#Seventh Sparrow

[emiliosandozsequence]

the seventh seal (1957) dir. ingmar bergman / the sparrow, mary doria russell

[dreamsclocks]

what's the play about?

THANK YOU SO MUCH I WAS WORRIED NOBODY WOULD ASK THIS AND I’D BE STUCK TRYING TO EXPLAIN FROM OTHER ANGLES. anon muah

so essentially we had a theme to work to and the theme was ‘sin’, so ME, being mr. hashtag unoriginal, decided to make it about the seven deadly sins. they’re stuck in a purgatorial room beyond time and space until the seventh sin (sloth) shows up to allow them to start the apocalypse.

it’s only a 20 minute play, but i’m debating making it longer or into a short novel because the characters are so compelling to me 😭

each character is absolutely AWFUL and the people i’ve seen audition for it have embodied that so well it’s so funny .. it’s a comedy but kind of a dark comedy considering the fact that they’re. uhm. the seven deadly sins.

(lust, wrath, sloth, pride, greed, envy, gluttony)

it’s been so much fun to write & is the first time i’ve shared my writing with people irl so it’s been so scary but so rewarding :]

THANK U ANON FOR LETTING ME YAP. IF NO ONE ELSE SENDS ASKS IM GONNA END RB-ING THIS AND YAPPING ANYWAY. BEWARE

[wornoutspines]

R.I.P.D. (Movie Review) | Still as good but in need of a Blumhouse-esque Reboot

#RIPD (2013) | Still as good but in need of a blumhouse-esq reboot #RyanReynolds #JeffBridge #moviereview #MaryLouiseParker #KevinBacon #Throwback #ThrowbackThursday

Based on the comic book created by Peter M. Lenkov and Lucas Marangon, this movie was written by Matt Manfredi (The Boys) and Phil Hay. Robert Schwentke and stars Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), Jeff Bridges (The Giver), Mary-Louise Parker (Red Sparrow, Mr. Mercedes), and Kevin Bacon (Blackmass, X: First Class). Premise: A recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest…

[arlessia-blessed-eye]

-Shadow Accord/House of Sparrows-

https://twitter.com/DreifusMontauc/status/1602765198020214785

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~

Hancock's office was quiet as time passed from our excursion & following escape. "By Rhalgr, I'm bored." I said, idly sharpening my daggers as we waited quietly. The whetstone sparking, Lyse laughed.

It had been nearly three bells since we had arrived with Gyodo in tow. Leaning down to hoist the unconscious Namazu onto the couch, she groaned before stepping away.

"I didn't realize I had struck him that hard." She said, the fishman twitching in response. He was playing possum. I sighed, going back to work as Tataru brought a cup of tea.

"Don't be so sure, Lyse. He's trying to fool us. Again. Thank you, Tataru." I replied, running my eye over my blade's edge before nodding in satisfaction. As I lifted the cup to my lips, I heard the outer entrance open.

"Here they come." I said after taking a haul off it, the door opening quickly in the following seconds. "Anything, Lyse? Arlessia?" Alphinaud asked quickly, at which Lyse shook her head & I cleared my throat loudly for our 'guest' to hear. Twitch.

He was really jumpy.

"He woke up five minutes ago. Been playing dead since." I said lowly-at which everyone looked to the prone catfish on the couch. Lyse then stepped up.

"Rise and shine, little fishy. I know you can hear me, so stop pretending to be asleep or I'll give you another ride on my boot."

Jumping up at the threat, one would be shocked at how fast this conman could move.

"...No! No, no, no more boots! All my secrets are yours for the asking!" He yelled, scared for his life. Exchanging glances with Lyse, I smirked & nodded, allowing her the lead.

"Tell us what you know about Yugiri and Gosetsu. Every last detail." She began eagerly. "And if I find out later that you lied to me─"

"No, no, no more lies! The clear, unvarnished truth! You have my word!"

"How comforting." I mused, reaching for my cup of tea on the table.

"Only the samurai did I meet. Yes, yes, only him! He asked after a ship, so I provided an introduction to...to the Garleans..." He said, shrinking as he finished under Alisaie's weathering gaze.

"You mean you led him into a trap, as you did us. Because you are an imperial spy."

"No, no, I am no spy! It was just business! Fewer ships pass through Kugane these days, and we have struggled to make ends meet...So when the Garleans offered a bounty for any Domans found in Kugane-"

"Oh, my mistake! You're not a spy, but a common cutthroat!" She sighed. "Not that I'm surprised-you need half a brain to be a spy. So what happened to the samurai?"

"Such a cruel, vicious tongue you have..." Gyodo sulked, jumping as Lyse raising a fist. "He would not go quietly, no, no. Blades were drawn, men were cut down. The Sekiseigumi came and they took the samurai away." Gyodo finished, looking at us as Hancock erupted into laughter.

"Hold on a moment! You mean to tell me the ijin they arrested the other day was Gosetsu? Oh, had I but known!" Chuckling to myself, I sighed.

"What did you have in mind, Hancock?"

"If he is in their custody-I need only see to it that the requisite funds find their way into the right official's hands, & your friend will walk free."

"As it is in Ul'dah, so it is in Kugane-but given our troubles, it seems we have no choice but to resort to underhanded means."  Looking over to Alphinaud as he spoke, Hancock flashed his smile.

"We'll make a pragmatist of you yet, Master Alphinaud!"

"Please, don't."

"You are free to wait here while I speak with the relevant official-but if you'd rather wait for Gosetsu outside the barracks, we can go together."  As I downed the rest of the tea in my cup & handed it back to Tataru gingerly, Alisaie looked to the merchant.

"I wouldn't put it past the imperials to try something again, so mayhap it would be best if Lyse, Arlessia, and I joined you."

"Beats waiting here." I said quickly. As Hancock nodded in assent, Lyse looked to our 'guest'.

"All right, but what about Gyodo?" She asked, at which Alphinaud stepped up.

"I will keep an eye on him for the time being. We can release him after you return with Gosetsu. He will doubtless have some choice words to him." Turning to Soroban with a warm smile, he spoke to him. "Soroban-mayhap it would be prudent to prepare your ship for our immediate departure."

"As you wish!" The Kojin replied, giving a nod before leaving.

"Everything is in order? Then let us be off. I'll lead." Hancock then said.

As we all geared up to leave, I heard Tataru muse to herself. "Hmm...I didn't think to include 'bribes' when I was calculating our budget for this trip." Chuckling at that comment, I warmly placed a hand on her shoulder.

"A clerk's best friend, right next to triplicate! Be safe."

Saying goodbye to everyone, we soon walked out into the morning sun after Hancock gathered his coin. Taking a turn to walk the harbor gate at pace, I looked for Akavi & Sama, & didn't see them. "Where're the others at? I don't see them." I asked, at which Hancock looked back.

"I asked them to take to the Shiokaze, to unwind after keeping watch all night. I do hope you don't mind." He replied, his reasoning sound to me-if not a little surprising.

"Oh. No...no they deserve it." I said, my ease returning as we walked down the stairs next to the barracks. As we ascended the arched bridge to the Sekiseigumi Garrison, Hancock promptly turned to us.

"I ask that you wait here. You may be assured that this will not take long." He said, producing his donation to the Sekiseigumi officer before walking inside. Watching him go, I sighed.

"What's on your mind, Arlessia?" Lyse asked, at which I looked back to her.

"Oh, I'm just thinking about the warning we had. And the assistance with the ambush itself. I wish to speak to the leader of the House of Sparrows and thank him for their help-what they expect in return.”

"Yes, it did seem you knew that man on the bridge..." Alisaie said, eliciting a nod from me.

"Aye. Remember what I told you about the situation Yelle & I had in Coerthas? That was the shinobi we ran into. Ryouta Kyōgoku. Their fraternity owed me a debt for that misunderstanding." As I said this, the others became quiet again. The sun slowly crawling across the sky, we waited some few minutes before someone spoke. Looking over to the wall behind us, Lyse sighed.

"This looks a bit fancy for a barracks, don't you think?" she said before chuckling nervously. She was quiet before continuing. "...He said it'd not take long, right? Because this feels a bit long to me. Is it really going to be as simple as he says, do you think?"

"I do. As imperious as they seem, the Sekiseigumi are not unlike overdressed Brass Blades." I replied.

