#Specifically a certain Sky Pirate-

[wayfinderships]

Good Afternoon gamers!!! Have a Panchi/Snow meme <3

[tangibletechnomancy]

Doing It Wrong On Purpose: Episode 1 - The Un-Ship

Today's experiment: What happens if I prompt for something, and then negative prompt all the main keywords, plus various synonyms and related words?

The answer: Some gloriously weird stuff.

For example, let's look at a negative cat:

Positive prompt: A cat on a windowsill during a storm

Negative prompt: Cat, feline, felidae, kitty, kitten, animal, pet, windowsill, window, glass, pane, house, storm, rain, water, lightning, thunder, clouds, torrent, downpour, snow, blizzard, wind, windy

Interesting! Let's get a little more fantasy with it and try for an anti-deer:

Positive prompt: A deer in a peaceful flowery meadow, crystals, midnight, fantasy, colorful

Negative prompt: Deer, cervidae, animal, elk, moose, stag, doe, fawn, reindeer, antelope, cervid, antlers, flowers, night, dark, trees, foliage, bloom, stars, night, tranquil, fantastic, vibrant, cool, magic, blue, moon, sky, crystal, stone, statue, topiary, floral, blossom

Between these two experiments, including a few dozen other generations that remain unposted, one thing I can say for sure is that for living subjects, it's a great way to get the kind of anatomical wonk that older models are (in)famous for - and it makes sense why, the model is trying to make something that looks like a certain subject...but once it starts to look too much like it, well, shit, we told it NOT to do that! Break something up! Given that I love that kind of wonk, I think I've found a useful tool for myself.

One more living subject, and let's get even more abstract with our direction here:

Positive prompt: mind horse

Negative prompt: horse, equine, colt, filly, mare, stallion, bronco, pony, mind, brain, thought, essence, psyche, intelligence, consciousness, imagination, dream, soul, visualization, intellect, wit, cognizance

Now let's try something that isn't alive. One thing I love AI for is surreal settings and landscapes - lets try one now!

Positive prompt: A magic palace garden made of crystal and gold

Negative prompt: Palace, magic, crystal, gold, fantasy, castle, estate, stronghold, temple, garden, flowers, plants, blossoms, bloom, blooms, trees, grass, stems, foliage, leaves, greenery, branches, bush, bushes, hedge, hedges, metal, luxury, stone, glass, brass, rose, polished, jewel, prism, courtyard

I then tried to see if, learning from the animal subjects, I could make it more likely to return one of my favorite "mistakes" - making it impossible to discern the point where a water area ends and a sky area begins. I wasn't immediately successful, but I came up with some results I found pleasing regardless-

Positive prompt: Secret hideout in a cave behind a waterfall in the foggy forest on a floating sky island in fluffy clouds

Negative prompt: hideout, camp, campsite, home, abode, house, dwelling, rest, shelter, waterfall, water, cave, grotto, forest, woods, woodland, trees, fountain, cascade, pond, stream, lake, river, brook, puddle, creek, pool, beach, ocean, sea, cloud, clouds, sky, cumulus, cirrus, nimbus, fog, storm, rain, sunshower, falls

It seems that with landscapes it's got a much clearer and more specific "idea" of what a [SUBJECT] without [SUBJECT] looks like; it's more inclined to invent very specific, very consistent unasked for related elements. With the animals, I was tweaking the weight on the positive prompt to avoid getting straightforwardly just what I had positive (and negative) prompted, but with landscapes, I just get... almost something else entirely.

So how about inanimate objects? Let's try a ship, perhaps?

Positive prompt: A huge sailing ship with brilliant prismatic crystal sails on a stormy, turbulent sea of sunset clouds

Negative prompt: ship, boat, sailboat, sailing ship, pirate ship, galleon, ketch, schooner, sloop, cutter, sail, sea, ocean, storm, wind, rain, water, waves, cloudy, clouds, fog, sunset, dusk, dawn, sunrise, twilight, evening

...okay, I'm in love with the un-ship. It truly does manage to consistently give me results that look like, yet entirely unlike, a ship. It is everything I love about AI as a medium. More than that, it is my friend.

At lower positive prompt weights, they only get even more beautifully chaotic.

I want to live on one of these (in an alternate universe where they're geometrically possible and structurally sound, that is).

Failing that, I will be featuring them a lot from now on.

All images generated using Simple Stable, under the Code of Ethics of Are We Art Yet?

[kaizokuou-ni-naru]

Was reading over the reverie arc tag and saw that you said to re-ask you about Im after what happened is revealed. (I'd provide the link but tumblr won't let me) So, while not much was revealed, thoughts?

what i think is really interesting about imu is how they compare and contrast to the other characters who have been set up for us as endgame villains, those being blackbeard and akainu. compared to both of them, imu is established quite late in the series, and how they will fit into the unrolling narrative and themes of the story is still somewhat unclear.

both blackbeard and akainu are established firmly well before they enter the main story as primary antagonists. we hear about blackbeard as far back as alabasta and meet him in jaya, while akainu is first seen in robin's enies lobby flashback and mentioned even before that. and they each also embody a strong thematic conflict with the main characters that is going to need to be overcome by the end of the story.

blackbeard mirrors luffy in his pursuit of the pirate king's throne, existing in the same lineage of villains as doflamingo and big mom. it seems almost certain that he will be the final and most difficult fellow challenger for the title of pirate king that luffy will need to face, and the eventual showdown between the blackbeards and strawhats has been telegraphed for quite some time. the question this conflict asks is, what does it mean to be a pirate? what does it mean to be a pirate king?

meanwhile, akainu is the embodiment of authoritarianism. he's the law, brutal and indiscriminate; he represents the order that would stifle freedom. he is much more alike to antagonists like rob lucci and cp-9. while i usually try to avoid speculation on this blog, i think akainu's final defeat will probably not be at luffy's hands; i think a showdown with sabo is much more likely. and the reason i think this is because the question that the conflict with akainu asks is, what does real justice look like? this is ultimately the question of the conflict between the marines and the revolutionaries; they are two armies fighting over whether the current order will be maintained or torn down and built anew.

so, then, imu. we meet them quite late in the game, and still know very little about them. however, i do think this is in itself thematically resonant; we see almost no trace of imu anywhere else until we reach mariejois itself, because they have been deliberately erased from the world. imu is tied, specifically and inextricably, to the mystery of the void century, of the erased history, and we will only learn the truth about them when we learn the truth about everything else.

imu's role in the story seems to be specifically to finally provide a direct antagonist to the overarching myth arc of the void century, the forgotten ancient kingdom, and the will of d; the imperial crimes of the world government, shoved endlessly under the rug. can you build a world-spanning kingdom on a lie? will it stand? for how long? there can be no such thing as an immortal empire no matter how much force you might use to make it so. you can't pin the sun in place in the sky.

while it's impossible to really guess this conflict is going to unfold given how much information we still don't have, my top three guesses for who will be primarily involved are robin (for obvious reasons; unraveling the truth of the void century is her dream, and imu stands directly in the way of that), vivi (also obvious; imu is targeting her directly), and law (both because his new goal is to unravel the meaning of the will of d and because it seems significant that imu is likely a previous recipient of the ope-ope no mi's immortality technique).

[bunnyboowrites]

Kinktober ~ Day 2 God 

The destruction around them was the last thing on her mind, rubble crumbling under her weight as she stood watching the hole in the ceiling. The sound of fighting was all around her but was drowned out with how laser focused she was. Luffy was out there; fighting with all his might for a group of people he cared about. She could hear his fierce battle cries from where she was standing. She was with Nami and Tama, she was choosing to ignore the two other pirate captains. Suddenly there was a blinding light shining a brilliant purple. Cracks formed right next to the other hole in the roof and in a flash a giant head poked through, a head that looked so familiar. The horror of the situation quickly took over her being and she felt her consciousness slipping away. 

When she came too the battle was already over chopper informed her of this while treating her minor wounds from the battle, she was trapped in her thoughts, while everyone was joyous around her she could only think about how useless she had been by sleeping the whole battle, luffy was gorging himself on meat, a reward for his endless fighting and free spirit. The more she thought about the face she saw before passing out the more she thought how close to a certain captain she knew. When they were back on the Sunny she looked all over for him and saved his special spot on the sunny’s head for last. The wind was blowing the salty seas in the air and it was a pleasant mist. She saw his beloved straw hat before she saw him but she focused on carefully crawling on top of the lion so she wouldn't fall off. 

“Oh hey (Y/N)!” he cheered when he turned to his crewmate, he was upset that she had been avoiding him. He always felt weird when she was around, a good feeling but just unnatural. He was always so excited to hear her voice and one look at her beautiful hair and he felt a weird feeling in his stomach and he was a little less carefree when he was wondering if she was alright. “H-hey Luffy, i um had a quick question for you” she uttered as she looked at the horizon in front of them, the sky was starting to turn a beautiful mix of purple and orange as the sun began to set. “I missed you so much, you missed it Usopp was being so funny earlier” his signature laugh cut through her train of thought making her forget what she even came up here for “he said that he has kissed 1,000 girls and Franky called him out and he just started stuttering” his bright infectious smile was so compelling and she couldn't help but giggle at the silly shenanigans that went on without her knowledge 

“Do you ever think about kissing (Y/N)?” Luffy questioned, watching her with curious eyes. She pushed past the embarrassment, i mean she was talking to Luffy it couldn't be that bad right? “I thought about it once about a boy from my home island, but it never happened” she chuckled thinking back to a younger her that was so distraught over kissing a boy that obviously liked her back “what about you Luffy? Do you ever think about it?” he didn't answer for a while, like he was thinking really hard about it “i didnt think about it before, but i want to now” she laughed at his blunt answer “Anyone in particular?” she asked; breath catching in her throat at his answer “i want to kiss you” her whole body felt a whole jolt of electricity like all of her nerve endings caught fire, she turned to look at him and was surprised to find him just an inch away from her face; lids low and his eyes trained on her. “L-Luffy, do you even know what you're asking?” she chuckled nervously, maybe one of the others told him to say this to her “lets kiss, they told me it was fun and i want to try with you” he was practically giving her puppy dog eyes now, and despite her better judgment she gave a slow nod.

He let out a whoop of excitement, she felt her skin heating up. Was this really happening? She didn't think Luffy felt this way about anyone and now he specifically chose her, maybe she was just having a bad dream. He grabbed her hand and turned to face her again, he gave her a cute little snort before leaning in. She closed her eyes and felt his lips press against hers; his lips were a little dry but she didn't mind it that much. She pulled back only a small distance after their chaste kiss and was surprised to find Luffy already staring at her eyes wide open “Luffy were your eyes open the whole time?” he nodded and she let out a long sigh “you need to close your eyes that's weird but you're not that terrible at kissing, but i've never done it before so who can i judge am i right?” she was rambling on like she usually did. She was nervous and before she could get another word out he smashed his lips back onto hers. This kiss was a lot different, rough and much deeper, his hands were exploring the nape of her neck and she whimpered when he pulled her into his lap. 

 She gasped for breath when they both pulled away, she felt like he was taking control and she didn't know how to feel about it. She leaned in but instead of a normal kiss she let her tongue run over his lip. He opened his mouth just enough to let her sink her tongue into his mouth. They were exploring each other in new ways and it felt a lot different as it went on. When Luffy’s hand touched her thigh she felt like she was broken from a trance. She jerked away like he burned her, their spit connected between their wet lips. “I have to go, see you at dinner okay” and with a small wave she got up from his lap and quickly left to go process what happened on her own. Leaving her confused captain to himself wondering why his shorts felt tight. 

~

After an awkward dinner where Luffy asked why the ‘thing’ in his pants grew bigger when he kissed (Y/N) she left very abruptly, she didn't want to play damage control for Luffy’s big mouth. Maybe they would forget in a couple days, she thought to herself as she grabbed her hygiene products ready for a nice steaming bath to relax all of the day's stress. When she made it to the bathroom and ran herself a bath. The fluffy towel fell from her chest as she brought what she needed to the edge of the bathtub with her; lying the towel down next to her pajamas. The steam was radiating off the water and she wrapped her hair up so it wouldn't get wet. Sinking into the water she let out a relaxed sigh. 

Her relaxation would be rudely interrupted when a certain straw hat burst into the bathroom. After a brief chat with Sanji (basically Sex Ed for dummies) Luffy knew why he felt so strange around (Y/N); he liked her even more after their kiss. The feeling of having her lips touching his was so electric the same free feeling he felt when was thinking about being king of the pirates. He let out a loud whine when she threw a bottle at him “What's wrong you liked our kiss earlier right?” he questioned “I- no” she frowned “I don't know Luffy, one minute i'm trying to ask you something and then we were kissing.” she sank lower into the water “i don't know what to think” He let out a curious noise and kneeled next to the porcelain tub “what did you need to ask?”

She looked at him and bit her lip “When you were fighting Kaido, what happened to you? You looked so different” dipping her fingertips into the water to watch it ripple as she patiently awaited his response “That's gear 5” he stated matter of factly, like she should have known already. He jumped up and smiled a quick ‘wanna see?’ was uttered before his black hair was slowly turning white. Like ink seeping into a piece of paper, this air was like static and she felt an immense pressure around her. She stood and before she knew it she heard her captain's silly laughter. She was looking this new version of him in the face as he laughed, ‘what is he laughing a- wait’ she covered her slick body best she could “don’t laugh it's not funny” he gave her an exaggerated pout. 

“Can we kiss again? It was so fun I want to do it again” the floor seemed to bend as he bounced on it like a trampoline giggling to himself. He wrapped his arm around her many times before picking her up and bringing her closer to him. The crazy smile on his face wasn't off putting but she was unsure of what to think of the situation with her mind running a mile a minute. But suddenly clarity, lips against hers and she let out a gasp that he swallowed down with his sloppy kiss. He was kissing her with a newfound hunger, his tongue slipping into her mouth. He eventually let her free of his iron grip when she started kissing back. She could feel his smirk against her lips and she couldn't help but smile when she pulled away

 “I want you to be my girlfriend, Sanji says if youre my  girlfriend I can kiss and touch you and you can make my dick feel good” he motioned at his pants and she covered her heated cheeks. “Are you sure Luffy? I don’t want it to be just about sex” he enthusiastically nodded and put a hand on the small of her back moving her closer to him “I like you (Y/N), I was scared you didn't want to be around me anymore and i didnt know why. I like you so much that my stomach gets this crazy feeling and not for food” she giggled and put a hand on his bare chest, feeling the scar there going lower and lower until she reached the waistband of his pants. “Can i touch you here” she asked and he nodded, she leaned in to kiss him while she unbuttoned his pants pulling them down just enough for his dick to spring free. He wasn’t the longest but he was girthy and she knew the stretch he would give her was delicious.

