey would invite me to their place sometimes on our days off, merely just to hang out which was kind of them. It also meant spending more time with Lucy Gray, which wasn't a bad thing.

One evening, they begged me to let Y/S/N come see them perform, so after convincing my mum to bring her to see a few songs, they were both able to join me at work for a little while. I set them up at a nice table in the corner, away from any potential mischief that could occur and also giving them the best view of the stage.

"A drink for you," I said to my mum with a smile, setting down the tray on their table right before the Covey were due to perform. "And some crackers for you, squirt."

Y/S/N was practically shaking her chair as she eagerly awaited Maude Ivory's introduction onstage, and it was adorable to witness.

"Thanks, dear," my mum said, squeezing my hand. "You have time to sit with us?"

I chewed on my lip, glancing around. Everyone seemed to have a drink on them, and even Miles was looking at the stage, waiting for the evening to truly begin.

"I'm sure I can listen to one song," I decided, and Y/S/N grinned before tugging me onto the stool beside her.

I wrapped an arm around her shoulder before Maude Ivory walked from between the curtain, approaching the microphone. I'd seen their performances many times and yet it never got old.

"...and it's a special night tonight, because my friend, Y/S/N, is here to hear us perform," Maude Ivory gave a special shout-out to Y/S/N, who was ecstatic.

One by one, as the music built up, the Covey revealed themselves from behind the curtain, eliciting cheers and a round of applause from everyone, including us. It was Maude Ivory's solo first, and a great one at that, and I found my eyes naturally being drawn to Lucy Gray, as they always did, who was watching her with pride in her eyes.

After the song ended, we gave them another round of applause before I knew I had to get up.

"I've gotta work now, but if you need anything let me know," I told my mum, before offering Y/S/N a smile. "Remember, only a few more songs then you've got to go home. It can get rowdy in here when it's late."

"I know, I know," she waved me off, making me roll my eyes playfully.

I got back to work, keeping an eye out on my family and occasionally watching the Covey perform, and it was a wholesome experience. As more latecomers from the mines began to file in, the place was getting pretty packed, and I knew it was time for my family to head off.

"D'you enjoy the show?" I asked Y/S/N when we were all by the door.

She nodded with a grin. "It was amazing, Y/N, thank you!" Then she hugged my mum and added, "Thanks, mummy. Thanks for bringing me."

My mum chuckled as she hugged her back, glancing at me. "It was a fun evening, Y/N. And I'm proud of you. You're working hard, love."

I smiled shyly, appreciating the acknowledgment, and then someone's presence was beside me and I looked up to see the Covey stood there, having left the stage for a moment.

"We just wanted to say thank you for letting Y/S/N watch us perform tonight, Mrs Y/L/N," Maude Ivory said with a respectful nod.

"Yeah, thank you, ma'am," Tam Amber added. "We hope you liked the performance."

My mum chuckled. "Well, aren't you all adorable. It was no worry at all. And you're all very talented, you should be proud of yourselves. It's no wonder Y/N enjoys working here so much."

I felt my face heat up as they looked to me with teasing smiles. After saying our goodbyes to them, my mum left with Y/S/N and the Covey returned to the stage whilst I got back to work. They performed a few more songs before settling on a really cheery one, encouraging everyone in the audience to dance along. It was cute to watch everyone get involved, especially when they managed to hold a tune and still join the crowd, dancing along with them. Maude Ivory was still onstage, taking the lead with her drums and voice, and the Hob was suddenly transformed into a ray of excitement and laughter.

"Aren't you gonna join in?" Lucy Gray's voice made me turn around from a table I was cleaning, and she was standing there with a mischievous smile on her lips.

I couldn't help but smile back. "I'm working, sorry."

She gave me a disapproving look, before calling over to Miles behind the bar. "Miles, can I steal her for a song?"

He glanced at her, then at me, and I gave him a deadly warning look which only made him grin and nod his head.

"She's all yours, Lucy Gray!"

Lucy Gray's smile brightened the room in an instant. "I think you're free now, Y/N."

Before I could protest, she took the rag from my hand and threw it on the table before taking my hand properly and tugging me closer to the audience.

"I'm warning you right now, Lucy Gray, I have two left feet," I said weakly, both my hands growing sweaty as she kept ahold of one and placed the other on her shoulder.

"You'll just have to follow my lead, darlin'," she said with a grin, before suddenly waltzing me around the room at full speed, matching the beat of the song.

I let out a yelp, grip naturally tightening in hers as she manoeuvred us around the others, whisking us into a world that only consisted of my surprise, her melodious laughter, and the stare she wouldn't look away with. After a moment of getting used to it, it became enjoyable, and I began to smile nervously as she spun me around, her eyes sparkling with joy. Never in a million years did I see myself dancing with Lucy Gray, and now I didn't want anything else except that right now.

When the song finally ended, we came to a sudden halt, breathless and laughing, and then the whole room erupted into cheers.

My heart was beating ever so fast, and I knew it wasn't from the dancing.

"Can you take the rubbish outside, Y/N, please?" Miles asked as he finished stacking the chairs. "It's by the back door. Then you can head off."

"Will do," I told him, before heading to the back to do just that, already craving the sweet escape of my bed afterwards.

I grabbed the bag of rubbish before carrying it outside and going to drop it in the giant metal bin next to the Hob. Only, as the lid dropped close, I heard footsteps from behind me and turned around, confused. That was when I spotted Billy Taupe, walking unsteadily towards me and stopping a few feet away.

"Look, Billy Taupe, I'm not in the mood," I told him tiredly.

He laughed, before slurring, "Too tired from spendin' all night with Lucy Gray?"

"What?"

"You didn't think she actually liked you, did you?" he asked with a feigned sympathy.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, not at all fazed by his imagination and jealousy. "I don't know what you're talking about. But I am tired, so–"

He scoffed sharply, cutting me off. "Sure you don't. Why would you have noticed the way she looks at you, or all this time she's been givin' you lately, or the flirty smiles she's sendin' you? Right?"

I narrowed my eyes at him, waiting for him to get to the point so he could leave. "What do you want?"

He shrugged, playing dumb. "I'm just doing my part, dear Y/N! Warnin' you is all!"

I rolled my eyes, patience worn thin, and turned to head back inside, but he said something that stopped me in my tracks, annoyingly enough.

"You're just the next best thing," he told me with a cocky, dazed smile. "A distraction from me. I mean, think about it. When has she ever paid you any attention before? She clung to you as soon as I wasn't in the picture! She needed a replacement for me. You."

I clenched my jaw, glaring at him. "Leave me alone, Billy Taupe, you don't know a damn thing."

He began to laugh again, but I didn't stay to entertain any more of his idiocy as I headed back inside, letting the door slam shut behind me. He was a drunk, jealous fool, and yet I couldn't stop replaying his words over and over in my head. Was there any truth to them? Lucy Gray had never been so close to me before, so what was different now? Was I really just a distraction? A replacement?

Admittedly, Billy Taupe's wish came true and I was distracted by his bold claims, unable to think of anything but. Whenever Lucy Gray hung around me so closely, or teased me in a way that could be perceived as more than platonic, I couldn't help but wonder if it was as Billy Taupe had said.

One evening, after work, I was finishing wiping down the tables when the Covey popped in, presumably to say their goodbyes to Miles and I. But instead, they came to me hopefully.

"We're gonna have ourselves a little bonfire when we head back home," Barb Azure said enthusiastically. "You wanna come?"

I smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, guys, but I have to wait until closing, and by the time I've finished cleaning, it'll be too late. You should go on ahead."

"Aw no, c'mon, Y/N!" Maude Ivory said hopefully. "We can wait!"

I chuckled, appreciating her kindness. "I don't wanna hold you up. Maybe next time."

"I can clean up tonight, Y/N, I don't mind," Miles suddenly chimed in from behind the bar, having heard our conversation. To be fair, we weren't exactly quiet and there was no one else here.

"Really?" I asked, surprised. He'd always been nice to me, but this was a little too much to offer to do.

"'Course," he insisted with a smile, before nodding encouragingly. "Go on, be a kid for the night."

The others cheered in appreciation as I gave him a grateful smile before running over to give him a hug. He was always so lovely to me when he didn't need to be, and I felt like if I ever had an older brother, I'd want it to be him.

"Thanks," I said once more, before grabbing my bag from the back and joining the others. "Okay, I'm ready."

Everybody was buzzing with excitement, both the adrenaline from their performances this evening still coursing through them and the eagerness to make the bonfire pushing them on. They were talking about the evening, myself merely listening in and smiling as they rambled excitedly, before Lucy Gray fell into step with me and nudged my arm slightly.

"How was work tonight?" she asked with a soft smile.

"I'm kinda relieved it finished early to be honest," I admitted with a sigh. "I've been picking up extra shifts and I'm certain my feet will fall off."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "It looked like there was a commotion between you and a customer this evening," she noticed. "What was that all about?"

I tried to rack my brain for memory of what she was talking about, and then I nodded in acknowledgement. "Ah, yes. That happens sometimes. A peacekeeper can't handle his booze and gets all touchy feely. Nothing to worry about. That's why Miles is there."

She frowned. "That's awful. Are you okay?"

"Oh, yeah, of course," I reassured her with a small smile. "Miles has my back. And it doesn't always happen, honest."

"Still," she mumbled sympathetically, before shaking her head and grabbing my hand. "C'mon, you'll love this."

Goosebumps ran up my arm when she tugged me along to her house when it was in viewing distance. The six of us pulled the bonfire together pretty quickly, with Barb Azure doing the honours of lighting a match and starting the fire. It was cool outside, a usual summer evening in District 12, so the fire provided an additional warmth to an otherwise comforting evening.

We all sat in a circle around it, sitting on whatever chairs they had, all mismatched but well-loved.

"You know what this calls for," Lucy Gray said after a moment of quiet, the lot of us staring into the flames.

I was confused, but one by one they began to grin, and then they all jumped up at once to go and collect their instruments. I laughed when they returned and began to play yet again, though it was different to their usual stuff. Much more mellow, this music created the perfect ambience, and it was easy to see that they were playing for themselves rather than their usual upbeat tunes for an audience. It was refreshing, and oddly intimate.

I could have sat there forever merely watching them, all in sync with one another. Then Maude Ivory was tapping on her drum gently, with Clerk Carmine strumming at his fiddle absentmindedly, the two of them chatting. And Barb Azure was strumming loosely at her bass, Lucy Gray doing the same with her guitar, as they conversed with Tam Amber and I.

We stayed out there for a while, until the small bonfire was almost gone and the others began to get sleepy, heading in for the evening. Before I knew it, only Lucy Gray and I remained, and I knew it was late.

"I should probably go," I said to her when I noticed.

"A shame," she commented, making me roll my eyes playfully, a smile tugging at my lips.

She didn't speak, and when I looked over to her in the chair beside me, she was watching me closely.

"What?" I asked, curious and confused.

She shook her head and looked back to the fire.

"Well, that's not very nice," I said, feigning disappointment.

She cracked a smile, though didn't look my way. "Sorry, I was just thinking."

"And who's stuck in their head now?" I teased, making her smile widen. "Go on, what is it? What's on Lucy Gray Baird's mind so late at night?"

She pressed her lips together, exhaling quietly, and then her eyes found mine, but she wasn't quite meeting my gaze. "You're pretty cute, you know that?"

Certainly not expecting that, my mouth opened slightly, baffled.

She began to laugh quietly, cautious of the others who were asleep. "That's why I didn't say it."

I licked my lips nervously, looking to the fire. "I– never mind."

"I mean it though," she added, and I awkwardly mumbled a thanks in return, face flushing, and not because of the fire.

So trapped in my own nerves, I didn't hear her call my name until she repeated it again.

"Yeah?" I answered, risking looking up at her.

She was already watching me, flames of gold dancing in her brown eyes and catching me off guard. Instead of speaking, she suddenly leaned forward, capturing my bottom lip between hers.

It would have been so easy to fall right into it, the warmth of her skin sending shivers across mine, and the taste of her lips sending my heart into overdrive, but I pulled back suddenly. She tried to chase me down, but I moved back properly, dazed. Wasn't it too soon?

"What is it?" she asked worriedly.

I swallowed hard, unable to meet her eyes. "Lucy Gray–"

"Oh, no," she realised, growing embarrassed. "I read this wrong, didn't I?"

I couldn't think straight, not when my lips were still tingling from the kiss. "What?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Y/N," she said apologetically. "I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

I shook my head, still in awe. "No, it's just–" I paused, trying to find the right words, and then Billy Taupe's conversation came to mind again. "It's not been long since you and Billy Taupe broke up. I'm not–" Embarrassed, I met her stare. "Whatever you're looking for, I can't be it."

It hurt me to say it, especially when the girl I'd been crushing on for years was finally liking me back. But I didn't want it to happen like this.

Her cheeks dusted pink, made visible by the dying light of the fire, and I immediately felt guilty.

"I'm sorry," I said quickly. "I didn't mean to–"

"You're right," she spoke, upset. "It's not fair on you."

I didn't know what to say, and then she stood up, so I did too.

"I'm sorry again," she said, not looking at me at all. "Goodnight."

Turning, she left me by the fire as she headed inside, and I felt a huge weight pressing on my chest as I left too, both confused and a little hurt with how everything just went down.

Why did things have to be so complicated?