"Calm down, Lyse. Everything is going to be all right. Much as I hate to admit it, I share Hancock's dim view of government officials and their supposed incorruptibility. From what I've gleaned of the Far East, they're probably exchanging lengthy pleasantries." Alisaie agreed.

"Insufferably so."

"There seems to be a correct way to do everything here, bribery being no exception. I say we leave them to it. Right, Arlessia?" Alisaie assented, looking to me with that last question.

"It'll work out. It has to. We've no other chance." I replied, starting into pacing steps. 

"Right, right. Everything's fine. Probably. I mean, it couldn't be as bad as the last time we stood around waiting for something to happen..."

"I told you, I had nothing to do with that cow herd." I said jokingly, smirking as my friends laughed at the absurd statement.

"You're terrible." Lyse said, a laugh still upon her lips as suddenly a shout from inside the barracks.

"HAVE AT YOU! AAAHHHH!"

As we looked over in shock, Lyse's eyes widened. "Was that...?" She began before turning to us both.

"That was Gosetsu-I'm sure of it! He's in trouble!" Running off without another word, Alisaie reached out to stop her, if only too late as she run off in haste.

"Lyse, wai-" She began, stopping with a sigh as she ran. "I suppose we should follow her, then."

"Well, we can hardly sell tickets, can we." I laughed, jogging after Lyse.

Sprinting inside the barracks & catching up with Lyse, we came upon a sight that gave us some measure of pause-Gosetsu & a Sekiseigumi samurai were locked in a fight in the open space of their compound. Striking with precision, our friend thrust his wooden sword, downing his foe.

As the young warrior fell to his knees in defeat, another raised his hand suddenly before breathing in.

"VICTORY TO THE SAMURAI!"

As the declaration was made, the observing members of the Sekiseigumi nodded & talked idly as the warrior facing Gosetsu rose, cradling his abdomen.

"What the..." I breathed as we continued making our way over, watching as Gosetsu & the young warrior bowed to each other. Rising out of the bow, Gosetsu roared into laughter.

"Hah hah hah hah hah! How many is that, now? Ten in a row?" He asked, as we finally made it over to him.

"Gosetsu!" Lyse said, surprised & garnering his attention. As his eyes registered who he was talking to, he then gasped.

"Oho! This is a surprise! What in blue blazes are you three doing here?" He asked-making me chuckle.

"We invited all of Eorzea, but they had prior engagements." Jabbing me in the elbow, Lyse scoffed.

"I could ask you the same thing! We've been looking all over for you-and then we suddenly heard you screaming!"

"Hmm-it would seem there has been a misunderstanding. Allow me to explain." He replied, shrugging meekly before taking a breath.

"To keep it verbose & concise, I was forced to deal with some imperials after a deal gone awry...and in dealing with them, the men of the Sekiseigumi arrived & arrested me. Not seeking death, I cooperated & in the intervening hours, I would come to a certain...kinship with them." As he spoke, he looked back to the men standing behind him quietly.

"I then managed to convince their commander that if I could fight ten of their best in single combat without losing, my freedom would be my prize. 'Tis a pity you came too late to witness the last one."

Turning to the blade who officiated, he smiled. "And with that, I am free to go, yes?" Gosetsu asked, at which the blade nodded.

"Our word, once given, may not be broken-but we pray you make every effort to avoid future altercations. Circumstances notwithstanding, my lord..."

"We are honored and grateful to have witnessed firsthand the skill of a Doman samurai." As the man's compatriots nodded in assent, Hancock walked out towards us with their commander in tow.

"Ah, & we had just concluded negotiations. I gather my assistance was not required?" Hearing the outright pain in his voice, we all simply shrugged to him. 

"Let us chalk it up as...a donation for better blades for the honorable men of the Sekiseigumi." I said, chuckling at the sheer coincidence. At that, Gosetsu roared in laughter once more as Hancock sighed.

"...Quite." He replied, defeatedly. Watching on, the Sekiseigumi commander chuckled before gesturing to the entrance to the garrison.

"Let me walk you to the exit." As we started towards the exit, I looked to Hancock with a smirk.

"How much?" I asked, at which he sighed again.

"The equivalent of three thousand gil." He answered as we stopped outside the gate. As the commander watched us leave, he threw us a nod & turned.

"Thank you for your contributions, I hope you enjoyed your stay, my lord." He said, making me laugh.

"Oh, I have to remember that."

Chuckling himself, he then gestured for the sentries to follow him & give us some privacy. Once we were alone, I looked back to our group as Gosetsu did some stretches.

"I must...apologize. That you endured such trials & tribulations in search of me-" He began, at which I denied.

"There's no need for that. You had no way or reason of knowing we would come looking for you." I said, at which Alisaie nodded with assent.

"You were after a ship to take you to Doma, yes? It just so happens we have found a willing captain." She asked, at which Gosetsu lit up.

"Truly? What fortune!"

"We will tell you all about it back at the company offices. Alphinaud and Tataru are waiting for us there." Alisaie continued, gesturing for us to get under way. Before we did, however, Lyse turned.

"What do you figure, though? You said..."

"Aye, I know. I know I said I'd look into the matter of the House of Sparrows, but I'd rather see Gosetsu to safety first." I answered her, at which Hancock looked over.

"You remember what I told you this morning? How to contact them?" He asked, at which I nodded.

"Rakuza District. I do. But as I said-” I turned to Gosetsu.

“-you must be exhausted. Let us take you to our current home away from home, my friend. You may enjoy what we have waiting..." I said, starting off down the bridge.

"Of course. Lead the way!" He laughed-at which he turned & kept pace. As we walked, he looked around. "So...what has transpired to prompt you to come over to find me?" He asked, adjusting his bracer. Sucking air through my teeth, I sighed.

"Oh, lots. We were having some success in liberating mine & Lyse's homeland...until we didn't. Our base sacked...set on by Zenos & his XIIth." Seeing his look of sour realization, I peeled the edge of my corset up from my hip, the dark color of my scar drawing his eye. "I tried to stop him...nearly died in the process. But as they say...failure is the harshest teacher." I continued, readjusting my garb again.

"Aye."

As we walked across the gate towards the office, I sighed. "Four weeks recovering at sea, I'm technically still on the mend. But after The Reach, I couldn't deny that we need to divide their attention. By stoking Doma back up into rebellion, and hopefully liberation, we can win." Gesturing to everyone following, I smiled. "And so, Lyse & I, the Twins, Akavi, Sama & Tataru all came to find you & Yugiri. To help you in the fight. It was the only course left us by them...but I proposed this. I'll be counting on your & her counsel to ensure our gambit works."

As he listened, he nodded solemnly. "And I would be happy to provide it...but for the Shadow-walker...I will explain when we're off the streets." He said, looking around. Looking at him calmly, I nodded.

"A problem?" I asked simply, at which he nodded slowly.

"Potentially." With that, I simply nodded as we had arrived back at the office. Waving everyone in, we began filing into the back room, Alphinaud turning as the door was thrown open.

"Gosetsu! Thank the Twelve you are unharmed!" He yelled warmly, making Gosetsu smile & wave bashfully.

"As you can see, Master Alphinaud, I am the very picture of health!" He said...but then he saw Gyodo.

"You! Vile fiend! Malevolent trickster! How kind the kami are to grant me vengeance so soon. But first, I demand you return the coin you so villainously embezzled from me!" As the Samurai roared, the Namazu looked as if he'd faint.

"Y-You have every right to be angry, good sir! Gladly would I return to you your coin...had I not been forced to repay certain gambling debts beforehand..." He squeaked pathetically.

"Every vice has it's mark." I sighed. Shaking his head in frustration, Gosetsu took a deep breath before Alphinaud turned back to our ally.

"Setting that matter aside for the moment-where is Lady Yugiri? Was she not traveling with you?"

"Ah, yes. As I told Arlessia, if you hoped to meet her, she's not here." Nodding as he spoke, I crossed my arms.

"That you did. So-what's the trick? You left Eorzea with her, to find your master?" I asked, eliciting a nod.

"For a time we travelled together, aye, but we parted ways some while ago, the better to improve our chances of finding Lord Hien."

"Lord Hien?" Lyse asked, prompting Gosetsu to look over to her.

