#Skilled assassin use extreme caution

[the-cooler-dracula]

WANTED

[altairtalisman]

Li's Bio

"Time to make this eternal party bleed a pretty red!"

More details on Li is under the cut

Name: Lu Ma Li

Age: 2571

Height: 180 cm

Birthday: 19 Alstas 549 BZ (Lihanfayl)

Orientation: Cisgender Pansexual Male

Pronouns: He/Him

Species: Chronoven (formerly human)

Title: The Third Hour

Country of Birth: Fuusamoa Empire (present-day Xhing'Tien)

Likes: Sex, seafood (especially oysters), fruit liqueurs, complicated puzzles (except riddles), cats, Sarnai (as her former pet owner/family)

Dislikes: Anything bitter, early mornings, riddles

Hobbies: Partying, martial arts, puzzle solving, chess

Personality: Upbeat, hedonistic, and just a little bit unhinged, he's the epitome of a party animal… which often makes others forget that he also has a whimsical and bloodthirsty side and would happily shed some blood (not his own) just to get "those lights pulsing and that bass grooving". No one really knows if he was originally like that to begin with, or time has taken its toll on his mind

Style: Usually only wears grey smart casual pants that are stretchy enough to double as sportswear, a pair of sandals and his signature CAUTION buckle belt. Only wears a blue Hawaiian shirt if there's a 'no shoes, no shirt, no service' policy, which is extremely rare in Ratein

Abilities: Able to freely cross between Ratein and the Astral Realm without the need of dimension gates. Is able to use cosmic magic, stop time, view events happening in the past, present and future, as well as cause anything that his weapon comes in contact with to 'dissociate' from existence (apart from chronovens, The Caretaker and The Artiste)

Like the rest of the Hourly Twelve, Ma Li is also able to open portals that allow him to travel anywhere. Also able to reverse time, but only once and at the cost of his life. Being a chronoven, he's only able to die either by his lifespan naturally running out, or by time reversal

Due to his martial arts training when he was still human, he's extremely skilled in Xhing'Tienese martial arts and by combining his skills with cosmic magic, he's able to perform martial feats that can only be described as dancing with time and space. As a result of the way he was 'executed', he's able to inflict intense stabbing pain onto anyone he comes into contact with

Background: The heir to the tyrannical rule of the Lu Dynasty, Ma Li grew up to be a cruel and whimsical emperor that everyone in the Fuusamoa Empire feared and loathed. He didn't understand why his servants feared him, nor did why his subjects seemed to avoid his gaze whenever he visited various parts of the empire. All he knew was that he was living up to his ancestors' legacy, and didn't wish to disappoint them

When he turned 24, he decided that in order to gain the favour of his empire, he should ensure that his subjects could afford to spend time partying instead of tirelessly working. As such, he decided to readjust the budget so that everyone could afford to take longer breaks. Ma Li was surprised to discover that productivity improved in contrast to his expectations, and started to wonder if his ancestors' way of ruling was flawed

Unbeknownst to him, the budget adjustment meant that the military, which previously received the majority of the budget, had lesser to spend on and wages started to drop. Ma Li was also oblivious to the discontent the rest of the nobility experienced, for if the commoners had some semblance of a work-life balance, it meant that eventually they would challenge the nobles and demand even more

Disgruntled, the military started to plot his demise while the nobles plotted to overthrow the emperor and end the Lu dynasty. The two parties caught wind of the other party's plans and decided to work together to bring Ma Li down, the latter still oblivious to the dissent experienced by these two parties

They carried out an assassination attempt during the emperor's 26th birthday after the nobility had given him a meteorite necklace for his birthday, hoping that the gift giving would distract him. This failed as Ma Li had long noticed the assassin behaving shiftily since the start of his party, and was simply waiting for the right moment to drag them to the highest point of the room. After he brought the assassin up to the very front, he personally executed the assassin in front of all the attendees with his trademark smile on his bloody features before feeding the remains to Sarnai, his beloved pet snow leopard. The two parties temporarily backed off as they were reminded that the emperor that they were trying to overthrow was still tyrannical as before, and they decided to seek other ways to overthrow the dynasty

At the same time, due to the public execution, public sentiment towards Ma Li worsened as they came to the conclusion that he was reforming the empire on a whim and that he would easily reverse his own decision. Fearing for their safety, the citizens started to revolt against Ma Li, with their worse fears proven true as he executed whoever he caught in a flamboyant yet cruel manner

The revolts went on for two years, and Ma Li was forced to find new ways to send the message to obey his rule. This was so as he discovered that if he didn't have enough commoners, he wouldn't be able to conscript them into the military to defend against other countries. Moreover, he was starting to suspect that the military was on the verge of rebelling against him and thus, wanted to keep them happy by sparing their loved ones

On 20 Durna 521 BZ, he was overwhelmed by the majority of the capital and was forced to flee. A few of the nobles as well as the highest ranked general helped Ma Li to flee, bringing him to a room that not even the emperor himself knew it existed. Once he was safely inside, the general stabbed him in the abdomen and locked Ma Li inside the room

Realising the general's betrayal, he ordered the nobles to subdue him and free him. He was surprised to hear a mechanism starting up instead, soon discovering that the ceiling was starting to close in on him, spikes groaning as the ceiling slowly approached him. Ma Li heard his subjects whispering excitedly at the prospect of his death, and seethed at the realisation that his subjects had been planning to overthrow him for a good while

Enraged, he declared that when he escaped the room, he would colour his palace's walls red with their blood no matter how long it took. The necklace suddenly glowed, seemingly acceding to the declaration. Ma Li then felt his body burn, the wound that he suffered started to eat away at his organs while his left eye burnt coldly. He sneered at his subjects' pathetic attempts to bring him down, declaring that only he could decide when to end the dynasty. As a result, he didn't realise that he was being broken up and reformed in a galaxy

Once he had reformed, Alexia introduced herself as the First Hour, a chronoven who had time-related abilities and an immensely long lifespan. Ma Li laughed, asking if he was a chronoven like the woman before him. Alexia answered that while he was indeed like her, returning to resume his rule wouldn't end well for the whole of Ratein

He laughed once more, reassuring her that he was merely going back to give his subjects the freedom they craved. Alexia, though doubtful, expressed relief at Ma Li's change of heart and left him alone after informing him that he could create portals to wherever he wished

Grinning, he returned back to the cheering population of the newly dissolved Fuusamoa Empire, a blade in his hands as he prepared to set the stage… a stage where blood reigned supreme and one where only he was permitted to dance…

True Form:

[nightmare-foundation]

The Four Horsemen

Profiling written by Professor Ozpin

Profile #1- Death

Alias: Death

Name: N/A [Unknown]

Age: N/A; Assumed mid-50s

Kingdom of Origin: N/A [Unknown]

Sex: Male

Height: 7'6"-7'8"

Weight: N/A

Physical Description: Death is an older, senior male presumably in his mid-to-late 50s. He has long, shoulder-length white hair, pale skin, a heart-shaped face with a sharp jaw, and red eyes. Deaths clothing consists of a long black cloak, black combat boots, and overall soldier-esque outfit.

Semblance: Death and Decay. Anything he touches will wither and die, and he can set off a chain reaction within areas such as forests.

Weapon: Quietus & Casualty; two chained Kama that can turn into a singular, large scythe.

Personality: Death is the quietest, yet the most efficient of the Four Horsemen. Qrow Branwen described him as confident, aware, and a skilled fighter. Death seems to be aware of his, and others, abilities, and weaknesses. Death is intelligent, resourceful, and cunning. According to Qrow, Death knew Qrow was there to gain information. Death appeared to be an expert at talking a lot while giving little to no information. Yet, Death seemed to be aware that, while he hasn't failed a mission given by Salem, he is not invincible. He seems to also believe that Salem is not infallible either, yet continues to work with her. Death is an incredibly formidable opponent, able to best even Qrow in a fight. He is an assassin, one of the best Salem has had. Death, much like the other Horsemen, seems to have a Grimm Horse, and uses it to traverse Remnant.

Relationships: Mostly unknown. From the little information we have gathered, it's possible Death and War are extremely close; possibly in a relationship. He seems to find the sisters Pestilence and Famine unlikable, but works with them regardless. Not much else is known. Works extremely closely with Salem. Is her personal assassin.

Notes: Based on the gear Death wears, as well as his skill, it's possible he used to be a Huntsman, or was in the Atlas military. We found evidence of him having potentially living in Atlas, but any records of Death have been scrubbed clean, much like the others. Death is extremely dangerous; approach with extreme caution.

[dontpetmeibite]

𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄    [ … ]   𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄,

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BOLD what applies - italicize sometimes.   repost, don’t reblog.

fights honourably / fights dirty

prefers close-quarters / prefers range

chats during / goes silent

low pain tolerance / high pain tolerance

attacks in bursts / attacks steadily

goes for the kill / aims to disarm / fights defensively / strikes first

is provoked easily / provokes their opponent / teases

gets visibly frustrated / shouts (growls) while attacking / shows no emotion

uses strategy / focuses on the battle / experiences conflicting thoughts during battle / rushes in recklessly / tries to read their opponent before engaging

fights wildly / fights calmly / fights apathetically / fights with anger / fights with excitement / fights with purpose

fights because they have to / fights because they want to

fights without regard to wounds / runs away when wounded / hides wounds / takes a blow to protect another

prefers a blade /  prefers a gun / prefers hand to hand combat / prefers a bow / prefers a shield / prefers a personalised weapon  / prefers magic, alchemy or spells / prefers mindfucks and surprise

their greatest weakness is physical / their greatest weakness is mental / their greatest weakness is emotional

transforms for battle / fights as they appear

relies on strength / doubts their strength / relies on speed

uses everything they have / proceeds with caution / hides their full potential / exhausts quickly / has high stamina

behaves arrogantly / brags after landing a hit / belittles their abilities

uses psychological tactics / uses brute strength

avoids civilians / strikes down civilians

damages surroundings / avoids damaging surroundings

signature fighting style / makes it up as they go

mastered skill - set / learning their skill - set

fancy footwork / sloppy footwork

messy fighter / elegant fighter

accepts defeat / refuses defeat / begs for mercy / runs away

compliments their opponent / insults their opponent / doesn't talk to her enemies (sometimes lets them think that she can't)

uses unnecessary movements / moves efficiently / barely moves

prefers to dodge / prefers to block

defends their blindside / has no blindside / leaves blindsides vulnerable

uses all available advantages / strictly uses one main method

plays around / holds back / fights ruthlessly / shows mercy

waits for an opponent to be ready / strikes when opponent isn’t ready

fears death / fears pain / fears killing / fears imprisonment and slavery / fears harm to her loved ones

has PTSD  / avoids fighting

has lost a fight / has won a fight

has killed / refuses to kill

wants to die standing / would succumb slowly / won't die without saying goodbye to at least one loved one (either rallies or succumbs after doing this)

Tagged by: half the dash

Tagging: have fun y'all

Notes:

I stole this from one of the Starscreams and allowing for differences in size and outlier abilities, it is astonishing how similar their fighting styles are, although she typically only mocks opponents who are not aware of her position and does so with gestures, not words. Their bodies and weapons are totally different, but their attitudes are extremely similar.

I had to add in a few things because none of the options provided would suit, and in many cases where there are a lot of italics, it depends on the situation. For instance if someone gets the drop on her she may very well make it up as she goes along but she's also a practised assassin. She relies on stealth above all else.

Ravage also does not talk to her opponents at all unless she knows they know she's sapient (for instance, a seduction trap, or when fighting a known enemy). If they think she's a dumb mechanimal she will not hesitate to use that as an advantage, and, while she hates being touched by strangers, has allowed herself to be pet and given treats in order to get past a perimeter and then let loose all hell.

When the circumstances permit she will not hesitate to use her sexuality as a weapon; she's a member of an exoticised disposable class which means her sexuality is abhorrent to some of her enemies but a guilty desire for others. Everything she has is a weapon when it needs to be.

[ancdtlst]

ONEUS in Mafia Organisation (Headcanon)

[Warning: This contain graphic violence. Mentioned of death and killing. Thus content may not be suitable, upsetting and offended for some readers.]

Kim Youngjo / Ravn

He’s the leader and a seducer. Despite of his soft look, he’s extremely malevolent. His underlings wouldn’t dare to cause any trouble because facing his wrath is the last thing they wish for.

Other crime lords named him as The Crime Genius.

He can charm everyone and anyone, thanks to his good looks. The enemy would easily fell into his trap.

He’s can get very creative when he approaches the enemy and he could get very crafty with his skills. He got everything under his sleeves.

He has a lot in his criminal records but the authorities doesn’t have much power over him. 1st degree murder is one of it.

However, that doesn’t mean he would went berserk and being irresponsible.

He has his own reputation to take care off.

Lee Seoho

He’s a savant and a surgeon. Regular people would call him scientist or it’s something what he would introduce himself as when anybody asks for his job.

Had a lot of crazy of experiments happening in his lab.

Seoho is capable on making his own poison that can go along with their assassins’ weapons. Whoever was hit by their bullets or got hit by their knives, they would die and one couldn’t get any antidote. Only Seoho knew and have the antidote.

He’s also skilful enough to be the surgeon. Sometimes their people would get badly injured too, especially their high rank member.