Her soft hand wrapped around the base of him, she could hear his gasp catch in his throat. Looking up at her captain he looked so different, white curls and red eyes it felt dangerous like if she made one wrong move she’d anger him.  Her core came to life, she was gonna service him until she was so cockdrunk she couldn’t move. “I haven’t done this before so i'll try my best” she angled him toward her awaiting lips; tongue out to meet his leaking pink tip his precum was salty but it wasn't horrible like she heard it could be. His hips bucked to meet her wet mouth and she whimpered when he forced half of his length into her mouth, his frenzied noises were turning her on even more than before and she slipped her free hand down to her slick pussy. She began to suck harder, trying to take him deeper; he was just getting louder and louder. The view from between his legs was almost angelic- no like he was a god to be worshiped and adored. Her fingers moved faster against her clit; she took his dick deeper into her throat and his groan went straight to her cunt. 

It wasn’t long until he reached his peak, warm white ribbons down her throat. She swallowed the best she could. When she pulled away there was a mix of spit and cum running down her chin Luffy moaned at the image of his cum on her face pulling her back in for another filthy kiss. Panting when she pulled away she stared into his eyes “let me ride you please Luffy” she moved her hips against him, his cock running along the seam of her pussy making both of them moan. He was quick to agree and she gave him a genuine smile, grabbing the base of him she sank her hips down and the stretch felt so nice “oh my gosh L-luffy?” she felt his dick growing, getting longer she felt tears burning in her eyes “the guys said girls like when you have a big dick, do you like it (Y/N) i want you to feel good” he used his devil fruit to fit in her more snug. he looked at her desperate for her approval

“You just have to give me a sec okay?” he nodded and held onto the fat of her ass, the moment felt like it was going in slow motion, her knees were pressing into the cold wood floor and she could feel him twitching inside her. She rolled her hips and was rocked by a wave of pleasure, her moan made Luffy thrust up into her “Move i wanna feel good too baby” she braced her hands on his hard chest and started bouncing on his lap. Her tits were bouncing right in his face and he couldn't help but slip his tongue on her waiting nipple, wrapping his lips around it. She arched her tits closer to his face desperate for more stimulation. The knot in his stomach was tightening, his moans were so loud she was sure the whole crew could hear their lewd sound. “Please (Y/N) it's gonna happen again” she whined, she wanted to cum to and he was going too without her. She reached down and rubbed urgent circles on her clit. Her pussy got tighter around him and he couldn't hold it after her orgasm rocked her, the fluttering of her cunt sent him over the edge too. Shooting his seed deep inside of her. 

She watched as the white drained from his hair and she was looking at her normal captain. She let out a silent laugh and place her forehead on his “that was so good, but i think we should get cleaned up” she looked around the bathroom and shivered grabbing her towel to cover her naked body. He smiled and nodded, stripping down naked as the day he was born “Lets do it again in the bath” he exclaimed but a loud pounding knock cut through “HURRY UP WE WANNA TAKE BATHS TOO” Nami's voice boomed through the door. She was gonna die having to face the crew now, but luffy just picked her up and slid into the warm bath that had cooled since she ran it “i guess we should hurry huh (Y/N)?” when he was met with no response he looked to see her sleeping and just grabbed some soap to wash their bodies.

[francixoxoxo]

ik you're taking a break but this is here no pressure for when you come back I just wanted to send it while it's in my head <3

had a thought of pirate billy teaching mermaid reader about the constellations and the stars and how sailors and pirates use them so often <3

Ok this is sooo cute

The stars have always been so beautiful to you, you hadn’t discovered them until you finally came to the surface. It felt like a reward for doing something so rebellious, so dangerous and independent. For finding yourself, you found the stars.

You and Billy had been laying on a large rock jutting from the shore, your scales catching the pale moonlight and shimmering iridescent blues, pinks and purples. Colors Billy couldn’t even hope to name, but was willing to devote his life to memorizing. You’d been staring up at the stars, while Billy stared at you, and you breathed, “You’re so lucky to have the stars.”

“Hm?” Billy’s brows drew together, he tore his eyes off you to look at the navy sky. The stars were clear, dappling the night like spots on a fawn. You were just as innocent and pure as you sighed wistfully, “They’re so beautiful. I wish we had them below the water.”

Billy hummed softly, finding your hand on your belly and intertwining your fingers. “Well, they got you underwater. Figure that evens the scale, baby girl.” His words brought a smile to your lips, a giggle bubbling past them, and he brought your knuckles to his lips. He smiled against your soft skin, pressing a little kiss to your hand and murmuring against it. “Yanno, they’re a little practical, too.”

“Really? How?” You lifted your brows, ever curious. Billy nodded, proud to have an actual knowledge of the topic as a sailor. ��Like a map y’aint gotta worry ‘bout misplacin’.” He lifted your hands, forming your hand into a point aswell as his own, gesturing to a specific constellation.

“That one’s Orion, s’ a classic.” Billy hummed. You squinted, trying to make out the dazzling stars. “It looks like a guy holdin’ a bow with his arm up. Y’see?” At your little nod and smile he moved your interlocked hands, grumbling to himself for a moment to find another.

“That’s casseopeia, y’use that one t’find your direction..” Billy cooed to you, looking over constantly to drink in your twinkling, curious eyes as they lit up in recognition. “And y’use it to find that one, the lil’ dipper.”

“Why do you need to find the Little Dipper?” Your brows furrowed a bit in confusion. Billy chuckled a bit, rubbing his thumb over your hand affectionately. Somebody else might’ve thought you were stupid; Billy understood that you had a raw, true and honest thirst to know everything. “Well, see that bright star at the end? By where the handle’d be?”

“Mhm.” You instantly recognized that one. You recalled your first night above water, you’d been so afraid to peek more than your face above the surface. You spent practically the whole time staring up at that star, admiring the demure glow of it. It seemed so unreachable. So otherworldly. Perhaps that was how Billy felt about you.

“Well, that’s the Pole Star. The North Star.” Billy explained with a bit of pride in his low timbre. “It’s how we get t’port when we can’t tell our cardinal directions, yanno? If y’know north, y’know south, then west, east, you get it.” He looked over at you, his blue eyes flicking over your face, your beautiful features illuminated by the moon. Your eyes were wide and doey, your smile faint but ever-present.

“Beautiful and useful.” You summed, and Billy grunted in agreement. He brought your knuckles to his lips, peppering a few kisses along the back of your hand.

“Very beautiful.” Billy agreed softly, his eyes opening and lifting to meet yours. There was that familiar glint in them that made you certain he wasn’t just talking about the stars and constellations.

[do-you-know-this-adhd-character]

Do you know this (noncanon) ADHD character?

SPECIFICALLY THE VERSION FROM DUCKTALES (2017)

Evidence below the cut!

There were two submissions for this one!

Submission 1: honestly i'm surprised dewey hasn't been submitted yet bc he's like. "classic adhd personality type". he's hyperactive, impulsive, easily distracted, and HATES being bored. the official character bio describes him as "quick to throw himself into dangerous situations without thinking" and in the pilot episode gets distracted mid-conversation ("stop! scrooge was trying to keep me out of trouble, but i was so caught up in- why is there a lamp on the floor?") what REALLY sealed the deal for this headcanon, however, was the rsd he displays, bc this kid desperately wants to be loved by everyone and is absolutely crushed when that doesn't happen. his dream world is a high school musical-type high school where he's the mascot and star (nightmare on killmotor street); he had a panic attack because he tried playing a heel in a wrestling match and the crowd kept booing him (rumble for ragnarok); and in one episode started crying bc he thought he disappointed his mom (raiders of the doomsday vault). (speaking of his mom, there's loosely enough evidence to point to her being adhd too, and you know what they say about it running in families.)

Submission 2:

i could go on for AGESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS about dewey and the adhd headcanon. i am going to write a bunch of stuff, but it probably won't turn out very well (i write worse when i'm passionate about something lmao) why i see him as adhd: he has EXTREME rejection sensetivity dysphoria, which to me is most apparent in the money tree and boxing episodes (which i have inconveniently forgotten the names of). he requires attention and love to feel fulfilled, and will go to great lengths to be praised. he hates failure and the idea of being a dissapointment, so he goes to great lengths to prove his worth. he tends to be stupidly stubborn, not backing out of something even if it would put him in serious danger. he's also very impulsive -- jumps into dangerous situations without thinking about the consequence, all that matters is that it's exciting! he's SUPER energetic, and a small detail i noticed is that he doesn't seem to fall asleep easily? he's very chatty, there's an entire episode where he gets involved in a gang of sky pirates because he really, really wanted to talk about a hat he found. a lot of his decisions are irrational or generally just based on strong emotions?? he's definetly more of a thinker than a feeler. ("stop assuming i know things, ok? baseline, assume i know NOTHING!") he exaggerates his emotions or the severity of situations a lot. very easily distracted (or at least pays attention to the wrong thing? like, when they're offered to test out godhood, when they're told they're going to do "god auditions", dewey seems to miss out the "god" part and just does a dance routine (his reaction to realising he messed up is too funny to me, and his dance was actually really good imo) he's constantly breaking into song, uses his name as a pun almost constantly, and has a catchphrase he uses regularly. it's his 'character trait' (i'm not entirely sure how this relates to adhd but like. it makes sense to me) WAY too curious for his own good. generally just really hyperactive? goofs off when it's not really appropriate. i feel like there has been moments where he's been shown stimming before. (ik huey has for sure i'm not totally certain about dewey tho) also he's voiced by BEN SCHWARTZ. that guy seems to want to voice adhd-hi characters that are represented with the colour blue. ICONIC anyways that's all for my silly rambling. dewey and huey are the ultimate adhd autism solidarity duo btw

[itsharleystuff]

-ˋˏ 𝘊𝘖𝘕 𝘓𝘈 𝘉𝘙𝘐𝘚𝘈 ˎˊ-

— 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Din Djarin x afab!fem!reader (reader is described as POC)

— 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 10k

— 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: When Mando crashes in an unknown planet, he didn’t expect to be saved by such a distinct individual; much less to learn plenty about her and the world that she lived in. Safe to say that her charm didn’t go unaware by him.

— 𝘞𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴: 18+ content (minors dni), oral sex (f!receiving), teasing, blindfolds, voice kink(? Kinda, vaginal fingering, mentions of arranged marriage, body worship, I think that’s it.

— 𝘢/𝘯: this is my first time writing smut, so it might not be great but I’m working on it. Also, English isn’t my first language, therefore I apologize for any mistakes. Ps: this fic will have continuity and it contains certain elements of indigenous cultures (nothing specific, mostly general stuff brought together to create fiction).

| 𝙣𝙤 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙮/𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 |

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩ ✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩

| Six months before Mando

meets Grogu for the first time |

"Dank Farrik!" Mando mutters when he suddenly loses control of his ship. The smoke around him becomes suffocating and the bounty hunter doesn't know where it's coming from. Probably a damaged engine. The wound on his side stings greatly and his vision starts to get blurry as all he can see now is the blue sky of the unknown planet he was now landing on. Well, more like crashing on.

"I hate pirates." He managed to say, breathless, before he passed out and the razor crest stumbled to the ground.

•••

When Mando finally woke up, everything around him was unfamiliar. He was no longer in the razor crest. In fact, he had no idea where he was.

"You're awake." Said a voice next to him.

His first instinct was to reach for his blaster, but the ghost of it lingered on his fingers. As if for instinct, he checked for his other weapons, but he had been stripped of them, along with his armor. He felt vulnerable, naked, exposed... At least his helmet remained where it was supposed to be.

"Were you seriously going to point this vile weapon at me? The one that saved you?" Mando slowly raised his head to see the woman standing beside him. Her voice had a weird accent that he couldn't quite pinpoint, and her skin was tan, like bathed in sunlight. She was holding his blaster, staring at it as if it was a hideous creature.

The mandalorian realized that there was a bandage were he was previously injured by a knife. His underarmor remained, but it was ripped and dirty. He sighed, sitting up in the bed where he had been laying.

"Who are you?" The woman, dressed in a white silk robe, tied with a golden belt at her waist, stayed completely silent while she left the blaster on the nightstand by the bed. "Where am I?"

"You're in no position to make questions. Don't you think?" Mando scanned his surroundings, picking up every detail that could possibly reveal where he was. The room was big, peaceful and very open, with wide balconies that would let the warm, golden sunlight spill all over the place. It didn't seem like this was a crowded and loud planet, like corousant; if anything, the architecture reminded him of naboo. But the woman didn't seem like a naboo resident, not with that skin and dark long hair that fell on her back in a thick braid. She wore golden jewelry, in her fingers, arms, ankles and ears... She looked like nothing he had ever seen, and to be fair, as a very experienced bounty hunter, he had seen plenty.

"I don't know." Mando said, noticing the pain that struck his injury and limbs. "I think... I think I can take you."

He didn't mean it. At least, not completely. He had learned that things that looked innocent and naive are usually the deadliest.

"Not in that state." She replied with a smile. "Matter of fact, you're about to go on trial in about an hour, so I suggest you get cleaned up and prepare a proper speech."

"What?!" The man couldn't hide his astonishment. "Trial for what? Almost dying?" The lady turned her back to him. "Hey!"

"Why are you really here, bounty hunter?" She asked. Her voice was serious and low, warning him that he should be careful with his words.

"I don't know where I am."

"Yeah, right." She snorted, barely looking back at him.

"Am I supposed to know?" Once again, the woman didn't respond. Din just stood there, admiring her silhouette, painted with the lights and shadows that naturally formed in their surroundings. There was something graceful, yet dangerous about the way she carried herself around. "Look..."

He tried to reach her side, but before he could step forward a dark shadow fell in front of him, blocking his way with a fierce growl. It was an unknown creature with feline characteristics, covered in black fur, two pointy ears and enormous fangs that didn't even fit it's mouth. The animal barely looked like a cub, but that didn't make it any less terrifying.

"It's okay." She whispered, and the animal slowly left it's guard down, approaching her side and laying at her feet, purring. "I believe you, mandalorian. But things aren't looking great right now." She petted the creature's head before looking at him dead in the eye. "There were pirates following you, which usually indicates that people know about us. And it doesn't really matter if I trust you, cause it's not me who you have to convince."