"Forgive me-I have yet to explain. Lord Hien is the heir to Doma's throne, & our master. His was a passionate voice for the cause of Doman liberation, and when we learned of the Emperor's death, it only grew louder." As Gosetsu spoke, Alphinaud mused.

"So you seized upon the opportunity & rose up to reclaim your freedom...only for your hopes to be dashed when Zenos led his army unto your lands."

"The crown prince was a merciless foe. Against him and the might of the XIIth, we had no chance. Once Lord Hien understood this, he bade Yugiri take to the sea with as many of our people as possible. He, however, would stand and fight, that they might have more time to escape...I remained by his side as well, and together we carried on our doomed war." He continued, solemn. "And then, one day, in a fierce battle, we were separated. I knew not what became of him-only that he was beyond the Empire's reach, and that to find him, I would need Yugiri's aid."

"Would that every man woman & child were beyond the Empire. And so you made your trip to Eorzea." As I said that, Gosetsu nodded once more.

"Indeed. Alas...the situation grows more perilous by the day, for the new viceroy, Yotsuyu, is a black-hearted villainess who delights in the torment of our people. There is naught she would not do to further her pursuit of Lord Hien.”

"Thank you. I believe that makes things clearer. We are come to aid the Doman Liberation Front in resuming their efforts to overthrow their imperial oppressors." Alphinaud expounded. 

"Arlessia told me as such-allow me to join you! My inquiries here bore no fruit, hence my desire to return to Othard."

"And the next time we see some imperials, we can throw you at them for 'shock & awe'" I said with a laugh.

"Once there, I can lead you to our headquarters in Yanxia, where we shall all be reunited with Yugiri!" He said proudly, causing Alisaie to look down in thought for a moment.

"Mayhap not all. Alphinaud's talents would seem better applied here in Kugane, working closely with Tataru and Hancock to feed us intelligence. There is a Garlean embassy just down the road, after all-" She began, at which Alphinaud cut back nigh almost instantly.

"While I appreciate the confidence, I should be glad to accompany you all-"

"As a soldier in the field, so to speak? Come now, Brother, a competent commander assigns his soldiers the tasks best suited to them-as you should know. And you are so very good at espionage & intrigue."

Looking down, he sighed. "'...For we all must serve-each in our own way.' Very well. It would seem my place is here." He then said, with some measure of disappointment. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I smiled.

"Don't worry-plenty of war to go around, Alphy. We'll clear the way." Nodding to me, he smiled as I stepped away to join the others. "We should start our preparations." I said, rearranging my weapon belt.

"Soroban is waiting at the pier. Have fun, you lot!" Tataru said, waving everyone off. Filtering out of the office, I sighed & stopped Lyse.

"Lyse, I'm gonna take a moment now to see about the Sparrows. Please take everyone down to the pier & get everything in order & our birds ready. I won't be too long." I said, at which she nodded.

"Alright, Arlessia. Good luck." She said, clasping my arm warmly before turning. Watching her & the others leave, I took a deep breath before following out the doors, by chance running into Akavi & Sama, just returning from their R&R.

"We'll be down in a few, Lyse-See you there!" Sama called out to the others. Seeing her immediately buoyed my mood about this.

"Ah, there you are! I hope your breakfast was nice?" I asked, joining them promptly with a smile. As I spoke, they both turned with smiles.

"It was! Only way it could've been better if everyone was there. I see you all found a lead that led straight to Gosetsu!" She said happily.

"Aye, the fish talked. He was being held by the Sekiseigumi...even earned his own freedom by the time we found him. But that aside...I'm about to go have a house call. House of Sparrows that is. I'll try not to overstay my welcome." I said, which they both exchanged glances.

"Arlessia, are you sure they're trustworthy?" Akavi asked, her eye piercing. "We know not their motives aside the debt. They might be privy to working with Imps."

"Indeed. I am going in with open eyes, Akavi. But I would rather deal with it now. Maybe convince them to assist us." Sighing, I looked to Sama's smiling face & rubbed her shoulder. "On my father's grave, if it so much as stinks, I promise I will get out of there. But from what I know of Ryouta, I doubt that'll be that." I said, nodding to them.

"Good luck, lover." Sama said, clenching my hand.

"With that, how can I fail?" I teased, pecking her on the cheek before leaving. Would that I could ease my nerves, but that was close enough. Crossing over towards the Rakuza District, I cooled my blood to be ready for anything...but I couldn't shake this ill feeling.

Walking through the back alleys, I recalled the conversation I had with Hancock. ~At high noon, in the Rakuza District, you will head to the second alley behind the main thoroughfare. You will be watched the entire time. Don't reach for your weapons and you'll be fine.~

As I walked, I passed of a trio of drunks.

~You'll know the way is open if you see three drunkards fighting in the street. They have blades in their cassocks for those with ill intents. Now to proceed, you will have to continue down the alley, stopping before a lantern keeper.~

Seeing the lantern man, I continued.

~He's the guard in essence. He'll be your ticket in or down to the bottom of the bay. I've had the luxury to overhear their password system, just not the answer. You'll be hoping that whoever you're keen on meeting has left a note about you.~

Stopping before him, the man looked me up & down, his eyes lingering on my blades. "Is there something I can help you with, O jō?" He asked, at which I nodded.

"Aye." I said, looking to his lantern, that Sparrow stamp on the rod. "I'm here birdwatching. I require a local expert."

"Oh? I believe I know someone...what birds do you plan to catch, if I may, O jō?" He then asked, calling my bluff.

"Sparrows. Far Eastern Sparrows, in particular. A recent acquaintance suggested I look after them if I ever found myself in Kugane." I answered. And his eyes lit up.

"Ah-Mistress Blessed-Eye. Please proceed through the alley on your right, turn left, and draw a bucket from the well. You'll know where to go from there." The Lantern man said, gesturing towards the gap in the brick.

"My thanks." I said, taking the hint. Walking slowly, I sighed. "Cat and Mouse...they wouldn't be hidden otherwise." I breathed. I then cast a glance to the rooftops above. I caught sight of at least one shinobi in stealth watching me, no more than a shimmer in the midday light.

~Once you're past him, you'll be in the fox den. Good luck.~

Walking over to the well, I saw another stamp on the edge whilst I leaned over & opened the cover-grabbing the bucket, I was surprised to see a mass amount of spider webs inside. Throwing a look into the well, I was surprised to see it open up. "Cheeky devils." I laughed quietly.

Climbing up & grabbing a hold of the rope, I slid down into the empty cave quickly before leaping down to the floor once I ran out of rope. The sound of my heels making contact with the floor echoing through the passageway. "Would that we had this during the Bloody Banquet..."

After musing this to myself, I began running down the passage. My heels clicking in the cold dark, I quickly moved upward for over thirty two minutes. After that time passed, I found myself looking up ladder climbing sheer up the wall of the hollow, reaching up a hole in the top. Getting a running start, I leapt up to grab the cast iron rungs fastened into the bricks, the clang of my ring hitting the iron echoing from the halls as I climbed. Groaning as I reached up again & again, my hip scars began to flare when I reached the top point.

"Gods, almost..." Gasping at the prods in my hips, I reached up to the last rung & climbed over, the sight almost blinding me in the sight. "Wow..." I breathed as I climbing out of the sister well, surrounded by a garden of bamboo.

"I must be at least a malm into the interior of Hingashi..." Running my hands over my hips hesitantly, I began walking forwards slowly.

"Two, actually. You made good pace, Blessed-Eye." Looking up, I smiled as I was confronted by a familiar personage.

"Most had you clocked for arriving at full bell-but not me."

"Hello, Ryouta."

"Welcome."

Chuckling at his salute, I returned it before extending my hand-at which he shook it firmly.

"I have to thank you personally for your assistance last night. I wasn't sure if we could have made it out of that. But you had us." I said, at which he smirked simply.

"My pleasure..." Letting go of my arm, he gestured for us to walk. "...is what I'd like to say. But I was on assignment to make sure you came to no harm. Imperial or otherwise."

"Glad to know you had me in case I choked on my sushi." I said jokingly as we strode into the hidden fortress.

"Hah. But in all seriousness, it is good you have come. The Flock Keeper would've sent for you before long, in a manner you might've not liked, but we both know you have your own timetable."