He’s the Ace. With his knowledge in surgical, he could easily kill his enemy with small but deadly cuts.

Seoho is a fast learner. He learnt every combat moves from Leedo, their head assassin. To protect himself and their ‘products’ that were produce in his lab.

Seoho too has a lot in his criminal records. Medical malpractice is one of it.

Kim Geonhak / Leedo

He’s a very brutal assassin and arsonist. His moves were extremely fast.

He’s very mysterious. Though he’s the head assassin in their organization, he prefer to work alone because he was used to it. But if he have to work in a team, he will choose with who he wants to work with and no one says anything.

Quick and light on his feet. Like, no one would realised that he was right behind them or did walk pass them.

Has a very impeccable sense of sight and hearing. Being an assassin, he’s gladly use his advantages in this field. He was extremely alert in whatever happens around him. He even could hear the enemy’s heartbeat.

He was trained in all kind of martial arts and combat. Nobody could out do him even his notorious leader. His well built physical were meant to kill.

He’s a master of diversion. He’s extremely genius and he always find a way to escape from being caught either by the enemy or authorities. He could fool them, like some little kids. Leedo found it fun to watch when they make a fool of themselves.

Not hesitate to set a place ablaze. If he couldn’t find is way out or when he need to destroy a major evidence, he would. 1st degree murder were also in his criminal records.

Lee Keonhee

He’s a conman. He’s wicked and vicious too. He work with Leedo because sometimes, his specialities are need in some part of Leedo’s mission.

Keonhee is a conman with a pretty face and he would happily use his good looks to trick their enemy. His work kind of similar like his leader but he could never beat him.

He learned a lot from Ravn and he’s making use of it most of the time but with his own touch. He’s really clever when it come on deceiving other people especially his enemy.

Has a lot of tricks under his sleeves, other than those Ravn had taught him. His trick would get really dangerous.

Their enemy would always remind themselves to never trust him whenever he came to offer his help but despite of that reminder, they would always fell into his trap. Keonhee has his own way.

If anyone need anything from him, approach him with caution. Because the next thing they realised, they would lost something precious to them. Most of the time, it was the their fortune.

Would do anything for money but wouldn’t betray his organisation. Criminal records, only in massive heist and conning innocent people.

Yeo Hwanwoong

A surgeon just like Seoho and a sniper. He would disguise himself as a university student and never get caught.

He may look like a teenager but never trust his looks. He too, could use his knowledge in surgical to make a small cuts be deadly and good in short range combat too.

He’s an excellent sniper and mostly work with Leedo. While Leedo work in short range and sometimes ended up with close quarters combat, Hwanwoong would work in long range.

Always the one who would save Leedo from any sorts of threat in his range but it’s a rare case. When it happens, it usually with the authorities.

Hwanwoong would never miss a shot. If he miss, it wasn’t his fault but it was a warning from him or Ravn. The bullet could go through someone’s head if he wants.

Because Hwanwoong never miss his shot, he’s considered as one of the dangerous people in the organisation.

Criminal record? None, because he’s always in the shadows of other members in their organisation, especially Leedo.

Son Dongju / Xion

A hacker and a spy along with his twin brother which identity has been disclose.

There’re once a rumour where their enemies believed Xion’s twin brother died, being killed by an assassin from another organisation. Actually, it was Xion and his twin brother who spread the rumour just to make the enemy lowered their guards.

Devil in disguise. Sure he’s just a hacker but he wasn’t any normal hacker. Xion would dig any dirts that he could find on his enemy and make it into a good use of their organisation.

Xion is charming, really charming. Just like Hwanwoong, his looks usually made the enemy fell into the trap.

He’s quite smart and he’s always one or two steps ahead from their enemy. Before the enemy know his move, he already knew their first move which is why Xion never fell into the enemy’s trap.

Taking his smart brain into another level, Xion can actually hacked into everything and anything without being detect either by the enemies or the authorities. His criminal record only involved with unauthorised access but that’s also where he learnt on how to not be detected.

Skilled with gun and knives.

[toshima-division]

Lillian's Thoughts on Edogawa Division

Kuromiya Yuriko

"Kuromiya Yuriko, also known as 'Black Dahlia'. Reputed to be one of the most well-known assassins in the world today. Subject has apparently retired and now makes a living as a forensic pathologist, observing dead bodies for the legal system. Subject is a single mother, taking care of her two daughters, neither of which are blood-related.

"Even back when I served in the army, it was impossible to not hear of the infamous Black Dahlia. Many army officials feared for their lives because they were afraid someone may have hired her to kill them. What's worse, no one was exactly sure what she looked like. Even now, though she is retired, I'm sure many people still have trouble sleeping at night for fear of her appearing before them.

"Otome has stressed we are to exercise extreme caution when dealing with her. I must concur with this. If her skills in rhyme and music are just as fearsome as her skills in killing are, then it would be extremely wise to not underestimate her. ...Unfortunately, my teammate, Mei Yu, refuses to listen."

Shinozaki Kaoru

Lillian frowns deeply at the photo of the 21-year-old hacker. "Shinozaki Kaoru, also known as 'Arachne'. Subject is, and forgive me for saying this, a pain in every sense of the word. I'd rather not speak of her at all, if possible. When I served in the British army, most of my work involved engaging this woman in information warfare and cyber attacks. She gave me and my officers no end of trouble. Though she did well in trying to hide her appearance, all it took was a single slip-up for me to discover her identity.

"As young as she is, Subject Kaoru has impressive skill. Were she to find some good way to use her skills instead of hacking into other people's servers and databases, she could prove to be an effective computer specialist, like myself. Otome has requested, if possible to capture her. ...But personally, I'd as sooner eliminate her than trust her with any of Chuohku's equipment."

Akemi Kanra

"Akemi Kanra, also known as 'D.Vil'. Subject possess abnormal strength, far beyond that of a normal teenage child. Information taken from Chuohku's database reveal that subject was part of an experiment that has been deemed 'Failure' due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. Besides that, subject is known for her irrational behavior, which she has difficulty controlling.

"Subject is apparently well-known by the Edogawa City Police Department due to her habit of causing numerous amounts of property damage, and assault of numerous individuals. It stands to reason why Chuohku wishes for her return, if possible. Observation will have to be seen if that is possible."

Wicked Requiem

"Edogawa Division, Wicked Requiem. As stated at the beginning, caution should be used regarding this team. If Inner Circle is ordered to engage them, then taking out one subject at a time should be the best course of action. If that is not possible, then the next wisest course of action would be to have Kaori-san deal with Yuriko-san, Mei-san deal with Kanra-chan, and I to deal with Kaoru-chan. Hopefully, this will not need to happen, but it is good to have a back-up plan in case.

"Analysis and report on Edogawa Division team, Wicked Requiem, is complete. Moving on to next available assignment."

[fanfic-collection]

Loki x Reader: Ice Elf Assassin

Who knows what I wrote, have a read, please like and comment if you can, I appreciate that.

It's based on a prompt about people removing hidden weapons while undressing

-

The cold of this land was far different than what you were used to. As an ice elf, you had experience with cold, bitter winds, but Jotunheim? This frigid land chilled you to the bone.

Your boots crunched miserably through the wind as your partner walked lithely beside you, silent and unheard. You were out of your element.

Some great assassin you were turning out to be.

Your thoughts turned back to the shady tavern your companion had met you in. It was not unusual to meet potential employers in such places. You were the sort of assassin who was often hired, quite skilled at your job, lethal, efficient, you were known to get the job done. Even if few people actually knew who you were.

However this patron had set you on edge, he seemed to guess your every move, know your every thought. He was clearly not of that realm, Nornheim, and did not appear to be of the realm he was hiring you to visit. Who he was though, with such a heavy coined purse, perplexed you. Usually you made it in your best interest to know your employers. When you tried to press him, the man laughed it off, merely assuring you he was wealthy enough to compensate you and that you could call him Loki.

“Loki.” That name sounded familiar.

Stealing a glance at the tall man with sharp cheekbones and long black hair, he wore regal green and gold armor. The armor was fitting with his wealthy persona, clearly he was some sort of nobleman, or wealthier. Yet he carried himself with an assured stance, like a warrior, yet always casting furtive glances around, always on the ready for any signs of ambush - just as you did. He was cut out for the life of an assassin just as much as you were. Evidently he was used to watching his back and not trusting those around him. Yet he had wrinkles around his eyes that indicated he was as quick to smile as he was to worry. The heavy green cloak that trailed behind him offered no camouflage in this blue and white barren environment and yet he did not seem to care.

You had clothing for any land you were traveling to, mottled cloaks aimed to disappear into your surroundings. Loki strode with confidence beside you, silently challenging anyone who dare step out and face you. While you could hold your own in an open battle, you preferred to ambush, slit their throats and recede into the night. What this strange man was thinking… as before, you could not fathom.

“The sun is setting.” Loki murmured suddenly.

Your rattling teeth were so loud you almost missed his soft voice. “Yes, it appears so.”

“We need to get shelter.”

You nodded, wrapping your cloak tighter around yourself. “Good idea.” With the fall of night, temperatures would rapidly plunge.

Loki glanced at you, a bemused expression on his face. “I thought ice elves could handle the cold.”

“We can.” You sniffed indignantly. “This wretched place is an entirely different beast altogether.”

“Oh?”

“This isn’t just cold, this is death. What could possibly live out here?” You grumbled, looking around for signs of shelter. Stamping your boots and rubbing your hands together beneath your cloak, you tried to keep blood flowing.

Loki nodded thoughtfully, “I chose correctly in bringing an ice elf at the very least, it seems if I had brought anything else, they’d be dead.”

You shrugged, “Jotunheim is certain death. But if you want to bring death to death, I suppose I’m your best bet.”

“Sounds a bit cliche, no?”

“It would be if it weren’t true.”

Again, Loki nodded thoughtfully.

“I’ve earned my reputation, and I’ve kept my head down too. That’s why you have to know how to contact me.”

A smile spread across Loki’s face, “Yes, the bribes I had to give out to finally reach you could bankrupt a small kingdom.”

“So you’re a prince then?”

“Would you like to know?”

You threw your hands up in the air exasperated, “Yes!”

Loki tapped his chin as he looked back up at the sky, “It’s getting cold. You need shelter.” He turned, saying no more and began to trot away as the winds picked up, whipping the snow covered ground into flurries.

You scrambled to keep up with him, the icy wind burning your throat as the snow stung at any exposed skin. There wasn’t much, as you knew what you were getting into, but the nature of walking for a long distance in the cold always meant some skin eventually was revealed.

Arm held up in front of your face, fighting against the buffeting wind as your field of vision faded to next to nothing, you let out a soft squeak of a scream when a hand reached out and grabbed you through the white out.

The hand tugged at you and suddenly you were in a cave, falling forward and into the armored chest of Loki. Your gloved hands rested on his breast plate as you stared up at him, while he looked down at you, holding your wrists - your clothing caked with snow.

Despite yourself, you felt your cheeks heat up, and for once, you were thankful for the thick scarf wrapped around your face.

Stiffly, Loki righted you, as you forced yourself off his chest and straightened up, each of you clearing your throats.

“Come,” Loki muttered, motioning for you to follow him.

Back a short distance from the mouth of the cave, it took a sharp turn and the howling wind outside was blocked off.

To your surprise, a small green fire sat on the floor flickering lively and warmed the area a small amount.

For an ice elf such as yourself, it may as well have been a blazing bonfire.

You gasped and rushed forward, holding your hands up to the fire and knelt down, allowing yourself to thaw.

Loki chuckled as he leaned against the wall of the cave, watching you.

Biting your gloves, you peeled them off one by one. Throwing caution to the wind you let them drop to the ground with a loud clatter, the hidden daggers within bouncing on the hard cave floor beneath you.

Loki raised his eyebrow as you glanced back at him with a sheepish smile.

Slowly you unwound your scarf, carefully setting it on the ground. Barely visible, but making sure he could see them, were a half dozen throwing stars. You lowered your hood, that you had kept in place with hair sticks. Setting the hair sticks carefully on the ground, you paused to look at them, checking to make sure the poison vials within them were still intact.

And so it went, as you began to undress, making sure your clothes could dry.

Loki walked over and sat beside you, leaning back on his elbow, one knee resting on its side on the ground, the other bent so his boot was flat.

While you took out weapon after weapon, Loki merely took a knife from his boot and held it on the tip of his index finger, balancing it; all the while his gaze was fixated on you.

Finally down to your tunic and trousers, boots removed, and a small arsenal beside you, you turned to openly face Loki. “There, I have no secrets from you.” You said, bowing your head.

Loki hummed thoughtfully as he straightened up. “Do you?”

You narrowed your eyes at him. Slowly you reached up and unclasped a silver chain around your neck.

Loki laughed, “How does that one work?”

“The lock activates barbs. It’s a last effort usually.”

“Your mother’s necklace I imagine.” Loki raised his voice mockingly, “Please sir, don’t take it away from me, it means so much.”

You pursed your lips before scowling at him, “Yes.” You replied shortly.

Loki laughed, “Wonderful. And the others?”

“There’s nothing.”

Loki hummed.

You squinted your eyes and glared at him, “What about what you’re hiding from me?”

“Me?” Loki’s eyebrows rose, feigning offense.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Loki.”

“Where is your money from?”