[trashisstillhere]

Some Ninja Randy related art I just wanted to post right now. But it’s not just the og, but some different versions of him that I had made long time ago and decided to try drawing again today!

Oh boy, I haven’t thought of these guys in a very long time until now. Some of you who has seen some art from both my old account and the old ones in this account may know of them (expect for Bad Ending!Randy, I never really showed him, I think). And yes, I will kinda explain each one of them since the rest of you probably don’t know about them at all so here we go.

1. Evil! Randy

an evil version of Randy, with all the chaos pearls in his disposal now that the sorcerer is fully gone. And no, not in the way like in the season 2 finale but like…well.. let’s just say, he’s still trapped.

staying in the now abandoned norrisville high school (what happen to everyone in there? No body knows), Evil! Randy is mostly alone by himself, plotting and thinking about what to do next now that everything with him has changed.

If he ever does get a visitor in the school, he seems quite calm and wise towards them, showing them around and even asking them for favours to help him a little around the place, give him company as he haven’t had some in so long…..but don’t be fooled. Remember, those green orbs corrupts whoever has them and this Randy is no different.

Howard’s and the Nomicons whereabouts in this au? currently unknown.

The only new thing about him right now are those few green glowing cracks on his suit and all, I thought those would look cool on him.

——

2. Horror! Randy

Now you can easily find this guys story and first drawings of him on my account. Just click on the Rc9gn tag while staying on my account, scroll far down and you’ll find it. Easy peasy. But if you’re too lazy, I’ll give you a short(er) and quick version.

This Randy’s story takes place back in season 1, right after he just became the ninja and a few days passed. He meets some evil spirit who takes a form of a ninja and tricks him into thinking that it’s from the nomicon and that there’s people who are monsters in disguise’s that he has to ‘get rid of’. Because of this along with illusions from the spirit to make it more believable, he ends up killing lots of innocents, even Howard which he immediately feels tons of regret and guilt for.

At the end, Randy becomes a lonely mess, a lost cause, a paranoid psycho ninja who now can’t tell the difference between an actual monster and a human thanks to the manipulation of the fake ninja spirit who is now suddenly gone along with the illusions.

Basically, this is a fucked up Randy who suffers a lot and is very lonely. He does kill though.

—-

3. Disbelief! Randy

This Randy is kinda based on and inspired by the disbelief Papyrus Undertale Au. But instead of Papyrus with Sans jacket on, it’s the poor ninja boy with Howard’s. Most of this one is just Randy wearing the only thing he has left of his dead friend, trying to avenge him. Who or what got Howard killed? From what I remember (I never wrote any of these guys stories down) it was Mcfist and Viceroy, it was an accident with a robot of theirs. They never meant to have it kill the guy but it just…happen.

Damn, I have two au’s where Howard is dead. Good lord-

—-

4. Bad Ending! Randy

One I have never shown here before.

This was first a ‘what if’ thing. Like what if at the season 2 finale, in the battle between the sorcerer and Randy, it ended up terribly wrong? With Julian and Howard coming in too late, The sorcerer successfully stabs Randy deeply in the chest, making him be the one to lose and slowly die. The last things he got to see and hear at the end is a concerned Julian, a devastated crying Howard and the laughter of his enemy in the background.

After dying with one last breath, Randy ends up in a void. A blank, white, empty void with no one else but him, who is now mostly black and white, expect for the bleeding wound on his chest, a painful reminder of his defeat. Well, the nomicon is with him. However, he can’t communicate with it anymore.

Why? Because the book, that is also lost of color like the boy, seems to be corrupted. Not like evil corruption but just some kind of corruption that keeps it shut and quiet, no glowing, no beeps, nothing, having this sort of ink all over the cover that never stops dripping and keeps its pages sticky and shut tight.

Randy doesn’t understand this and the place he is stuck in but all he does know is he can’t get help anymore and he can’t even get to see what is going on in his home right now, though he assumes that it’s now slowly turning into a chaotic wasteland thanks to the sorcerer. All he can do now is cry and cry, mumbling to himself and getting mad at himself for losing so easily like that, probably even developing self hatred in the process.

There is actually some continuation i made for this with a good ending, where Randy somehow is able to fix the Nomicon, get out of the endless white void, get revived, reunite with Howard along with many others and finally defeat the sorcerer once and for all. Though that one never got finished and from what I remember, it’s not really canon and not a true ending to this au so….oops.

——————

But yeah, these are my Randy Au’s. There is kinda a few more but not really.

[menelaiad]

Hi! I know your favorite character is Menelaus (mine too) and I wanted to ask you, what is your opinion about him in Euripides’ Oresteia? And in Euripides’ Helen? Because as I see, the Homeric Menelaus is a little different, and Euripides didn’t despict him as a nice character.

Thank you for your answer in advance! :)

hi, there!

heck yea! fellow menelaus stans unite, let's make jackets or smth.

UHHHHH i spoke about this a lot in my recent MA thesis and it's the foundation for my phd (or at least a big chunk of it) and yes i'm sorry this bitch is going off about her academics again.

so. euripides was athenian and it's fairly safe to say that the athenians altered menelaus characterisation on a HUGE scale and it was mainly euripides as he wrote the most works featuring him. and it's also fairly safe to say that euripides didn't like menelaus OR helen OR hermione simply because they were spartan and given the context of his time, he couldn't really be pro-sparta. so, he used menelaus' family in a myriad of ways to just mock ALL spartans and spartan culture. i won't go into that too much now and i'll focus specifically on the plays you asked about! :)

ORESTES (i assume you meant orestes? aeschylus did the oresteia but euripides just did this one?): so here we see .... menelaus being not very great with his family. but not in a mean way he's just .... useless .. coward like almost? he's a big fence sitter tbh. he doesn't wanna get involved in orestes' shit and that is painfully obvious. again. that's meant to make menelaus look shitty that he doesn't care about his family and his brothers death and his nephew literally having visions of hell BUT. personally? i dont blame him ASDFGHJK. man just got his wife back. got home. dealing with grief and loss and survivors guilt and maybe ptsd and shit .................... and then orestes turns up like 'help me fix my problems' BRO HE GOT HIS OWN DAMN PROBLEMS. and THEN they're like 'ok uncle that's cool. we're gonna kill ur wife and daughter though' LIKE LEAVE THE OLD MAN ALONE. i LOVE menelaus and agamemnon's dynamic. so i'm not saying menelaus didn't care about aga and aga's family. im NOT saying that. but (and i KNOW its my modern perspective) i can see why menelaus couldn't be arsed. and he wasn't even mean about it? he was just nonplussed. AGAIN the ancients would have HATED that, but my modern ass can relate tbh. and lets not forget. he's caught between a rock and a hard place. if he helps orestes, he risks greek wrath. which (in this play anyway) is already strong enough against him cause of helen and troy. so like. euripides has kinda put him in this impossible situation and then makes him the 'stupid funny lazy ass not helpful uncle' guy when he just backs out. which i think is unfair. AND TO TOP IT OFF. APOLLO COMES AND THEN TAKES HIS WIFE. AFTER EVERYTHING HE DID TO GET HER BACK. justice for this old man i s2g.

HELEN: OH HERE WE GO! SO helen is often referred to as a tragi-comedy which i think is very accurate. and euripides is using it to condemn war as a whole (athens had recently suffered a big loss) like if helen wasn't even in troy what was the point of the war? he makes menelaus very .... pathetic, for lack of a better word. and helen seems to take the reigns in their relationship, which would have been a huge no-no to the athenian audience. it would have made helen look domineering and unmanageable and menelaus weak and foolish. he also has menelaus cry a lot. cry and lament his losses as a king. again, the athenians would have hated a man crying. a GREEK HERO crying. but we have our 21st century vision and tbh ................ menelaus is fantastic in this play. he is so. real. he is so human. he is a man who is tired. who is lonely. who is heartbroken. a man who meets his wife who isn't his wife but actually is his wife ... and we're supposed to laugh at him because he's confused? he gets lambasted by so many characters and it's supposed to be funny and i think it is! i do think menelaus in helen is just .... an incredible character. he's so funny. he's so NORMAL. he reacts how you would expect a man to react. you see so many menelaus' in this play. menelaus defeated. menelaus in love. you see a menelaus in action when he comes up with the plan against proteus but also a man who respects his wife and knows when to shut up. i, much like the athenians back then, do have a giggle at menelaus in this play. but i don't hate him. it makes him all the more endearing to me and i love him.

these two menelaus' are (shockingly) two menelaus' that i like! i love helen's menelaus and i'm indifferent to orestes' menelaus tbh. but i think they're fine as portrayals and they make sense to me!

overall, me and euripides have a complicated relationship. some of his menelaus' i cannot tolerate. and some i adore. and i can actually connect his helen menelaus and his iphigenia in aulis menelaus to homeric menelaus. they're not identical by any means, but the way he behaves and his choices and stuff. you can see homeric menelaus in there somewhere, which is why i love them so much.

[bigfan-fanfic]

Iphicles (Male!Reader x Percy Jackson PLATONIC)

Big brother!reader x Percy Jackson PLATIONIC Just headcanons of him protecting and helping and just genuinely being a good brother please 🥹

tw angst, mentions of emotional and physical domestic abuse, injury

NOTE: I was thinking of making this a series and continuing it through to Last Olympian. This one doesn't have as much Percy x big brother interaction, but think of it as a setup. Let me know if you want more!

Did you know Heracles had a brother?

While Heracles was the son of Zeus and Alcmene, Alcmene had a husband already - Amphitryon, a mortal man. So there were two babies in the crib - the child of a god and the child of a mortal.

This child was named Iphicles. And while he was never as strong as his brother, he was a powerful warrior in his own right, and accompanied his brother on his quest.

You think about this myth a lot.

You're about four when you meet Poseidon. He went by Yuri then, and it was only later you found out it was short for one of his other names, Eurykreion, which meant wide-ruling.

Yuri loves your mom, you know that. But it's hard, that year, when they get close, and you start to get attached to this guy who might be a father figure to you, and he vanishes.

Leaving your mom pregnant, and you with nothing.

Nothing but a brother with a weird name.

You're ten when Mom meets Gabe. Gabe seems kinda cool at first. He lets you ride in the front seat of his Camaro when he takes you to school, teaches you how to open his beer bottles on the corner of a table (oh what a red flag that turned out to be), and he takes an interest in you, when most of your life since Percy has been about the really weird stuff that starts to happen around him.

You remember screaming when you saw that snake in Percy's crib.

You're pretty sure that that lady who tried to take Percy from his stroller wasn't just wearing a funky coat, and actually had wings.

Or that bus driver with the one eye.

Mom freaks out you bring home a book about Greek myths from the library. She bans you from showing it to Percy.

And that's when it kinda clicks. These monsters you read about... they're part of the world, but they fit in differently. They're not robbers on the dangerous roads between Athens and Thebes, they're mattress salesmen and reclusive sculptors, and kindly old women on the bus, and teachers that constantly demean your little brother for his dyslexia.

Like, you're ten, and MOM can barely even say dyslexia, so how could your six year old little brother figure it out?

And then Gabe shows his true colors. All the little warning signs that could be forgiven from a nice guy start to balloon to almost comic proportions.

You've been a good big brother to Percy. Yeah, it's your job to take care of him, but you love him too. He's tiny and adorable and afraid of everything, and you just wanna show him that things can be good. Like the blue food your mom makes, or the little moments you can make for him that aren't weird or worrying.

But then Gabe tears your little brother away. Percy gets sent off to boarding school after boarding school. For six long years, the only time you see your brother is during the summer, or when he gets expelled.

Part of you wonders if he feels that same sibling bond, if he wants to leave his fancy schools to get back to you.

Gabe's a shit. Way more when the little kid isn't around, and as you get older, he gets bolder, more willing to get nasty the less you look like a baby.

You try not to get bitter, but it sucks so much, living like this. Your mom works soul-crushing hours at that candy store, and her mean boss says you can't just hang out there after school anymore cause you'll distract her.

You wander New York as long as you can after school rather than be alone with Gabe.

And the one time you tried to talk to a counselor at school, she perked up oddly and mentioned your little brother Perseus (how did she even know?) and her eyes changed color and you ran as fast as you could.

You feel angry at the world. At Gabe. At your mother, for letting your brother get sent away, for doing nothing when Gabe yelled at you for no reason, for all the little things, and at yourself for blaming her, for being powerless yourself, for barely recognizing Percy when he gets home, for almost hoping he gets expelled soon so he can reunite with you sooner.

You've had suspicions since you were nine. You turn sixteen and you scream at the Harlem River, daring Poseidon to fight you.

And for any other mortal, he wouldn't show up, but a hand lands on your shoulder and you turn to punch Yuri in the gut.

Your hand breaks, but he pulls a starfish out of his pocket and plasters it over your hand and you can feel the bones mending, and you both sit and talk.

The gods are real.

And they suck.

Your mom refused his offer of a palace under the sea, and you can't decide whether to hate her for it or hate Poseidon for dating your mom when he's already married and he knew he couldn't stay.

He's never been there for Percy. Never been there for your mom. Never been there for you.

Gabe hits her, does he know that? How long until he starts hitting you? Hitting Percy?

How long before the dwindling light goes out?

You hate him so much, you growl, but he hugs you and all the fight leaves, like the tide finally setting back out.

You are not his son, but in that moment you are of the sea, and he understands you.