"Hm. The Flock Keeper-your leader?" I asked, at which he nodded with heavy burden.

"Aye."

"Alright. While we walk-what is this place? Your very own monastery?" I asked, us walking through training yards & meditation gardens.

"It's called the Shadow Accord-Built in ancient Hingan fashion, generations of shinobi have been trained here by the House of Sparrows." He said.

"How prestigious...although I feel that isn't as rosy as it first seems." I replied, at which he nodded.

"I've been here since I was four. Doman born, very few elezen in the province, so when my brother fought, the imps came calling. A familiar story, I gather." Aye, it was. Rising a set of white marble steps, Ryouta hummed.

"The master, however, built this all himself. When a new arrival comes, when they stumble, when we need to get away from the killing. He doesn't hesitate to ease our burdens. A father to every one of us. But come, he's waiting."

Walking through the entrance of the palace-like building, I looked down at the weaved wicker mats on the floor as we walked on it, the give somewhat comforting. "How extensive is the training? I saw it myself, but the logistics fascinate me." I asked, at which he looked back.

"It's grueling. But as you no doubt know, immense pressure creates diamonds in the rough." He answered, chuckling.

"I wonder it'll help my technique in any way. I might even add to yours...but from what I remember, my Raiton could use some bolstering. Yours was...BLISTERING." I confessed. Chuckling again, he sighed.

"I've always had high attunement to lightning, as such Raiton came to me naturally. Anyways, here we are. Let me announce first."

"Clear as crystal." I replied, looking up to see a white robed figure upon the central ring, the light shining off steel. Rising up onto the stage, Ryouta sighed before kneeling.

"Keeper. Arlessia Blessed-Eye has graced our house with her presence. She's come to thank us for our generosity."

"Thank you, Ryouta. You're dismissed, go get yourself fed, my boy." The man said in a voice like broken glass.

"Yes, Keeper-It was only right." Ryouta said with a nod, him rising with a bow. Looking over to me, he smiled. "Good day, Arlessia Blessed-Eye."

"Same to you, Ryouta. Oh, and before I forget-Rielle, the girl, she's doing better." 

"...Thank you." He replied quietly before leaving, his soft footsteps near silent on the mats.

"Good kid. Bit reclusive. It is good to make your acquaintance, Arlessia Sharpe-though I was looking forwards to meeting your allies as well." He said, turning as he spun his Hrothgar frame, his tail swishing with the motion.

"They know I'm here, but we have a timetable to keep."

"That I understand. Busy dealings happening in the far east as of late-& it would seem you're eager to place yourselves at the center. Refreshments?" He asked, his heavy accent bouncing off the walls.

"I'm fine. As Ryouta said, I came to thank you for your House's assistance."

"Then, to begin, let me formally welcome you to our home, the Shadow Accord, and it was our pleasure to even our ledgers. In Kugane less than two days, & the imperials are on you. You & yours tend to walk loud, no offense." He said, his bow come & gone by the time he finished.

"Well, we tried to keep silent, but let us say time had come to shake the tree." I replied, at which he chuckled.

"Of course. Ryouta basically begged me to send him, so I did. He swears up & down you & yours are to be believed in-but forgive me if I say I fear for his judgement."

"Then why oblige him? Your debt would have been gone either way." I asked, at which he nodded quietly.

"Quite. But we live by a code. The imperials are exempt of our service. I'm from Bozja. The Empire decimated my home trying to commune with the lesser moon eleven years ago.”

“We recruit solely from those who've felt the Empire's sting, and I know you are no ally of them. Hence the stirrup in Kugane. Gyr Abania. Eorzea. You fought & killed Bahamut himself after the Praetorium fell."

"My, you're good. Not even the Alliance knows to the full extent."

"Information is one's best weapon. If I had known of you before the Rogues found you, you might've had a home here, know that with pride." Chuckling at his statement, I laid a hand upon my dagger.

"I would've, yeah-in another life mayhap. I did have an offer to present to you."

"You wanted to gauge us for the service of assisting you in liberating Doma. I know." He said with a slight smirk & a sigh. "I must refuse. Although my House & the Accord has benefitted from Doman lives, we supported Lord Kaien's rebellion...and paid dearly for his defeat."

"And even knowing my...OUR track record, you're willing to hold back on hope?" I asked, looking down to the floor as my heart deflated. As I said this, I heard a small whisper in the back of my mind.

~Gut him-he's useless...~

"I'm sorry, my friend. We support our own interests."

Shaking off the whispers of Bacchus in my mind, I looked back to him with a neutral look.

"I wish you success-I really do. You tangle with the crown prince. You want to even a score that you have no way of paying the bet for. What's next that'll you lose? Your life? Your lover?"

As he said this, my eyes lit up.

"Easy, you know I meant no offense by it." He began, my arm easing off my dagger as I clocked the seven shinobi in the rafters, watching from stealth. "You seek to do something only your gods could accomplish-or with great loss."

"I disagree." I sighed, turning to leave. "You're wrong, fortunately. Gosetsu thinks Doma can be restored. I choose to believe him."

"Hmph. He would. Hien was a symbol to his people since before he was born. Domans Idolize their regent. But without one, they're lost. Good luck, Arlessia."

"Aye. Thank you for your time, Flock Keeper." I replied, casting a glance back to the Hrothgar elder & nodding. Stepping off the platform, I wove the aether needed for Teleport & blinked in a burst of vacuum.

"Let us hope the imperials don't break you. The world would be lesser."

Appearing in the Kugane Plaza only around a minute later, I took a deep stretch as I landed upon the stone pave. This outcome was deeply disappointing, as I had counted on earning their support, but I cannot deny that it was in the Keeper's right to refuse-I just wished he hadn’t.

Making for the pier promptly, I hummed as I walked up on the others conversing at the docks, Akavi walking away from the harbor master with a sigh of frustration.

"We're FINALLY clear. Damn red tape." She sighed as I approached with purpose. Coughing, I let my presence be known.

"You guys got hung up, huh?" I said, a nod from Akavi confirming the question. 

"How'd it go?" She asked as I walked past.

"Oh-fine, fine-plenty of thank yous & background information. But as for assistance for our mission, the most I got is an I.O.U." I said, looking to Soroban.

"But enough about that. Soroban, I'll help get your ship hoisted & ready, if you need." I said, stepping over.

"Ah, thank you. I say though, the Hingans really seemed to delight in delaying our departure."

"Let me help you! I'm familiar with his type of vessel!" Gosetsu offered.

"Thank you, I actually needed to speak alone to you." I began as we walked over to Soroban's boat-one that seemed to list. "The House of Sparrows seemed convinced that our crusade is a fool's errand. And considering what he displayed they know, I'm inclined that they believe it."

Jumping into the boat, I knelt down to get at the rigging as Gosetsu began on the mooring to the pier.

"That's a shame...for them." He said, at which I chuckled.

"I must admit though-they've made a good enough home for no few Domans. But I'd rather deliver the real thing. Yet..." Taking a deep sigh, Gosetsu looked over.

"What's the matter, friend? Something still caught in the honey that is your plan?" He asked, catching my doubts as he took a seat beside me as I produced my map.

"Well, to go any further, we need to deal with the Confederacy & onto Doma."

 "Aye, those cutthroats are an ever present personage on the waves of the Ruby Sea...but I gather you need something other than my knowledge of pirates."

 "Indeed. Tell me of the state of Yanxia & Doma when last you saw her. I need to know."

"What I have to say won't be clean."

"Tell me anyways."

And so, as we waited for the others to file in, bring their effects & our chocobos to be released, we spoke on the plight of his people. An all too familiar tale, indeed.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

[adventure-showdown]

What is your favourite Doctor Who story?

TOURNAMENT MASTERPOST

synopses and propaganda under the cut

The Happiness Patrol

Synopsis

The TARDIS arrives on the planet Terra Alpha, where the Seventh Doctor and Ace discover a society in which sadness is against the law - a law enforced zealously by the brightly uniformed Happiness Patrol. The planet is ruled by Helen A with the aid of her companion, Joseph C, and her carnivorous pet Stigorax, Fifi.

The penalty for those found guilty of unhappiness is death in a stream of molten candy prepared by Helen A's executioners, the robotic Kandy Man and his associate, Gilbert M.