“Surely you should have researched your employer before agreeing to go to such a deadly realm with him.”

“I can hold my own.”

“Can you? Against me?” Loki leaned forward, pointing his dagger at you.

“Can’t take on a helpless, unarmed elf?”

Loki chuckled darkly, “We both know neither of us is unarmed.”

You grabbed the knife hidden on your thigh holster and leapt to your feet, holding it at the ready.

Loki stood up slowly, dropping his dagger to the ground with a soft clatter. He held his hands up in surrender, head turned to the side warily.

Staring him down, you held the dagger out. “Who are you exactly?”

Loki snapped his fingers and the fire went out.

The cave went black.

The temperature plunged.

You fought the urge to step back, possibly tripping.

From somewhere in front of you, Loki’s voice replied, “I am Loki, prince of Asgard.”

You cursed softly, “Asgardian. I should have known.”

“And I was tasked with executing you for the thorn you’ve been.”

You swallowed hard. Your teeth started to clatter as you began to shiver violently. Even worse was the oppressive blackness of the cave.

“The Allfather is not fond of assassins that aren’t strictly in his employ.”

Your mouth dropped open, “You’re kidding… he hires assassins.”

“More than you know.” Loki replied dryly. “Though usually he’s not so subtle.”

“What?”

“Normally he just sends my brother to murder whoever he needs in daylight. I think an assassin who actually can do such a job would be imperative to Asgard’s security.”

There was a snap of fingers and the flames burst to life again. Feeling began to return to your extremities, and you rubbed at your frigid skin.

Loki walked over and put your mostly dry cloak around you, rubbing his hands through the fabric against your body wherever it was polite. You felt another shiver run through you for entirely different reasons.

Inwardly you wanted to slap yourself, he had just nearly tried to kill you. And yet…

You looked up at him gratefully as his large hands smoothed at the cloak.

“I apologize.” Loki murmured, “It was a formality, I had to know you were as good as they said.”

You nodded, and without realizing, rested your head on his shoulder. Letting out a heavy sigh you closed your eyes, “Yea, it’s fine.”

Loki blinked looking down at you. The corner of his mouth quirked up.

“So, are you going to show me where you keep all your weapons?” You muttered.

“Absolutely not.” Loki replied.

“Someday?” You asked.

Loki chuckled and shook his head.

You touched his thigh abruptly, “Is that one?”

Loki sighed and reached down into his trouser leg, pulling out a wicked jagged dagger, “Yes.”

You blinked, mouth opening and closing. “Oh.”

Snorting, Loki tossed it onto your pile of weapons as he scooped you into his arms, cloak and all. “Come, you need warmth to get you back to the Bifrost. Rest now.”

You nuzzled your face into his neck, too sleepy to realize what you were doing, and slowly drifted off.

Loki’s face flushed pink as he gazed down at you. It had been some time since he had known someone to be so affectionate. He found he quite liked it.

[moral-turpitudes]

Deal with the Devil: Ch. 1

Trigger Warnings: Swearing, Mentions/Heavy Descriptions of Death, Murder, Gore, Blood, Guns, Knives, Fires, PTSD, Angst. All Explicit/18+ Content is indicated by (**).

Characters: Thomas Shelby x Isla Maxwell (OC)

Word Count: 2,142

Plot Summary: With nowhere to turn after the failed assassination of Oswald Mosely, Thomas Shelby accepts the help of a covert assassin with a knack for nabbing fascists.

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | *7* | 8 | 9 | 10

“Authorities Puzzled as Third Man Goes Missing” read the headline of the local newspaper.

“In the span of one month, three men have gone missing from Birmingham and surrounding areas. They were last seen entering the a meeting for the fascist party. No suspects have been brought in, nor have any witnesses reported seeing suspicious activity around the building. Please use caution when going out, and report anything of concern.” The column read. The paper was wrinkled at the ends, the ink fading in spots where rain had fallen too hard. The pictures of the three missing men posted under it with stoic expressions on their faces.

Not many people cared as to why they were missing it seemed. The police’s lack of involvement and general chatter around town made clear of that. But the one thing everyone wanted to know was who caused their disappearance? considering they had the guts to take three men in broad daylight from a highly publicized event.

The news made Isla chuckle as she flipped through the paper, her eyes gazing lazily at the scene before her. Not many people knew her name, but the ones she caught were sometimes lucky enough to hear it before taking their final breath.

The three men from the photos sat before her tied to chairs, stripped from head to toe of all clothing. Weary looks graced their faces as their jaws slacked from the exhaustion of holding their ties in their mouths.

Isla’s heels clicked on the ground as she reluctantly got up from her desk. Looking at each of the men as their tired gazes followed her.

“So....You lot thought you could take me down aye?” She asked, lighting a cigarette as she leant against her desk. They hesitated before shaking their heads, fear evident in their eyes as she stalked closer.

“A little birdie told me you all were going to. All for your beloved Fascist party right?” She remarked, stomping her cigarette out on the groin of one of the men. His groans erupting from clenched teeth as she reached under her dress, the men watching nervously with their hands tied. She felt the cool handle of her knife hidden against her thigh as she lifted her foot off him.

“You should know better than to follow someone blindly, gentlemen. The sheep are often led to the slaughter.” She said, retrieving it and slitting the men’s throats with an easy flick of her wrist. A small smirk playing at her lips as their blood sprayed about. Their eyes fixed in a permanent state of shock as they fell limp before her.

Un-phased, she quickly wiped her hands of the blood and silently walked back to her desk to finish the letter she’d been writing only mere hours ago. The three faces on the newspaper staring at her as she swiftly moved her pen to sign one initial: “I.”

She kept most of her business to herself and her closest informants, only using the initial as her signature, along with the bloody thumbprints of her victims. Thinking it would give them a more “personal” touch.

As she pressed the third mans bloody thumb onto the bottom of the letter, she sighed, knowing she’d have to clean up her mess after sending it out.

The dimly lit room made her silhouette dance along the walls of her office. The flames from the candles flickering brightly as she counted down the minutes on the clock, waiting for her informant to arrive at midnight. It was always evident that she had a method to her madness, that was for sure. The people she employed knew that their fate was not only in her hands but in her wallet. They knew that if they failed, she failed. And if she failed...they might as well offer her their necks.

As the clock struck midnight, she heard the distinct knock on the door. The numerical tapping signaled that it was her informant, Jay, with cash from her latest job in tow. He quickly handed her the cash and she gave him a small smile before handing him the letter wrapped in a black envelope.

“Thank you. You know where to send this. Have it out by tomorrow morning.” She said, closing and locking the door behind her.

Jay swiftly headed down the dark hallway and out the door, the rain finally letting up as he made his way to his car. The destination was written on the envelope with gold ink, shining brightly as the street lights illuminated her thin handwriting.

As he headed to his destination, she began cleaning up the mess. The clothing the men wore hours ago reduced to ash in the fireplace.

With a loud huff, she stuffed their bodies into large flour sacks she’d taken from a certain “bakery” around town, known for its bread, pastries, and illegal business ventures.

Along with her interesting choice of connections, Isla always did her dirty work at night. Making it easier for her to evade capture. But one of the grimmest parts were disposing of the bodies, so she called in her other two informants to help with the task. Therefore, many nights were spent in her car under the guidance of the moon. Not many women drove around at night - let alone with men’s bodies in the backs of their cars - but she figured someone had to do it. And given the life she chose, it had to be done one way or another. After all, it was her best chance at keeping people off her trail.

As the tires skimmed along the damp roads, she saw the cemetery in the distance. Knowing this was the last stop for the month-long job.

Despite her small circle of connections, she had one outside person she could trust: the mortician. Along with his weekly salary, she paid him hush-money from her hits to incinerate the bodies of the men who crossed her. It was the easiest way for her to get rid of the evidence in her case, knowing authorities would have to spend days upon days trying to find any clues, especially in the ashes.

“Thank you again. I’ll let you know when I’ll be back.” She said, watching him throw the bodies into the flames with ease.

“And thank you for the money miss. It’s really helped me out.” The mortician said, fidgeting with his glasses.

“I’m glad. Keep up the good work.” She said, tipping her hat and walking quickly to her car.

When she arrived back home, the two other informants were finishing up scrubbing the floor. Making her finally realize that she too had blood on her. It was trapped in her hair, and splattered on her face in a morbid constellation. It was often on big hits like tonight, that she’d forget she was covered, becoming accustomed to the metallic smell and sticky feeling of it on her skin.

“We’ve finished boss. What’s the pay?” One of them asked, wiping their hands on a bloody towel before throwing it into the fireplace.

“No one gets paid until this job is completely done. Tomorrow morning Jay will be back, but until then you’ll have to wait.” She said sternly. They too only went by short, fake nicknames. Her head informant and messenger was Jay, while the other two went by Nick and John. This was done so that if they were captured and interrogated, none of them would know each others real names, making the trail leading to Isla herself all the more complicated.

As the months passed since she’d begun her work, families grew fond of her skills, and that was especially so for the wealthier ones in the community. They resorted to hiring her for protection from the men like the ones she killed, and she used that money to pay herself and her informants as they took on new jobs.

These men she targeted weren’t just any average trouble makers though. They had close ties to the emerging fascist party. A party that turned against some people and turned towards others. A party who brainwashed their followers with money and empty promises. And for her, it was a party that killed her family.

As she excused Nick and John, she locked the door behind her once again, heading off to her bedroom that was adjacent to her office. She was never one for extremely lavish houses. Preferring less stuff around just in case she had to leave town abruptly. Despite this, amongst her tough outer shell, she was still wounded on the inside as the memories of her family plagued her mind.

An old picture hung on the corner of her bedroom mirror. It was a family picture of her mother, father, little brother, and her all sitting by the big oak tree a few miles out. It was the one thing she was able to save before the flames spread around her. The old rafters of her house coming down as she lay there in fear. Her mother’s screams echoing in her ears as she tried to protect her son from the flames. Her father somehow running through the fire and picking her up, ushering her out the door before collapsing from the smoke. The flames engulfing the small wooden house in minutes.

She remembered hearing her neighbors rushing out from nearby to help as she grabbed her arm without registering the pain. She had been in shock for most of the ordeal, knowing that even the physical pain she was in couldn’t top the pain she felt seeing her family perish before her eyes. She was only 20 at the time, and she had no family to go back to.

Fortunately, she worked her way up after her recovery. Living in abandoned houses and singing in the streets for money. She even ran into a friend of her fathers by mere luck, who took her in and told her the truth. He’d said that her father had gotten in the way of a deal between some of the early fascist party members, trying to stop them from antagonizing some of the families in the area, which they didn’t appreciate. In turn, they punished him by punishing his whole family, not knowing they’d left her behind.

As Isla stared at her now 30 year old reflection in the mirror, she let a tear slip as she brushed her hand over the scar on her arm. Hearing her mother’s voice telling her, “You have to take what you want in life my love, because the only thing we’re guaranteed to get in this life is death.”

She shivered at the memory every day, but heeded her mother’s advice nonetheless. She gathered information and took lives, but it wasn’t easy.

Over the years since the fire, she learned to fight from her dads friend, and learned to shoot as well. Eventually earning some good money from hunting for families near them. When she got tired of shooting birds though, she upgraded to humans, often joining hit men on their travels to gain experience and information. Seduction was also a facet of her plan, but she eventually made enough to end that part. Earning enough to buy the quaint apartment that she stood in now, alone with tear filled eyes as the water in the sink ran red from the blood being washed away.

Though through all the pain and training, she managed to gather a plethora of information over time. Leading her to finding the whereabouts of some of the fascist party members. For the last two years she’d been scoping out their meetings, taking note of the problematic ones and bribing vulnerable party followers with hush-money for more information. Slowly taking their power away from them one by one as she built up her empire.

But when news of the recent rallies came to light, she knew she had to lay low and act fast. Knowing other powerful people had an eye on her throne while the party gained traction at an alarming rate. It was during this time that Jay snuck into one of the rallies, overhearing the three men they’d captured, talking about the big meeting to come with a certain Oswald Mosley. And since his life depended on it, he reported it to her. Knowing he’d be paid a decent amount for the information.

Mosley’s life was the one thing that she genuinely wanted to take, given what happened to her family. And by taking out the leader, she hoped to take down the whole system before they hurt more people. She promised herself that she’d stop at nothing to take down the man who started the fire. But she’d have to make a deal with the devil himself in order to do so, and that devil was a man named Thomas Shelby.

[zeromarker]

Z’arc believes actions are better than words. Seeing words as lies, truth comes from what one will do when given the chance. He takes great pride in being a servant to Callum both of the past and future versions, Z’arc always addresses his king with the honest truth and honor, he finds his past king very interesting as the difference in personality and actions from the two bring more entertainment on his journey.

Z’arc is an Enigma to many he comes across. Amiable, Intelligent, sarcastic but, he is also pragmatic, ruthless and an incredibly effective killer. Rather they be human or elves, he does not see either race to be any different from what they have claimed. Even now that he has traveled back into the past Z’arc see’s the centuries of war, hate and racism both parties have damned the other with, & refers them to the same level of trash they have labeled each other.

Despite these traits Z’arc is loyal to Callum even with the young step prince’s disbelief of what the elf calms in the future. If Callum gives an order Z’arc will carry through with it regardless of personal belief ; although Z’arc is honest with his king the elf can & will alter plans by orders of his future king, this makes him a bit of a wildcard because of his loyalties to both versions of Callum past & future.