You are the son of Sally Jackson, the brother of Perseus, and you will be the Earthshaker where the Earthshaker himself cannot tread.

It doesn't change anything, but when Poseidon finally says it, finally says "I am sorry," it moves you. There is someone out there that can see and acknowledge your suffering. Poseidon has lost countless children, was eaten by his own father, betrayed by his brothers. He has witnessed the entire breadth of humanity, and yet in this moment, a god apologizes for the woes of a mortal.

You are sixteen when you meet a god.

He will not be the last.

Poseidon kisses your forehead, drenching you in seafoam as he vanishes, and you feel reborn.

You are worn smooth by waves, hardened by salty brine, and you bide your time, even bringing yourself to smile at Gabe when you get home. You make the bean dip so Mom can rest when she gets home, and you smirk when Gabe is visibly shaken by your confidence.

You wait, because like Poseidon said, Percy is getting older, and things may come to pass. He will need a guardian, a guide.

There is a place for children of the gods, like him.

Camp Half-Blood.

[ragzonacamrencruise]

Could you do Azutara and the soulmate au for the send a ship prompt?

soulmates au is #1

hehehehe okay let's do this!

this is an universe where the first words spoken to you by your soulmate gets tattooed anywhere on your body.

...

Azula never really believed in this soulmate stuff everyone was always talking about. Maybe it was because her mom realised her dad wasn't her supposed soulmate and left with another man who she thinks is. Well, if you ask Azula, she'd fume that her mom should've figured it out before she had two kids. No, really, what kinda universe would like for a 6 year old and an 8 year old to be motherless?

So, it comes as a surprise to Azula when she turns her head to the seats next to her. She's always been a cricket geek. Don't ask her why, she doesn't know. It can be a nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat thriller sometimes, and she likes it for the excitement, maybe. She'd always come to this stadium whenever the Fire Ferrets are playing. And she'd always book this row of seats to watch from. It had better vantage over the whole ground and she liked the distance too.

The stairs beside her seat meant, she could up and leave whenever she wanted, if the match was getting quite boring or if she realises her team is losing. But today . . . today is different.

Today she looks to her left and across the stairway, and sure enough, there's this moron of a fan who's wearing blue from top to foot and is screaming his lungs out at the ground whenever his team, the 'Pole Waves' is losing or winning. The weird thing that stands out is his quirky pony-tail.

But that's not what gets Azula's attention. This screaming, pony-tail guy leans forward and backward now and then and that reveals glimpses of the most gorgeous girl Azula's ever laid eyes upon. Sure she could use a little make-up to boost her prominent features, but from this distance, Azula's pretty sure that up close, the girl would sure be dazzling.

From the glimpses she's been getting, Azula bets that the girl is embarrassed by the screaming, pony-tail guy. Surely, they've come together. A petty resentment bubbles up inside Azula's chest. Not because she's jealous. But because she doesn't believe in soulmates and she has no idea what the universe has in store for her, if it decides to act up. She doesn't wanna get her hopes up with that pretty girl, who she's only gonna see this one time and probably never gonna see again.

She averts her eyes from seat across the stairway. And good thing she did too. Because the Pole Waves just hit a 6 and the ball is coming straight to Azula's face.

Azula, being Azula, extends her arm out in a cat like reflex, catching the ball in her hand, efforlessly.

The whole stadium erupts in cheer for the Pole Waves, and people around Azula erupt in cheer for her, amazed at the way she caught the ball. She looks at the ball in her hand. It feels gross and wet. Her face takes up a disgusted look before she throws the ball towards the ground, in order to resume the play.

And the next thing she knows, she's flinching from a sudden shrill sound in her left ear.

"OH MY GOD! THAT WAS AWESOME!! HOW DID YOU DO THAT?! I KNOW WE SUPPORT OUR OPPONENTS BUT THAT WAS PRETTY COOL!!!!! I'M SOKKA BY THE WAY!!!!! WHAT'S YOUR NAME?!?!?!"

Okay, so, Azula's pretty sure that she just went deaf.

She looks to her side and her eyes instantly find the pony-tail guy with an excited look on his face, looking expectantly at her. The guy spent too long yelling at the ground that he almost forgot what it is like to talk normally, Azula assumes.

Her face is still warped, trying to recover from her ringing ear, when the girl she spent most of the tournament stealing glances at, comes up behind the pony-tail guy (did he say Sokka was him name?! No, she's pretty sure it's Succa-), and the girl grabs his arm and pulls him away, muttering something in his ear, that Azula guesses is supposed to ask him to behave himself.

Azula leaves for her home then, having had enough of this debacle. Her team is losing badly anyways.

...

She doesn't know how. She doesn't know why. But when she looks to her left side across the stairway near her seat in the stadium, Azula's eyes fall helplessly on the same girl her eyes fell on weeks ago and her stomach does this curious back-flip. It's like a weird sort of deja vu, Azula thinks, but somehow she also remembers both the events as clear as glass.

She shakes her head and tries to watch the game. But her wandering mind doesn't stop flying over the details. Azula had spent the better half of an entire week after the last match to forget about the girl with the brilliant blue eyes, brown locks of hair that fall on her shoulders like waves, and her loud as fuck companion (Azula gave up on remembering his name and just calls him 'Pony-tail guy' in her head).

But, Azula never thought she'll be seeing that girl again, considering how she's seen a lot of beautiful girls but never had the chance to see them again. But this . . . this feels different somehow. She doesn't want to think about it, but it's all she can think about. Maybe she also thinks about how the girl would look up close, or how full the girl's lips are-

Wait- The girl's lips are full, right?!

Azula's eyes immediately shoot to her left, unable to resist herself anymore. But she almost reels back in shock when she finds the other girl staring straight at her, hypnotic blue eyes locking on to Azula's golden brown orbs for not more than 2 seconds, before she averts her heated gaze to whatever the pony-tail guy is screaming about.

There's a significant distance between them, but Azula's body reacts to the silent interaction (if she can even call it that) as if the blue-eyed girl was standing right in front of her. What will Azula do if the girl actually stands before her and stares at her like that, Azula doesn't like to spend too much time mulling over. This is hard enough as it is.

The rest of the match, Azula feels eyes on her. Blue ones, to be precise. But she almost nails her own eyes to the ground in front of her, trying not to look back to her left. She even finds herself getting distracted by the game for a little while. After all, that's what she came here to do, didn't she?!

At recess, the pony-tail guy moves to the stairway towards the area where snacks are sold, and he immediately recognises Azula, much to Azula's resentment.

"Hey! You're the girl who caught the ball last match!" He calls over to her. Azula looks at him awkwardly, giving him the fakest smile she could muster. He pays no heed to her unease. "I'm Sokka, remember?! We met last match!"

Actually, she remembers him as 'pony-tail guy', but he doesn't need to know that.

"Yeah . . ." She trails off, not really wanting to have a full-blown small talk. "I remember."

"Cool!!" He beams. "I'm here with my sister. Wanna come join us?!"

Okay, so they aren't together together. They're siblings. Geez, she should've known better. Also, who joins a stranger on their first time meeting?! Second time meeting but it doesn't really count.

"I . . . uh . . ." Azula doesn't know what'll happen to her if she ever has a proper conversation with the blue-eyed girl. Her brother seems to sport the same eye shade too; must be a family event.

The overly-excited brother seems to catch on to Azula's hesitation. "Hey, it's okay. I get it! You don't have to if you don't want to. Have a nice day!" He chirps and gives her a wide smile before heading his way to the snack stands.

Azula's eyes land on the pony-tail guy's sister as he leaves and she looks . . . wait, pissed?! Why does she look pissed off?! She's glaring at her brother's retreating form and Azula's body shudders at the look on the girl's face. She looks extremely fucking hot when she's pissed and Azula doesn't know what to do with this information.

Blue eyes fall on Azula suddenly, and Azula panics and turns to the ground in a hurry, not wanting to look at the girl when her mind is starting to fill with unholy thoughts.

When the game ends, Fire Ferrets gaining victory quicker than she anticipated, Azula walks out of the stadium at top speed, not wanting to dwell there any longer.

...

It's the blue-eyed girl.

She's here.

From this angle, only the blue-eyed girl's wild, wavy, brown locks are visible and yet Azula recognised her in a jiffy.

Azula's pretty sure she hasn't seen this girl in this coffee shop. She would know cuz this is the shop she comes to regularly and never once had she seen this girl here. It's all very suspicious. It's already the third time her eyes are finding the girl in like two months and Azula's getting worried that it's the universe playing tricks on her.

She averts her eyes from the line before the coffee shop counter where the blue-eyed girl is standing at.

No, she thinks. She wouldn't let the universe dictate her life. She's already had enough of it through her mother. She has her coffee order on the table she's sitting at and that's all she needs to look at. NOT the counter.

Maybe the girl and her loud-as-fuck brother are new to town or something. Yeah. That could be it. All Azula needs to do is wait till the girl leaves the shop and then continue on with her life like nothing happened.

Azula looks at the counter slyly, through her lashes, trying to see if the coast is clear for her. But unfortunately for her, the blue-eyed girl turns around from the counter, having received her order, and steps out of line.

Maybe it really is Azula's unlucky day or something, when the blue eyes that's been haunting her from day one, falls directly on her in a sharp glance and Azula's stomach jumps up to her mouth.

The girl stops dead on her tracks, coffee almost spilling from her hand. Azula's heart skips a beat when the girl stares at her with her lips falling open slowly.

But it only lasts a second more, before blue eyes frown deeply and rush out of the shop in a hurry.

Azula blinks at the blank space left at the girl's wake.

She really needs to get her health checked.

...

Azula gets a ticket far away from her usual seat. She does NOT want to run into that damned girl again. Azula would never ever admit to the way her stoamch flips every time they have a silent interaction though.

She walks into the stadium for a much awaited relaxing match, a little strange with getting a different seat from her usual one. And she made sure that the Pole Waves were NOT playing this match, so the chances of running into the girl and her pony-tailed brother are almost zero.

She melts into her seat, excited for her team.

...

Azula's in the middle of watching her team win deliberately, when she hears a sharp voice near her.

"Are you stalking me?"

She whips her head around, almost missing a whiplash. And the moment she does, her eyes fall on wavy, brown hair and stunningly deep, blue eyes that's all too familiar; and her heart jumps to her throat.

The moment she recognises who it is, there is a sudden sharp pain in the nape of her neck. Her eyes are locked on the girl's hypnotic ones, but she can't help but get distracted by the pain she's feeling on her neck.

She hisses softly, her palm flying to her neck and catching hold of her nape, trying to ease the pain. But the girl in front of her is having none of it.

"I'll call the cops if I catch you trailing me next time." The girl says, before turning on her heel and walking away briskly.

Azula stares after her, still wincing from the pain on her neck.

What just happened?!

...

Azula spends almost fifteen minutes trying to angle her phone in a way that would photograph the back of her neck. She's in her room, trying so hard not to think of the girl and how the hell she found her in a stadium full of people.

And damn this cursed pain.

Her neck is sore, and Azula's pretty sure that a bee stung her or something. She really needs to see what's going on in order to plan the best course of action.

She gives up after fifteen minutes though. It's tiresome to twist and turn your hand in order to take a picture of the back of your neck. Then suddenly, and idea hits her. She's seen hairstylists do this and it really is the best course of action.

She runs to her dressing mirror and opens the front camera in her phone. She holds the phone behind her neck and the reflection of the front camera's image falls on the mirror in front of her and-

Wait a damn minute-

Is that a tattoo?!

She gasps and drops her phone in shock.

No way . . .

She picks her phone back up and holds it behind her neck again, not believing her eyes.

It's a tattoo, for sure. It says, "Are you stalking me?" in neat, cursive, black letters and the skin around it is tender and red. But that doesn't stop the faint blue glow that's emanating from the etching on her nape.

It looks . . . beautiful.

The reality of the situation sinks in Azula's brain.

Sure, she knows the significance of this. It's been literally told to her a million times by million different people, what happens when the first words are spoken to you by your soulmate. But she never really wanted it to happen to her, and the fact that it happened with the girl she's been dying to get out of her head is completely insane for Azula.

And imagine the look on the girl's face if Azula goes and proclaims this revelation to her.

Keyword: IF.

...

Azula's scaning through the different varieties of milk kept at the shelves of Walmart. She's been here for five minutes and still hasn't arrived upon a choice.

And that's when she feels herself getting yanked by the arm all of a sudden. She yelps at the quick tug, stumbling along the store out of balance, trying to pull her arm away from the deadly grip.

She feels herself getting dragged to the back of the store to where the restrooms are. The door opens and shuts and Azula feels a sharp pain on her back as she gets slammed against the closed door of the surprisingly big Walmart bathroom.

She hisses in pain, closing her eyes and throwing her head back.

Her collars get yanked forward and her hazy vision focuses on the person in front of her. Her eyes immediately widen as she realises it's the blue-eyed girl standing close to her, breathing hot air against her face in short gasps.

"Didn't I tell you not to stalk me?! I don't even need the police to take you down."

Azula flinches from the proximity, her heartbeat through the roof. She rests her hands on the girl's hips, readily available for her to hold.

And what's this whole thing about Azula being a stalker?!

Azula was literally buying milk. The whole thing is just confusing as fuck to her, so she takes a deep breath. She contemplates the situation for a whole minute, staring at her supposed soulmate in question.

Then she speaks in a firm, soft voice. "I'm Azula, and I'm your soulmate."