Propaganda no propaganda submitted  

Blink

Synopsis

In an abandoned house, the Weeping Angels wait. The only hope to stop them is a young woman named Sally Sparrow and her friend Larry Nightingale. The only catch: the Weeping Angels can move in the blink of an eye. To defeat the ruthless enemy — with only a half of a conversation from the Tenth Doctor as help — the one rule is this: don't turn your back, don't look away and don't blink!

Propaganda no propaganda submitted

[gallifreyanhotfive]

Random Doctor Who Facts You Might Not Know, Part 60

Very soon after regenerating, the Second Doctor had pulled a large earring out of a trunk in the TARDIS, which he described as very fashionable once and remembered that at one point he used to wear it. (Novel: The Power of the Daleks)

Borusa once wrote a history book titled Rassilon the God. (Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible)

Like all other Time Lords upon initiation into the Academy, it has been confirmed that Susan once gazed into the Untempered Schism. (Audio: E is for...)

Many years after Nyssa left the Fifth Doctor to stay on Terminus, she had an adventure with the Fourth Doctor. This meant the Doctor had met Nyssa before Traken. (Novel: Asylum)

The First Doctor trained to be a ninja on Quinnis. (Novel: The Devil Goblins from Neptune)

The Ninth Doctor once got stranded when the TARDIS burped and jumped ahead 20 years in the future. From 20 years in the past, he communicated with a 12 year old girl named Sally Sparrow, knowing all about where to leave messages for her because she wrote about it in her homework, and that homework had been given to him by a spy in the future. Sally Sparrow successfully returned the TARDIS to the Doctor and grew up to be that very same spy who gave the Doctor the homework in the first place. (Short story: What I Did on My Christmas Holidays by Sally Sparrow) This story was later adapted into Blink.

Amendment 9 of the Fourth Constitutional Addendum is a Gallifreyan law also known as the "Stupidity Clause." K-9 brought it up while trying to think of a way to get Romana II found innocent during her trial. (Audio: Mindbomb)

On one of their first trips off Gallifrey, the First Doctor and Susan went to Garazone, where Susan bought him a model of the Nightjar after hearing stories about it. The Doctor put it up in the TARDIS. (Audio: Pursuit of the Nightjar)

This Nightjar model is still in the TARDIS by his Eleventh incarnation. (Audio: All of Time and Space)

Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart and Doris once saved Susan from drowning. (Short story: The Gift)

Soul catching refers to the Gallifreyan rite in which a Time Lord transfers their mind to another's shortly before their death, after which their mind will join the Matrix. The Third Doctor used it on Waro once, and the Eighth Doctor once used it to communicate with the Beast. (Novel: The Devil Goblins from Neptune; The Taint)

The Thirteenth Doctor once identified Halogi-Kari as a Harbinger, a rare and powerful race. He was a Wolf of Fenric and had transported Ace to Iceworld on Svartos when she was young. (Novel: At Childhood's End)

The Fifth Doctor once went temporarily blind when he plugged himself into a defense net and got overwhelmed. (Audio: The Children of Seth)

The Eighth Doctor tried to warn the Seventh Doctor of the circumstances of his upcoming regeneration, but the Seventh Doctor decided that he would proceed as he would have anyway (as foreknowledge is dangerous to the Web of Time.) (Novel: The Eight Doctors) This means that the Seventh Doctor knew he was about to die and regenerate in the beginning of the TV Movie.

Near the end of his life, the Seventh Doctor grew depressed and lonely, and he knew he should go to Gallifrey and give himself to the Chief Hospitaller and his team of psycho-techs. Gallifrey had access to neurosurgery, therapy, and drugs, and the last resort was forced regeneration with the hope that the next body would not have the same melancholia. (Novel: The Eight Doctors)

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[blindedowl]

Genesis

tw: nsfw themes, fem reader, dom reader, stalking, yandere

Sunday, August 4, 2024

You’ve been quite stressed lately. What that promotion of yours offered in profit has been quickly chipping away at your sanity, and that new apartment, while spacious, still leaves much to be desired in location. However, tonight was different. These lonely, late-night commutes have brought you a unique sense of comfort. And though your phone’s light still accompanied you through the night, you were glowing even brighter yourself. 

Monday, August 5, 2024

This night was no different. You carried that air from before, or rather, it carried you as you glided across the sidewalk. Your feet, as feathers upon clouds, skipped and danced as if you were performing for an audience. Your stress evaporated, and your load lightened.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Tonight, you marched with confidence. The trees to your sides guarded you like cherubim to the throne; The rustling of their leaves as your drumline. Truly, nothing had changed. Your job the same and your apartment still littered with empty boxes, but perhaps the night, had finally come to respect you. 

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

What a sight to be seen. You had came down from your high, and yet you seemed to merge with the heavens. Nay, you had found your way back into them. The moon and stars now shining brightly as celebration at their creator’s return.

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Tonight, you brought a man an ANIMAL into your home. With a sultry look on your face no less. Your apartment now reeked of rotten fish. Spattered with dirt and crumbs. TAINTED with the presence of a COMMON HOUSE SPARROW. Why? My beautiful dove, why would you let this filth befoul you this way? And he left so soon. Is this what had made you so happy? So at peace? I watched over you throughout the night. Your soft skin glistening in the moonlight. I would never let you be alone; This would not happen again. 

Friday, August 9, 2024

Today, I followed you oh so closely. Closer than ever before. Your scent cleansed my nose of the trash the night before; Your voice a harmonious choir upon my ears. Through none other than a miracle, I had been able to breathe the same air as you. And so, I continued to follow you, delighted in your presence, all the way back to your nightly walk home. Where suddenly, you stopped and turned to look directly at me, a cruel smile adorning your face. 

“You’re so much cuter when you’re jealous.”

I fell to my knees as you walked up to me. Frozen you placed a hand gently on my chin, tilting my head up to meet my eyes; Yours blending in with the stars in the night sky. You let out a sigh as your smile quickly melted into a disappointed frown. Then, you promptly removed your hand and gave me a firm slap.

“You’ve been getting lazy recently. Don’t disappoint me again. My seraph.”

I remained there far longer after you left. My hand resting on my reddened cheek. I had been born anew. My Goddess having given me a second chance.

Saturday, August 10, 2024

And on the seventh day, you rested.

thank you for reading til the end, big experiment here, feedback appreciated <3

[skarkkk]

First;

I think it's cool that the triangle is over, and that Tristan is with Vivian and Max and Avery are together, but it also doesn't seem right. I don't see much chemistry in Max and Avery together, you know? Just the two of them, even though I like them just as I like Tristan and Vivian.Something is missing, and we know what it is.

Second;

I loved that a bunch of cool costumes appeared in the Halloween episode (Wolverine, Addams, Jack fucking Sparrow, Velma, etc.) and I loved Tristan being a fan of Halloween.

Third;

I liked that there was a bad experience there just with Tristan getting high, but he barely had it this episode so I don't know what to say, besides that I was really expecting something more serious precisely because of him bumping into Gomes.

Fourth;

Tristan extended his hand to Avery, then extended the other to Max, and the look that Max and Avery exchanged and then looked at Tristan, damn, there's no way this won't end in a threesome, right? Does everyone agree? I want a slowburn, an attraction and denial of feelings between the boys and I want Vivian to be happy, but maybe don't with Tristan because he already has a man and a woman for him.

Fifth;

yes fuck, long live lesbians, I was happy she didn't die and didn't lose her arm (even though I think she was pretty stupid for going into that cave, but what can you do, brave people) and it ended well for them.

Sixth;

I need the Captain to have daddy issues, please, because then I can use "A middle-aged man who is healing boy's daddy issues while also healing his own." for his relationship with Tristan because I found it so meaningful and cute that he let Tristan wear his uniform (even though he said it was because of the near-death experience, I know your type, sir he's not my son-he's my son) and I really hope she's right, because it would be awesome to see Tristan's Mommy Issues put aside while he creates a father-son relationship, you know? Because now I'm also curious about his father, who I don't remember if they mentioned it until now, but anyway, yeah, I need to know.