"Then who is?" She gulped and her gaze wandered from him.

"I can't say much. Not until the trial is over." Was her response. "But I can tell you're an honest person, mandalorian."

"Mando." She tilted her head and smiled warmly at him.

"Okay. Mando." He nodded slightly. "Get ready soon, I'll be waiting right outside. You may wear your beskar armor, but since you're under our custody, any weapons shall remain in our power."

"I understand." Din didn't like it, but there wasn't much he could do about it. Before the woman and her pet left the room, he stopped her. "Wait." She raised an eyebrow at him, curious. "What should I call you?"

She seemed to think about his question, but her answer was rather simple and mysterious. "You may call me whatever you want."

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:

         You couldn't believe what just happened. An outsider; and nonetheless, a mandalorian, had just crashed in your planet. Your whole life you had lived hearing tales about the sky people...

The evil sky people that wanted to conquer your people and steal the riches of your planet. But you had finally met one, and he seemed... Oblivious.

Mando.

He was a peculiar one. You couldn't make up your mind about him, but one thing was clear to you: he wasn't a bad person. The people of your planet could always tell when someone was lying, and he seemed like an honest one. At least for a bounty hunter.

Asteria was an extremely rich planet, in every sense of the word. Minerals, food, technology, wildlife, landscapes, etc. So, the habitants had learned not to trust outsiders ages ago, disappearing the planet from every radar and map, making it seem as if they didn't exist. Occasionally, people would try to sneak, but asterians were raised ruthless warriors, instructed to not let anyone in.

This, however, was a different situation.

Mando didn't land there intentionally, at least not at first sight, and he hadn't been violent towards you, even when he had the chance. But asterians were distrustful people, and questioning him was an obligation. A necessity.

Therefore, you were now waiting outside your own room, where you took him and healed him, your spear in hand and a hint of nervousness.

The palace was a big and open place, usually very crowded by other people. But right now it was awfully silent and empty; probably because everyone was gathering with the tribe leaders to hear what the mandalorian had to say. So naturally, you were the only soldier guarding him. Well, you and nyx.

Nyx was a wildcat, a unique species that had only existed in your planet. You had rescued him when he was born, right after his mother passed away, due to a hunting injury. Animals in Asteria were considered sacred, so hunting them, eating them or destroying their homes was punished by death. Greedy people existed all over the galaxy, and sadly, your planet wasn't the exception; especially because wildcat's fangs were great for weapon making. Either way, you made sure that the transgressor got what he deserved, and sheltered nyx to raise him. He was not a pet to you, as asterians didn't own animals; he was your familiar, an extension of you. That was it, you didn't need anyone else...

When an hour exactly had passed, you opened the door again only to see Mando standing right in the middle, adjusting his chest plate.

"Does your under armor need fixing?" You asked, politely.

"It's okay. I've got a change in my ship." As if realization has suddenly hit him, he went extremely stiff. "Is my ship too damaged?"

You shake your head. "It'll need repair, but it's nothing serious." You paused, your eyes fixating on his wound. "Does it hurt? I did my best, but I'm still learning..."

"Nothing unbearable." He responded dryly. Tilting his head to Nyx's direction, whose tail was waving around your legs.

"Good." You were expecting a thank you, but he seemed far too unreachable as to ask for it, so you said nothing. "Walk in front of me." You pointed the spear to him, no too menacing, but not too soft either.

Din wasn't a fool. He knew that whoever these people were, they must be incredibly powerful, not only weapon-wise, but in terms of skill too. They left him alone in that room with his armor and a blaster, either trusting he wouldn't try anything (which he didn't believe) or knowing that, whatever he did, they'd be able to stop him. He knew better than to try and shoot his way out of this one.

You tied his hands behind his back with magnetic cuffs while he remained extremely silent. In fact, he remained in silence all the time you guided him through the halls of the Asterian palace. You guessed he was observing and gathering information of your world with everything he was seeing. The tall walls, the clean colors and lack of decorations and every open balcony from which the sunset light would spill into the place.

"Who will I answer to?" He asked suddenly, not looking back in your direction.

"The leader of our tribe." You replied. "He's a harsh man, but he'll trust you if you tell him the truth."

"Are you a soldier?" Mando wondered, curious, but rather stern.

"Yes."

"Is the leader some kind of king?"

"There are no kings in Asteria. The strongest and wisest is always our leader, and he cannot lead by himself." You explained.

"What does that mean?"

"You ask too many questions." You replied, annoyed. Stopping right in front of the gates that lead to the council room. "You better keep them to yourself if you want your head to remain attached to your shoulders." You feel him tense up, even if it's not visible. "I'm not threatening you. I'm warning you."

"Is there a difference?" You can't really tell if he's joking or not, but you laugh anyways.

"Good luck, Mando."

•••

The room was crowded and loud, even as huge as it was. Mando noticed that everyone there had similar features as you. Although, he thought, you were more distinct in an inexplicable way.

Right at the other side was a man, old and formidable. He had long hair, crowned by a feathered ornament, his ears were pierced and filled with golden earrings, such as his nose. His chest was exposed and filled with scars and colorful paint, as were many of other men in the room.

Mando felt the point of your spear in his lower back, sending a wave of electricity through his spine, forcing him to keep moving forward under the attentive gaze of the asterians. The man, whom he assumed was the leader, observed him fiercely while sat on a throne made of hard wood and thorns.

"Mandalorian." He said, standing up, and as that sole word was spoken, the whole room went silent. "I'd never seen one of your kind before." Mando didn't speak, and remained rigid and with his head held high. "Heard they were good at killing."

You glanced over at him, kind of admiring. There was something about Mando that intrigued and fascinated you, something rather unique that made him... Alluring. Yes, that was word.

He stood right there, in the middle of a room filled with the best warriors you had ever seen (including yourself), men and women that had cold-bloodedly killed all kinds of sky people just for trespassing the atmosphere of your planet, and yet, he looked so arrogant. His body remained all covered up by beskar that wouldn't show sight of his skin, while all the warriors of Asteria barely wore anything to combat, as a sign of how fearless and untouchable they were. Mando wasn't broader or taller than most of them, but there was something about his presence that made you feel intimidated right when he entered a room.

"Tell me. Is it true?" The bounty hunter tilted his head to the side and you wondered how such a simple gesture could be so attractive.

"Yes." He answered chastely.

"What do you think?" The leader asked in your language, turning to face you.

"I can't tell just yet, Att'ka." He nodded, side eying the mandalorian.

"What's your name, bounty hunter?"

"Mando."

"No." Att'ka gave him a harsh look and everyone sat at the edge of their seat at the sudden change in the ambience. "I asked what your name was, not what people call you."

For a moment, it seemed as if Mando wasn't gonna respond. The silence in the room was such that you thought everyone could hear your heartbeat, hitting violently against your chest. "Answer him." You whisper, almost worried. He turned slightly to see you, and you saw yourself reflected on his visor.

Another moment of silence in which he simply stared back at you; at least you guessed that's what he did, since you couldn't really tell, before he turned back to Att'ka.

"Din Djarin."

You finally let out the breathe you didn't know you were holding. And sooner than you realized, Att'ka was smiling.

"Trust. That's where your life relies on now, and you're off to a good start, Din Djarin." He continued, "I know your people don't give their names to anyone, so you giving it to me means I know, you're to be trusted."

Mando simply bowed his head, as if he was measuring his words. The palms of your hands were sweaty against the spear.

"So, tell me. What are you doing in Asteria, Din Djarin?"

"I accidentally crashed here. To be fair, I didn't even know about the existence of this planet before my ship landed on it." He said, voice determined through the modulation of his helmet.

"But you were followed by pirates. Why?"

"I had just delivered a quarry, someone that was close to them. If they couldn't have him back, they would at least try to steal my credits." He explained, careful with his tone. "I can usually take a couple of them, but they attacked me at night, all at once. I couldn't properly fly my ship while being injured. That's how I ended up here, trying to lose them."

After he finished talking, a wave of murmurs arose in the room. "So you've never heard of our planet before?" Mando shook his head in response.

"What do you think, A'mohra?" Att'ka asked you, calling you by your tribe name. "Is he telling the truth?"

"I sense no lies or fear in him, Att'ka. Perhaps, he was just unlucky." You answered, shrugging. For a couple seconds, he seemed to be meditating what he'll do next.

"H'arrat." Shit. The last name you wanted to hear now. "What would you have me do with this man?"

You turned your head to the left, only to see a man stand up from the crowd. Att'ka's son, the tribe's favorite to succeed his father as leader... And, if that happened, your future husband.

"The mandalorian does not deserve death. But we cannot let him go, he already knows about us." Said. "I think we should lock him up."

"Here?" You asked, abruptly. "To do what? He'll just be a burden, even as a prisoner. We do not keep prisoners." Everyone knew you were the type to talk back and not keep your thoughts to yourself, however, directly questioning H'arrat during an auditory was extreme. That wouldn't be a problem if you were his wife, but now you had just contradicted him, and therefore, his father. Thank the maker, they both seemed interested in what you had to say.

"So what do you propose, A'mohra?" Asked the leader. Mando slightly turned his head to your side, but you ignored him.

"His injured, Att'ka. And his ship is damaged. The bounty hunter has nowhere to go, unless we help him. Convenience. It might be dangerous to let him go, but will we really risk an innocent man's life just because he was trying to survive? It doesn't seem fair. Is this really who we want to be?" Your voice echoes through the room, but you make sure to add just enough emotion to shake everyone present. One way or another, they'd listen to you.

The silence lasted what you felt like forever before Att'ka spoke again. "If," he said, slowly, "this man is to remain on Asteria until his wounds heal and his ship is repaired, will you answer for him, A'mohra?" He paused, letting your mind to settle. "If he breaks any of our rules, will you face the consequences of his actions? Will you be responsible for Din Djarin's life for as long as he stays in our planet?"

That was a lot to process. You didn't even know him, and the little you did know wasn't really anything good. Nonetheless, something in your heart ached to say yes.

"Wait." Mando stepped forward to the leader, but before he could even process what was happening, you were blocking his way with your spear. "No, there must be- "

"I will."

"And if letting him flea our planet brings any further consequences in the future," the man proceeded, "will you face them in his behalf?"

In the corner of your eye you perceived the slight head shake that Mando gave you, such a small gesture that you doubt anyone but yourself could've noticed.

"I will."

"Good. Then we'll settle it democratically. Take the mandalorian outside and wait for me to give you the response."

You nod and bow your head down before motioning at him to follow you. Once behind the closed doors, he sighed. "You didn't have to do that."

"I did."

"What if I do something to offend you? To offend your people?" He asked, exasperated. "I don't want you to me responsible for any of my actions."

"Then don't do anything stupid."

"I..." for a moment, he seemed about to fight back and contradict you, but the second he saw that look in your eyes: determined, fierce, beautiful... Mando just couldn't say anything, he was completely taken aback. "Fine. This is the way."

Silent, you laid against the white wall without letting go of your spear. Nyx, who couldn't previously accompany you to the hearing, had waited patiently for you outside and was now staring menacingly at the handcuffed mandalorian.

"Is your name A'mohra?" He asked after a while.

"No. That's my tribe name, but not my birth name." That was a vague response, to which he simply stared back at you, expecting. "It's pretty common that asterian people give each other names based on something characteristic of the person. Att'ka means 'great father', H'arrat is what you'd call a great warrior in your language. Whereas A'mohra means 'kind spirit'."

"Seems fitting." Mando says. "Considering you saved my life. Twice, apparently."

You huff a laugh. "I used to hate it when I was younger. I wanted to be praised for my intelligence or my ability to fight." You caress Nyx's head as you speak. "Until I realized... Anyone in this planet can be a great soldier, but not everyone can really be kind. Att'ka says that's what will make me a good leader."

Your explanation simply brought more questions to the bounty hunter's mind, but before he could make them, the loud sound of the doors opening startled you both. It was H'arrat.

"Looks like it's your lucky day, mandalorian."

•••

Night fell quickly after that.

The tribe exited the throne room, giving Mando dubious looks whenever they walked past him. Att'ka was the last one to come out.

"Be careful." He whispered, although you were sure that Mando could hear him. "You will look after him. But most importantly, you'll have to look out for yourself."

You didn't answer, in fact, he didn't give you the opportunity to say anything before he left the two of you alone in the darkening hall. You sighed, walking towards him so you could take off the handcuffs.

"You heard them." You say, while doing so. "Try anything funny and I'll feed you to Nyx." You feel his body relax under your hands.

"I won't. You've been good to me." He replied in low voice. "I won't forget that."

You look up at his visor and wonder how'd you look like through his eyes and the polarized helmet. His words calmed you, meaning you'd probably done the right thing.

"Come. I'll show you where you'll sleep."

He did so, walking behind you as he admired the three moons in your planet, each one in a different phase and projecting their light upon the palace, which artificial lamps were fainted. Din was somewhat confused, his brain was still trying to process everything that had happened today and a part of him was convinced he was dreaming.

"Here." You say. "You'll stay next to my room."

Mando nodded, but didn't open the door. He stayed there in the dark corridor, standing next to you in silence.

"Okayyy." You invade his personal space so you can open the door for him. "I'll-uh... I'll get you something to eat in the morning and-". You gulped, trying to remain casual even if you had no idea what to say or do next. "We can start working on your ship after that."

Mando nodded again, looking down at you from his height. There was a hint of nervousness in your chest and you weren't sure you knew the reason for it.

"Thank you." His voice was low, and it came out almost as a whisper. You wanted to ask what for? Or something that'll take seriousness out of the matter, but he sounded so sincere that it genuinely froze your thoughts. And even if you wanted to reply with anything, he closed that door behind him before you could.

You leaned against the wall and sighed deeply, finally letting go of the spear. Nyx's shiny eyes were the only thing you could distinguish in the darkness of your room.

What had you done?

That's the question that echoed your mind. But most importantly,

What will you do now?

(…)

Two weeks had gone by already since you were commanded to take care of Mando, and considering he wasn't particularly a people person, you two had become each other's best companions.

Other tribe members preferred to ignore him most of the time, not because they were rude but because they weren't used to having strangers around; although some others had grown used to his presence reluctantly and liked to ask for his help from time to time. Nonetheless, Mando was curious, so he'd ask you questions whenever he could, his favorite time being when you two were alone working on his ship, which was almost all day long for the past few days.