The blue eyed girl stares at her. "What?"

"I'm Azula, and I'm your soulmate." Azula repeats herself, thinking that the girl didn't hear her properly.

"No way-" The girl cuts herself short and suddenly winces in pain.

Azula's brow raises as she notices the girl's hand fall away from her collars and clutch her chest. "Ow!" She exclaims.

A faint, golden glow erupts from the girl's chest and Azula can't help but notice that the colour is so pretty bouncing off of the girl's deep, blue eyes.

The hand still clutching Azula's collar is now doing it for a different purpose. The girl is completely bracing herself against Azula and she can't help but think that she wants the girl to do it more.

She's trying so hard to soothe the pain, but Azula knows exactly how that pain feels, as she experienced the same thing mere days ago. It's especially hard if someone hasn't had a tattoo experience before.

"Don't fight it." Azula quips, not really knowing what to say or do.

When Katara looks up finally, Azula notes that she's completely in a state of shock, still trying to make sense of whatever is happening. Her delicate, brown fingers catch hold of her blouse and removes the top button carefully.

When she pulls her shirt collars apart, revealing her chest, a small gasp escapes both of their throats.

The faint gold-tinted glow is wrapped around fine, neat, and precise, black, embedded writing that says, "I'm Azula, and I'm your soulmate."

The blue eyed girl's delicate fingers run over the tattoo that conveniently sits right on top of her chest bone, as if to proclaim that she's Azula's property and no one is supposed to touch her other than Azula herself.

She won't admit it, but Azula likes that idea too much to the point where she wants to kiss the tattoo on the girl's skin over and over again, claiming the blue eyed angel for herself.

The girl stares at Azula, eyes wide with shock.

Then like a whirlwind, she exits the bathroom, leaving Azula blinking at the empty space she left at her wake.

...

Katara's pretty sure she's going crazy. It's not even been a whole week since her soulmate was revealed, and she already feels like the whole world is conspiring against her to make her meet the girl at every chance she gets.

Azula.

Katara would never admit that the stalker's name feels exquisite, rolling off her tongue. She's spent countless hours staring at the glowing tattoo on her chest. It strangely matches the stalker's eye colour and Katara doesn't know what to do with this fact.

She's been trying to avoid anything and everything that is even remotely related to the soulmate situation. It didn't take the humans long to commercialize this whole thing. Anywhere you turn there's a shop that asks you to buy stuff that your soulmate might like.

It's exhausting.

Especially when Katara wants nothing to do with it. She's been dreaming of having her soulmate and ever since she was a little girl, she's been planning their wedding and whatnot. But she certainly did NOT expect a freaking STALKER to be her soulmate.

It crumbled every expectation she's ever had about the whole soulmate situation.

Now, walking rapidly in uptown Republic City, she's determined to avoid any and every commercial shop that is intent on selling her stuff that offers to make the soulmates happy. She's already taken a different route, walking in uncharted territories just so that she might not have to deal with street vendors.

One in particular is this balloon guy. He's been pestering her for full five minutes now, asking her to buy a balloon for her soulmate just because she has the glow surrounding her that only happens to people who've found their soulmates.

"Make them happy today!" He calls out loud towards her, bombarding her with a face full of balloons.

"No, thank you!" She tries to clear out the balloons in front of her face, blocking her vision.

But she isn't quick enough as her foot, unfortunately, finds the step to the sidewalk and she's falling.

She's falling hard and fast, until suddenly, she feels a steady grip on her arm and she's not falling anymore. She jerks forward, her whole body launching in the opposite direction due to the inertia it wants to stay in. But the grip on her arm is firm. A moment later, she's being pulled up.

She's so incredibly grateful for the person who caught her, cuz without them, she would've totally ate dirt.

"Thank you so much for-" Katara's eyes suddenly find the person who helped her and the words die down in her throat.

It's her.

The stalker.

She's looking down at her, casually holding a blue balloon in one hand and Katara with her other. She has this smug smile on her face, as if she knows something Katara doesn't and Katara just wants to slap it away.

"YOU!" Katara exclaims, eyes wide and nose flaring in rage. "This was all your doing, wasn't it?!"

The stalker's eyes narrows ever so slightly. "What?"

Katara's at her wits end here. This is getting waaayyyy outta line and Katara is pretty sure she didn't ask for any of this. "You arranged for that balloon guy, didn't you?!"

Azula's eyes lift up to look over Katara's shoulder and sure enough, the balloon guy is standing there, silently witnessing this happen. All it takes is one harsh glance from Azula and he's running away from them at top speed.

"He was selling balloons for soulmates and I thought something was up." Azula addresses Katara. "So, I bought one."

"Wha-?!" Katara is cut of yet again as she tries to step forward, forgetting that there still is a step to the sidewalk and she ends up falling right into Azula's strong, and ready arms. This time, Azula takes a precautionary step to wrap her free arm around Katara hips, so that she doesn't try and fall on her face again.

The act puts them both closer than Katara would want. But she doesn't yet realise it that it's what she needs.

"And here you are." The stalker emphasizes her point. "Falling for me right on my doorstep."

Katara perks up. "Your what?! NO. YOU are stalking ME."

"Yeah . . . I'm stalking you . . . In my own house . . ."

"Huh?!" Katara frowns comically. "Your house?!"

"Yeah . . . This is my house." The stalker points to the huge mansion behind the gates at the sidewalk. "Wanna come in?" She asks her. "I'm Azula Sei'naka by the way."

"Yeah, no kidding! You've already tattooed that on my chest, didn't you?!"

"It wasn't my fault! You really think I want to have a person like you as my soulmate?!"

Katara blinks at her, offended. "A person like me? What's that supposed to mean?!?!"

Azula wastes no time. "It means that you're obnoxious and entitled."

"Oh-" Katara pauses. "I thought you were offending my ethnicity . . ."

"What? No." Azula's face scrunches up. "Why would I do that? That's lame. I would only intentionally hurt your personality."

"Bold, coming from you, you stalker!"

"I didn't stalk you!" Azula exclaims. "I don't even know your name for god's sake! And you're supposed to be my soulmate! The universe really is trying to test my patience."

Katara's eyes suddenly fall on the balloon clutched in Azula's hand. "That's . . . actually my favourite colour."

Azula pulls back her head. "Yeah . . . I figured." Her golden eyes scan Katara's costume from top to bottom. "That's why I bought it."

Katara takes a step back from Azula's immediate vicinity, giving them both a little room to talk instead of getting distracted.

"Look," Azula begins, already having had enough of this. "You can bicker with me for all eternity, I don't care. But you can make this easier for the both of us and cooperate. I don't think the universe is gonna let you go until you actually talk with me properly. Trust me, I would choose otherwise, but I don't think we're in control. Maybe there's a reason we're paired up."

"Okay . . ."

Azula takes in a deep breath. "So . . . you wanna come inside?"

Katara nods.

***

if i'm ever this inactive here again, come and kill me with a rock. hehehehe.

but here you go! i've been gatekeeping this for long enough and y'all deserve some azutara in your lives :)

if you see any typos, no you didn't 🙈

[guardian5tiger3]

What's their karma for playing with you?

What's your justice?

Side note spirit said this is not gonna resonate with every single person who comes across this but it's for those who really need to hear it. ⭐

Piles

1 2

3 4

5 6

Pile 1 !

Looks like a person gave you some type of offer, and then left you hanging in some way. Or you had something with someone and they betrayed you possibly. They probably left you "high and dry" they're saying. They may have ran away also. Kinda seems like an energy of being left to fend for yourself somehow...

Their karma -

I heard "womanizer" so not sure what that means... But I'm seeing that there's a, probably female, figure in their life that they've known for a long time that they consider in some way important to them. I heard "take the money and run," proceeded by the chariot and ten of pentacles... So I'm seeing this person is going to also be left high and very . Very dry. For some of you this person could literally be getting a divorce. I got the three of swords, so this one person leaving them definitely has the ability to break their heart, and they are definitely about to. I'm seeing the person who betrayed you as not doing so well monetarily in the near future after this. Ace of pentacles reversed they are NOT getting any type of help from spirit with that, so they're really going to have to work hard for anything they want. It's overall gonna suck for them. Karma is funny how simple it can be huh? I mean the same thing they did to you, but it almost feels more personally devastating for the person getting their karma. I think spirits really hitting home for their revenge.

What is your justice out of this situation?

I'm seeing a lot of abundance, and I felt a content feeling in my heart chakra. You might not be rich but you'll definitely have what you need, and you'll also be able to give to others. Seems like you're the type of person to be generous like that when you can be. If something you wanted didn't work out because of your person, I see it's because of a really good reason. I got something about jail for some reason.. either way for most of you you don't even have to grieve , I think that it definitely isn't what it seems, and what's meant for you will surely come your way. You might be going through an ending that seems tuff, but in reality you're dropping that old bs to move into something wayy better and that is actually right for you.

So thank you guys. Peace and love.

Pile 2

Ok so somebody has said a lot of negative things towards you, maybe even about you. They might have ended something. This could be a dream you had, an idea, goal . Something ended cause of them. I think they have or do say a lot to get you on lower vibes and they might think of it as seeing the world more "realistically " but it's actually the opposite. If they make it seem like oh you know you need to get a job you hate and work and die basically. Not cool.

What's their karma?

Ok first of all with a mentally like that they're already miserable. Second It really seems like this could be a parent or just someone pretty controlling . It seems like you're one of the best things in their life and they harvest off of that... Literally .. you might not recognize that... But they keep you down just to take your good vibes man.... Straight up, walk away. That's the worst karma I think they can get. Everything already sucks more or less for them at least in their mind. And it's really pissing me off how they're stealing your energy and probably creativity for themselves.

What's your justice in this situation?

Ok straight up, I don't think you even realize how golden your soul is and it's because somehow you're still connected to this person at least energetically. The more you let go and move on the better off you'll be. Your gift is that you get to be yourself!

I wanted to say, what is your dharma in this, which is good karma. So I see you're going to have a lot of really great relationships in the future. It seems like only a matter of time until your life is fully your life and everything will be simple and great. You might have or get connections for some really positive opportunities in your life moving ahead. Spirit has you really hooked up. Just stay positive especially about the future. This seems like a happy ending and the worst thing you'll have to face is some healing work. Good on you guys. I wanna just say, keep it up, whatever it is you're on. Bless!

Thank you guys I love your energy especially the happy ending (I got ten of cups for you regarding future opportunities and your life overall.) Spirit said splendid so that's funny I don't know who's gonna relate to that word 😂.

Keep calm and in your own energies.

One love , peace.

Pile 3

Seems like you're moving on from something. There was an ending between you and someone else. This person seems kind of like an ass .

Maybe you guys fought a lot?

Don't let this be a situation where they are just leaving temporarily.

What' their karma?

Seems like however they communicate , maybe manipulate is getting them caught up. Spirit literally said "owned" so I don't know maybe someone calls them out and grills their ass haha. I think they have a big ego and it might get kind of torn up and won't be looked at the same by some people. they might get exposed for some type of abusive way they've been. I don't think they thought that could happen. They might tell themselves they're in the right about some things. They keep telling me asshat so this person is such a dipshit they're going to be looking super dumb guys ..

There's someone cool with them, maybe a friend who is not gonna find their hidden behaviors very charming. Or this person doesn't care and they're getting exposed too. So yeah they're going to end up losing people though and somehow more importantly to them their image will be tarnished. You guys one of you they abuse their dog and the dog is going to get taken away, well I would say rescued. A few of you of this person is going to be homeless soon. They think they're untouchable and it's so not true. They might even act like unaffected when they get their karma because they care that deeply about what other people think and how they're perceived. Someone they might go to a person that's about as abusive as they are and thats gonna be a major downfall of theirs. I mean their life is gonna suckkkk.

Overall I'm just seeing spirits gonna continuously whoop their ass until they get the picture.

What's your justice?

Im not sure if you don't expect to receive any support in this situation or you felt like you haven't got much, spirit is there and they're going to show you a sign that everything is alright. They're fighting for you and you can't see it but they're really out here fighting battles for you and protecting you while you go about your business. Some spirits may be working together around you to kind of shield you from anything bad that might try to come too close.

They see what you've gone through and what you might go through recently, and I see them standing right by your side in your favor. I think they see you as super capable and let you make choices for yourself. I sense you're someone who makes things happen on this realm. For instance being the one that sets off someone's karma. Kind of like a spiritual investigator vibe here. So stay strong, it kinda seems like you're doing a job of some sort . This doesn't mean start doing anything any differently though. You kind of are the justice in situations it seems. I think you're going to get rewarded very big at the end of a long and tough journey here and I'm not even going to attempt to read on it. It seems better as a surprise. But I already feel giddy about it. I wanna say congratulations haha. Definitely go with the flow, don't take things especially if something ends, too seriously, and try not to get too emotionally attached or involved in things. You guys kinda feel like childish sweet souls so if you wanna know what to do I would embrace those qualities within yourself.

Something about fireworks.

Good work whatever you've done guys.

You're being heavily guided so just trust. The process is still in motion happening currently.

Peace and one love.

Pile 4 .

Ok so the person your asking about seems like they belittle people or treat them like they are less than they really are.

Side note for some of you please eat more or healthier. It's going to have really beneficial effects on your mind and body and somehow even heart. You might get better skin cause of it and hair. Fruits might be beneficial and rice. Try to cut out fried food and ... Somebody uh cut back on donuts?? Haha.