Z’arc is not without some sense of a moral compass while he is not fond of humans and elves; he will not attack nor harm them unless they provoke him 1st or threaten his king & even then just a small smile and look from him is enough to weaken their spirits as per killing. Callum forbids him from ever doing it whatsoever if he wants to remain in service to his past king, rather than argue Z’arc respects his lord’s wishes and does not kill even if Callum is nowhere to be found. And if his future Lord did give the ok, he would still inform Callum of the past, of his actions showing Z’arc holds no secret to his lord.

In terms of interactions with those not of his lord or fellow Quartzers. Z’arc mostly dismisses others as stupid or teasingly inferior due to his past upbringing and is never shown to be around them much, his interactions with people in Callum’s life is hazardous to say the least. His blunt no filter honest nature has quickly earned him Amaya’s wrath, Opeli’s caution, Baits grumpiness, Ezran’s curiosity & Zion/Kamaria fear & assault.

Even Z’arc has emotional limits and when he does crack well Sarrai finds it very Amusing to watch.

Skills & Abilities

According to Kamaria’s explanation Z’arc is not only a Quartzer but the most feared. His existence was something of a fable keeping kids in line growing up throughout the harsh future but, he was anything other than a boogeyman story Z’arc. He was the thing you would send to kill such nightmarish thoughts.

Moon primal connection: Z’arc draws power from the moon arcanum allowing him to perform moon magic.

Sky primal connection: like Sarrai, Z’arc is also able to draw power from the sky primal to cast sky magic.

Master Combatant: Before meeting Callum in his timeline Z’arc was already a dangerous fighter. Living to survive like a cast out animal after an ironic twist of fate Callum took the boy in and taught him magic and other skills. He became an even more skilled assassin.

Master Assassin: Z’arc’s powers are great especially when he uses his supposed stealth & speed able to kill multiple people in seconds before they had a chance to react, without a sound.

Genius-level Intellect: Z’arc is extremely intelligent and perceptive. Mostly regarding killing tactics and matters with space n time.

Expert Tactician: Z’arc is a brilliant tactician rivaling only Sarrai. Z’arc is capable of making quick decisions even if the situation changes. Even against different enemies in difficult situations, and be victorious.

Expert intimidator: Z’arc knows how to be quite intimidating without the need for aggressive action or behavior. Behind his wicked smile and voice Z’arc hides the bitter parts of his life and turn it into a mental weapon.

Equipment

Garrote wire: Z’arc’s favorite weapon of choice is his hidden laced wire. The wire is so fine thin that it can be invisible to the trained eye & very sharp, Z’arc is skilled in using this trade and wields it masterfully.

Book of OHMA: a special tome book Z’arc carries and protects with his life, the book holds many powers and secrets not only of Xaida’s time but all of time and space throughout. Callum entrusted the book to Z’arc and only the elf can open it and use it, anyone else the book is useless.

Collection: Z’arc has a wide collection of items hidden with his coat. A calm of trophies from those he has defeated and some inventions from Garth.

[theodora3022]

Sovereign’s fears

Request: Fantasy AU where the reader is the new sovereign Queen of a kingdom, after her older brother and father died suddenly. She was raised informally by her general grandfather, away from court. She needs to marry and produce an heir. Yandere Prince Shoto?

Pairing: Prince! Shoto x f! reader

Notes: I love fantasy AUs!!! Thank you for this amazing idea Anon! The quality is bad omg, I wrote this to overcome writer’s block.

Warning: Threats, yandere content

Before he met you, Shoto heard stories about you. How your grandfather raised you like a prince, teaching you politics, and all things unladylike. A willful princess spoiled by her grandpapa. How you will never find a suitor because no man wants a wife who cannot sew.

When Shoto first saw you, it was at your father’s funeral. He was attending on his father’s behalf; the old man does not like mourning or black. So him, the Crown prince was sent instead.

Your father, the King and your older brother, the Crown prince was assassinated.

You are the only one left of the family. Therefore you must take the throne.

You were dressed in black, without any jewelry expect a ruby ring (symbolizes the crown) on your left hand. A dark veil conceded your face, he could not make out your expressions.

“Thank you for your condolences, your highness.” Your voice, it was flat and machine-like. Understandable if you are grief-stricken. Shoto did not pay much attention to you back then. It was just official business, attending the funeral of a late monarch of a nearby realm.

No, it was four months after, at your coronation.

You were out of mourning, greeting the guests one by one with a warm smile.

Seeing you sit upon the throne, in that crimson dress, intrigued something in Shoto. You obviously were not used to the long hem, as he observes you walk down the stairs with extreme caution. Guess the rumors have some truth after all, you really are unlady-like.

His father had given him a lecture about why he should try to woo you, so your kingdoms can form a solid alliance. How an alliance would benefit the people. Hell, you can even merge your territories if you married Shoto. King Enji had one mission for his son: Win your heart, make you his wife, claim your kingdom by inheritance laws.

A young sovereign Queen with rich lands. Any man would want your affections.

You have other suitors as well, dukes and princes across the realms flock to your capital, hoping to become the lucky one. But you do not seem to be interested in taking a suitor right now, saving yourself? How adorable.

“Prince Shoto, welcome to my kingdom. I hope you find this to be a joyous place.” You smile politely, extending your gloved hand for him to kiss. There are no signs of grief present, you must have hidden it well.

You are so different, so...independent and strong-willed. Girls back in his kingdom, noble or common birth, seem to all want to throw themselves on the heir to the throne. But you just treated him with your ever so cheerful attitude kindly, same with anyone else. You even treat servants with a kind heart. When a servant accidently spilled wine onto your dress on a banquet, you just laughed, told the servant that it is nothing, and excused yourself to change. If this had happened to his father, the servant will be severely punished in unspeakable methods.

That independence sprit is what made Shoto falls hard for you.

From a young age, he knew his marriage would most likely be a political one, without love. But now Shoto has met you.

As the highest-ranking guest, Shoto was obligated to open the coronation ball with you. You were not a skilled dancer, but decent enough to keep up with him.

“Please excuse my clumsy moves, your highness. I’m not used to such things.” He did not mind, although the way you gaze up to him carefully is absolutely breathtaking for him.

What would it feel like, to have the most powerful girl in the continent as a wife? Certainly, he cannot treat you as an accessory like how his father treat his mother.

Due to pressures from the council, you agreed to take two hours of each day to spend time with each suitor. “The throne must have an heir, your majesty. And you must be the one to produce it. Therefore you need to marry.” With no desire of sharing your powers, you just humored each suitor with simple activities, such as lunch or a riding trip. Some of them are the exemplary gentleman, such as Prince Eijirou. But there are those insufferable ones, who would spit out sexist jokes and made rude remarks on your actions. Regardless, you kept your composure even if you felt insulted and acted as a good hostess.

Today, it is Prince Shoto’s turn.

You had invited him to the castle for afternoon tea.

You sat beside the floor glass window facing the gardens, a hand under your chin.

Compare to the ball or other formal occasions, you were dressed casually.

You welcomed him warmly and poured tea into his cup yourself.

“Your majesty, Duke Neito say he requires an audience at once.” You equerry brought some unpleasant news in the middle of a pleasent conversation.

“I remember I should receive him tomorrow, am I correct?” Getting a confirmation nod from your equerry, you took another sip of the hot liquid. “Please inform his grace I am currently busy, and if he still wants to see me tomorrow, he should stop pestering the guards at once.”

“Sorry about that, your highness. It seems like Duke Monoma decides to be a bother today.” Although you cannot recall one day he has not been one.

“Call me Shoto, please. What’s up with this Duke?”

“Call me (y/n) then, Shoto. When me and Neito were both infants, our parents had plans for us to marry. But my grandfather put a halt to that.” The Monoma family is one of the most influential aristocrat family in your kingdom, even your father wants to keep them on good terms. Since you become Queen, the current Duke has been attempting to court you. But you are not attracted to a snob with a tendency of throwing insults frequently.

He learns how you love sword training but was unable to practice as much due to affairs of State. “My grandfather insisted that I should be able to protect myself and the things I love. Wait, you want me to show you?”

Seeing you dressed in that armor, how you pierce through the training dummy with one swift strike, how you dance gracefully with your rapier. Shoto much prefer this dance compare to those stiff formal waltzes in the ballroom. Your sword techniques are impressive, but you will not need that in the future. He would protect you; you should just stay safe in the castle.

After that day, your other suitors start to leave one after another, including the ones you thought was tolerable. You would hear some emergencies has occurred in their territories; they need to depart. Even Duke Neito stopped sending love poems? You heard how he accidently fell of a horse and was gravely injured. I wonder why, you thought. But you did not pay this phenomenon much mind: you did not want to marry this soon anyway.

Until you notice that Shoto is the only one left.

Although Shoto is cold and reserved, you suppose his company is enjoyable. So from then on you would ask him to sparring sessions, scrolls in the park, even letting him paint a portrait of you. You did not show any romantic interests in him, merely treating him as you would a friend. To you, Shoto is a nice distraction from those boring official documents.

Then you were pressed against the wall of your study, he mutters how he would invade the southern parts of your kingdom, where was the most fertile grainfields, how your people would starve to death.

“Why? Why would you do this? I thought we are friends?”

“We are friends, dear (y/n). But I want to be so much more.”

Your reign is not stable yet, you cannot afford to wage war just yet. Not agianst a powerful State liek Shoto’s. 

“Marry me, and all would be well.” Wiping away your tears with his knuckles, Shoto let out a sinister chuckle: “What kind of ruler are you, putting your people in turmoil when there’s a clear way to avoid it?”

 You don’t really have a choice. 

Besides, Shoto can’t be that bad, right?

[omniishambles]

VILLANELLE

MEDIA: Killing Eve. FACECLAIM: Jodie Comer. AGE: Mid 20’s. GENDER: Female. OCCUPATION: Assassin for hire. SPECIES: Human. SEXUALITY: Gay. NATIONALITY: Russian. EYE COLOUR: Hazel. HAIR: Long, straight and blonde. HEIGHT: 5”8. SCARS: Various. LANGUAGES: English, Russian, French, German, Spanish. ZODIAC: Pisces, March 12th.

  NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS

Eve Polastri, it’s complicated, as written by @hvbris​.

Konstantin, handler and father figure.

IMPORTANT NOTE

I’m happy to write a more antagonistic relationship with other Eve’s, but romantic shipping is exclusively reserved for Eve as written by Chloe.

BIOGRAPHY

As a child, Oksana Astankova was always different. She was detached, didn’t connect with people in the same way that everyone else did. People were little more than games and easy to manipulate. She also had violent tendencies which, as she grew older, became worse and more prominent in her problem solving. Her Mother, seeing a ‘darkness’ in her, made the decision to give her away to an orphanage, separating her from her brother.

Oksana, entering her teenage years in the care system with a rapidly growing criminal record, had gained the attention of a Russian crime syndicate known as The Twelve. She set fire to the orphanage and ran away, letting everyone believe she was dead. As she became older these issues grew worse, culminating in her obsession with a teacher and the murder (and castration) of her husband, seeing him as an obstacle to what she wanted. Oksana spent five years in prison. Seeing her potential and her lack of family or friends, they offered her an opportunity. Fake her death once more and join them, undergoing the necessary training to become an assassin and put her raw skills to their best use. She agreed. ‘Oksana’ was dead. From that day forward, she chose a new name, her code name- every great assassin had a code name, right?

She became Villanelle.

With stern training she became a ruthless killing machine, taking on assignments for The Twelve all over the world. Villanelle took to this like a duck to water, enjoying a lavish lifestyle in between kills. She enjoys the finer things in life and if she sees something she wants, she gets it. The best apartments and hotels, the most expensive designer clothes and cosmetics, everything she wants comes with a high price tag.

Her style is very flamboyant, both in the way she dresses and her preferred method of killing. An assassination without flair is extremely boring to Villanelle and she enjoys coming up with creative and dramatic ways to take out a target. This has gotten her into trouble with her superiors and her handler, Konstantin, many times; they reprimand her for failing to be subtle, but she’s too efficient to ‘retire’.

She is a social chameleon and speaks multiple languages fluently (Spanish, Greek, French, Italian, German, still learning Mandarin). She’s also a great imitator, having not only an arsenal of accents at her disposal, but a range of human emotions too. She can switch on the waterworks in a split second, she can make herself appear to be a wilting flower, a vulnerable young girl, a ditzy tourist, whatever the job requires.

Outside of undercover roles, she speaks with a Russian accent.

Villanelle is a psychopath. Though she does have some emotions of her own, she usually mimics expected behaviour in order to deceive others or get what she wants. I follow what happens in the series and how Villanelle interacts and presents herself, but I want to approach the subject with care and attention. Villanelle is extremely mercurial in nature so approach with caution!

Headcanons here

VERSES

Main Villanelle is an assassin working for a mysterious crime group known as The Twelve, taking out targets as dictated by her handler, Konstantin. Set during series 1-2 of Killing Eve.

Loose Cannon Post series 3, Villanelle is a free woman. Her skills are on the table for anyone who can pay her enough, but she really has her sights set on espionage despite the rejection by Carolyn.