"How can you know so much about other people in the galaxy but others know nothing about you?" He asked while he opened the controller box and you focused on the razor's wings.

"It's our planet's magnetic field." You explained. "It allows messages from outside to come through, but nothing can go past our atmosphere. So we study the rest of you and adapt some of your technologies, education and economics to our society. Besides, sky people think Asteria is inhabitable." When you're finished, you reach his side in the cockpit. "Why am I telling you this? You better stop asking questions, cause I really don't have any filter."

"You don't trust me?" He asked, almost sarcastically, without even moving in your direction.

"No."

"Then why are you here with me alone and unarmed?" Mando closed the box he was working on and finally tilted his head towards you.

"Maybe I know that I don't need any weapons to beat your ass." You say, smiling down at him.

Fine, you had to admit it. You were flirting with him. You had been for a while now, but you were uncertain of his own response. Mando was always so stoic and robotic it was hard to tell if he didn't notice or if he just didn't care.

"Maybe." Was his reply, standing straight and hovering over you. Your breath hitched in your chest as he walked closer to you.

"I'll tell you what." You say, coming up with and idea. "You get three questions for each day as long as you're staying in Asteria."

"I get to ask anything I want?" You nod.

"Anything you want."

That's how he started to pour all his thoughts on you, and you started a routine. Every morning during that week you'd knock on his door to get breakfast (he'd usually eat it fast in his room, so he could take off his helmet), you would ask about his wounds and how he was feeling and later head off to the palace's workshop, where the razor crest had been transferred for repairing.

"Does your whole tribe live in the palace?" Mando questions.

"No. The palace isn't only for the leader or his family, it's more like... A shelter, you might say." The natural light was fading in the garage, which could only mean it was already past noon.

"A shelter?" His voice was muffled through the distance. He was now under the ship, whereas you were working on the engine.

"Yeah. Orphans or vulnerable people are welcome to stay here if they need to, but no one stays for too long." You answer, struggling to work with the burnt screws and metals.

"And..." Mando paused, as if he shouldn't ask what he was thinking.

"Me?"

"Yeah." You laugh at that.

"My parents died a while ago, but-" you groan when you start to see smoke were there shouldn't be. "I guess I'm here because... uh-" you finally give up, taking off the gloves violently. "Because I'm supposed to marry Att'ka's son."

You hear a loud metallic noise coming from where he was working and then silence.

"Mando?" No response. "Hey, Mando? Are you alright?"

After a short moment, you see him roll from under the razor with one of his tools on hand, looking a bit startled.

"Yes. I was just..." He sighs, getting up. "I'm fine."

You finish up what you were doing and jump off the top of the ship to join him. Mando was leaning against the crest's side, arms crossed and weight resting in one leg.

"What?" You ask with a smirk. "You didn't think a woman like me could be engaged?"

He didn't answer, instead, he scanned you with his gaze from head to toe, slowly. That wasn't really helping your nerves and that tiny crush you had started to develop on him.

"I didn't say that." He replies, straightening his posture. A sudden silence falls between you and you shift uncomfortably. You didn't really want to bring up the whole H'arrat topic, specially with him.

"Hey. It's late, we should head back inside." Mando agrees to your suggestion and follows you closely. It was funny, you thought, how you were the one supposed to look after him but every time you walked side by side it seemed like he was the one guarding you.

The big, scary mandalorian, a man covered in beskar with a presence that can make anyone shiver. He was admittedly terrifying; everything about him seemed so intimidating and menacing that even without his weapons you'd probably shit your pants if you saw him.

"Oh, stars..." you curse under your breath when you realize why the castle appeared so empty and quiet today.

"What is it?" The bounty hunter asks, freezing in his spot.

"Tomorrow is New Year's Eve." You mutter to yourself. "Everyone must be out for the preparations..."

Mando seems to relax his stiff posture, but still remains silent, expecting you to explain what you had just said.

"It's the longest night of the year, and the night when our three moons align. We... we make a couple of celebrations and eat a lot of sweets, but..." you pause for a moment, trying to think before you could speak. "The real deal is the meteor shower. It's quite a sight to see after four hundred days."

He tilts his head to you. "And why aren't you with your people?"

"I'm supposed to take care of you, remember?" You say with a hint of sarcasm.

"I can take care of myself." He responds with a groan of annoyance.

"Yeah, I bet. But I don't trust you." Mando looks down at you before relaxing his pose.

"Have I done anything to earn your distrust?" He asks blankly, and his assertiveness takes you by surprise.

You think quietly about your response. Did he? No, not really. As you said once, he was just unlucky.

"No." You whisper. "It's just that I... My whole life I've been thought not to trust anyone outside my tribe."

Mando remains silent, but you can tell that he understands what you mean. And he really does. There was something similar about you and him... His creed, your tribe. The way you both had something you'll give everything up for made him believe that, after all, you weren't as different as he had thought.

"Would you like to see it?" Your question interrupts his train of thoughts.

"Mm?"

"The meteor shower, tomorrow." You respond, lowly, moving your feet. "Would you like to see it?"

Mando holds still for a second, taking a step towards you. "You said... On my first night here, you said I couldn't leave the palace."

You close the distance between you, and now you can feel the cold beskar on his chest brush against your skin.

"I did."

"What changed? Won't it be dangerous?" He was so tense, but you could tell he was staring at you intently.

"Only if someone important sees us." You could feel your blood rushing through your veins and your heart pounding against your chest. You wanted to touch him, raise a hand and place it on the beskar covering his body, but you were still frightened by him, or his response.

"I'd like to see it." He whispers. "But I don't want to get you in trouble."

You smile at him, seeing yourself reflected on his visor under the dim lights of the corridor.

"Don't worry about me." You reassure. "I want to show you my planet... If you'll let me."

"Why?" Mando sounds genuinely confused. "How do you know I won't try anything? You just said you don't trust me."

"I don't. But I know you're not a greedy man. At least for a bounty hunter." You explain, trying to stay calm when he shifts his weight and leans in closer to you. "Or maybe it's just the fact that I can't seem to think straight whenever you're around."

You clearly couldn't control your mouth either.

Mando tilts his visor in surprise, but doesn't move or respond, staying as still as a sleeping drone. Shit. You messed up.

"I'm sorry!" You shake your head and take three steps back. "Shit, shit, shit, forget I said that."

You move your hands in embarrassment and start walking fast, not even bothering to check if he was following you or not. As soon as you reached your room, you closed the door behind you and almost banged your head against it.

"Fuck."

In the darkness of the room you hear Nyx yawn and feel him move closer to you. You could feel the anxiety creeping over you, and the animal could probably sense how bad you were feeling, since he started caressing you with his head.

"Shit, he surely thinks I'm a weirdo, doesn't he?" The embarrassment you were feeling was unbelievable, so all you could do was stare at the ceiling in silence, thinking about every possible outcome.

You probably stay like that about an hour or so before you hear a faint knock on your door. You didn't bother to move, if it was him, and you were sure it was, you wouldn't be able to face him.

After a while, you hear him sigh deeply and count his steps, guessing he's gone now. You decide you'll see how to deal with this situation tomorrow, for now, you'll just take a shower and go to sleep.

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:

The next morning, however, you didn't deal with it at all. In fact, you decided it was better to avoid him. You get ready as usual, but when you were about to take him for breakfast as you had done for the past weeks, you sent a droid instead. Despite the fact that he had inherently told you he hates droids. And after that, you scape to the city alongside Nyx, to clear your mind.

You spend most of your day outside, escaping the public eye and mostly training in the woods, practicing bow and arrow. There's usually people around the place, but due to today's celebration everyone was probably downtown, getting prepared for tonight's bonfire. After a couple of hours, when the sky was turning pink and the clouds orange, you decided it was time to return to the palace.

Once in the shower you start thinking of how good it was to have time for yourself and how you hadn't thought about Mando at all during the day. Well, maybe just a little.

Okay, a lot. And that frustrated you.

You breathe in deeply and decide that probably reading a book could help your troubled mind. You get out of the bathtub and tie your hair in a knot above your head, a couple of rebel locks falling messily around your face. Since it was already late, you chose to wear your nightgown and a silk robe above it, in case the air in your room got cold.

But once you open the door to your room, you felt that something wasn't quite right. You immediately scanned the area for Nyx, but it was hard to see solely with the pouring moonlight. However, you still knew he wasn't there. When you finally identified an uncertain presence, you rapidly crossed the room to grab your bow and point an arrow towards the intruder. But then, in the middle of darkness you were able to perceive a hint of shiny beskar, shining through the nightlight.

"Mando?" You narrow your eyes before turning the nightstand lamp on. "Shit Mando, you almost sent me into a damn coma!"

You yell at him, leaving the weapon were it was before, taking a hand to your chest to settle your heartbeat. You look at him, expecting to see the man waving a white flag, after all, you'd just pointed an arrow to his chest. Nonetheless, Mando wasn't that easily scared (he was a mandalorian bounty hunter, for fucks sake), matter of fact, he seemed utterly calm despite it.

He was leaning against the wall, next to your bed, just as relaxed as he appeared yesterday noon in the razor crest, a leg crossed over the other and a nonchalant posture as his helmet's visor was fixated on your figure. However, something wasn't adding up. It was as if he resembled a time bomb, you don't know when it'll explode but you know that it eventually will. You couldn't help but wonder if this was how his victims felt whenever they saw him... Knowing that you'll be hunted down by him, just like a rat trapped inside a maze.

Somehow scary, but exciting at the same time. The mere thought and the way he was blatantly staring at you made the pitch of your stomach warm up and your heart race again.

"You've been avoiding me." He says in a modulated, low grunt.

Damn, his voice is hot.

"That's not- that's not it." Why are you stuttering?

"Yes it is. I came looking for you yesterday and..." He tries to keep his voice calm, but you could clearly tell he was mad. "Just when I thought I'd get to see you, you sent a droid to me." His breathing is irregular, you can tell even through the modulator. "You know I fucking hate droids."

Suddenly, you feel guilty and cornered. Yeah, you did know that. Now you feel not only embarrassed but stupid too, and you can't help but divert your eyes from him.

"No, look at me." Mando then straightens up and starts walking in your direction, slowly. "Just be honest..." his steps are heavy and his cape waves with the wind that enters through your balcony. "Why are you avoiding me?"

His voice was demanding, leaving no room for questions or complaints. You can't help but feel your nerves buzzing and your jaw clench at the sudden proximity between you. It was so overwhelming that you had to step back, even if he was still reaching out to you.

"I..." your back hits the wall and you're now pressed against it and the cold metal on his body, alarmingly close to yours. Shit, you felt your skin burning at the proximity, thinking about how much you needed his gloved hands on you. "I'm sorry."

"That doesn't answer my question." He says blankly, and now the distance between you seemed tortuous; the way his hard body lingered close to yours, so much you can see your warp reflection on his helmet, yanked in your direction, and feel each other's body temperature.

How frustrating.

"Fuck, Mando. I said I'm sorry, what else do you need to know?" The mandalorian's amo belt pressed against your chest when he leaned to reach your height, stretching an arm to the wall behind you, right next to your head, towering over you.

"The truth."

It was as if something snapped in your brain, like every cell in your body decided to explode and there was no way you could just hold your tongue back.

"You want the truth?" Your voice comes out sharp and accusing as you face him, all your previous embarrassment washing away with a jolt of courage. "The thing is, I don't even know how to act around you, Mando. You get in my head so fast that it's annoying! I may have a tiny, stupid crush on you that I don't know how to handle because no man has had me teasing him this much and not ask to see my tits right then and there. You. You however, seem to be unreachable and that is driving me fucking insane! You've got me begging for your attention like a silly teen who's never been with a man before."

You figure maybe that's enough, but no, now you couldn't stop talking.

"And I know you've seen me. I mean, seen me. So I figured, maybe he is interested... But, shit." Your chest rises and falls rapidly as you stare at where his eyes are supposed to be. "Fuck, it's like talking to a damn wall. It's incredibly stupid, cause I've never even seen your face, know barely anything about you and above all, I should hate you. That's what I've been thought my whole life, and in spite of that, I just want you to..."

Then you abruptly shut your mouth and throw your head back. You let out a deep sigh and divert your gaze to the balcony, from where the tall trees and mountains of Asteria were visible. Mando doesn't move a muscle, and your words simply float across the cold dorm.

"What?" He whispers after a moment, making you look back at him.

"Huh?"

Stars, why was his voice so warm and low, and sexy...? He could probably read you the instructions of a shampoo bottle and you'd still be turned on by it.

"You want me to do what?"

A shiver runs down your spine when the hand that was resting on the wall comes down to cup your cheek. The leather on his gloves is mild and you can't help but close your eyes at the contact., although just for a split second.

"You mean to tell me that–" you can hear Mando's heavy breathing as he tries to formulate a sentence. "For the past two weeks, you've been testing my patience, teasing the hell out of me..." his finger roams over your bottom lip and you melt under his touch, the kind you've been craving for. "All of those times when you'd accidentally bump into me, every single time you'd look up at me with those pretty eyes of yours– fuck- I thought... And here I was thinking it was all in my head." He snarls, and you can't believe his words.

"So you...?"

"Yes, I noticed." Suddenly, his other hand comes to rest on your hip. "But I figured, since you're engaged..."

"Not yet, technically. And it doesn't really matter. Until the wedding day I am allowed to fuck whoever I want." Your hands shot to his broad shoulders, but you're still uncertain.

"So that's what you want, then?" He grabs your waist with both his hands, digging his fingers with light strength. "You want me to fuck you?"

You nod, feeling yourself get wet at his words.

"You should've asked since the beginning." Mando groans, rubbing circles on your hips with his thumb. "Tell me, did you enjoy teasing me?" He asks in a murmur, deep from his throat.

"I- I didn't..." you gasp when his knee spreads your legs and you feel the cold air hit your exposed thighs, the movement dragging the fabric of your nightgown up. "I didn't know..." one of his hands comes to caress the newly exposed flesh and your mind struggles to focus on anything other than him. "I didn't think you cared."

You feel him huff a laugh. "You have no idea what you do to me..."

As his hand goes higher, you raise your leg to embrace him, bring his body closer to yours. Mando's hot and hard against you, and everything about him- about this, is exciting to you.

But then his hand suddenly stops and he lets go of you carefully, taking two steps back.

"Show me." He demands, voice steady and commanding. "Show me how much you want it."