Ok so somebody tried to trip you up and or play some games with you. There's nothing wrong with you it's definitely them and their issues.

What's their karma?

I feel like they're going to be stripped bare so that they're forced to do inner work. This might make them see things from your perspectives somehow. Kind of like you guys are swapping shoes.

They might have been influenced to make a like altering mistake for the sake of fitting in or getting along somehow.

Do they eat a lot of McDonald's? Yeah if so they might start having some pretty nasty health issues .

If their personality or interests are stolen I see them losing that and them having to be themselves, which, they suck. So socially losing "popularity" for that. Their true colors are super negative.

People are gonna start realizing they are so not the real deal. And someone they've been trying to overshadow is going to be seen for who they really are. Super gifted. I'm guessing that's you or multiple people. This person shines and is super sweet , generous, etc.

Your justice!

You might make friends with mutuals with this bad person if they have friends. Kinda surprised me ha. Whoever you're gonna be around are also good people. I heard watching out for you. This bad person could be or has been in the way of important positive connections for you some way or another. Maybe it was just cause they tried keeping you in the dark. I feel like I kind of already accidentally said a lot about your justice in all this. You might start shining getting away from this bs and people will see you for who you really are and also someone who has come out of something on top in a way. Also someone who is innocent. I'm hearing something about a smile so you might be doing that more or already have been or you have a really nice bright smile.

It almost is giving the vibe that things will sort of "go back to normal" or the energy will be as it should be.

For now just keep working on whatever you are working on. I see someone a living person or spirit being defensive about you lately and possibly standing up for you in some way. I just see things for you bring a lot chiller and balancing out eventually exactly they way they should be. Congrats!

Peace blessings and one love.

Pile 5

one of you chose this because the picture was really cute ha.

So it seems like you guys found out somehow about someone you might not even know that well being pretty evil. They might have really got you into some shit here or set you up for something bad. I keep hearing cunning ..

Something about flowers and that just for a few of you to recognize that this is yours I guess..

Well anyway .

What's their karma?

They must've really underestimated you and it's coming back to bite them in the ass... Or you're an underdog and you're about to bite them in the ass ahaha . Nice.

I suggest going into more of a lone wolf energy and building your self up to come back hitting way hard. Major underdog vibes here. Let yourself be guided by your inner light. You are super powerful beings in this pile. Like you have the sun within you and you're super connected to other realms. Someone might have been talking down on you a lot and expects you to stay down but,

I sense a storm brewing but you are literally the storm. You're definitely gonna come out swinging. I'm getting a lot about personal power. I don't even think you guys are gonna know what to do with all of that afterwards... Something your gonna do could just hype you up to the max. You must be heading somewhere really great.

And if you ever feel lonely for some reason or another, there is a kindred spirit somewhere out there , so like true love happy ending vibes way in your future. So my advice is time flies more than you realize in any given moment and just enjoy the cool story you're seriously living through right now. Awesome read. Im feeling super powerful. Don't let anything get you down. You got this , whatever it is. I'm hearing some of you might have a "story to tell" at the end of this. They didn't even give me much about anybody's karma they just want you guys to know who YOU are. Cause it looks like your enemies don't stand a chance, like, they are going dowwwnn. Good riddance. This might just be proving someone wrong about you.

Right now though, it's just a matter of you building yourself up for what's to come. Like I kind of thought about when Hercules was training with that little goat guy ha.

Thank you , hope this helps.

Peace and love.

Feel free to message me haha.

Pile 6!

Some of you guys could be a little pissed off right now?

Some of you might be advocates for human rights or something like that maybe for animals ?

Ok so somebody or something broke your heart or just had some pain they put on you or tried to, and you had to come up out of that and heal..

There might be some frustration maybe about not being able to get people to comprehend your points on things and perspectives?

You might also take on stress because other people and situations don't want to be as good as they can be somehow .

So I'm thinking somebody may have sabotaged you because you're pure??? Wtf??

What's their karma?

Ok so some zombie brain baffoon tried to bring some pain your way and you had to deal with that...

I think for one this person kind of has to bask in your glory lol . They might be jealous and insecure.

Funny they might also see their future being bright. It is not. Not if they aren't pure intentioned no. They arent able to heal. They are probably just gonna continue in life to deal with people on their level and it just seems super messy.

I'm really seeing a fast food job for a lot of them. There's nothing wrong with that but the way they see it it's kind of ego shattering. I feel like rolling my eyes at them.

They could very well get in a car accident.

There just seems to be a lot of ego shattering and then then continuing to live a super mundane life with not much substance. They could get in a fight.

They might have to ride a bike for a long time for transportation or already do. Or something will happen regarding a bike maybe.

Again nothing wrong with these things I think this person just has a gross perspective on life. They feel entitled because of how they want to perceive themselves.

Overall I just kinda see them living their life super mundane kind of lame to be honest like what a waste..

You guys might get more joy out of everyday stuff. Good way to be , I'm like that too. :)

What's your justice ?

To be honest I feel like it's gonna be pretty satisfying to see this person get what's coming to them, if you even do. Spirit might show you them just for you to have a good laugh at some point. You might have some type of gift or a way about you that's super good you will be able to share or share more of. It made this person super uncomfortable. I wouldn't be surprised if it's something psychic like. I see you guys possibly working at something you wanted to do as a child, and you will be successful if you go all the way with that. Super beautiful energy. Really sweet you guys. :')

I see some of you guys getting some good news in the next coming weeks. Some of you are going to college. Nice! It's something about your interests.... You guys in general though are all going to be living your lives and enjoying the ride. Like this person will not even be relevant at all soon if it still feels like they are somehow , forget about them . Like in a little while you guys will have forgotten that they exist. Seriously.

One of you a kitchen might be significant so maybe you're going for a culinary career so this is just a sign for future success if that's the case. Or some of you might be working a job like that now. You'll be moving up somehow soon. You might just go on vacation or you should.

I also see wherever you life spend good quality time outside because there's some beautiful days ahead, especially how the skies will look. You might see a bird and it holds some form of significance in your life.

Some of you have a dog or should consider getting one. I see somebody's puppy is like a tiny curly haired light brown puppy. Super cute. I think the message here is just enjoy each other's company . If you take your pet for a walk definitely bring water. Maybe even food for the dog..?

Anyways, you all might not even see it cause you'll be distracted but spirit is definitely kicking this person's ass soon. Their home life is gonna go south quick. They might get kicked out . For some someone they ask out if they do will reject them.

Ok sorry to go back to more of their karma .

I see things around you being super beautiful after you make some type of change in your life.

And also yeah basically the person you're dealing with is getting caught in a trap.

You guys should focus on or get more into your personal interests and loves for sure.

Peace and love you guys. Thank you for being here. I hope this helps 🐝🐞

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1257: The Great Ladder and Step Ladder Debate! (Ace Attorney)

2:12 p.m. Outside and Below of Wright Anything Co.......

Apollo: (Let's Out a Very Relaxed Sounding Sigh as He is Seen Walking with his Peers) At long last. We finally made it to a brand new year.

Klavier: (Flips the Side of his Hair Forward with a Laid Back Smile on his Face) I couldn't have said it any better, Herr Forehead. There's so much to look forward to this day of age: new beginnings, new faces to meet, new life changing opportunities-

Ema: And a new set of problems dying to wring their heads at us eventually.

Klavier: (Turns to his Girlfriend Behind Him) Not too excited about this one already, are we Fraülen?

Ema: (Shrugs) Eh. I'm more netural about it if anything. The world can be a cruel mistress if you're not too careful.

Klavier: That is true.

Wocky: (Punds his Fist onto the Palm of his Hand With a Determined Grin on his Face) Then we'll just have face those problems head on and smack 'em out of our faces!

Ema: (Raises an Eyebrow at Wocky) Figuratively or Literally?

Wocky: .........Yes.

Apollo/Ema/Klavier: Wocky!

Wocky: (Holds his Hands Up in Front of his Face with Sheepish Smile) Kidding, kidding. I meant that figuratively. You know i wouldn't tank my family's business like that.

Apollo: Speaking of which, I'm kinda surprised to see the O.G. Cracker closed this time around.

Wocky: Oh that cuz I convinced my folks to give the fellas and I the day off. They work their asses off to provide the greatest muffins and a nice eat n' hangout experience imaginable till the very end of last year. It's only right for them celebrate this ocassion by taking a load off for once.

Ema: (Wraps her Arm Around Wocky's Shoulder) Well, look at you being a cool co-leader to your team~

Klavier: (Happily Nodded in Agreement) Very impressive indeed, Herr Wocky.

Wocky: (Puts on a Proud abd Slightly Cocky Grin on his Face) ('Heh') It was nothing to it for the prince of the Kitaki Clan! Ma's words, not mine.

Apollo: (Snickers a Bit While Rolling his Eyes) Okay then, prince, since we're now here at the office, which game you want us to play first for the day?

Ema: Please don't say any Mario Party titles....or any party related games for that matter.

Wocky: (Smirks at Ema) Afraid you'll lose?

Ema: (Scoffs Playfully Shoves Wocky Off of Her) As if! I just don't wanna start the new year off in utter chaos.

Apollo: You and me both. How about we start with Ultimate MVC 3 instead? (Walks Up the Steps With Everyone Else Following Behind)

Ema: Yeah, sure.

Klavier: Of course.

Wocky: I'm down with that. You know, I never understood how and why your boss and Maya got themselves wrapped up in that game to begin with, Justice.

Apollo: (Shrugs) I'm just as confused about it as you are at this point. (Opens the Office Door and Walks Inside Before Closong it Behind Him and the Others) But I'm sure they'll tell us once we- ask.....them.....

Apollo's eyes slowly starts to widen up in Horror as him and co bear witness at his boss, Phoenix Wright, yelling and arguing with his old assistant, Maya Fey, her younger cousin, Pearl Fey, and Apollo's girlfriend and little sister, Athena Cykes and Trucy Wright, from two seperate sides of the room.

Phoenix: How many times do I have to get this through you girls!? STEP LADDERS ARE JUST LADDERS!!

Maya: And how many times do WE have to tell YOU is that STEP LADDERS ARE THEIR OWN THING!!!

Phoenix: LADDERS!

Ladies: STEP LADDERS!

Phoenix: LADDERS!!

Ladies: STEP LADDERS!!!

Apollo: (Slowly Facepalms Himself in Pure Agony) Oh my god....Of all the times they could've done this, why does it have to be now?...

Klavier: This is uh....Interesting drastic turn of events for the day.....

Wocky: Apollo, what the hell are we watching right now? Some kind of debate?

Ema: ('Sigh') Yeeup. Ladders v. Step Ladders. A battle as old as time itself. (Rolls her Eyes) And the one Pollo and I have to get dragged into on fat too many ocassions....

Klavier: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) But aren't step ladders alrwady part of the ladder family by default?

Ema: Yeah. Always have been. But the girls would always find counter arguments for every statement made. While it's impressive on their part, it only makes the debate itself drag on longer than it already has.

Apollo: It gotten so bad and out of left field that the JUDGE of all people, got involved in one......

Wocky: (Eyes Widened in Disbelief) The same judge in our city? That's insane....

Klavier: I don't believe the countless debates I've encounter in my family were ever nearly as intense as this...(Notices Something in that Said Debate in Front of Him) It doesn't seem like they noticed us at the moment.

Ema: No suprise there. This might be their heated one yet if that's the case.

Apollo: (Quickly Brings his Friend Group into a Group Huddle Before Whispering to All of Them) Okay, look, I know they're our love ones and everything, but there's no point of getting ourselves involve in this. They clearly settling it themselves, so let's just let 'em be and get the hell up outta here.

Wocky: (Starts Whispering as Well) All in favor of going to my place for the rest of the day, say "Aye".

The Gang: (Raises Their Hand Up Little and Whispers Out....) Aye!

Apollo: Then, it's settled. Let's roll.

Apollo silently tells his three friends to keep quiet as he slowly reaches his hand towards the office door's knob.

???????: HOLD IT!!!

The gang gets startled by the booming voice as they turn their attention to their appointed love ones pouting and glaring at them from the mid distance.

Phoenix: And where do you think YOU FOUR are going right now?

Ladies: YEAH!

Apollo: (Looks Down and Curses Under his Breath as He Snaps his Fingers) Shit. Uhh...(Clears his Throat Before Smiling Awkwardly at his Founded Family) H-Hey, you guys! Happy New Years! (Chuckles Awkwardly) We came here to say hi, but we'd figured you all are busy at the moment, so-

Trucy: Oh hush! We're never too busy for you guys, Polly!

Athena: (Smiles Brightly) In fact, you all are just in time for the nearby climax!~

Apollo: (Raises an Eyebrow at the Ladies) Nearby climax, you say?

Pearl: (Happily Nodded) I believe we're this close to cracking Mr. Nick under pleasure thus far.

Maya: (Smiles Brightly) So, step right up and join our merry crew!~ (Points at her Opponent, Phoenix Wright) And together, we'll prove this porcupine looking menace wrong once and for all!!

Phoenix: (Gives his Best Friend a Deadpinned Look on his Face) Maya, I'm not even close to looking anything like a porcupine.....

Maya: (Crosses her Arms While Smirking) Takes one to know one, Nick the Porcupine!~

The rest of the ladies then proceeds to lower down one of their eye lids, stick their tongues, and make 'Nyeh!' Noises towards Nick in front of them.