Management Villanelle is in charge of training new assassins, just like Konstantin trained her.

Royalty AU A bratty princess who murders her parents in order to become Queen.

[rosalind-of-arden]

Sword and Pen Reread, chapter 13 part 1

It’s Wolfe chapter time! I am sure it comes as no surprise to anyone at all that this is my favorite chapter in the book. Splitting the post because this is looooooong.

In the ephemera, we have some Russia-Archivist collusion. The assassins that killed Murasaki were Russian spies. The Archivist sold weapons to Russia. It’s been just two days since the Archivist lost power. There’s no way he set all of this up so fast. He’s been scheming with Russia and developing secret weapons for some time. How did he get the weapons to Russia, though? Were they hidden somewhere outside Alexandria? Translated out by Vanya Nikolin?

The Russian ambassador is surprised the Archivist never used the new weapons in Alexandria, and a little suspicious. I suspect the Archivist would have done just that if the pack showed up at the gates with an army instead of taking control from within Alexandria.

Wolfe’s discomfort with violence: describes Anit’s forces as “unpleasantly good at killing”, doesn’t want to kill the Elites who surrendered. Here’s some foreshadowing of the stabbing moment. He recognizes that killing the Elites would be easier, but he considers that “a terrible thought.” (Is it just because of circumstances that Wolfe sends the prisoners with Anit? Or is he glad for the opportunity to let someone else do the dirty work?)

But also, Wolfe’s appreciation of skill at violence: he has appreciative comments about the fighting skills demonstrated by the Elites, the criminals, Jess, and Glain.

Glain is not ok: “She looked pale and strained now as the adrenaline departed.” (Coincidence that Wolfe is good at recognizing signs of adrenaline rush wearing off? I think not.)

Dad Wolfe, overestimating his warrior daughter’s abilities: “And if I’d come with just you and Jess-” “We’d all be dead,” she said. At his look, she smiled. “I’m good, Scholar. Nobody’s that good.” “Well, perhaps you’re-” YOU ARE SUCH A DAD, WOLFE.

How much of Wolfe only just recognizing that Jess is dying was because Jess was hiding symptoms well and how much was Wolfe being in denial?

“He’d been afraid of this. Afraid that his obsession, his lack of sensible caution, had finally cost a life. Worse still, the life of someone he cared for.” First of all, you know things are bad when Wolfe admits to feelings. But also, echoes of the conversation between Wolfe and Santi after the training exercise in Paper and Fire, when Santi yelled at Wolfe for being reckless and getting the recruit in Glain’s squad killed. This is an argument those two have been having for a long time - I’d guess it even predates Rome. Recklessness is a flaw Wolfe knows he has, and his self-criticism when he recognizes it is brutal. He’s not giving himself a break for recent traumatic experiences or the extreme pressure of the situation.

“Glain had a soft streak in her. In that she reminded him of himself. Rather strongly.” Wolfe has just admitted to having feelings, y’all. This is a sign of how bad things are. But also: yes, you asshole, we’ve known about that soft side all along. You were fooling no one.

A lot of “boy” in reference to Jess. With Jess so weak, Wolfe is thinking of him as more of a child. It’s bringing out Wolfe’s dad side more. Or, I mean, I’m sure there are sinful things that one might make of this.

“I’ve killed him. The thought struck deep, and it hurt so badly he drew in a startled breath.” Wolfe is having Feelings and I just cannot get enough of it. Uncontrolled, audible to others Feelings.

So what does Wolfe do after showing undeniable emotion? Pile on the praise for Jess’s contribution to the fight and threaten to nail the mask to Jess’s face.

Wolfe and Santi have already worked out pretty much everything that the Archivist tries. They know each other’s thinking well enough that Wolfe is very confident in telling Glain that Santi has already thought of the places she suggests the Archivist might attack. The only things they missed were the Tomb of Heron and Archivist’s ability to get assassins and himself into the Serapeum. 

Wolfe’s struggle to think of where the Archivist might go next is another sign that he isn’t at his best.

Wolfe: I am very polite and totally not reading other people’s Codex messages except that I kind of accidentally skimmed it and got the important bits.

High Garda and smugglers both pay and care for the families of people killed in battle.

“There was a certain chilly certainty to that, and Wolfe felt it down his spine. He made his tone especially bitter when he said, ‘Enough chat, children.’“ Wolfe: *has a feeling* Wolfe: *acts like an asshole to cover it up* You are fooling no one, Wolfe.

Wolfe has a soft spot for Anit. First he gives her a lion in Ash and Quill, now he’s offering her two or three favors as long as those favors aren’t books from the Archives. Wolfe’s not just a dad, he’s the dad who makes sure that his kids’ friends are all taken care of, too.

Wolfe threatens to have Jess strapped down to a hospital bed. Wolfe worries because Jess doesn’t argue with that. He knows how much Jess is like him.

Wolfe seems to intuitively grasp that the sphinx is being controlled. He feels the Archivist’s presence in it when it comes back. He doesn’t seem to know about the magic mirrors. Is he sensing something with his limited Obscurist talent that he isn’t consciously aware of?

Archivist’s first name, which Wolfe “hadn’t used in ages”, is Theo. This is the only use of his name in the entire fucking series. Short for something? Theodore (Greek origin, meaning “divine gift”, which I’m sure the bastard thinks he is) comes to mind first, but a quick browse through a couple baby name sites shows that there are a lot of other variants. Notably, I do not see any Russian versions of the name, so we can probably rule out the possibility that he’s so cozy with the Russians because he’s Russian himself.

But it’s also such an awesome moment for Wolfe to get to call the Archivist by his first name. Wolfe has been putting up with people in power calling him “Christopher” without permission, now he gets to turn the tables. It’s even more insulting to the Archivist, and Wolfe knows it.

Santi made sure Wolfe wore armor. This is good protectiveness: not controlling Wolfe’s actions, but urging him to take reasonable safety precautions.

“he felt a sharp twinge in his shoulder that warned him he was neither as athletic nor as limber as he’d once been” A sign of age here, yes, and a potential long-term symptom from torture, but I��m also seeing this as a sign of how Wolfe’s life has changed in recent years. Even just the events of the books would take a toll. Then along with the obviously devastating physical effects of his imprisonment in Rome and the effects of PTSD, there was Santi keeping him “locked up” for 6 months between Ink and Bone and Paper and Fire. How many of his normal activities weren’t safe/permitted for him in the time between Rome and his teaching assignment? The kids see Wolfe as impressively athletic for a Scholar, but this line suggests that he used to be even more so.

Glain says she can’t use Greek fire. This means that Glain has Greek fire. Did the promotion come with Greek fire carrying privileges?

Wolfe, with his arm in a sphinx’s mouth, has to resist the urge to respond to Jess with a lengthy, snarky answer.

Another addition to Wolfe’s knowledge: anatomy. He’s very aware of what arteries the sphinx could claw open.

“Stay alive for Nic, if not for yourself.” Another little hint that Wolfe isn’t entirely ok. Echoes of his statement in Ash and Quill that he stays alive for Nic even though he has suicidal thoughts.

“Dying in a graveyard seemed like the most ignominious end of end of them all. He wasn’t having it.” First, even in his own thoughts, Wolfe backs off from emotional intensity with sarcasm. Second, Wolfe-Dario parallel here, with Dario later complaining about not wanting to die like a commoner.

For all his “I’m not that athletic” thinking, Wolfe is... pretty fucking athletic here. He’s worn himself out, though. He has to catch his breath while the automata are fighting, and he can only run part of the way back. Once the adrenaline wears off, he’s walking.

Wolfe has a nasty bruise from the sphinx bite. @thegreatlibraryfangirl​, how does that play with your injured wrist headcanons? Any chance this injury is worse than Wolfe thinks it is?

[churchsplayground]

“. . .”

The Pawn Symbiote - LF symbiotes

Pawn is only 33 years old, having been spawned at the life foundation (1986) as part of an anti-symbiote project. They are considered the second oldest of the siblings, however, they all are the same age, except the Knight symbiote.

Pawn is referred to as She/Her currently, however, this is subjective and based only on their current host's gender. They do not retain any personal preferences.

Pawn has a fixed height of 7′3″ as a humanoid, it does not change despite the host. -

Pawn lives at the LF with her siblings and parent symbiote in a special container just for them.

It should be noted Pawn does not possess a mouth on a regular basis, and for this reason, is a strong silent. That doesn’t mean they don’t talk, they speak when they want. Only rarely do you see them actually forming a mouth, they often just use a lot of gestures, somehow people still know what she’s talking about (or at least her siblings).

Pawn is a sassy, silver-tongued, she-devil of a symbiote, she can often be seen causing trouble with her sibling Rook. Breaking out of their containment, causing on-site property damage, just being rebellious in nature, acting out much as teens do, it seems they haven’t quite matured enough to grow away from this phase.

Pawn is extremely silent and sneaky, for this, she has earned her place as being able to do more things even the most talented human assassin could pull off. She is often paired in ‘missions’ with her sibling Bishop due to his particular skill set. Pawn doesn’t often abide by the mission’s rules often taking a more messy, bloody approach to things. Ignoring her brother bishop most time due to his passive nature.

Pawn is the LF’s most aggressive symbiote runner up to their parent symbiote, she is often the problem when it comes to keeping staff safe.

Pawn only shows tameness towards Amy, only allowing her to work with and host the symbiote. Pawn has attempted to kill many tester hosts/volunteers that were not Amy or her mother Samatha. Pawn is considered a highly dangerous and problematic symbiote. Often seen putting up fights or flat out trying to kill some staff that was not to her liking.  

Pawn is a very murderous symbiote for reasons unknown, a possible fascination with human death is most likely the cause. Despite this, the symbiote does not seem to be corrupted by this mindset. Only words that could describe her are Chaotic Lawful, she has reasons behind her madness and only seeks the better good... that is, with a little fun on the side.

Big warning… DO NOT sneak up on pawn or her host when bonded unless you want to become a target practice dummy or rather, a dead body. It’s really your choice, they rarely miss, I don’t think you’ll be too lucky for them to miss either.

Unlike her sibling Bishop, she does not take well to foreign symbiotes often treating them as pests and lower life forms. She doesn’t have much respect for the symbiote species often calling them things rather than beings. Then again she is from the same species, in a way she doesn’t think too highly of herself as being part of the species either. All in all, she’s kinda racist towards herself much like her sibling Rook.

Pawn is a little bit more knowledgeable than her siblings on the human world having had been around Amy when she was younger she was often told of many things the child was learning of, learning those things herself when her mother Samatha brought Amy to work.

Pawn stabs first and asks later. She doesn’t care if someones screaming in pain, she’ll get them to talk one way or another.

Two words: Sadistic goo.

Bonus: Pawn looks like she has six eyes, however, she only has four, the top set being fake, why is anyones guess, possibly just to make her loser brother Bishop feel lonely being the only symbiote in the family without more than four eyes (besides Knight that is).

Symbiote Specific Abilities:

Pawn is able to make sharp spears and blades from themselves and is extremely good at welding them having a lot of training doing so. Pawn can make anything from a short dagger-like blade to a long spear being able to impale. Pawn has a wide selection that she is able to create.

Pawn has an extremely good sense of aim, being able to throw these blades just about anywhere and in anyone, for this reason, Pawn is considered an assassin.

Somehow speaks without a mouth, how is unknown. Maybe it’s in people’s minds, maybe the sound is just coming from somewhere?

Minor - Much like her sibling Bishop she’s deathly quiet.

Minor - Pawn has sharp almost blade-like growths on her arms that can be quickly used to cut things like, rope or maybe throats. They are amazingly durable.

She only has:  A. Wits B. Stabby stabbers C. 100 sneak

Human Host - Amy Bergg

Amy is 5’9” and of the lastest is 27 years old

Amy has been working for LF for 7 years now, earning the job almost as soon as her mother had retired only due to the fact Pawn shows extreme violence to unknown hosts.  

Amy is most likely only part of the symbiote project due to relations with her mother Samatha and the known fact the Pawn symbiote is hostile to all other human hosts besides her mother and herself. Both Amy and her Mother are the only civilians accepted into the project.

Amy has known of Pawn’s existence since a very young due to her mother being unable to get someone to watch her daughter whilst she worked. Amy has a very close relationship to this symbiote for these reasons and is currently the only person able to host the symbiote without terrible repercussions.

Amy.. acts exactly like her symbiote. Sassy, doesn’t take shit for anyone. No wonder they get along so well. They’re the match made in heaven and they’ve known each other since a young age. Maybe thats why?

She secretly, might, possibly, ship her two co-team workers. I mean. IF she did, she would say they have some serious cute dynamics with each other and they both should stop being dumb with each other.

Amy loves her symbiote with all her heart because they’ve known each other for so long, they have a very close relationship, much like best friends.

Amy doesn’t treat her symbiote with no regard even if the LF says they symbiotes are not sentient she thinks otherwise, ever since she was little it felt like she was talking to something real, not fake. She thinks the “Are only acting human so that you’ll sympathize with the parasite and achieve a lasting bond so they can use you.” Is kinda bull. 

Bonus: Use to date Patrick (Knight’s Old Host) back in the day. “Patrick? I haven’t heard that name in years, you know he was a total charmer! I wonder how he turned out after all these years? Me and him use to date, haha. Too bad he had to move away because his parents kicked him out, I kinda miss that sweet smile. Bet he’s got a cute girlfriend now!”