You almost whimper at the loss of his tact, but the way he bossed you around turned a whole different level of excitement. You look at him through your lashes, not breaking the eye contact when you dropped the silk robe to the floor.

"Shit-." He chokes out a moan and you can't help but smirk. Your nightgown was completely translucent, and right at that moment you weren't wearing a bra. So, naturally, he couldn't help but stare at your breasts, the way your nipples were already hard and fully erect from excitement and the cold air.

You walk towards him slowly, letting him sink in the sight of your body. You place a hand on his chest plate and push him back slightly so he can sit on the edge of your bed. Mando's legs spread and you place yourself in between them.

"You- you're..." his breath hitches and then his hands are on you again. "So, so fucking beautiful. Fuck-"

One hand grabs your hip to keep you still while the other cups your breast over the thin fabric. Mando drags his thumb over your nipple, circling around it tortuously slow. You feel hypersensitive, moaning breathlessly when his other hand comes to your lower back.

"Mando..." your hand goes to his neck and you take his cape off, exposing a tiny bit of his tan skin. He squeezes your ass and you can't help the pant that escapes your parted lips. "Stars, you're killing me..."

You can't handle this pace anymore, so you come up to sit on his lap, straddling him.

"So impatient." He whispers, struggling to talk. "You've got to learn how to-how..." the words choke on his throat when you completely sit down on his clothed cock. His hands move from your inner thighs and slip under the gown, making their way over your waist and abdomen.

"I just..." your head goes to rest on his shoulder as you breath in his scent deeply. He smelled like soap, metal and leather. "I really need you, Mando." You say against his skin before placing a soft kiss near his Adam's apple. You feel him shudder and his cock twitches underneath you, further dampening your panties.

"Fuck this. Just-" he bucks his hips upwards and presses your body onto his, holding your waist and abruptly changing the positions so that he was now on top of you.

You hold back a chuckle at the motion, feeling his hands wandering through your body. You can't help the eagerness that scratches you, wanting to feel his skin pressing on yours. When he starts tracing the valley of your breasts with his fingertips you squeeze your thighs against his hips, but it seems like Mando wants to take his time to admire your body. However, every second that goes by in which he explores, yet ignores where you need him the most, simply increases your arousal and need.

You pinch your own nipple with your left hand, while the right one roams over the tent of his pants, looking straight at his visor. You saw your own reflection there, your open legs for his comfort, back arched just enough to give him the access needed, hair messy around your face and bedsheets while looking at him with begging eyes. You could understand why he was so entranced by the lewd sight. As Mando's hand goes up your neck, yours goes down to rub your clit over the thin fabric of your underwear and moan breathlessly at the contact.

The sound seems to ignite something in him, cause he immediately grabs your chin to hold your face in place and takes your wrist to stop the motion.

"We gotta work on that patience of yours." He murmurs, taking his thumb to your lips. You understand without the words, biting the top of his glove so he can take it off finally. His calloused hand is big and somewhat rough, just as warm as you thought I'd be and when his skin touches yours, it feels like your whole body is burning with desire.

"I've been patient." You whisper, closing your eyes when now both his both naked hands run circles on your nipples. "You neglected me."

"Mhm?" His voice sends vibrations through every nerve on your body. "You're right... And I'm sorry. Promise I'll make it up to you." After what seems like an eternity, his thumb goes directly for your clit, rubbing slow circles that snatch short moans out of your lips. "Shit- you're dripping-" Mando curses under his breath when he notices.

"It's you- your fault..." you can barely spit the words out. "Stars, I kept dreaming about th-this... Never thought it'd..." your panting increases when he moves your underwear to the side and the cold air hits your exposed, wet pussy. "It would feel this good..."

A low growl was his response and without warning he introduced two fingers in you, stretching you out with ease. You shut your eyes at the sudden action, but it didn't take long before he took them out, making you whine at the emptiness.

"Relax..." he murmurs as you look at his index and middle finger, glistening with your arousal. "We'll take it easy, ok? Let me know if I make you uncomfortable." His voice was soft and calming, although hoarse with desire, palpable even through the modulator of his helmet. You nod enthusiastically. "I need to hear it."

"Yes. Yes, Mando, please..."

The mandalorian raises his helmet just enough to take both fingers to his lips, licking them clean. The sight was filthy enough to send shivers down your spine, making you curse under your breath.

"Fuck..." he mutters, "you taste so good." The way he spoke plus the sudden grip on your inner thighs, spreading your legs, made you bite your lip to hold back your noises. "So good for me."

You grip the sheets, unable to hold onto him but desperate for some grounding contact. Mando then starts to take off your panties, slowly, helmet fixated just on your face while he gets rid of them. He gets on his knees between your legs, and you're pretty sure that his eyes are now on your dripping cunt. The bounty hunter kept murmuring dirty praises, but you were far too distracted with the sight to actually catch any of his words.

The cold beskar rubbed against your soft skin when he buried his face on your thighs, almost as if he wanted to feel your warmth even through the metal barrier. His tick fingers travelled from your tummy to your pelvis and then settled on your swollen pussy lips, making you gasp when his fingers entered you again. Only this time, he didn't remove them.

He was quick to find your sweet spot, pumping his fingers in and out of you at a steady pace, curling them to hit all the right places while also rubbing your nub with his thumb. A mumble of inaudible curses left your lips, followed by light moaning. Mando inhales sharply, unable to hide his own excitement as he sees you rocking your hips to meet his pace, craving more of him.

"Look at you." He coos, voice darkened with lust. "You really want me so much that you'd just settle with my fingers?" You can't even answer properly, all you can hear now are the squelching sounds of your pussy, along with his ragged breathing. The mandalorian simply laughs.

You felt hot all over and the bottom of your stomach tightened as you were close to hitting that wave of pleasure you so looked for. But right when you were on the edge of reaching your high, Mando simply removed his hands from your body, making you whine at the sudden loss of ecstasy.

"What- why you'd stop for?" You manage to say, trying to catch your breath while supporting your weight on your elbows to look at him.

"I wanna try something." He says, standing to his full height. "Sit up." You do as told, letting the gown pool down once again. Mando holds your chin with one hand so that your eyes are fixated on his visor.

Maker, he almost lost it at that moment. Your eyes sparkled under the faint light, looking up at him almost pleadingly despite the mischievous smile that hanged on your lips and the messy hair that had loosen now, framing your features perfectly.

"Open." You took his fingers in your mouth, tasting yourself. You hollowed your cheeks and licked him clean, savoring his salty skin mixed with your arousal. You heard him choke down a moan before you let go of him and the sound was like music to your ears, adding to the heat between your legs.

"What's on your mind, Mando?" You ask, vaguely aware of how achingly hard he was under his pants, your mind still buzzing with pleasure.

"I'm going to make the most out of this empty palace." He answers, caressing your cheek with his thumb. "If I ask you to keep your eyes closed for a second, will you do it?"

You hesitate. There was a risk in that, something that would grant him a sense of power over you, and also, an opportunity. You didn't think he'd be stupid enough to try and runaway, but still...

"Please." He says, his voice barely audible. "Will you let me- can I...?" Mando struggles with words, sighing in desperation.

"Okay." You nod, giving him permission to do maker knows what. "But try anything funny and I swear, I'll-".

"I won't." You give him a warning look before closing your eyes shut. "Besides..." he says before you hear the sound of something similar to fabric ripping apart. "I want you. Probably too much to leave this planet before properly fucking you." You bite your bottom lip in expectation, sensing his movements and suddenly perceiving his body get close. Mando helps you out of the gown, removing the last piece of clothing that covered your body.

"Let me know if it's too tight." He whispers with the classic baritone voice. You're about to ask what he means, but instantly feel a pliable fabric covering your eyes.

"It's okay." You assure. "I feel somewhat weird and can't see shit, but... I'm alright."

You feel his body vibrate with a laugh. "Sure you can't see anything?"

"Yeah." He manhandles you to the middle of the bed, letting your head rest on your pillows. You can't help the nervousness and excitement that sits on the pit of your stomach. "Mando, I swear if you-"

Before you can finish the sentence, you hear a loud metallic thud on your nightstand, startling you. Soon after, you feel the bed give in under his weight and your heart starts thumping against your ribs.

"Mando..?" You mutter, tugging at the sheets beneath you.

"I'm here, cyare. I'm here." His hand traces the curve of your waist with a light, feathery touch, as if to calm you down. You gasp at the realization.

He's removed his helmet.

"Is-is this allowed?" You hiss when he settles between your legs once again, feeling a bit cold due to the wetness of your entrance.

"Loophole." He whispers in your ear, and you can't help but shudder.

His voice is velvety, manly and calming. For the first time since he's been in Asteria, you wonder how he'd look like under all that beskar. But no matter what, you were certain he was fairly attractive.

"How is your voice so hot?" You ask, hearing him chuckle. "It drives me insane." The heat of you body rises as he gets closer to you, and all of the sudden you feel the brush of his hair against your jaw. Your right hand shots to the nape of his neck, grazing the skin and his curls.

He has curly hair.

"You're so beautiful, cyare..." he murmurs before pressing his gentle lips under your ear, kissing the smooth skin. You ponder what that word he called you meant, all because it sounded so sweet coming from him. "You're the one that's got me acting like a complete fool."

Words get stuck in your throat when Mando starts placing hot, wet kisses along your jawline, neck and collarbones. His mouth feels heavenly and you can't help but notice the ticklish sensation of his facial hair roaming over the skin he grazes. Maker, how you wanted to look at him... But you can't even dare to touch his face, scared to cross his limits.

So your hand simply remains on his hair, messing it up, tugging your fingers on the soft locks and pulling, making him grunt at the feeling while your other hand holds tightly onto his bicep, digging your fingers on the muscle.

"Fu-fuck..." you groan when he shifts his weight and you feel his hard cock press against your inner thigh.

Mando's kisses travel to your breasts, and you moan mildly when his teeth catch your nipple, bitting and licking while fondling the other with his fingertips, leaving you a panting mess and increasing the wetness of your aching core, back arched to grant him all the access needed. He doesn't leave any part of your body unattended, almost as if he wanted to taste and touch every single section of you, get drunk on you.

Pants, moans and pleas kept leaving your parted lips, and you could tell just how mad that drove him, the fact that it was him and no one else granting you all this pleasure. Only him, a mandalorian, an outsider, could have the prettiest woman in that planet squirming underneath him. The fact that you couldn't see anything only made things ten times hotter, enhancing all your other senses.

"So beautiful..." he kept chanting, his body moving south, your hands never leaving him when he reached your throbbing cunt, but his lips only wandering around it.

"Pleasepleaseplease..." Mando laughs shortly, sending vibrations through your core.

"So eager." No time wasted, he bends down and licks slowly up your wetness, parting your pussy and teasing your clit. He almost goes feral at the way you tasted, much better than what he gathered from his fingers.

Unable to control your reactions, you grind your hips against his face and whimper at the sensation of his nose catching your clit, tugging at his hair. Mando pushes his tongue into you while holding your legs over his shoulders to keep you still.

At this point you're an absolute mess. And he can't say otherwise for himself. If anything, he was far worse; humping the sheets in hopes of reliving the aching pain on his rock hard cock. But Mando couldn't care any less... This, this- was his pleasure. You under him, shivering, moaning uncontrollably and struggling to say any other word that wasn't the name you called him while he greedily fucks you with his tongue, occasionally going to kiss and lick or rub your nub, eating you out like a starving man. Mando is absolutely lost in the way you take him, the flavor of your slick, how absolutely gorgeous you sound calling out to him and the divine image of you all spread out and blindfolded for him to wreck.

"Im gonna-" he hears your warning and immediately understands, but doesn't stop anyway. "Shit, shit, shit, Mando..."

Your body trembles as you start to feel the mind-blowing orgasm washing over you, eyes rolled at the back of your head and his name on your lips like a prayer. He doesn't slow down, never taking his eyes of off how pretty you look getting ruined by him. Your mind goes blank, overwhelmed by the hard hitting sensation as you melt beneath Mando, pulling his hair harshly and hearing him grunt.

He licks you clean, sending small shocks of overstimulation through you, eventually spreading light kisses around your abdomen while your chest rises and falls in an attempt to compose yourself. Shortly after you feel a shift in the positions.

"You did good. Hopefully that'll remind you not to send droids to my door when I'm hoping to see that sweet face of yours." The helmet's back.

"I'll think about it." You tease, his hands taking off the improvised blindfold carefully. You blink twice, adjusting your eyes and focusing on him. "May I make it up to you?" The question appeals to him more than you could possibly tell, but he still shooks his head, leaving you in awe.

"Later." He replies, putting his gloves back on and pulling the hair out of your face affectively, looking down at your bright eyes, still dazing with the effects of post-orgasm. "You have a promise to keep, remember?"

To be fair, you're pretty stunned at the moment, so you mutter a "I can't recall."

"You're taking me to that new year's celebration to watch the meteor shower. Did you really forgot?"

Oh.

You had, in fact, forgotten about that. And Mando knew it, but was still willing to bring it up so you wouldn't miss something as important.

"You sure you want to go?" He nods. "Fine, give a couple of minutes to make myself... Presentable."

[delusionalbitchinthehouse]

Thought about Ghost pirate AU instead of sleeping last night, so here are some of said thoughts (I really wanna make that a fic but i'd need to research some specific vocabulary since english isn't my first language and even in french i don't know much about how to describe ships and things like that) :

Copia is the captain of the Impera ship (how original, I know).

Cirrus and Aether are his seconds in command.

Phantom has tons of eyepatches that he decorates with shells Swiss picks for him, pearls Rain brings back from the deepest parts of the sea, shiny things Aurora gifts him, etc...

Sunshine is constantly up in the sails, swinging from ropes and masts, keeping an eye on the sea and the sky, always on the lookout for danger or opportunities.

Dew is an incredible shot, and he's very proud of it - likes to show off, though he knows when to prioritize efficiency over elegancy.

Rain is some kind of siren, and lures whichever ship the crew has eyes on toward them by singing. He usually swims after the ghouls' ship, when the sea is calm and he isn't needed on the deck.

Swiss has a variant of Rain's capacity, but without singing. He just...sort of hypnotize people just by talking. Like...enhanced charm. It wears off the longer the person is exposed to it, though, so he has to use it wisely.

Their ship is the fastest on the sea, since Cumulus and Cirrus can manipulate wind and basically give it a speed boost whenever.