Seventh;

can we talk, as fans of Doctor Odyssey and 911, how easy is it for someone to do a crossover starting with the guy from the cruise who was also on Athena and Bobby's cruise? That blond guy who was in Flash too. Someone really needs to do this. Maybe an almost Eddie/Tristan that triggers Buddie and Avery/Max/Tristan... Just an idea (someone please do it)

Eighth;

I had said in the study of the other episode that I wanted to see Tristan in a near-death experience, coincidentally that happened, but I don't feel like it was enough. I need more trauma, more character development and more Max/Tristan because I love their interactions.

Ninth;

okay, like Jack Sparrow Max might have won, but Tristan got the better of Neptune there.

Tenth;

(oh my god, how did I almost forget this???) that scene with Tristan at the party, the first one where he sees Max with the same Neptune costume but also before that, when it showed his blurred vision and he almost bumped into people, you know? We all realized that the looks those men gave him were definitely Queer as hell, we also noticed his confused state, but still, it means something, right? What men on this cruise want him (totally understandable) and maybe he can want them back? Maybe a scene of some man hitting on him and Max kind of in that way that we readers like, Tristan realizing some things about himself, if he doesn't already know. Because, come on, mommy issues (seeking approval, probably a "what's wrong with me?" ) + running away to the sea (repressing himself, an escape) + medicine (self-demanding, pressure) + giving off that vibe? This boy may not end up with Max and Avery, but there's no way he's 100% straight, please.

Eleventh;

Still waiting for a mention of Brazil... Silva... please ABC?

[heartslobbf]

[ID: ten shots from 'revolutionary girl utena' paired with excerpts of black text. the first is of the chairman's tower at night. text reads: 'this is no cultivated haven.'

the second is of akio driving his car with anthy in the passenger's seat, countless swords bursting from her body. text reads: 'this is the earth riddled with a brother.'

the third is of mikage and mamiya watching nemuro memorial hall burn down. text reads: 'we have followed the flames followed him here'.

the fourth is of a java sparrow laying dead on the floor. text reads: 'where all the black birds in the world have fallen like a shotgun blast to the faded ground.'

the fifth is of a vase of roses, of which only a single white one still has petals. text reads: 'the vines have hardened to worms baking in the desert heat.'

the sixth is of akio standing before the rose gate. text reads: 'we are at the gate'.

the seventh is of utena's hand reaching up to the handles of the rose gate, which are covered in pink roses. text reads: 'shaking the gate climbing the gate'.

the eighth is of akio staring disdainfully down at the broken sword of dios. text reads: 'clanging our cups against the gate.'

the ninth is of the student council around a campfire grill. nanami is sitting on the floor with a distant expression, in her standard uniform, whereas the rest of the council stand, the upper halves of their bodies out of frame. text reads: 'this is no garden.'

the tenth is of akio and anthy standing either side of utena, collapsed on the floor. anthy clutches her own heart sword. text reads: 'this is my brother and i need a shovel to love him.' /end ID]

natalie diaz, a brother named gethsemane / revolutionary girl utena (1997)

[h4arts]

Could you do one where reader is a Pureblood Hufflepuff she bff with Sirus black lily Evan and the other maunders( remus james and peter anyway she in a relationship with remus Lupin any plot is fine am not to picky :)

sunflower and sparrow, remus lupin synopsis: you're given a note from remus, and something that means a lot more than you think warnings: none (i don't think), maybe grammar/spelling errors though

peter pettigrew ran as quickly as his feet could carry him, weaving between waves of other students crowding the staircases he needed to take. it was urgent, that's what sirius had said when he sent the blonde off in a rush. straight to the hufflepuff common room, ask for the ghost. sirius' instructions had been exactly that, and in the seconds that followed, a laugh emitted from james who was hovered over lily in the arm chair of their own common room.

now that peter really thought about it, it was stupid, and he had no idea why he even bothered. maybe it was the hope he'd see a certain blonde on the way there. maybe it was to see his friend, but it was mostly stupid. at the portrait acting as a door, peter saw who he assumed to be the ghost sirius spoke of, and he let out a disbelieving sigh at the wide grin and bubbly laugh of emmeline vance as she took the slip of parchment from the panting boy's hand. "thanks, love." she calls back to him, a playful wink going over her shoulder. peter left the corridor annoyed, planning how to make sirius' pay him back for the trouble he'd gone to for no reward.

"good morning, lovely." emmeline's hair brushes over your face as she flops onto your bed beside you. "you were reading a different book last night when i left."

"i finished it, and i've been wanting to start this one for a while." you reply, resting your cheek on the crown of emmeline's head which rested on your shoulder.

"the one sirius gave you?" she felt you nod your head, and decided to give you the note peter so graciously delivered mere minutes prior to her visit with you. "our dear peter was in a rush to get this to you. thought i'd hand deliver it." as soon as the paper was in your grasp, the black haired girl sprung herself off the bed and headed for the door. "i'll see you later!"

you set your book down on the small stand beside your bed and unfold the messy parchment, eyes immediately reading the note scribbled in fine cursive.

my sunflower,

out seventh year will be over in two months already, i hope you've begun studying for your exams. though i know you haven't, and i'll be meeting you in the library after classes tomorrow to fix that. can't have you failing your final year without the rest of us. come meet me by the lake when you get this, and bring your ink.

with love, your sparrow

you had given remus the name sparrow your fifth year, after quite a few shifts in personality and behavior. you'd though the symbolism suited him well, and he didn't feel like arguing your points anymore. then just last year, he in return gave you the name sunflower. his reasoning? the first time he'd told you he loved you, he'd given you a sunflower, and a torn out page from a book that said sparrows preferred sunflowers.

but now you were on your way to the lake, your pot of ink tucked into the pocket of your jacket. it was an odd request, one that occupied your thoughts until you saw remus waiting for you, back leaning against the trunk of a tree overlooking the water.

"hi." remus stands from his spot on the ground to meet you as you drew nearer to the tree.

"hi." you smile, reaching to take his outstretched hand. "what did you need my ink for?"

"i ran out." he replies simply, a grin crossing his features that you knew all too well.

"well why do you need it now? i highly doubt you brought me out here to watch you do homework." remus laughs, straightening out the blanket on the ground so you had somewhere to sit before moving beside you.

"it's for this." reaching behind him, he retrieves a bag with a book inside. it was the collector's edition of your favorite book, one you'd told remus about many times since he'd known you. he also knew you'd been saving up for it as there were few left in sale.

"remus-"

"don't lecture me or anything, just take it and trust that i know what i'm doing."

"thank you so much." remus laughs with you as your arms fling around his neck, pulling him into a death grip hug. "i love it." remus takes a minute to observe the wide smile you wore as you flip through the pages, and he found himself completely awed by you. "oh, what did you need the ink for?"

"here." remus holds his hands out for the ink and sets the book between the two of you, only the cover of the book open. you watch as he carefully adds a small paper to the back of it and began drawing something that you couldn't quite see. then, when he pulled his hand away you saw a bird resting on top of a flower. looking closer, you realized it was a sparrow perched on the petal of a sunflower. "you've always kept me from falling, even when i thought i would. i don't think you'll ever quite understand just how much you mean to me, but i want you to know."

"i understand. you're everything to me too." remus smiles, nothing but love in his eyes as he looks at you. "and the drawing is beautiful. i'll always keep it, just like i'll always have you."

[emiliosandozsequence]

he just gets it

[strangethings-everywhere]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Tagged by @sassyandclassy94, thank you so much for tagging me in this kind of stuff!

How many works do you have on AO3? Five

What's your total AO3 word count? 135,767

What fandoms do you write for? Marvel (specifically Spider-Man), Lockwood and Co, and The Boys in the Boat. I do have a 1917 fic on there, but I'm not currently working on it

Top five fics by kudos?Proof That Harley Keener Has A Heart - 381 The Injury of Finally Knowing You - 234 Star-Crossed in the Worst Way - 135 All I've Ever Known - 78 When Our Fingers Touch, I Feel My Way Back Home - 4 (I weep)

Do you respond to comments? I want to and I'm trying to get better at responding! A lot of times, I just get distracted lol

What is the fic you wrote with the angriest ending? I've actually never finished a fic (yikes) but I predict it'll probably be my WWII coxstroke AU, just because of war and stuff. As much as I want the ending to be happy (and a lot of it will), I want to be realistic to a soldier's mindset at the end of a grisly war.