< Special Notes - LF issued Warnings:

This symbiote is considered highly dangerous and extreme caution should be exercised around it.

Due to the [2016] symbiote incident. This symbiote is not to be taken off grounds unless instructed or permission is granted. >

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

Hey guys- Here’s the second one! Pawn’s ref, I have one more ready soon, I might have another one after that because I haven’t posted anything on the Knight symbiote!

As always if you’d like to know more about them you can always ask here. I always answer, unless the ask gets eaten or I’m stumped for an answer.

Also ~ In the keep reading undercut, you can find more 1 more drawing, don’t get to excited its just the one that was included on Bishop's ref! So nothing new at all!

Timestamp: January 19th, 2020 Related Links/Continuations: Siblings Ref - Bishop, (+1 coming soon)

- LF SYM HOSTS GROUP PICTURE -

Significance: A group drawing of all the LF symbiote hosts. This including Amy as a half drawing, meant to showcase all the hosts just having a group photo. This is included in all the symbiotes refs.

Left to Right: Zachary Ohenn (Bishop), Noah Keil (Rook), Amy Bergg (Pawn)

~ Thanks for reading ~

[blog-shakirali-blog]

Sniper games for pc

Sniper games are about perking at the top of a building and punching holes through bad guys from a mile away with the help of a high-caliber rifle. Whether it’s a challenge to compensate for a bullet drop or the simple joy of seeing a group of enemies descend into panic as you pick up the helpless goons one by one – the PC Games Repacks pop into moments like these.

Sadly, there are not many games that focus solely on making the player feel like the ultimate ghost warrior, but there are a large number of sniper games with realistic sniping mechanics and sniper missions to keep your itchy finger going. Trigger. Our sniper game list offers everything from military simulations to more laid back experiences where you can make a strange mistake or even dig a sniper rifle completely.

We repeatedly return to our lists to ensure that they are as up-to-date as possible, so you can be assured that in the list below we are no less than a classic sniper game on PC.

1.GHOST RECON BREAKPOINT

Release Date October 4, 2019

Publisher Ubisoft

Genre/Tactical Shooter 3rd Person Shooter Game Open World

The latest Ghost Recon from Ubisoft was supposed to have a lot of sniper action. Ghost Recon introduces the Breakpoint Sharpshooter class, along with a bunch of sniping perches to complement your loadout. It is built around Ghost Recon Breakpoint class sniping and includes class benefits such as ‘breathing while doing’ and ‘bonuses’ using sniper rifles and DMRs. Ghost Recon Breakpoint’s best weapons are highly accurate and fun to use snipers like TAC50, HTI, and Scorpio – found from loot drops, boxes, and blueprints across the imaginary island of Auro.

The breakpoint also introduces quick loot that adds extra perks to your guns, such as improving accuracy or maneuverability. You are able to upgrade your sniper rifle using Ghost Recon Breakpoint Gunsmith and spend old gun parts to improve your favorite sniper. If you are planning to tackle this open-world best single-player games pc, sniper rifles are our recommended choice.

2.ARMA 3

Release Date September 12, 2013

Publisher Bohemia Interactive

Genre/Tactical Shooter Open-World

There is no point in Arma 3 being a sniper. It is a battle simulator and as such it prides itself on annoying realism – you have to use a rangefinder, zero your scope, and freeze your breath ahead of every long-range shot. You have to engage with extreme caution, when you are aware of your situation, when you are acting as a ghost behind enemy lines, you will be killed very quickly.

Arma 3 is so realistic, in fact, that some snipers pair up with a spotter who handles all the totals for them and reveals new targets. Unlike many sniper games, Arma 3 snaps a cooperative experience. Better still, Arma 3 has loads of updates and expansions, so it’s never too late to fall in love with this military simulator.

3. SNIPER ELITE 4

Release Date February 14, 2017

Publisher Rebellion

Genre/ shooter, Stealth game, 3rd-person shooter

The shooting of Nazis is never complete. Sniper Elite 4 continues the series’ gradual transformation from linear stitcher to sniper’s dream sandbox game, marking the occasion with Italy’s fascist switch. The sniper game chop is intact, so expect a realistic bullet drop and there’s plenty of scopes until you manage to slow down your heart rate.

Sniper Elite 4 also features the franchise’s Gore Pies de Restasance: X-ray Kill Cam. Now, in addition to being able to take out a Nazi’s testicle from a mile away, you can see internal damage caused by stabbing an enemy in the back or splattering flying out of a nearby explosion. And what sniper games really are, if not waving your crosshairs to a bad guy’s head, pulling the trigger, and then looking up at his skull as morbid curiosity.

But it is the sniper Elite 4’s sandbox level that is the biggest improvement over its predecessors. Each one is alive and full of possibilities – be it a side-quest, a glimpse of a possible environmental kill, or a sniper nest waiting to be uncovered and used. As we found when writing our Sniper Elite 4 PC Review, each level is sought to be maintained again and again, and this means more sniper game talent for your buck.

At the top, Sniper Elite 4 also received more single-player content in the form of Destastorm, a DLC mini-campaign in which you sneak into a naval base. The campaign released add-ons to chapters after the game’s launch, along with free multiplayer modes and maps. Sniper Elite 4 has a lot more to do as sniper games go on.

4. SQUAD

Release Date December 15, 2015

Publisher Offworld Industries

Genre/ Tactical shooter

While the squad does not have the role of a sniper, there is a mark sheet class – and if you don’t think there is a difference between the two, the squad probably isn’t for you. The squad’s gameplay is all about teamwork, and as such, there is no room for lone wolf roles such as snipers. A shooter’s job, on the other hand, is to go anywhere with the fire team, giving the team its effective access to reacting to long-range fire and generally attacking and defending.

Related Survival Games For PC

Communication and teamplay are also essential for future snipers. Hitting more than 500 meters will give little success, but a higher-magnification scope and better-stopping power ensure that the tracer always has the upper hand in long-range skirmishes. The way it should be in a sniper game For PC

5. INSURGENCY SANDSTORM

Release Date December 12, 2018

Publisher Focus Home Interactive

Genre/ Tactical shooter

The original insurgency offered a genuine albeit clunky modern best FPS pc games with some solid sneezing mechanics. Insurgency: Sandstorm overhauls everything for graphics and animations, sound design and weapon models, and the result is a multiplayer shooter that sounds as authentic as Arma’s, especially when it comes to it’s powerful, one-hit-kill-snipers is. There is not much in bullet drop or travel time as most maps are very small, but weapon models are impressively detailed and have small details such as magnification effects when you are immersed in the role of the trail.

As much as insurgency: Sandstorm’s best zombie games pc focuses on large-scale attacks, playing a sniper in this FPS, which is about cutting flanking routes and catching lines of sight, so taking a spot and a Expect it to stick to the match. Most multiplayer shooters move too fast to make a sniper’s nest worth catching, but in Rebellion: Sandstorm it is necessary.

6. BATTLEFIELD 5

Release Date November 9, 2018

Publisher Criterion Software

Genre/first-person shooter battle royale game

Battlefield games are always baked for snipers, with bullet drops, travel time, and large-scale multiplayer maps ensuring that the range is well-crafted for long-range assassins. Battlefield 5 does not add a huge amount to the equation, but the selection of historical sniper rifles at your disposal is one of the best in the pc games for the free genre.

Whether you prefer to lay low in a hay knot, punching holes through a helmet with a carabiner 98 Kurz, or fancy carrying on vehicles with a Boyz anti-tank rifle. In addition, the new Battle Royal mode, Firestorm, let’s now put your sniper skills into the biggest Battlefield map in the final test against over 60 players. Best Horror pc games

7. CALL OF DUTY MODERN WARFARE REMASTERED

Release Date November 4, 2016

Publisher Activision, Activision Blizzard

Genre/ First-person shooter Game

Quickscoping and no scooping may not be as likely in modern warfare as they were in the original game, but the remastered version of the game is still home to the best pair of sniper missions in gaming: All Gilded Up and One Shot, One Kill.

These heavily scripted missions lead the player through the ghost town of Chernobyl on a mission to assassinate a Russian ultrasooologist-cum-arms dealer. The atmosphere is rhythmic, the narrative attractiveness surrounding it, and the pace irresistible – these missions ignited a passion for sniper games in all who played them. As we found in our Modern Warfare Remastered Review, the game is more than a flashy HD makeover, it is a complete remake of the old game.

8. HITMAN 2

Release Date November 13, 2018

Publisher Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment

Genre/Action Adventure 3rd Person Stealth Game open world

Hitman adds more to what we love in the acclaimed sequel to Hitman 2 – silent and brutally shot opportunities.

Scope aficionados will enjoy a game mode within Hitman Sniper Assassin, Hitman 2 that can be played solo or multiplayer. You only have the job of navigating a level equipped with your sniper rifle, and the mission becomes a puzzle that you will have to figure out how to solve using stealth, position and time. A headshot is not enough for landing – you have to hide the bodies and cover the evidence to pass the level.

New Levels and The Prison ‘and u Huntu Port’ for Hitman Sniper Assassin were recently released with the latest hit 2Alc

9. OPERATION FLASHPOINT: DRAGON RISING

Release Date October 6, 2009

Publisher Codemasters

Genre/ Tactical shooter, Military simulation

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising has a lot of load-outs to choose from, but when you’re working in a sandbox, only a sniper rifle in about 200 square kilometers makes sense. Especially when you can command a squad of AI soldiers to clean all the rooms and do the dirty work for you, leaving you free to pick up utensils from the miscreants in the safety of a grassy knot far and wide. best strategy games for pc

So far away, in fact, that it is possible to kill enemies more than 1,000 meters from you. There are some substantial bullet-drops to take into account, but a few things warmed up the cocktails such as picking up an entire enemy squad without them ever finding out where you are. What else is there for sniper games? Of course, because Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is a battle simulator, you will have plenty of opportunities to make the helicopter fall out of the sky with a single shot.

10. COUNTER-STRIKE GLOBAL OFFENSIVE

Release Date

Release Date August 21, 2012

Publisher Valve Corporation

Genre/ First-person shooter

The best sniper games are not about taking that one entire shot. In the hyper-competitive space of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive a Perfect Shot is not enough (even if you know the best places to throw CS: Smoke Grenade). You have to take thousands of perfect shots with each other to split each one, and there will be no margin for error. Forget Ghillie Suits, CS: Only care about muscle memory and accuracy – nothing less will do.

With this in mind, you can look for the CS: GO console command to access the game’s practice mode before going into the killing areas of the multiplayer. Pokemon pc Games

We also have CS: Gaming, thanks to the best and most famous sniper rifle in AWP. Why so much love for a gun? With each shot that plays with an adorable sound, it is also the only gun in the game capable of killing an enemy with one shot to the torso. This Quake’s railgun is distilled in a realistic form, and in the hands of a supporter, it is destructive.

CS: GO is one of the most played games on Steam and its ultra-competitive nature makes it one of the best multiplayer games on PC. Playing online against highly skilled players will make you an eagle-eyed sharpshooter in no time.

11. SNIPER GHOST WARRIOR CONTRACTS Upcoming Game

Release Date

Release Date November 22, 2019

Publisher CI Games

Genre/  Action-Adventure Stealth PC Game

the best fighter games on pc The latest release in the Sniper Ghost Warrior series, Contracts, will take you to five different locations in the deepest Siberia, each with an ‘IP sniping sandbox’ full of objectives and tasks. Designing a new dynamic reticule system, which manages the variables present in rendering the correct headshot, promises to enhance the tactical sniping experience to contract gadgets. upcoming games pc

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts will also have a multiplayer mode and is scheduled to release on November 22.

[thewritingstar]

The Assassin Code

A KiriBaku Multi Chap Au

Summary:  Bakugou is known by many names. he's a hunter, a killer a top paid assassin and his new task is to kill the beast that lurks in the kingdom of Ekon. What happens when a paid assassin realizes that maybe he is not hunting a beast but a hot and thoughtful man?

I’m really proud of this first chapter so I hope you all enjoy! Its already up on A03 and that link is on another post. 

Chapter One: The Journey Begins.

--------

Bakugo entered the gates of the temple, he knew why he was here, he always did. He became a known name, well if you knew who to ask, doing the dirty work for the lords and ladies across kingdoms and digging into the riches they provided for his services. He was a master of weapons, a cunning foe like a fox, and an expert at manipulation, maybe that's why assassination came so easy. He had blocked his emotion years ago, watching your parents die at the hands of a dictator really messes you up and he vowed to kill the blood of the corrupted.

He had shut himself off from the world, only emerging from the shadows to strike a sword or arrows into his prey. Like a plague, he spread and killed silently and was gone without a trace. He was known across the lands, but was never seen.

He was escorted towards the throne room where his client would be. Taking the time to gather information he looked around the hallways he traveled. Golden portraits of the king's face line the halls and his family was everywhere too. One of the faces he hated was plaster on the wall. The prince of this castle was none other than a duo haired boy who expressed nothing but a scowl and rumor had that he had gone missing months ago. “Probably someone who could ruin his name.” Bakugou thought as he glared at the pictures, only someone of extreme high status would parade their face around.