Mountain's sense of orientation is impecable. As long as you have him, you're never lost. He's like a living compass. (maybe he can "sense" the lands around them to a certain extend ?)

Aether ties and unties knots in loose ropes when he's anxious (kinda like Finnick in Hunger Games) and is the medic on board.

Cirrus is a sword master. Do not challenge her in a duel, she will win.

Aurora is an explosion enthousiast. Do not let her unsupervised around canons or powder. It does come in a handy when the goal is to blow up the enemy, though.

Cumulus is a frightenigly clever strategist. Whenever a plan needs to be made, she always come up with the best, most twisted ideas. She's also in charge of drawing the maps (she's the only one with a neat handwritting).

[shaperaverse-brainrot]

@steampunk-raven thank you so much, I'm going to do Han first and then maybe Sarah in a reblog at some point.

First Impression

Gotta admit I kinda panicked at first when Helen introduced her with "dark oriental magic she brings to us from the east" but literally the next line it turned out Paul Shapera was critiquing the trope rather than making her play right into it so...

Impression now

Where do I even begin. I love her. She's awesome. I wish I could draw or write her more but I really struggle making her look/sound as awesome as she does in my head. She might not be my absolute all time favourite Shaperaverse character but she's at least top six. Maybe top five.

Favourite moment

I really like the storytelling in Han Mi's storytime theatre. It's probably just her actor's voice (Psyche I think? My mind is blank right now) but the narration style in it is amazing. Oh and Han saying Mary "wouldn't send someone on a dangerous journey she wouldn't do herself" THE SIDE EYE IN THE VOICE I'M SORRY

My favourite oddly specific moment has to be when Han Mi shaking with tears and having just gone through one of the most awful moments of her life is begging Henry to get it up

Idea for a story

Well I asked for these characters to be sent just to procrastinate on writing a fic with Han in so...

Apart from that I would be really interested in exploring her flowering in comparison to Lloyd's. Maybe Lloyd can find her after a nightmare or she could admit that she's really been struggling dealing with everything and Lloyd draws comparisons between her and him hiding away after Matt's death.

Unpopular Opinion

I don't think I really have one? I think the closest I would have is that I wish we got more of her and Raven growing closer, especially given how important she is to Raven's while redemption arch thing. Like we have little snippets from twitter tales, Raven in Lost Fairy, and of course the postie cabaret, and it may just be me wishing for more happy postie content but yeah. And I wish we got Raven's reaction to finding out he not only had a daughter, but that daughter got to grow up, and start a family of her own

Favourite relationship

I have already ranted about her and Raven in the Raven ask I got, so I'll choose to speak about Han and Henry in this one. They're the only surviving members of the cabaret, and the fact that if Han could go on an adventure anywhere with anyone she'd go on a pirate adventure with Henry???? (If I recall correctly). I love them so much. And it is of my opinion that a big reason she couldn't skip Henry's wedding was because she was his best man (best woman?)

Favourite headcanon

She looks almost nothing like Raven or Isabela. Sure, maybe there's something in her smile, or in a curious expression she wears that looks so much like David getting used to the August Sky Playhouse, or when you see her from a certain angle and she holds herself in a similar way Isabela did, but you wouldn't know they were related unless you were told.

Even so, Raven likes to joke that she truly is their grandkid. She may not look like them, but she has a similar sense of humour to Raven, she can hold her own and plan shenanigans in a similar way Isabela did. She likes to give shiny gifts to people and experiment with her appearance and expression like her great-grandpa does.

And Raven is prouder of her than anything else. He doesn't know if Isabela would be, but he tells Han she would have been, anyway.

[absolutely-normal-about-x]

DIGGER LORE EXPANSION: The Guild

This will be an elaboration or continuation to the Carbon lore about diggers that was briefly touched on society/Diggers. Some expanded information about the Diggers guild their history, its ranks and identifying the threat level of certain ruins and islands.

There are guilds spread at a good chunk of Terra. It’s common to find an island that houses a guild building where the resident diggers live. However even diggers who aren’t connected to the guild can sign up for a job to support themselves.

The guild also provides inns for traveling diggers or guild members a place to stay for the night. Some members stay in the guild buildings until they can save up money for a while, others live with the guild.

Jobs/Requests

When it comes to Jobs Diggers have different assortments of jobs. These jobs/requests are posted at the town’s local bulletin board for diggers to take up these jobs or it can be requested through the guild itself. It can be used for going on expeditions on ancient ruins; it can also be included of Rescue missions (rescuing fellow diggers, citizens), retrieval jobs, and bodyguards. In exchange for completing these jobs the digger obtains rewards as in the form of payment, additional resources etc..

Half the resources (During long digging expeditions) that were acquired are given to the guild to be trained for better supplies and then it gets distributed to the settlement and its denizens to support them. The harder the job is the greater the reward/reputation.

The requests that are given to the townspeople to help them out in their troubles or warding off pirates.

Ranks

Unlike independent Diggers, who can just go to any ruin. When it comes to the Digger’s Guild, ranks determine the skill level and experience of a digger and how they can deal with jobs and the danger level of ruins. This is a safety measure that ensures the safety of the Diggers when going on to Digs or having specific jobs that come with it. It also gives the Digger a unique reputation the higher the rank is.

D Rank: The lowest and starting rank for low leveled diggers when they are first starting out. They mostly obtain simple jobs at least. They aren’t allowed to partake dangerous jobs or most of them are rookies who are still figuring out how Digs work. Mostly being mentored by higher ranked members.

C Rank: above D rank, while still a lower rank but is an improvement of than its previous rank. C rank is where diggers are allowed to go to ruins by themselves. But they still needed aid by their fellow diggers on occasions.

B Rank: The most common rank that a digger can be at that point. At this point they are already doing jobs and digs by themselves. Especially that at rank is where they can join up guild expeditions with their fellow guild members.

A rank: The highest rank a demonstration of skill of what it means to be a Digger. Taking on dangerous jobs and leading certain expeditions. That have more responsibilities than a normal digger as they also help mentor the lower ranked members. Can actually access islands that they aren’t allowed to go.

S Rank: The best of the Best, the cream of the crop. Is the highest rank of all the Guild. Only a few can achieve such a high rank and are usually one of the strongest, skilled diggers ever known. Commonly most of these members are leaders and can go on to solo missions by themselves. They are either feared or respected by other guild members and diggers alike even sky pirates wouldn’t dare to face one head on. Essentially they are legends.

The guildmaster: basically the leaders of the guild basically the one in charged of maintaining it. Most of these leaders are mostly chosen and have to earn the position. There are guild leaders that run some of the guilds on Terra

[cxcassii]

About me ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

Hi hi! I’m cassi or you can just call me cass

She/they pronouns

I will blog mostly about my writings/brain rots/art WIPs. I am a learning artist, new to digital art.

Unapologetically unhinged abt eremika 🩷

Massively multifandom / multishipper. MAINLY fixated with eremika, presently. I’m into a lot of different things, though and I’m not choosey about stuff!

This blog is STRICTLY 18+ as I request minors do not interact.

dead dove/dark fic connoisseurs are welcomed

I’m down to talk about anything! NSFW/SFW so long as conversation is respectful.

Please, carefully read the tags of my fics before divulging! I tag all my works very specifically.

I do not take kindly to any forms of harassment, hate or bullying. Automatic block if you cross any of those three.

My asks are open!

All of my fics are located on Ao3 & this is my Twitter/X & instagram

Ao3 Fics

Healing In Your Pheromones — explicit, omegaverse au { on-going } — Alphas go into feral rut eruptions after a while if they’re continually nulled by suppressants. The dominants are transported to sanctums that are known as Rehabilitation Sanctuaries. Compounds are operated by omegan priestesses who perform pheromone therapy on the alphas brought in.

The ultimate theme is futile opposition of your destined mate. The healings of past trauma in said mate. Learning to allow what should come naturally.

A.K.A — there’s not enough em a/b/o au’s out there, so here! this is my contribution to the cause.

A Slice of Paradise — explicit cabin au { completed/one-shot } — In the paths, residing in the remote seclusion of their small temporary eden, their fabricated home—their carefully crafted cabin.

The intimate instances they partook and shared within;

Eren and Mikasa absorb the small remaining amount of time they have together.

A.K.A. — cabin au + titan nsfw content

^ WARNING! Please do NOT indulge if you don't wanna read titan nsfw content. You have been heavily advised!

asking for it — explicit, modern au { completed/one-shot } — Eren and Mikasa have been married for five years. Eren has been gone on a business trip for a little over a month. Mikasa so lovingly welcomes him home.

A.K.A — the married hobo looking Eren x subby Mika au

Tale By The Sea — explicit, mermaid au { completed one-shot } — He never much believed in the lore of mermaids. Sure, he had heard plenty of exaggerated fables and tall tales. Eren was a pirate, yes, but that didn’t mean he inherently believed in all the ole folktales of the sea. The man’s main purpose was sailing nation to nation. Taking on odd jobs for treasures, riches, jewels and everything in between. He was a jack of all trades kind of pirate.

However, in a twist of fateful events;

Eren’s beliefs are tested shortly after taking on an odd job. Foolishly, he’d set sail alone. Subsequently, his ship crashed right into a beast of a storm. Thrusted into the chasm of the deep blue, his world goes black swiftly after the thunderous sea sinks his vessel.

Next thing Eren knows, he’s waking up staring straight into nearly sky blue, silvered eyes. A glimmering, shimmered tail whipping around a head full of lustrous raven locks.

“How goes it, human?”

“Uhm, y-yer a…”

“Yes, a mermaid. And I saved your life. That means you owe me one.”

Well, guess Eren be damned.

Maybe mermaids did exist.

A.K.A. — the mermaidKasa x Pirate Eren au

Porcelain Menial — explicit, modern messy stripperKasa au { on-going / returning from hiatus } —

Mikasa, age 24, was a stripper in the night-time at her cousin Levi's night club, Club Rose.

It was during a brief—though highly sexually charged—lap dance did a certain brunet, deeply sun-kissed, and aqua-teal-eyed man slipped her a hefty amount of cash.

Unaware, Mikasa stumbled into the same man again in the most unexpected way.

Or what she presumed was unexpected.

Cunning and clever, Mr. Eren Jaeger’s keen on precisely he how pulled the strings and how exactly he planned to invite the stripper into his home.

A.K.A. — The messy stripper/maidKasa x closeted kinkster doctor Eren au ✨

( ^ messy writing in this one, as it’s my first multi-chap fic, be warned! )

[memoriesofgelmorra]

FFXIVWRITE Prompt 9: Lend an Ear

Took off the 8th/free day but back with Day 9! Don't read if you're not up to msq/done The Rising 2024 event!

Despite being mostly ‘anchored’ in Tural at the moment, of course Chantelle was going to come back for a few bells for The Rising. She still had many issues talking about her own experience in the Calamity, but partaking in the occasion was part of how she honored her parents, and her brothers. Even if she only admitted it to herself.

And it had proved well again, this year. A memorable cause, a chance to work with the pirate powers of Limsa, and of course, knock two heads of specific pirate captains together to admit they could do some good as a triumvirate. (Halone’s tits, could Carvaillian be stubborn, favourite pirate of hers be damned) She had even been able to chat with Sicard, and Deryk as well!

But it was as she was walking the stalls, looking for some treats straight from the sailors to enjoy, that two familiar mops of hair caught her eye near the Arcanist’s Guild. “Well, if it isn’t my dear Emm and Honoroit! Taking in the sight of a Rising, Limsa style? The Kraken’s, Sirens and Executioner’s all helped with the manpower, and fireworks, for this display. Pirate sure know how to put on a party!”

Emmanellain chuckled, albeit not as loud as it usually was. She risked a glance to Honoroit, who smiled and shook his head. Well, if his retainer, and daresay protege thought everything was fine…

“The Redbills would surely be jealous,” he replied after a moment.

“Ha!”, crowed Chantelle. “More like Leo would be! But I won’t tell him, if you don’t. Heavens forfend I give Stacia a headache with their gil pool.”

He was amused, judging by the quite ungentlemanly snort that escaped him. He stilled when he realized, but didn’t do his usual bluster. Chantelle was almost worried again. Emmanellain might have been over a top a bit with his antics, but they were his persona none the less-

“I wonder if Ishgard would ever hold a Rising…”, he mused, look at the fireworks burst in the sky.

She thought for a second but then added, “Technically I think it started out between the three original nations, because of well, Carteneau…”

“Ah, yes.”, he replied.

“But that’s not fault of you or yours. And now Ishgard is back in the Alliance and at peace with Dravania. Anything is possible, in this star of ours now.”

That seemed to perk Emmanellain up better. “I suppose. But I doubt the pomp of our knights and the solemnity of the Halonic Church would quite look this this…which is a shame. Sicard worked hard at this.”

“Many types of people are needed in our world, Emm. Some are knights, born or not, like Artoirel or how Haurche was, from the bottom of his heart. But knight can’t be guardians if there aren’t people to support them in other endeavors.

And well, if the end to the Dragonsong War taught us anything, it’s that one rigid way of thinking can be dangerous. My hope, you know, is that Ishgard holds true to knights, yes. But to honor and celebrate others who hold the same value, wherever talents lie. Hilda and Stephanivien are not less for it. Francel surely not. Ishgard certainly would do less well without the literary passages of a certain retainer of yours.”. Chantelle ended that statement with a smile and wink at Honoroit who giggled, for once delightfully acting the child he ought to be more of.

“Without doubt!”, agreed Emmanellain, who always was happy to extol his retainers virtues, even when his usual bravado. But as the statement settles, he took a more contemplative look. “You always seem to know what to say when someone needs an ear lent, old girl.”

“No, replied Chantelle. “Even I’m not perfect. I can only lend an ear if I empathize, or if I know what the problem is first. Or an insecurity, as it is. I’m not the typical Ishgardian fare either, dear Emm. But by being, well, the bloody Warrior of Light, I get an ilm more freedom to act myself, as long as I act polite in others. Bards, bards like me, aren’t knights, but we can still fight and protect. But you were born into a society that wanted it’s molding to be something different. If I can’t help lend an ear to you, my future brother-in law, who I care very much about- well, what’s the point in trying to help the rest of the world?”

[mahou-furbies]

Alright here's the results for the 2024 Precure Hopes and Predictions!

Q1: Hopes for the theme of the season?

Technology/games. Or more likely: science?

Military, video games

Technology / Gaming

Computers and/or bugs

Video games/Tech

the arts (both performing and visual)

Seriously hoping for creating things as a theme

Art theme! Or something winter-related (a precure team located in Hokkaido? That would be so cool!)