What is the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? Again, never finished a fic, but I think it'll be my Locklyle fic. They need a happy ending and I'm also still mourning the cancellation of Lockwood and Co., so yeah. Probably them.

Do you get hate on fics? Strangely, I haven't. Maybe not enough people have read them, but I've never really gotten a mean comment. Shoutout to what haters I might have though, love you guys

Do you write smut? Maaaaaaaaaaaaybe. I've never really written any sexual content until recently. I'll probably write some sexual content but not like full on smut. I don't think I'd be good at it lol

Craziest crossover? I've never written one!

Have you ever had a fic stolen? Not to my knowledge, thank goodness

Have you ever had a fic translated? No, but I'm absolutely open to it!

Have you ever co-written a fic before? No, but I think it'd be fun! Especially now that I'm mutuals with a lot of fic writers in the tbitb fandom

All time favorite ship Oooooooooooo, it's probably Harley Keener/Peter Parker. They've had a special place in my heart for a LONG time

What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? Probably something I haven't written yet. I'm trying my best to finish all the stories I have posted except my 1917 one, just because I'm no longer super involved in that fandom. I'd like to do a Joseph Liebgott story or maybe a Joshler/Twenty One Pilots fic, but I don't know if I will.

What are your writing strengths? Dialogue and a lot of angst. I gotta make my characters suffer lol

Thoughts on dialogue in another language? As long as y'all are good with it obviously coming from Google translate, then sure

First fandom you wrote in? It was Once Upon A Time when I was in like seventh grade. I had a OUAT Peter Pan fic on Wattpad that actually got pretty popular. I'm sad I never finished it (it is gone forever, sadly).

Favorite fic you've written? Definitely Proof That Harley Keener Has A Heart. That fic has been a labor of love for almost five years and I'm very excited to finally finish that slowburn

There's no 20th question apparently lol

Tags: @seasidesandstarscapes @sparrow-in-the-field @kcsplace @arokel @dogwooddiaries @crushribbons (love you guys <3) and anyone else who wants to play!

[queenburd]

In seventh grade the teacher took the whiteboard marker, and drew squares on the flat surface. In each square he put a name, and when he was had finished there were twenty-nine names in twenty-nine boxes—we were a class of thirty. Did I forget anyone? he said, putting the marker down. I raised my hand— — We had a weeklong field trip, and came back on a Saturday at 5:45 pm. The bus pulled into the parking lot of the school and parents waved to the child they hadn’t seen in five days. I scanned the cars and parents before we got off the bus. I waited by my bag when they pulled it out from underneath the seating area, watching the entrance of the parking lot. Cars pulled away; six PM came and waved at me as it left me in the parking lot. A chaperone sat with me on the wooden bench. At seven fifteen, my parents’ car pulled into the parking lot. “Sorry,” said dad, to the chaperone. “We forgot—” — Hey, tell me: am I real? Do I exist? I’ve spent so long touching the lines in my hands, telling myself I see them, so they’re real, but I don’t know if anyone else knows my name.

may sparrow — I can tell the same story in a hundred ways

[returning-spring]

KPTS recs list

Most of these recs are rarepairs or VegasPete, but there are a couple recs for KinnPorsche and KimChay in here! Some Gen fic too.

Note: I read a lot of these fics months ago, so I can’t give any content warnings that aren’t already on AO3. I can only rec the fics, so curate your experience and have fun!!

KinnPorsche

the house don’t fall (when the bones are good) (E rated) by bytheriveriwept

The reality of Kinn is at times a grasping, hungry thing even when he is standing still. Or: Porsche and Kinn are the Theerapanyakun agency's best team. They live in each other's pockets and share their deepest secrets. But when Porsche takes on the role of bait in their latest mission, it throws their entire relationship into a spiral.

playing with fire (M rated) by @fractured-ice

For a long time in Porsche’s life, smoking was a constant.

Safe and Sound (T rated) by @achray1

Five times Kinn was nearly kidnapped, and one time he was.

VegasPete

in the shape of your dreams (E rated) by @t4tvegaspete

“Kinn,” Pete clarified, as he regarded Vegas. “You egg him on. You seek out his attention.” “That’s because I hate him,” Vegas said. “And he’s a scourge on my general existence and I want to make him suffer. Simple.” “He’s also very good-looking.” The words dropped like a pin to the ground. “Did you honestly just say that to me right now?” — Vegas is in a dark place. Pete can tell Kinn has something to do with it.

Comfort (E rated) by @ghost--houses

"Well, that was excruciating," Vegas says as they walk through the front door.

Business Sense (E rated) by duty_free

Vegas uses sex to help Porsche with a deal.

fool’s gold landed on my shoulder (M rated) by @phneltwrites​

Today is the day the minor family attacks the major family’s compound. It’s the seventh time for Vegas. (Time loop fic)

life's too short to drink bad wine (M rated) by @wedielike

When Kinn sends Pete to check out Vegas' undisclosed wine bar, Pete expects to find some dirty dealings. He doesn't expect Vegas' invitation to taste something special and all that it entails.

A Rock and a Hard Place (E rated) by rivers_bend

Pete knows what he wants, and that he'd be an idiot to go after it. But Vegas isn't someone he can resist.

KimChay

lessons in shooting sparrows (T rated) by violetsky

"Can you teach me how to shoot a gun?"

Love's a Two-Way Dream (E rated) by @giraffeter​

Kim stands up as well and slips an arm around Chay’s waist to steady him. Chay’s body melts under Kim’s touch. Waves ripple and rebound through him, concentric rings spreading from Kim’s fingertips. Chay sags into him, half-expecting to float. “I don’t…” Chay mumbles. “What… hmm…” He can’t think. He’s so warm. “Did you…?” “I gave you a little something,” Kim says. His voice is so smooth. Chay wants to swim in it. “To help you relax.” ~ Post-canon, Chay and Kim are back together, but Kim wants to keep Chay all to himself. Forever. He's got some ideas for how to do it. AKA: "The Kimchay Atticwife Fic"

Other Ships

Inevitability (T rated) by @static-abyss (KinnTay)

"We'll always have each other, you know that right?" Tay says, turning on his side to look at Kinn. "It doesn't matter what happens. You always have me."

Built for Sin series (E rated) by @kat8porgs and @queerebrum (Porsche/Kinn/Pete/Vegas)

Someone had tried to strangle Pete. Kinn had a bad feeling about who. He’d known, after all, exactly where he was sending Pete. But, a part of him had refused to believe that Vegas was capable of this. -- Kinn comes up with a plan to get back at Vegas for what he's done to Pete. Or at least, Kinn's dick has a plan.

goodnight (M rated) by @any-open-eye (VegasPorsche)

“You should have come home with me, Porsche,” Vegas says, barely over a whisper. “Just once.” Porsche grips the edge of the table. Fuck this. “You had me on your bike,” he says. “Seems like you could have brought me home if that’s what you wanted.” Vegas grins, and this time it looks less polished. “Do you think either of us would have survived me kidnapping my cousin’s new favorite?” (vegas and porsche are out on a job. they consider lost possibilities.)

no tenderness (E rated) by @veliseraptor (KinnVegas)

He felt dizzy, reckless, his pulse throbbing in his ears. Drunker than he knew he was. “Which one, Kinn? Am I your dog or your whore?” Vegas and Kinn make very, very bad choices.

fuck it all back down (E rated) by @syzyg3tic (VegasBig, VegasPorsche, VegasKen, VegasTawan, VegasPete)

Everything about sex is performative. There is no such thing as fucking without an agenda, at least in Vegas’s experience. He wouldn’t have survived to adulthood if he was precious about shit like that. Vegas and some of the men he sleeps with in his desperate, rage-filled attempts to be loved or hated--either will work.

drain the wellspring dry. (M rated) by @evashougouki (VegasTawan)

“Vegas,” he told him a few minutes after the knots had been tied, “Vegas, I don’t think I like this. Can you untie me?” For a second, when Vegas had looked down at him, Tawan had thought he had seen a flash of anger in his eyes, dark and fathomless. It was gone in a second, and Tawan convinced himself it had never been there in the first place— he was just on edge from trying something new. "Does it hurt?" "No." “Then we don’t have to stop, do we?" (Tawan's trapped in a haunted house of his own making.)

safe (right here in your arms) (M rated) by @toomoonfic (ArmTankhun)

Arm chokes on his own spit. “Um, I’m sorry, sir,” he says, “but Mr. Kinn implicitly told us that we shouldn’t let you watch any of that series anymore. At least not in the family theater.” Tankhun hums thoughtfully. “Do you think Kinn might be more receptive if we put some gay porn on?” he says. “At least Porsche should know what’s going to happen to him if he keeps returning my brother’s longing glances.” or, someone tries to kidnap Tankhun again. Porsche bleeds all over an expensive car. Pol is exasperated. And Arm is perfect, as usual.