Phoenix: (Unfazed by the Ladies' Taunts) Charming. (Turns Back to Apollo and Co.) Anywho, rather than joining alongside those immature children over there to be right-

Ladies: (Immediately Pouts Offensively at Phoenix) Heyyyy!!!

Maya: (Comically Glares at Phoenix) I'm in my thirties, you jackass!!

Phoenix: (Puts on a Confident Smile on his Face) Come to my side and I'll provide you anything you want and need afterwards.

Apollo: (Raises an Eyebrow at his Own Boss) Really, sir? You're bribing us no- WHGH? (Suddenly Got his Face Covered by Ema's Palm)

Ema: What are you offering?

Phoenix: Nothing too complex. Just a simple raise of your bonuses is all.

Wocky: (Eyes Widened in Genuine Surprise to the Offer Along with Ema and Klavier) No freakong shot...You can do that!?

Phoenix: (Chuckles Lightly) Of course I can! Your parents and I would usually talk to each other over muffins and coffee in the morning time while you and the crew were working. Both were fantastic by the way, keep up the good work.

Wocky: (Puts on a Very Proud Grin on his Face) Will do, boss! Glad you enjoyed our service.

Phoenix: (Turns to Klavier and Ema) And I've know Edgeworth since we were in grade school together. You two let me talk to him for a few minutes and you'll be living the rest of month golden in no time. I'll even convince him to give Gumshoe the same treatment. Lord knows him and Maggey need more good luck in their lives together.

Ema: (Grabs her Chin While Thinking) Hmmmm very tempting indeed, Mr. Wright.........I am in need of a new, more advanced, scientific equipment these days.

Klaiver: (Smiles Fondly at the Thought) And it would be nice to finally get my hands on that legendary guitar my band mates told me so much about.........

Wocky: I want that new Nintendo console that's coming out this year. Let's-

OBJECTION!!

Maya: (Comically Glares at Phoenix Some More) SHAME ON YOU, NICK! Leading these poor kids to false hope just so they can join your dumb cause!

Phoenix: (Comically Glares Back at Maya) Hey, it isn't fasle hope if I can manage to get it done!

Trucy: Oh yeah, like you can convince a former yakuza couple to give their baby boy another raise after doing so beforehand. Be more realistic, daddy

Athena: (Rolls her Eyes) And I highly doubt that Mr Edgeworth is close with you enough to accept your requests.

Pearl: Especially if it's anything money related.

Apollo: (I could've said all of that in under two minutes.)

Phoenix: Really? And what, pry tell, will you do for them if they choose your side, hm? I bet is something cheap.

Maya: Um, no! It's quite simple than that. Their contributions to our cause could prevent- (Tears Starts to Build Up in hers and the Rest of her Crew's Eyes) our pure, maiden hearts- ('Sniff') from breaking in two~

Apollo: (Rolls his Eyes) And now we've reached guilt tripping territory.......

Pearl: (Tearfully Pouts at Apollo) We are NOT guilt tripping, Polly!~ ('Sniff') We're only expressing how hurt we would be if you choose poorly!~

Athena: Yeah!~ ('Sniff') It's not our faults this debate has gotten us teary eyed all of the sudden!!~

Trucy: Quit being so skeptical and help us prove daddy wrong about STEPLADEEEEEERS!~ (Finally Crying Her Eyes Out Along with her Fellow Teammates)

Klavier: (Watches the Tear Jerking Madness Going on in Front of Him) Never in all my days that I've seen such emotions display over something so......

Ema: Trivial, dreadful, a waste of time and energy?

Klavier: (Turns to his Girlfriend with a Small Sheepish Smile on his Face) I was gonna say Unusual, but....(Chuckles Lightly) You're not entirely far off there, my Fraülen~

Apollo: I think now would be a great time for us make our exit. Am I right, Wocky? (Turns to Where Wocky Is Standing.....Only to Notice Wocky is Nowhere to be Seen) Wocky?.....Wocky?

Apollo hears the sounds of cheering as he turns and then has his eyes widened in complete disbelief at the youngest member of his friend group standing next to Trucy on their side of the debate.

Apollo: WOCKY, WHAT THE HELL!?

Wocky: (Casually Shrugs) Sorry, 'Pollo. I gotta support Truce on this. You know I hate seeing her sad.

Trucy: (Heart Begins to Melt in Pure Happiness as She Hugs her Boyfriend Very Loving Hug) Oooh my sweetheart of a Munchkin you!~

Wocky: (Starts Blushing in a Bit of Embarrassment) Babe, I thought I told you not to call me that........

Trucy: And I thought I told you that it's far too cute of a nickname to pass up. (Starts Snuggling into Wocky's Chest) My sweet, handsome Munchkin you!~ (Starts Kissing Wocky on the Cheek)

Ema: ('Sigh') Okay....Obnoxious cuteness aside, I think The Fop and I have a clear answer on which side to take now.

Apollo: (Turns to the Couple on his Left) You do?

Klavier: (Happily Nodded) Indeed so, Herr Forehead. (Joins Ema as the Two Walks Over to Phoenix Side)

Phoenix: (Pumps his Fist Back in Rejoice) Yes! Finally.

Ladies: ('GASPS')

Maya: (Pouts at Ema) Damnit, Ema! Again!?

Ema: Yes- (Speaks in a bit of a Mocking Tone) Again!~ Step ladders has always been a lower class in the ladder category and I'm sick of pretending that isn't.

Klavier: (Casually Shrugs) My thoughts exactly. It's silly to see Step Ladders as it's own seperate entity these days. (Places his Hands onto Ema's Shoulders) It's even sillier to not take my cleverly beautiful Fraulein's logic to heart as well.

Ema: (Looks Up at Klavier) That's your way of buttering me up today, is it?

Klavier: Perhaps....(Looks Down at Ema with a Seductive Smirk on his Face) Is it working by any chance?~

Ema: Hm. (Smirks Back at her Glamorous Fop) O say it does to some capacity~

Klavier: Works for me~ (Shares a Peck on the Lips with his Fraulēin)

Phoenix: Well, aren't they adorable? (Turbs his Attention Back to Apollo) And now it's your turn to join as well, Apollo.

Maya: (Glares at Nick Again) No, Polly is coming with us!!

Ladies: Yeah!

Apollo: (Already Done With All the Foolishness Happening in Front of Him) Can't I just speculate the whole thing in the background?....

Everyone: No.

Athena: (Glares at Her Boyfriend) Babe, you can't keep yourself in the middle of this any longer. You gotta pick a side!.

Apollo: Okay, but do I really have to though?

Athena: YES, YOU DO!.....(Starts Streaming her Ponytail Down a Bit While Faltering into a Cute Pouty Look) It isn't fun when you're not participating with us. Come on.....

'Door Pushed Open'

????????: It is seems we've arrived just in time, detective.

????????: You said it, Mr. Edgeworth. I was getting cold out there already.

Another collective gasping sounds escapes from the ladies' mouth as everyone now turn their attention to very familiar faces walking into the office. One is everyone's favorite unrpaid detective, Dick Gumshoe, and his boss and the city's most well known prosecutor-

Klaiver/Ema/Wocky: Mr. Edgeworth!?

Maya: (Glares at the Prosecutor in Question) Miles.....

Gumshoe: And Gumshoe!! (HappilyThrows Confetti In Front of His Face) Happy New Years, everybody!!

'Crickets Crpping'

Gumshoe: Okay, I'll be over here if ya need me. (Walks Over to Where Apollo is Standing)

Apollo: (Smiles Softly at the Detective) Hey, Happy New Years to you too, Detective. (Sticks his Hand Out Right in Front of Gumshoe) Sorry you had to get dragged into this too.

Gumshoe: (Happily Shakes Apollo Hand) D'aww thanks, pal, and don't worry about it! We've been doing this kind of thing a lot longer before you and Ema came into the picture. I'm used to it at this point.

Phoenix: (Smiles Brightly at his Old Friend) There's the duo of the honor! And here I thought you two were never gonna make it.

Edgeworth: ('Hmph') (Puts on a Competitive, Smug Smirk on his Face as He Walks Over to Phoenix's Team) And miss another opportunity to debunk any sort of halo statements and counterarugments our opponents are naive enough to obtain on a brand new year? I'd foolish enough not to participate.

Both Phoenix and Edgeworth casually giving themselves a high five.

Maya: (Glares at the Latest Member of the Ladder Team) For your informati-on, Miles Edgeworth,we have plenty of factual statements and rebuttal than you hope to realize. (Forms a Competitive Smirk of her Own) No matter. I've sent a text minutes before coming here. Help is on it's way for my team soon enough.

Phoenix: Oh, like that's gonna intimidate us in any-

'Door Kicked Open'

????????: SEIZE THIS FOOLISHNESS AT ONCE!!!

Apollo: Oh no.

The Ladies free cheers for the latest member of their pack and Miles Edgeworth's little big sister, Franziska Von Karma.

Ladies: Franny!!!~

Maya: (Happily Waves at her Girlfriend) Hi, honey!~

Phoenix's team starts stepping themselves back from their leader as his eyes starts to widen up in fear.

Phoenix: D-D-Did you have to bring Franny along tho-

'WhHIPLASH'

Phoenix: (Gets Struck by Franziska's Whip) YEOOOUCH!

Franziska: (Proudly Tightens Up her Whip) Yes, she have. (Walks Over to Maya's Team) I refuse to have the love of my life get overwhelmed by your repetitive foolishness any longer, Phoenix Wright. This means war!

Maya: (Wraps her Arm Around her Girlfriend's Waist While Pumping her Fist Up to the Air) And we're gonna keep fighting and fighting till we claim victory! (Turns to Franziska) Thanks for coming over here, Franny. I know you have a million other things you rather be doing right now.

Franziska: (Simply Shrugs) It's fine. I wasn't completely preoccupied at the moment, in hindsight. (Smiles a Little) Even then, I'll never be to busy for you, my darling Water Lily~

Maya: (Giggles Softly While Blushing) Awwww~ I love you so much~ (Kisses Franziska on the Lips)

Franziska then notices a familiar face standing behind her as she returns to her professional demeanor.

Franziska: Kitaki.

Wocky: Von Karma.

Franziska: I see you are on our side in this debate.

Wocky: Just my way of supporting Trucy like I always do. I hate seeing her get sad and cry.

Trucy: (Heart Starts Melting Some More in Silence Before Hugging Wocky Again)

Franziska: I see. Regardless, you've chose wisely this evening. Also- (Politely Bows at Wocky) Happy New Year.

Wocky: (Stares at the Older Woman For a Brief Second Before Grinning) Likewise.

Franziska gives Wocky a small smile before turning her attention back to her opponents.

Trucy: (Starts Snuggling Up on Wocky Again) Seeeee?~ I told you my auntie would come around to liking.

Wocky: Pretty sure that's her way of being nice and junk.

Trucy: True, but it's still a start, right.

Wocky: Yeah. Guess so.

Edgeworth: ('Sighs in Annoyance') This is getting ridiculous. All these years later and you two are still believe in this pointless delusion.

Phoenix: That's what I've been saying. Sad really.

Franziska: (Glares at Her Main Competitors) How dare you.....Stepladders are not nearly as delusional as you foolish fools!

Maya: (Does Phoenix Signature Objection Pose) They are their own being and you all will treat them as such!!

Phoenix/Edgeworth: LADDERS!

Maya/Franziska: STEPLADDERS!!

Team Ladders: LADDERS!!!

Team Step-Ladders: STEPLADDERS!!!

And just like that, the two teams has finally commence their back and forth arguing and yelling towards one another, neither of which are ever gonna back down without a fight anytime soon.

Apollo: (Watches the Chaos Unfold In Front of Him and Gumshoe, Even More Dumbfounded Than Ever Before) ............Is it too late for the both of us to make a run for it right now?

Gumshoe: We can try. But I'm pretty sure Franny would drag us back here with her Whip alone.

Apollo: (Grimances the Thought While Shivering) That sounds worse than the Tiger tackling you to the ground.

Gumshoe: (Shivers as Well) You kidding? That's sounds even more terrifying! I keep forgetting how strong that girl really is....

Apollo: ('Sigh') Yeah, she's full of surprises alright. Still love her all the same.

Gumshoe: (Chuckles Lightly) That's good to hear, pal. I hope you and your friends have been doing alright today.

Apollo: (Turns to Gumshoe) Thanks. Other than going through this train wreck of a debate again, we're doing pretty good so far. How you and Maggey been doing these days?

Gumshoe: (Smiles Brightly) We're great! Mags started her first day at her new job the other day.

Apollo: Nice. What kinda job she works at?

Gumshoe: She's a waitress for that brand new fancy restaurant a few miles from here. (Holds up his Phone) I took a few pictures of the place if you wanna-

'Knock Knock Knock'

Gumshoe: (Turns his Attention to the Door Along with Apollo) Hm? Another person's at the door already?

Apollo: (Puts on a Deadpinned Look on his Face) Who wanna bet they're here for the debate.....

Gumshoe: Only one way to find out. (Opens the Door and Greets the Guest) Welcome to the Wright Anything A- genc-

Gumshoe's eyes widens a bit at the gues in question, a gorgeous woman with black long hair, wearing a bright pink robe, and a smile that could brighten your day up in an instant.