I would like a season based on a combination of gemstones and popular hobbies like arts, sports, and science. It can have a moral theme of "finding your inner sparkle, your one true talent."

I've always thought that season-based characters (spring, summer, etc.) were really fun, with lots of possibilities as far as power and design go! But it would be harder to have a sixth ranger, and we've just had a 4+1 season, so I'm not too hopeful… I guess I'd like a story around art (like, each of the girl represent a certain form of creativity?) We've had lots of cures who were artist of some kind, but their interests are rarely reflected by their cure powers!

someday i want a 4 seasons precure

Flowers

I hope for flowers theme or elementals but i think it will be idols or fashion

Insects would be fun! (ladybug lead, butterfly and honeybee Cures. Moth midseason!)

Carnival.

Cars and racing, fairy tales (specifically Peter Pan), music and dancing

We never had a proper fairy/fairy tale season, so that!

Fairy

unlikely but aliens would be fun

cats/felines + lolita fashion + fantasy

Pirates

Mythology

Gemstones

Sports

Q2: Predictions for Cure theme colours?

Standard pink/yellow/blue to follow the pattern Hugtto set

please please please don’t go back to pink/blue/yellow

Ideal - Pink/Yellow/Green/Blue or White; Realistic - Pink/Blue/Yellow/Purple

Pink, blue, yellow, purple

Pink, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Red

I want a blue and a pink at first, then green and yellow (maybe also purple) but I am sure it will be pink/blue/yellow again

Pink, Blue, Yellow, Purple maybe, No green lol

Pink, blue, yellow, purple, maybe green?

I'm kind of curious, since Toei got pretty original with the colour scheme this year… My guess is, either they'll go for something super conventional like Healin Good or Delipre, or they're going to keep their "unique color scheme" streak.

Similar to ALaMode it can be the standard trio (PBY), followed by a red and purple duo, and later joins a vibrant green.

pink, blue/teal, purple, black/white/grey would be super cool!

Pink, Orange, Green, Yellow, Blue, Purple

Pink - Blue - Red - White (midseason)

Pink, Red, Purple

Pink, blue, green

Pink, red, white, and purple

White, orange, indigo, green, red, teal

dark pink/red, blue, and gold (later cures would be green, purple, and black/white/grey)

For gaming: the usual letter button colors (red green yellow blue) For science: uhh, def needs a Cure Combust thats red. I imagine her having a combo attack with a blue cure that makes blue fire.

Pink leader (current season was too revolutionary, time for Toei to get back to a safer structure), a yellow/orange, a blue one, a mixed weird color joining mid-season and hopefully a green cure

for aliens green orange pink

Green pleasssse (probably pink for the main Cure)

We've gotta get at least one green cure right?

Two colours for each Cure.

Q3: How many Cures do you expect there to be at the start?

Q4: Any other thoughts?

Hopefully there'll be more than one villain active at the same time, Hirogaru Sky was honestly kind of disappointing in that regard (it does not help that the first villain's debut came with a fart joke).

I'm fine with another pink, yellow and blue Cures, but please, at least try to make them different by using different shades of said colors. There are so many, don't settle for the most basic color palette.

If it doesn't happen, I could always make fancures instead.

I really want a cure who becomes an engineer of some kind in the epilogue. Specifically a girl becoming an engineer

I am sure it will not be what I want XD but precure prove me wrong this year!

I would love unique flower motifs for each cure. All of the possibilities!

Mythology would also be a fun theme, but the Tropical team had a phoenix and so did Cure Wing, so they would probably try to space that out.

The cures' designs would be based on wild cats and domestic cat breeds: maine coon, norwegian forest cats (e.g cure forrêt), serval, jaguar. There would be a cat goddess (who could possibly also be a precure)!

Male Cure, Twins as cures, a disabled cure, a chubby cure, and a cure of color (like Elena)

I think it'd be neat to have the main trio be required to transform together as a call-back to Black/White, Bloom/Egret, Melody/Rhythm, Miracle/Magical, and Macherie/Amour, plus to keep celebrating 20 years of Precure

they will go back to pink/blue/yellow

i want scifiesque magical girls i feel like theres been lots of fairytale themeing recently and i want something very different also the idea of the midseason cure being the pink one amuses me greatly

I want more boy cures

A male lead, preferably voiced by Yuki Kaji

Please, no babies, not another one…

Random list of elements that (I think) haven't been done that much in a precure season: 1) Have cures be siblings/give a significant role to a cure's sibling. 2) Have characters actually be in a romance! I know precure has a young demographic, so romance isn't exactly important, but it's a bit tiresome how many precure romances tend to be unresolved crushes that are dragged throughout the season! I don't care if it's girl/girl, girl/boy or boy/boy, it would just be nice to see characters confess to each other and have their relationship build from there throughout the story. 3) I know there have been debates on relationships between the cures and the villains, how redeemable the villains are, how much the cures should be concerned about them, etc., but I'd like Toei to play on that dynamic more. Maybe a villain questioning their allegiance, or even turning out to be a mole for the good guys! Or on the opposite side, a cure joining the bad guys willingly, whether misguidedly or to become a mole themselves! 4) Fun stuff with the mascots! The mascots are a family! A mascot is a family member of a cure (don't ask me how that works!) Secretely-a-villain mascot! Mascot who is reluctant in their role and a bit cranky! 5) Families and non-magical friends being a relevant part of the cures' life. To be fair, it has been done several times, but it's always nice to see. 6) Boarding school!

Thanks to everyone who took part, reading these was super fun. Let's see if anyone got it right! (though you only get half of a point if the pink-blue-yellow prediction turns out right lol)

[twistedstoryteller]

What are your genre, tone, and topic preferences in fics? Which Link or relationships between Links do you like? Favorite ships for the Links and their partners? Preferences on the angst-to-fluff scale? Epics Tales vs One-Shots? AUs? Character driven vs plot-driven?

I can make better recommendations from there. Or I can just drop a list tomorrow (Ive been meaning to make one anyway).

First of all, oh my god that was fast and wow. I actually never genuinely thought too much on those kind of questions. Though I guess if I can sum it up

it’s kinda free lance, so nothing too specific I honestly have no preference between the epic stories and one shots. That and seeing the character and plot one could both technically quite the forte for me. I do prefer to at least see a happy ish ending for them(No unhappy endings, I avoid those. Plus no explicit ones either please. I very much definitely avoid those). Relationship between the Links, I enjoy them all. I do especially enjoy the brother bonds between them all, I’m quite chill(I’ve been getting to know what’s in the fandom as best I can ever since I jumped into this rabbit hole :]). I love to give them a hug if possible too, AUs seem cool cool, however I like to see them mostly focus on the time era of well the Chain are in aka no modern AUs in the list this time(Hey I don’t hate them, I mean I got one already forming at the back of my head at the moment, it’s just not what I’m looking for right now, though I don’t mind a separate list for that later), maybe Minish Four or Legend and Fable being siblings. Favorite ships plus the angst and fluff scale, on the other hand

Where do I even begin! Oh man, for starters and the easiest I can get out of the way. Ships, ahem. Time x Malon, that is obviously. Sky x Sun and Legend x Marin is there too(of course I can chill with Legend x Ravio but I prefer Legend x Marin). I really like Wild x Mipha a lot. Warriors x Artemis too(doesn’t have to be a requirement), Hyrule x Zelda(been bouncing between Aurora and Dawn cause well, different interpretations of them) as well(also not a requirement). But the ones I definitely want to say is not only Wind x Tetra but also Four x Dot!(I’m still sad there isn’t too much content around that :{) I love these two ships very much, especially with me thinking how wholesome these ships can be(well Four and Dot can, Wind and Tetra might be more, behind well. Pirates 🏴‍☠️ and how they are in general. They are more of an action couple. Wholesome can still squeeze in there just not as much as I can imagine for Four X Dot). I believe the next one is the scale of angst and fluff and I got to say I love everything in that scale. From the fluffiest of fluff with happy hugs and cuddling, to the deepest of deep angst where they are all suffering and crying. I love it, Hurt and Comfort that has both. Is even better cause it can have both the fluffiest of fluff and the angsty of angst. There’s literally so much you can do there. Like

a certain palace of the four sword that can be between Four and Legend for example! Gosh there literally so much I want to see and more. I really hope this isn’t too hard on you

🥺

However I’ll be really grateful regardless

🥹

🙏

[brendathedoodler]

Could you share more about Sky in your swapped quests au? I’m curious how the og hero’s spirit would behave in an inter-dimensional war (in which he is presumably no longer the og).

Correct, Sky is no longer the OG holder of the hero’s spirit (that goes to Wild).

Tbh Sky is just so tired. He just fought a war caused by someone lusting after him so much she got corrupted by evil, all while he already has a girlfriend (now fiancée). He got 3 months to rest before his next time travel adventure began. Someone please just let him rest.

Admittedly, Sky is not the smartest man. He’s the best swordsman in Hyrule and can command troops on the battlefield with a sort of ease that grants him a lot of respect, but he was absolutely not the brains of the operation. Groose was. He was the strategist, the tactician, and while Sky might’ve been out on the battlefield more often, he’s certain that he couldn’t have done it without Groose. I’m not saying Sky is an idiot, I’m just saying that out of Sky and Groose, Groose is not the himbo.

He met a wide variety of characters on his journey through eras. Time and Hyrule appeared, with Hyrule being around 10 and Time being around 12. Sky practically adopted them as his little brothers and adores them, even if they were tiny menaces. At the time, Hyrule went by Fae and Time went by Lily, which are names that Sky still calls them, even if he’s trying to get used to their new ones.

He also met Wind’s Grandma, as she went in the place of Wind, who had been only 6. Despite this, Tetra showed up. Seeing as it pulled people from across time, it’s not unreasonable for an older Tetra to show up. Grandma is very proud of the woman Tetra will become!

There’s also the Sheiks. First is Artemis, who is 100% ready to be a wastelander ninja. Then there’s captain Sheik from Time’s era, who’s a pirate. Sun ends up having her own Sheik arc after getting personally targeted by Cia.

Groose is eternally being pestered by two weird fae children who are the past selves of his best friend and 3 creepy ninjas (plus Tetra).

Shadow and Ravio (specifically the Twili imp Ravio that Legend met) also appear, both arriving after their own Link’s adventure (though before the links vanished for their own time travel adventure). Some of the champions also arrive, namely Revali and Urbosa (but the Skyloft champions are a story for another day).

As for Sky himself, he’s officially decided that he no longer wants to take a leadership position like that again. He may be marrying the Queen of Hyrule but he’ll just be a prince consort; he won’t have any actual power and he wants to keep it that way. When he joins up with the chain, he’s more than welcome (and even eager) for Time and Warriors to take leadership positions (with Time having years of experience wrangling chaotic idiots into doing what he wants and Warriors having spent his entire life strategically planning how to not get killed). That won’t stop him from using his army commander voice on everyone if needed, and goddamn is that intimidating.

Sky still loves birds, and has 12 cucco hens that he loves dearly. He calls them his daughters and they adore him and Sun and nobody else. Groose fondly refers to them as “Link’s little demons”. They tolerate him at best.

[fae-fucker]

Nexus: Chapter 1-3

It's time for the thrilling conclusion to Sasha Alsberg's and Lindsay Cummings literary diarrhea. Described by the illustrious Sarah J Maas (whose taste we can surely trust) as a "whirlwind, out-of-this-galaxy adventure," the queen of fae jizz has once again put egg on our collective faces and told blatant lies to uphold false narratives.

It's apparently been two years since I last left Andi to die as the new General of Arcardius. Nor was the evil queen, and Valen was the perpetual victim turned evil guy at the last moment. Dex was there, and so was Andi's crew. Dex rescued Andi and the general, but the general died after giving Andi his title for reasons as uninteresting as they are pointless.

I won't be recapping the whole thing, just read the last parts of the previous snark to get caught up. Or the whole thing, if you want xoxo

Chapter 1: Dex

Dextro Arez had never truly believed that the Godstars were tangible beings. They were soul-felt, a comforting presence inside your heart, an idea that filled your mind as if soldered on with iron and fire. Always nearby, yet as far away as the stars in the night sky.

Hoo boy. Shinsay are so very good at one-sentence K.O.s They bypass my armor and do direct psychic damage.

Dex is sitting by Andi's busted-ass body. She's been out for a week, and he's all angsty about how she has to wake up because she's the general now and is the only one who can save them all. He's then overtaken by a telegraphed wave of memories, flashing conveniently back to the climax of the first book, so we're all caught up on what's happened.

BUT THEN! Andi wakes up! And she's all angry about how Dex saved her but left HER GIRLS behind, and she gets up and tries to go and save them immediately despite having an open and gaping chest wound that starts bleeding the moment she gets up. She's so so angry you guys. And also really badass for how she wants to save her crew, whom she loves so much that she'd die for them. It's very cool and tragic and sad and uuh. Anyway.

She stabs him with a syringe full of a pain medication called "soduum" which, I mean, yeah. Soduum indeed.

The first chapter of Nexus ends like this,

“I’m sorry, Dex,” Andi said, her voice like a funeral dirge as his head hit the floor. “There is no me without them.” When she left the med bay, she was no longer Androma Racella. The Bloody Baroness stepped into the halls of the Marauder, a captain who would tear apart the skies to rescue her crew.

I do love the childlike sincerity of Shinsay being so enamored with the bad-mouth-feel name of their main character, and her shitty little title, that they keep repeating both. I also hate the way the title is deeply unoriginal while also being completely meaningless, indicating that Shinsay just chose words that sounded cool to them without thought or effort. There's a certain unearned smugness in repeating the full name and title every time Andi does anything they think is cool, because guys? You didn't do anything, but you're expecting goosebumps every time? Cmon now.

I read my own snark recently in preparation for reading Nexus (cuz there's no way I'm gonna read Zenith again lol) and I'm surprised that I never deconstructed the title of "Bloody Baroness," because it's so bad. So I'll do that now, because there's nothing else cool happening.

First of all, what does baroness mean in this world? The title existing implies the existence of peerage. Adhira has a queen, so that sort of fits, but Andi is from Arcardius, which is noted to be the most militaristic planet, ruled by a general instead of a king. So who gave her the title? Why is it baroness specifically? Does Andi hold land? Where did the title of baroness come from? Who started it and why? What did she do to earn it? We never really find out what Andi did during her criminal years, so her having a wacky title would have given us a clue as to what kind of pirate she is. Instead, we get baroness because it sounds fancy to Shinsay and is alliterative with "bloody," I guess?