Bakugou hated all royalty, that was just his nature. But they were rich and paid to have him take care of things so as long as he could get a paycheck, the crowns were no threat. He had done it all. Kill kings, murder mages and suffocate sirens. It didn’t matter to him, the only rule was they had to be evil, no innocent person would be slayed, that was the assassin code. But royalty was different. He knew the man who he was about to see was a crook as well so in no time he would probably be paid to take him down too and move the throne line faster. That's how it worked, like a network of webs, Bakugo was the spider and no one knew he that all the spun silk lead to him. He wasn’t the only assassin, just one of the best.

He went by many names, no matter where he went, he was always referred as something new. The Killer, The Crimson Blade, The Hunter, Lord Explosion Murder, he liked that one the best. In fact no one knew his real name and he was going to keep it like that. A dark hood swallowed his body as his deadly ruby red eyes were the only seen feature. The ones that held emptiness as his victims fell to his leather boots. He carried his sword on his hip and a bow under his cape. Weapons were hidden everywhere but he is also skilled in magic.

Finally he reached the throne room, a guard opened it and Bakugos patience was already wearing thin. The door closed and he was left standing in front of the king. King Endeavor of the Ignatius Empire. He knew he possessed the power to wield fire but he wasn’t intimidated in the slightest, he had fought many foes and won every time, a little bit of flame wouldn’t scare him.

“You must be Red Shadow.” The king stated and Bakugou held back an eye roll. He learned the hard way to keep quiet and take the task, ask only the important questions and get out. He nodded and the king lead them to a table and chairs. He would keep his temper in check for now and release his fury on the prey.

Bakugo sat and set his sword on the table letting the king know that he was prepared. It was crafted out of the toughest steel and the jewels that forged into the handle were made from the drops of blood from the man who killed his parents. It was a reminder; Bakugou always won.

A map made of dusty partridge was set in front of him. “The village is called Ekon, north of the banished woods is where you will find the man to kill.” Endeavor pointed and Bakugou thought it was the shittiest map ever made.

“Guilty?” Bakugou asked, he needed to know if the person he would kill would actually be evil or if it was a petty argument he had no time for.

“Extremely. You see the king and queen here had a son once-” Bakugou raised his hand.

“I don’t kill children.” He stopped him.

“Well luckily he is a man now. Well more a monster. You see he was born with a quality as one would say. Razor sharp teeth those of a man eating shark that taint the seas. Bloody claws that scratch at the throats of its victims, he is no child, hell he killed his own parents.” The king spat.

Bakugou straighten his back, his eyes held a deadly glare. Kill his own parents? “Why do you want him dead?”

“There have been rumors that he has sent his men to disrupt kingdoms and as a large one myself, I’d rather keep my village safe and peaceful for the time.” The king shrugged, his crown was made of heavy gold and had multiple rare jewels so he knew this would pay well. The thought came clear as a small velvet sack was laid in front of him.

Bakugo stared at it. “Please open it. I'm hiring the best and I want the job done right.” He opened it and smirked wildly but the king couldn’t see it. It would probably pay off half of the villages debt but he gladly collected it.

“Anything else?” Bakugou asked as he stood and secured the payment in his hidden bag.

“Don’t die.” Endeavor said and Bakugou let out a scoff.

Red eyes glared at the kings. Die? Did this fucker think that some beast could take me?

“I lost a group of my best guards to him. That's why you are here and I expect that iron claw to be on this table once you’re done. No time limit, just get it done.”

“No time limit?” That was a first. Usually he had a deadline but he would be quick anyways. In and out was the best way to do it.

“That kingdom is far, i’d rather have the job be done properly or not at all.” The king shrugged.

“And what if i just run off with the pay?”

The king laughed and looked back at the cloaked man. “I have more money than the three surrounding places combined, there is always someone better, so I'll just kill you.”

“Like hell you will.” Bakugou spat and when the king turned back, he was gone.

--

The velvet paycheck dropped onto the table with a thud. Huffing Bakugou removed his dark cloak and realized that he was sweating immensely. “Stupid fucking cape, can’t fucking breathe in this shit.” He complained and tossed it to the floor.

“Here.” A bowl of what seemed like stew was placed in front of him. He looked up to see Denki.

“Why are you here?” Bakugou grumbled.

“Because I can be dumb ass. Also I robbed Endeavor.” Denki smirked. He placed a dusty sack of jewels next to Bakugou's. “Belonged to the prince but since he's gone missing, no one was keeping guard of his room,quite the mistake on their part.” The blonde thief smirked as he ran a hand through his hair, dusting over his black strands that represented his electric charge.

Denki was one of Bakugou few thieving companions, if you can even call him that. After almost getting his weapons stolen and Denki almost dying at his sword, the pair had become an acceptable duo to take from the rich, like robin hood but with more blood and torture.

Denki, like Bakugou witnessed the death of his mother. He was born as a slave to a rich family in another land but after they killed his mother, he used his magic of electricity and light forming to steal and murder the family. After that he lived village to village until Bakugou and him set up camp in a scheduled part of the woods. A place hard to reach and out of sight, perfect for a pair of bandits. Although those weren’t the only two in the gang. Now he spent his time as a bandit, he didn’t kill often but was no wimp when it came to blood.

Sero was a master of the deadly art of torture. He used his magic of possession to hold the whips and chains that would be used to torture his prey, bad people to pay the price. However he only came by rarely as he was sought out publicly by many royals. He time was spent in dungeons, destroying the corpses of those imprisoned. Dirty work belonged on the hands of someone in the shadows. Someone who couldn’t get caught.

Lastly was the mage named Mina. Her specialty lied in her used of potions and deadly substances. She worked mostly with Denki as she could ease a guard to sleep with spells or even transform the moats surrounding a castle into poison water, not to mention the acid and spite that leaked from her fingers, gloves were a caution but she was a silent killer. She was a traveler, always leaving to find supply and had the connections in underground bandit ring.

Together they all traveled to do the dirty work of others. Outside of their ‘work’ they were quite interesting people but kept to the shadows and themselves for safety, even they didn’t know who the others were fully and that's how it would stay. They all were given other names,

“You robbed him while I was there?” Bakugou snapped. It was a careless move but Denki craved for the adrenaline rush. Like an electric eel, he was on the move for the next kill.

“Kinda. Before you arrived. Just in case.” Bakugou rolled his eyes and scarfed down the food in front of him. “I’m not dumb enough to do it afterwards.”

Denki saw the velvet bag and the duty map next to it. Picking it up he examined the trail.

“I assume you are going to be on killing leave?” Denki asked and he was met with a nod. “I adjusted your dagger. When you push the button venom will leak. Easy kill.”

“I heard a conversation, a group of nobles are coming in a few days. Perfect time to rob.” Bakugou told him and Denki nodded.

“Ekon?” Denki flicked the page.

“You heard of it?” Bakugou asked. Denki nodded.

“Guy who rules it is called the Red Riot, heard tales of his hardening magic, practically invincible. If he's the one you’re after you might want to stop at Frops, maybe one of her potions could stop him.”

“I don’t need your help Sparks.” He growled but made a mental note.

“Yeah, yeah I know. Gotta run, thanks for the tip.”

The blonde assassin huffed as Denki left as silently as he came, probably going to the pub for a drink, he didn’t know and didn’t care.

He got up and made his plan to pack, soon an iron claw would sit on the kings table and he would go to the next mission. It was a routine he had been doing since he was a boy, one he knew that would end his life but death had ceased to get its hands on the former assassin.

---- It was safer to travel at nightfall. Bakugou decided not to bring anyone from his gang of bandits. Sometimes he would on bigger projects but this was just one man, or beast for that matter. Plus he was easily annoyed with any company and preferred the silently whispers of the wind. Based on the map, Bakugou made the decision to travel all throughout the night until he reached the town one over from his designated area. A village that was known as Wild Lily Musk. The name came from the overwhelming aroma of the bog that was covered in beautiful yet deadly water lilies that emitted a potent gas.

Hours had past as his legs burned from walking so far. The woods were full of spiny plants and although he could mange in the dark, his calves were scrapped a little. Luckily he didn’t encounter any low life thieves who would try to steal his goods and no animals tried to take him down as a meal.

The cold air of the night fell off of him as he removed his cape before entering the small inn. It was quiet and the only person there was an employee. He recognized the woman sitting at the desk trying to stay awake as her eyes tried to doze off. The bell chimed and the frog like eyes of the woman blinked before she stood and smiled.

“Ribbit. Bakugou. Ribbit.” The woman spoke or croaked. Bakugou was not the friendliest, quite the opposite actually. Even in his daily form, he had the glare of a demon. He hated the noise that came from people and only restored to interacting when he had too. He had exceptions but even then it was half-assed kindness.

“Froppy.” He huffed. The first time he had encounters the Frog Mage, he was trapped in the dreaded bog. She had helped him and in return he hunted down the man who stole from her family, since then they had a mutual relationship, he stayed at the inn for free and he did their dirty work for no pay. It was rare but useful. She didn’t know he was an assassin, and it was going to stay like that.

“Ribbit. Room 3. Ribbit.” She croaked. She passed him the key and he placed a emerald on the desk. “Ribbit, you don’t-”

“Take the damn thing. I don’t have time for payback.” He snatched the key and made his way up the creaky stairs.

“There's fresh muffins in the kitchen. Ribbit.” She called as she examined the precious jewel closely. It was an expensive payment, one that would pay for the inns doors for a few months, Bakugou knew that.

“Whatever” He yawned but they both knew he would take a few before he left in the morning.

The inn was damp and musty. The view from the window was bare and boring and since it was dark and he wanted people to mind their own fucking business, he kept the burlap curtains closed. The scent in the air loomed from the deadly bog, everyone in the town had developed a mutation, giving them the qualities of the swamp inhabitants. The Frog Mage was just one of the many who was granted that look, luckily Bakugou wasn’t staying long so the air wouldn’t taint his blood stream.

Flopping onto the bed, he took out the scrolls that had Ekon knowledge on it. He had stolen it from the records of the library but that didn’t matter, no one had even touched them.

“What the fuck?” Bakugou examined the first scroll. Written on the parchment was a poem, no a tale of what he assumed was about the child.

. A child born with the strength of a thousand knights. Armored from head to toe. Sharp like a sword and swift as the streams, he was a deadly creation. The darkness covered the kingdom as blood from the beloved king and queen spilled from the child's iron claws. Locked away in the tower he stayed, ruling with fear and a deadly glare. He stayed there, never to be seen. A child turned to beast. .

“So the flame brain was right?” Bakugou huffed and read more about the history before shutting his eyes knowing he had to get up and travel some more before the sun rose. After a few grueling minutes of little information, he threw the scrolls on the bedside table and let sleep take over for a few hours.

Before the sun could casts its golden rays onto the village of Wild Lily Musk, Bakugou was already up and heading down stairs. The frog mage was asleep in the chair so he gave a firm knock on the desk.

“Ahh-oh Bakugou. Ribbit.” Froppy croaked. The key was given back.

“I need a potion, something I can use to immobilize someone. The dumb ass blonde said you got something so make it quick.” He stated. She blinked and tilted her head.

“Hmmm, Ribbit. Let me go get it.” She disappeared behind the door and he could hear the clinking of glasses and bottles as she shuffled through the mess. He leaned against the inns lobby desk and looked at the pictures on the wall. His frown never left as his eyes traced over the many photos. It was the frog mages family and even a few friends, none of which he knew nor cared.

He turned back and snatched the potion out of her hand before putting it into his woven bag. “This better work.” He growled and she blinked again before handing him a muffin.

“It does. Ribbit. Just don’t spill it on you or you will be stopped too. Ribbit. Lasts an hour. Ribbit.” She said and the little bell jingled as he disappeared into the night. ---- Daylight arrived as Bakugou reached the town of Ekon. A small village that looked to have no inhabits.

“What the fuck?” He questioned as he looked inside the window of a nearby shop. Dusty coated every aspect and it seems like the town had been abandoned for months. Usually a town even as small of this was bustling with noise but everything was quiet almost as if sound was illegal.

He continued looking through the stores and worn down homes, even breaking in and taking some supplies along the way. In the center of town was a statue. Crafted from iron was a sculpture of a man and woman. Dead flowers rotted beneath it as ivy and weeds crept up the metallic sides. Bakugou pulled of some weeds to reveal a plague.

. For the king and queen of Ekon .

“What is this, a grave?” He asked but kept walking. In the distance he saw the castle and decide to get a move on so he could kill his prey. A shiver ran up his spine as he climbed up the hill side through the thick trees, he couldn’t risk getting spotted. He was a professional after all.

As he neared the castles wall the smell of rust and sulfur filled his nose and he almost gagged. He covered his mouth with his cloaked hand and coughed loudly as his lungs became full of the scent. He paused and leaned against a thick oak tree, taking a moment to establish a plan to get inside and catch his breath.

“Window there, there and there. Easy.” He smirked and resumed his walking. Small twigs snapped under his leather boots and the sun has become soaked up into the dark fabric making him sweat more than he already was. He didn’t see any guards as he came closer and wondered if anyone was here at all. Suddenly his vision blurred as he was whisked into the sky.