Gen

no longer children (T rated) by alone_ghost (Tankhun & Kinn)

"Do you hate me?" Kinn and Tankhun struggle to find their place after Kinn takes over as heir to the main family.

blindside (T rated) by @lu-sn (Macau & Pete)

While Vegas is still in a coma, Korn summons Macau to have a talk with him. Macau's pretty sure everything's about to go to shit.

Civil Hands (T rated) by @ameliarating (Pete-centric, brief VegasPete)

There's legitimate violence and there's illegitimate violence. Pete finds a way to live in this filthy world.

I hope you’ve found something new in these recs! I’m thinking of making another rec post in the future. Now for some shameless promo, if there are particular ships or concepts you’ve been looking for in KPTS fics, check out the @kptskinkmeme​! You can request fics on AO3 or Dreamwidth, and if you’re a writer you might find a prompt that speaks to you!

[amethystreaperwrites]

Fandoms I write for:

Mortal Kombat 11/12: | Ermac | Kung Lao | Liu Kang | Kenshi | Mavado | Mileena | Noob Saibot | Quan Chi | Raiden | Syzoth | Scorpion (Hanzo/Kuai) | Smoke | Shang Tsung | Sub-Zero (Bi-Han/Kuai) | Spawn | Takeda |

Star Wars: | Asajj Ventress | Alexsandr Kallus | Clones (request)| Cassian Andor | Captain Phasma | Cad Bane | Cal Kestis | Crosshair | Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) | Darth Maul | Ezra Bridger | Fifth Brother | The Grand Inquisitor | Hondo Ohnaka | K-2SO | Kylo Ren | Lando Calrissian (Young) | Nightsister Merrin | Omega | Obi-Wan Kenobi | Poe Dameron | Qi'ra | Savage Opress | Seventh Sister | Sabine Wren | Tech |

Marvel (MCU/TV shows): | Bucky Barnes | Captain America (Steve Rogers) | Deadpool | Dr. Strange | Daredevil | Gambit | Ghost Rider | Hawkeye (Clint Barton) | Iron Man | Jubilee | Moon Knight | Peggy Carter | Spider-Punk | Spider-Man Noir | Ultron | Venom (Symbiote) | Yelena Belova |

DCU (Movies/TV shows): | Batman | Batman Who Laughs (comics) | Deadshot | Harley Quinn | Joker (2019/Birds Of Prey/Multiversus) | Raven (Teen Titans) | Robin |

Transformers Prime: | Bumblebee | Knockout | Megatron | Optimus Prime | Ratchet | Starscream | Soundwave | Transformers One: | Orion Pax | Sentinel Prime | B-127 | Starscream |

Horror Icons: | Chucky | Ghostface (androgynous) | Michael Myers | Predator (Yautja) | Pinhead ('87) |

Naruto (I'm only on S5 so no spoilers please!): | Deidara | Garra | Itachi Uchiha | Kankuro | Kakashi Hatake | Kotetsu Hagane | Orochimaru | Shikamaru | Tobirama (Second Hokage) |

Apex Legends: | Alter | Bloodhound | Ballistic | Crypto | Catalyst | Fuse | Loba | Mirage | Octane | Pathfinder | Revenant |

Overwatch 2: | Cole Cassidy | Genji Shimada | Hanzo Shimada | Lúcio | Mercy | Reaper | Ramattra | Sombra |

Rainbow Six Siege: | Ace | Bandit | Doc | Deimos | Fenrir | Glaz | Jäger | Lion | Kapkan | Tachanka |

Call of Duty: | Captain Price | Horangi | John 'Soap' McTavish | König | Simon 'Ghost' Riley |

Misc: | Resident Evil: | Ada Wong | Albert Wesker | Leon S. Kennedy | The Servant of the Flame (Sea of Thieves) | Stranger Things: | Eddie Munson | Jonathan Byers | Steve Harrington | Tron Legacy: | C.L.U | Quorra | Rinzler | John Wick (John Wick) | ROTTMNT: | Donnie | Leo | Alucard (Hellsing (anime)) | Daft Punk (band) | Pirates of the Caribbean: | Captain Jack Sparrow | Will Turner | Elizabeth Swann | Davy Jones | Love & Deepspace: | Sylus | Zayne | Predator (Movie Franchise): | Scar | Yautja(s) | Alien (Movie Franchise) (Fluff only): | Xenomorph(s)| Ghostbusters: | Egon Spengler | Stargate: | Anubis |

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Requests are currently open!

Link to what I write/not write:

https://www.tumblr.com/amethystreaperwrites/752611993988579328

[kannedia]

Basics - Beatrix Lind

Character inspired by this post.

Basics

Name: Beatrix Lind. It's a combination of names she found in various literature.

Nickname(s): No. Do not call her Trix; you'd better have permission to call her Bea. No one has permission to call her Bea. And if someone calls her something related to Carrots, pumpkins, or oranges again...

Age: A lady doesn't tell. [For those concerned, she's 21]

Nameday: 31st Sun of the Sixth Astral Moon

Race: Veena Viera

Gender: Cis Female

Orientation: Homoromantic Asexual

Profession: Member of the Adventurers Guild. Member of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Warrior of Light. Member of the Culinarian Guild among other things.

Physical Aspects

Hair: Coral colored and slightly wavy. It goes just past her shoulders. Looks bright orange in certain lighting.

Eyes: Agate grey.

Skin: Pale yet warm grey. She has a moderate amount of freckles across her cheeks.

Tattoos/Scars: Yes, though she's lost count of how many. The usual amount of scars one gets from an active and happy childhood. No tattoos though.

Family

Parents: Beatrix was and is very close with her mother. She wasn't exactly fond of the idea of her daughter leaving the village but relented when she was satisfied with Beatrix's training.

It was her idea to send her to Eorzea. Beatrix briefly wanted to join Lente's Tears. She hoped to meet General Fran.

As for her father, she probably ran into him at some point in her wanderings. He would probably be proud of her. Though also a little exasperated.

Sibling(s): None. She was one of the rare only children in her village. She had plenty of nonbiological siblings and cousins. She got along pretty well with her fellow kits.

Grandparents: Yes. Her grandmother was one of the people was one of the people who taught her to fight. Her mother saw no problem with this. Truly.

In-Laws/Others: Her mother's hunting partner, Nora. She was like a second mother to her.

Pet(s): A small sparrow that followed her to Eorzea. She calls her Berry.

Skills

Abilities: If one were to ask Beatrix would say she mainly excels in hitting things hard, fast, and until they stop working. Which is to say she's well-trained in fighting with both an axe and her fists. This is only partly true as she's decently good, though untrained, at Aether manipulation. She has the potential to become a conjurer [White Mage].

She is also able to read maps and use a compass. Knows both basic field medicine and wound treatment.

Hobbies: Light reading. As she struggles with focus when it comes to the written word, she sticks to short stories and reading in short bursts. Beatrix enjoys traveling and trying new foods as she does so. She's also a rather good cook.

Traits

Most Positive Trait: Determined and adaptable.

Most Negative Trait: Childish and insecure. She works hard to keep both in check.

Likes

Color(s): Coral, Sea blue and Crimson

Smell(s): Nutmeg, grapes, and ocean air.

Texture(s): The sand between her toes [and the wind in her hair].

Drink(s): Grape juice, Spiced cider, and Mulled tea.

Other Details

Smokes: No. She gets headaches.

Drinks: Doesn't like the taste.

Drugs: Never been interested.

Mount Insurance: Yes and a sweet chocobo named Juniper.

Been Arrested: No, but she's been in trouble with the Wood Warders. She wandered a lot as a kit. It's only by luck that she still has her head.