As for "bloody", well, it speaks for itself, doesn't it? It's a fine enough descriptor for a space pirate, but the fact that it's followed up by "baroness" makes it sound too small for the title it's describing. The alliteration was also a mistake, IMO. It just sounds childish. Combine all this with the fact that "bloody" is something a mildly annoyed British person might say before a real curse word, it's just a bit silly.

Compare to two examples that kind of work, on the opposite ends of the spectrum that Andi occupies. We have Star Lord, from Guardians of the Galaxy. I haven't read the comics, but the title works for the guy because it's both ambiguous (in the first movie, nobody knows who he is or what he's done, because it's not a lot) and grandiose (because he's full of himself). It is a cool name, but it's clearly something an unimaginative egotist might come up with, name himself the lord of stars because they're in space, so ruling stars means he's a big deal. Nobody's calling him lord unless he convinces them first. It works because it builds his character.

Then we have The Blood Countess, one of the epithets given to Elizabeth Bathory, a real-life historical figure who was said to have killed women and girls in order to bathe in their blood and remain young forever. Notice the similarities to the Bloody Baroness. Except Bathory was given this moniker because she 1) was an actual countess and 2) killed people and had a fascination with their blood. Obviously this is a real-life person, but the title works because hey, she did do that shit, at least according to the people who gave her that name. She's a countess that likes blood? Blood Countess!

What did Andi do? Everyone calls her the Bloody Baroness, but we don't know why, and she clearly didn't give herself the name, though she embraces it because ...? She likes it, I guess. She likes to be called bloody because she loves violence, and to be associated with nobility, despite supposedly hating the upper class after they stabbed her in the back.

Y'all see what I mean?

We don't know where the title came from, so we don't get an insight into her past, and we don't know how she feels about it, aside from stuff we can assume that turns out to be contradictory anyway.

But hey, it sounds cool, right? Right? RIGHT?!

Chapter 2: Andi

Anyway, because she's got a huge hole in her chest that's gushing blood, Andi can barely get herself into the captain's seat, but she's so so so so determined to save HER GIRLS, you guys. Can you feel the female solidarity simply seeping off the page? Totally not undermined by the fact that the three girls are basically lamps who only exist to be Andi's motivation and have no character of their own in this book, essentially objectifying them in this supposedly feminist narrative.

The navigation holoscreen began to flicker before her eyes, highlighted by the swirling, shimmering clouds outside the varillium walls of the ship. The dense fog of color obscured Andi’s view of the stars, and the sight of it sent a shiver of dread down her spine. “Memory?” she asked breathlessly. The soothing female voice of the Marauder ’s control system came to life around her. “How may I assist you, Captain?” “Where exactly are we?” There was a long pause before Memory responded. “The navigation system is currently off-line. I am unable to determine our precise location at this time.” Andi stared at the dancing whorls of pink and gold mist, a sudden suspicion dawning. “Memory, what was the destination of the last hyperspace jump?” “The last coordinates entered were for a location just outside the Xintra Nebula.” Andi’s hands began to shake with rage. Her ship was inside a damned nebula. A massive pocket of space filled with gases and debris that rendered the Marauder’s tracking and navigation systems utterly useless. A place only the most skilled pilots could hope to fly through without losing their way.

A-heem heem. So, as a child, my obsession wasn't with dinosaurs, or Egypt, or animals. Mine was space. And though I couldn't tell you anything that you probably don't already know, I will say that uuh, nebulas? Do not work like that. Nebulas aren't, like, clouds or mist here on earth, they're MASSIVE. And yes, while they are filled with gases, it's not like water turning to mist, so the amount of gas molecules stretched across hundreds of light-years would make existing inside a nebula perfectly fine. The gases wouldn't even be visible to the naked eye. Like, you wouldn't be obscured by clouds or mist, and certainly not enough to scramble any science-fiction navigational tools in a world that's mastered space travel.

Also, while we're on the topic of Shinsay not knowing shit from fuck, can I say something else? Here's the map of the galaxy:

First of all, what are rogue systems? I don't know if they've ever been mentioned and I don't remember if they ever will be, so why even put them on the map? Second of all: you mean to tell me that none of these people name the stars in their star system? That they're all just "the sun" like we do here on Earth? Huh? What? Why? Third: so several of the aliens come from the same star systems? Most of these planets have been mentioned as habitable. Andi and Breck come from the same star system. How is that plausible in any sense of the word?

Third of all, what the fuck is this?

HOW IS THAT A FUCKING ASTEROID BELT? Like I don't expect authors to understand how gravity works in space, (even though it's pretty basic that these rocks would definitely be in orbit around the sun, much like the planets are) but didn't the word belt clue you in on how they look? Do you have no curiosity at all, or are you so overconfident that you can't even bother to look things up?

Also, I get that this is stylized, but this map feels really small. Combined with how Shinsay don't seem to understand how big space actually is, or how unlikely it is that so many planets and satellites in a system are not only habitable but inhabited, it leads to the whole thing feeling underwhelming, not like the great swashbuckling space opera they were clearly going for. Everything's just squished together, and the whole plot revolves around a handful of planets.

Anywhomst, Lon comes in (Lira's brother who's somehow a "universal donor") and reasons with Andi. They head back to wake up Dex, which is surprisingly easy, given that almost no time has passed and they don't even give him anything to cancel out the drug.

Dex and Lon catch Andi up on what went down once she got her ass beat by a skinny guy with a knife. Valen is Nor's half brother and their mom had fucked up space magic that mind-controlled General Cyprian back in the day. Now they're mind-controlling people into worshiping Nor, including Andi's crew. It's very dramatic but also stuff we already knew, so.

Andi squeezed Dex’s hand and nodded decisively. “So we find a way to free their minds and come up with a plan to get them out.” “And then?” Lon asked. Andi allowed an icy smile to spread across her face. “And then the Bloody Baroness will go hunting.”

Cool. This is the second time in a row that we're ending a chapter with the promise of Andi aka the Bloody Baroness doing something cool, and yet she never does. And guess what! She never will.

Spoilers.

Chapter 3: Valen

The chapter title loudly proclaims that this is three weeks later, so I'm assuming that's on top of the week Andi's been out. So like it's a month after the attack. Keep this in mind.

Valen sits in a garden in his old home and angsts about how this planet used to be his prison because his family hated him, except his half-sister Kalee, who was an angel who could do no wrong. But now thankfully he has another sister who is totally cool and awesome and gave him a new identity, as a Solis with compulsion powers.

With every moment that passed, with every new soldier that set out across Mirabel to spread the Zenith virus, more minds were added to Valen’s nexus of connections. At first, he’d felt the exact moment when each silver bullet hit its target. The bullets contained a serum that Nor’s two-headed scientist, Aclisia, had perfected back on Xen Ptera. She’d somehow replicated strands of Valen’s DNA and used them to create a virus that forever linked the minds of its victims to his own, leaving them vulnerable to his compulsions.

His DNA? They're blasting people with Valen's DNA in order to make them part of his semi-hivemind? This is like if I spit in someone's mouth and they started being able to see my OCs in their mind's eye. It doesn't make any sense, and would've worked better if it was just random space-magic, but sure, whatever, it's DNA now. I just don't understand how it works in-person, then? Because it clearly does, since that's how Klaren used it, and she didn't put her DNA into the people she controlled. It was rather the opposite, really. Bazinga etc.

Like, ok, making a virus out of his DNA is fine, but then why would that infection allow him to take control over them? Look at how it "works" in his mind:

Over time, he discovered a way to quiet the minds, to lock them away in their very own realm, so that when a new mind was added, it was simply background noise. He’d strengthened the mental boundaries around that realm, building walls around those other minds, until they were contained in an impenetrable fortress that rivaled the obsidinite prison he’d once been trapped in on Lunamere. And then, finally, there was silence. Now he need only hear the minds when he pleased. And with the help of the Zenith virus, Valen could reach them from anywhere in the galaxy. He compelled them to serve Nor, their true queen—no matter the cost.

So it's a fucking BBC Sherlock mind palace. Very clearly not science-based, so why the bullshit with making a virus? Guess it sounds more scienc-y.

On Xen Ptera, they’d shared a life together—two years spent honing Valen’s powers. And all the while, his heartless father never came looking for him. Valen had once cared about pleasing the general, but now he knew that hope had been futile. Foolish, and utterly pointless. His father had never been capable of loving him, of feeling pride in his son.

Well, you were his rape-baby. Like I hate to remind you but you were very much unwanted and unplanned and made from a forced union. I get that that's not Valen's fault, and the general shouldn't have taken it out on him, but with how much this book and the first demonizes the general and idolizes (or at least affords complexity to) Klaren, this comes off as kind of uncomfortable. You'll see how Shinsay just conviniently always forget that Klaren was an actual rapist. I guess it doesn't count if it's a woman raping men. Yes, multiple.

Valen talks to Nor through their mind link or whatever, which makes him feel better. He's avoiding Darai (Nor's evil advisor/uncle figure), because the old geezer gives him bad vibes.

As he's sitting there, his gaze drifts to a massive floating thing in the distance:

Nexus. The monstrous satellite had become Nor’s new obsession in the wake of their takeover during the Ucatoria Ball. Engineers, scientists and workers had been laboring around the clock these past few weeks, perfecting every angle and plane of the device that would amplify Valen’s compulsion ability, sending his message to every corner of the galaxy.

Ayoo, title drop! But also, what? How does that work? How are you gonna blast Valen's DNA virus through space and expect it to not only survive the process, but also reach across the galaxy? *Tim Allen AUEGH grunt*

Anyway, Nor is apparently preparing for a public announcement or some shit, and Valen thinks about the Unaffected attacks.

Yes. Time for another Nondescript Proper Noun. Get a load of this:

It was something Valen had feared from the beginning, after he’d learned that some wouldn’t be affected by his compulsion. Their numbers were slim, if Aclisia’s extensive testing of the Zenith virus was anything to judge by. For every hundred that fell to Valen’s compulsion, bowing to Nor despite their original feelings toward her, only one resisted. So despite his unease, he’d never truly thought they’d be able to fight back. But barely a week into Nor’s reign, a group of Unaffecteds had banded together and destroyed the military barracks on Tenebris that housed many of the newest recruits to the cause. Valen had felt the moment those minds beneath his compulsion had died. As if they were matches snuffed out. There one moment, gone the next. It happened again, mere days later, on Adhira. A small but organized group of Unaffecteds had emerged from the jungle sector of the terraformed planet and struck down the communication towers. Nor’s video feed, which was on a constant loop across the galaxy, had been cut off for half a day’s time.

First of all, is this some English speaker thing that I'm not getting? Some nuance I'm missing? Why the hell are they called "Unaffecteds" instead of just "Unaffected"? "A group of Unaffected" works just as fine and doesn't sound as awkward, no? Especially since Valen called them Unaffected previously. Am I wrong? Feel free to correct me but I think that this is just unecessary and weird. And yeah, it's not very original. It's giving Divergent but many years too late.

Second of all, one in a hundred in a galaxy is still a lot of people. However, probably not enough to form a resistance movement that fast and that organized in a manner of weeks. Especially considering that there's a visual difference between those that are affected and those that aren't (as we'll see later), and that most people aren't combatants, most Unaffected/s would be found out pretty quickly. I'm calling bullshit on this one.

Third, why is Nor wasting time on making videos for a galaxy that's already entirely brainwashed by her? This implies that the attack was a calculated effort to weaken her power, but aside from sending her a message, it doesn't really affect anything, does it? Are we meant to believe she's just very self-absorbed? That hasn't really been her characterization up until this point.

The Unaffecteds would fall eventually, when they ran out of steam. When they realized that the galaxy was beyond saving.

Nitpick, but for a guy who's spent an entire chapter wanking about how great and amazing his sister is, it's a very weird word choice to say that his enemies would be "saving" the galaxy from her. Is he devoted to her and her cause, or is he a mustache-twirling villain aware of his own actions? Cuz it really seems like you're going for the former.

But hey, what's one sentence in a book, right? It's not like stories are made up of words and that you should be aware of the choices you're making while writing them or anything.

Sometimes, Valen could scarcely believe what they had already accomplished; how quickly the galaxy had fallen beneath their joined hands. Having a scientist of Aclisia’s caliber on their side had been vital to their success in that regard. It had been her idea to send out the orbs full of tainted rain as soon as they’d seized control of Arcardius. A war does not always require soldiers, she’d said, showing Nor and Valen how the weapon would work. Thousands of silver droplets falling from the skies across the galaxy, unleashing the Zenith virus upon all nearby.

Hi, sorry, hi. WHAT. So you're telling me Aclisia has already figured out a way to poison the rain of the entire planet? So ... why the fuck are we bothering with the Nexus satellite? Why don't you just poison the rain on every planet? Given that Adhirans have "universal donors" and all of these different aliens are able to live in each other's atmospheres and eat each other's food, you could just poison each planet's water supply and wait until the virus infected everyone. Yes, that would leave starships and space stations, but given that we barely have mentions of those, and assuming that they still need to stop at planets to refuel and gather supplies, you'll still reach them eventually.

It's funny how Shinsay feel the need to lampshade and excuse how quickly their spaghetti plot happened by using a bunch of other extremely suspect science fiction that would've been a huge deal in any other writer's hand, but through doing that, they undermine their main plot instead. I love it. It's like the reading equivalent of one of an Escher painting. You have to untangle the layers and once you do, you still don't fucking understand anything.

Anyway, Valen falls asleep thinking about how they're totally gonna win, and doesn't notice how his nose bleeds ominously. Because the toll it takes on him to control an entire galaxy of sentient minds is, uuh, literally killing him btw. Spoilers, I guess. For the obvious.

I honestly think that Shinsay have no concept of how huge space is. I know it's hard to comprehend for most people, but y'all are writers, supposedly. Just no imagination in there at all, huh?

It would've been cool to explore how being connected to a literal galaxy full of sentient minds would probably kill you immediately due to the sheer volume of them, like a semi-eldritch hivemind tearing your brain to shreds, but instead Valen just kinda fizzles out physically like a fart in the wind, while his compulsion remains boring and organized and his mind entirely clear and his own the entire time.

Anyway, sorry for the small amount of chapters covered in this first part, I just had to go off on a billion tangents <3