Gumshoe: (Chuckles Lightly) Hey-ey! It's been a long while since we've seen you again, Iris.

Iris: The feeling is very much mutual, Mr. Gumshoe. I hope you and Maggey have been doing well as of late.

Gumshoe: Oh, don't you worry. We've been doing great these days. And get this: Maggey got herself a new job at that new fancy restaurant the other day.

Iris: (Smiles Brightly) That's wonderful!~ I pray it all goes well for her going forward.

Gumshoe: You and me both, pal. She seems to really like it so far.

Apollo: Uh...Gumshoe? Who is this?

Gumshoe: Oh! (Chuckles Again) Where's my manner? (Turns Back to Apollo) Apollo, meet Sister Iris. The shrine maiden back at the Hazakura Temple. (Whispers to Apollo) She's also your boss' G-I-R-L-F-R-I-E-N-D.

Apollo: (Grabs his Chin While Thinking) (Girlfriend, huh? Now that he mentioned, I do remember all the Mr. Wright would announce that he was going to the detention center to see a certain someone a few years back.....Was she the person he was visiting this who time?)

Iris: Polly!~

Apollo: (Immediately Comes Back to Reality and Quickly Turns his Attention to Sister) Y-Yes!?

Iris: (Smiles Brightly) Polly. It's your nickname, is it not?

Apollo: ('Sigh') It's the one Trucy and Pearl's keep calling me on a daily basis for some reason.....

Iris: (Giggles Softly) I thought so~ The girls and Feenie has to me so much about you in the past. It's such a pleasure to finally meet you in person.

Apollo: Thanks, you- Wait. (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) Feenie?

Gumshoe: (Whispers to Apollo Once Again) That your boss' nickname.

Apollo: (Eyes Widened in Genuine Shock) Get out. Are you serious?

Iris: (Giggles Some More) It's the truth!~ (Places her Hands onto Both of her Now Blushing Cheeks While Smiling Very Fondly at the Memories Her and Phoenix Shared in the Past) It's the very nickname I gave to him on the very first day we started date in our college years~ To this day, he would always light up like a Christmas Tree whenever I call him that. My sweet, adorable Feenie~

'WHIPLASH'

Phoenix: (Screaming in Agony in the Distance) YEOOOOOOOUCH!!!!

Apollo: ('Sighs Heavily') Speaking of Feenie.........

Iris: (Frowns a Bit at the Chaos That's Happening in the Distance) Oh dear....Are they having that Ladders and Step-Ladders Debate again over there?

Apollo: Yeeeup. On the first day of the new year.

Gumshoe: Pollo and I been watching them on the sidelines thankfully. Doubt they're gonna stop anytime soon.

Iris: I figured as much. (Smiles Softly at the Two Men in Front of Her) In the meantime, how about I tell you the history Feenie and I shared together. It's been quite a while since I've told it to anyone thrse days, so please try and bear with me for the time being.

Gumshoe: (Turns to Apollo with a Bright Smile on his Face) Yo, you gotta give this one a listen, pal. It's sad, but really sweet at the same time.

Apollo: (Simply Shrugs) Hey, if it helps keeping from us from ever participating in that disaster of a debate, then you can count me in. (Smiles Softly to Iris) I hope it won't be too much trouble for you, Sister Iris.

Iris: No need to worry about me at all, dear. I'll do my very best. We do have the whole evening to ourselves, after all. So let's savor it while we can.

@apollo-justice-for-all

@decibelcoatl

@caleb13frede

@bestpony666

[montywithchildhoodtrauma]

More SAMS, MAFS, AND LAES Incorrect quotes to cure my depression.

Earth: When I said you should try being friendlier this isn’t what I meant.

Eclipse, stirring a cup of tea aggressively: Oh, so now I’m TOO friendly? There’s no pleasing you.

Jack, who broke into Eclipse’s apartment an hour ago: Two sugars please.

Eclipse: Coming right up

Eclipse: *Fast forwards all the way through the movie.*

Earth: You can’t just skip to the happy ending!

Eclipse: I don’t have time for their problems.

…

Moon: Why is Monty crying on the floor?

Puppet: He’s drunk.

Moon: And?

Puppet: He saw a picture of Earth’s partner.

Moon: But he’s Earth’s  partner.

Puppet: I know.

…

Moon: Is that… legal?

Old Moon: When there’s no cops around, anything’s legal!

….

O!Moon: I got an idea!

Moon: Does it involve breaking the law?

O!Moon: By now don’t you think that’s a given?

Moon: I was just trying to be optimistic.

O!Moon: Don’t bother.

….

Gemini: *Casually taking four stairs at a time.*

Lunar, falling behind, taking two stairs at a time: Fuck you fuck you fuck you fuck you fuc-

…..

Monty: Hey, no, you stay out of this, this is between me and Earth!

Lunar: So Earth knows about this?

Monty, walking away: No, this is between me and me!

…..

Earth: Monty kissed me!

Lunar: Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!

Earth: It was unbelievable!

Lunar: Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!

Sun: Okay, we wanna hear everything. Lu, get some snacks and turn off the tv. Earth, does this end well or do we need tissues?

Earth: Oh, it ended very well.

Lunar: Do not start without me! Do not start without me!

Sun: Okay, alright, let’s hear about the kiss. Was it a soft brush against your lips or was it like a, you know, “I gotta have you now” kind of thing?

Earth: Well, at first it was really intense, you know? And then, oh goodness, and then we just sort of sunk into it.

Sun: Ohh... So, okay, was he holding you? Or were his hands on your back?

Earth: First they started out on my waist and then they slid up and then they were on my face.

Lunar and Sun: Ohhh.

*Meanwhile*

Monty, very out of it and still surprised: And, uh, and then I kissed her.

Foxy: Tongue?

Monty: No, ew.

Puppet: Cool.

…..

Earth: You know, Eclipse, when you generalize, you tell general... lies.

Eclipse: ...

Eclipse: Are you trying to teach me moral lessons through puns?

Earth: Is it working?

…..

Sun: What are you doing here?

Eclipse: I could ask you the same question.

Sun: I live here. This is my house.

Eclipse: I should probably ask you a different question.

….

Earth: You ever see something that changes your life and you’re just like “huh...”

Monty: I saw you.

Earth: Honestly that’s so cute and sweet but it kinda makes this awkward because I was gonna show you a picture of Jack in a turkey costume.

….

O!Moon: Look at the buns on that guy!

Monty: *Lying on the floor, covered in hamburger buns.*

Sun: This is the comedy police! The joke’s too funny!

O!Moon: I’m not going back to jail!

….

BM simps: Bloody is a perfect cinnamon scone who’s never done anything wrong in his entire life!

Everyone else: Never done anything wrong?! He set a city block on FIRE!

….

Overlord Lunar, grinning: Before you were what?

Lord Eclipse: Before I was-

Evil!Sun: What?

Lord Eclipse: Before I was inter-

Overlord Lunar: Before you were interrupted?

Lord Eclipse: Cut me off one more time and I swear I’ll-

Evil!Sun: What?

Lord Eclipse: *makes frustrated sound*

Serrvent Sun, nervously: Stop that. Before he hurts you.

….

Monty: God, I love Earth.

O!Moon: Yeah, you fucking better.

…..

Lunar: What if the person who named Walkie Talkie’s named everything?

Monty: Pregnancy tests are Maybe Babies.

Puppet: Socks are Feetie Heaties.

Moon: Forks are Stabby Grabbies.

Sun: Defibrillators are Heartie Starties.

Solar: Nightmares are Dreamy Screamies.

Earth: Stamps are Lickie Stickies.

O!Moon, annoyed: You are disappointments.

….

[usernamesuggestionsarefunny]

My avatar tla hot take ACTUALLY UNPOPULAR and not just minority opinion is that Azula is a terrible addition to the series. On her own? Oh, her character was great, complex, etc. She is a queen, a great diva, wonderful villain, interesting, deserved a great redemption too (She is 14! A baby!) etc. She just would have suited a magic girl show, a horror movie (in the typical scary, powerful little girl fashion), or a darker, more mature show with more characters like her, meaning child prodigies, better.

Combined with the rest of the atlab story? Kinda makes me laugh. She is such a ridiculous addition that makes it obvious this is a kids’ show. When I first watched the show, Zuko's father and the fact he had branded him was such a serious “oh shit” moment. Like, that is a father whose expectations are truly ridiculously high. It was scary. I mean who could meet them?

Zuko, whether a villain or an anti-hero, was a special, unique character the first few episodes because he was intimately acquainted with the scary main villain in a way no one was.

Then comes Azula. Come at me to debunk me (I may not even try to argue because this is such a weird opinion in the fandom, for real I haven't heard it) but she feels like a writer self-insert. Not a little kid’s writer self-insert, mind you, she feels like a well-written, dark, and complex self-insert or oc written by a talented fic writer in her 30s with years of experience that may become an original writer someday, but an oc nonetheless.

Azula feels like “oh, Zuko could never live up to his evil father’s ideals? Oh here comes my oc Azula, despite being 2 years younger she is soo much better at firebending and does everything better, even being evil, she is the main villain’s golden child and sidekick! And the sister of the main antagonist who interacts with him constantly!” (oh isn't that so cool?) “oh shit wait she needs flaws otherwise she is a villain Sue, let's see.… perfectionism! Perfect flaw! and at the very end after needing a 2 against 1 setting to be defeated she has a mental breakdown, perfect!”

“But gifted children and prodigies exist!!” you may say. Yesss I knowww. She is both too dark of a concept and too corny for atla. I see the flaws and contradictions in the ~vibes~ Azula gives me, thank you anyway. But regardless of rationally being aware of this, the reveal that this powerful character that comes to replace Zuko in causing the gaang trouble (Because let's face it, the beginning of Zuko's redemption arc and needing an even bigger bad to replace him and shock the viewers by how much more dangerous/powerful they are is the whole reason for Azula’s existence) is his 14-year-old LITTLE sister is so… dorky and laughable for me personally. And not only because of her gender in case you come to attack me from that angle. Zuko's prodigy little brother would perhaps have been an even worse and more ridiculous big bad replacement (Girls being shorter is understandable, but with a little brother we would visually see how much Zuko would be able to beat him if this weren't a kids’ show with magic, it would be even harder to suspend my disbelief to). Like, I am sure the reasons I hate the concept are the very same reasons some others love it, but you are telling me that the one capable of fulfilling the evil child burner father's expectations is… simply some rando younger child? It is not that Ozai was a freak who wanted the impossible, it is just that Zuko wasn't it. It is corny, it is dumb. It is so obviously meant for kids. Thanks, I hate it.

Azula also combines in a very weird and bizarre way with Zuko's tragic origin story (Also it is just another source of angst that is completely unnecessary, that distracts from what his father did to him and never living up to his expectations or being too compassionate for his own good, now there is a little sibling in the way being better than him at everything). Call me crazy, but Zuko as an only child, or at least a child without crazy op YOUNGER siblings would have had a MUCH more interesting relationship with his father. Perhaps an even ANGSTIER and more complex relationship where his approval is just within reach but also not quite there. Where it seems conceivable and yet out of reach. Where Ozai is the type of abuser who gives him praise when he does something right just to tear him down mercilessly when he doesn't.

What Zuko has in canon with Ozai and Azula is also interesting, painful, and angsty, but it is “never be able to be this other random younger child who happens to be a prodigy so what is even the point of trying when dad always reminds me of how meh I am compared to her” instead of “never be able to be like my father who is putting all his hopes and that of his empire on me, who at times seems to care so much”. That last one is much more compelling for me personally for a character that ends up being the opposite of his father and learns being like him is not a good thing, it also gives Zuko a good, believable reason to keep trying to please his father: there is actually a chance, there is no one there who has already won the race. Oh my, his search for the Avatar would have made so much more sense without Azula why does Azuka exist in this universe whyy 😭

Don't get me wrong, the sibling rivalry and abusers putting children against each other, having a golden child and a scapegoat, is realistic in many families, but from a storytelling perspective I find it VERY whatever, MEH. Like, the moment Ozai burns Zuko would have been a much greater instance of utter betrayal and shock if Ozai actually acted at times like he had some hope in his son instead of being constantly comparing him to his sister. Now everytime I am made aware of what Ozai did to Zuko I am like “duh” what were you expecting, Zuko, baby? It is still evil as fuck, but no longer shocking or a wtf moment, it is just the boring, edgy and predictable culmination of Ozai already having a “better” child he prefers to succeed him, a total overkill, and in fact, knowing Ozai, he should have done so earlier or straight up had Zuko killed, it makes no sense he is still alive when Azula is a much better successor from his perspective. It means nothing and Zuko should of fing course be traumatized and emotionally and physically distraught by the damage done to him by his own father, but he should not longer logically be that shocked or struck dumb. From a fictional, storytelling perspective, for me personally, the moment loses a tiny bit of its power, at least from the betrayal-someone-who-should-care-for-you—hurting-you—instead aspect.