“What the fuck!” He yelled as rope rubbed against his ankle. His body began tied up into a next and struggled to break free. He felt like a mouse just caught in a trap. “Shit” He cursed knowing that being caught was the last thing he needed. Hopefully they wouldn’t know who he was. He needed a plan fast.

“Are you alright?” A voice came from below. He couldn’t see as his cloak had covered his eyes and his hands were pushed to his sides. He tried to wiggle free again but it only seemed to tighten his position and burn the rope further into his skin.

“I’m fine.” He growled but felt his body lowering to the ground, his back hit the moss floor of the forest and he finally could take his dreaded cloak off.

As his vision cleared he came face to face with a hand that offered to help him up. Grunted he pushed it away and stood up on his own, dusting off the dead leaves and chunks of bark caught onto the fabric of his pants. “I said I was fine.” He snapped and pulled his sword out and aimed it at the face of the mysterious man.

A man his age stood with his arms up and oddly a smile. One that had sharp fangs. Bakugou looked him over. Broad shoulders and lots of muscle like him. He wore only a vest so Bakugou averted his eyes so he wasn’t staring at the mans bare abs. He would be lying if he didn’t think he was attractive but he just glared at him.

“I know but it's better to get help plus that is one hard trapped to get out of. Anyways you seemed lost, please follow me and lets treat that wound of yours.” He pointed to Bakugou's leg where a deep red gash was. The firm rope had torn his flesh and the pain just got to him. He winced as he looked down and gritted his teeth.

“Nah I don’t need help, especially from someone with such shitty hair.” He nodded and the man rolled his eyes and let out a laugh. A strange feeling swept through him as he heard the laugh, there was something about this man that intrigued him but he was on a mission.

“You’re funny. Come let's go.” he walked past Bakugou, not bothering to care about the sword pointed at his face. “Oh and I don't think you should insult the man who just saved your cute ass.” He winked and Bakugou's blood ran hot as he followed him.

"So whats your name?" The red haired man asked. He skillfully guided them through the woods and to the clearing of the cobblestone path.

Bakugou debated on telling him. Maybe it would be best to get close into the castle so he could have easy access to the beast. Plus no one knew his real name anyways. "Bakugou." He spat and kept his small dagger out just in case the man pulled any funny business. they stopped at the giant oak door, the one that would lead him inside his enemy's home.

"A cute name for a cute man.' he heard him flirt and the tips of his ears matched the color of his eyes.

"Yeah and what about yours?" Bakugou asked. The man turned and leaned against the door flexing his muscles slightly and Bakugou noticed.

"Names Red Riot but you," he looked Bakugou up and down. "Can call me Kirishima." He smirked and opened the door.

Bakugou stopped in his tracks and gulped. "Fuck" He whispered as he followed the man he was suppose to kill into his domain.

---

I hope you enjoyed!

[violet-bookmark]

Princess of Dorsa, by Eliza Andrews, chapter 6

Chapter 5 was very unexciting and chapter 6 doesn't start off much better: Tasia herself is bored with her lesson and falling asleep. I do love the scenery's description, it is very immersive (it's ironic that I say this about a description that is supposed to arise boredom and sleepiness). Her creep of a teacher notices that she's falling asleep, so he quizzes her about the lesson. She replies way more diplomatically than usual, which is good because it makes her sound more calm and clever than when she just lashes out.

As she describes her creepy teacher, we get some lore from the Wise Men: they wear their hair like medieval monks. That's it. That's the lore.

Also apparently the house of Dorsa was founded by a barbarian who had a wizard brother that he killed, so I guess that's why there hasn't been any magic so far. The book did a great job at making the explanation sound as boring and uninteresting as Tasia found it, so I almost forgot about it. Then suddenly we get this:

"Your father told me earlier today that he intends to make you his true heir," Norix said. "You'll still have to marry, of course, but your father wants you to be the one with the power, not your husband."

I was mistaken, looks like she will have to marry anyways. I understand this in part, but not really. It would make sense for her to marry after they find out who tried to kill her, or at least can rule some possible suspects out. Otherwise they would not only anger the killer by naming her the heir, but also giving him the possibility of getting closer to her and murdering her for real.

Another thing to note is that Tasia's parents had few children for their time and station. I don't know if this is because her father is impotent, because her mother had poor health (which could be, except we don't have any idea of how she and Tasia's brother died) or if they had other babies that died, but it is a massive inconvenient. If House Dorsa is ruling a massive Empire, the more children they have to marry off to other houses, the better.

Her creepy teacher, Norix, proceeds to act all condescending and explain to her that normally, females can't inherit (as if she didn't know) but that given the circumstances, it is time to do a very special exception, despite the fact that Tasia hasn't either shown strong leadership skills nor an interest in the crown.

I am tired of "females can't inherit" being common law in fantasy: the Salic Law was responsible for women not being allowed to ascend to the throne and inherit titles or property for a big part of the medieval age (although it varied depending on the century, some countries didn't have this law while in others it was introduced a lot later, etc. So even realistic fiction authors should double-check their facts). Of couse, even without it, mysoginy was a reality that shaped women's lives in many ways. During the medieval age, women worked on the fields for as many hours as the men did, but in my country they only got the same pay as children purely because of their sex. But those circumstances and the Salic Law were not something unavoidable or that just had to happen, and it is tiring how a lot of medieval fantasy books just expect readers to accept settings where women don't have any power (except for a few exceptions) with no explanation. Sometimes they even have less power than real medieval women; a lot of authors seems to think that for some reason, lower class women never worked? Or did anything apart from having babies, staying in the kitchen or prostituting themselves, really (something that a lot of the time they are portrayed as enjoying, of course). Hell, even high-born women did a lot of remarkable things during the Middle Ages that the majority of people don't know about, either because the men in power didn't want them written in history or because they deemed them less important just because women did them.

But back to the point.

"And I happen to believe that your father's decision is rooted in wisdom. This might be the right time in history - and you might be the right princess in history - for a woman to rule again."

And I happen to disagree, but then again I am not a pervy old man with a monk's haircut, so you know, grain of salt.

Tasia's brow furrowed. She was the right princess to rule the Empire? Norix's sudden proclamation was more than out-of-context and unexpected; it was out-of-character. She was relatively certain that her tutor didn't even like her, let alone think her capable of ruling an entire empire.

Even Tasia thinks he's full of shit.

Norix informs her that they are interrogating the man that was trying to kill her (while cosplaying as a Wise man) but that they are having a hard time getting anything out of him because he can resist truth serum. I was fine with this until:

To resist the truth serum required years of careful, painstaking training. It required poisoning yourself with the serum on ever-increasing doses, tolerating months of sleepless nights and vomiting until one built up an immunity to it,

Wait wait wait, no. Months of sleepless nights? The longest recorded time a person has been without sleeping is 11 days. Not sleeping for days can have very damaging effects on the body; it can cause hallucinations, paranoia and psychosis, along with damage to the nervous system, poor movement coordination and devastating effects on a person's mental health and overall wellbeing. It even messes with your hormones and your entire internal clock, affecting hunger, body temperature, etc. It is rare to die because of lack of sleep but it happens, and I am sure that anybody would die after months of not sleeping, if they hadn't gone insane first.

Tasia reaches the conclusion that it's possible that the Wise Man that tried to kill her wasn't a cheap cosplayer but the real deal, since the means to train somebody to resist the truth serum are expensive. Which means that the one that wanted to kill her was a noble. We don't know exactly what Wise Men do because knowing about their hairdos was more important, but they seem to be teachers to the rich and the poor alike, as well as advisors to nobles. So far, none of them have proven to be master assassins, let alone to have good fighting skills. Why would they send one of them to kill her? No wonder he didn't get the job done. They could have trained a professional assassin to resist truth serum and just have him/her do the deed.

It's also stupid because Wise Men seem to be fairly publicly known as well, so that should make it easier to track down the killer. What makes it worse is that, if the assassin was indeed a Wise Man, he tried to murder her in his Wise Man uniform for everyone to recognize his status, which is extremely dumb.

Norix starts to ramble about how clever she is for having reached that conclussion (... It's not an impressive deduction, and it doesn't make Tasia look clever, but the book look dumb), and he points out that she has an ability to manipulate people, like the guards of Sunfall gate. When Tasia is like "wtf" he reminds her that everyone and their mother knows about Tasia's lovers. Which yeah, Tasia has mentioned before that everyone and their mother does, indeed, know about them. Why is she surprised when she already knows that everybody knows?

"You are many things, my dear girl. Imprudent, churlish, impulsive, mule-headed - these all describe you well. Still..." he said, almost as if to himself, "they are traits you can learn to temper, should you decide to. Traits you could use, even. As your father has. Statecraft, strategy, the right balance of daring and caution. These are things that I can teach you. But loyalty - aaah, loyalty cannot be taught. And the one thing I know you are not is a traitor."

This is... A weird way to phrase it. You could just say that she's a loyal person instead of being like "well, you definitely are not a traitor ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ so you'll do". And so far, Tasia hasn't demonstrated any kind of loyalty to the Empire or to anyone else but herself, really. She has mentioned several times that she isn't bothered about politics, her lessons bore her to death and she puts 0 effort into them, and she hasn't thought once about the Empire apart from when the men urge her to (her father, Norix, Cole, etc.), and even then she hasn't had a single thought of her own about it. She hasn't been traitorous either, but she doesn't seem to care enough to be. She only comes across as a selfish brat. Not caring enough to go out of your way to hurt someone or somehing =/= loyalty. Honestly, the only reason that would make me believe that Norix supports her as a ruler is that he believes she will be easily manipulable since she doesn't give a shit, and then, as an advisor, he will be the one with all the power.

Now that I think about it, only the noblemen have ever worried about politics in this book. All the noblewomen we have seen so far are too worried about their lovers and their looks to spare a single thought about politics, despite the fact that they will be their husband's confidantes in the future and they should have notions of how things work to be able to give good advice and to be politically competent as noblewomen. This is not only sexist, it doesn't even make sense. Even Tasia’s mother seemed to be only interested in singing with her pretty exotic birds and was so damn unremarkable that Tasia outright tells us that everyone has pretty much forgotten about her. Not even Disney princesses are so damn politically useless. If the noblewomen in your "gritty" look-at-how-many-times-I-mention-sexual-assault-aren't-I-edgy-esque series fall short at the side of Disney princesses, you're doing something extremely wrong.

After talking about the fact that it was the Emperor's idea and not Norix's to name Tasia the official heir, she remembers how her dad was talking about some of the women that had become Empresses in their own right:

Empress Adela, the warrior-queen who'd saved the nascent Empire after a series of wars that had nearly destroyed it. Adela's father had only two daughters, and the younger one died before reaching adolescence. Rather than marrying Adela off and turning her husband into the heir, he named Adela the heir and never forced her into marriage.

But Tasia is still forced to get married? Why?

Tasia asks Norix why did he tell her before the Emperor could, and Norix says that he wanted Tasia to not be taken by surprise and to do something stupid in front of the Emperor. Great trust you have in her, dude. Somehow, Tasia doesn't take offense on that, which she should. She takes offense when Jos does as much as breathe near her, but Norix insults her to her face and it is A-okay? He's her teacher and everything, but still, she mentioned earlier that everyone should know their station. That he told her beforehand also bothers me because it will make the naming scene far less epic; now that Tasia knows it won't be as interesting or impressive, and far less dramatic.

Out of the blue, but why didn't her father remarry after her mother died? Unless he had a problem, the natural course of action in a society where the upper class needs heirs would be to remarry both for the babies and the extra power. This reinforces my theory about him being impotent. We are given no explanation whatsoever for a lot of things that we should know, so I will headcannon away. No cannon facts can stop me because they don't exist.

After Tasia finishes her lessons she starts to get nauseous because all the responsibility of being an Empress is hitting her at once. Joslyn tries to make her feel better:

"Princess... If it eases your burden any... I want you to know that no assassin will get near you again. Not while I remain in your service"

She is so kind and considerate, I love her.

"That eases my burden none," Tasia said. "I've known you for all of - what? Four hours on the clock? Five? And as you pointed out, the attempt on my life was only last night. Then you suddenly appear today? For all I know, you are my assassin's accomplice, weaseling your way into the palace to finish the job."

Why are you like this, Tasia? Okay, you're worried about the assassin, but throwing sudden accusations isn't going to help you. And since when you have suspected Joslyn of anything? This comes completely out of the blue. "That eases my burden none, I won't rest until I find the mastermind behind the assassin." Would have been a way better response while still coming across as angry and aloof. Her actual answer not only makes her come across as angry but as a total idiot as well.

[...] to the Princess's private apartments, at which point Joslyn slipped ahead of her and inspected all three chambers - the antechamber, Tasia's bedchamber, the servant's bedchamber. Tasia put on a show of the inspection being superfluous and unnecessary, but secretly she was glad for the guard's diligent caution.

If you are grateful for it, why did you put on a show and got mad? The only thing you will get doing this is that Joslyn will be less eager to inspect the rooms next time. Granted, she answers to the Emperor, but if you're telling her that the inspection doesn't need to be done, she might think twice about it next time. Why is the author doing this? This is not cute, this is not "banter, or "rivals to lovers" or whatever, this is just stupid and makes Tasia look immature.

Whatever it was, Tasia had to admit to herselt that she felt just a little bit safer as she crossed the treshold into her private chambers.

A shame that this won't stop you from being an asshole to Joslyn.