If I had been there to write the ~big worse bad before Ozai~ meant to replace Zuko as he begins his journey of redemption, I would have chosen something much more serious (I get “abused child soldier” is serious, duh, I just mean serious in a way that makes me fear for the gaang being faced not with a peer but with someone bigger and much more experienced, and not just distract myself with how horrible it is that a “father” makes a 14-year-old girl into a soldier for an invading army). I would have chosen an equally or even more powerful, ADULT, right-hand man (or woman) of Ozai. If it really had to be a sibling of Zuko, it would have been a brother or sister 5 years OLDER, and that is AT THE VERY LEAST, perhaps the son or daughter of a minor wife or concubine (To fix the issue of why they are not the heir and why Zuko could be jealous of their much better skills while at the same time still having a good reason to keep trying to earn their father's approval, which is that there is still time to learn and improve as the younger party, this could have also made Ursa more sympathetic since the “evil” sibling is no longer a child of hers that she emotionally neglected). This could also give the character depth in the sense that they hate the fact they have no claim to the throne despite being older and “better”. They could still care for Zuko while having a love hate relationship with them, a sibling rivalry, Ozai turning them against each other, same as Azula, without taking away from Zuko's interesting relationship with Ozai (I just want his urge to overpower his better sibling to come from a place of his father actually expecting him to do it and be mad he doesn't instead of just Ozai putting all his hopes on the other sibling and Zuko for some plot related reasons still wanting his father's impossible approval despite never being able to earn it because Azula is there, better at a younger age, is that too much to ask? Like at this point Zuko should be smart enough to see that firebending skills are inborn and related to ~fantasy-version-of-genetics~, he should logically have seen it is not his fault and stopped trying to be Ozai or Azula MUCH earlier).

So in summary, believe it or not, I like Azula. I like the whole child prodigy golden child psychologically groomed and abused by evil father angle and I would love a redemption arc for her. I just don't like her AS an atla character. I feel like she does a disservice to Zuko by even existing due to how complex and interesting yet overpowered she is, actually. She ruins his motivations imo. Ironically enough, Zuko does not do a disservice to her, he makes her more interesting because he is a warning of what could happen to her if she is not perfect, he makes her vulnerable. But here is the deal, this would work better if she was the protagonist.

Edit: I just realized it is not just Azula who does a disservice to Zuko's story, it is the whole “Ozai straight up hated the little fucker since birth and tried to kill him before as a child therefore what he did to him was not a consequence of Zuko being compassionate as fuck, Ozai might as well have been looking for an excuse”. It just cheapens it immensely.

Zuko caring for those soldiers still counts just as much (of fucking course), but it would have been more poignant story-wise for his suffering to have also be a direct consequence of his first signs of goodness + his father being an abuser pshyco and not just the latter + Ozai always hated him because Zuko is the good guy and his father’s empire is evil so we need a way to make the children see Zuko is good and not like the rest from the beginning in a painfully simple way by making Ozai inherently hate him or smt because abusers “loving” their children in fucked up ways is too complicated

[madebyrolo]

Chapter 9

ᨒ↟ ⋆｡° ᨒ↟ ⋆｡° ᨒ↟ ⋆｡°

ꔮ ⋆ ‧₊˚ ☽ ⋅

It’s been a couple days since the beach hangout, and y/n has been going down to the reservation a lot more ever since. Ever since her and a Paul finally met she’s been itching to see him again. She seen him once on the Rez, he was hanging around then the second time he was just “passing through” just sent a wave then vanished. She’s back at the Rez and she hasn’t seen him since.

“Hey Jake” she said walking into the workshop

“Hey y/n/n” he said working on his car

“Whatcha doin” she asked

“I’m just fixing the transmission, it started slipping and shaking so I’m just checking the fluids.” He said

“Ah yes” she replied

“You dont understand a thing do you” he said with a chuckle

“Ah yes” she repeated answering his question

“So when when are the other boys coming by?” By boys she meant Paul.

“Quil and Embry are grounded so it’s just us” Jacob said

“Cool cool, just like old times” y/n said with a smile “what about Jared and Paul…” smooth y/n.

A part of Jacob tensed up hearing y/n ask “so um they aren’t gonna be here for awhile” he said while grabbing a tool

“Why?” She asked concerned

“Well they’re kinda sticking to them self’s right now” he said turning the tool

“What do you mean?” he sighs and sets down the tools trying to figure out how to tell her without letting her know.

“In a way they hit puberty. Like not like in a boy way but in a tribal way. They mature and somewhat grew more into their own self. Sam was the first so he kinda took them and made his own little pack” Jacob said.

“So what they’re like the cool kids now? Sam’s the alpha” Y/n joked

“Yes actually, he is” Jacob said

“Oh, so what they aren’t allowed to come here anymore? I haven’t seen Paul in a while”

“They think they’re better than us. The ones who haven’t shifted” the word slipped out of his mouth.

“What do you mean shifted ?”

“Look, I can’t say much but they don’t wanna hang out with the “normies” basically.Now that they have Jared, they formed at little pack, a little gang. now let it go” He scolded her

“Okay! geez chill out” she said rolling her eyes

“Alright sorry that was rude. What’s up with your interest in Paul anyways?” He asked

“I don’t know” she said kicking her legs off the stool

“He’s seems nice. When I met him on the beach-”

“Y/n he’s not nice. Well not anymore anyways”

“What ?” She asked

“Like I said, he thinks he’s better than anyone els, the whole group. Sam has them skipping school and just going off in the woods doing patr- whatever they’re doing.”

“I just thought-”

“Y/n please don’t hang out with them. They’re not the good guys anymore. Emily has that scar for a reason.”

“Oh my god did they hurt her ?” She asked worried

“No she was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Not saying what Sam did was wrong but you just have to becarful around them now’s. It’s worst this time around.” Jacob said

“Wait what do you mean? With shifted, “worst this time around”, packs?-”

“Enough just drop it! I can’t say much they wouldn’t allow it.” He snarked

“Well for not being allowed to say much you sure do keep on talking.” She said defending herself

“Let’s just do something els alright?” Jacob offered to try to dissolved the tension

“Fine. Let’s make something to eat im starving”

y/n hops off the stool following Jacob towards his homes. They walk in the little red house and taking their muddy shoes off and heading into the kitchen.

“Alright what you got ?”y/n asked

“We can make subs, corn, pasta, fish,”

“Let’s do corn.”

“Grilled or boiled?”

“Grilled. That’s the only way Jacob.”

As they start prepping the corn to put it on the stove. As they cook it they start talking catching up, Jacob trying to make her forget about what they talked about earlier. As the corn finished cook y/n grabs it off the stove and puts them on separate plates going to the fridge and grabbing 2 things.

“Mayo and cheese ? What are you doing with that” Jacob asked

“I’m making an elote, my dad used to make them when we were younger. Here try it” she said taking her prepared elote and giving it to him to try. He takes a bite and his eye light up

“Mhhm this is soo good oh my god!” He said while taking it away from her.

“Yeah sure take mine.” She said sarcastically

She finishes her and they sit and talk while having dinner.

Y/n slowly starting to forget about Paul but she’ll never forget what Jacob said.

“Shifting, pack, alpha” those words slowing gracing her mind. If she didn’t know any better she would say they sounded like wolfs. But that’s just silly.

˚ ࣪𖤐⋆⭒˚‧₊ ִֶָ☾.

[logarhythm-bees]

The Carousel Kingdom 🏰 CH1 Junkyard Gold

Masterlist

Next

---

21-violets: hey patton

kitty-pat: hi virgil!

21-violets: u want to come help me find stuff for my apartment later? On the corner of Foley and Mian?

21-violets: mian*

21-violets: main*

kitty-pat: uhh hold on let me check it out

kitty-pat: virgil this looks like a junkyard

21-violets: yea

kitty-pat: r u sure that’s the right place?

21-violets: yeah i saw some cool stuff drivin by earlier. But tbh i am kinda nervous which is why i asked u to come 

kitty-pat: aw virge!

kitty-pat: ok, I’ll come!

21-violets: thanks pat : )

“Woah.”

“Yeah,” Virgil says, whistling. “Glad you brought your truck, ‘cause this stuff isn’t fitting in my car.”

“Why do we even go shopping if people are just throwing out purr-fectly usable stuff anyways?” Patton says, picking up a little vase with a cat on it, and frowning when it comes into two pieces in his hands. “Well, maybe not perfectly.”

“If you want that, we can glue it back together.” Virgil replies, looking over a relatively unscathed dining chair. “And the answer is probably somewhere between ‘capitalism,’ and ‘I don’t know how often this happens, I saw a guy dump a bunch of stuff here earlier so I thought I’d come by.”

Patton nods. 

“Whoa, Patton, look at this.” Virgil says, beckoning him over to a weathered section of scrap, where, piled underneath some old car parts and lumber, is the little faded head of a children’s carousel horse.

“C’mon, help me get it out.”

Patton obliges, and together they manage to gradually remove the scrap, bits of metal and wood coming away, slowly revealing not just one carousel horse, but the whole carousel, an antique little thing clearly meant for little kids but still pretty big compared to the rest of the broken-down things surrounding it.

“I wonder who dumped this here, this is sick,” Virgil says, hovering around it and brushing off the accumulated dust. ‘“I mean, I don’t think we could get it back to my apartment, and even then I don’t know where I’d fit it, but this is rad. We gotta take pictures, at least.”

Patton nods enthusiastically, clearly in favor of Virgil taking an entire children’s carousel home so he can ride it whenever he wants, but he curbs his excitement in favor of practicality, knowing they can’t put a carousel inside a studio apartment. 

“My phone’s got a better camera,” Patton says, taking it out of his pocket and handing it to Virgil. “Are you ever going to update yours?”

Virgil grimaces as he sticks his own phone into his pocket, riddled with cracks and chips, but…

“It’s still functional,” he says. “And I dunno, maybe I can get the screen fixed soon. It’s not at the top of my list, y’know? Anyways, smile!”

“Wha- Oh!” Patton laughs as Virgil pulls him into a selfie, flashing bunny ears behind Patton’s head. “Send that one to yourself!” Patton shout as Virgil jumps into motion taking angled shots of the worn carousel.

“Look at this paint here, it’s worn a lot but the pattern is gorgeous.” Virgil says, snapping a photo of one of the horses. “It’s like, gothic wallpaper. That’s so cool.”

“Look at this part, Virge,” Patton says, stepping closer to the carousel to inspect the middle column. “There’s a whole landscape painted on here.”

Virgil’s jaw nearly drops, immediately scuttling closer to take a peek and a photo. “You’re right! It’s so detailed. Man, I wish I knew why it was dropped here. This all looks like it was done by hand.”

“Mhm,” Patton replies, a little distracted by the streetlights flickering on and the sky starting to show little pinpricks of light. “Buuut, I think we should get going soon. Those chairs aren’t going to chair-y themselves!”

Virgil groans good-naturedly, looking back and forth between Patton and the carousel. Patton sighs quietly.

“C’mon Virge, we can’t keep horsing around all night!”

“I know, I know, just a few more photos,” Virgil says, and Patton relents, giving him space and a couple more minutes. Virgil is as cautious as he as eager, touching the faded paint and metal furnishings with a carefulness that Patton has always admired about his friend.

“Okay, I think I’m- just about done,” Virgil says, stumbling back off the carousel, and curiously, over a little wooden crown. “Oh dang, this must have fallen off.”

“Mhm, mhm,” Patton says, looking up at the nearly-nighttime sky with nervousness. “Are we leaving now?”

“Yeah, just one more photo,” Virgil says, picking the crown up gingerly and inspecting, carefully, the heads of the little horses until he sees one with a ring of missing paint.

Virgil holds one thumb over the photograph button and places the crown on its head, adjusting it with one hand, and just before he can take the photo, there is a bright flash of light.

And very abruptly, one horse missing from the carousel, is a person standing dizzily in its stead.

— 

Patton and Virgil don’t dare say a word as the person stumbles, groaning with one hand to their head, until the person collapses, and they both rush forward at once to assist.

“Owwie.” The person says, in a loud voice that immediately breaks the peace, and makes both of them flinch “Must’ve…had a dizzy spell. It’ll wear off, I’m sure.”

“Are you good, dude?” Virgil exclaims before he can stop himself, and Patton looks at him in alarm. Virgil doesn’t blame him- if he could look at himself talking unquestioningly to a stranger, he’d be staring at the scene too.

“I’ll be fine,” this mysterious person says, sitting up to better reveal two white protrusions- antlers? They must be antlers- they had better not be bones, good gravy- sticking out of their head. Their eyes, scrunched closed, finally blink open, looking around for a moment before quickly locking on Virgil and Patton sitting beside them. “Wait, who are you? Where are we?”

“Uhm. I’m Patton?” Patton says, motioning to himself, and then to Virgil. “And that’s Virgil. You’re in, uh, Gainesville, Florida?”

The person snaps to their feet, tail- tail?- swishing agitatedly behind them as they look around. “Did you bring me here? To this- this dump you call Flor Ida?” their antlers begin to glow, complex inlays becoming a soft red. “Tell me the truth! How did I get here? How far are we from Innova?”

“We don’t know!” Virgil starts, nervous energy overtaking him. “We just found a carousel here, and then one of the horses, it turned into you- and I don’t even know where Innova is- hey-!”

Before he can protest, Virgil is being lifted by his collar and looking straight into the eyes of a very angry stranger- odd, white- edged eyes with similarly white pupils, seemingly gazing straight into Virgil’s soul in a way that Virgil really is not liking.

“You’re right,” they say, seemingly finding what they were looking for, as they release Virgil and begin to pace. “You’re not of my world. But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook yet- !”

Before they can finish, however, they sway again, tail waving behind them for balance. “I- this conversation is not over!”

And then, the anger leaving in a huff, they faint.